March 7th, 2010
Tonight, the event on television will be the Academy Awards; many communities hold events that are worthy of a few nods. Following are a couple of them.
As I was leaving Florida, a free newspaper was delivered. Now I had something to read on the airplane. The Coastal Star is in its 3rd issue and in its 3rd volume. The newspaper serves the communities of Hypoloxu Island, South Palm Beach, Manalapan, Briny Breezes, Guf Stream and Coastal Delray Beach. If you are in these South Florida areas, I think you will enjoy this local newspaper a lot. The paper that is written on is thick and it feels like you are holding something. The articles are interesting; issues that affect the area, restaurants, community news, advertising, excellent quality photos. Take a look at it. I think you will be impressed.
Delray Beach, Florida
Thursday, March 11th – The Delray Beach Home Tour – 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. - 6 spectacular homes, varying design styles, valet service, trolly service between homes and a luncheon. Sound good? Keep reading…
Delray Beach is the site for the 2010 Delray Beach Home Tour. This event is hosted by the Achievement Centers for Children & Families Foundation. The Home Tour is the Achievement Center’s signature fundraising event. It has become an attraction and guests from all over South Florida usually attend.
While I was in Florida I attended a book signing event at one of the houses that will be featured in the Home Tour. It is located on Andrews Ave.; a beautiful Mediterranean style home. So, if this is an example of what other houses will look like, it should be an interesting one.
Tickets are $100 but they include a lot. You will get for that price parking with continuous trolley service between the homes and a “Taste of Delray” catered luncheon provided by The Falcon House, Cafe de France, Boheme Bistro, Old Calypso and Cookbook Cafe at the Delray Beach Public Library.
An extensive raffle featuring prizes from spa services to fine jewelry will also be available. Reservations are required. Please call 561-266-0003.
The Achievement Centers for Children & Families Foundation is an organization whose vision is ” to break the cycle of poverty and help families realize economic self-sufficiency while preparing their children for academic success”.
They are located on 555 NW 4th St., Delray Beach, FL 33444. The tel. is 561-276-0520. The website is www.delraychild.org. You can also find information on Facebook.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Sunday, March 14th – Lewes Polar Bear Plunge – 1:00 p.m. - Headquarters will be at the Atlantic Sands Hotel located on Baltimore Ave. and the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. More info? Please call 302-831-4653. This event benefits the Special Olympics Delaware. In its 19th year, it had to be rescheduled due to the many winter storms the Delaware Beaches have endured. It is an event that transcend all genders; age, income levels; participation even beyond our State.
It will be St. Patrick’s Day week-end so please add The Plunge to your activities.
Even though the actual Polar Bear Plunge is on Sunday, the 14th, starting on Friday, the 12th, there will be all kinds of activities ranging from registrations, Runs and culminating in the actual Plunge.
For more information, please visit www.plungede.org. You will find all sorts of information from what this organization is about, who it benefits, history, anniversary bears, prizes and awards. You will also find the schedule of events for the entire week-end.
Please remember that The Plunge benefits our athletes and everyone involved. “Special Olympics Delaware changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. We build sports skills, confidence, strength, motivation and self-esteem, not just for the 3,300 athletes , but for everyone involved.”
This is definitely a worthy cause with 17 states conducting a Polar Bear Plunge. And, hopefully, it will be warmer on Sunday, the 14th.
Writing from home, the Delaware Beaches. “When you’re safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you’re having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.” By Thorton Wilder
Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, again, gave me the feeling of home. My husband’s answer was “you are home”. That’s all…see you later…
March 6th, 2010
Just 3 small posts that might be of interest.
The Doorman of South Florida – All of a sudden I could not open one of my garage doors. Immediately I called Michael, who is my Property Manager (he advertises on my blog, check it out) and he suggested this family operated company. Jim Falzone came and immediately fixed it. No need to replace any major parts. They are bonded and insured. Their specialties are garage, entry and French doors; residential and commercial. Their address is 1300 SW 10th St., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. 561-272-3667, the website is www.PalmBeachDoors.com. You may e-mail them at mydoorman@bellsouth.net. Thought you might want to know and even visit their showroom.
