Who is behind it - anyone know?

They're still tweaking. Just opened to public. Went for a pass-around meal. I liked the rib rub - has a kick to it. These are competition-style ribs, meaning they're entirely smoked - not steamed or baked first. They do have a smoker onsite that cooks with hickory (I talked to owner). The spare ribs are chewy - not mushy, or falling off bone - as they should be, with a good smoke ring. Real test: no sauce needed; they're flavorful without. I liked the mustard sauce - it's what I know from SE NC, and for what it is, Bobbi Sue's house sauce. The sweet sauce is too sweet. Spares were nicely smoked - but without the aftertaste of a small smoker or liquid smoke added to drip pan. I think they overemphasize sugar in sauces and maybe on the rib rub; it leaves lips tingling with a bit of heat. The brisket I had was ultra tender - and also smoky. My vegetarian friend loved it. The pulled pork was a letdown. . Sides are great - the mac n cheese, fried green tomatoes and sweet potato tots very good. (Ambrosia just like mom's - with the tiny bits of coconut.). No to the fried pickles; yes to the corn dog wrapped in bacon (great bar bite, though intended for kids). Wings are OK. Sausage: eh. Potent drinks. Friendly servers still getting their footing, too, but thankfully non-snobs. More to try next time with friends.

is Candyfish open yet?

Verdea is an odd duck - hidden away in the Embassy Suites hotel in the Gardens. Fresh and local as possible. As noted, in South Florida, that doesn't mean down the street, esp. in summertime. Cafe Chardonnay works with local farmers, Russell's Blue Water Grill (seafood) is also trying to get as much local product as possible. Buccan in Palm Beach is totally a fun spot and Chef Clay Conley always has something interesting on his menu there and next door at Imoto (Asian). Both worthy. I second and third the Coolinary Cafe on Donald Ross Road - Tim Lipman is chef there and working very hard to be creative and as local as possible. Tiny place, though - go early; he serves same menu at lunch. 32 East is Nick Morfogen; Max's Harvest is the most notable newcomer in that area. Out west at Pangea (Wellington mall) chef Ryan Vargas is amazing with Pacific Rim cuisine - another hidden eats.

Yep: read interview with the owner here. She notes Hamburger Heaven and Reef Road Rum Bar closed, too. http://www.jannorris.com/eat-beat/eat...

If you can get in, try Yardbird. Tiny, though but serious food and energy. Thinking about best bar-food combos. Not all great.

75 Main open on Delray's now crowded Atlantic Ave. in old Mancuso's spot. They're from Hamptons, NY. Part NYee club (they hope).
Chef Clay Conley opened Imoto next door to Buccan in Palm Beach. Sushi, small plates.
New Thai in old Northwood Village: Malakor - not bad at all.
Frigates set to open any day in North Palm Beach on US 1 just north of Northlake. Tiki-hut and interior - looks OK; curious to see menu.

Been back several times - love it. Creative, and though not all hits, at least it's not same-old same old. And best part: chef-owned restaurant, so his butt's on the line - not a deep-pocket backer.

Fiorentina in Lake Worth on Lake Ave.

It was quite good. But locale is as you say: certain death.

McCrays has opened a temporary one in Riviera Beach on U.S. 1, just a block north of Blue Heron Blvd. on the east side of the road in a little walk-up window spot. Somewhat dicey after dark but only if you're tourist on your forehead.
A newly opened one is Mrs. Smokey's in Lake Park - they used to be in a plaza off I-95 at Northlake. Now, they're just off east Northlake on 10th Avenue in a tiny spot (can eat indoors). Good pork; not a beef fan of theirs, though. Some OK sides; good tea. Be warned: their medium sauce is actually HOT. Trust me on this one.
I forgot Troy's BBQ in Boynton Beach. They're on the railroad tracks at US 1 N. of Boynton Beach Blvd. at 1017 N. Federal Highway (US 1). Dicey neighborhood late night. Delish 'cue.

Newberry BBQ in Newberry - west of Gainesville and west of US 27 on SR 26.

In West Palm Beach: McCray's out of a trailer (so far) on 45th St. east of I-95. True pit-smoked.