December 23rd, 2010
Last December I wrote about this shop, Christmas Spirit, which is an institution here in Rehoboth Beach and in Ocean City, Maryland. It has been here for 32 years. The Rehoboth store is located at 161 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-6872. The Manager of the store is Jill Hudson.
The store in Ocean City is located at 3400 Coastal Highway; that store has been there for 21 years.
Today is the 23rd of December. I cannot believe that I have waited this long. The tree is not up yet but will be in the morning.
There were a couple of reasons why I went to the Christmas Spirit. One was to find garlard because I am trying to get away with just lights and garland this year. Something simple but elegant.
The other reason is to get into the Christmas spirit. If this store cannot get you into it, then you might as well hang it up.
The ladies that work the Christmas Spirit were there, as usual. It was quiet and they told me I was really last minute this year. These ladies told me that they are the busiest in July and August, which is the height of the season.
So many ornaments and decorations and so many themes, as well. I slowly walked through the store and I took pictures of the different decorated corners. I gravitated to the trees and decorations that had to do with the ocean.
I was not there long, since other shopping needed to be accomplished. But the store did put me on that magical mood of the holidays.
They are there tomorrow in case you need that last minute ornament or gift. Otherwise, they do open year-round.
It has been so cold at the beaches. As I typed this post I could hear the wind outdoors but all I want to wish all of you, that have been reading my blog, is a beautiful Christmas, thanks a million, and a Feliz Navidad.
Talk to you later….like tomorrow….
December 22nd, 2010
I am going straight to the point. I had the best salad at The Office, located at 201 East Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. The telephone? 561-276-3600 and the website is www.theofficedelray.com.
I have told you many times that one of the most pleasant ways to eat is “al fresco”, especially on a gorgeous day. That’s what happened when my husband and I decided to get something for lunch during our stay in Delray in one of the very popular restaurants on trendy Atlantic Ave.
I wanted to see how The Office was doing. They opened about a year ago and on 1/16/10 I wrote a post on this blog. You can just click on the month of January 2010 and scroll down to the date.
The Office has a great corner in Delray; visible and plenty of outdoor dining. Two of their outdoor tables take “dining al fresco” seriously; practically on the street. I have sat on one of those and have enjoyed it so much.
On this day we sat outside, as well. As I sat down I noticed that the people on the next table were having a beautiful salad. So when our waitress came and I asked she said that it was not on the menu; it was a special that day but that people were really liking it.
Of course, I had to have it. I topped it just like those other people, with steak slices. My husband ordered it without the steak and just with olive oil and vinegar. Mine had a light Balsamic dressing.
Let me describe it to you. It was a Boston Lettuce. This lettuce is also known as Tom Thumb, Bibb, Butter, and Buttercrunch and is one of the 6 lettuces generally available for human consumption. It is a member of the butterhead family; velvety, butterlike texture of the leaves and truly delicious.
The salad also had a goat’s milk feta cheese and it also had very thin slivers of preserved lemons. The rind of the lemons is preserved for some time; afterwards, all you get is this lemony taste adding texture, color and flavor to the salad. The combination of all those ingredients with the steak just left me wanting more. I hope they put it on the menu.
We also ordered their Truffled Deviled Eggs with paprika and chives. Again, the deviled eggs were just as good as before, if not better.
We spent a few hours eating, chatting, and people watching. Nothing out of the ordinary; just a pleasant afternoon with good company in this Village by the Sea.
Talk to you later…..almost getting to the Christmas tree….have a good one!!
Note: Information for this post was taken from www.wisegeek.com.
December 21st, 2010
I was taking a walk around Delray Beach the other day, right by the Veterans Park; the Artists in the Park hold their events there. I always see the two yachts there; either the Lady Atlantic or the Lady Delray.
I will be the first to tell you that, well, maybe it might be too touristic. Thanks, but not for me. Except that they did look beautiful. Docked by the Intracoastal Bridge they were waiting for their passengers. I have seen them when they are leaving or coming back.
