November 12th, 2011
One of the attractions in Delray Beach on a Saturday mornings is the Delray Beach GreenMarket. This GreenMarket is part of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). It is held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The location is right in the heart of this Village by the Sea, just south of Atlantic Ave. on SE 4th Ave.
The Manager is Lori Nolan and she can be contacted at 561-276-7511 if you have any questions.
   
It is so nice to stroll through the vendors. Their produce was amazing; the colors and sizes were unreal. Food and music are part of it all.
 
I had never seen eggplants as big as these ones. They said they were Sicilian Eggplants; mild and creamy to sweet and bitter.
On a sunny day like today with low humidity it was the perfect way to start the day.
This little dog was there enjoying herself, just like everyone else.
The Delray Art League’s purpose is “to advance the public interest in the visual arts and to promote the development of excellence in visual arts in the South Palm Beach area”. The Delray Art League is the sponsor of Artists in the Park. Just look for the white tents right on Veteran’s Park by the Intracoastal.
It is the longest running outdoor fine art show in South Florida. Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
The Art League’s website is www.delrayartleague.org. On Facebook you can find both, Artists in the Park and Delray Art League.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
November 6th, 2011
Hmm…I did not know that there was a National Capuccino Day on November 8th. A little friend sent me an e-mail and told me that you could get Free capuccino on Tuesday only at Saquella Cafe in Boca Raton and at Prosecco Cafe in Palm Beach Gardens. Both restaurants are owned by Chef Avi Sekerel. They feature yummy baked goods, refreshing salads, inventive sandwiches, flat breads, wonderful gelatos and a variety of entrees, as well.
Saquella is located at Royal Palm Place, 410 Via de Palmas, Boca Raton, Florida. Tel. 561-338-8840. Like it on Facebook at facebook.com/saquellacafe.
Prosecco Cafe is located at PGA Commons, 4580 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Tel. 561-622-3222. Like it on Facebook at facebook.com/proseccocafe.
To get a free cappuccino, at either restaurant on November 8th, diners just need to come in, that day, and say “I love Capuccino”. You can receive one cappuccino from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Additionally, diners can join the VIP Club, for either or both of these restaurants, by texting the word Saquella or the word Prosecco to 91944, to receive special offers, like the free cappuccino, on their phones.
The word Cappuccino, means little hood in Italian. The cappuccino was first created in Italy. This soul-satisfying coffee drink is derived from an Italian order of monks, known as the Capuchins, whose hoods resembled the drink’s frothy color and shape. It is prepared with espresso, hot milk and a topper of froth. Cappuccino is enjoyed throughout the day or evening.
This promotion from Chef Avi is a way to say thank you to all of the loyal customers, as well as hello to all of the cappuccino enthusiasts in the community.
Please note that both of these restaurants are proud of being No Fry Zone and everything is made from fresh, high quality ingredients with an emphasis on local purveyors.
So…if you decide to go let me know how that cappuccino was…..thanks to Sharon for your information regarding this promotional event. Have a good one…talk to you later….I do love cappuccino…in the evenings, I get a decaf.
By the way, like AboutMyBeaches on Facebook, while you are at it. Thanks!!
October 14th, 2011
Old School Square is a Cultural Arts Center in Delray Beach. It is also a National Historic Site. It is located at 51 N. Swinton Ave. Tel. 561-243-7922. Website? www.oldschool.org.
This Village by the Sea is the perfect coastal town. It has the beach, shops, countless restaurants for all tastes and the town can entertain beyond belief. There is always something going on.
Opening Night is tonight, Friday, from 7 – 10:30 p.m. and until December 30th – Free Outdoor Concerts; a mix of music for the masses, right at the Oss Pavilion.
Please bring your chairs and blankets and get ready to have a good time. Leave your pets and other outside foods and drinks behind, though.
Opening act will be Amber Leigh, a crossover Country sensation. She is one of Florida’s leading entertainers now on the Country Network. Known for her gripping vocals and dynamic fiddle, mandolin and guitar playing.
Amber is orinally from South Florida and started playing at Delray’s Boston’s on the Beach 15 years ago. You can visit her website, www.amberleigh.com.
To know what other entertainers will be on the schedule, please visit www.oldschool.org/performances.asp.
