November 14th, 2011
Last March I was walking up and down Atlantic Avenue when a store caught my eye. I had not seen it before so I decided to stop and that’s how I met Michele Ramirez, the proprietor of Varietai. You will find Varietai at 812 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-455-2767. Website? www.varietai.com. Find Varietai Delray on Facebook.
Since I started my blog, I have, definitely, met a lot of people. Most of them have been so charming and friendly. But, others, stand out. Michele is one of them. We just hit it off. A friendship is developing; so nice to see her again.
It is almost a year since she opened Varietai. She has a following. But, Michele is not new to this business. Years ago she had a store in Delray called Durango’s Attic. You might have even met her then.
If you have not stop by Varietai, please do so. The shop is full of beautiful items; some are fine consignments. Others, are quirky; many have their own sophistication.
       
I guess is that time of the year to jazz the home. Varietai is full of color, exactly what you would have expected in South Florida.
Michele is also an artist. She loves to paint. Check the floor of the store. All painted by her. The theme? The Japanese Koi.
Ask any questions you want. Michele has an eye for color and design and pays great attention to details. Her shop really is one of those must stop shops in Delray.
Varietai offers jewelry from Bali; wonderful colors and very unique, as well.
 
Deliveries? On week-ends…talk to you later…By the way, Michele; my friend loved his housewarming gift. Thanks for your help!!
November 12th, 2011
One of the attractions in Delray Beach on a Saturday mornings is the Delray Beach GreenMarket. This GreenMarket is part of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). It is held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The location is right in the heart of this Village by the Sea, just south of Atlantic Ave. on SE 4th Ave.
The Manager is Lori Nolan and she can be contacted at 561-276-7511 if you have any questions.
   
It is so nice to stroll through the vendors. Their produce was amazing; the colors and sizes were unreal. Food and music are part of it all.
 
I had never seen eggplants as big as these ones. They said they were Sicilian Eggplants; mild and creamy to sweet and bitter.
On a sunny day like today with low humidity it was the perfect way to start the day.
This little dog was there enjoying herself, just like everyone else.
The Delray Art League’s purpose is “to advance the public interest in the visual arts and to promote the development of excellence in visual arts in the South Palm Beach area”. The Delray Art League is the sponsor of Artists in the Park. Just look for the white tents right on Veteran’s Park by the Intracoastal.
It is the longest running outdoor fine art show in South Florida. Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
The Art League’s website is www.delrayartleague.org. On Facebook you can find both, Artists in the Park and Delray Art League.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
November 12th, 2011
Is that time of the year when getting colder up north means that you are either a Snowbird or a Snowflake. I think I am in the category of the Snowflake. The snowflakes just come and go. Don’t get me wrong, I like cold weather, within reason. But, the other day I saw that someone had written on Facebook, where else? I love it when it gets cold up north. It was from someone that had a business in South Florida. And, yes, the season has begun. The airports are a little crowded, reservations are a most in some of the most sought after restaurants. You know the drill, right?
When I opened my computer I saw that even though it is going to warm up during the day…38 degrees in Rehoboth Beach….hmmmm this post was then much needed.
I have been in Delray Beach now since 2003. You have heard me go on and on about how unobstructed the beaches are here. No tall buildings, just a few things are needed to enjoy the beach; the water with beautiful color and it is so clear. That’s what originally attracted me to this town. Also, it reminded me of Rehoboth Beach, my home.
When my husband I first came here, we were sitting at a restaurant having breakfast and we picked up a real estate magazine. We thought we would just look around. That started a relationship with Cheran Tauriello from Tauriello & Co., located at 900 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL. 33483. Tel. 561-278-5570. Toll free # 877-509-8300. Brokers of Record & Owners: Daniel & Sue Tauriello
They have been so easy to work with. They are very professional. In Delray Beach for so many years; they know the community, neighborhoods and the company deals with a wide variety of properties.
I have suggested them to friends, as well. And my own personal feelings are that I have not had to look anywhere else. They really have been very good to us.
Tauriello & Co. is one of my advertisers. To go directly into their site, click on their website on the right hand side of this blog.
Anita Jennings Designs – I have known Anita for so many years. She is from my Humacao, Puerto Rico. That’s where I grew up. And, I found her in Delray when we bought our place. Anita is a one woman show with many years of experience in design. She is also very easy to work with and speaks several languages. Her telephone is 561-278-7473. She is one of my advertisers, just click on her website on the right hand side of this blog to go directly into her site and see what she is all about.
 Atlantic Ave. going East Beach House Management – Michael Keegan is the Property Manager that I have used since 2003. Being out of town, having a property management company to take care of your place is not a luxury, but a necessity. I have to laugh because when you visit Beach House Management’s website, you will find a list of services provided by them. If I had to tell you the services Michael has provided for us, there would be no end. Many are listed there but the majority are not. Some funny and some not so funny.
I always say that I cannot live without him; it is still true. Beach House Management is located in the heart of Delray Beach. Call Michael at 561-376-4329. Website? www.MyBeachHouses.com. Fax: 561-330-6204. Or, email him to BeachHouseMgmt@aol.com.
Beach House Management is also one of my advertisers. You can just click on their website and you will be right there. They really have been constant and attentive and great to deal with.
I don’t think I had to beg them to become advertisers; well, maybe a little. Word of mouth, a blog, a website….it all helps.
So, what are you waiting for?…..talk to you later….
November 11th, 2011
I kept looking for information on needlepoint; what I should have been looking for was “needlework”, which is the generalized term when one does not know what she or he is talking about. Needlepoint refers to a particular set of stitching techniques worked upon stiff openwork canvases. What I did not know was that there are different types of canvases; Mono, Penelope, Interlock, Rug and Plastic.
I have friends whose hobbies include needlework. I see them working so hard but then just a little patch is accomplished. It seems like it takes a long time to finish a “work of art”. I also notice that they seem to be so relaxed. Some take it to the beach; others work on it while they are watching t.v., or when they are traveling.
A gift given by someone that has spent so much time is really cherished. One time my husband received a belt made specially for him and to this day he still loves it.
So, when I saw the new stitching company on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach I decided to stop. I am stopping for all those friends that love this hobby. Or, for the ones that are visiting and would like to take something home. Or, even for the ones like me that might want to try something new and outside the comfort zone.
Stitches by the Sea, Inc. is located at 710 East Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-865-5775 Fax: 561-865-5959 e-mail: judi@stitchesbythesea.us. Judi Alweil is the proprietor of this shop.
I think you will feel like you have hit the jackpot when entering Stitches by the Sea. The first thing you will notice is how friendly Judi is. Judi is a consummate professional. She has been in the business for so many years in New York. She is now making South Florida her home. Even though she opened this new shop just a few weeks ago, she still has a wholesale business in New York, called Judi & Co. You can visit www.judiandco.com. This is a needlepoint and design company.
Judi and I talked and talked. I told her that I would not be offended in the least if she wanted to correct me when my post was published. Or, if she wanted to add something to what I said.
I noticed all the canvases she has throughout the stores. Some are from her own company, Judi & Co. and others are by different artists and designers.
Canvases may be stitch-painted, meaning each thread intersection is painted in such a way that the stitcher has no doubt about what color is meant to be used at that “intersection”.
 
