March 10th, 2010
Once again, I am realizing that even though writing this blog gives me an opportunity to share my views and opinions; likes and dislikes, I am also learning a lot.
For example, you already know I like to eat and experience new foods; I am not scared to taste something that I have not eaten before. That is something I have shared with my family.
So, yesterday, Tuesday, I wanted something different. And, I can tell you that I was so surprised to find out that there is a restaurant in Rehoboth Beach called Lily. It is Thai Cuisine. I am also surprised that Sharon (one of my friends) has not told me about this restaurant. I wonder if she even knows. She is a local and a native. You know, the ones that were borned and raised in Rehoboth Beach. And, the ones that would know that Lily is located where the Canyon once called that space home, probably 30 years ago.
What is the essence of Thai cooking? Its characteristics depend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked. Its dishes can be refined and adjusted for all different tastes.
Thai cooking is unique. It differs from Chinese and Indian cuisine even though they have greatly influenced Thai cooking. You can identify it because it incorporates all 5 tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy.
Basically Thai food should be thought of as a blending of tastes and textures within each individual dish and the whole meal.
Lily is located on 10 N. 1st Street, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. is 302-227-3348. E-mail is Lilythaicuisine@gmail.com. There is take-out available. Hours of operation are: Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Sundays 11:30 until 9:00 p.m.
The restaurant is between Nicola Pizza and Adriatico. If you have been to Rehoboth or live here you know where these places are. Lily is small and comfortable, but most of all, casual. The tables are very well spaced. There is a bar but at present they do not have a liquor license. Probably by the summer. You may bring your own bottles of wine, beer, liquor. They cannot open them for you but they have openers and wine glasses available. Of course, there is no corking fee.
Lily opened a little over a year ago. Lily, the owner, was the main chef at another Thai restaurant in Rehoboth. There is also Chef Jason. I did not meet either one of them. My main contact was Alex, my waiter. When I called, I asked if they were aware of gluten allergies and Alex said they were; to come in and they would point out the dishes my husband could eat.
Alex was very attentive. His background is Ukranian and Polish but grew up in Belarus. He has been here for 4 years and goes to school. He made suggestions and told us that the heat level in the dishes could be adjusted. Some dishes were not spicy, at all.
The first dish that attracted my attention was an appetizer called Larb Gai. It was ground chicken breast tossed in lime juice, red onions, Thai herbs and fresh mint. It was refreshing, right amount of heat and pefect for sharing.
For a small restaurant, they have quite a variety of dishes on their menu, including dinner specials.
I decided to have the Roasted Duck Curry. This dish was spicy and I thoroughly enjoyed. It was slow roasted honey boneless duck, pineapple chunks, tomatoes, young bamboo strips, hot peppers in red coconut curry and basil. It came in a bowl with a side dish of white rice. Very well seasoned and beautiful colors. Immediately, your senses are revived; spice and color.
If you like Curry then Lily has seven of them. Coconut, Panang, Green, Red, Yellow, Masaman and Wild.
My husband had the Pad Thai. There was a choice of chicken or shrimp. He chose shrimp. This is Thailand’s Signature Dish. Pan fried noodles, bean sprouts, red tofu, eggs and ground peanuts. We asked to take the peanuts out; some times, believe it or not, they have a dusting of flour. This dish was not spicy at all so he requested some of their hot spices. Alex pointed out the 2 hotest ones and they were hot. My husband enjoyed his food, as well.
Sorry, but I forgot to take pictures of the entrees; their presentations were worthy or a photo or 2.
Lily has desserts but I will have to come back for the Sweet Mango and Sticky Rice, topped with coconut cream. Mangoes are not good this time of the year. You want juicy and sweet ones for this dish.
And for all, who like to introduce children to new things, Lily has a kids menu for children under 10; crispy chicken, fried crispy shrimp, beach fries (never leave those if you are at the beach) and kiddy fried rice.
I really enjoyed Lily, saw a friend there that had heard about it, as well, and I am definitely going back. There are too many dishes to try.
Talk to you later….
Please note that information on Thai Cuisine was taken from www.templeofthai.com and from http://thaigrocer.com/aboutthaifood.html.
March 9th, 2010
It was a beautiful day in the Delmarva Peninsula. You forget about the snow and ice, well, maybe not, when a gorgeous day shows its face. Blue sky, gentle breezes and just cool.
