January 28th, 2015
 
I was on the phone with someone from Delray Beach, Florida. I finally asked…how is the weather? Well, it is a little chilly today….76 degrees!! With that in mind and before I tell you a few of the events catching my attention in Delray Beach….it is still time to come to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and participate in the 2015 Polar Bear Plunge!! It really is a whole week-end festival…and we really did not get any snow. This event is for Special Olympics Delaware. There will be a 5K Run to The Plunge, a Pooch Plunge, Ice Sculpting Demo, Restaurant Chili Contest, Polar Ice Cream Throwdown and more for all ages…..so here is your opportunity to visit Rehoboth Beach in our Second Season. More info? Please visit http://www.plungede.org.
So, Delray Beach….What is Going On?
The beach in Delray is really neat. No buildings to create shadows. Once you park yourselves on this beach….chill out and relax!! The water is so clear. The beach is wide, with plenty of space for other activities.
DELRAY BEACH CENTER FOR THE ARTS – Located on the corner of Atlantic and Swinton Avenues, this campus includes the Cornell Museum of Art, the Crest Theatre, the Vintage Gymnasium, the Pavilion, and the School of Creative Arts. Plenty of events and exhibits throughout the year take place on this corner of Downtown Delray Beach. There are art classes on going and also about to start. If you are interested while you are snowflaking or snowbirding in Delray, please visit http://www.delrayarts.org. Please note that The School of Creative Arts is located on the 2nd floor of the Crest Theatre. Tel. 561-243-7922, ext. 317.
SATURDAYS – 19TH SEASON OF THE DELRAY GREEN MARKET. 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Location? 50 NE 2nd St. on the grounds of the Old School Square. Early in the a.m. locals and visitors arrive to get first picks of produce, flowers, fresh seafood….and to listen to local entertainment, as well. Please visit http://www.delraycra.org/market for more info., recipes, and to check their blog. During festivals, the Green Market usually relocates to SE 4th Avenue, around the corner of the Green Owl Restaurant. You won’t miss it.
 
SATURDAY, 1/31 and SUNDAY, 2/1 – ARTISTS IN THE PARK – This is the longest running outdoor show in South Florida. Sponsored by the Delray Art League, this year marks the 50th anniversary for DAL!! Artists in the Park will be taking place this week-end at Delray Beach Center for the Arts Old School Square on the corner of Atlantic and N. Swinton Aves. The other location is at Veterans Park on Atlantic Ave. by the Intracoastal. The outdoor show begins at 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more info. and to see the schedule, please visit http://www.delrayartleague.com/dal. Note: A celebration marking the 50th Anniversary for DAL!! Thursday, 2/26 Plein Air Festival. You can apply online and get more info. at http://www.pleinairpalmbeach.com. Friday, 2/27 through Sunday, 3/1 there will be a special 3 day art festival on the grounds of the Delray Center for the Arts on the corner of Atlantic & N. Swinton Aves., Saturday, 2/28 and Sunday, 3/1…Artist Within, and Sunday, 3/1, along with the Art Festival, there will be a Southern Dance, Magic Cards, Music by Steve Martel and the High School Art Contest. Make sure you check the websites above mentioned.
SATURDAY, 1/31 – SAVOR OUR CITY – CULINARY AND HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS . These tours are taking places in walkable neighborhoods in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens. On Saturday a Taste of Atlantic Ave will take place. Reservations are a must by calling 800-979-3370 or by visiting http://www.savorourcity.com. Tour begins at 11 1.m. and takes about 3 hours. You will walk and you will taste.
SATURDAY, 1/31 – DELRAY YACHT CRUISES – DINNER CRUISE. IT BEGINS AT 6 P.M. UNTIL 8 P.M. $60/person. Please call 561-243-0686. Touring the intracoastal northbound or southbound, Delray Beach Cruises are a great way to spend an afternoon or early evening and get to know The Village by the Sea. Please visit http://www.delraybeachcruises.com.
