February 3rd, 2012
Officially, Park Tavern is opening its doors tonight in Delray Beach. The restaurant is located at 32 SE 2nd Ave. at Worthing Place. Tel. 561-265-5093. Website? www.parktaverndelray.com.
This restaurant will be serving sustainable American cuisine; farm fresh. Ask and they’ll tell you all about the best farmers, fisherman, and ranchers. Better yet, visit the website, check the menu, scroll down and a list of those who will be suppliers to Park Tavern is there for you to check out.
From breads to cured meats and condiments, everything will be made in-house.
Have not visited yet so my review is not available. Will wait until the novelty wears out a bit. You know how it is.
Oh, I forgot to tell you that Park Tavern is owned by another restaurant in Delray Beach, Cut 432.
Another restaurant that will be opening doors in Delray Beach is called SALT. They will be serving prime steaks, sushi and raw bar. The domain is www.salttherestaurant.com. SALT is located opposite corner from Park Tavern.
 
Plenty of choices for all aficionados. Talk to you later….
December 21st, 2011
Warm in Rehoboth Beach. I like it that way, even though at this time of the year I really do like winter to show its face for the holidays.
Rehoboth is known for its good restaurants; great chefs introducing their innovative cuisine is what a lot of foodies in the area want to experience.
Delray Beach, Florida is known also for its restaurants. One after another you will find them on Atlantic Avenue, which is ”Main Street”. Italian, Japanese, American, French, and Latin.
Years ago another street was introduced in Delray Beach. The street is NE 2nd Ave. This is known as Pineapple Grove, due to the produce that was grown in years past. It looked, at the time, that it would end up being an extension of Atlantic Ave.
Well, it has turned out to be one of the hippest parts of town; sidewalks are lined with art, sculptures, bookstores, eateries; downtown living at its best. The residents of Pineapple Grove have everything accessible to them, including gyms and postal service. Oh, and don’t forget that they are pretty close to the beach, as well; a bike ride or a short drive.
 Early Sunday a.m. One thing that Delray Beach has taken to the next level is the availability to dine ”al fresco”. A temperate climate in South Florida is so conducive for this type of dining. In Delray you might find yourselves dining right on the sidewalk or in some private garden, as well. The sidewalks are wide enough to let the pedestrian activity run smoothly.
Brule Bistro is located at 200 NE 2nd Ave., Suite 109, Delray Beach, FL 33444. It is right on City Walk which has retail on the bottom. Tel. 561-274-2046. Website? http://www.brulebistro.com.
This past summer I went on a hot day and thought it was delicious. Again, just a few weeks ago, it was the choice for my son and I on a perfect day in the Village by the Sea.
Brule has a casual atmosphere. The bistro is known for its extensive collection of wines. It has take out; no reservations, though. It opens early and closes late. The website has a full menu for you to check out. And, specials every day.
The staff was friendly and knew the menu well. There was an excitement as I asked my server what the dish that he had just served to another table was. I ordered that lunch special of salmon over roasted beets. It was considered a salad and I did not want it to end.
I first started with a Chilled Gazpacho with a yogurt creme. The gazpacho was homemade, no canned tomato juice there.
Then came that salmon over the roasted beet salad. I usually write down what I am eating but it the excitement of it all, I forgot. At least, the photo says it all.
My son started with a Shrimp Ceviche in a citrus and chili marinade, served with avocado and the thinnest of warm house chips.
Then an order of their Brule Club with roasted turkey, bacon, arugula, tomato, avocado, Asiago and pesto aioli on a multigrain bread. It was a handsome portion, perfectly displayed. Gone in not time.
 
No desserts for us….we were perfectly happy.
If you are in the Village by the Sea….check it out and let me know what you think. You can write to me to the blog or visit AboutMyBeaches on Facebook.
September 17th, 2011
I am welcoming this change in the weather like you would not believe. It is so gorgeous and crisp; makes you want to get up and do something.
