February 12th, 2011
There is nothing better than spending a cold afternoon in Delray Beach with friends. Well, a warmer afternoon, certainly would have been better. It was so good to see Jay and Les. They are foodies, as well. Always ready for a good bite to eat. So, off we went, 4 of us to spend a few hours together, to enjoy some lunch with Latin flair. We picked Cabana El Rey.
This is the second time I have visited Cabana while on vacation. I mentioned in one of my posts that they do have the best Mojitos. Traditionally made; love the sugar cane stirring stick. Cabana is located at 105 E. Atlantic Ave., Tel. 561-274-9090. Website is www.cabanarestaurant.com.
The sun had finally come out but it was still chilly, nevertheless. We picked a corner table in a sunny spot. Perfect view of people strolling. We could hear the music from the Garlic Fest.
We started with Mariquitas and Shrimp Bisque. In Puerto Rico these are called platanutres. When I was growing up, my grandmother made the best ones. Thin, crispy and light. These ones were served with a garlic mojo and avocado salsa. The bisque was good but they wished it had a few more shrimp.
Two of my friends ordered the Churrasco. This is a Latin American skirt steak marinated in garlic and fresh herbs, accompanied by chimichurri and cebollitas. This dish was suggested by our waitress and they both said it was so good that they would, definitely, order it again. The beef was very well seasoned and perfectly cooked.
My husband’s choice was the Ceviche Mixto. Fresh shrimp, octopus, scallops, and calamari marinated in aji amarillo, hot rocoto peppers, garlic, lime juice and cilantro. It was served with assorted viandas and maiz tostado. He said it was delicious. Rocoto peppers look like a bell pepper but very hot. They have been cultivated in Bolivia and Peru for hundreds of years.
I usually order the Pollo Asado and once again that’s exactly what I asked for. I love it. It is a good size dish but I don’t care. It is very good. It was the first thing I tasted at Cabana some years ago. The Pollo Asado is a half roasted chicken rubbed with adobo; garlic, oregano, lime and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
The side dish? Of course, yellow rice with black beans.
Even though we ate outside, the inside of this restaurant is very tropical; beautiful color combinations and a very interesting bar. They also have a separate room to be used for private parties. I believe you have to have at least 10 people in order to have it for the evening and reservations are a must.
One good thing about Cabana and I probably will say this about most restaurants in Delray; they do let you enjoy your lunch or dinner. No rush.
After our lunch we decided to go and check out the Garlic Fest. The musician at that time of the afternoon was Billy Bones. He was playing the saxophone. He is a very accomplished musician. If you would like to learn more about him and his music, please visit www.billybones.com.
The Garlic Fest was packed; so many tents, so many vendors, too many people. Needless to say, we did not last long and my husband decided that Buddy Guy, well, that was not going to happen.
Having lunch with friends? Priceless!! Talk to you later…
February 11th, 2011
Out and about checking the Avenue in downtown Delray Beach. It was a bit chilly and I thought it was about to start raining, but it didn’t.
I have been meaning to stop at Crepes by the Sea. It is a tiny restaurant specializing in crepes. I know that flour is added to the batter so I stopped to see if they did that, as well. They said yes but immediately I was told that they are working with a gluten free buckwheat flour and soon they will be able to offer that option to customers with a gluten allergy. Check their website, www.crepesbythesea.com. They are on Facebook, as well.
I was walking back to my townhouse when I looked up and saw the guy trimming the palm tree. He was so high up but seemed pretty comfortable and at ease in that position.
Then gathered the rest of my family and by now it was after 1 p.m. So, guess what? We went to Vic & Angelo’s. I had not been to this restaurant in some time but I did write a post on them back on September 29, 2009. To see it, all you have to do is go on the left hand side of this website and click on the month of September, 2009 and scroll down to the date.
Vic & Angelo’s is located at 290 E Atlantic Avenue. Website? www.vicandangelos.com. Tel. 561-278-9570. You can also find them of Facebook and Twitter.
We ate indoors since it was sort of cold but there are plenty of tables for outdoor dining. This restaurant is so open that you don’t even realize you are eating indoors.
Delicious bread was brought to our table. I had forgotten how good it was.
We wanted something light. Vic & Angelo’s gives you plenty of food, though.
The Grilled Calamari was ordered and I have had this appetizer before; it was just as good. Olives, capers, peppers, arugula, with a lemon vinaigrette.
The Sicilian Chicken Wings had rosemary, chilies, aged Parmessan, olio verde and onions. I have been testing chicken wings here and there and I am usually very partial to the ones at the Bru’s Room but these ones could be right up there with them.
