July 27th, 2010
It seems like it was yesterday when I wrote my first post for my blog. Actually, yesterday, Tuesday was the one year anniversary of AboutMyBeaches. I have to thank Ed Timmons from 4C, Inc. for guiding me and being my webmaster. You may reach him at 302-228-3255. Website www.4cinc.com. Once he set me up I took off running, talking, writing or whatever you want to call it.
On that first post I talked about defining the meaning of being a “local”. That post stands the same today; Barry still thinks I am not a local; like he is one himself. He reminds me time and time again, among other comments. He is a great friend, so that’s why I can talk like this about him.
What he was not prepared for was to hear that Sharon, considers me a local but not a native like she is. That Missy was claiming me, that Cindi, a native from Lewes was also claiming me, as well. Our good friend, Craig, no longer with us wrote to my blog that day, along with Marcy, Roberta, Shelley, Trish. These are some of my good friends that have supported my “concierge journey”.
I cannot forget the other friends that have gone along with me kayaking, like Debbie. Walking on the boardwalk, Alice. Donna and Anita in Florida; one checking a new hotel and the other checking an artist.
My family and friends that have endured my picture taking at restaurants; not letting them take a bite until I was ready and having every one at the table ordering different items so that I could talk about them.
I was shocked when an invitation came from the Rehoboth Historical Society and Rehoboth Beach Museum addressed to “members of the press”. I had to e-mail them back thinking it was a mistake. But, it wasn’t. I was really invited. How neat!!
A person wrote after a restaurant review was not of his liking. What were my credentials, he asked? I don’t have any, really. But, what I do have is common sense and I know how I should be served and treated at a restaurant. He wondered how could I critique after just ordering a couple of things off the menu? I could just have ordered water and had an opinion, really.
I enjoy going out to dinner; discovering new places, passing the word around. That’s why this blog is my diary. Open and sincere.
Cooking is another of my passions. You have seen my recipes. I am no expert and some of them….well, don’t you remember the “pasteles” I made? It looked like somebody had thrown up on the plate. The funny thing was that it looked ugly but it tasted delicious.
AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Twitter. I, myself, am on Facebook and Linkedin. What this has done for me, personally, is a reconnection to all of my old friends. The “Igualitos” from Puerto Rico and a few others I had not seen for 38 years. That, really, has been priceless.
Rediscovering the Island of Puerto Rico was amazing. Only when you have left it, you learn to appreciate it more, even with all its deficiencies; the sounds, the sirens, potholes, tapones (traffic jams). Its beauty, the mountains, coconuts, rain forest, the beaches; and of course that “comida criolla”.
Now I do have to brag a little. As of today, including this post, I have 353 posts, 874 comments, 763 tags. From 6/27 to 7/27, 7,470 people hit my blog. On an average, and depending what my topic is I have between 190 to 275 plus people hitting it daily. I am excited!!
Thanks to my advertisers; but I do want more.
$500 for one year
$300 for 6 months
No website? No problem, $175 for 1 year.
The Delmarva Peninsula and all those other places I blog about and the new ones to be discovered…….I have to use that word again, Priceless!!!…talk to you later…
July 17th, 2010
This Village by the Sea is a town that has something going on no matter what season.
Following are a few of the activities and events that will be happening this week.
Sunday, 7/18 – Sunday, 7/25 – USTA Boys’ 18s & 16s National Clay Court Championships at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, located on Atlantic Avenue. It is an all day event.
Tuesday, 7/20 – Saturday, 7/24 – Shark Feeding at 10:30 a.m. at the Sandoway House Nature Center located at 142 South Ocean Blvd. For more information, please call 561-276-2076.
Friday, 7/23 – Block Party in the Pineapple Arts District with Cool Reggae Music, from 7 until 10 p.m. This event is part of the Summer Nights on the Avenue. They are summer evenings in Delray Beach, on the Avenue, that range from outdoor movie presentations to full-fledged theatre productions.
Friday, 7/23 – Gallery Walk on Atlantic and NE 2nd Ave. from 7 until 10 p.m. Artists open their galleries for an extended period of time. Refreshments and music.
Saturday, 7/24 – Narrated Tour of Historic Delray Beach. Location: Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave. The tour takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. It starts at 11:00 a.m. Tour 10 historic sites sponsored by the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion Hisory. $15 for adults and senior citizens and free for under 18 years of age.