Sushi Machi – This restaurant is north of Delray, in Boyton Beach. Oh, not another Sushi restaurant!! Well, it is another one but it was good. The location is not attractive; the shopping center is just a little run down. The restaurant is very down to earth so don’t get dressed up. Just come as you are. This restaurant was suggested to me by Donna. She and her husband, Dick, go all the time. The sushi was delicious but if that is not what you want, they have plenty of other dishes on the menu. One person in my group got the chicken livers sauteed in ginger sauce. And, by the way, they were aware of people with a gluten allergy, they just did not have the wheat free soy sauce, but we did and they used it. I had a new roll called the Salmon Mango Roll. It had salmon, avocado inside out with salmon and mango. The mango really made this roll; the combination of its sweetness with the salmon and avocado, was just perfect. My other roll was the Birthday Roll, which had barbecued eel, shrimp tempura and cream cheese inside out with sesame seeds. Very good, as well. Another person had “Hibachi” from the Grill; the NY Steak. It really was perfectly cooked; medium rear. Sushi Machi is located on 9832 S. Military Trail, Ste. G-2, Boyton Beach, FL 33436. Is on the northeast corner of Military Trail and Boyton Beach Blvd. between Winn-Dixie and CVS. The tel. is 561-369-8823. They have take-out, delivery to a limited area, and party trays available. Their boats are gorgeously prepared. Tate was our waiter and he is there every evening. We really did liked it, but it is a very simple restaurant.
 Salmon Mango Roll 
The Snappy Turtle – If you are a woman, and you like shopping and have been in Delray Beach, then you probably already know this store. It was established 28 years ago by Carole Harvey. It is known for the pink and green colors; a very preppy store. This store carries a wide variety of Jack Rogers Sandals year round and some of the color combinations are exclusive to Snappy Turtle. Lots of t-shirts, shirts, skirts, sweaters, bags and jewelry are always displayed very attractively. In the back of the store you will find their Home and Gifts section. Plenty of times I have bought hostess gifts at Snappy Turtle. Their website is very complete and you can really view their shop and see a good amout of the very pretty things that are available, plus their shipping information. Please go to www.snappy-turtle.com. The address is 1100 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-276-8088. e-mail is sales@snappy-turtle.com.
Well, that’s all for now….The Delaware Beaches are calling…talk to you later…
March 4th, 2010
 The Lobster Man - One of my Favorites Some say passion is your key to success and others say that if you love what you do then you will never work a day in your life.
The subject of my post is Tiffany Erwin Cant. When you meet her for the first time you can feel the passion she feels for her painting; it is palpable.
I met Tiffany, through Anita Jennings. I have written about Anita in the past; she is one of the advertisers on my blog. I have been wanting to write a post about Tiffany and her art.
Tiffany was born in North Carolina. She graduated with a BFA and Certificate in Communication Design from Parsons School of Design in New York City.
She has been a resident in Delray Beach since 1983. She and her husband have travelled extensively.
Tiffany has been painting in oils and other mediums for 30 years and has exhibited her work in the All-Florida Show at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Ritter Gallery at Florida Atlantic University, Gallery on Green in Key West and Art Expo in New York City.
Tiffany has lived in the Bahamas and it is only when you have experienced the daily life of your subjects that, as an artist, you can then translate them into a canvass. The faces, expressions, the colors, the fruits, the ocean and fishing; is all real.
Tiffany paints original pieces and from those she has giclees made. Both, originals and giclees are for sale. The prices differ between originals and giclees; sizes also affecting the cost. But, I will tell you that her prices are reasonable. The best way to get an idea of Tiffany’s work is by going to her website. Her type of website is like an exhibit. She is constantly adding to her collection. If you have an interest in Tiffany’s art then please call her to 561-276-3839. She is so easy to talk to. Her website is www.tiffanycant.com.
What is a giclee? The word is derived from the French language word “le gicleur” which means “nozzle”, or more specifically “gicler” which means to squirt, spurt or spray.
A giclee is an individually produced, high resolution, hi-fidelity, high tech reproduction done on a special large format printer. They are produced from digital scans of existing artwork. It is a new vibrant medium for art.