The Vic & Angelo’s Caesar was my dish. It had romain hearts, hand shaved Reggiano, and the best white anchovies. I topped it with a very well seasoned, medium skirt steak. It is unusual to find a Caesar salad with the white anchovies. They are a great addition to this salad. People don’t realize how mild they are. The dressing was perfect; light.
We lounged and talked and watched people go by. Yes, remember, we are on vacation and there is no hurry to get anywhere. Kick back and relax. That’s precisely what we did.
Note: Vic & Angelo’s Happy Hours are Mondays to Fridays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. They offer 1/2 price drinks and appetizers.
See you later….talk to you later too…
February 11th, 2011
Already the Old School Square is a sea of white tents. Ready to start the Garlic Fest. Besides all the cooking and food that will be available, the musicians performing this whole week-end are very good. For more info. on the whole Garlic Fest, please visit www.dbgarlicfest.com.
Friday Evening at 7:30 p.m. is Dark Star Orchestra – Grateful Dead classics are performed in the same way that an orchestra interprets music of classical composers. Please visit www.darkstarorchestra.net.
Saturday Evening at 8:30 p.m. is Buddy Guy – American Blues – Grammy Winner – Inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – 70 years old and still considered one amazing performer. His website is www.buddyguy.net.
Sunday at 5:30 p.m. is Led Hed – A tribute to the music of Led Zeppelin. This band is based in Florida. Please visit www.led-hed.com.
Have a great time!!!
February 11th, 2011
I has been a pretty nice week in Delray even though we had some rain. The water has been so blue and so clear; transparent. I don’t know how many people are going to be sitting on the beach this week-end. Delray Beach has one of its big festivals starting Friday through Sunday. This town is amazing in organizing itself for such big events. So, here is what’s happening in town.
12th Annual Garlic Fest – $10 admission fee. No pets, no coolers, no chairs and no outside food or beverages. The hours: Friday from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The Garlic Fest celebrates garlic, cooking, music, art and so much more. It will begin on North Swinton Ave. and the grounds of the Historical Old School Square.
Please note that all downtown parking fees are being waived during the festival.
The website www.dbgarlicfest.com has been specifically designed for this event. You will find everything you need to know in it. Please do take the time to visit because there are cooking contests, food and so much entertainment and this website will explain it all.
The musician that I am interested in watching is Buddy Guy. He will be performing from 8:30 until 10:00 p.m. on Saturday evening. He is an American blues guitarist and singer; a pioneer of the Chicago blues sound. He has been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Buddy Guy is 70 years old and he is also known for his showmanship on stage.
His music has influenced Jimmy Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn and John Mayer.
Buddy Guy was ranked 30th in Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarist of all Times.
Saturday, 2/12 – Delray Green Market – This market is so wonderful. Please stop by and check all the vendors. There is music, baked goods, flowers and so much more. The location? SE 4th Avenue, South of Atlantic. It starts at 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. every Saturday. For info. please contact Lori Nolan at nolan@mydelray.com.
Have a great week-end!!!!
February 10th, 2011
I wish I could say spring is in the air. We just have to hang in there a bit longer. In the meantime, this is what’s happening at the Delaware Beaches.
Rehoboth Beach Film Society
The Film Society is seeking art submissions from local artists for the 2011 Film Festival!! If you would like your artwork to appear on the Fesival poster, program and t-shirts, then please visit www.rehobothfilm.com for guidelines. March 1st is the deadline.
Film submissions are also being accepted for the 14th anniversary of the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival from now until June 30th. Please visit the website above mentioned to learn how to submit a film. Pass the word around to any filmmakers you know. I hope Madison is reading this.
Delaware Comedy Theatre
Saturday, February 12 – Delaware Comedy Theatre will present “Il Mio Valentino Buffo”, an Italian wedding comedy. Time? 7:00 p.m. Where? At the Virden Center located at 700 Pilottown Rd., Lewes.
This is a fundraising event for The Wellness Community Delaware which is an affiliate of the cancer support community. This is a statewide organization dedicated to helping people with cancer and their loved ones. Please visit www.wellnessdelaware.org/upcomingevents.php.
On Saturday evening you can toast the happy couple, enjoy the buffet dinner and dance the night away. You will be entertained by this fabulous, innovative comedic troupe, and you will feel like family.
Think it will be fun to be a “wedding crasher”? This is your opportunity. Prizes will be given to the funniest guest in character. Be entertained and be entertaining.
