March 18th, 2012
I had to get out of town, pronto. Streets blocked in Delray and the traffic was at a standstill. There was a St. Patrick’s Parade to attend to. North on A1A is where we went. Palm Beach, our destination. On a gorgeous day like Saturday, the scenery was very much appreciated.
No parking on Worth Ave.; we kept on going past the Breakers and took a left right on Royal Poinciana Way. We stopped at Nick & Johnnie’s. You cannot miss it; right on the corner. The actual address is 207 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480. Tel. 561-655-3319. Website? www.nickandjohnniespb.com.
Nick & Johnnie’s was not particularly crowded. It was also going to be a late lunch. We chose a table on their street side open air balcony. A few drinks were ordered and I was checking the restaurant out as we waited. Large bar and open air rooms. I liked it. I had been there before, but this was the first post to be written. I had forgotten if I had liked it before or not. Hmmm….I guess I would find soon enough.
My drink arrived. It was a “Green” Drink; not just for St. Patrick’s. It was made out of spinach, Kiwi, lime, parsley, kale, pineapple and apple. I took a sip and liked it. Offered to my friend; his answer? That’s different. When someone says that, I figure they did not like it. My husband thought it was good too. It was earthy and refreshing, if there is such a thing.
We were hungry and ordered immediately, by-passing any appetizers.
Our friend ordered the Fish & Chips – Local fish. The catch was pompano. It was beer battered, fries, and a Key Lime tarter. It looked beautiful. I hoped it tasted as good as it looked. He said it was moist and with just the right about of batter. The fries were nice and crispy.
My husband had the grilled salmon, with grilled asparagus, lemon and a bearnaise sauce. I am usually the one ordering salmon in every restaurant. The thing was that those fish tacos were calling my name. He said the salmon was perfectly cooked and seasoned.
Years ago I had for the first time fish tacos in San Diego, California. All those years ago and I never have even gotten close to getting others as good as those in San Diego. Guess what? On Saturday, at Nick & Johnnie’s I did. Again, they used the local catch, pompano. It was called San Felipe Fish Tacos. Everything was outstanding, starting with the fish, perfectly grilled, the cabbage, the pico and the white sauce. A side order of arugula salad with a lime dressing was the perfect addition to my dish. The tortillas were also homemade. If they are consistent with this one; they will have a winner.
No dessert, we were comfortably full. It is worth mentioning that all portions were very generous.
We all agreed that it was one of the few times, out to eat that we all liked everything we had. It was a nice afternoon…
Note: Nick & Johnnie’s offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sunday Brunch, as well. Check the website since they also have entertainment. You can find them on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.
Note: When the drinks first were ordered, the rum requested was Myers. Myers and Tonic. The drinks did not taste right. To the bar my husband went. Talking to the bartender; just give me Myers and Coke. We don’t have Myers. Then, why didn’t you have the server say you did not have any, instead of passing a lower grade of rum instead. She sounded offended that the drinks wanted to be changed. Should not have happened. Customers know what they like.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
March 15th, 2012
Delray Beach openly invites its visitors to discover Downtown; Night & Day, as they say…eateries, restaurants, outdoor cafes, unique boutiques, galleries, and entertainment…it is the perfect town to unwind. This week-end you might find it a little crowded…it is that time of the year.
Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, located on 1725 S. Federal Highway is celebrating not on just one day, but several. Starting 3/15, there is entertainment, day and night, so stop by. Website? www.timfinnegansirishpub.com.
Friday, 3/16 – Opening Night -Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, a musical play that celebrates the American Spirit. Through April 8th at Arts Garage located at 180 NE 1st St. Time? 7:30 p.m. Visit www.delraybeacharts.org or call 561-450-6357 for tickets. Saturday, 3/17 and Sunday, 3/17, there will be a series of performances, so check the website or call.
Woody Sez “is a joyous, toe-tapping, and moving theatrical concert event that uses Woddy’s words, and over 25 of Woody’s songs to transport the audience….
The Arts Garage is a “multi-disciplinary cultural turf for visual artists, musicians, performers, film presenters and arts educators”.
Friday, 3/16 – Premier Pan American Art Auction Reception – Crane’s Beach House Hotel & Tiki Bar, 82 Gleason St. 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Opening Night; Mix & Mingle with collectors and artists outdoors at the poolside tiki bar with live music, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. Need more info.? Please call 561-278-1700 or visit www.cranesbeachhouse.com.
Saturday, 3/17 – Every Saturday, the Delray GreenMarket opens its doors at 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Local vendors, music and food. Location? South of Atlantic on SE 4th Ave.
