February 11th, 2012
I have been coming to Florida for so many years. I even attended a small college in central Florida long time ago. All those years I have heard people talking about Key West. So, after being in Florida for over a week and not seeing the sun, we decided to go to the southernmost corner of the United States and see if a few rays of sunshine would make an appearance before heading back to Delaware. Believe it or not, it did happen.
I had some preconceived ideas of how Key West was going to be. Pristine water, fishermen, cottages and bungalows; the influences of New England, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Let me get it off my chest; some things I really liked; others I did not like at all.
During the 4 hour drive to Key West I found that the bridges were so neat with spectacular views of the water. But, I also saw too many signs offering sales for this or that and more than the share of run down places.
When we arrived in Key West we probably did what everyone else does; go to Duval Street. Sorry, but I did not like it. Too crowded, too noisy at all times and even too many bars. I love music but blaring music 24/7 is not my thing. Ghost tours? Trains and Trolleys? Too much of a carnival atmosphere. Too commercialized. At that moment I thought, what the heck am I doing here? Almost like someone adjusting their eyes to darkness; that’s what slowly was happening to me.
The moment I saw Casa Marina I fell in love with it. It is one of those hotels that have great bones. Understated elegance. This hotel did not need any other embellishments. The woods throughout the hotel were so rich and wonderful. Very classic. It is located at 1500 Reynolds St., Key West, FL 33040. Tel. 888-303-5717 Website? www.casamarinaresort.com.
Everyone in the hotel was so nice. This friendliness and genuine happiness was not just at Casa Marina, we also found it with everyone we encountered in Key West.
 
Casa Marina was very comfortable. Since the 1920’s when it opened its doors on New Year’s Eve, this hotel has had impressive visitors; business tycoons, artists and dignitaries. It was the vision of American Railroad Tycoon, Henry Flagler. Mr. Flagler died before the construction even started in 1918.
I found it to be an oasis. It was quiet and tranquil with beautifully kept grounds. The setting was really pretty.
It has the largest private beach in Key West. You were not crowded on the beach, everyone had their own privacy.
 
Those palm trees were holding some inviting hammocks.
 
Thatched roof huts gave privacy to Spa Al Mare.
Our rooms were very nice with really comfortable beds. The hotel has 311 guest rooms. If you are interested in water sports, I think you will be satisfied with what they are offering.
I talked to Stephanie, a Concierge at Casa Marina; her restaurant recommendation was very good. I was looking for a restaurant who would be aware of gluten allergies and Camille’s was her suggestion.
Really loved the Casa Marina. I could never get tired of that view.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later.
February 8th, 2012
I don’t remember how many times I have visited this small and intimate Asian restaurant located in Boyton Beach, Florida. Sushi Simon was recommended to us by someone that was at another dining table and heard us talking about sushi, a couple of years ago.
The address is 1614 South Federal Highway, Boyton Beach, FL 33435. Tel. 561-731-1819. It is in a shopping center on the corner of Woolbright and South Federal Highway.
Sushi Simon definitely has a following. The restaurant can get crowded. Back in December I went with my son and sat at the bar. We had a great dinner. We talked to Simon and he told us he had worked at Sushi Jo, also in Palm Beach County. On Monday, Simon was at his usual spot, behind the bar fixing sushi and other delicacies. His rolls contain plantains, strawberries, macademia nuts. His Crazy Lucy soup is not just a Miso soup but the inclusion of different types of fish; another twist from the usual.
Just a few diners at that time of the evening. I must admit that since my husband has to eat gluten free, at times is a little hard to find a gluten free interesting roll. That was the case on Monday. The rolls he wanted, he could not eat. He finally settled on one and to tell you the truth I don’t even remember what it was. He said it was good, but with not enough enthusiasm.
He also had 2 orders of Escolar, sashimi style. Escolar is a snake mackerel and is found in deep tropical and temperate waters around the world. Some restaurants call it white tuna.