They can be printed from canvass to watercolor paper, to vinyl, to transparent acetates. They are so superior to traditional lithography in nearly every way. Colors are brighter, last longer and details are crisper. Giclees are sold by the square inch. Large print sizes are available.
I invited my friend Donna, from Baltimore, to come with me to meet Tiffany. We arrrived at her house in the morning. She lives in a beautiful piece of property in Delray. Her home is her museum; the paintings adorning many walls in her house. It is a unique Florida house; the paintings enhancing every aspect of her home. The palm trees, the koi ponds, the intracoastal all in unisom to serve as inspiration, as well.
Following is an Exhibit of her work:
Tiffany sometimes paints other subjects. For example, one of her beloved dogs. He is a little older now. The mermaids, the Spanish dancers, the monkey and the coral reef, which is in 3 panels; could be bought as single panels or all 3.
The koi is her newest subject. No giclees have been made yet, but will be done soon. Tiffany does not have to go far to get inspiration since her ponds are all she has to see.
I have to show you Tiffany’s inspiration for the koi paintings; her own backyard.
And what subject could this artist possibly take in the future? Maybe the frogs, perhaps? All she has to do is look past her door.
So, as Donna and I said our farewells, on a chilly South Florida morning, we were warmed up by Tiffany’s graciousness and definitely by her work.
I could have put a sweater on, sat outside and just gaze at the view.
Have a great Day!! Talk to you later…..
Note: Information for giclee was taken from www.en.wikipedia.org and from www.novaspace.com/AUTO/giclee.html.
March 3rd, 2010
I can’t believe that Delray Beach was probably a place that was almost forgotten 20 years ago. Revitalization of this Village by the Sea has made it one of the most vibrant and dynamic beach towns in all of the Southeast areas of South Florida. Restaurants, shops and an architecture that mixes history and Mediterranean styles abound. Walking, jogging and biking make it the perfect place to vacation. Let’s not forget those unobstructed beaches; no buildings; just the seagrapes outlining the sand.
Well, if you have visited Florida this year, you would have noticed that people have been wearing jackets for a long time. It has been cold; not just chilly.
Even if it is cold or hot, Delray Beach is known for its festivals, arts and outdoor events. Every week-end there is something going on.
This past week-end was no different so, off I went with Maru and Lolo. Showing my cousins the town was fun.
The Green Market was one of the places we hit. It is now located on SE 4th Ave. just south of Atlantic. This Green Market happens every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Local food, music, baked goods, produce and flowers take up this part of SE 4th Ave. This coming Saturday, the 6th, there is even a Chili Cook-off. Be ready because the aroma will be calling you over.
   
The other day at the Green Market there was a company called Good Vibe Teas; premium organic specialties. I am not a tea drinker but I got the Chamomile Licorice Mint Loose Leaf Tea for my husband. This company has a tea or herbal infusion for everyone; young, old, female, those who are healthy, and for those who are healing. Their teas can stimulate your senses, energize, calm, comfort, warm, cool, satisfy, or change your mood. The tels. are 954-868-0783 or 888-868.4561. The website is www.goodvibeteas.com and the e-mail address is amanda@goodvibeteas.com. The Director of Operations is Amanda Capece. This company ships to anywhere in the coutry.
From the Green Market we kept on walking to Pineapple Grove. Pineapple Grove is located just off Atlantic Ave., on NE Second Ave. The name was given to this area for its history as a producer of pineapple in the early years of this century.
Pineapple Grove features and eclectic mix of cafes, boutiques, galleries and spas. In town living enhances this whole artistic district with tenants just having to come out of their buildings to find their gym, postal service, bookstores and everything for daily living just at their reach. Very popular street, indeed, and walking distance to Atlantic Ave.
We walked the length of the street with the cooking smells making us so hungry. Lots of vendors selling their wares from jewelry, flowers, handmade bags and pottery to freshly squeezed lemonade and funnel cakes. What we ended up getting, and it was delicious, was the Kennel Korn from the Kennel Korn Hut. It was lightly salted and sweetened, just like they advertised it. But, it was even better because it was warm. They did not have a business card but told me they had a website but I have not found it yet. They are always in Delray, at the art festivals and especially at the Delray Affair coming up next month.
