March 1st, 2014
CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, aka, The Nation’s Summer Capital, is opening its season, like they have been doing for the past 24 years, with the Chocolate Festival. A one day event that brings to town many visitors to taste everything chocolate!! The sponsors for this event are Rehoboth Beach Main Street, http://www.downtownrehoboth.com, and The Friends of the Rehoboth Library, http://www.rehobothlibrary.org/about-us/friends-of-library.html.
Last year over 2,300 visitors attended. It takes place at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, located in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 1st.
 
Your $5 entry will include 5 tastings….extra tastings are .50 each. Children under 5 are free. There will be raffle prizes, vendors, and so much chocolate to try.
This young baker will probably be there, just like he has been before. Young but with a great future ahead of him if he keeps baking this way.
Categories for the event are cookies, brownies, pies, cheesecakes, candy, cake and most unusual.
While at the Chocolate Festival, please make sure to stop by the Village Improvement Association’s table. They are a big supporter of this event. Their bakers have a reputation for amazing baked goods. To know more about them, please visit http://www.rehobothbeachvia.org
GUMBO CRAWL-MARDI GRAS IN REHOBOTH BEACH – The fun does not stop at the Chocolate Festival…having dessert first is the best! You can then crawl over to the restaurants participating in the Gumbo Crawl, which will be taking place from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. $5 ballots for all your tastings. The restaurants are: Rigby’s, Dogfish Head, Arenas, MIXX, Cafe Azafran, The Frogg Pond, Purple Parrot Grill, Stoney Lonen, Mariachi, Seafood Shack and Nicola on the Avenue.
Sunday, March 2nd – THE CULTURE PEARL’S 22nd ANNUAL BUFFET EXTRAVAGANZA – An all day event, starting at Noon. Just one day of tastings. 2 hour seatings. Booked on the hour with last seating at 8 p.m. $34. Please call 302-227-8493. The Cultured Pear is located at..It is an iconic restaurant in Rehoboth Beach with delicious sushi, sashimi, Asian Cuisine, edamame bar, and much more. Great atmosphere. Love seating at the sushi bar!! The Cultured Pearl is located at 301 Rehoboth Avenue.
Please remember that on Monday, March 3rd, is business as usual at The Cultured Pearl with Sushi Nite!!
So, as you can see….Downtown Rehoboth Beach is definitely a destination this week-end……Spring is coming! Have a great day.
February 17th, 2014
Are you in Delray Beach, Florida? In the news they said that the only state with no snow on the ground is Florida. So, my friend tells me that the weather has been gorgeous is Delray Beach, which got me thinking….sitting on that wide beach during the day is the best, whether you are just relaxing or engaging on a favorite activity.
I have been to plenty of restaurants in Delray Beach, but one that is my “go to restaurant” is Ziree Thai & Sushi, located at 401 West Atlantic Ave., right past the Tennis Club as you head west to 95. Last November I made sure I stopped once again. http://www.zireethai.com. Tel. 561-276-6549. They do accept reservations. You might need them at the height of the season if you have a large party, otherwise, do like we have always done and just show up. These two sisters are so nice and I came to know them because the son of one and the nephew of the other played lacross with my son while attending school in Florida.
I have seen the restaurant become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. They do have a bar and take out, as well.
Ziree Thai & Sushi is casual; come as you are kind of place if you want. Very relaxing.
I usually start with the Ziree Salad….fresh salmon, sushi grade, and berries and their own salad dressing.
Another favorite is the NAMSOD, which has ground chicken or pork, red onions, ginger, scallions, mixed with chili paste and lime juice.
Spring Rolls!!
The Sashimi Boat & Spicy Conch Salad. It is always good.
If you like curry, this is your spot in Delray Beach. Your choice of Red, Country, Green, Panang, Masamun or Yellow. Add vegetable or tofu, chicken, beef, or pork, and shrimp, squid, or scallop. I love them all but I usually ask for the Panang with squid. They are served over white or brown rice. You can also ask them to add extra “heat”.