Wool, silk, cotton or combinations like wool-silk blends are the threads used for stitching. Other fabrics can also be used like metallic cords, metallic braids, ribbons and raffia. Stitches by the Sea has an extensive collection of all of them. Since Judi has been in the business for such a long time, she has her contacts and she can get anything you might need, that is not at the store, in a short period of time.
I noticed the Long Legged Lady; stitched separately and then put together. She was so cute.
She also has a collection of needlepoint bags. She can give you the guidance you might need; start to finish.
There are also bags that can be custom designed for you. After you finish you needlepoint the bag can be made just for you, as well.
Classes will be held in December and January. Please call Judi at 561-865-5775 for more info.
In one of those classes you will be able to knit a bag like this one (sort of), which is made with raffia.
Oh, I almost forgot….Judi told me that her Judi & Co. was featured in Oprah and also on Terry Trucco’s NY Times column. Being acknowledged in such a way was great… a boost to her business.
Judi has also written a book called Ribbon Knits, Designs to Knit and Crochet. You can get it through her wholesale company or on Amazon.
Judi mentioned that her customers are happy and satisfied with her company. That the “business” is a friendly business and they all pretty much know each other. Refreshing, don’t you think?
If you are in Delray, just stop by…the shop is on Atlantic Ave. near the Intracoastal….besides Judi you might also meet Dick, her husband, that at times is there to help. The shop is closed Sundays and Mondays, otherwise, Tuesdays through Saturdays they are there from 10:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Have a good one!!…talk to you later…you know I will.
November 10th, 2011
Practically every restaurant located on trendy Atlantic Avenue in the Village by the Sea, also known as Delray Beach has outdoor dining; so conducive to relaxed chatting; some of them with more comfortable seatings than others.
Vic & Angelo’s has premiere outdoor seating. Those chairs are, definitely comfortable and on a day with low humidity and plenty of sushine it is the place to be.
Vic & Angelo’s is located at 290 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-278-9570. Website? www.vicandangelos.com. By the way, the website has menus, specials, and events, so make sure you check it.
Three of us for lunch. Roberto was our server. Friendly and very attentive. Before I get more into the post, I do want to thank him for taking such good care of us.
Vic & Angelo’s is very open and the decor is bright and fun. Since they occupy a corner on Atlantic Ave., they are able to have a large open bar on one side and on the other, the outdoor seating takes place under a canopy.
 