I hope Fisher’s Popcorn, from Delaware, does not get jealous, but they shouldn’t because they have a special spot in my heart. It is amazing, as well. A post will come soon on this popcorn.
Anyway, if you are in the area, a few of the happenings are:
At the Cornell Museum of Art and American Culture, located on 51 N. Swinton Ave.:
Until March 28th – It’s the Pinball Palooza: the Art, the History, the Game – It is the art and history of the pinball machine from 1930’s to the present. A collection of vintage pinball machines, pinball art, and neon arcade signs from private collections.
In the upstairs galleries you will find two encore exhibits: What a Doll!! – the Barbie and Friends Exhibit and Les Petites Vignettes, a miniatures exhibit.
Friday, March 5th there is a Gallery Walk in Delray from 7 until 10 p.m. It is an evening when downtown galleries, art studios and showrooms open their doors to the public for music, art and refreshments.
Saturday, March 6th is the Artists in the Park from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Fine art exhibition and sale sponsored by the Delray Beach Art League. Location: Veterans Park at Atlantic Ave. and Intracoastal Waterways.
Sunday, March 7th is Performance in the Park – from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Location: Veterans Park on 802 NE 1st. St. - A free musical series. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic tables and savor the elegant and eclectic strains of accomplished South Florida Concert Performances in an open air setting.
Murder of the Beach Book Store, located on 273 NE 2nd Ave. in Pineapple Grove. Tel. 561-279-7759. Website is www.murderonthebeach.com
2 Book Signing Dates:
March 3rd-Today- Is Phyllis Smallman – Margarita Nights at 3 p.m. Phyllis’ debut mystery was nominated for the Malice Domestic Award. She was a potter before turning to “a life of crime”.
Margarita Nights happens in a small Florida beach town, where Sherri Travis is a bartender with attitude and a woman with an inconveniently murdered husband…
Thursday, March 4th – Joanne Fluke Book Signing at 7 p.m. – Apple Turnover Murder is her book. She is the author of Hannah Swensen mysteries. Her books are known for her delicious recipes. Apple Turnover Murder has 21!!
The book is about Hannah Swensen, the proprietor of the Cookie Jar. It is June in Lake Eden, Minnesota, plus a massive fundraising event in need of confections. And, there’s a killer on the loose, who never learned that charity begins at home…
 Walking along Pineapple Grove in Front of City Walk and Joseph's Wine Bar 
Well, that is all for today…I hope you have a good one and talk to you later….
March 1st, 2010
Where do I start? Oh, yes, I forgot; It started with my husband taking a nap on Saturday. While he was enjoying his beauty sleep I decided that the restaurant reservation I had made for dinner that evening was going to be way too early. We had a late lunch. Lolo and Maru have been visiting and since they were in Delray for a few days only I really wanted to show them the town.
We took a walk and, you know how this little Village by the Sea is. Two arts and crafts fairs, Green Market, cold weather, outdoor seating, etc. We even took a drive to Palm Beach.
Unless you get a reservation early in the week for a week-end evening, at one of the many restaurants in Delray, it is hard. Knowing that, I still decided to cancel my reservation and go to a restaurant in Boca that I had never been to, or will go ever again. I heard about it and at this moment I am not sure if I was at the right place.
I was told that this restaurant was so quaint, French, authentic; you could hear people speaking in French, etc. etc. I thought that could be a good place to check. The name of the restaurant was supposed to be La Vieux Paris and I was told that the owners originally had sold the restaurant but still worked there. The address was 170 West Camino Real, Boca Rato, FL 33432. Website www.Tiramisu-Restaurant.com. At this point you should be wondering why the website does not correspond with the name of the restaurant. Read on…
It had rained in Delray that afternoon and I left the moon roof slightly opened. Needless to say the moment I got in the car I got wet including also my front passenger, my husband. The start of a great evening.
I followed the directions given to the restaurant but every time I took a turn, a waterfall would go on my head from the rooftop. Just great.
