November 13th, 2014
When my son hit “Like” on the Facebook page of The Breakers Palm Beach he became the 10,000 Liker!!! With that came a dream package of 3 nights/4 days in a magnificent oceanfront room, oceanfront bungalow with concierge, golf, and plenty more to enhance an already wonderful dreamy vacation.
The Breakers is an iconic hotel. It is located at One South County Rd., Palm Beach, Fl 33480 Tel. 561-655-6611. Website? http://www.thebreakers.com
I have to thank The Breakers for letting my son pass on this package to me, his mother. I took along a very good friend, Cindi, and on Saturday, November 8th, we arrived at The Brearkers. This is the honest truth….how lucky!!
The Breakers is a venue for weddings. There are plenty of ballrooms to offer that elegant wedding. They also can provide a wedding just for a few. There is nothing this hotel can’t do when it comes to weddings and other social and corporate events. As Cindi and I arrived at The Breakers this gorgeous bride was getting ready to celebrate her nuptials.
The ballroom she had chosen was the Mediterranean Ballroom. It looked breathtaking!! This room was one of my favorites. To learn more about it, please visit http://www.weddingsbythebreakers.com/showcase/mediterranean-ballroom.
From the moment you become a guest of The Breakers, the service is impeccable and so professional. The hotel is just so pretty. We were not the only ones taking photos. Everyone was in awe of this historic hotel that was built by Henry Flager in 1896. The Breakers burned in 1903 and rebuilt to open in 1904. The rooms were then starting at $4 per night.
Another fire destroyed the hotel in 1925 and then it was built with fireproof concrete, opening in 1926.
The ceilings throughout the hotel will leave you speechless. The lobby was painted by Alexander Bonanno, a classically trained New York City artist.
We loved our oceanfront room. Very comfortable and very well appointed…coffee in the morning was brought in.
Our views from the balcony changed by the hour. Here are some of the photos.
The Breakers Palm Beach has 140 acres. You can play, relax, pamper yourself, exercise, shop, walk… all within the property.
There are plenty of restaurants….the gym is a necessity while staying here.
In strolling through the hotel another room that caught our attention was the Gold Room. Niches below the ceiling contain portraits of Renaissance rulers and explorers of the New World. This room is smaller than the other big ballrooms but so elegant. Please visit http://www.weddingsbythebreakers.com/showcase/gold-room.
The Venetian Ballroom has large windows overlooking the ocean. It is an imposing room. Please visit http://www.weddingsbythebreakers.com/showcase/venetian-ballroom.
In speaking to some…..they said that they love to work for the company. That they treat their employees so well. There are employees that have been working for The Breakers for 45 years. Stay tuned because I have so much more…..the food, the bungalows….It is getting colder in the northern states and South Florida looks like a destination.
Talk to you later. Some info. was taken from Wikipedia.
July 4th, 2014
The storm should have passed, the sun must be coming out and I am sure Delray Beach will celebrating the 4th as only they can!!! Restaurants get into the holiday spirit by offering specials to visitors to this Village by the Sea.
Vic & Angelo’s, located on trendy Atlantic Avenue at 290 East Atlantic Avenue, will be serving up some Sublime Holiday Specials today, July 4th, Saturday, July 5th, and Sunday, July 6th. Enjoy outdoor seating or indoors if it gets a little warm.
A drink at the bar…checking The Avenue.
This popular Italian restaurant serves authentic, delicious Italian cuisine, including crispy thin-crust pizzas, hand-made artisan pasta, bountiful salads, and an array of superb seafood, fish, steak, chicken, and veal dishes, for lunch and dinner, daily.
Executive Chef Erick Miranda has created a mouthwatering menu of a la carte specials, which will be served in honor of the 4th of July. These specials will be available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m., and on Sunday, July 6th from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Don’t you worry because the regular menu will also be available on those days.
These 4th of July a la carte specials include:
Vic & Angelo’s Salad with baby mixed greens, apricots, fresh raspberries, toasted pecans, and gorgonzola cheese, served with a mustard vinaigrette….$14.
Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes with Fresh Mozzarella Skewers served with EVOO and a balsamic reduction…$12.
Artichoke Fritters with Parmesan cheese and roasted garlic served over a petite salad with a touch of saffron aioli…$14.
Goat Cheese and Portobello Mushroom Napoleon served over baby arugula with a touch of balsamic reduction…$12.
Entrees:
Pesce – Grilled Herbed Colossal Shrimp with grilled asparagus and corn on the cob, served with fresh mozzarella and bruschetta…$28.
Carne – 14-oz Slow cooked Roasted Prime Rib served with a double-baked potato and au jus…$32.
Risotto – Mixed Seafood Risotto (sea bass, salmon, grouper, clams, mussels, shrimp) with a touch of San Marzano tomato sauce…$25.
Desserts:
Blueberry Italian Cheesecake…$12
Famous Banana Cream Pie…$12.
Try a canoli, awesome!!
Note: Please visit Vic & Angelo’s website at http://www.vicandangelos.com. Tel. 561-278-9570.
Happy Fourth of July, wherever you are!!