It was just a matter of time; 15 Gourmet Food Trucks will be there as well, yum… Free admission to the concerts, family friendly, and cash bar.
If you are in Delray Beach….have a great evening…
September 25th, 2011
And, why am I writing a post on South Florida when it is still warm here at the Delaware Beaches? Because it will be only a matter of weeks when those cool breezes will start telling us that winter is on its way. I, for one, am waiting for those cool breezes. There is something about this time of the year when the scenery completely changes. I love it.
Some are probably thinking about going south already. The last time I was in Florida was in July. I go to Florida any time during the year. You have to admit that at times, during this past summer, it was cooler in Florida than at the Delaware Beaches.
With friends, and about to go out to dinner, we decided to take a stroll through Mizner Park. This cluster of restaurants, shops, entertainment and residences are located in Boca Raton. South of Delray Beach. An easy drive and only a few minutes to get there.
During the winter it can get pretty crowded but on their Second Season it is a very relaxing place to visit.
They also have an amphitheater, wich is an outdoor venue. If you would like to check their schedule, please visit http://www.mizneramphitheater.com.
One event that caught my attention was the 2011 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, which will be on Saturday, October 22nd. You can find that info. on the above mentioned website.
One store that I tend to visit every time I find myself at Mizner Park is Sloan’s. It is an ice cream store, but it is the cutest shop. Very whimsical. Besides ice cream the also have candies galore and small gifts. They are located at 329 Plaza Real.
I thought this store was new this year. It was called The Spice & Tea Exchange. They sell spices, gourmet teas, seasonings, blends and rubs. their location was 426 Plaza Real. Website? www.spiceandtea.com.
They also sell accessories like salt and pepper mills, spice racks, grinders, mortar and pestles, tea pots and infusers.
The next shop was Z Gallerie. Their merchandise is directed for homes. You will find artwork, furniture, lighting, table top items, and plenty of accessories and unique pick up gifts.
The website? www.zgallerie.com.
You will find so many more shops at Mizner Park; we only had time to visit those mentioned.
Anyway, hope you visit them if you are in South Florida.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
September 10th, 2011
United in Courage & Grief
“Grief is the most patient and persistent of all of life’s companions. It is an ancient, universal power that links all human beings together.”
molly fumia, safe passage
July 28th, 2011
and points in between. Yes, sometimes I might be on my way somewhere and the opportunity calls to check out a food truck, a tapas bar, a new beach, or a new museum. That’s why it is so much fun about writting a website in a blog style. It is a diary, yours alone.
AboutMyBeaches has made realized that I want to know and experience more. I remember when my webmaster, Ed Timmons from 4C, Inc., http://www.4cinc.com, mentioned I should write a blog instead of the standard website. I guess he figured I was talking his ear off so I was a good candidate for bla, bla, bla. He just did not know how much I could talk.
Then, I started blogging, only a few readers here or there. People that are connected on the internet suddenly started to find me. I think my posts are honest and from my heart. I have posted so far 728 posts, and now I am getting over 14,000 hits per month. Who would have thought?
And, you know what? I want more. Granted, some posts are more interesting than others; so its life itself. Remember that it is a diary.
Pictures….I decided to incorporate them because people are so visual. Looking at a picture entices you to read. Well, I should hope so, even though I do have some friends that say they have read the posts but maybe they just looked at the pictures. I know who they are, right? Shelley, Debbie at times. Not Missy or Richard, though. My fault, I test them.
My friends and my family have put up going out to dinner with me. My first statement as we sit down at a table is “don’t touch the food until I take a picture” and “can we all order something different?” I am surprised they even still want to go out with me.
It is so funny because I get e-mails or suggestions on places to go and check out. I welcome them; we all have different likes and dislikes and I am an inquisitive person.
The coastals towns that, I, predominantly promote, I love. There is something about living by the ocean. I know I am lucky. The Delaware Beaches have been home for many years and so good to my family. Giving them a push is not a brainer.
I do offer advertising on my website. It is $500/ per year. I offer personal care. No clicks here or there. You are there to stay on my site. Thanks to the following advertisers.
