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!
September 21st, 2013
Usually the action is on Atlantic Ave., but early in the morning that was not the case. Too quiet!! Everyone was on the beach, as another beautiful day in the Village by the Sea was developing.
The full moon was still there, but the sun was definitely out. A little less humid than in the past couple of days. One person said “Fall is here”, I was already perspiring…maybe 85 degrees?
The early risers were getting ready for a little surf-fishing.
The others were exercising on the beach.
Me? I was just taking a walk and taking the beach in…the palm trees, the ocean breezes, and the salty air.
Groups were pouring into the beach….it was Beach Clean-Up in Delray Beach with Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful. For more info. visit http://www.keeppbcbeautiful.org.
They had trash bags, gloves, and a list of things to find. It was going to be a fun day on the beach for everyone.
Delray Beach is pretty big and there is room for everyone. The teams were assembling and games of volleyball were getting underway.
Having breakfast in one of the restaurants that are right on A1A is a favorite of many in the a.m.
Wow, the seagrapes are plentyful this year…next post.
Talk to you later.
September 19th, 2013
Just as you find plenty of restaurants and art galleries in Delray Beach, Florida, you will also find many boutiques and small specialty shops, as well. From jewelry and accessories to homegoods, Delray Beach offers visitors a must do shopping experience.
So, as I waited for my friend, Danika and her constant companion, Prince Pierre, I strolled Atlantic Avenue. What got my attention was the handbag on the window and the necklace. Then I stepped in and met Arnona Cohen, who is the Manager at Unique Boutique.
Unique Boutique is located at 204 East Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray. Tel. 561-272-6654. The store is owned by Kaaren Beaton, who also owns stores in Naples and Cape Cod.
 
The shop has just enough…high end jewelry, handbags, shoes, and accessories.
Arnona and I were just shooting the breeze; nothing in particular. A little of her life, my life; pretty much a friendly chat.
The shops in Delray Beach stay open at night. Stroll them before or after dinner to pick up a little something from your trip to The Village by The Sea.
Check out the sale corner, as well.
Have a Good One!!
September 18th, 2013
The evening was balmy to say the least, and humid, and rainy….South Florida!! I kept hearing that they had quite a summer regarding the weather. Hey, welcome to the club. It seems everyone has.
Delray Beach is a vacation and dining destination. Up and down Atlantic Ave., and its side streets, you will find restaurants catering to discriminating palates.
Our choice on Wednesday evening was 32 East, located at 32 E. Atlantic Ave., Tel. 561-276-7868. Website? http://www.32east.com.
32 East has been part of the restaurant scene in Delray Beach since 1996. It is very popular, so if you are vacationing in Delray this winter, make sure you call for reservations.
She and I had never met but have connected here or there on Facebook. Face to face meeting tonight; I will have to say I am glad we did finally meet and it was way overdue. Along came Prince Pierre, with Danika.
 