Just as I mentioned on my post of March 5th, Dogfish Head went into a framing frenzy in order to frame a home for Sussex County Habitat for Humanity and to finish the framing by 5 p.m. on Monday, the 8th. I went to their parking lot, which is where all this was taking place, about noon, and they were making a lot of progress. My pictures are from that time of the day. I went again around 4:30 p.m. and they were completely finished and the framed home was taken away to eventually be allocated to a family.
Dogfish Head shut down business operations so that the employees could participate. Their restaurant ‘s location is 320 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-286-Brew. The website is www.dogfishhead.com.
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit Christian housing ministry committed to building single, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. Their location is on 206 Academy St., Georgetown, DE 19947. Tel. 302-855-1153. Website is www.sussexcountyhabitat.org.
As I saw them working away I started working up an appetite; I found the perfect, easy recipe.
Greek Lemon Chicken
6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
2-3 lemons, sliced thin
calamata olives, pitted and chopped coarsely
feta cheese, crumbled
salt (optional) and pepper to taste
olive oil
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
I used both chicken breasts and thighs in the same dish. Some people like dark meat; some white meat.
The other thing to have in mind is that no specific amounts were given, so just wing it with the feta and the olives.
Place lemon slices in the bottom of a 7″ x 9″ baking pan. Place chicken pieces on top of them, salt and pepper to taste and cover chicken with more lemon slices.
Sprinkle top with crumbled feta cheese and calamata olives.
Drizzle olive oil over all.
Bake for about 45 minutes to an hour. I like my chicken well done.
The juice produced by this dish is quite good. The lemons and the olive oil make a great pair.
Regarding the calamata olives and feta, if you like a lot of them, be my guest. My husband thought he would like it better with the Spanish olives. I thought it was great this way.
So, like I always say, just enjoy it and make it your own.
This recipe could be served over rice or couscous. Or, you could cook Quinoa. I buy the Eden Organic Quinoa. This is a whole grain. They call it the mother of all grains. It is like a rice. It has the best amino acid profile of all grain. It is Gluten Free, Heart Healthy and Rich in Fiber. You can get it at Giant Super Markets and I am sure in a lot of other places, as well.
Enjoy!!
 Silver Lake in the late afternoon on Monday in Rehoboth Beach  Silver Lake - Beautiful
March 7th, 2010
Tonight, the event on television will be the Academy Awards; many communities hold events that are worthy of a few nods. Following are a couple of them.
As I was leaving Florida, a free newspaper was delivered. Now I had something to read on the airplane. The Coastal Star is in its 3rd issue and in its 3rd volume. The newspaper serves the communities of Hypoloxu Island, South Palm Beach, Manalapan, Briny Breezes, Guf Stream and Coastal Delray Beach. If you are in these South Florida areas, I think you will enjoy this local newspaper a lot. The paper that is written on is thick and it feels like you are holding something. The articles are interesting; issues that affect the area, restaurants, community news, advertising, excellent quality photos. Take a look at it. I think you will be impressed.
Delray Beach, Florida
Thursday, March 11th – The Delray Beach Home Tour – 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. – 6 spectacular homes, varying design styles, valet service, trolly service between homes and a luncheon. Sound good? Keep reading…
Delray Beach is the site for the 2010 Delray Beach Home Tour. This event is hosted by the Achievement Centers for Children & Families Foundation. The Home Tour is the Achievement Center’s signature fundraising event. It has become an attraction and guests from all over South Florida usually attend.
While I was in Florida I attended a book signing event at one of the houses that will be featured in the Home Tour. It is located on Andrews Ave.; a beautiful Mediterranean style home. So, if this is an example of what other houses will look like, it should be an interesting one.
Tickets are $100 but they include a lot. You will get for that price parking with continuous trolley service between the homes and a “Taste of Delray” catered luncheon provided by The Falcon House, Cafe de France, Boheme Bistro, Old Calypso and Cookbook Cafe at the Delray Beach Public Library.
An extensive raffle featuring prizes from spa services to fine jewelry will also be available. Reservations are required. Please call 561-266-0003.
The Achievement Centers for Children & Families Foundation is an organization whose vision is ” to break the cycle of poverty and help families realize economic self-sufficiency while preparing their children for academic success”.
