February 23rd, 2012
Going to Baltimore for the day is no brainer. The Delaware Beaches are so close to major cities, like Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. A day trip is an easy one.
I lived in Baltimore years ago. I have always liked it. It is a small city comparing it to the nearby ones. Like all of them it has the good, the bad and the ugly. I tend to concentrate on the good. Baltimore is a city of many firsts. Many U.S. cities would love to have what Baltimore has to offer.
A City of Firsts, yes indeed, with innovations throughout its history. Advances and inventions in industry, transportation, science, and education. Hospitals that are world renowned; a port, the Orioles, the Ravens, ethnic neighborhoods, fantastic restaurants. A Farmers’ Market in its 35th year, right in the middle of the city. Visit the website http://www.Baltimore.org/about-baltimore/baltimore-firsts.
Can’t wait to see the celebrations kicking off the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Fort McHenry is the birthplace of our National Anthem; The Star Spangled Banner. http://www.baltimore.to/fort-mchenry.html.
People don’t tend to move from Baltimore. And, if they do, they always come back. They do drive a lot of Volvos too. I have never seen so many.
We invited my sister in law, Susie, to have lunch. Our choice was Petit Louis Bistro. This is a classic French bistro located 4800 Roland Ave., Baltimore. Tel. 410-366-9393. Website? http://www.petitlouis.com.
There is more to where this bistro is located. The neighborhood is called Roland Park. It was the first planned suburban community in North America, developed beween 1890 and 1920.
Also, the actual building is very interesting. You see, this single Tudor style, small, shopping strip where Petit Louis is located, is the world’s first shopping center; opened in 1907.
As you enter, you will find a full bar and two dining rooms. They are both very comfortable.
 
Petit Louis opens for lunch and dinner. They also have a brunch on Sundays.
 
Our server was friendly, and immediately presented us with sourdough bread and homemade butter.
For lunch we had the choice of a Prix Fixe menu for $22. 3 courses included iced tea and coffee. We liked the choices so Susie and I decided on this type of menu.
We both chose the Petite Salad de Mesclun. Local Mesclun greens, Reggiano and a red wine vinaigrette. Nicely seasoned, and simple.
Susie chose the Croque Monsieur. This was a sandwich of sliced Madrange ham, Gruyere cheese and frites. Even though this is a standard on their menu, Susie thought it was the best one yet.
I had the Louis Casse-Croutes which was a steak sandwich, medium temperature, with caramelized onions, frites and a delicious horseradish aioli. It really was so good.
My husband decided to go a la carte with all hors d’oeuvres for his lunch.
The first was a Terrine a la Mode Landaise. It was a Foi Grass Terrine, without the grilled baguette, due to his gluten allergy. Loved it.
Ris de Yeau which was a Sauteed Sweetbread with button mushrooms in a Madeira reduction. Sweetbreads are not served in many restaurants; Baltimore seems to have them available. He thought they were perfectly cooked.
He also had the Gravlax, which was the House Cured Salmon Gravlax, with capers and creme fraiche. Paper thin and beautiful.
Susie and I had the choice of desserts.
I loved the Mousse au Chocolat. I always forget how good this dessert is.
Susie had the Fruits de Saison; a citrus custard on top.
Coffee and an offering of cheese, which was greately enjoyed, ended a very nice lunch with family…
Talk to you later…
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 3rd, 2012
Officially, Park Tavern is opening its doors tonight in Delray Beach. The restaurant is located at 32 SE 2nd Ave. at Worthing Place. Tel. 561-265-5093. Website? www.parktaverndelray.com.
This restaurant will be serving sustainable American cuisine; farm fresh. Ask and they’ll tell you all about the best farmers, fisherman, and ranchers. Better yet, visit the website, check the menu, scroll down and a list of those who will be suppliers to Park Tavern is there for you to check out.
From breads to cured meats and condiments, everything will be made in-house.
Have not visited yet so my review is not available. Will wait until the novelty wears out a bit. You know how it is.
Oh, I forgot to tell you that Park Tavern is owned by another restaurant in Delray Beach, Cut 432.
Another restaurant that will be opening doors in Delray Beach is called SALT. They will be serving prime steaks, sushi and raw bar. The domain is www.salttherestaurant.com. SALT is located opposite corner from Park Tavern.
 