Sunday, 7/25 – Palm Beach Chamber Music Summer Concert Series at 2 p.m. at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. Call 800-330-6874 for info. or visit www.pbcmf.org for a full schedule.
In Boyton Beach – The beachtown north of Delray Beach
Art-Sea Living is a shop/studio catering to the artsy side in all of us. One of a kind! It carries eclectic, unique and creative items some of which are made by Florida artists.
They are located on 1628 South Federal Highway, Boyton Beach, FL 33435. Tel. 561-737-2600. Website is www.art-sealiving.com.
The next Art Camp sessions are:
7/20 – 7/23
7/27 – 7/30
8/3 – 8/6
8/10 – 8/13
Pottery Painting – Take your kids or your friends and paint pottery in their studio. Some shop, some paint and some do both.
Summer hours for pottery painting are: Mon, Tues, Wed, Sat from 10 – 4 p.m.
Thursday – Paint pottery at night from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Sunday – Noon – 4 p.m.
If you are in Delray Beach, Florida have a great week. Talk to you later….
June 27th, 2010
I was taking a walk this morning, here, in Rehoboth Beach, and it was so hot. It reminded me of the same heat I felt in Delray Beach a few weeks ago. We think that there is nothing going on in South Florida this time of the year but I was pleasantly surprised how crowded this Village by the Sea was a few weeks ago. As hot as it was, I did not mind it.
As the 4th of July approaches I was wondering what would be going on in Delray this week. And, this is what I found:
Monday, June 28th – Booksigning at Murder on the Beach, a Mystery Book Store, located at 273 NE 2nd Avenue (Pineapple Grove Art District). Tel. 561-279-7790. Website www.murderonthebeach.com. Open Mondays through Saturdasy from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
Murder on the Beach carries new, used, collectible books, and audio books. They also carry mystery jigsaw puzzles and mystery dinner games.
Author, Craig Johnson, will speak and sign his new book, Junkyard Dogs. The book: “Missing body parts and dead developers are only the beginning….”
Craig Johnson is a mystery writer from Wyoming and he is the author of The Cold Dish and The Dark Horse.
Tuesdays through Saturdays – Coral Reef Shark Feeding at the Sandoway House Nature Center located on 142 S. Ocean Blv., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-274-7263. On Sundays the feeding takes place at 1:30 p.m. Website is www.sandowayhouse.com.
You know, the Sandoway House is a house that was designed by Samuel Ogren, Sr. in 1936 for early Delray winter resident J.B. Evans who was a retired produce broker. It is a simple home, overlooking the ocean, and it is one of the last remaining Resort Colonial Revival houses in Delray. Since it was built during the Great Depression, the only ostentation is the cathedral window on the south side of the house.
In 1998, this house opened its doors to the public as a nature center in a historical setting.
Please visit the website or give them a call because they have all kinds of programs, plus it is a neat house to tour; you don’t find many of those left. They have turtle talks, garden walks, inside and outside talks about shells, fossil Fridays and snake and lizard talk.
At Boston’s on the Beach:
Boston’s is an institution in Delray Beach. It has been in this town for 28 years and there is always food, fun and live music. Right there a block south from Atlantic and A1A, across from the beach. The address is 40 S. Ocean Blvd. and the telephone is 561-278-3364. The website is www.bostonsonthebeach.com.
On Monday, 6/28 is Reggae Night from 9 p.m. until 1:30 a.m.
On Tuesday, 6/29 it is Blue Tuesdays from 8:30 until 9:30 p.m. This night brings world class blues music featuring famous Frank Ward and “The Nantucket Goobers”. It is an ever changing lineup of musicians and special guests.
On Friday, 7/2, Saturday, 7/3, and Sunday (the 4th!!) – It is The Red, White & Blues 2010 Festival at Boston’s on the Beach at Atlantic & A1A. Featuring Elvin Bishop & Tinsley Ellis. Admission $12 on Friday, $18 on Saturday or a 2-day pre-sale pass for $20. No charge on Sunday. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. For schedule performances please visit the website above mentioned.
Friday, 7/2 – Gallery Walk - 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. This is a time when Delray’s downtown art galleries and studios open their doors to the public for extended hours for music, art and refreshments.
The following businesses I personally know. There is no better way to advertise than by word of mouth. Yes, they are also my advertisers right on my blog. Just click on their individual sites and this will take you into their websites for information on everything they have to offer.
