March 31st, 2014
Arriving in Singer Island, Florida for a little Spring Get-A-Way found us looking at grey skies. That was not going to deter Cindi, Madelon and I. We were determined to enjoy our stay to the fullest.
Our first stop just as soon as our luggage was dropped off (mine was lost to be delivered later in the evening) was to have a late lunch at Paris in Town, Le Bistro located at the Gardens on 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., North Palm Beach, FL 33410 Tel. 561-622-1616. Website? http://www.parisintownbistro.com.
This restaurant is casual and was opened after their first restaurant, Paris in Town Le Cafe opened years ago and became an institution in North Palm Beach. They serve lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. We arrived late in the afternoon and even though we waited a bit to be served, our lunch was very good.
We were all thirsty after our trip so Bloody Marys were a good way to start.
The Smoked Turkey with Apple and Brie hit the spot.
The King Henry Chicken Salad was fresh and delicious.
My Nicoise Grilled Tuna Salad….sorry I must have been I don’t know where but I forgot to take the photo. The tuna was fresh and was cooked medium rare….just to my liking.
Paris in Town Le Cafe is located at 11460 U.S. Highway 1, at PGA Blvd., North Palm Beach, FL 33408 Tel. 561-626-6017 Website? http://www.parisintowncafe.com. This is my favorite of the two. Quaint, a bistro serving, crepes, paninis, salads and pastries. They open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
What brought us to this location was their Macaroons. The regular size and the minis. They are so colorful and gorgeous. Did you kow that the French Almond Macaroons are taking over the top spot as a favorite dessert….more sought after than cupcakes!
Macaroons go well with coffee, lunch, brunch, afternoon tea and even for snacks. They are more expensive due to the fact that they are labor intensive. You have to have the technique down for a macaroon to be delicious. The filling, the coloring…chocolate and fruit preserves, preferably from France add to its cost. Ground almonds are expensive and it is a key ingredient to this delicate pastry.
We hope the recipients of these macaroons enjoyed them…just one goes a long way.
Talk to you later.
February 17th, 2014
Are you in Delray Beach, Florida? In the news they said that the only state with no snow on the ground is Florida. So, my friend tells me that the weather has been gorgeous is Delray Beach, which got me thinking….sitting on that wide beach during the day is the best, whether you are just relaxing or engaging on a favorite activity.
I have been to plenty of restaurants in Delray Beach, but one that is my “go to restaurant” is Ziree Thai & Sushi, located at 401 West Atlantic Ave., right past the Tennis Club as you head west to 95. Last November I made sure I stopped once again. http://www.zireethai.com. Tel. 561-276-6549. They do accept reservations. You might need them at the height of the season if you have a large party, otherwise, do like we have always done and just show up. These two sisters are so nice and I came to know them because the son of one and the nephew of the other played lacross with my son while attending school in Florida.
I have seen the restaurant become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. They do have a bar and take out, as well.
Ziree Thai & Sushi is casual; come as you are kind of place if you want. Very relaxing.
I usually start with the Ziree Salad….fresh salmon, sushi grade, and berries and their own salad dressing.
Another favorite is the NAMSOD, which has ground chicken or pork, red onions, ginger, scallions, mixed with chili paste and lime juice.
Spring Rolls!!
The Sashimi Boat & Spicy Conch Salad. It is always good.
If you like curry, this is your spot in Delray Beach. Your choice of Red, Country, Green, Panang, Masamun or Yellow. Add vegetable or tofu, chicken, beef, or pork, and shrimp, squid, or scallop. I love them all but I usually ask for the Panang with squid. They are served over white or brown rice. You can also ask them to add extra “heat”.
They have desserts but I am usually satisfied.
Enjoy!!
Please Note: They do carry gluten free soy sauce.
November 28th, 2013
It was early in the morning on Saturday, November 23rd. It has been happening every year for the past 27 years, when Delray Beach gets ready for a Turkey Trot. It is a benefit for the Keith Straghn Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving Drive for the needy families of Delray Beach. So, spectators, runners, walkers and trotters were ready. This event was sponsored by the City of Delray Beach.
On the photo….don’t know what kind of outfit that guy was wearing…
There was not a soul on A1A…that was hard to believe. Usually, on a holiday week-end, there are plenty already walking or trying to get the best parking spaces for another stay at the gorgeous beach in Delray.
And the corner of A1A and Atlantic Avenue was blocked off for the runners.
The destination where all were located was 340 S. Ocean Blvd. at Anchor Park. The runners and walkers were checking in.
The essentials like food and water…
The actual race had a starting time of 7:30 a.m. on Gleason.