If you are spending time this week-end at the beaches, you will hear the roar of motorcycles up and down Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). They are mainly heading towards Ocean City, MD, where the Delmarva Bike Week is presently taking place.
The other day I went to have lunch at Liquid Assets. This restaurant, bar and beautiful bodega is located at 94th St. & Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-524-7037, website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com. I think this is the perfect opportunity to write the post on L.A. since just as it opens for lunch, it is also open for dinner.
I took my sister in law, Susie, on this outing. I wanted her to see how different it was. Don’t have one in our Delaware Beaches.
It has a bistro atmosphere with different choices for dining. You may choose to stay in the package goods section where you can see the comings and goings of patrons, and at the same time have a quiet dining experience.
You can also sit at the bar, or decide to dine in their separate dining room, which might be more intimate. The feel of it is, definitely, more like a wine cellar.
Susie and I decided on a corner table in the middle of the package goods store.
Diane was our waitress and she turned out to be very knowledgeable about the menu and very friendly, as well.
Usually, I do have their Pan Roasted Mussels. I truly love them and even though I have had very good ones in other restaurants; these, at L.A. are totally #1.
But, I decided to have something else. I went with their L.A. Burger. It was made with Creekstone Farms beef, with a traditional cucumber and red pepper relish, bibb lettuce, Denhay English Cheddar, and thick cut fries on a Kaiser roll. Temperature? Medium rare.
As you can see from the pictures, it was a very generous portion. How I ate it? I don’t know. To tell you the truth I don’t know why I even dare to question this since I have always been able to finish all my food.
It was juicy, well seasoned and I really did like the addition of the bibb lettuce.
Susie had their Deluxe Grilled Cheese. This sandwich is always on their menu and it is very popular. Applewood smoked bacon, sliced apples, cheddar, spinach, pane dolce and thick cut fries.
Great combination of flavors for this time of the year. We had to open it so that you could see what it looked like inside.
Liquid Assets has an extensive wine collection, as well as plenty of spirits. As I walked around a few caught my attention.
Then, one in particular. It was a Vodka called Tito’s Handmade Vodka. In large letters it also said Gluten Free.
This vodka is handmade in Austin, Texas by Mockinbird Distillery. It has been in the press lately, as well. It has the designation of being the First Spirit to be Made in USA Certified. If you visit their webiste, www.titosvodka.com, you will find very interesting info., including the press releases from Buy American Challenge, WSJ, Martha Stewart, NY Times and CNN Money.
Liquid Assets also has catering, and the availability to hold private parties in the restaurant.
By visiting their website, above mentioned, you will find their menus, including their cheeses, their martinis and their beer list. Throughout the year they hold events and interesting specials, as well. You can even share your lazy dog photos with L.A.
Lazy? Don’t want to cook? They have carry-out.
You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
February 21st, 2011
Last September 9, 2010, I went to dinner with friends to a very popular restaurant in Rehoboth Beach called Eden. You can read this post if you click on the month of September on the left hand side of this website and scroll down to the date. On that night I happened to look across the street and saw a new restaurant that I did not know about. It was JAM; also owned by Eden; recently opened. A mental note to visit this restaurant some time soon.
Well, it has been more than a few months so on Friday, Linda, Harry, John and I decided to check it out. I had previously called to find out if they were aware of gluten allergies. They said yes and to inform the waitress.
JAM is located at 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. is 302-226-5266. Website? www.jambistro.com. It is open Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:100 a.m. E-mail is info@edenrestaurant.com.
Linda and Harry are game to try something new even though at times I see a hesitation when I suggest to go to a new place. It was pretty funny when a couple of years ago I took them to the Grove Market in Bishopville, MD. Linda did not know what to think when we arrived.
On Saturday, it was the perfect night to go out. We needed to catch up. When the 4 of us get together is non-stop talking and laughter.
I had no preconceived ideas about JAM. Did not even read a review; I wanted to see for myself.