I remember my friend, Deveraux, went on it and she said it was good to “escape for the day”. So, even though I have not been on i,t in order to tell you my experience, I wanted to add it as a post because if you are just visiting and have never been up and down the intracoastal; it might be a really nice relaxing way to spend a few hours.
Then, I got some information. Originally, I thought it was just up and down the intracoastal; they offer so much more.
The company is Delray Yacht Cruises, 801 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL, 33483. Tel. 561-243-0686. Website is www.delrayyachtcruises.com.
The yachts have 2 decks, which are climate controlled. Most of the cruises depart from Delray Beach and head south towards Boca.
On Wednesday mornings, Friday Dinner and Sunday Brunch the cruises go north towards Manalapan Island. But call them up for more info. and for large groups because they do offer discounts.
Also they have different cruises from February through May, as well as from June through January.
At this time of the year, on their specialty cruise list, they have:
December Holiday Dinner Cruise, which is on Wednesdays. Reservations are required so call for details.
Holiday Lights Cruises, $22 for adults and $19 for children and seniors. This cruise is also on selected evenings so again call for schedule and details.
I don’t know if you have spend a New Year’s Eve in Delray Beach, but the town puts great displays for their First Nights New Year’s Eve Celebration with visual and performing arts through Atlantic Ave. The yacht cruises also offer a New Year’s Eve Dinner, Dancing and Fireworks Cruise. Definitely call 561-243-0686 for more info.
And so on they go with Special Entertainment Cruises, Valentines, Easter, Fourth of July, etc. etc.
It is worth noticing that the cruises are also booked for weddings, bridal and baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, family reunions and corporate outings. About 150 passengers can be accommodated in comfort.
I thought it was interesting and that’s why I am passing it around. Word of mouth, as they say.
Have a great day!!! Talk to you later…..
December 20th, 2010
There are now millions of people that are on a gluten-free diet. What these people eat is so important for their well being. Living eating gluten free keeps them healthy. Yet for some of you that don’t have any dietary restrictions, probably you would not give it another thought. I don’t have a problem with “glutens” but my husband does. Therefore, it has become my interest, as well. I also eat gluten free most of the time.
Gluten free is the new diet for this century. Years ago it went by a different name. My grandfather had it. It is known as celiac disease. A strict following of a gluten free diet is the only way to go. No little pills here or there to take care of it. Also, the symptons vary from person to person. It seems that when nothing else is found and the patient still feels terrible, then a test for celiace disease is done. All it takes is a simple blood test.
Leading universities are doing research and since last year labels need to disclose if wheat it present. The moment I see wheat I back off. But, it is also in so many other products; soy sauce, vanilla, toothpaste, soaps, shampoo, make up.
As you already know, I like to eat. And so does my husband. What I have found out is that states like California, Colorado, mid Atlantic states and northern states, as well, are so up to date on this and other food allergies. Restaurants are informing their wait staff how foods are prepared and menus are also available. Believe it or not having a gluten free menu saves the restaurant time and money; otherwise I will be asking the wait staff to go back to the chef and ask how the food is prepared.
Get informed. And, don’t be afraid or embarrass to ask.
So, this subject took me to South Florida. This state is so progressive in so many things, but the moment I say gluten allergy, well, I see this glazed look in their eyes. Then, I start telling them what it is bla, bla, bla.
I know that the national chain P.F. Chang has a gluten free menu and has separate cooking pans. I went to this restaurant in Boca Raton some time ago and they were very knowledgeable.
I have been here, in Delray Beach, and I was about to give up and try to complain to someone about the lack of knowledge regarding gluten allergies when in the most unimaginable restaurant, Cody, our waiter brought us a gluten free menu. I could not believe it. Bru’s Room, located at 35 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, has a gluten free menu. Unreal; a sports bar/restaurant. Finally someone has been paying attention. They have been asked one too many times they told me; so easy.