And off they went…
This year there were over 500 participants, fundraising for those less fortunate.
Mark your calendars because this race happens the Saturday before Thanksgiving. More info? Please call Keith Straghn at 561-305-1744.
And remember to stop back for some fruit and goodies after the race.
November 23rd, 2013
In the heart of the Art District of Delray Beach, Florida….Pineapple Grove, Brule Bistro has made a name for itself for serving delicious food with amazing flavors in a casual atmosphere…an extensive wine list will make any wine lover happy.
Brule Bistro is located at 200 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483 Tel. 561-274-2046 Website? http://www.brulebistro.com. Find them on Facebook, as well.
Our big decision was…inside or out? My friend, Anita had never been and she decided she wanted to capture the vibe of the restaurant…sitting inside would be a must.
JD opened the door and he immediately became our server. With a big smile and plenty of good answers to our questions, not to mention his suggestions, we knew we were in good hands.
We sat near the open kitchen….we wanted to see the comings and goings of a busy restaurant. The chefs were definitely, ready!! You know the customers are having fun when the constant chatter, and the background music had everyone in a good mood…plenty of smiles.
Taro Chips looked beautiful waiting to be served.
The swordfish looked fantastic. I was trying to make a decision.
Delray Beach is a dining destination in South Florida. Who would have thought 20 years ago that this Village by the Sea would be the talk of Palm Beach County. Great food, plenty of entertainment, lots of shops…the beach is…well, you have to experience it.
Our dining event was starting….first a little bread to get us going, olive oil and balsamic reduction.
An appetizer of Pontano Farms Zucchini Blossoms, shiitake, goat cheese, tarragon aioli, and port reduction. Crispy on the outside with all those other ingredients making my taste buds do a little dance.
An Artisan Wedge Salad was Anita’s choice, with Romain, bacon, avocado, pickled shallot, tomato concasse, creamy bleu cheese vinaigrette.
Shrimp & Grits, jumbo prawns, house chorizo, on crispy polenta was an appetizer which my friend, Anita, decided to order for dinner. She loved it.
JD, our server thought the Tangier Duck Breast & Roasted Pumpkin Cavatelli, was a wonderful dish, full of flavor. He was right. It had Brussels sprouts, duck bacon, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a spiced apple reduction.
Should we even consider a sweet ending? Of course, the Smoked Sea Salt and Caramel Brownie with vanilla gelato….was outstanding. Just the right amount too…and perfect for sharing, when you know you have had enough to eat.
So many choices and where to go. Word of mouth is something I take seriously. At times I agree with the suggestions, and other times, I don’t, but that is what makes it interesting.
Have a great time….Talk to you later.
November 7th, 2013
Some coastal resorts like Rehoboth Beach, and all the Delaware Beaches, are now in their Second Season, while others, like Delray Beach, Florida, become a winter’s destination for many you want to escape the colder weather ahead.
Pretty soon these will be every day scenes in Delray Beach, Florida.
Delray Beach is one of those towns in South Florida that is very accessible. Two major airports, are close to this Village by the Sea. Known also as the most small fun town in the U.S., Delray Beach offers its visitors amazing beaches, completely unobstructed, a downtown full of shops and restaurants and plenty of music and entertainment, as well.
Shopping local in these towns mean that you support the local economy. The merchants in Delray Beach and the artists are the heart of the community.
Shop Small is a movement to celebrate small businesses every day and to help communities thrive. Delray Beach invites you to Shop Small throughout the month of November. On Saturday, November 30th is Small Business Saturday. With over 400 small businesses in Downtown Delray Beach, you will have plenty to choose from….the holidays are fast approaching.
Delray Beach is also a town of many festivals….so stay tuned!!
Thursday, 11/7 there is a Grand Opening Celebration for Ginjer Boutique from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. The shop is located at 133 E. Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-272-1033.
Friday, 11/8 – Free Friday Night Concert from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Outdoor Pavilion at the Delray Center for the Arts at 51 N. Swinton.
Looking for restaurants in Delray Beach? Check http://www.downtowndelraybeach.com/dining.
You can do as much as you want to, or as little….that’s its beauty!!
October 8th, 2013
Uvas Playeras…that’s what they called them in Spanish. I grew up in the Island of Puerto Rico, where Seagrapes were very common. I used to eat them right from the tree, not giving it another thought.
Many years later, as I became a frequent visitor to South Florida, I noticed that the Seagrape plant was used a lot in their landscaping. Seagrapes are highly tolerant of salt and heat. That’s why this plant is also so abundant in the Caribbean.