A flight down a set of stairs and then you enter to a surprise. From the outside JAM is so deceiving. I thought it would be small but it was not. A large room with tables scattered throughout and tablecloths. A partition divided a bar with tables set for dinner. We decided to sit in the larger dining room. The colors and art were very pretty.
JAM is a casual restaurant. We live at the beach; it should be that way.
Amy was our waitress and she was very friendly. Throughout our meal she stopped at the table to see if we needed anything; very unobtrusive. She let us talk and talk and talk.
At JAM you can order every wine by the glass, but what got rave reviews was the Dirty Martini. It came just like a dirty martini should; cloudy.
A few appetizers were ordered:
Crispy smashed firgerlings with smoked bacon and vermont cheddar, Old Bay and tartar sauce. They were crispy and you could definitely taste the Old Bay.
Shrimp dumplings, lemongrass broth, green, yuzu/truffle dressing. Yuzu is a sour Japanese citrus fruit; the rind predominantly used. Seasoned well with a nice flaky crust.
House made meatballs, tomato gravy and shaved parmesan was another appetizer ordered, but Linda has been perfecting meatballs at home and thought hers were better.
I went with the $30 prix fixe menu and I chose the roasted carrot and ginger soup with fried parsnips chips. It was delicious and I hope I can get the recipe.
More wine and more dry martinis followed. Then for our entrees we ordered.
Grilled Pork Chop and a side of broccolini over mashed potatoes. It looked beautiful. Harry said it was delicious; not dry and great gravy.
Linda had the Pappardelle Bolognese which was a house made pasta with shaved pecorino and olive oil. I think she liked it but, again, she has been experimenting a lot with her own Bolognese sauce and she thought hers was so good. She is inviting us to sample her Italian cooking. A post will be coming soon.
John and I chose the Grilled Whole Silver Snapper that came over jasmine rice, garlic broccolini and a preserved orange vinaigrette. Amy suggested we had this entree and it truly was delicious. It was a white flaky fish with mild flavor; seasoned and cooked to perfection.
A word of caution. If you do not like to see a whole fish then don’t order it. That has never bothered me. Also if you don’t like the idea of picking thrugh fishbones, then don’t order it either. You will be missing a great tasting fish, though.
We had to try the desserts and a outrageous dark chocolate brownie was ordered with vanilla bean ice cream, and caramel krispies. The brownie was dense and sweet, just as it should be.
My Key Lime Pie was also perfect. Tart; not too sweet, just the way I like it.
Coffee and laughter was the perfect ending to a perfect evening……friends, always there….I love it that way….
Talk to you later…
P.S. I must be hitting all the restaurants at the right time because to tell you the truth most of them have been good with just a few having bad nights. I hope that’s what they had.
August 24th, 2010
Every week I say that I should not be eating this much raw fish; once again I had that craving for sashimi.
If you are a frequent visitor to the Delaware Beaches you know that we do have excellent restaurants in all the beaches. So many choices and so lucky to be able to experience the best.
On Monday night my craving took me to the Cultured Pearl located at 301 Rehoboth Avenue right on downtown Rehoboth Beach. The telephone is 302-227-8493. Website www.culturedpearl.us. Telephone for carry out is 302-227-4217.
I have been a customer of the Cultured Pearl for many years, going back to their old location on Wilmington Ave. Rob and Susan are the owners of this very popular Asian restaurant.
It is decorated with an inspiration in traditional Japanese architecture; bamboo, flowing water, koi, and live birds.
During the summer months I usually try the downtown restaurants during the week because it is hard to find parking. Actually, I have to be honest with you, it is a pain. But, last night I figured that being that it was a Monday night, and the weather was not the greatest, well, it would be better. And it was.
At first the restaurant did not seem that crowded, that changed later on. On good weather, it is great to sit outdoors. The roof top area has a lake effect; koi below and gazebos on top.