 My neighbors shopping with Angelique Saturday, 3/17 and Sunday, 3/18 – The 33rd Annual Hatsume Fair at the Morikami Gardens, located on Jog Rd., celebrates the first bud of spring with live entertainment, art, plant sales and Asian and American food vendors. 11 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. $12 for adults, $6 for children. For more info. please visit www.morikami.org, or call 561-495-0233.
Saturday, 3/17 – A St. Patrick’s Parade to get ready for, at 2:00 p.m. on Atlantic Ave. in Delray…before that, a Pre & Post Party starting at 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Old School Square, located at 51 N. Swinton Ave. It is the 44th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This Parade is a non-profit fund raising event. Help support the parade by attending the Pre & Post party at the Old School Square. There will be beer, food, music, vendors, and marching bands. More info? Visit www.festivalmanagementgroup.com. Or, call 561-279-0907.
A Parade like no other in South Florida…visitors will be descending on this Village by the Sea. The Parade is an International Tribute to Fire Fighters from around the world with thousands of them traveling to this town to help celebrate.
Saturday, 3/17 – Kevro’s St. Patty’s parade After Party – The Fabulous Fleetwoods Band, followed by Box of Rocks Band! and Big Smoker Cook-Out. Kevro’s Art Bar is located at SE 2nd Ave. in Delray Beach. For more info., please visit www.kevroart.com or give them a call at 561-278-9765.
Sunday, 3/18 – Trash & Treasure Community Yard Sale from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Old School Square Grounds, under tent. Someone’s trash is another’s treasure so shop for previously loved items and hand-crafted treasure. Vendores include local residents, crafters and non-profits. Have something to sell yourself or your non-profit? You can rent a 10 x 10 booth for $25. Space assignments are on a first come, first served basis. Entry fee must be paid in person by March 16th. Just go to the Crest Theatre Administrative Office. They open at 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The Old School Square is located at 51 N. Swinton Ave.
And, you know what? The good thing is that you can do as little or as much as you want…..check out the beach!!
March 12th, 2012
Isolated thunder showers is what I saw on the forecast for Delray Beach….not again. I needed to take a walk and smell the ocean. Not before having coffee, though. I took off for the beach on a cloudy and soooooo windy morning. The beach looked pretty.
Delray Beach is such a walkable town. On A1A, at that time of the early morning, people were walking their dogs, exercising and just enjoying the day.
 Seagate Beach Club I had not thought about stopping at the Visitor Information Center on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and A1A. But, there I was. It was tiny, but it had all kinds of information. Even if you think you know everything that is happening in town, you can still find new events and activities in this Village by the Sea at the Visitor Info. Center. Pictures on its walls depict a Delray so long ago.
It was interesting to see this part of A1A so quiet; a few hours later you could not find parking.
 Windy A1A I went by the Sandoway Park. This park is located at 130 South Ocean Blvd. (A1A), just south of Atlantic Ave. It is a small park with benches, restrooms, drinking fountain and vending machines. It opens at 8 a.m. and closes at dusk. Since it is right across the municipal beach, it is very accessible. Plenty of parking available.
Therefore, if you are trying to find parking on the beach remember to turn on Ingraham.
Have a good one!!
February 19th, 2012
I remember when a friend mentioned that she had a friend that was not sure about the pillows chosen for his home. Well, I thought, that’s easy!! Get new ones.
Granted, pillows can get expensive, but, they are still more economical than having to buy a new piece of furniture.
I am not a decorator, but I know that the use of pillows is a fresh and cretive approach to decorating.
Decorative pillows come in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, fabrics, textures and patterns. They can immediately pick up a room; creating a new look, of finishing the look, for that matter.
I just came back from Florida and while there I stopped at a fine consignment shop called Varietai. Varietai offers all kinds of home accessories, gifts, art, and jewelry. Michele Ramirez is the proprietor. I always stop to say hello. Taking a picture here or there does not mean that I will write a post, but Varietai really does have a great assortment of decorative pillows. I figure you might want to know; word of mouth, you know how it is.
If you are in Delray, stop and say hello to Michele. Varietai is located at 812 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-455-2767. Website? www.varietai.com. You can also find it on Facebook.
   
Talk to you later….
February 12th, 2012
If you are in South Florida and need a plumber or someone to work on your computer, you will find hundreds of ads. Who to call and trust? There is a difference when word of mouth comes into play. I just used those services in Delray Beach, Florida.
I am passing you the info. since both of these services were fast and so professional.