Bru’s Room has the best wings that I and my whole family have ever tasted. Truly the best. I will put them against any restaurant in the U.S. I like the triple threat; hold the garlic. I do like garlic but for some reason I like my wings without garlic. They are sweet and tangy with a good kick; fried then rolled on their sauce and fried again. Amazingly lean; not greasy. Served with either blue cheese or ranch. Guess what? They are gluten free. Go to http://www.brusroom.com/gluten-free-menu to check what else they have to offer. Soups, appetizers, salads, entrees, sides, wings and ribs.
The telephone number for Bru’s Room in Delray Beach is 561-276-3663. Website is www.brusroom.com. Besides the Delray Beach location, they also have locations in Boyton Beach, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Royal Palm Beach and Sunrise.
Something unique they also have is Bru’s Traveler, which is their restaurant on wheels. It is a 24′ mobile restaurant equipped with everything to make those amazing wings and everything else pretty much on the menu. It is “Bru’s Food on your Turf”. For more information please call Tracy Bambach at 954-650-8254.
Bru’s Room is very popular; packed on Sunday football; televisions all over the place, pool tables; I am laughing as I write this because after 2 weeks of explanations at every restaurant I found a sports bar who listened.
Note: Celiac Disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive process of the small intestine. A percentage of diabetics also may get celiac disease. When a person that has celiac disease consumes gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, the individual’s immune system responds by attacking the small intestine and inhibiting the absorption of important nutrients into the body.
Also note that information for this post was taken from the cookbook by Carol Fenster, author of Gluten-Free Quick & Easy.
Have a great one!!…Talk to you later….
December 19th, 2010
Thank God it did not start raining until mid morning. I wanted to go by the Green Market. This is an open air market located at SE 4th Ave., 1/2 block south of Atlantic Avenue. You cannot miss it. I had been to the Green Market in the past but had not taken any pictures.
This Green Market is very similar to the Farmers’ Markets that take place during the summer months in the Delaware and Maryland beaches. It is going back to the basics; buy local and eat fresh.
The Green Market was started in 1996 by the Community Redevelopment Agency. This is now their 15th season; their second edition of the Greenmarket Cookbook is now on sale. It is $14.95 plus $3.00 shipping and handling. Call Lori at 561-276-7511 to reserve your copy. You may also want to stop by the CRA office on 20 N Swinton Ave. and pick one up.
The Green Market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Do you need more info. or are interested in being a vendor? Then call Lori at 561-276-7511 or e-mail greenmarket@delraycra.org.
It was so nice to stroll up and down the street just checking everything out.
The first vendor I saw was selling seafood. Immediately the jumbo lump crabmeat got my eye. Of course, I ended up buying a pound. Actually, it was cheaper than at home. This vendor also had gorgeous stonecrab claws.
People were buying; I watched them interact with the vendors.
Between the music playing, the food cooking, the warm weather and a soft breeze, I think I caught myself smiling throughout my strolling.
      
Hey, you will get the chance to visit the Green Market if you are in Delray Beach every Saturday until the end of May.
Note: On Friday, 12/24, Christmas Eve, the Green Market will be open from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m., just so their loyal customers can pick up last minute items. There will be no street closing so all you have to do is pull up and buy your goodies.
Talk to you later…have a good one….
December 18th, 2010
I hope this information is not too late because some of the activities this week-end and next Tuesday are the types that will let you relax at this time of the year. And, yes some you will have to dress for the weather. Nevertheless, it is nice to get outside and forget about the malls, outlets, you know, the Christmas rush. A couple of them, well, are Holiday activities.
Lewes, Delaware
Saturday and Sunday, 12/18 and 12/19 – The Nutcracker by Sussex Ballet at the Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes. Saturday’s performance will be at 7 p.m. and Sunday’s performance will be at 1 p.m. General admission is $16 but for seniors and children under the age of 12, it will be $12. For mor info. please call 302-645-7855.