I usually sit at the sushi bar. I go to this restaurant to strictly eat sushi and sashimi, but if you have not acquired a taste for it, don’t worry because the Cultured Pearl is restaurant that also offers American Cuisine.
Those 2 first seats at the sushi bar are the ones I go for. Right in front of Master Sushi Chef, Yasuhiro Sano. Last night he fixed us a little something to wet our appetite. The Firecracker is a roll that is so delicious. It has a kick to it because of the fresh jalapeno. It has tuna, salmon, wrapped in Nori Hasomaki style, tempura battered, topped with spicy mayo, fresh jalapeno, crab meat, sriracha. It is slightly warm and we always order it.
I have ordered Miso soup in every Japanese restaurant, but I must admit that the one at the Cultured Pearl is one of the best if not the best, in my opinion.
Last night I was looking at it wondering how this soup was made. Miso soup consists of a stock called “dashi”, which is a simple broth made by boiling edible kelp and preserved, fermented tuna; then straining the liquid. Hmmm… Then softened miso paste is mixed into it. Miso paste is a seasoning and it is produced by fermenting rice, barley and or soybeans, with salt and the fungus kojikin. Hmmm…again. Miso is high in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals.
I am not thinking again how this soup is made. I love it, anyway.
Two entrees were ordered. Well, look at my sashimi. The live scallops are one of my favorites; eaten with the thinly sliced lime. On the picture, they are on the right hand side. Red snapper in the middle, salmon, tuna, eel, etc. etc. A feast, no less.
The other entree that was ordered was very well received, as well.
By the time we were finished the restaurant was crowded; it was a rainy night in Rehoboth Beach, the people eating outdoors had to come in and I took off to meet Paula so that she could show me what else the beaches had to offer on a Monday night.
Have a great week!!
P.S. The Cultured Pearl is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Check their website.
Note: The Cultured Pearl is also aware of customers with a gluten allergy. Wheat free soy sauce is served upon request.
June 7th, 2010
Everything about this restaurant was so unexpected for me. First the evening, the setting, and most of all the food.
Venus on the Half Shell has been in Dewey Beach, Delaware for about 6 years now. I, actually, had never been. Crazy isn’t it? It is just a mile down the road from my house.
I know that the downtown Rehoboth restaurants were having their week, but tonight I really wanted to try Venus. It had been on my mind for a few weeks.
Venus On The Half Shell is located on Dagsworthy Street & The Bay, Dewey Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-9292. Website is www.deweybeachlife.com.
The new Chef is Peter A. McMahon.
When I have written about Dewey Beach in the past, I have mentioned that this is a beach town that really knows how to party. Restaurants, music, beach sports and young people is what Dewey Beach is all about.
On Monday, after a beautiful, hot week-end, Venus was quiet and so was Dewey Beach. The weather had cooled off and it was just a fantastic early evening.
I was so surprised as I entered Venus to find that my first impression was that I was in Marrakech, Morocco. I have been to Morocco and that is just what came to mind.
It was so early but perfect because I could then take pictures. I was given the go ahead and so my evening started; taking pictures of this unique restaurant, right on Rehoboth Bay.
Venus has several seating arrangements; inside, under the tent which is in the sand or right by the water. Then, just one table under the Gazebo.
We chose to seat under the tent. The view was spectacular. To our right, high up, there was an osprey with its mate building their nest.
The osprey is also known as the sea hawk or fish eagle. It is a large raptor, whose diet is fish and mates for life. They are found in tropical and temperate regions. And, they winter from southern U.S. to Argentina.
A couple of appetizers were ordered. I had the pan roasted clams, zesty Chardonnay Butter Broth and Grilled Baguette. I had to ask Paige, who was our waitress, to bring me a spoon. There was no way I was leaving the broth behind. The clams were delicious with a nice kick to them.
The next appetizer was “Russian Oysters”, 6 Beau Soleil oysters, spritzed tableside with Iced Stoli. Good and salty.