Tauriello & Company Real Estate – I have used them many times. Please call John Merryman at 561-573-8500 in case you want a place in this beautiful Village by the Sea.
Anita Jennings Designs – Interiors. You may contact Anita at 561-278-7473.
Beach House Management, LLC. – Property Management Company. Tel. 561-376-4329. Please talk to Michael Keegan. I cannot say enough about Michael. I have known him for a very long time and having a house in Delray with him taking care of it, has given me peace of mind.
Have a great week!! Enjoy the Second Season….
June 15th, 2010
Even though I have had a place in Delray for some time, I really did not know where to go for tiles. South Florida is full of businesses that are into tiles but I did not want to make a career out of checking them out. I like to make those decisions fast; I know what I like.
My contractor, Dan Palmer, suggested I went to D & B Tile in Delray Beach. So off I went to check them out even though what I really wanted to do was sit on the beach. It was hot!!
D & B Tile is located on 781 South Congress Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33445. Website is www.dbtile.com. Fax: 561-278-7621. Tel. 561-272-7022.
For over 50 years this family business has been in the tile business. It is considered one of the largest privately owned tile distributors in the United States.
With more than 40 manufacturers, the company imports from Italy, Spain, South America and the Far East.
Besides Florida, they service other parts of the country with 9 locations; providing tiles to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
D & B Tile donates tiles and materials to Habitat For Humanity, The Jack & Jill House Children’s Center, and the Trojan House, built by high school students. They also hold charity golf tournaments to benefit the James Jr. Fund at Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital.
Walking into this tile company was, at first, a little intimidating. So many choices, colors, materials, accents. But, then I met Cherie Arbogast. She is in Sales and Design at D & B.
Cherie was so easy to talk to and immediately showed me different samples. We talked about the space, grout, backsplash, etc. In no time I was finished. She also let me take tile samples in order to match them to the countertops, which was a big help. If you are in need of tiles, definitely, I would recommend her at D & B Tile. Her direct line is 561-843-6523.
Have a great day and talk to you later….
June 14th, 2010
What is it about cupcakes? Afterall, we have all been eating them since we were kids. That’s it!! It is not that they are now a little more fancy and even bigger, the idea is the same though. The little cake with a lot of icing.
Yes, I get it. Cupcakes universally evoke our childhood. They are so easy to eat. Definitely easier than a piece of cake. You know how busy we all are; we can really eat them as we are walking or driving from one place to another. Just like eating a hot dog, a hamburger, or a pretzel.
I have even heard that cupcakes are replacing some wedding cakes. I don’t know about that but you never know.
I remembered that the last time I was in Delray, a cupcake store was about to open. On this trip I had to check it out.
It is Cupcake Couture, a Sweet Boutique and it is located at 328 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-276-2334. Website is www.cupcakecoutureusa.com.
The owner of Cupcake Couture is Pam Joyner, Cupcake Curator. Her e-mail address is pam@cupcakecoutureusa.com. Their motto? “Life’s short…eat dessert first!”
Unfortunately, the day I stopped by she was not there yet but her employees were very gracious and answered my questions.
The store is colorful. It appeals to young and old. The walls are completely decorated with cupcakes and candy. The displays are full of all that old fashion candy.
The store bakes the cupcakes in-house. As I was talking to the ladies working the store, they were bringing them out.
The key to a good cupcake is that it is freshly baked.
The cupcakes have names like Donatella Vanilla, Jimmy Choo-colate, Christian Louboutinilla, Cocoa Chanel, Red Valentino, Oscar de la Raspberry, Dolce & Banana, Ives Saint Lemon, Donna Karrot, and so many more. They are all listed with their descriptions on the website. At the present time, the website is being worked on but you can definitely get its menu.
There is also an assortment of classic breakfast flavors that change daily.
One thing that immediately attracted my attention is that Vegan or Gluten-free cupcakes are available upon request. Minimum is 1 dozen and please allow at least 48 hours notice. They also have sugar free cupcakes.
Besides cupcakes this Sweet Boutique offers gelato, soft drinks and coffee.
There is plenty of seating available and even flat screen t.v.s that look like ovens in pink and green.
The store had plenty of customers late in the day but in the evening, as I passed by again, it was definitely crowded.
Cupcake Couture could be a good place to get something for a host or hostess or anyone, for that matter. The cupcakes will be a conversation piece.