Tidewater Realty – http://www.tidewaterrealty.com. Delaware is Small Wonder. The beaches are so great. It has grown so much since I first arrived. Tax free, low property taxes and mild winters are an attraction.
Tauriello & Com – http://www.tauriello.com. I have used this company in Delray Beach. That Village by the Sea has amazing unobstructed beaches, restaurants, shopping and I do have a place there. Sometimes I hate to pass the word around because I want it all to myself.
Beach House Management – http://www.mybeachhouses.com. Michael knows I cannot live without him. He has been there to take care of my property, among other things, from day one. Your home is your castle and he is professional and knowledgeable.
Anita Jennings Designs - http://www.anitajennings.com. I know her personally. She is an interior designer based in Delray Beach. She is so easy to work with and very reasonable.
Coastal Chem-Dry – http://www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. Green carpet and upholstery cleaning. We all needed at times. It is family owned and operated. Angie is the man!!
Doggies at the Beach - http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com. The home away from home for my Addy. She is my rescue. Jim and his staff love their customers. Cage free with 24 hour human supervision. Very involved in the community, as well.
Vacation Rentals – http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/rehoboth-beach-delaware.html. This is a national company; part of the family of HomeAway. The properties you will find in this particular site are for Rehoboth Beach. Rental properties for all seasons.
I thank them all. If you are interested, please contact me.
I have posts to write. A few still left from my 24 hours in Baltimore, Maryland. Events going on at the Rehoboth Museum, a must if you are visiting Rehoboth Beach. On the Rocks is, believe it or not, inside the terminal for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Amazing views; casual, a beer or a hamburger, fries. I want to check the tailor in Rehoboth….got to go..have a great day!!
July 22nd, 2011
I have to laugh because last week when I went to Florida, one of my neighbors asked me, Not hot enough for you here? Florida has been, actually, cooler than the Delaware Beaches these past few days and I believe this week-end, as well.
I was very interested in seeing this B & B. There are so many people from our area that visit Florida. B & Bs are so popular. I want to pass this info. to my readers, just in case this might be something they might like to try. Besides the fact that most B & Bs, like the Historic Hartman House, serve its guests a gourmet breakfast, they all offer a different atmosphere. You also get to enjoy that personal touch of the owners, as well as their local knowledge. Where to go, what to do? Real tried and true information.
I finally met Benita; I will make sure I meet Jordan next time. She welcomed us (Rosalyn and I) with a smile on her face. And, I knew she was busy, but she still took the time to show us around.
The Historic Hartman House was built in 1923. It is located at 302 NE 7th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tels. 866-787-2302, 561-278-2302. E-mail address is historichartmanhouse@gmail.com. Website? www.delraybeachbedandbreakfast.com.
Please visit the website because there are packages that are so attractively priced, as well as the history of the B & B, and so much more.
There are 4 rooms in the Historic Hartman House. On the first floor the room called Pineapple Grove, just like the neighborhood in town, is wheelchair accessible. It was occupied, so we did not see it.
The other 3 rooms were upstairs.
There is Las Palmas.
The Blue Seas.
And the Highland Park Suite with an adjacent room with a sofa bed. This room has a mahogany dressing table, and a beautiful bathroom.
In the first floor, a fully equipped kitchen. That day they were preparing stuffed baked apples.
A breakfast room, and sofas and chairs to lounge and relax.
There is a small sunroom as well, with someone watching the door.
When you are their guest, you will get soft spa robes, plush mattresses, wireless internet, flat screen tvs, gourmet breakfast, late afternoon treats, and a gorgeous yard.
The 75 foot lap pool is very impressive. It takes center stage in that yard, surrounded by seagrapes, mango trees, key limes, avocado and orange trees.
I am not kidding, you really could sit out there all day. It is beautiful. Benita and Jordan have outdone themselves in preserving this historic house. The pine floors were beautifully refinished. It is a home.
The Historic Hartman House is secluded but with easy access to Atlantic Ave., shopping, restaurants and that gorgeous beach.
And, wait a minute, I am not finished yet. I think Benita or Jordan might be able to take you to a nearby destination in their very comfortable and modern golf cart.