Danika writes about Delray Beach. So, check her out at http://www.i-love-delray-beach.com, because there is a lot to learn about this Village by the Sea.
Part of the fun of eating in Delray Beach is that you can dine outdoors most of the time. We did so tonight since our dining 4-legged companion, Prince Pierre, could not, certainly, eat inside.
After much chatting, and Michael, our server, refilling our glasses, we decided to make our choices.
A Bibb Lettuce Salad with cucumber, celery, cilantro, scallions, sesame, pine nuts, and gala apple (my favorite apple), in Thai Chile Vinaigrette. Good, refreshing on such a steamy night in Delray.
Michael told us that the swordfish was so fresh, it would have been his choice. I was not sure…swordfish… not my favorite. But, following his direction I was totally impressed.
Saute of Atlantic Swordfish on wood roasted root veggies, fingerling potatoes, and red endive with butternut squash puree and Madeira wine, veal jus. The swordfish was moist and the veggies were a great addition; full of flavor.
The Oven Roasted B & E Chicken Breast, came out looking beautiful and full of color, accompanied with Vidalia onions and organic carrots on broccoli rabe, saute with huckleberry vinegar pan sauce. I believe the B & E stands for Bell & Evans. Their chickens are raised without antibiotics or growth hormones throughout their entire life.
A side order of Potato Puree….so good. But, to me it seemed more like a strata. I think, a winner!
No dessert was necessary, even though Michael tried….tempting, that’s for sure.
Talk to you later..a toast to new friends!!
June 26th, 2013
Tonight was the night…a graduation of sorts. I think in a post about 16 weeks ago, I might have mentioned that I had committed for 1 year to a program where we were going to be counting fats. NIH did a 5 year, landmark program and that’s what we have been following. I feel so much better…and my doctor agrees.
For those 16 weeks, a group of strangers at the beginning…they are now friends. We have met once a week. We have talked and talked and counted fats and rallied for each other. Also, the scale has been used once a week, as well. We all see less of each other.. haha. The program continues for another 8 months, but we will only be meeting once a month. Still continuing with what we have learned…a low fat diet, plenty of exercise, and a good disposition.
So, we all got together…and a pot luck dinner took place.
But, I guess bad habits are hard to break so, I am starting with dessert. Both desserts, the Trifle and the Peanut Butter Pie, were made to fit our new way of eating. So I’ll start with the Trifle.
Pat brought this Trifle and it was truly delicious. It was light, refreshing, easy to make, and low fat.
SKINNY STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE TRIFLE
5 cups or 2 pints, fresh strawberries, sliced
2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup store-bought prepared strawberry glaze
1 (14 ounce) ready baked, fat free, angel food cake, cut in half and into 1-inch cubes
1 8 ounce container fat-free frozen Cool Whip (Pat used the low fat.)
2 snack packs of already prepared fat-free vanilla pudding
In a large serving bowl or trifle dish, place half the angel food cake pieces on the bottom of bowl.
Sprinkle about 2 cups strawberries evenly over the cake.
Dollop 1 package of pudding all over top of berries.
Sprinkle with 1/2 cup blueberries and drizzle with 1/4 cup strawberry glaze over blueberries.
Spread 1/2 container Cool Whip evenly over glaze.
Repeat the steps starting with angel food cake and ending with Cool Whip. Decorate top of the Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with remaining sliced strawberries and blueberries.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Store any leftovers, if any, covered in the refrigerator.
I did enjoy my guilt free desserts…the one on the left is the Peanut Butter Pie!!
Note: The recipe was taken Skinny Kitchen.
June 20th, 2013
When visiting Delray Beach, Florida, usually a highlight of the trip is revisiting the restaurants that have become favorites and checking out the new ones, as well. Delray Beach is a dining, shopping and vacation destination. So, easy to get to, with 2 airports within half hour from the town.
If I were to tell you that it is the “off season” in Delray maybe there might be some truth to it. It is summer in Florida and many have headed north. But, don’t get me wrong, you might find it easier to find parking and maybe might be able to get into the restaurants without waiting too long, but all you have to do is hit Atlantic Avenue, Pineapple Grove, A1A in the early evening and you will see residents and visitors enjoying the warm weather, dining al fresco, and sipping their favorite drinks.
Some of the restaurants are offering summer menus, and The Office in Delray Beach is offering an Inventive Summer Comfort Menu with 2 and 3-course prix fixe options for lunch and dinner, Sunday through Thursday, until the end of September, 2013.
The Office opened in Delray, I believe, almost 5 years ago, by restauranteur and entrepeneur, John Rosatti. It has the perfect location, a corner on trendy and busy Atlantic Avenue…201 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-276-3600. Website? http://www.theofficedelray.com.
Executive Chef Joseph “Joe” Coletto is providing diners with the option of choosing 2 courses for $25 (either an appetizer and an entree, or an entree and a dessert), or 3 courses for $35 (one appetizer, one entree, and one dessert). This menu is available every week from Sunday through Thursday until the end of September, 2013. Tax and gratuity are not included.
Outdoor dining, al fresco, at sidewalk…with these tables you will not miss any of the happenings on the Avenue.
The setting is reminiscent of a luxurious home office, for lunch and dinner, daily.
For both Summer Comfort Prix Fixe Menus, the appetizer choices are: Quesadilla, Deviled Eggs which are the best, Fried Pickles, Grown-Up Tater Tots, House-Smoked Fish Nachos, Warm Baked Pretzel Bread, Side Salad – House or Caesar, BBQ Chinese Chicken Wings, Chicken Shu-Mai Duplings, and Sweet Potato Chips.
 
Entree choices are: Veggie Burger, Office Burger, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Marinated Hanger Steak, Baby Back Ribs, Pan-Roasted Free Bird Chicken, Simply Grilled Salmon, Coconut Curry PEI Mussels, Dark English Ale-Battered Fish, and Boneless Country Fried Chicken.
   