Plenty of choices for all aficionados. Talk to you later….
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.
January 14th, 2012
 Rehoboth Beach Enjoying your long week-end? You have to admit that even though it was a bit chilly; it still has been one beautiful day. Looking to have breakfast or brunch in Rehoboth on Sunday? Then, check my list because there are plenty of our local restaurants that serve one or another, or both.
Breakfast vs Brunch? I really don’t have a preference. I am not too much of a breakfast person; a bold cup of coffee is what I crave in the a.m. Breakfast gives you fuel to endure the day, though. Brunch is a complete different animal. It is a meal between or instead of breakfast or lunch.
A typical brunch is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; late morning. I think brunch is all about how leisure you can be. Socializing and indulgence come to mind.
This is the Second Season in Rehoboth Beach. Some restaurants have taken a well deserved rest; but the following are open and ready to make you feel at home.
Jam Bistro by Eden is located at 21 Baltimore Ave. They will be serving Brunch starting at 11:30 a.m. Tel. 302-226-5266.
Cafe Azafran Rehoboth is located at 18 Baltimore Ave. They will be serving Breakfast starting at 8 a.m. Tel. 302-227-8100.
Sole Rehoboth is located at 44 Baltimore Ave. They will be serving Brunch starting at 10:30 a.m. Tel. 302-227-7107.
The Gallery Espresso is located at 70 Rehoboth Ave., in the 1st Street Station. They serve Breakfast and even have some vegan and gluten free fare. Tel. 302-231-2113.
Purple Parrot is at 134 Rehoboth Ave., and they will be serving Breakfast. 302-226-1139.
Summer House is located at 228 Rehoboth Ave., and they will be serving Brunch starting at 11 a.m. Tel. 302-227-3895.
Crystal is located at 620 Rehoboth Ave. They will serve Breakfast all day. Tel. 302-227-1088.
The Point is located at 722 Rehoboth Ave., where Rt 1 meets 1A. They serve Breakfast and plenty of baked goods all made in-house. Tel. 302-260-9234.
Nage is located at 19730 Coastal Highway, 1 mile south of Midway Movies and across from the Gap Outlet. They will be serving a Brunch from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. 14 items for $14, Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Wine Bar is open all day.
Bethany Blues located at 618285 Coastal Highway will be serving Sunday Football Brunch from 11 until 4 p.m. Tel. 302-644-2500.
And after your breakfast or brunch, why not take a walk on our beautiful Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk?
Enjoy your stay in Rehoboth Beach!! Talk to you later…..
December 28th, 2011
In Rehoboth to celebrate the New Year? You are in for a real treat because the weather is gorgeous and we hope it stays that way. Hello Downtown Rehoboth Beach!!
Baltimore Avenue is a trendy street in Downtown Rehoboth Beach with very unique restaurants. It is parallel to Rehoboth Avenue. Lots of shops, quaint old houses and the ocean at the end of the street.
If you want entertainment then Showstoppers!! at Clear Space Theatre would be a special way of ringing in the New Year. A group of talented vocalists will take the stage at 9 p.m. to offer you a brand new selection of big Broadway musical numbers like Bosom Buddies from Mame, Easy Street from Annie and Glitter and Be Gay from Candide, among many others.
It is an hour long performance, then a live swing band for the remainder of the evening so you can swing-in the New Year. Dancing will continue until 1 a.m. with hors d’oeuvres and dessert throughout the evening, including a champagne toast at midnight.
Venue? Clear Space Theatre, 20 Baltimore Ave. Tickets are $50 each and includes the performance, live music, hors d’oeuvres, dessert and champagne toast. A cash bar will also be available. You can purchase tickets online at www.clearspacetheatre.org, by phone at 302-227-2270 or in person at the box office.
Cafe Azafran – 18 Baltimore Avenue. This restaurant will have seating availabe at 6-6:30 p.m. and 9-9:30 p.m. $49 per person plus gratuity. They will be offering 3 courses and the dinner includes a salad of baby romaine, radicchio and endive.
Please call 302-227-8100 and visit their website, www.cafeazafran.com so you can check out the menu for that evening. They open for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays.
Eden is located at 23 Baltimore Avenue. Tel. 302-227-3330. They will be offering an early seating for $85 per person or a late seating for $95 per person, including a champagne toast. Both seatings will have 4 courses.
Check their website, http://www.edenrestaurant.com. You will find the menu for that evening on Specials and Events.
MIXX will be offering a New Year’s Eve Menu with Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon, Seared Scallops or Surf & Turf. The restaurant is located at 26 Baltimore Ave., Tel. 302-226-8700. Website? www.mixxrehoboth.com.
Blue Moon is located at 35 Baltimore Avenue. Tel. 302-227-6515. This restaurant is celebrating New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Seating in the dining room will begin at 5:30 p.m. 4 courses for $95 per person.
Then, you can select from the 4-course New Year’s evening menu with a fabulous show by Pamala Stanley in their warm and cozy Atrium. That will begin at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for $135 per person.
New Year’s Day at the Blue Moon will bring a brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m….Their homemade Bloody Marys or Mimosas….Reservations are suggested.
Their Season Closing Party begins at 9 p.m. with drink specials, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment.
Their website? www.bluemoonrehoboth.com.
Sole went through a renovation, opening on their same spot at 44 Baltimore Avenue . Enjoy their new menu and decor on this last day of the year; it is a mix of the old and new. Call for reservations at 302-227-7107. You can find Sole-Rehoboth on Facebook, as well.
Sunday is their Pajama Party Brunch – Starting the New Year in a comfortable way. Call them up for reservations and more info.
You can check the menu on http://capegazette.villagesoup.com/business/el/sol/150891.
Baltimore Avenue is only two long blocks but believe me, it is a happening place in Rehoboth Beach!!
Have fun!!! Talk to you later…
 
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