Bergeron Plumbing is located in Delray Beach. Complete plumbing and gas services. Tel. 561-445-2115. Website? www.bergeronplumbing.com.
Computer Medic on Call is located at 301 Yamato Rd., Ste. #1240, Boca Raton, FL 33431 (corner of Yamato & Dixie). In Palm Beach County call 561-450-8710. In Broward County call 954-946-7676. They are experts in computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, laptop repairs, hardware upgrades, wireless. Their website is www.computermediconcall.com.
I thank both of these services for their prompt assistance while in Delray.
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!!
February 3rd, 2012
I find it so funny….when I write posts about what’s going on in the beaches that I frequent, I have to laugh because there is so much. I usually, pick and choose the activities, events and entertainment that catch my attention. So, if you are visiting Palm Beach County, the town of Delray Beach and surrounding towns then maybe these ones will appeal to you, as well.
Activities
Tuesday/Thursday Paddlers – This activity is for experience kayakers or paddlers. If you love to kayak then this might be up your alley. The duration of the paddles is 3 hours twice a week. They have now added Saturdays, as well. What you need to do is send an e-mail to seeleydavid@bellsouth.net and put in the subject line “Paddling Group”. Then send your phone number. He will notify you by e-mail of the paddle location. This is a group that has been getting together for years. After the 3 hour paddle they will meet for lunch at a restaurant.
Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club – Hikes, bikes and paddles, but mostly paddling. Location? Okeeheele Nature Center in Okeeheele Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., west of West Palm Beach. Call Geoff at 561-963-9755 for more info., or better yet, visit http://www.clubkayak.com/pandp/.
You can rent kayaks at Adventure Times Kayak Shop at 521 Northlake Blvd. Website www.kayakkayak.com.
Boca Raton Tours – Join a naturalist from Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for a guided tour along the Boardwalk at Rutherford Park. Then, the tour will be followed by a canoe paddle through mangrove trails and back along the shoreline of the Intracoastal. Please note that paddling experience is necessary. $22/person or $15 for members of the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Prepayment and reservations are necessary by calling 561-338-1542. Please visit www.gumbolimbo.org for more info. on this Nature Center.
Loxahatchee Canoeing offers guided moonlight tours from 7 – 9 p.m. through Arthur R. Marshall Loxatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Boyton Beach, Florida. $10/person includes boat rental plus $5 admission to the Park. Reservations are required. Please call 561-733-0192. Please check http://www.canoetheeverglades.com.
Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. – Shark Feeding at The Sandoway House Nature Center located at 142 S. Ocean Blvd. Sundays the Shark Feeding will be at 1:30 p.m. The Sandoway House is located in a 1936 beachfront home in Delray. I wrote a post on the Nature center on 2/15/11. Just click on the month of February of 2011 and scroll down to the date. I included pictures.
Saturday, 2/4 – Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is the Open Air Delray GreenMarket at SE 4th Ave., South of Atlantic Ave. Freshly made baked goods, produce, flowers , live music and even some dancing, as well.
Saturday, 2/4 and Sunday 2/5 – The Delray Beach Antiques Show at the Delray Beach Community Center on 50 NW 1st Ave. Exhibitor booths of antique elegance, quality and beauty. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Live Entertainment
Delray Beach is full of music. Different venues seem to be able to accommodate everyone’s likings. Check these ones.
Crane’s Beach House – You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy some of the live entertainment on week-ends. Crane’s Beach House is located at 82 Gleason St. Tel. 561-278-1700. Website? www.cranesbeachhouse.com.
On Friday the Tiki Bar will be opening at 5 p.m. – Live entertainment will start at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. with DYMiN. She has performed alongside the late Bob Hope, the late Miles Davis among many others.
On Saturday go by the North Pool Waterfall where Adam Barnes “Teacha” will be performing live reggae starting at 6 p.m.
The Atlantic Grille is located at the Seagate Hotel in Delray Beach – Friday and Saturday from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 p.m. you will find Orson Whitfield. The Seagate Hotel is located at E. Atlantic Avenue. Website? www.theatlanticgrille.com.
And if all that fails…..there is always plenty of eating in Delray. Casual or elegant? Your choice.
Grab a pitcher of beer; they’ll keep it cold, and a flat bread. They are pretty good too. The best are their grilled wings. Where? At the Bru’s Room at 35 NE 2nd Avenue, 561-276-3663. Website? www.brusroom.com. Bru’s Room has a gluten free menu. And those wings I mentioned? Gluten free, as well!!
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.
 
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