Please note that they also offer custom cakes. The store is also available for rent for that special party in someone’s life. If you need more information please contact them at the above telephone number.
Have a great week!! Talk to you later….
June 13th, 2010
For the past few days I have been in Delray Beach, but I am now at the Delaware beaches and as I sit down to write this post, I just have to give thanks for being fortunate enough to experience “life along the coast”.
I was not going to start with that paragraph but last night as I sat together with friends for a fantastic meal, along the beach, I asked one of my friends how he was. His answer? Wonderful, life is good. My statement? Aren’t we so lucky to live where we live?
And, that brought my thoughts to Delray Beach. It is one of those towns that grabs you once you experience it.
This Village by the Sea has maintained its charm through history. Its residents are making sure it stays that way. That is the main attraction to this coastal town in Palm Beach County.
Among other attractions are the festivals and fairs that are held during the year in Delray’s historic downtown streets. The restaurants are the best, with most of them having outdoor seating. And, saving the best for last is the beach. Totally unobstructed and pristine.
One feature this town offers is the availability to walk everywhere. It is heaven for runners and bikers.
It was hot, that its the truth but no hotter than here in Delaware in the summer, or in Puerto Rico where I just also visited.
The Second Season in Delray is what the locals and residents wait for. During the day is quiet but at night the restaurants are crowded and the town is alive.
Blue sky, humid, plenty of sunshine all day, but in the early morning, along A1A, which is the road parallel to the beach, you will find everyone exercising. This is a beautiful long walk. The view is just amazing since the ocean is right there and as you walk you hear the small waves hitting the shore.
So, this is Delray Beach, definitely, A Village by The Sea during the early morning:
I smile when I see these pictures because, how could you not fall in love with it? Talk to you later….
June 11th, 2010
It is the second season in this Village by the Sea and by no means this little town is going to shut down. Restaurants are open and the beaches look wonderful. I should know because I have been here for a few days.
This is what this town is offering:
Friday, June 11th – Gallery Walk – Stroll in the Delray Art Gallery District along Atlantic Avenue. Enjoy art, music and light refreshments from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Each gallery will be displaying the latest artists on the scene. In Delray Beach there are approximately 20 galleries showing art work by prominent and emerging artists from all over the world.
June 1, 2010 until September 25, 2010 – Crest Theatre Galleries – Old School Square – Exhibits: Stuff II: The Joy of Collecting!! Created because Stuff I was so popular this exhibit celebrates the pure joy of collecting…from any era! Approximately 50 collectors from the area have loaned their treasured items to this exhibit.
A special collection of 1975 photographs of Julia Child is on loaned from photographer, Albie Walton. The photos were shot for her book “From Julia Child’s Kitchen”.
In the upstairs Gallery:
Masterworks: Photography by Jeremiah Jenner. His style is defined by crisp colors, bold shapes and sophisticated composition. His sleek and minimalistic limited editions have endeared the media as well as the serious art collectors.
The Masterworks Series offers a unique view of Jenner’s post contemporary phtographic works from 2000 – 2010. Please visit his website www.jeremiahjenner.com.
The Crest Theatre Galleries – Old School Square is located on 51 North Swinton, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. 561-243-7922 and the website is www.oldschool.org.
Have a great week-end….
May 16th, 2010
Even though Delray Beach is coming into its quieter season, this Village by the Sea keeps bringing events to all its residents.
The art fairs, the first class restaurants, the unobstructed beaches, the swaying palm trees, the hottest new artists to downtown galleries, Delray’s art scene is truly a feast for the eyes!!
 Sunrise in Delray Beach Old School Square Cultural Arts Center and National Historic Site is a nationally recognized historic preservation project and a testament to the role of the arts in downtown revitalization.
It is located on the corner of Atlantic and Swinton Avenues right on downtown Delray. Their mission is to enrich the lives of all people in the community by presenting diverse experiences in visual and performing arts, education, and entertainment.
This Cultural Center wants to know if you are a collector in South Florida. They want to exhibit your “stuff” during STUFF II: The Joy of Collecting from June 1st until September 25th. Please visit http://www.oldschool.org and download the STUFF II Submission Form for information on how to have your collection considered for the exhibit.
During the month of May, in the Ethel Sterling Williams History Learning Center, 111N. Swinton Ave., there will be an exhibit on Samuel Ogren, Sr.