FRIDAY, 2/6, THROUGH SUNDAY, 2/8 – 16TH ANNUAL DELRAY BEACH GARLIC FEST – Gourmet food, entertainment, friendly cooking competition…the festival celebrates all things garlic. For tickets and more info., please visit http://www.dbgarlicfest.com.
SHOPPING AND DINING IN DELRAY BEACH
Plenty of shops up and down Atlantic Avenue and also in the Art District of Pineapple Grove which is 2nd Ave. If you like unique handbags, made in Delray Beach, you might want to visit FURST. It is located at 123 2nd Ave. Tel. 561-272-6422. Ronald Furst makes his handbags right in the shop, and he will be more than happy to explain his craft. Handmade jewelry, as well.
Delray Beach is a dining destination. The majority of the restaurants offer outdoor dining or “at sidewalk dining”, as well. So much fun to sit outside, and more so if you are arriving during the cold winter up north.
 
JOSEPH’S WINE BAR & CAFE – Located at 200 N.E. 2nd Avenue #107 at City Walk. Tel. 561-272-6100. Website? http://www.josephswinebar.com. Stopping at Joseph’s on my last visit and having to tell him that my husband, John, had passed away was hard. So many memories of sitting outside having something to eat…and John and Joseph smoking a cigar once in awhile. He could not believe it and pictured him sitting at his favorite chair. Inside, the restaurant is so pretty and elegant. It’s your choice, dining indoors or al fresco.
My friend, Cindi and I decided to have a little “happy hour” and the Mediterranean platter was our choice. Humus, eggplant dip, tabouli, and stuffed grape leaves, along with whole wheat pita. A little wine and a lot of friendly conversation.
Have a great time!!
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.
December 3rd, 2012
Just a stroll away from trendy Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, Florida, you will find the new Hyatt Place. It opened in this Village by the Sea this summer. It is great to have choices, and this hotel is the latest to open in this town that has become such a well known destination.
Many years ago Pineapple Grove did have pineapples growing….oh, how it has changed; it is an extension of Atlantic Avenue, where you can live, play, and stay awhile. It is also known as an artist’s colony. Lots of little independent artists and boutiques line this street. Plenty of restaurants serving unique dishes in South Florida, as well.
The last time I was in Delray Beach….believe me this post is way past due, I decided to stop and check out the new hotel. It was late September, early October, and even though Delray is a year round resort, it was a little quiet. I decided to take some pictures since I was not going to be bothering anyone. The hotel was getting some final touches.
Just look at the picture of the front of the Hyatt Place. Right above the door are suites. Keep on reading my post…pictures are coming.
Hyatt Place is located at 104 NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. 561-330-3530. Website? http://www.hyattplace.com.
I immediately liked the lobby. Spacious, clean lines, and simple. This is a green hotel too.
Hyatt Place has plenty of cozy corners to sit and either have a drink or work. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi.
Big windows give natural light to the lobby. The hotel offers personal service and food 24/7.
I was taken on a tour of one of their suites. The rooms were well appointed with simple lines. The suite was a nice size, with huge windows. What’s perfect about this hotel is that you can just go out the door and be at the doorsteps of all the trendy shops, restaurants, and entertainment Delray Beach has to offer. The actual beach is less than a mile. Walk it or grab a bike.
 
Off the seating room, the bedroom.
 
And the bathroom.
 
The hotel is the perfect size; not huge…So, if you are a snowbird or a snowflake, check it out.
October 24th, 2011
The beginning of November marks that time of the year when the “snowbirds” are either getting restless or too cold. I know some of them that are already there and some that already have their date on their schedule.
Delray Beach, is that Village by the Sea that has had 2 designations as “All American City”. It is the only city in Florida to have won it twice. They have so many activities and events year-round. But, they really step it up more than a few notches when the season kicks in.
Already more events and activities are found. Here a some, if you happen to be in Delray Beach or in Palm Beach County.
