Opera singer Carlos De Antonis entertains at Mandarin Oriental party

Tenor Carlos De Antonis didn’t need a mic to entertain guests at The Residences at Mandarin OrientalBoca Raton recent Roma Night.

Reminiscent of opera great Luciana Pavarotti, he delighted guests with Puccini and other famous arias. Opera buffs in the crowd were mouthing the words.

De Antonis started the evening in top hat and tails from a balcony. Then walked through the crowd with a microphone.

Frank Weed, Penn-Florida’s vice president of development and construction, welcomed guests and introduced Il Circolo Italian American Society’s, Chris Salamone.  “We’re kicking off Italian week in Palm Beach,” Salamone said.

The event included Italian appetizers and Prosecco. It’s one of three planned in the sales gallery at 10 E. Boca Raton Road.

Potential buyers were expected to be international, but they’re mostly local to Boca Raton, said Melissa Green, vice president of sales and marketing, Penn-Florida Companies. They’re single-family homeowners looking for a different lifestyle and residence, she said.

“This is an example of the type of people who will live in Via Mizner. They love the arts and fine food,” Weed said.

Sales of the condos have been brisk, Green said, adding pre-construction costs won’t be available for long.  The 92 condominiums, shops, and Mandarin Oriental Boca Raton hotel are under construction on Federal Highway just east of Camino Real.

The resort-style development includes the existing 101 Via Mizner apartments on the corner of Federal and Camino Real. Via Mizner Golf and City Club are under construction nearby and membership is included at the condos.