They have desserts but I am usually satisfied.
Enjoy!!
Please Note: They do carry gluten free soy sauce.
November 28th, 2013
It was early in the morning on Saturday, November 23rd. It has been happening every year for the past 27 years, when Delray Beach gets ready for a Turkey Trot. It is a benefit for the Keith Straghn Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving Drive for the needy families of Delray Beach. So, spectators, runners, walkers and trotters were ready. This event was sponsored by the City of Delray Beach.
On the photo….don’t know what kind of outfit that guy was wearing…
There was not a soul on A1A…that was hard to believe. Usually, on a holiday week-end, there are plenty already walking or trying to get the best parking spaces for another stay at the gorgeous beach in Delray.
And the corner of A1A and Atlantic Avenue was blocked off for the runners.
The destination where all were located was 340 S. Ocean Blvd. at Anchor Park. The runners and walkers were checking in.
The essentials like food and water…
The actual race had a starting time of 7:30 a.m. on Gleason.
And off they went…
This year there were over 500 participants, fundraising for those less fortunate.
Mark your calendars because this race happens the Saturday before Thanksgiving. More info? Please call Keith Straghn at 561-305-1744.
And remember to stop back for some fruit and goodies after the race.
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.
November 3rd, 2013
It seems like my trees have turned overnight….they look gorgeous but I am not looking forward to all the leaves on the ground. They seem to hang out at my yard for months.
It is so chilly and windy that an easy shortcut casserole would be perfect for dinner. There is a key ingredient to this casserole and that is a Rotisserie Chicken….a must. You will probably need just half of the chicken. Use the rest for a chicken salad. They make the best!
ROTISERRIE SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN LASAGNA
2 cups shredded Rotiseerie Chicken
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 chopped, small onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 16 ounce jar of salsa (Choose, Mild, Medium or Hot. Any brand will do.)
1 15 ounch can chili with beans
1 small can chopped green chiles
9 (6-inch) flour tortillas
1 (8-ounce) package shredded Mexican 4-cheese blend
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine the first 5 ingredients. Set aside.
Saute onion and garlic in hot oil in a large skillet until tender. Add salsa, chili, and green chiles. Reduce heat, and simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes.
Line the bottom of an 11 x 7 inch baking dish with 3 tortillas; layer with enough chili mixture to lightly cover them, then half of the chicken mixture and a third of the cheese.
Repeat another layer. Then, top with the las 3 tortillas. Pour the last of the chili mixture and sprinkle with the last of the cheese.
Place in the oven for about 30 minutes. Let is stand 5 or 10 minutes before serving. It makes a great meal. The chicken is full of flavor and all you have to do is add a salad or veggie and dinner is then served.
Make it your own and enjoy!!
October 8th, 2013
Uvas Playeras…that’s what they called them in Spanish. I grew up in the Island of Puerto Rico, where Seagrapes were very common. I used to eat them right from the tree, not giving it another thought.
Many years later, as I became a frequent visitor to South Florida, I noticed that the Seagrape plant was used a lot in their landscaping. Seagrapes are highly tolerant of salt and heat. That’s why this plant is also so abundant in the Caribbean.
Depending what month I found myself in South Florida, I always looked for the fruit that might be in season. Something different from what I would find at the Delaware Beaches, where I reside. At times, it might be avocado, mango, or tamarind.
A few weeks ago I was in Delray Beach. It was a time for Seagrapes. They were everywhere. It is a messy tree since the fruit falls off very easily once it is ripe.
The biggest tree I have seen so far was in Delray Beach, and it was full of seagrapes. Check out this photo.
At first the fruit is very green and it does look so pretty on the trees. You have to be patient and wait until the end of summer when the Seagrapes will ripen.
Seagrapes are in the buckwheat family. They protect beaches from coastal winds. In Delray Beach, they also protect the sea turtles.
