Dave and I usually just make fun of each other and try to give you, the reader, advice on where to go on a Saturday night.

This week was one of those rare Mike Rothman moments where I want to be serious after attending the fantastic BOVA Cucina grand opening in Boca Raton.

The event was fabulous, and I will get to that, but more importantly, it was partly for Max Costanzo, 12, a Make-A-Wish Kid who is a huge Miami Dolphins fan and got to meet running back Ronnie Brown.

Costanzo suffers from an immune deficiency syndrome that he will have to deal with for the rest of his life.

I guess Max was a little upset with sudden lack of humor because he said Brown was his favorite player but that his favorite position was free safety, a defensive role.

“I don’t care, as long as he likes football period,” the versatile back Brown said, laughing.

Max really made an impact on everyone in the room. He even enjoyed a moment with the BOVA Panthers Ice Dancers.

“It just makes you feel good,” owner Tony Bova said. “To help someone fill a void like this is really important.”

Before I get too emotional, back to the event.

BOVA Cucina is nothing but class. It was raining just a bit, so when I pulled up to the valet, a man escorted me from my car to the front door with an umbrella.

My guess is he saw my hair, what I’m known for, and didn’t want it getting ruined.

Inside was just as impressive as the outside. A full-length bar greets you as you walk through the door, maybe for those nights where there is a long wait.

In addition, white leather booths surround the main, intimate common area. The restaurant is very inviting.

BOVA Cucina is an Italian restaurant and is known for their chicken scarpiello, lasagna, eggplant 
pancakes, veal and chicken parmigiana, and I could tell Dave was enjoying all those.

All in all, BOVA hit a home run with the grand opening. By the way, did I mention the mimes and girls dressed as flowers for entertainment. That’s another story for another time.

***** stars out of five.