I think the Historic Hartman House is a welcomed addition to that Village by the Sea.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
July 12th, 2011
Probably about a month ago I received an e-mail about this new innovative restaurant that was about to open in Delray Beach. When? and Where? I wanted to know. And, the reason was that DIG (Doing It Green) would be the first full-service, sit-down restaurant in the area serving dishes made with the freshest ingredients available. But, get this. No steroids, pesticides, hormones, chemicals, sulfites, nitrates and nitrites. All organic.
Pretty much everyone I talk to…food being the main topic…is looking for healthy good food. The main concern? Will we have to sacrifice flavor and taste in order to eat healthy. I should hope not.
I arrived in Delray and a couple of days later I gathered a few friends and off we went to try DIG. One was skeptical about driving away from Atlantic Ave. God forbid we would drive a few miles west. Good food, will travel, is my motto. It is not that far; just a few miles near Military.
DIG is located at 5199 West Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33484. Tel. is 561-638-0500. E-mail is eat@digdelray.com. The website is presently under construction but will be www.digdelray.com.
The restaurant sits by itself on a shopping center.
An organic garden has been started and it is growing. Eventually, they will be getting some of their produce from this garden in conjuction with local organic farms. Some tables have a view to this garden.
As you come into the restaurant, it is well lit with plenty of tables available. Everything is recycled; tables, chairs, and lighting fixtures; a polished concrete floor.
Paintings on the wall are by local artists.
There is also a large bar. Besides being a full fledge bar serving organic liquor and wines, by the glass and bottle, it also has an organic juice and smoothie bar. By the way, my dinning friends enjoyed their organic wine selection very much.
We arrived at the restaurant at around 8:00 p.m. and chose a table next to a large window. Casey was going to be our waitress. She explained DIG’s concept. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and her suggestions were well taken.
Casey served us our water and proceeded to tell us that the water was at a 9.5 ph level to ensure the healthiest and purest water available.
Bread to the table was served in a tin bucket. Some of the bread was slightly sweet; the other was crusty.
This is what we all ordered:
I ordered Cabbage Dumplings with carrots, sno peas, and a ginger-soy dressing. The perfect starter; an Asian flavor, of course. Delicious.
Another person ordered the Portabella Quesadilla with goat cheese, sherried onions, Pico de Gallo, guacamole, cilantro and sour cream. Great mild flavor.
The salad bar was large with all ingredients hand picked for the evening. Both of the soups were called magical; they were vegan. One was a pea soup and the other a bean soup. I got both of them and they were very good.
Eventually, hummus will be prepared table side.
One person ordered the Eden Farms Center Cut Pork Rib Chop – 100% certified Berkshire Pork, mashed garnet yams, vegetable medley, Bragg’s apple cider glaze. This was a large entree. Come to think of it, all entrees were very generous. The pork chop was very tender and moist.
Another one ordered the Lump Crab Cakes with mashed Yukon gold potatoes, asparagus, grain mustard and wild flower honey sauce. No fillers and nice lumps of crab meat.
Rosalyn ordered the Organic Eggplant Rollatinis. This was an appetizer which she chose to eat as her dinner entree. It was a a good size, as well. The rollatinis had herbed goat cheese and fresh made pomodoro sauce.
I loved my dinner. It was Pan Seared Diver Scallops with truffled cauliflower, spaghetti squash and DIG “Dirt” sauce. They were perfectly cooked. I usually order scallops when I see them on a menu and these were tops. The “Dirt” sauce was made by grinding different types of mushrooms and then making that nice brown color sauce.
Dessert. Always what choice to make so that we can all enjoy it. I decided to choose the Sugar Free, Gluten Free Cheese Cake. Best I have ever had and I think the other ones agreed that it was excellent, as well. Niko is the pastry chef and has outdone himself at DIG.
Cookies were also brought to the table courtesy of DIG. Fantastic.
The four of us agreed that the food was excellent. A few thought that the lighting in the restaurant could be improved in order to make it more cozy. And, a few others thought that the room could be broken up with plants as a buffer to make it more intimate.
If you are in the area, take advantage of this unique restaurant. I can guarantee you that you will fall in love with the food; no flavor has been sacrificed. I cannot wait to go back.
DIG is open for lunch at 11 a.m. and dinner every day of the week with happy hour from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Drink specials and bar bites at reduced prices.
Talk to you later….have a good one!!
 
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