I was thirsty. Some had wine but I had a Passion Fruit unsweetened tea. Nice and refreshing.
Bread was brought to the table; more like a flat bread with a hint of garlic, parmesan and herbs. Very nice.
Wings were ordered. These wings were Coal Oven Sicilian Chicken Wings, which were first marinated in rosemary, garlic and lemon juice; oven baked, therefore less fat. Rosemary, Chilies, Aged Parmesan, Olio Verde, and Onions. These and the ones at Bru’s Room, also in Delray, are by far the best wings ever.
V & A Caesar Salad – Romaine Hearts, Hand shaved Reggiano and White Anchovies. Again, those white anchovies make an appearance with a Caesar Salad and they are so mild and delicious. Great homemade Caesar dressing.
A Veal Picatta was ordered which had artichokes, capers and a lemon jus. Veggies on the side. My husband thought it was really really good.
Too satisfied to have dessert, we decided to have some espresso with a little twist of lime.
Thanks V & A for sending us some delicious Lemoncello.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
October 24th, 2011
The beginning of November marks that time of the year when the “snowbirds” are either getting restless or too cold. I know some of them that are already there and some that already have their date on their schedule.
Delray Beach, is that Village by the Sea that has had 2 designations as “All American City”. It is the only city in Florida to have won it twice. They have so many activities and events year-round. But, they really step it up more than a few notches when the season kicks in.
Already more events and activities are found. Here a some, if you happen to be in Delray Beach or in Palm Beach County.
Delray opened this year their new bed and breakfast; the Historic Hartman House located at 302 NE 7th Ave. If you are looking for a place to stay, check them out. Website? www.delraybeachbedandbreakfast.com. They are a great addition to the Delray community and are already immersed in this unique coastal town.
Delray has the beaches, the restaurants, the shops, and plenty of roadway for exercising. At times, if you want to get away from it all, you can catch a cruise, right there on Atlantic Avenue and the Intracoastal.
Delray Yatch Cruises has a schedule, including menus that can be accessed by visiting www.delraybeachcruises.com. You can also call them for reservations or questions at 561-243-0686.
There is a Sunday Brunch Cruise that leaves at 10:30 a.m. going northbound. That part of the intracoastal is beautiful and quite wide at different spots.
If you are going to be in Delray during Thanksgiving, check their schedule since they will be having special Thanksgiving Day Cruises and Dinner Cruises. Being that it is a holiday, you should make the reservations way ahead of time.
Cruising on the intracoastal from Delray Beach started in 2003. One of their yatchs, the Lady Atlantic, was designed for South Florida’s Intracoastal Waterways.
Friday, 10/28 - It is the 14th Annual Pineapple Grove Bed Race in the Art District of Delray; Pineapple Grove, at NE 2nd Ave. at Atlantic Ave. The race will be f rom 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
A new addition this year will be the Beer Tent and the popular Food Trucks.
The Bed Race will be followed by a free concert from “Hard Liquor” on the Old School Square Pavilion. “Hard Liquor” is a high energy South Florida band whose genre is Classic and Hard Rock. They play popular rock songs from the 60s until today.
What can I say? Some of the teams have been doing this race every year. If you have a favorite, well, by all means go and be a cheerleader!!
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10/28-10/30 - Haunted Halls of Horror at the Delray Beach Community Center located at 50 NW 1st Avenue. It is presented by Hugs Not Drugs in conjuction with Delray Beach Parks and Recreation.
Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. with last ticket to be purchased by 10:30 p.m.
Sunday from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. with last ticket to be purchased by 9:30 p.m.
$10 per person. Family Fun from ages 8 to 80 years old.
This is a spine tingling charity event. It is an interactive walk through a haunted house with thrills and chills around every single corner.
More info? Check out the website www.hauntedhallsofhorror.com. Or, call 561-585-7771.
Saturday, 10/29 – Kidsfest of Delray & Halloween Festivities in Downtown Delray Beach at Atlantic Avenue, starting at 11:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. – Trick or Treat along the Avenue (between Swinton and the Intracoastal).
1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. – Halloween Parade – Line up at Old School Square at 1:00 p.m. Parade starts at 1:30 p.m. and marches through Atlantic Ave. to Veterans Park (right by the Intracoastal). More info? Call 561-279-1380 x17.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Kidsfest of Delray at Veterans Park. A free family event. Live entertainment. More info? Call 561-243-7277 or e-mail Beardsley@mydelraybeach.com.