Mr. Samuel Ogren, Sr. was Delray Beach’s first registered architect. The exhibit will feature his drawings. Mr. Ogren worked in Delray from 1925 until 1950 and some of his outstanding designs still exist in the City such as the Sandoway House, Arcade Building, Old School Square’s Gymnasium and High School. The exhibits were created from a collection of architectural drawings donated by the Ogren family to the Historical Society’s archives.
On Thursday, May 20th at 6:30 p.m. there will be a panel discussion on Mr. Ogren at the Ethel Sterling William Learning Center, 111 N. Swinton Ave. Admission is free to the public. Architects Dan Sloan and David Hawke, preservation consultan Bonnie Dearborn, architectural historian and interior designer Donna Sloan and DBHS Archivist Dorothy Patterson will discuss Ogren Designs-Green Themes-What We Can Learn. Need more info.? Please call 561-274-9578.
Friday, May 21st – Every Friday night, the Downtown Delray Beach Gallery District holds a Gallery Walk from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. There are about 18 galleries participating. On Friday nights these galleries open their doors for the walk with wine and cheese served. Friday, the 21st will be the next one. The location is Atlantic Ave. and NE 2nd Ave.
Friday, May 21st – Murder on the Beach is a mystery book and entertainment store located on 273 Pineapple Grove Way (NE 2nd Ave.). Tel. 561-279-7790. Website is www.murderonthebeach.com.
Les Standiford and Lynne Barrett Signing. They will be talking about and signing Delta Blues, a newly published collection of short stories set in the Delta.
Delta Blues – “This collection of short fiction captures both the art of the tale and power of the blues, and is a nod at the human condition that often inspires musicians to write and sing the blues. These stories tell about bad men and bad women who sometimes do good-or sometimes follow their true nature.” from the introduction by Morgan Freeman
Friday, May 21st – The Coolest Outdoor Lounge Party Comes to Delray Beach!! From 6:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. It is called CHILLOUNGE NIGHT. Location: Old School Square, Park Site, between NE 1 Ave. and NE 2nd Ave., one block north of Atlantic Avenue. Entrance is on NE 2nd Ave.
Chillounge Night provides a great night of entertainment and takes an active role in benefiting the community and a local charity. This year’s event will benefit the Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc.
Downtown Delray Beach will transform into a magnificent outdoor lounge. With six truckloads of chic, South Beach style lounge furniture (daybeds), artistically arranged, the party will have the feel of a glamorous mix and mingle for the hip and social crowd…they are licensed to chill!!
Tickets: You may buy them on line by visiting www.chilloungenight.com. $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. Limited VIP tickets are $75. This will give you open liquor bar, complimentary food, a nice reusable gift bag by Whole Foods Market and a cigar from the cigar lounge area.
If you are in Delray Beach this week, this is one party you do not want to miss!!
Note: Event will take place, rain or shine. No ticket refunds or exchanges.
Saturday, May 22nd – The Boca Raton Singers present Happy Together. Performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $15 matinee and $20 for the evening performance. Call the Crest Theatre Box Office 561-243-7922, ext. 1. This is the 5th Anniversary Concert. It has something for everyone; Broadway favorites, to a toe-tapping, hand-clapping 60’s medley. For info. on the Boca Raton Singers, please call 6=561-866-1868 or visit www.bocaraonsingers.org. Tickets are available for purchase on line at www.oldschool.org/performances.asp.
Boyton Beach, Florida…Next town north of Delray Beach
Art-Sea Living Boutique Gallery & Studio, located at 1628 South Federal Highway.
Classes, Camps & Upcoming Events – Camp will start very soon. For information please call 561-737-2600.
This is their 4th year of summer art camp. Each year they concentrate on the camps from June through August. A lot of single classes and workshops for Tweens (preteens), Teens and Adults. The descriptions are on their calendar at www.art-sealiving.com. Please look at their Thursday evening classes and events as well. New late hours have been added.
Art-Sea will be open for Paint Your Own Pottery daily as well as shopping and of course, Classes & Art Camp. It will also be a great place to host your next Art Party. To check their Party Menu please go to www.artseapartymenu.com.
 The Beach in Delray
“I have always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, the gentle roar of the waves all combine to create a sense of peace and calm.”
Have a great week!!
Note: The pictures were courtesy of my father.
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