The restaurant was in the corner of a shopping center on Camino Real. We immediately got confused when two names appeared on the restaurant; La Vieux Paris and Tiramisu. They were the same.
I asked if I was at La Vieux Paris and the lady said that yes but that it had changed names some years ago. I really was looking for the authentic French restaurant and Tiramisu was Italian with Victorian decor and a few French dishes. There was no turning back; we were sitting at the table and water was being served.
I saw the long faces of my husband and son, while Maru and Lolo were being good sports. I could tell my husband wanted to run. He even hated the tablecloth, the unmatched dishes and wine glasses and a few other things I will not mention. No wait, I will mention one; the waiter kept serving every one else at the table reaching across his face. Not good.
We ordered a soup and salad. It was o.k. The best dish was the gnocchi with spinach; that was it. The dish that caused commotion was the red snapper. Two of us ordered it and one was sent back. At this point he did not want anything else. The service was slow and we wanted to get out of there. I had the other snapper and even though the presentation looked good, the dish was mushy and watery and the ten green beans were canned; the two tablespoons of yellow rice were o.k.
 The Red Snapper - The dish that caused commotion. Pretty soon, after the snapper was sent back, a not too happy person came out to find out what was wrong. We told him about the fish and the green beans and he wanted to give us more green beans and we just said that the dish was not really good. He, the chef and owner, Tommy Kabashi, said that he tasted the fish and there was nothing wrong with it and he had sold many. And, that we were paying for the mushy snapper. Off he went back to where he came from. The 18% was added to the party of 5 and I decided not to leave a tip. Sorry but that is the way went. The snapper was $30 and I considered that the tip.
Note: In my last post I mentioned that since I like to cook, when going to a restaurant I want that personal service; I want it like I am the only person in the restaurant. Well, what a disappointment!
It is also worth mentioning that before going to the restaurant we saw a few bad reviews on the internet. Lolo, Maru and I decided that we don’t pay too much attention to those because a lot of times is a matter of opinion. I have to think about that one again.
Lorenzo’s (my son’s friend) parents, who live in Boca, went to this restaurant for lunch and it did not go well, either.
One thing we all will not forget was the laughs and memories that came out of that evening. Expensive as it was, it was funny, especially when my husband kept saying he was in a happy place but his face said otherwise.
Sorry it took so long to write this one. It was a first when I really decided that there is no way I would go back to Tiramisu/La Vieux Paris, whatever the name is.
Until later….from Delray Beach….still cold but beautiful day….hasta luego Maru and Lolo, maybe Culebra?…or Old San Juan….
February 26th, 2010
On Thursday, the cold weather kept everyone in sweaters in Delray. When it gets chilly, watch you. The sky was so blue, though; it really should have been warm.
So, what do people do on a day like that? After the usual daily routine of exercising, what better way, if you find yourself on vacation, than to have lunch at one of the restaurants on the very busy Atlantic Avenue in Delray.
Even though it was colder than I would have liked it to be, we sat outside at the very well known Tramonti. This restaurant can get very busy. It is not big. I like it that way. Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. Reservations are, definitely, a must during the height of the season.
Tramonti is located at 119 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. is 561-272-1944, Fax is 561-272-1704. The website is www.tramontidelray.com. The restaurant opens for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and then dinner starts at 5:00 p.m. Take out is available but only for pick-up.
If you have visited Tramonti and have liked their sauces, well, they are available for purchase on the premises. They are sold in 26 ounce jars for $8.00 each and the choices are: Marinara, Braciola, and Arrabbiata.
Marinara: It comes from the Italian word sailor; marinaro. The sauce does not contain seafood, as some people might think; it was made in Naples for the sailors when they returned from the sea.
Braciola: This sauce is simmered for hours to capture the flavor of pork, sauteed onions, wine and herbs. Perfect for pasta dishes or meats.
Arrabbiata: Is a light marinara or red Italian sauce that is given an extra spicy flavor by adding hot peppers to the sauce. Arrabbiata translates to “angry mood”, but it will be an angry sauce that will delight your taste buds.