Delray opened this year their new bed and breakfast; the Historic Hartman House located at 302 NE 7th Ave. If you are looking for a place to stay, check them out. Website? www.delraybeachbedandbreakfast.com. They are a great addition to the Delray community and are already immersed in this unique coastal town.
Delray has the beaches, the restaurants, the shops, and plenty of roadway for exercising. At times, if you want to get away from it all, you can catch a cruise, right there on Atlantic Avenue and the Intracoastal.
Delray Yatch Cruises has a schedule, including menus that can be accessed by visiting www.delraybeachcruises.com. You can also call them for reservations or questions at 561-243-0686.
There is a Sunday Brunch Cruise that leaves at 10:30 a.m. going northbound. That part of the intracoastal is beautiful and quite wide at different spots.
If you are going to be in Delray during Thanksgiving, check their schedule since they will be having special Thanksgiving Day Cruises and Dinner Cruises. Being that it is a holiday, you should make the reservations way ahead of time.
Cruising on the intracoastal from Delray Beach started in 2003. One of their yatchs, the Lady Atlantic, was designed for South Florida’s Intracoastal Waterways.
Friday, 10/28 – It is the 14th Annual Pineapple Grove Bed Race in the Art District of Delray; Pineapple Grove, at NE 2nd Ave. at Atlantic Ave. The race will be f rom 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
A new addition this year will be the Beer Tent and the popular Food Trucks.
The Bed Race will be followed by a free concert from “Hard Liquor” on the Old School Square Pavilion. “Hard Liquor” is a high energy South Florida band whose genre is Classic and Hard Rock. They play popular rock songs from the 60s until today.
What can I say? Some of the teams have been doing this race every year. If you have a favorite, well, by all means go and be a cheerleader!!
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10/28-10/30 – Haunted Halls of Horror at the Delray Beach Community Center located at 50 NW 1st Avenue. It is presented by Hugs Not Drugs in conjuction with Delray Beach Parks and Recreation.
Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. with last ticket to be purchased by 10:30 p.m.
Sunday from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. with last ticket to be purchased by 9:30 p.m.
$10 per person. Family Fun from ages 8 to 80 years old.
This is a spine tingling charity event. It is an interactive walk through a haunted house with thrills and chills around every single corner.
More info? Check out the website www.hauntedhallsofhorror.com. Or, call 561-585-7771.
Saturday, 10/29 – Kidsfest of Delray & Halloween Festivities in Downtown Delray Beach at Atlantic Avenue, starting at 11:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. – Trick or Treat along the Avenue (between Swinton and the Intracoastal).
1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. – Halloween Parade – Line up at Old School Square at 1:00 p.m. Parade starts at 1:30 p.m. and marches through Atlantic Ave. to Veterans Park (right by the Intracoastal). More info? Call 561-279-1380 x17.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Kidsfest of Delray at Veterans Park. A free family event. Live entertainment. More info? Call 561-243-7277 or e-mail Beardsley@mydelraybeach.com.
Another place that I enjoy when I want to get from it all is the Morikami and Japanese Gardens. Believe me they are so peaceful.
The gardens are “an invitation to stop momentarily and ponder anew what we are, where we have been, and where we are heading”.
The address is 400 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach, Florida. Website? www.morikami.org. Tel. 561-495-0233.
From Delray Beach you can go west on Atlantic Ave., turn left on Jog Road and head south for a bit and you will see the entrance on the right hand side. It is also the entrance for the Orchid Society.
The Park honors the Yamato Colony, a farming settlement of the early 1900s. It also celebrates the living Japanese culture.
My favorite garden is the Karesansui Late Rock Garden. Karesansui means “dry landscape”. In this style of garden, the rocks were arranged in a bed of raked gravel, while plants took a secondary role.
As the weather gets more comfortable in South Florida, these gardens are a great place to relax.
I hope you take advantage of some of these activities and events. Delray Beach, that little Village by the Sea, is also full of restaurants. I like a lot of them and I do have my favorites. I have written about them in the past, and just like I do at the Delaware Beaches, I will visit them again…you never know what unique dish will be on their menu….AboutMyBeaches…yes this is one of my favorite beaches, as well.