Dessert choices are: Apple Crumble, Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches, Maple-and Bacon Glazed Donuts, Golden Raisin and Chocolate Bread Pudding, and Blueberry Creme Brulee.
Specialty cocktails like The Red Stapler made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Prickly Pear, Agave Nectar, and lemon juice are among the many drinks found at The Office. The Office also serves 39 craft beers on draft, including Bell’s Two Hearted, IPA, the number one ranked IPA in the U.S., along with offerings from Cigar City, Oskar Blues, and our very own Dogfish from Delaware!!
The designed wine list, with 25 wines by the glass and 90 wines by the bottle, from California, Italy, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.
Happy Hour is from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and it features 50% off of all drinks, wines by the glass, bottle and draft beer, and cocktails, at both the indoor and outdoor bars. The Happy Hour offers a pre-selected Happy Hour bar menu, as well.
The Late Night Happy Hour is from 10 p.m. until closing, featuring 50% off of all drinks at both bars, indoor and outdoor.
Hope you have a great time in Delray!! Talk to you later.
June 10th, 2013
It might be a little quieter in the Village by the Sea, at this time of the year, but by no means is Delray Beach, Florida, and other towns in Palm Beach County rolling up their sidewalks!! This is the time of the year to enjoy these unique towns.
Delray Beach, Florida, is a dining and vacation destination all year round. It has been voted the Most Fun Small Town in America and just recently #1 on the list of best beaches in Florida, out of 10 beaches awarded this designation. The idea of eating outdoors is so enticing; it sets the mood for the evening. And, in Delray Beach, most restaurants have outdoor dining available. With that in mind, my post begins.
Vic & Angelo’s is a restaurant known in South Florida for serving delicious, rustic Italian cuisine. Two locations:
Palm Beach Gardens at 4520 PGA Blvd. in PGA Commons. Tel. 561-630-9899.
Delray Beach at 290 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-278-9570.
Both Vic & Angelo’s restaurants serve lunch and dinner daily. They also offer Happy Hour every day, as well, at the indoor and outdoor bars. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. Please visit http://www.vicandangelos.com.
 Delray Beach Vic & Angelo’s is all about enticing culinary options this summer. These “sister” restaurants are owned by talented restauranteur and entrepeneur John Rosatti. The Summer Tasting Menus allow diners to customize their choices.
These restaurants in South Florida are doing exactly what restaurants do at the Delaware Beaches in the “off-season”. They offer great values, delicious food, and amazing atmosphere at a time of the year when you can kick back and relax.
Through September 30, 2013, Sunday through Thursday, for lunch and dinner, both eateries are offering diners two, three-course Summer Tasting Menus, for $25 and $35, per person, excluding tax and gratuity.
These terrific menus allow diners to choose one appetizer, one entree, and one dessert, from either menu, which include salads, pizza, pasta, seafood, chicken, and veal dishes. Diners who opt for either prix fixe menu, may also add a bottle of Coastal Vines Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir, for $15, per bottle.
The $25, Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu: Diners can choose one appetizer (Angelo’s Salad, V & A Caesar, Fried Calamari); one entree (Pizza Orginale, Cappellini al Telefono, with fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes, Fusilli with crumbled sausage and broccoli rabe, Chicken Milanese; or Grilled Shrimp or Tuna Cobb Salad); and one dessert (gelato or sorbet).
The $35, Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu: Diners can choose one appetizer (PEI Mussels al Forno, Grilled Calamari, or Spinach Salad); one entree (Shrimp Penne alla Vodka, Chicken Piccata with artichoke hearts, Chicken Marsala with wild mushrooms and sweet pea risotto, Veal Milanese, Wild Salmon with mixed veggies, or Four-Cheese Pear Tortelloni with truffle cream sauce); and one dessert (house-made tiramisu or cannoli).
The restaurants will also be offering their traditional a la carte menus, for lunch and dinner, daily, along with their brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday.
So, what are you waiting for? Whichever menu you choose this season…..you will be feasting on refreshing salads, soul-satisfying house-made pastas, crispy thin-crust pizzas, fresh fish and seafood, and enticing veal and chicken dishes.
Vic & Angelo’s has a full bar, with indoor and outdoor seating, offering over 100 wines from all over the globe, as well as fifteen vintages by the glass, and nifty signature cocktails.
Bon Appetit!! Talk to you later.l
June 1st, 2013
 Florida Mangoes Hot weather, blue skies….the beach. This one is for the diet concious!
In Rehoboth Beach, Giant is my source for mangoes, 4 for $5…in Florida, they are plentiful, and most of the time free for me. And, when I was growing up in Puerto Rico, practically every house had mango tree and I would, literally, sit with a bag of mangoes in front of me and start eating them. No knife needed, either.
 Giant in Rehoboth Beach Mangoes Mangoes are native of India. They are the most cultivated fruit of the tropical world.
Local Delaware strawberries are small, sweet and delicious…..so why not a little Mango Mania and Strawberries?
MANGO MANIA SMOOTHIE
1 cup fresh mango chunks, chilled
3 tsps. lime juice, unstrained and chilled
1 1/2 cups strawberries, fresh sliced and chilled
12 oz. diet gingerale, chilled
Put mango, lime juice, and strawberries in the blender and whirl until smooth.
Tilt the blender and gradually pour gingerale downside to avoid too much fizz.
Pour into a neat, tropical looking glass and serve.
 Hand painted glass from TaDa in Historic Berlin, Maryland
 
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