It was sort of a late lunch, the one we had at Tramonti. Giorgio was our waiter and he was very outgoing and enthusiastic. He did not care if others joined our table after some time; sitting outdoors is the best.
My husband had one of the specials of the day which was Risotto al Forno, which was risotto with squid in its own ink. It was delicious. I know; I took a bite or two. It reminded me when my grandmother, Mamota, used to make rice with squid in its own ink and the color was so dark. Fantastic.
I had a salad. The Spinaci Gamberi which was a salad of baby spinach, pine nuts, grilled shrimp and oranges. The combination with the oranges was unique. No dressing was necessary. A little pepper and a little parmesan cheese complemented the dish so well.
Tramonti has an extensive menu. It is pricey, but the food is prepared so well. I have eaten there a few times and has always been very good.
Yesterday the restaurant staff was a little nervous because, since it was cold, everyone that had reservations for outdoor seating wanted to come inside. I don’t know what they ended up doing because there was no way everyone was going to fit inside. All I heard was that no more reservations were being accepted for yesterday’s evening.
A few of the dishes that caught my attention were: Profumi Mediteranei which is baby octopus with celery, fresh garlic, olives, extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juuice, Spaghetti in Cartoccio Areo Special which is baked spaghetti with shrimp, parma proscuitto in a cognac cream sauce, wrapped in foil, and the Coniglio Cacciatore Alla Polenta which is farm rabbit braised in lightly spiced madeira wine sauce with Tuscan Polenta. The Cernia Nera dish is a local black grouper Livornese style with olives, onions, capers, and tomato sauce. There are plenty more dishes to satisfy a variety of taste buds.
Tramonti has a Sunset Special that is available from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. The cost is $24.95 per person with no substitutions. There is a choice from several appetizers and a choice from several main courses, as well, for that price. A soft beverage and American coffee is included.
Even though I have tried a lot of the restaurants in Delray, now that I am reviewing them on my blog, I am paying a little bit more attention to my waiter, noise level of the restaurant, attitudes, and of course, the food.
Believe me, I like to cook so when I go out to dinner I want to relax. I don’t have to have a fancy dinner, I just want good food with the best ingredients; prepared for me like I am the only person at the restaurant. I want personal attention.
Tramonti has been here for some time and all you have to do is drive or walk past the restaurant to see a bustling restaurant in action. Italian is definitely spoken at Tramonti.
Go ahead, try it and let me know. I want to hear what other people think.
Note: The information for Arrabbiata Sauce was taken from www.wisegeek.com and the information for Marinara Sauce was taken from www.italianchef.com.
See you….company coming this week-end. Have not seen Maru and Lolo for a very long time. Looking forward to showing them Delray Beach.
Talk to you later…..
February 25th, 2010
“We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink, for dining alone is leading the life of a lion or wolf.” by a Greek Philosopher, BC 341-270
With that in mind 5 friends got together on Tuesday evening, in Palm Beach, and 4 elements were about to happen in equal manner; the service, the drinks, the cuisine and the overall ambiance.
When we visit Delray, a lot of times there are friends scattered around, visiting other towns in the area. Such was the case so in order to make it easier for everyone, to dine together, we decided on Palm Beach; equal distance to all.
A few years ago I went to Michael McCarty’s and thought that would be a fun place to have dinner. Michael R. MCcarty’s is located on 50 Coconut Row in the Royal Poinciana Plaza. The tel. is 561-659-1899. Website is www.michaelrmccartyspalmbeach.com. Reservations are not required, but I think you should, especially in the height of the season. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and brunch on Sundays. The attire is supposed to be business casual but I saw a wide range of attires. I think resort casual would be the word. Blazers are not required, as well. The way to describe the food would be American with other influences.
The owner of the restaurant is Michael R. McCarty’s, someone I do not know. He has been in the restaurant business since his 20’s. Originally, on this location, there was a watering hole called Dempsey’s. Michael R. McCarty’s opened his restaurant and has been doing very well ever since.
I love restaurants with open porches for gathering. This is the first thing you see at Michael McCarty’s. Those awnings amidst the trees and the green heavy wicker chairs make you just want to sit there all night. Cocktails are served on this porch, as well as lunch and dinner. On this particular night it seemed that it was mainly cocktails, people just waiting to go and eat inside.