So, as I was walking early in the morning in Delray, I was prepared, carrying my plastic bag to gather some of these Seagrapes. I have never seen anyone picking them….only me. A few gave me that look, wondering “what the heck is she doing?” You want the Seagrapes to be as dark as possible…a purplish color!! That’s when they will be sweet and tart at the same time.
Seagrapes have a pit that takes almost the whole fruit. They say you can make jam and even wine. But, I will tell you this…I cannot imagine how hard it will be to take that pulp. Not me, I just pop them in my mouth, play around with them, and then….yes, spit them out!! Not very ladylike, but that’s what I do.
Now don’t they look beautiful? I ate them all…so good. Don’t just look at them…eat them!!
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
October 5th, 2013
Delray Beach, Florida, is also known as The Village by The Sea. This town is a destination for many. Some go on vacation, others make it their home during the cold northeast winters. It is so easy to get to; 2 airports are within 30 minutes from Delray. Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach International.
When you arrive in Delray Beach, you will see the big Pineapple at the entrance of town….it welcomes Visitors to this Village by the Sea.
What I love the most about Delray is the beach. It is so unobstructed and the water is so clear. You park yourselves on that beach and just relax…
Coralina Village is a complex of a dozen townhouses. It is located a few blocks south from the famous Atlantic Avenue, where all the restaurants, shops, art galleries, and bars are located. You can look and look, but I can tell you that you will not find another complex in Delray with this type of location. Mediterranean style, by the beach, and it does have its own private pool. The southern exposure makes this unit light and airy, with no buildings obstructing its backyard.
 
For Sale: 1024 Coralina, Delray Beach, Florida, 33483. This property is listed with Kelley Lake Johnson of Tauriello & Co., located in the heart of Delray Beach. Her tel. is 561-703-3839. To see the photos and virtual tour, please visit http://www.tauriello.com/new_listings.php. It is a turn-key unit. All furniture is included….even the spices. All you need is your toothbrush and a few personal items.
Living, dining, kitchen, den and 1/2 bath are all on the first floor.
1024 Coralina is unique, because even though all townhouses have 2 car garages, this one only has 1 1/2 garages, due to the fact that the owners made an office out of half of the garage for additional space inside.
Upstairs the laundry room, master bedroom (and bathroom) with tongue and groove ceiling, and 2 guests bedrooms sharing a bathroom.
Each bedroom has its own balcony, as well.
A patio and yard in the back is the perfect spot early in the morning, early in the evening or eating al fresco. And, during March, the gardenia bush is gorgeous.
Since the beach is only a block away, it is the ideal setting for an early walk or jog. You can exercise and walk all morning long, right by the beach on A1A.
It has been said that the mark of a Great real estate agent isn’t how Many houses he or she shows you, it’s how Few!! The realtor who will find the right house for you is the agent who will listen to you…what you need, and what you would want to spend. He or she will also know what you’ve got your heart set on and what will, actually, make you crazy….so, what did you say you were looking for?
Talk to you later…
September 22nd, 2013
If you are planning a vacation to Delray Beach, Florida, and choose to stay at the Seagate Hotel on Atlantic Avenue, you will be able to have privileges at the Seagate Beach Club, located at 401 South Ocean Blvd. For many years the Seagate Beach Club was all members, but since the opening of the Seagate Hotel, guests can sit on its private beach, and enjoy the many amenities the club has to offer.
Enjoying an evening at the Seagate with friends, Michael and Jeff, was special on Friday evening. Catching up with them after not seeing them for some time. Since it is a private club, I extended the patrons the opportunity to dine in complete privacy, so therefore, only a few photos of the evening you will see.
A room with a view is the place to be if you are seated on the balcony.
The bread was excellent!! And what followed were salads, beets, calamari, several types of beef and a pork ragu with gnocchi….chocolate cake, ice cream and key lime pie! Yum!
And, then, some ventured outdoors to catch one of the movies under the moonlight!!
Talk to you later….have a good one!
 
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