Beau Soleil oysters are caraquets which are the famous oysters of the Maritimes, a staple among fishermen and loggers forever. These oysters are formed in 3 bays of Northern New Brunswick and they never touch the sea floor; they are called suspended caraquets.
I felt that the restaurant was just mine for the evening. Paige, our waitress was so attentive and her suggestions were a hit.
I had the baked salmon, stuffed with grilled asparagus, peppered tomato basil coulis, and roasted garlic rissotto cakes. Truly loved it and salmon is a dish I usually order and if it is recommended, then more so.
The Rock Shrimp & Langostino, sauteed with smoked tomatoes, tossed in a light Chive Cream Sauce over Jasmin Rice. I want to let you know that this dish is usually served over pasta, but because of the gluten allergy, it was over rice, instead. The Chef sent 2 types of rice to see which one would be the preferred rice; the bamboo or jasmin rice. Jasmin won. I liked them both.
Venus has a full bar and the wine chosen was very good.
If you were to ask me tonight what has been the best place to eat at the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland, I would have to say Venus. The unplanned evening had great food, amazing service by Paige, the setting, well you are looking at the pictures; I hope, the light breeze and the sunset over Rehoboth Bay. Priceless!!
 Best Spot Talk to you later….
April 6th, 2010
On April 2nd I wrote a post for my blog on a store in Hockessin, Delaware called Everything but the Kitchen Sink. You can see that post if you scroll down to that particular date. It was, as I described it, one of those must stop shops; the store had everything imaginable for the home, brides or just for your own pampering.
Next to that store was a restaurant called The Back Burner. The Kitchen Sink and The Back Burner are owned by the same owners but they are completely different businesses.
The address is: 425 Hockessin Corner. Tels. 302-239-2732 for the To Go Shop and for reservations 302-239-2314. The website is www.backburner.com. Hours of operation are Mondays through Saturdays from 9:30 – 7:00 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hockessin is in the Brandywine Valley, minutes from Centreville, Greenville, Winterthur and Longwood Gardens. Definitely, upstate from the Delaware Beaches.
Paula and I decided to have our lunch there and our choice for seating was in their Cafe. There is another part of the restaurant where the seating is more traditional. The Cafe is very relaxed; ordering at the counter; the lunch will be brough to your table. It was a busy place.
The Back Burner offers gourmet food to go; fresh and frozen. They also have a very good selection of domestic and imported cheeses.
Catering is available as well as gift baskets.
One of the soups that is prepared daily at The Back Burner is the Pumpkin Mushroom Soup. Just remember, this area is known for their mushrooms.
I decided to have the Caesar Salad with grilled chicken on top. It had Romaine Hearts tossed with their house-made dressing, Asiago cheese and herb croutons. The chicken was perfectly cooked and the dressing was light.
Paula had their Cafe Salad. This salad had baby mixed greens, bleu cheese, dried cranberries, grape tomatoes and spiced walnuts served with balsamic vinaigrette.
The salads were pretty big; we were not complaining, we cleaned our plates.
Some of the sandwiches on the menu looked appetizing. Roasted Vegetable Sandwich with roasted eggplant, zucchini, squash, red pepper, onion, and brie cheese on a toasted brioche bun. The Meatball Grinder had hand crafted meatballs served on a steak roll with their home made tomato basil sauce and finished with Provolone cheese. The Carolina Pulled Pork had apple cider braised pork shoulder, crispy onion strings, pickle, served on a toasted brioche roll. All sandwiches are served with their house-made chips, fruit and a pickle.
There were side orders available as well as a kids’ menu. Affordable? You bet. All their offerings were between $3.50 and $9.00.
This restaurant is definitely not near any of the Delaware Beaches. It is also not off of 1-95. But, it was so nice to spend the time with Paula, visiting other areas. That’s what my blog is all about.
Oh, I almost forgot. The Cafe has bottled beer and wine available.
Visit their website for complete info. on menus, catering, etc. etc.
Have a great day!! 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….
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