I, on the other hand, started with Conch, sashimi style. We also ordered fresh wasabi. It is so good and a big difference from the wasabi they usually serve you. Conch is usually a little tough but I did not mind it. I, actually, expected it. It was a little boring so I probably would not order it again.
I wish I could remember the rolls I had. They were so good. Part of the evening’s special. Usually I can write the description from the menu but only the names were written and I can’t even remember those. They were funny names.
These are the pictures of my rolls. Very good, indeed.
If you do not like sushi or sashimi and think you can get something else at Sushi Simon, then, think again because this restaurant does cater to sushi and sashimi aficionados.
If you have to eat gluten free then be flexible and bring your own gluten free soy sauce.
I almost forgot to tell you that the service has been constant; friendly and willing to help with the menu.
Sushi Simon has reviews that go from excellent, to terrible, rolls are too small, or best ever, and the usual too pricey. It’s personal thing, so check it out and decide for yourselves.
Short and to the point. Next time I will make sure I get those descriptions before I get too comfortable.
Have a great day!!
February 7th, 2012
My day started with a trip to Belle Glade. What was I doing there? Guess what? If you want fast service from the Florida DMV, it is the best location. From Delray Beach it is a hike; probably about an hour give or take a few more minutes. 95 North to Exit 68, turn left and keep on trucking.
The sugar cane fields extended for miles and miles. Years ago Puerto Rico had so many sugar cane fields, so I actually enjoyed seeing them.
Then, I kept thinking…what happened to the sun? I have yet to see it. Prior to coming to Florida everyone said how gorgeous it was and la la la and more la. It was pouring rain.
What else but think about a late lunch? A suggestion from the peanut gallery. How about the Whale’s Rib in Deerfield Beach? Kept on driving. Did not matter at this point.
The Whale’s Rib is located at 2031 NE 2nd St. (by the beach), Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. Tel. 954-421-8880.
If the Whale’s Rib was good enough for Guy Fieri, of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives then it was going to be great for me. I love all those well known eateries by the beach. Casual, fun, and unique.
The restaurant is all wood with plenty of plaques adorning the walls. Lots of license plates donated by customers. The Delaware tag caught my attention. Didn’t they know that they are worth money? Others, were vanity tags.
 
We sat on the back room and Chynel was our server. She was friendly and gave me great recommendations, even though, I knew exactly what I was ordering.
A few beers and iced teas were ordered.
I love conch. Their conch chowder is made in-house. Very well seasoned and plenty of conch.
My husband decided on the stone crabs. I know a lot of people love them. I am probably one of the few that don’t. I just think they don’t have that much taste. Blue crabs fan all the way, that’s who I am.
The rest ordered the Dolphin Key West Sandwich with Thousand Island Dressing, Purple Cole Slaw and Swiss Cheese. Chynel told me to order it blackened. It really was delicious; moist and not salty, which was great.
 
Chynel told me that Guy Fieri ordered the same sandwich but his was fried. He also had the Whale Fries and Oysters Rockefeller. A twist to these oysters is that they are served with tomatoes on top.
I saw an order going by of Fried Grouper Fingers. They were huge. Chynel told me she has never seen anyone being able to finish that dish.
Whale’s Rib is a locals hang-out. You will get fresh seafood, that’s for sure.
February 5th, 2012
Come and enjoy the day in Delray Beach….but tropical nights in the Village by the Sea are a lot of fun…
Usually, I tried to keep away from the hustle and bustle of the week-end. Having a friend in Delray, well, gave us an opportunity to check Delray at night. Those tropical nights, dining al fresco. Our choice? We decided on Vic & Angelo’s on 290 East Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-278-9570. Website? www.vicandangelos.com. And, no, I don’t work for them. I happen to like the restaurant. I think a guest visiting would like it, as well. The food is consistently good, the service is great and the atmosphere is vibrant and fun.