They are located on 555 NW 4th St., Delray Beach, FL 33444. The tel. is 561-276-0520. The website is www.delraychild.org. You can also find information on Facebook.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Sunday, March 14th – Lewes Polar Bear Plunge – 1:00 p.m. – Headquarters will be at the Atlantic Sands Hotel located on Baltimore Ave. and the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. More info? Please call 302-831-4653. This event benefits the Special Olympics Delaware. In its 19th year, it had to be rescheduled due to the many winter storms the Delaware Beaches have endured. It is an event that transcend all genders; age, income levels; participation even beyond our State.
It will be St. Patrick’s Day week-end so please add The Plunge to your activities.
Even though the actual Polar Bear Plunge is on Sunday, the 14th, starting on Friday, the 12th, there will be all kinds of activities ranging from registrations, Runs and culminating in the actual Plunge.
For more information, please visit www.plungede.org. You will find all sorts of information from what this organization is about, who it benefits, history, anniversary bears, prizes and awards. You will also find the schedule of events for the entire week-end.
Please remember that The Plunge benefits our athletes and everyone involved. “Special Olympics Delaware changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. We build sports skills, confidence, strength, motivation and self-esteem, not just for the 3,300 athletes , but for everyone involved.”
This is definitely a worthy cause with 17 states conducting a Polar Bear Plunge. And, hopefully, it will be warmer on Sunday, the 14th.
Writing from home, the Delaware Beaches. “When you’re safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you’re having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.” By Thorton Wilder
Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, again, gave me the feeling of home. My husband’s answer was “you are home”. That’s all…see you later…
March 6th, 2010
Just 3 small posts that might be of interest.
The Doorman of South Florida – All of a sudden I could not open one of my garage doors. Immediately I called Michael, who is my Property Manager (he advertises on my blog, check it out) and he suggested this family operated company. Jim Falzone came and immediately fixed it. No need to replace any major parts. They are bonded and insured. Their specialties are garage, entry and French doors; residential and commercial. Their address is 1300 SW 10th St., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. 561-272-3667, the website is www.PalmBeachDoors.com. You may e-mail them at mydoorman@bellsouth.net. Thought you might want to know and even visit their showroom.
Sushi Machi – This restaurant is north of Delray, in Boyton Beach. Oh, not another Sushi restaurant!! Well, it is another one but it was good. The location is not attractive; the shopping center is just a little run down. The restaurant is very down to earth so don’t get dressed up. Just come as you are. This restaurant was suggested to me by Donna. She and her husband, Dick, go all the time. The sushi was delicious but if that is not what you want, they have plenty of other dishes on the menu. One person in my group got the chicken livers sauteed in ginger sauce. And, by the way, they were aware of people with a gluten allergy, they just did not have the wheat free soy sauce, but we did and they used it. I had a new roll called the Salmon Mango Roll. It had salmon, avocado inside out with salmon and mango. The mango really made this roll; the combination of its sweetness with the salmon and avocado, was just perfect. My other roll was the Birthday Roll, which had barbecued eel, shrimp tempura and cream cheese inside out with sesame seeds. Very good, as well. Another person had “Hibachi” from the Grill; the NY Steak. It really was perfectly cooked; medium rear. Sushi Machi is located on 9832 S. Military Trail, Ste. G-2, Boyton Beach, FL 33436. Is on the northeast corner of Military Trail and Boyton Beach Blvd. between Winn-Dixie and CVS. The tel. is 561-369-8823. They have take-out, delivery to a limited area, and party trays available. Their boats are gorgeously prepared. Tate was our waiter and he is there every evening. We really did liked it, but it is a very simple restaurant.
 Salmon Mango Roll 
The Snappy Turtle – If you are a woman, and you like shopping and have been in Delray Beach, then you probably already know this store. It was established 28 years ago by Carole Harvey. It is known for the pink and green colors; a very preppy store. This store carries a wide variety of Jack Rogers Sandals year round and some of the color combinations are exclusive to Snappy Turtle. Lots of t-shirts, shirts, skirts, sweaters, bags and jewelry are always displayed very attractively. In the back of the store you will find their Home and Gifts section. Plenty of times I have bought hostess gifts at Snappy Turtle. Their website is very complete and you can really view their shop and see a good amout of the very pretty things that are available, plus their shipping information. Please go to www.snappy-turtle.com. The address is 1100 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-276-8088. e-mail is sales@snappy-turtle.com.
Well, that’s all for now….The Delaware Beaches are calling…talk to you later…
March 5th, 2010
Rehoboth Beach is busy this week-end. So check out what’s coming your way.