June 11th, 2014
Delray Beach, Florida is a destination….it has been for years. It is a “Village by The Sea”, where shops, beaches, recreational sports are at your fingertips…..Foodies take notice: Delray is your Destination, as well!! So many restaurants with the majority having outdoor seating. When in Delray having that perfect table outdoors is priceless. Conversation with friends, people watching, sipping and dining, this town is an expert on this.
The Office in Delray Beach has a strategic corner. Atlantic Avenue and 2nd Street, which is also the entrance to Pineapple Grove, the Arts District of Delray.
It used to be that Delray Beach was a snowbird’s paradise. It still is….but Delray Beach is more than that. It is a year-round resort. Just like any other resort area, the restaurants change their menus according to the seasons.
The Office is located at 201 East Atlantic Avenue. At this time of the year it is offering an inventive array of Summer Menu Specials through October 31, 2014, along with Sunday Brunch and expanded Happy Hours. It is the time to explore the restaurants in Delray…..so let me introduce you to The Office, once again.
The Office serves delectable gourmert comfort food. The setting is remniscent of a luxurious home library, for lunch and dinner daily.
Besides their summer specials, they will also have the regular a la carte menu available for lunch and dinner throughout this period.
Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Diners can opt for a soup and sandwich, or a soup and salad, for $12.95 per person. Over the years I have sampled soups, salads, and sandwiches and they have all been so yummy!!
Monday is BBQ Night from 5 p.m. until closing time. Check these offerings: Baby Back Ribs served with potato salad for $20.95. Half of a mango-BBQ Chicken with sweet mashed potatoes for $18.95. A Kosher Hot Dog, served with French fries and cole slaw for $9.95. Southern Comfort Pulled Port Sliders for $10. Catch of the Day Sandwich for market price, and BBQ Burger Sliders for $12.95.
House drinks on Monday afternoons and evenings, House Drinks and Craft Beers will be half price from 3 p.m. until closing.
 Best Fish & Chips! Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. until closing, diners can indulge in a Seafood Fiesta!! Daily Seafood Soup for $8.00; Seafood Paella, for $24.95; Cioppino, for $22.95. Seafood Salad Roll of lobster and shrimp, served with tomatoes, Bibb lettuce, and avocado, on a French baguette, for $20.95. Catch of the Day, served with fresh veggies at Market Price. And, Fancy Mc’n Cheese for $15.
On Tuesday evenings, when diners order an entree from the Seafood Fiesta menu, they can also enjoy half-price bottles of wine that are priced at $49 or less.
Wednesday evenings from 5 p.m. until closing, diners can revel in Burger and Craft Beer Madness! The Office Burger Challenge will truly appeal to hearty eaters. They will be serving a 4-pound dish, comprised of a variety of yummy menu items, and if a diner can finish this dish The Office will buy the diner’s dinner!! The dish will change slightly, over the summer, but one version of the dish will include 2 burger patties, one waffle, two fried eggs, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cheese, bacon, and French fries!!!
Besides, on Wednesday evenings, The Office will also be serving up a fabulous array of inventive burgers, including Salmon Burger, for $16, the Turkey Burger for $16, the Lamb Burger for $16 and the Juicy Lucy Burger, which is topped with lobster Mac ‘n Cheese and blue cheese for $20. All the burgers will be served with French fries. When customers order one of these burgers, as well as The Office Burger Challenge, they can enjoy half-off of all draft beers.
On Thursday evenings, also starting at 5 p.m., feast on Surf ‘n Turf. This divine dish features grilled Rib eye steak, half of a Maine lobster tail, and grilled veggies. Any diners, ordering Surf ‘ Turf, can also enjoy a delectable dessert for $5, plus half-off any bottle of wine for $49 or less.
Sunday Brunch is new for The Office, and it started on June 1st. It is served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The brunch menu will include lobster or crab Eggs Benedict for $26, as well as The Avenue Breakfast; 3 eggs, any style, hash browns, bacon, buttered toast, and 2 pancakes, for $16. The Atlantic Lox Sandwich with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and capers, served on a ciabatta bread for $16; Belgian waffles for $10, and blueberry pancakes for $10. Additionally, during Sunday Brunchy, diners can enjoy “Bottomless” Bellinis, Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Champagne, for $15 per person.
The Office Happy Hours have been expanded, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and from 10 p.m. until closing time, through October. Customers can enjoy 50% off a select array of libations and appetizers, at both the indoor and outdoor bars, throughout the dining room, from a summer Happy Hour Menu.
Last, but not least, patrons can enjoy a refreshing array of Summer Specialty Cocktails that have been created by GM Marcello Buruiana. The Orange Splash, the Strawberry Punch, Red or White Sangria, the Watermelon Gin Fizz, and The Office Pina Colada, are all $10 per cocktail, and will be available throughout the day and evening between June and October, 2014.
So, what else do you want to know?
The Office is open daily. The bar is open until midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. You may call for reservations and info. at 561-276-3600. Or, visit http://www.theofficedelray.com.
And, if the menu offers…..Deviled Eggs!! They are awesome!!
April 6th, 2014
I have been to my friend’s townhouse so many times. And, she is selling it through Ann Alexander & Associates. Tel. 561-573-7168. Website? http://www.annalexanderfl.com.