Nights in Delray, at this time of the year, remind me of the nights in Rehoboth Beach during the height of the summer season. Where to park? Most restaurants have valet parking. Also the parking lot by the railroad tracks on Atlantic Ave. charge $10 and it is a good investment if planning on an extended evening in town.
After getting comfortable on our table we had to laugh. We almost did not need to talk; people watching was entertainment in itself. Our server was Jessie. She was very attentive, new the menu well and I decided to go with her recommendations. The night was young so let me tell you what we had.
After getting some of their delicious flat bread, some of us decided to get grilled octopus. Tender, it melted in your mouth.
 
I decided to get the Black Grouper, topped with a crab cake. It had escarole and white beans. It was a good choice. Very well seasoned.
A Veal Picatta was ordered with artichokes, capers and lemon jus. This dish has been ordered in the past and is popular with my husband; gluten free.
The Veal Chop was also ordered. This chop was not on the menu. A side order of the veal picatta lemon jus was ordered because it was so tasty; making this dish their own.
No dessert was needed; we were all pretty much satisfied with our meals.
Atlantic Avenue looked pretty at night. Illuminating lights gave it a special glow.
Off for a walk and a nightcap at the new Park Tavern, which of course, after their big official opening on Friday evening, was full to capacity. Sorry, no pictures inside, too many customers. Interesting dishes and sliders coming out of the kitchen.
Off to the second nightcap of the evening and to listen to some music at Il Bacio. This is an outdoor venue for music, located at SE 2nd Ave. but we entered through their entrance on Atlantic Ave. Completely outdoors; so check for the weather if you are planning to stop by. You don’t want to get there too early either. The atmosphere kicks on later into the evening.
It was time to go home…..enjoying time with friends and family….priceless!!
February 4th, 2012
Delray Beach is a dog town. Everywhere, there is someone walking along with one; different sizes and breeds. I was not surprised when the sign said that they offered frozen yogurt for your dog. No more sharing with that lovable pooch!!
I took a walk in Delray, enough of cleaning and watching a rainy day develop into a more cloudy day. Out and about I went; stopped to say hello to Michele, she owns a very cute consignment shop in Delray. Great new pillows at Varietai. Continued looking at the town; not that crowded at that time of the day. I guess visitors were resting for the night ahead of dinner and music in the Village by the Sea.
A sign caught my attention at a window. It said yogurt made specially for your dog. An adorable pooch on the poster. I decided to go in; too curious to keep on going.
My Yogurt Cafe is located at 524 East Atlantic Ave., between 5th and 6th Avenues and right next to Scuola Vecchias Pizza E Vino. Website? http://www.myyogurtcafe.com. Tel. 561-278-1810.
I remember when this self serve yogurt establishment opened last year; almost at the same time as Orange Leaf further east on Atlantic. I went to Orange Leaf for no other reason than to try it. I loved it. I guess Orange Leaf attracted me with all the bright colors, and catchy signs.
So, I am glad that I went in. Renee was behind the counter and I asked her about the yogurt for dogs. I had never seen it in Delaware. She mentioned that a lot of people that stopped had not either.
 
Renee mentioned that MYC is a full frozen yogurt and coffee shop. It is not big and the yogurt dispensers are on the wall. You help yourself, add toppings if you so desired, have it weighed, pay, and enjoy.
The frozen yogurt for dogs, Yoghund, is already packaged in small cups and kept in a small freezer. The company that makes it is The Barking Dog, Ltd., from Exeter, NH. This yogurt is a digestive friendly premium frozen yogurt; certified organic. There are different flavors available and some of the ingredients are papaya and peanut butter. You can visit www.yoghund.com/home.php. for more info.
How can I be standing and not have any when Renee is telling me all the new flavors arriving. Island Coconut was there and the Mango is coming next week. Other flavors like Espresso, Cali Tart, Chocolate, among others are already there.