Friday, 3/5 – Cinema Cabaret: Like Water for Chocolate. Dinner at 6:30 P.M. Location is Ovations Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach. Admission is $30 and includes film and dinner.
Menu: Roasted corn and fresh mixed greens salad with citrus vinaigrette. Sage lime butter roasted quail with chorizo stuffing. Or, vegetarian empanadas, with rice pilaf, asparagus with roasted garlic, chocolate mousse parfait, coffee, tea or soda. More info? Go to http://www.rehobothfilm.com/film_events_cinema_cabaret.html.
Please note that the Film Society is seeking creative art for the 2010 Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. The submissions are due March 10th.
Saturday, 3/6 – Is the 20th Annual Rehoboth Beach, DE Chocolate Festival. Location: Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. The theme this year is: “A Day For Chocolate Lovers”. The baking contest will feature more restaurant entries than ever. There will be chocolate tastings, vendors, a raffle, kids games and more.
The tastings start at 11:30 a.m. until the chocolate runs out or 3:30 p.m. $2.00 admission payable at the door. You can buy as many tastes as you like for $.50 each. No carry out is permitted. Children under 5 are free. The festival is sponsored by Rehoboth Beach Main Street and the Rehoboth Beach Public Library. Main Street will provide all-American hot dogs and drinks. Please go to www.downtownrehoboth.com where you will find the vendors, kids games, and baking contest information.
Saturday, 3/6 until 3/19 – Young at Art – Rehoboth Art League – Children’s art from Sussex County. Opening reception will be on March 6th from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Please visit www.rehobothartleague.org for more info.
Sunday, 3/7 and Monday, 3/8 – The Cultured Pearl will be holding their 18th Annual Buffet Extravaganza – Sunday seatings are 4-5-6-7-8, Monday seatings are 5-6-7-8-9. Reservations are required. $38 for adults and kids are 1/2 off. Location: 301 Rehoboth Ave. Tel. is 302-227-8493.
Cafe Sole – March Specials – Every Friday is Prime Rib Dinner for $20.10. Every Saturday is Steak & Cake Dinner (a steak and a crabcake) for $20.10. Every Sunday there is Brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The restaurant will be open on Fridays and Saturdays for lunch and dinner. Starting on March 18th, Cafe Sole will be open for lunch every Thursday and will be offering lunch specials. If you are in Rehoboth during the week-end’s Chocolate Festival please visit Cafe Sole, on 44 Baltimore Ave., and try the luscious Chocolate Cake. Tel. 302-227-7107.
Another “Must Visit” place is the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society. Right now there is the Sand Pail Exhibit. If you want to remember a time when playing on the sand was so simple, please catch this exhibit before it officially closes on March 14th. The Sand Pail Exhibit features more than 100 vintage sand pails and a number of beach toys, including sand sifters and wind-up boats. Some of the pails are over 100 years old. Decorations on the pails range from the Queen Mary and Mickey Mouse to cowboys and Indians, astronauts and clowns.
 The Sand Pail Exhibit (picture, courtesy of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society) During the Chocolate Festival the museum is offering a two for one admission on Friday 3/5 and Saturday 3/6.
The other exhibit worth seeing is the Vintage Bathing Suits. You will not be complaining anymore about the perfect suit. The fabric of the times was wool!! Can you believe it?
 Bathing Suit Exhibit (picture, courtesy of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society) The Museum is located on 511 Rehoboth Ave., next to the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, near the Lighthouse on the traffic circle. I wrote a post on joining the Chamber of Commer and included the Museum. I wrote it on February 19th and in case you would like to see it, all you have to do is click on the month of February below the Archives located on the left hand side of the blog and scroll down to the date.
If you have not visited the Museum, you really should; more so if you are a frequent visitor to the Delaware Beaches. You will see the evolution of a town to what it is today; a very popular beach resort.
Monday, 3/8 – Dogfish Head to Build Habitat Home in the Rehoboth Brewpub Parking Lot – Location: 320 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-286-Brew. Since 1995 “brewing, cooking, selling and talking everything beer”. For more information about what this very popular company please visit their website www.dogfishhead.com.
“In a Framing Frenzy Dogfish Head co-workers will begin building a home at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 8th, in the company’s downtown Rehoboth Beach restaurant parking lot and they will finish it up by 5:00 p.m.
