February 12th, 2012
Once I mentioned to a few friends that I was traveling south, to the southernmost point of the U.S., I got plenty of suggestions for restaurants to try. I am so glad that on our first night we decided to visit Blue Heaven. This restaurant was referred to me by Cheran; and good choice it was. It is located at 729 Thomas St., Key West, FL. Tel. 305-296-8666. Website? www.blueheavenkw.com.
Blue Heaven has been in business since 1991. It has is own history. The building is over 100 years old. Can you believe that it has been a bordello, an ice cream parlor and even boxing matches were refereed by Hemingway. As they say, if these walls could talk. Better yet, if those trees could talk. Dining under the stars was our choice for the evening and the “backyard” had huge trees that served as canopies.
We had to wait a little bit when we arrived, we did not care. We were on vacation. No schedule. We got our drinks and enjoyed the Bahamian music being played by the band.
Chickens usually run all over the place. At that time of the evening, they were tucked in. Soon we were called to our table.
We were seated on a nice corner and near one of those huge trees. The feel of eating outdoors was enhanced by the music and the atmosphere of the restaurant.
We told our server about the gluten allergy and even though it was a full house, she did not even blink. To the chef she went to ask a few questions regarding gluten in the items my husband had chosen.
For an appetizer 2 of us had the Carrot & Curry Soup. It was garnished with chutney. This soup was thick and filling and I am sure not low in calories. It had a nice kick to it. The taste of the curry was well defined, and it was absolutely delicious.
Our choices for entrees were:
My husband had the Sea Scallops sauteed with a Sauce Provencal with Wild Rice. The sauce was outstanding and the scallops seemed to disappear in no time.
One order of a 14 ounce Pork Chop. Well, check the picture out. He thought it was too well done; a little more sauce took care of that.
Mine was a Yellow Tail Snapper, sauteed and served with a beurre blanc sauce and angel hair pasta. A garnish of mango. It was good, but the Carrot & Curry soup was my favorite of the evening.
Oh, wait, not yet….a coffee and their Key Lime Pie. A twist to this pie was the meringue topping. I would have loved it a little more tart, nevertheless, we finished it all.
Our service was good even though it took longer than expected between courses. It was pretty crowded, though.
So, if you are visiting Key West, now you know where to go. Have a good one.
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!!
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.
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.
December 17th, 2011
It was another night at the Delaware Beaches, when the inevitable was avoiding the nightly ritual of cooking….
Did you know….that bowing represents humility? You elevate, honor and respect the other person by lowering yourself. A bow should always be returned.
And, did you know that the shredded raddish or daikon is there for a reason? To nibble on between sushi orders. Use chopsticks to eat it. Daikon is also served under sashimi or as an edible side dish.
So here was another night hitting Saketumi instead of cooking. Saketumi is located at 18814 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-645-2818. Website? www.saketumirestaurant.com.
As I came in, Kim, who is the Manager, greeted us. We had not seen each other since before Thanksgiving. At that time I told him about the Turduckens from Louisina. Guess what? Not only did Kim ordered one, but he also deep fried it!! He said it was awesome. Another convert ordering from Cajun Grocer.
But, tonight it was all about trying new things. At times I get into a rut; ordering the same old thing.
Tanaka was behind the bar. He is the Main Event. He is such an artist. His preparations do not leave his side until they are just perfectly arranged.
Then, James was there too. He was our server. His suggestions were right on target.
We decided to start with some Sashimi Tapas:
Kampachi – Amber Jack Fish (yellow tail amberjack). A carpaccio with yuzu lime dressing. Yuzu is a citrus fruit from East Asia. Looks like a very small grapefruit. It also has a tart flavor.
This was so delicious. Delicately sliced; almost transparent. The lime dressing adding that citrus taste.
The next one was the Torched Tuna. Also in a carpaccio style with jalapeno, red tobiko, chive, masago cracker, and spicy ponzu sauce. My husband was salivating at the looks of this dish, until Kim said that it had gluten. A sudden long face appeared. Kim immediately said “it’s not very good”. We all laughed. Guess who had the pleasure of eating it? Moi…and I savoured every single sliced.
The Seared White Tuna Tataki with yuzu citrus vinaigrette, with fried shallot, mango salsa and cilantro was another successful tapa. This one, my husband could eat and thought it was very good, as well.
These 3 tapas were light and the perfect appetizer. My favorite was the Kampachi, then the Torched Tuna and then the Seared White Tuna Tataki.
People were coming in and I was getting cold so I ordered a Miso Soup. James asked me if I wanted the clams, as well. I had never had it with the clams and I found that including the clams gave it a different dimension to the soup. I liked it!!
We did not stop there. An order of their Tropical Thunder had a beautiful presentation and had a fantastic taste. Mango, salmon, topped with lobster salad and tobiko (fish eggs).
My husband likes to order a crispy eel sushi; the crispier the better….loved it as well.
I can recommend Saketumi with confidence. I have never been disappointed. They are friendly, the food is fresh with beautiful colors, appealing to all your senses. The service, prompt….and I love the sushi bar. Sitting there lets me converse with the chefs, see the fish and watch their talent.
 Fresh Wasabi Have a good one. Talk to you later…Please remember that AboutMyBeaches has its own Facebook Page…Comment, and discuss any topic…I welcome you.
December 16th, 2011
It is hard to get together with friends during the holidays. Trying to catch up with Shelley, I took Susan to Ocean City, Maryland. We thought we would have something to eat. Our choice? Liquid Assets located at 94th St. and Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-524-7037. Website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com.
It was a simple dinner before the Christmas; both of my friends were Jewish. Susan had never been to Liquid Assets. I always say that it is the perfect Bodega to have lunch or dinner. Their food is so consistent and very good; the restaurant is very unique.
The mussels are a must; that broth was so good. They were pan roasted with chorizo, shallots, garlic and grilled bread. I kept using the shells as a spoon to scoop it up. Finally, our server asked me if I needed a spoon. Too late; I was then finished.
Susan and Shelley had the Caesar Salad; hearts of romaine, crisp croutons and grana padano with grilled chicken.
I had such a good entree. It was Pan Roasted Duck Breast on top of brussel sprouts, butternut squash, boucheron cheese, truffle oil, herbs, and fluer de sel. I did not want it to end. Cooked at a temperature of medium rare; it was perfect.
Deciding that it was time to go home but not before we made a stop to see the Winterfest of Lights which is taking place until January 1st at Northside Park, 125 St. & The Bay.
It was already late so no ride through the animated wonderland on the Winterfest Express. The Winterfest of Lights is an annual event for the whole family. It started around the end of November. It brings so many people; be prepared to wait during the week-ends.
Over a million lights and hundreds of displays, which are updated every year with more added to the existing displays. There is a Winterfest Village inside a festive and heated pavilion.
It was so quiet during our stop and the 60 ft. Christmas Tree was beautiful.
$5.00 for 12 and older and free for 11 and under. You can even purchase tickets in advance at the Ocean City Community Center at 200 125th St. Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the main entrance.
Winterfest of Lights opens Sundays through Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
If you want to continue driving all the way into downtown O.C. then take a drive along Avenue of Trees on Baltimore Ave. from 15th St. to 32nd St. Lots of lights and sparkle showing a beautiful downtown.
Note: Santa will be available for photos at Winterfest of Lights until December 23rd.
Friends….what would you do without them….love to be with them…priceless!!
 
|
0 Comments