I decided on 3; the Island Coconut, the Cali Tart, and topped with the Espresso. I thought the combinations were great. I sat outside and proceeded to enjoy one delicious frozen yogurt. I could taste the difference in the MYC yogurt; creamy consistency with well defined flavors. People were stopping in, also caught by the frozen yogurt for dogs. Out they came with yogurt. I asked the 2 ladies that were also enjoying some yogurt and they thought it was fantastic.
Renee told me that all the frozen yogurts were gluten free, which was music to my ears!! Their yogurt is also probiotic, low cal, Kosher certified, they have sugar free syrup and even a non-dairy sorbet; the Pink Lemonade.
In Florida MYC can be found in Key West, Miami, St. Petersburg, and Delray Beach.
Please note that is also a full service coffee shop.
Walking back home I had to stop at the draw bridge on the Intracoastal. There was a woman with 2 Labradors. I told her that they would love the frozen yogurt for dogs at MYC. She answered “Oh, they have it all the time, they love, don’t you guys? Off we went.
Have a great week-end….talk to you later…
January 27th, 2012
I think I would like to have some Vietnamese soup, he said. He, meaning my husband. I gave him that look like he had horns coming out of his head. Really? Is that so? It’s not like we live in New York where out the door and you can get anything you want.
He continued….”we” can make it. Another no no. “We” means, “you can maket it”. So, we went to Lily Thai instead, located at 10 North 1st St. in downtown beautiful and warm Rehoboth Beach. Yes, it was at that time of the evening and 54 degrees. Tel. 302-227-3348.
 Rehoboth Avenue and 1st Street I have gone plenty of times to Lily Thai. And, have written about it, as well. I was late in discovering this small restaurant that has been around for a few years now. Originally, it was BYOB. Then, an application process cut that out until last year they finally got their liquor license. It has made such a difference; people do like to have a drink with dinner.
Lily Thai opens 6 days a week for lunch and dinner, closed on Mondays, at this time of the year. They have great specials, and it is very affordable.
The last time I was there I had a dish that even though I took a picture, then I could not remember what it was. It was one of the specials of the evening. Last night I found out that what I had eaten was Chili Crusted Eggplant. Lightly fried Thai eggplants flavored with sweet and spicy roasted chili sauce, chicken, shrimp, tomatoes, onions and topped with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients for Thai food are mixed together in such a way to create different appetizing flavors. Thai food plays with your taste buds; it’s like they are having a great party.
Last night my husband then decided to have their Pad Thai with tofu and extra peanuts. Completely forgot about the Vietamese soup. It was a large portion, almost enough for 2 people. Rice noodles with tamarind pulp, bean sprouts, red tofu, egg and crushed nuts.
I decided on the Duck Grob Roasted Chili. It was one of their specials. Roasted Chili, sweet crispy honey duck, crusted eggplants, tomatoes, onions, sweet and spicy roasted chili sauce. I love the Thai eggplants and this dish was really good with just enough kick.
Biologists consider eggplant to be a fruit and not a vegetable. An eggplant can absorb almost any flavor from any of the ingredients in a dish as well.
For dessert we had the imported mango, sweet sticky rice, topped with coconut cream. The last time I had it it was so good. This time, well not that great. The mango was a little hard and not good at all. This is not the mango season in many parts of the world so maybe that was the reason.
All in all, our meal was very good. Lily Thai is like a neighborhood restaurant; don’t feel like cooking and want flavorful and colorful food?….then you know where to find it now.
Talk to you later….
January 26th, 2012
This was not my first time at Dos Locos and it won’t be by last. The evening started by taking 2 friends to enjoy a dinner out in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
I chose Dos Locos because it is a casual restaurant and my husband was dying for stonegrilled scallops.
As we arrived my friend said to her husband “let me sit across from Gloria…we are going to talk about fashion and jewelry….haha. That set the tone for laughter and a really fun meal to be enjoyed with close friends.
Dos Locos is located at 208 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-227-3353. Website? www.doslocos.com. The restaurant has a full size bar on one side and booths and tables on another. Even a private room is available for parties.