The company has shut down business operations in Milton, DE brewery and the Rehoboth Beach restaurant for the day to allow co-workers to frame the home for Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. 80 Dogfish Head workers will be broken into 4 building teams for the Framing Frenzy. After the entire home is framed, it will then be loaded into flatbed trucks and taken away to eventually house a local family.”
So, if you are visiting the area or are a resident, please stop by and cheer them on.
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry committed to building simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. It is located on 206 Academy St., Georgetown, DE 19947. Mailing address is P.O. Box 759, Georgetown, DE 19947. Tel. is 302-855-1153 and the website is www.sussexcountyhabitat.org.
Have a great week-end and until next time…see you…
March 4th, 2010
 The Lobster Man - One of my Favorites Some say passion is your key to success and others say that if you love what you do then you will never work a day in your life.
The subject of my post is Tiffany Erwin Cant. When you meet her for the first time you can feel the passion she feels for her painting; it is palpable.
I met Tiffany, through Anita Jennings. I have written about Anita in the past; she is one of the advertisers on my blog. I have been wanting to write a post about Tiffany and her art.
Tiffany was born in North Carolina. She graduated with a BFA and Certificate in Communication Design from Parsons School of Design in New York City.
She has been a resident in Delray Beach since 1983. She and her husband have travelled extensively.
Tiffany has been painting in oils and other mediums for 30 years and has exhibited her work in the All-Florida Show at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Ritter Gallery at Florida Atlantic University, Gallery on Green in Key West and Art Expo in New York City.
Tiffany has lived in the Bahamas and it is only when you have experienced the daily life of your subjects that, as an artist, you can then translate them into a canvass. The faces, expressions, the colors, the fruits, the ocean and fishing; is all real.
Tiffany paints original pieces and from those she has giclees made. Both, originals and giclees are for sale. The prices differ between originals and giclees; sizes also affecting the cost. But, I will tell you that her prices are reasonable. The best way to get an idea of Tiffany’s work is by going to her website. Her type of website is like an exhibit. She is constantly adding to her collection. If you have an interest in Tiffany’s art then please call her to 561-276-3839. She is so easy to talk to. Her website is www.tiffanycant.com.
What is a giclee? The word is derived from the French language word “le gicleur” which means “nozzle”, or more specifically “gicler” which means to squirt, spurt or spray.
A giclee is an individually produced, high resolution, hi-fidelity, high tech reproduction done on a special large format printer. They are produced from digital scans of existing artwork. It is a new vibrant medium for art.
They can be printed from canvass to watercolor paper, to vinyl, to transparent acetates. They are so superior to traditional lithography in nearly every way. Colors are brighter, last longer and details are crisper. Giclees are sold by the square inch. Large print sizes are available.
I invited my friend Donna, from Baltimore, to come with me to meet Tiffany. We arrrived at her house in the morning. She lives in a beautiful piece of property in Delray. Her home is her museum; the paintings adorning many walls in her house. It is a unique Florida house; the paintings enhancing every aspect of her home. The palm trees, the koi ponds, the intracoastal all in unisom to serve as inspiration, as well.
Following is an Exhibit of her work:
Tiffany sometimes paints other subjects. For example, one of her beloved dogs. He is a little older now. The mermaids, the Spanish dancers, the monkey and the coral reef, which is in 3 panels; could be bought as single panels or all 3.
The koi is her newest subject. No giclees have been made yet, but will be done soon. Tiffany does not have to go far to get inspiration since her ponds are all she has to see.
I have to show you Tiffany’s inspiration for the koi paintings; her own backyard.
And what subject could this artist possibly take in the future? Maybe the frogs, perhaps? All she has to do is look past her door.
So, as Donna and I said our farewells, on a chilly South Florida morning, we were warmed up by Tiffany’s graciousness and definitely by her work.
I could have put a sweater on, sat outside and just gaze at the view.
Have a great Day!! Talk to you later…..
Note: Information for giclee was taken from www.en.wikipedia.org and from www.novaspace.com/AUTO/giclee.html.
March 3rd, 2010
I can’t believe that Delray Beach was probably a place that was almost forgotten 20 years ago. Revitalization of this Village by the Sea has made it one of the most vibrant and dynamic beach towns in all of the Southeast areas of South Florida. Restaurants, shops and an architecture that mixes history and Mediterranean styles abound. Walking, jogging and biking make it the perfect place to vacation. Let’s not forget those unobstructed beaches; no buildings; just the seagrapes outlining the sand.