The entry way and ambiance were definitely British Colonial. You could picture this restaurant in any of the Caribbean Islands; the West Indies. The dining area was large with plants breaking the seating arrangements. Green and tans were the colors. The bar was large, to the side, and seemed to be well attended on that evening.
It would not be Palm Beach if you did not find a splash of pink. Michael McCarty’s has Rory’s. It has pink patent leather banquets, aubergine walls and a bar. Usually, this room is for private parties and looked like a fun place. It is also used when the restaurant is crowded. On Tuesday, the restaurant was comfortably crowded and this room was not needed.
We had a round table in a cozy corner. We all took our readers out since the restaurant is very dimmed lit. I like it that way but if you need reading glasses, you better have them with you.
Blake was our waiter. Friendly and the spitting image of James Taylor. We were surprised that he did not know who James Taylor was or Carly Simon for that matter. Can you imagine that? Oh, well, I guess I am dating myself. Nevertheless, Ross mentioned a few tunes and he seemed to recognize some and told us he would check it out. Blake was very attentive throughout the evening and he was quietly funny, if there is such a description.
We started with cocktails and wines and some of us wanted appetizers. For my appetizer I started with a steamed artichoke. It was a very good size and the dipping sauce had a hint of vinegar. Another friend had the trouffled fries, perfectly cooked with trouffled oil.
For our entrees, I had the special which was grouper. I substituted the mashed potatoes for the sauteed spinach and asparagus. Another friend had my same dish but with the potatoes. Blake told us that the calf liver was thin and cut in-house. Two of our diners were calf liver aficionados so that is what they got. The next friend ordered the chicken Madeira.
The experience was that the portions were good. Not too big or small. But, actually the chicken Madeira was a pretty good size. The grouper was very tasty and flaky and well seasoned. The calf liver got a rating of good but some had had better in other parts of the country; good nevertheless. Cindi thought her chicken Madeira was very tasty; tender.
For dessert Blake suggested Graeter’s Ice Cream. This ice cream comes from Cincinnati and I had never heard about it. Loving ice cream the way I do, then that was the perfect choice. Mocha Chocolate Chip. The ice cream was very creamy but I think I really liked the chocolate chips best. Nice chunks of semi-sweet chocolate. I thought it was good but no different than some of the good ice creams on the market. We all have our favorites. Graeter’s was established in 1870, family operated, a French Pot process to create irresistible creaminess, 2 gallons at a time.
Our relaxed conversation and laughter continued, at the same time enjoying some decaf capuccino.
We parted ways after hugs and promises to see each other again. Dinner with friends; priceless!!
See you soon….
February 24th, 2010
Where to get a hair cut when you are not sure where to go? Word of mouth is usually the best advertisement so our son directed my husband to Avenue Haircutters right on Atlantic Ave. I hope the men reading this post pay attention because this barber shop is a true and reasonable one.
Avenue Haircutters is located on 777 East Atlantic Ave., Suite A-5 in Delray Beach. It is right across from the Blue Anchor Pub in the Atlantic Plaza. The shop is towards the back of the Plaza. They have 3 barbers available.
As I was waiting for my husband I had to take a few pictures. Then, I started wondering about the pole that shows that you are in a barber shop. You know, it has red, white and blue.
Apparently, barber shops were places where men gathered, relaxed, read magazines and enjoyed each other’s company while also engaging on gossip, sharing jokes, talking about sports and politics, and debating the events of the day. I think barber shops are older than women’s hair salons so really they started all this before us.
Originally, the trimming and shaving, which by the way was a bit messy and painful; before the invention of the razor, was done at home and probably by a servant. Later on in the mid 19th century as towns were increasing and with the invention of the razor blade, barber shops were found on the main street of about every small town.
It may be helpful to know that the barbers and surgeons were once the same profession. Barber-surgeons were authorized to perform like a phlebotomist, who is the person drawing blood for analysis.
The barber shops were distinguished from other businesses by the red, white and blue striped pole out in front. The red and white were symbols of the blood and bandages of surgeons and the blue was added to make the pole resemble the American flag.