Alex was our server and he was really so attentive, as usual. Gosh we talked and talked….chips and salsa always at the table.
A few shots of tequila, a martini, and a margarita came to the table. The Margarita was freshly made; no mix there. It went so smoothly that another had to be ordered.
Some ordered from the stonegrill menu. Stonegrilling is very social. A stone is brought to your table and it is heated at about 700 degrees. You will be doing the cooking. All meat or seafood arrives raw. You can personalize it by cooking it rare, medium or well. When you cook on these stones the food is seared with all the natural juices inside. Very healthy; no oils and fats are included; just rubs and dipping sauces. All dishes came with a salad or chef’s side.
The Scallops.
The Scallops and Steak.
Another entree was the Steak Quesadilla which was grilled steak with melted cheese and a choice of Vallarta sauce which is a tomato sauce or the Santa Fe with jalapenos. She ordered the Santa Fe….Que bueno!!
I decided on Steak Fajitas. I love making my own. Temperature? Medium rare. It was a good size entre and it really hit the spot. Delicioso!!
As I looked at the table I thought it looked fun. Rice, beans, salsa, and dips!! Nothing else was needed.
It was such a nice evening…..Dos Locos has Happy Hour, specials pretty much every night of the week….they are also on Facebook.
Note: Dos Locos also offers a Gluten Free Menu
Gracias Amigos…Hasta Luego…
January 22nd, 2012
In Delray Beach, Florida some restaurants come and go, just like anywhere else. But then, there are those who are now part of the established eateries that make this Village by the Sea such a South Florida destination. They are serving tried and true dishes; some are a house specialty and some are a customer’s favorite.
So, if you find yourselves in this Village by The Sea, enjoy the town, the beach, the shops and all the restaurants; some are more casual than others, but almost all of them offer al fresco dining.
I visit Delray often and the following restaurants are favorites in Delray. They all offer so much on their menu. But, there are some dishes that I am totally hooked on. Check my list.
Ziree Thai and Sushi is located at 401 West Atlantic Ave. (a few blocks west of the Delray Beach Tennis Center). Tel. 561-276-6549. Website? http://www.zireethai.com.
Sushi, sashimi, other Asian delights are among the many dishes. I have been visiting Ziree since they opened and have seen it grow and be such a part of the local community.
I love a dish called the Atlantic Ocean. It is a combination of salmon, shrimp, scallops, squid and mussels, steamed in thick curry sauce and basil leaves. It is a delicious dish and can you believe that it is only $19.95. It is served with your choice of white or brown rice.
Jimmy’s Bistro has been in Delray for a few years, at 9 S. Swinton. Tel. 561-865-5774. You can find Jimmy’s Bistro on Facebook. I was there when Jimmy first opened the bistro. I knew success was around the corner. It was a matter of time; a few passed the word around and Jimmy has become very much loved in the community. It is small, quaint and has great background music.
One of my true favorites and I imagine, a signature dish along with his Po’ Boy is Jimmy’s Tomato Soup with Parmesan Crust. It is served steaming hot; love poking through the crust to find a comforting soup. It is filling so get a lighter entree. Or, have a salad with it.
Cabana El Rey – It is referred to as Cabana, located at 105 East Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-274-9090. Website? www.cabanarestaurant.com. This restaurant serves a variety of Latin dishes; tostones, mariquitas, coconut rice, morcillas, paella, rice in squid ink, but a favorite of mine and one that you will always find on its menu, is the Pollo Asado which is a half roasted chicken rubbed with adobo (garlic, oregano, lime and extra virgin olive oil). It is served with a choice of yellow or white rice and beans, of course. It is $17.95 and is the best; kid you not.
Tramonti is located at 119 E. Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-272-1944. Website? www.tramontidelray.com. This restaurant is one of those that is crowded all the time. Do anything you can to get ahead of the line; speak Italian? That’s even better. They serve a very good lunch too if dinner is not your thing or reservations are hard to get.