Also, please bring $$$. Following local custom, the bride will participate in the $$$ dance. Biscotti, and Italian cookies will be available for purchase at the end of the evening.
$60 will include dinner and show. Tables of 10 will be $550 and tables of 8 will be $440. Cash bar will be available. The funds raised on this evening will directly benefit the The Wellness Community in Sussex County.
Please visit the above mentioned website for tickets or contact Marcia Esposito at 302-645-9150 or e-mail her at Mesposito@wellnessdelaware.org.
Monday, 2/14 – “Cupid Shoots Self in Foot V” – at 7:30 p.m. at Fish On at the Villages of Five Points, 17300 N. Village Main.
The Delaware Comedy Theatre will present Cupid Shoots Self in Foot V – Return of the Armed Love Baby!! It will review the pitfalls of being in and out of love.
Seating begins at 7:00 p.m. Full menu of great food and drinks will be available. Please call Fish On at 302-645-9790. Remember that the show will be adult-themed; not suitable for children.
The Delaware Comedy Theatre , www.delawarecomedytheatre.com is located at 131 Glade Circle West, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. is 302-258.5443. This is the longest improv theater company in Delaware.
Improve is a form of theatre in which actors use improvisational acting techniques to perform spontaneously. No scrips, no memorized dialogue and no rehearsed scenes; just spontaneous.
Friday, 2/11 and Saturday, 2/12 – 5th Annual Lewes Winter Fest to be held at the historic commercial district surrounding Second St. It has a new name, though; Winter Fest Barkfest since it has become more dog oriented. Restaurants and businesses will be offering Valentine’s Day holiday specials. For more info., please call the Lewes Chamber at 302-645-8073.
Clear Space Theatre Company
Sunday, 2/13 – “Dirty Blonde” the bawdy essense of Mae West, explores the life of screen and stage legend at 3:00 p.m. at Clear Space Theatre Company located at 20 Baltimore Ave. (beach block). Please visit www.clearspacetheatre.org for tickets and information or call 302-227-2270.
Sunday, 2/13 – Sixth Valentine’s Chase & Couples 5K and 1 Mile Walk at 9:00 a.m. at the Cape Henlopen State Park at the Fishing Pier. Follow signs once inside the Park. Time? 9:00 a.m. Please contact Tim Bamforth at 302-644-8952 or visit www.seashorestriders.com.
Thursday, 2/17 – Salsa for Seniors and Argentine Tango at the Cape Henlopen Senior Center, 11 Christian St. The Tango will be held from Noon until 1:30 p.m. and the Salsa class from 1:30 until 2:55 p.m. $25 or $20 for senior center members.
Reservations are requested. No partner is necessary. Contact Ivonne Cimo at Dance Moves and Manners at 302-222-3755 at www.dancemovesandmanners.com.
February 9th, 2011
About 6 or 7 years ago I went with Shelley and Scott to this New York Style Deli Market called Way Beyond Bagels. It is located at the Shoppes at Addison Place. The address is 16850 Jog Rd., Delray Beach, FL 33446. Tel. 561-638-1320. The website is www.waybeyondbagels.com. This area is called “county club mile” because if you drive on this road, all you will pass is one country club/gated community after another.
I always used to get their chopped liver and their waldorf chicken salad; my mouth was just watering thinking about it. Since we were out and about it was the perfect place to stop and get a bite to eat. I have not been there in quite some time.
You do need a car since you have to go west from downtown Delray Beach. I took Atlantic Avenue to Jog. Then turned left and went about 1 mile. You will see it on the left hand side of the road.
It is always crowded; very popular. They open Mondays to Fridays from 6:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
When you step in all you see is beautiful food every where. It really is a New York Style Deli Market. Everything looks so fresh.
They carry Brooklyn’s finest smoked fish like nova, belly, sturgeon, sable, chopped nova, whitefish, scotch salmon and baked salmon.
They have about 2 dozen different bagel flavors, and hand whipped specialty cream cheeses.
They have salads and ready to go salads, soups like split pea and chicken noodle. The day I went they also had chicken pot pie, stuffed cabbage and wraps all ready to go.
I almost forgot to tell you that they have a great assortment of baked goods. For example, the cookies looked great but I did not get any. I cannot tempt myself that way. They had mini linzer tarts, and ruggalah, muffins, homemade chocolate flourless torte, homemade chocolate peanut butter flourless torte, just to name a few.
We ordered one croissant sandwich with waldorf chicken salad. It was delicious.
Mine was a plain bagel with chopped liver and the works. It was just like I expected it to be; fantastic. I even bought chopped liver to go.