When my friends, Cindi, and Madelon and I stopped last week to say hello and have a bite to eat, I decided that even though she has a realtor, word of mouth through social media has proven that it does get the message through. We are all so connected in many ways….at times too many. Nevertheless, if you are looking in South Florida, you might want to check this property out.
Anita’s condo is at 210 Captains #716. The community provides, boating, tennis, swimming pools, yacht club, exercise facility and 24 hr. guard service. The selling price does not include all these facilities, though. The listing price is $376,000. The condo has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and one half bath on the first floor. It is 1,749 square feet. There are also stairs to have in mind.
Captain’s Walk is very well maintained. We arrived and parked in the guests parking spaces.
Her entry is quaint and we were so glad to see plants thriving in the Florida sunshine. After the winter we have had up north seeing color was so welcoming.
 
Her condo is bright and with plenty of cross ventilation. To the right the half bath, followed by the kitchen.
 
The bright kitchen has a pass through to the spacious dining/living area.
Other angles from the living/dining area.
The sliding doors lead to a 14 x 8 screened porch, providing ample views of the C-15 Canal.
Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms and 2 baths.
Master
Second Bedroom
It is an easy condo to maneuver. Going back downstairs to the main living area.
Please note that there are 2 HOA’s that are paid…Captains Walk and Pelican Harbor. One for $270 and one for $276.00.
If you are interested, please call Ann Alexander & Associates to the tel. number above given and make an appt. to tour Anita’s Place.
Have a great day!
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.
January 5th, 2014
It has been a long time since my children went outdoors to get grass for the camels and put cookies out for The Three Wise Men; it has been, definitely, much longer since I did that myself growing up in the island of Puerto Rico. The presents we got were more like stocking stuffers, and were left under the bed. The camels used to make such a mess!! Too bad we have to grow up!!
Puerto Rico celebrates all holidays in a big way. Their Christmas season starts early and ends on February 2nd with the Octavitas, which are the 8 days after Three Kings Day. You might as well wait until all that is done with because the term “manana” takes a different meaning.
Three Kings Day is also a Christian Feast Day; the Epiphany, with origins in the Eastern Christian Church. Epiphany means manifestation or appearance. This is a celebration of Jesus’ birth and the visit of the Three Wise Men, who were Persian priests.
If you are visiting Puerto Rico you are lucky because this is the best time of the year to really enjoy the “comida criolla”. Puerto Rican food has its own flavors…the spices are amazing.
The foods to look out for and I am going to be missing here, in Delaware, are:
Pasteles – these look like tamales, but no comparison whatsoever. My grandmother made the best. They take a long time. Made with plantains or yuca or casava. The filling is made out of meat or chicken. I prefer the pasteles that have olives, capers, chickpeas, and well seasoned as well. You can find pasteles year-round but they really show off during the holidays.
If you are in South Florida you can find Puerto Rican food at Benny’s. Two locations. I have been to the one on 2500 S.W. 107 # 1, Miami, FL 33165. Tel. 305-227-1232. The other location is at 295 NW 82 Ave., Miami, FL 33126. Tel. 786-458-8240. You can visit the website at http://www.bennyseafood.com. They also ship.
Lechon means pig as in roasting pig…and the Ruta del Lechon will take you to Guavate near Cayey. Plenty of “lechoneras” roasting pigs, accompanied with “arroz con gandules”, blood sausages or morcillas, tostones, and mofongo. You can do a google search and put “Guavate la Ruta del Lechon Cayey Puerto Rico” to watch You Tube.
The local hot sauce is definitely, “hot”.
I know they make so many desserts in Puerto Rico, but my favorite is the simple flan, made with milk, sugar, and eggs, that’s it!!
From the Delaware Beaches visitors to Puerto Rico are pretty much in search of waves. Rincon and the western side of the island is a favorite of many. Hopefully, they can also travel to the island. Puerto Rico has a lot to offer and the scenery is gorgeous.
If you are passing through the town of Humacao…..granitos is what you need to be looking for. They sell them in street corners but I got to visit where they make them. Indigenous to Humacao; you cannot find them anywhere else. With a bold and hot cup of coffee…priceless. Made with rice and cheese and, of course, fried!!
 La Coca Falls, El Yunque In Pinones, near San Juan, another surfing spot and eating destination….fresh coconut water!!
Love Old San Juan. It is my favorite place. I like everything about it. Such an old and historic city. If you are visiting Puerto Rico, please take time to visit.
A city surrounded by forts; El Morro and San Cristobal. Over 500 years old.
Walking and shopping in the Old City.
Stay at El Convento Hotel.
Take a cultural and food tour with Flavors of San Juan…http://www.sanjuanfoodtours.com.
And a must when the temperature rises in PR….a local Piragua or snow cone. They are truly the best! Love the cream and here was my “Piraguero” preparing mine in his new stainless steel cart.
It is about 9:00 p.m. on Sunday evening and the temperatures are supposed to be the coldest in the next couple of days…..
 From Palmas del Mar, looking towards Vieques and Culebra Need I say more? Happy Three Kings Day!!
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.
 
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