Well, if you have visited Florida this year, you would have noticed that people have been wearing jackets for a long time. It has been cold; not just chilly.
Even if it is cold or hot, Delray Beach is known for its festivals, arts and outdoor events. Every week-end there is something going on.
This past week-end was no different so, off I went with Maru and Lolo. Showing my cousins the town was fun.
The Green Market was one of the places we hit. It is now located on SE 4th Ave. just south of Atlantic. This Green Market happens every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Local food, music, baked goods, produce and flowers take up this part of SE 4th Ave. This coming Saturday, the 6th, there is even a Chili Cook-off. Be ready because the aroma will be calling you over.
   
The other day at the Green Market there was a company called Good Vibe Teas; premium organic specialties. I am not a tea drinker but I got the Chamomile Licorice Mint Loose Leaf Tea for my husband. This company has a tea or herbal infusion for everyone; young, old, female, those who are healthy, and for those who are healing. Their teas can stimulate your senses, energize, calm, comfort, warm, cool, satisfy, or change your mood. The tels. are 954-868-0783 or 888-868.4561. The website is www.goodvibeteas.com and the e-mail address is amanda@goodvibeteas.com. The Director of Operations is Amanda Capece. This company ships to anywhere in the coutry.
From the Green Market we kept on walking to Pineapple Grove. Pineapple Grove is located just off Atlantic Ave., on NE Second Ave. The name was given to this area for its history as a producer of pineapple in the early years of this century.
Pineapple Grove features and eclectic mix of cafes, boutiques, galleries and spas. In town living enhances this whole artistic district with tenants just having to come out of their buildings to find their gym, postal service, bookstores and everything for daily living just at their reach. Very popular street, indeed, and walking distance to Atlantic Ave.
We walked the length of the street with the cooking smells making us so hungry. Lots of vendors selling their wares from jewelry, flowers, handmade bags and pottery to freshly squeezed lemonade and funnel cakes. What we ended up getting, and it was delicious, was the Kennel Korn from the Kennel Korn Hut. It was lightly salted and sweetened, just like they advertised it. But, it was even better because it was warm. They did not have a business card but told me they had a website but I have not found it yet. They are always in Delray, at the art festivals and especially at the Delray Affair coming up next month.
I hope Fisher’s Popcorn, from Delaware, does not get jealous, but they shouldn’t because they have a special spot in my heart. It is amazing, as well. A post will come soon on this popcorn.
Anyway, if you are in the area, a few of the happenings are:
At the Cornell Museum of Art and American Culture, located on 51 N. Swinton Ave.:
Until March 28th – It’s the Pinball Palooza: the Art, the History, the Game – It is the art and history of the pinball machine from 1930’s to the present. A collection of vintage pinball machines, pinball art, and neon arcade signs from private collections.
In the upstairs galleries you will find two encore exhibits: What a Doll!! – the Barbie and Friends Exhibit and Les Petites Vignettes, a miniatures exhibit.
Friday, March 5th there is a Gallery Walk in Delray from 7 until 10 p.m. It is an evening when downtown galleries, art studios and showrooms open their doors to the public for music, art and refreshments.
Saturday, March 6th is the Artists in the Park from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Fine art exhibition and sale sponsored by the Delray Beach Art League. Location: Veterans Park at Atlantic Ave. and Intracoastal Waterways.
Sunday, March 7th is Performance in the Park – from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Location: Veterans Park on 802 NE 1st. St. – A free musical series. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic tables and savor the elegant and eclectic strains of accomplished South Florida Concert Performances in an open air setting.
Murder of the Beach Book Store, located on 273 NE 2nd Ave. in Pineapple Grove. Tel. 561-279-7759. Website is www.murderonthebeach.com
2 Book Signing Dates:
March 3rd-Today- Is Phyllis Smallman – Margarita Nights at 3 p.m. Phyllis’ debut mystery was nominated for the Malice Domestic Award. She was a potter before turning to “a life of crime”.
Margarita Nights happens in a small Florida beach town, where Sherri Travis is a bartender with attitude and a woman with an inconveniently murdered husband…
Thursday, March 4th – Joanne Fluke Book Signing at 7 p.m. – Apple Turnover Murder is her book. She is the author of Hannah Swensen mysteries. Her books are known for her delicious recipes. Apple Turnover Murder has 21!!