Depending what month I found myself in South Florida, I always looked for the fruit that might be in season. Something different from what I would find at the Delaware Beaches, where I reside. At times, it might be avocado, mango, or tamarind.
A few weeks ago I was in Delray Beach. It was a time for Seagrapes. They were everywhere. It is a messy tree since the fruit falls off very easily once it is ripe.
The biggest tree I have seen so far was in Delray Beach, and it was full of seagrapes. Check out this photo.
At first the fruit is very green and it does look so pretty on the trees. You have to be patient and wait until the end of summer when the Seagrapes will ripen.
Seagrapes are in the buckwheat family. They protect beaches from coastal winds. In Delray Beach, they also protect the sea turtles.
So, as I was walking early in the morning in Delray, I was prepared, carrying my plastic bag to gather some of these Seagrapes. I have never seen anyone picking them….only me. A few gave me that look, wondering “what the heck is she doing?” You want the Seagrapes to be as dark as possible…a purplish color!! That’s when they will be sweet and tart at the same time.
Seagrapes have a pit that takes almost the whole fruit. They say you can make jam and even wine. But, I will tell you this…I cannot imagine how hard it will be to take that pulp. Not me, I just pop them in my mouth, play around with them, and then….yes, spit them out!! Not very ladylike, but that’s what I do.
Now don’t they look beautiful? I ate them all…so good. Don’t just look at them…eat them!!
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
October 5th, 2013
Delray Beach, Florida, is also known as The Village by The Sea. This town is a destination for many. Some go on vacation, others make it their home during the cold northeast winters. It is so easy to get to; 2 airports are within 30 minutes from Delray. Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach International.
When you arrive in Delray Beach, you will see the big Pineapple at the entrance of town….it welcomes Visitors to this Village by the Sea.
What I love the most about Delray is the beach. It is so unobstructed and the water is so clear. You park yourselves on that beach and just relax…
Coralina Village is a complex of a dozen townhouses. It is located a few blocks south from the famous Atlantic Avenue, where all the restaurants, shops, art galleries, and bars are located. You can look and look, but I can tell you that you will not find another complex in Delray with this type of location. Mediterranean style, by the beach, and it does have its own private pool. The southern exposure makes this unit light and airy, with no buildings obstructing its backyard.
 
For Sale: 1024 Coralina, Delray Beach, Florida, 33483. This property is listed with Kelley Lake Johnson of Tauriello & Co., located in the heart of Delray Beach. Her tel. is 561-703-3839. To see the photos and virtual tour, please visit http://www.tauriello.com/new_listings.php. It is a turn-key unit. All furniture is included….even the spices. All you need is your toothbrush and a few personal items.
Living, dining, kitchen, den and 1/2 bath are all on the first floor.
1024 Coralina is unique, because even though all townhouses have 2 car garages, this one only has 1 1/2 garages, due to the fact that the owners made an office out of half of the garage for additional space inside.
Upstairs the laundry room, master bedroom (and bathroom) with tongue and groove ceiling, and 2 guests bedrooms sharing a bathroom.
Each bedroom has its own balcony, as well.
A patio and yard in the back is the perfect spot early in the morning, early in the evening or eating al fresco. And, during March, the gardenia bush is gorgeous.
Since the beach is only a block away, it is the ideal setting for an early walk or jog. You can exercise and walk all morning long, right by the beach on A1A.
It has been said that the mark of a Great real estate agent isn’t how Many houses he or she shows you, it’s how Few!! The realtor who will find the right house for you is the agent who will listen to you…what you need, and what you would want to spend. He or she will also know what you’ve got your heart set on and what will, actually, make you crazy….so, what did you say you were looking for?
Talk to you later…
September 22nd, 2013
If you are planning a vacation to Delray Beach, Florida, and choose to stay at the Seagate Hotel on Atlantic Avenue, you will be able to have privileges at the Seagate Beach Club, located at 401 South Ocean Blvd. For many years the Seagate Beach Club was all members, but since the opening of the Seagate Hotel, guests can sit on its private beach, and enjoy the many amenities the club has to offer.
Enjoying an evening at the Seagate with friends, Michael and Jeff, was special on Friday evening. Catching up with them after not seeing them for some time. Since it is a private club, I extended the patrons the opportunity to dine in complete privacy, so therefore, only a few photos of the evening you will see.
A room with a view is the place to be if you are seated on the balcony.
The bread was excellent!! And what followed were salads, beets, calamari, several types of beef and a pork ragu with gnocchi….chocolate cake, ice cream and key lime pie! Yum!
And, then, some ventured outdoors to catch one of the movies under the moonlight!!
Talk to you later….have a good one!
 
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