January 7th, 2011
I am thinking about you, Delray. Another dusting of snow is about to reach us here, at the Delaware beaches. Well, it’s winter. What can we expect?
That Village by the Sea that I enjoy visiting so much is now at the height of its season. That town knows how to show its visitors a good time. Therefore, here is what’s in store for you if you are there, swimming, dining al fresco, walking, shopping, biking, not wearing coats or boots; just listening to the ruffle of the palm trees.
January is the Art & Soul Month. For information on what Delray is offering please visit http://www.downtowndelraybeach.com/pdfs/Jan_Online_Cal.pdf. And for further info. visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com/dda.
Friday, 1/7 until February 27th – Exhibit – The Cat’s Meow…A Purrfect Celebration of Cats… at the Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture, at the Old School Square, located at 51 N. Swinton Ave. Paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs by local and national artists. For more information visit www.oldschool.org.
Friday, 1/7 – Every Friday the Gallery Walk takes place from 7 – 10 p.m. This is when the participating downtown art galleries stay open for extended hours, even offering its visitors appetizers, answer questions; show you around. Delray Beach has a well known vibrant art community and they want you to get to know them better. Over 15 galleries usually participate.
Friday, 1/7 – Booksigning by Tami Hoag at Murder on the Beach Bookstore. She will be signing her newest book, Secrets to the Grave at 7:00 p.m. I wrote a post on 12/17/10 on this most unique bookstore. If you would like to see it just click on the month of December, 2010 and scroll down to the date. Murter on the Beach Bookstore is located at 273 Pineapple Grove Way, in the Pineapple Grove Arts District. Tel. 561-279-7790 and the website is www.murderonthebeach.com.
Saturday, 1/8 – The Green Market is always on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. I wrote a post on this very popular market on 12/19/10 and if you would like to see it just click on the month of December 2010 and scroll down to the date. It is located at SE 4th Ave., just south of Atlantic Ave. It is an open air market with fresh local produce, baked goods, gourmet foods, plants, flowers and entertainment.
Saturday, 1/8 and Sunday, 1/9 – Artists in the Park at Veterans Park, located at Atlantic Ave., at the Intracoastal. It is a free outdoor festival in Veterans Park. Perfect to just browse or relax and take in the scenery.
If you have your young children with you, the children’s playground with swings and slides looks like a lot of fun.
Saturday, 1/8 – Happy Birthday Elvis Tribute Show at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square. 8:00 p.m. until 10 p.m. Scott Ringersen and the Whitestone Band will be performing the Elvis’ Tribute. If you happen to visit Johnnie Browns on Thursdays then you know that Scott Ringersen is there performing as Elvis. He has a huge following. The Crest Theatre is located at 51 N. Swinton Ave. For more info. please call 561-243-7922, ext. 1. Website is www.oldschool.org.
Johnnie Brown’s Schedule for 1/7 – 1/10:
Johnnie Brown’s is located at 301 E. Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-243-9911. Website is www.johnniebrowns.com. You cannot miss it; bright lights, by the railroad tracks in Delray, and right on the Avenue.
It is a restaurant with burgers, salads, ribs, wings, you name it. But, it is also a music venue.
Friday The Evil Monkeys will be performing from 9 until 1 a.m. This group is from Ocala, Florida and plays heavy blues, classic rock and funky jazz. You can find them on Facebook, as well.
Saturday the performers will then be The Feeder Band and also performing from 9 until 1 a.m. This is a South Florida band. Rock and roll hits from the Beatles and Motown up to 2000 and beyond.
Sunday its reggae and classic rock with Usher, West & Battle from 8 until midnight.
Monday will have on their stage the Hot Rod Band – Impersonator. All Rod, All Night – A Tribute to Rod Stewart.
That’s it for now….hope this first week of 2011 has been a good one….have a great week-end…talk to you later….
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