My husband got a really nice hair cut. And, as we were walking around the plaza, a gentleman came out of the barber shop and asked us if we were from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. His name was Butch Bradley and he was the owner of Avenue Haircutters. He had lived in Rehoboth and his barber shop was at the Midway Shopping Center on Coastal Highway. He had just been at the Delaware beaches and loves the whole area. We talked and it was so nice of him to have approached us. This is what makes these small towns so unique; a friendly conversation in the middle of the Plaza with someone you just met.
Then, we talked to Butch about Bethany Beach, Delaware and he proceeded to inform us that the owner of La Cigale, Francis Touboul, has a house in Bethany.
Well, since it was around 1:30 we then decided to have lunch at La Cigale and this is my next post. Being that it was a little cloudy, a little cooler and we were a little hungry we marched ourselves to La Cigale.
La Cigale has been in Delray Beach for a long time. It used to be right on Atlantic Ave., in the same spot where the new Seagate Hotel is now located. As renovations kept going on Atlantic Ave., it was so nice to know that this restaurant had opened in another location with plenty of parking and more space.
La Cigale is located on 253 S.E. 5th Ave., in Delray Beach, and near Atlantic Ave. At night you can spot the torches outside. Tel. is 561-265-0600. The website is www.lacigaledelray.com.
And the e-mail address is lacigalle@bellsouth.net.
We have been to the restaurant in the past; lunch and dinner. The restaurant is known to locals and natives alike.
When we entered the restaurant, the first thing I noticed was color. Immediately I felt good.
The tables were covered with tablecloths, very unpretentious, European, and a friendly staff.
I love mussels and once I saw them on the menu I knew that I was having them. They were Prince Edward Island Mussels with garlic, olive oil, tomato, basil leaves, white wine and a side order of pomme frites. They were so tasty and sweet, with that lite broth and perfect for lunch. I was even happier when I saw that they had placed a spoon for the broth. No way was I leaving that behind.
The pomme frites (French for French Fries) were perfectly cooked; crispy. Just the right size, as well, and I did not feel any guilt eating them all. Definitely, worth it.
My husband had the Calamari and Escarole sauteed in a white wine, garlic, olive oil and hot cherry peppers. That came with their soup of the day which was a white bean soup. I tasted both dishes; the calamari was tender, and the bean soup was rich and perfectly seasoned.
Then, we started talking to Francis, the owner. Can you believe he has had a house in Bethany Beach, Delaware for 20 years? He came from France, his first job in Bethany was at Gigi’s. Only locals would remember that one. And, has lived in Washington, as well. He was friendly, energetic and just the perfect host.
La Cigale has the perfect blend of Mediterranean food and you will always find the Coq Au Vin, the Beef Bourguignon; you know all those French dishes that make our mouths water.
One of those dishes, a dessert one and a favorite is the Creme Brulee. It is French for “burnt cream”. It is considered to be French, but the English and Spanish claim credit, as well.
At La Cigale the creme brulee was just the way I like it. The original; creamy and no other flavors added.
La Cigale offers Happy Hour from Mondays through Fridays from 5 until 7 p.m. Two for one drinks with complimentary hors d’ouvres at the bar only. Half price appetizers from their regular menu at the bar, as well.
The restaurant has capabilites for private parties. Please visit their website, above mentioned, because you can read about the restaurant, check the pictures and most of all look through the different menu proposals and hors d’ouvres selections for any parties you might want to hold at La Cigale.
If you are visiting Delray, try it and let me know how you what you think.
Note: I did not know that Francis Touboul, the owner of La Cigale also owns, Atlantique Cafe located on 777 E. Atlantic Ave. in the Atlantic Plaza, 561-272-1170 where this post actually started. As soon as I try it, I will let you know.
Yesterday I visited 3 places. Avenue Haircutters and La Cigale in Delray and then in the evening Michael R. McCarty’s in Palm Beach, which will be tomorrow’s post.
Information on the barber shop pole was taken from www.fashionencyclopedia.com and from www.wisegeek.com.
Until then……talk to you later….
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