Another place that I enjoy when I want to get from it all is the Morikami and Japanese Gardens. Believe me they are so peaceful.
The gardens are “an invitation to stop momentarily and ponder anew what we are, where we have been, and where we are heading”.
The address is 400 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach, Florida. Website? www.morikami.org. Tel. 561-495-0233.
From Delray Beach you can go west on Atlantic Ave., turn left on Jog Road and head south for a bit and you will see the entrance on the right hand side. It is also the entrance for the Orchid Society.
The Park honors the Yamato Colony, a farming settlement of the early 1900s. It also celebrates the living Japanese culture.
My favorite garden is the Karesansui Late Rock Garden. Karesansui means “dry landscape”. In this style of garden, the rocks were arranged in a bed of raked gravel, while plants took a secondary role.
As the weather gets more comfortable in South Florida, these gardens are a great place to relax.
I hope you take advantage of some of these activities and events. Delray Beach, that little Village by the Sea, is also full of restaurants. I like a lot of them and I do have my favorites. I have written about them in the past, and just like I do at the Delaware Beaches, I will visit them again…you never know what unique dish will be on their menu….AboutMyBeaches…yes this is one of my favorite beaches, as well.
October 18th, 2011
You’re Invited!! Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend. If you are in South Florida, you might want to take a look at this invitation. First, it is for a great cause. The Fun-Raiser event will support Old School Square’s Student Scholarship Fund.
The Student Scholarship Fund provides opportunities for kids, ages 6 to 17 to study art and photography with the master instructor at Old School Square.
Old School Square in Delray Beach is a favorite place of mine. It is a non-profit organization and Delray’s Cultural Center. It is located at 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Website www.oldschool.org.
Partnering with Crane’s BeachHouse should be fun. This is a Hotel & Tiki Bar, just a block from the beach, at 82 Gleason Street. The website is www.cranesbeachhouse.com.
Once you enter the “compound” you will find colors and more colors, palm trees, hammocs and you know….the feel of the tropics.
Event Information
Thursday, October 20th from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Address: Crane’s BeachHouse, 82 Gleason St., one block south of Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach.
Admission: $25 at the event; includes one complimentary drink and a buffet of tasty munchies.
There will be live music by Caribbean singer DYMiN, good company, and live art.
DYMiN has performed alongside such greats like the late Bob Hope, Miles Davis, Stanley Turntine, and James Brown. She is a consummate entertainer. For more info. check http://www.myspace.com/dyminmusicinc.
Artist instructor, Patricia Maguire and other Plein Aire artists will be painting on site, using Crane’s tropical paradise as inspiration. Their creations will be raffled off that night, along with a One-Night Stay at Crane’s BeachHouse Hotel and other exciting prizes.
Patricia Maguire when not on location, paints out of her studio in Delray Beach. More info.? Check http://www.patimaguire.com.
So….put it on your calendar and have fun…Talk to you later…
October 14th, 2011
Old School Square is a Cultural Arts Center in Delray Beach. It is also a National Historic Site. It is located at 51 N. Swinton Ave. Tel. 561-243-7922. Website? www.oldschool.org.
This Village by the Sea is the perfect coastal town. It has the beach, shops, countless restaurants for all tastes and the town can entertain beyond belief. There is always something going on.
Opening Night is tonight, Friday, from 7 – 10:30 p.m. and until December 30th – Free Outdoor Concerts; a mix of music for the masses, right at the Oss Pavilion.
Please bring your chairs and blankets and get ready to have a good time. Leave your pets and other outside foods and drinks behind, though.
Opening act will be Amber Leigh, a crossover Country sensation. She is one of Florida’s leading entertainers now on the Country Network. Known for her gripping vocals and dynamic fiddle, mandolin and guitar playing.
Amber is orinally from South Florida and started playing at Delray’s Boston’s on the Beach 15 years ago. You can visit her website, www.amberleigh.com.
To know what other entertainers will be on the schedule, please visit www.oldschool.org/performances.asp.
It was just a matter of time; 15 Gourmet Food Trucks will be there as well, yum… Free admission to the concerts, family friendly, and cash bar.
If you are in Delray Beach….have a great evening…
 
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