A signature dish of Tramonti is called Spaghetti in Cartoccio Areo. It is a baked spaghetti with shrimp, parma prosciutto in a cognac cream sauce. The baking is done in foil. Well seasoned, thick sauce, just enough cognac.
Another favorite? Carpaccio Di Manzo is a beef carpaccio on a bed of arugola, capers, balsamic vinegar and shaves of parmigiano cheese. It is more of an appetizer.
Brule Bistro is in what is known as Pineapple Grove. This Art District of Delray is becoming a second Atlantic Avenue. Brule is located at 200 NE 2nd Ave., Tel. 561-274-2046. Website? www.brulebistro.com. I have yet to make it for dinner; that will be soon, though. The restaurant has a good menu and an extensive wine list.
The chilled gazpacho with yogurt creme is excellent on a hot South Florida day. Homemade; not canned.
The Market Salad is a favorite and it has assorted veggies and white balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Topped with grilled chicken, it is certainly a beautiful meal.
City Oyster was one of the first restaurants I went to when I first came to Delray Beach about 9 years ago. It is located at 213 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-272-0220. Website? www.cityoysterdelray.com. Definitely it is defined as American Cuisine. It has a great bar and very impressive inside. I usually just sit outside having what I love there best; raw oysters. They are from different parts of the country. Served on ice, plump and salty. That’s all I need to say.
Vic & Angelo’s is located at 290 East Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-278-9570. Website? www.vicandangelos.com. Great atmosphere, good bread, fine wings, and delicious pastas, but one dish that I order every single time is the V & A Caesar Salad. Romaine Hearts, hand shaved Reggiano, white anchovies with the homemade Caesar dressing makes this one of my favorite salads. It is large enough to share; I never do and I never offer either.
After that salad a veal picatta with artichokes, capers and lemon jus…is a favorite, as well.
Bru’s Room is a Sport’s Bar right in the heart of Delray. Along with many types of beers, and plenty of televisions for all the sport aficionados, they serve the best, bar none, Wings. I usually order the Triple Threat. It is a combination of all their wings; BBQ, Sweet ‘N’ Tangy and hot, grilled and topped with minced garlic. You can leave the garlic out or just get like I sometimes do, the Sweet ‘N’ Tangy, but the magic word is Grilled. You can order them for take-out, as well. Call 561-276-3663. Bru’s Room is located at 35 NE 2nd Ave. Website? www.brusroom.com. The wings are gluten free and it is one of the few restaurants that I have encountered in South Florida offering a gluten free menu.
The Office is located at 201 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-276-3600. Website? www.theofficedelray.com. No ordinary office this is. They serve outdoors, at the bar or indoors. I have had different salads at the office; some are specials but one that is always on their menu and a favorite is the Vinegar Maker’s Salad. Romaine, tomato, avocado, cucumber, carrot, onion, olives, chick peas, and roasted cauliflower. It is even better topped with a fish, beef or chicken. My choice is usually beef.
A resurgence of deviled eggs I have found to be in a lot of restaurants. Their Truffled Deviled Eggs with paprika and chives are so good.
The Dark english Ale Battered Fish with salt and vinegar “chips”, pan fried onion dip, and cole slaw does not have any rivals.
Lemongrass is located at 420 E. Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-278-0222. It is a happening spot with plenty of customers enjoying unique fare. I have had, just like in the above mentioned restaurants, plenty of what they have to offer, but, one dish that is outstanding, besides being a conversation piece is their Holly Snapper. Boneless and fried snapper, topped with a garlic sweet chili sauce. I take my time in eating it and savour every last bite. Love it!!
Another favorite and signature dish is the Lobster Monster Roll…crispy lobster, cucumber, scallions, asparagus, masago, I/O with sesame seeds. This is all you need to order.
Delray Beach, let me tell you that you have come a long way….good for you…talk to you later.
 
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