The book is about Hannah Swensen, the proprietor of the Cookie Jar. It is June in Lake Eden, Minnesota, plus a massive fundraising event in need of confections. And, there’s a killer on the loose, who never learned that charity begins at home…
 Walking along Pineapple Grove in Front of City Walk and Joseph's Wine Bar 
Well, that is all for today…I hope you have a good one and talk to you later….
March 1st, 2010
Where do I start? Oh, yes, I forgot; It started with my husband taking a nap on Saturday. While he was enjoying his beauty sleep I decided that the restaurant reservation I had made for dinner that evening was going to be way too early. We had a late lunch. Lolo and Maru have been visiting and since they were in Delray for a few days only I really wanted to show them the town.
We took a walk and, you know how this little Village by the Sea is. Two arts and crafts fairs, Green Market, cold weather, outdoor seating, etc. We even took a drive to Palm Beach.
Unless you get a reservation early in the week for a week-end evening, at one of the many restaurants in Delray, it is hard. Knowing that, I still decided to cancel my reservation and go to a restaurant in Boca that I had never been to, or will go ever again. I heard about it and at this moment I am not sure if I was at the right place.
I was told that this restaurant was so quaint, French, authentic; you could hear people speaking in French, etc. etc. I thought that could be a good place to check. The name of the restaurant was supposed to be La Vieux Paris and I was told that the owners originally had sold the restaurant but still worked there. The address was 170 West Camino Real, Boca Rato, FL 33432. Website www.Tiramisu-Restaurant.com. At this point you should be wondering why the website does not correspond with the name of the restaurant. Read on…
It had rained in Delray that afternoon and I left the moon roof slightly opened. Needless to say the moment I got in the car I got wet including also my front passenger, my husband. The start of a great evening.
I followed the directions given to the restaurant but every time I took a turn, a waterfall would go on my head from the rooftop. Just great.
The restaurant was in the corner of a shopping center on Camino Real. We immediately got confused when two names appeared on the restaurant; La Vieux Paris and Tiramisu. They were the same.
I asked if I was at La Vieux Paris and the lady said that yes but that it had changed names some years ago. I really was looking for the authentic French restaurant and Tiramisu was Italian with Victorian decor and a few French dishes. There was no turning back; we were sitting at the table and water was being served.
I saw the long faces of my husband and son, while Maru and Lolo were being good sports. I could tell my husband wanted to run. He even hated the tablecloth, the unmatched dishes and wine glasses and a few other things I will not mention. No wait, I will mention one; the waiter kept serving every one else at the table reaching across his face. Not good.
We ordered a soup and salad. It was o.k. The best dish was the gnocchi with spinach; that was it. The dish that caused commotion was the red snapper. Two of us ordered it and one was sent back. At this point he did not want anything else. The service was slow and we wanted to get out of there. I had the other snapper and even though the presentation looked good, the dish was mushy and watery and the ten green beans were canned; the two tablespoons of yellow rice were o.k.
 The Red Snapper - The dish that caused commotion. Pretty soon, after the snapper was sent back, a not too happy person came out to find out what was wrong. We told him about the fish and the green beans and he wanted to give us more green beans and we just said that the dish was not really good. He, the chef and owner, Tommy Kabashi, said that he tasted the fish and there was nothing wrong with it and he had sold many. And, that we were paying for the mushy snapper. Off he went back to where he came from. The 18% was added to the party of 5 and I decided not to leave a tip. Sorry but that is the way went. The snapper was $30 and I considered that the tip.
Note: In my last post I mentioned that since I like to cook, when going to a restaurant I want that personal service; I want it like I am the only person in the restaurant. Well, what a disappointment!
It is also worth mentioning that before going to the restaurant we saw a few bad reviews on the internet. Lolo, Maru and I decided that we don’t pay too much attention to those because a lot of times is a matter of opinion. I have to think about that one again.
Lorenzo’s (my son’s friend) parents, who live in Boca, went to this restaurant for lunch and it did not go well, either.
One thing we all will not forget was the laughs and memories that came out of that evening. Expensive as it was, it was funny, especially when my husband kept saying he was in a happy place but his face said otherwise.
Sorry it took so long to write this one. It was a first when I really decided that there is no way I would go back to Tiramisu/La Vieux Paris, whatever the name is.
Until later….from Delray Beach….still cold but beautiful day….hasta luego Maru and Lolo, maybe Culebra?…or Old San Juan….
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