It is one of those places that you can come for breakfast, lunch or even stop and get something for a light dinner.
There is a self serve dining room and also outdoor seating. The outdoor seating is so popular that it really was hard to find an empty table, therefore, we ate inside.
Way Beyond Bagels caters, but please call them or go on their website above mentioned for more information. They offer free delivery on all orders above $125.00.
It’s good to talk to you….I’ll do that later again. See you,
February 9th, 2011
My status is: I am on a quest; to find the best gluten free pizza. But, the reality is that there is no comparison to the real thing. Thankful for the fact that restaurants are trying their best? You bet!!!
In the past year as I visited Delray I noticed Mellow Mushroom. They are pizza bakers but they also have calzones, hoagies, appetizers, salads and lots of different types of beer. It seems that they do draw a nice crowd, whether is for lunch or dinner. It was not going to happen since it is a pizza joint and my husband has a gluten allergy, therefore, he has to eat gluten-free. So, I forgot about them.
Surprise, surprise. I got an e-mail that listed different restaurants throughout the U.S. with gluten free items in their menu. Mellow Mushroom was listed. I called them and they said that they offered gluten-free pizza every day.
This past Monday we paid them a visit to see for ourselves. My husband just wanted a thin, crispy crust pizza. He said it would make his year if he got that.
Mellow Mushroom is located on 25 S.E. 6th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-330-3040. Website is www.mellowmushroom.com/delraybeach. You will also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
As you come into the restaurant you will find that it looks like it is an easy going place; funky decor. Just like a lot of businesses start, this one was started by friends back in the day. Yes, 1974 and near Georgia Tech. At present, the headquarters are in Atlanta.
It is a franchise; individually owned and operated with its own twist and theme throughout the restaurant; adding local color. Mellow Mushroom is open Mondays – Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 until 12:00 a.m. and Sundays from 11:30 until 11:00 p.m. Please check the website for specials.
On with our dining experience; I don’t want to get off track. We were seated immediately and it was about 8 p.m. The restaurant was comfortably crowded. We ordered something to drink. And, that is when we decided that the restaurant was going to be disjointed.
Waiting a long time for those drinks to come we already had seen the menu and knew what we wanted. One person wanted the calzone. I wanted the tossed salad with a balsamic dressing. And, you know already what my husband wanted; the gluten free pizza. Toppings? Green peppers, onions, ground beef, and mushrooms.
The waitress was friendly and finally she arrived with the drinks. Our order was then placed and my husband was waiting in anticipation for his thin crust pizza.
For the time of the evening, they took a long time. I do know that they cook to order, but it took a long time. Then the calzone came out, then my salad and then the pizza. At that point, another round of drinks was ordered and the waitress had forgotten my balsamic dressing so she was to bring that, as well.
The calzone was okay, but nothing to write home about.
I was dissapointed with my salad because the tomatoes were limp; almost like they were past their prime. Two sad slices of bacon on top. Plus, I still did not have the dressing and I ordered it again. By the time it arrived I had eaten the toppings on the salad so only lettuce was there. Not worth taking a picture.
I must admit that the pizza looked great. Again, it will never be the real thing but for someone that cannot eat regular pizza, this was a real treat. We did have to send it back to get it more crispy, though. I had a few slices myself, and I will say that I will come back again for it.
That was the experience. Lukewarm, I guess. Definitely, worth checking again.
Talk to you later…you know I will…
February 8th, 2011
Perfect temperature; not too hot and, definitely, not cold. Bright sunshine; the days are a bit longer and I am enjoying my stay in Delray Beach.
I walked the length of the beach and I could not help but notice how clear the water was. The blue color was unreal today. As I walked the beach I noticed that this year there are so many of the blue cabanas on the beach.
The City of Delray has selected Oceanside Beach Services, owned by Mike Novatka, as their beach service operator. This company has a website, www.beachservice.com. In it you will find rates, packages, gift certificates, services and shopping. The company started in 1979 with about 10 cabanas and now after 30 years in business they have over 1,000 and service major beach-front hotels in South Florida. The telephone is 561-840-3373.
If you are visiting Delray Beach and don’t feel like dragging beach chairs along with everything else, then you will be happy to find so many available for rent. They are very comfortable also.
Yes, this is Delray Beach. A nice wide beach that can get crowded at times; but today it was perfect.
 
|
Comments Off on Out and About, Delray Beach, Cabana El Rey, Lunch, Restaurant, Review, Village by the Sea, Palm Beach County