Tuesday, 12/21 – Full Moon Hike at the Cape Henlopen State Park. Dress for the outdoors. It is limited to 20 people. $2/person. Pre-registration is required by calling 302-6852. If you have never been to the Cape Henlopen State Park, and are in the area, then this could be your opportunity to go during a most unique time of the year.
Rehoboth Beach
Saturday, 12/18 – Family Day at the Movies – Movies at Midway, Beebe Medical Center will purchase children’s tickets. Parents’ tickets are $3.00 and must be purchased at the door. Movies begin at 10:00 a.m. but the doors will open at 9:00 a.m. Call 302-645-3468 or visit www.beebemed.org.
Saturday, 12/18 – Santa Visits Rehoboth Mall on Rt. 1 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. (lunch from 12 – 1). Children who donate canned food or non-perishable items, toiletries or barely worn items of clothing will have the chance to meet Santa and receive a gift in return. Call 302-645-6655 for info. All donations will go to local charities.
Saturday, 12/18 – Lantern Tour of Indian River Life Saving Station at 7 p.m. It is located on Rt. 1 South of Dewey Beach just before you get to the Indian River Bridge, on the left hand side. It is $10 per person and pre-registration is required by calling 302-227-6991. Learn about ship wrecks, surfmen’s duties and the changing Delaware coast over time. Definitely, dress for the weather. One of my favorite places in the area.
Sunday, 12/19 – Learn to make Monkey Fists Key Chains at the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum on Rt. 1, south of Dewey Beach, before you get to the Indian River Bridge. 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. $10.00 will cover materials and instruction. Giving monkey fists to friends is an old fashioned way of showing how much they mean to the giver because monkey fists are thought to ward off evil. For more info. and registration call 302-227-6991.
Sunday, 12/19 – At the Indian River Life Saving Station Museum is Edible Plants of the Seashore. It is $6.00 and for more details please call 302-227-6991.
Have a great week-end….wherever you are….
December 17th, 2010
Always looking for a place to have something to eat; a unique place with a different ambiance. Debbie and I got together before I left to come to Florida to sort of catch up like good friends always like to do. I was surprised when she told me that she had never been to Greenman Juice Bar & Bistro; afterall, even though she is not a native, she practically could be.
Greenman is located at 12 Wilmington Ave., about one block from the beach. Tel. is 302-227-4909. No website, but if you are on Facebook, you can become their friend and check out what’s going on at this very popular local spot.
Late breakfast, early lunch that was about the time we got there. A little quiet but that quickly changed. The restaurant is definitely small, but you would not want it any other way. Tables are available and in good weather you can also sit out on their porch. Just sit yourself and someone will come to your table quickly. A board behind their counter will show some of their teas, smoothies, and organic drinks that are available.
For such a small restaurant they offer a wide variety of foods; gourmet sandwiches, soups, quiches, salads, and burgers, among other things on the menu.
On that particular day Debbie had the daily quiche. Nice size and she said that it was very good.
I had a panini breakfast sandwich with cheese. The eggs were light and the cheese in it did not overpower the panini.
Then, our eyes followed the waiter to the next table. You could not help to stare. We were in close proximity. What was that? It was huge. Well, it was their homemade Pumpkin Creme Brulee French Toast. I just could not help myself and asked the gentleman before he plunged his fork into this amazing French toast if I could take a picture for my blog. He happily agreed.
We drank coffee and tea and enjoyed our company. I always find that my relationships with my friends are priceless and sharing a meal with them is just the best. Lucky, actually is how I feel.
A few days later I decided to take my son Michael for lunch at Greenman. Just like Debbie, he had never been. I knew he would fall in love with it, which he did. He then just took Erica yesterday as snow was falling in Rehoboth Beach. She loved it just as much. It reminded them of the undergraduate years just left behind in Boulder, Colorado. Greenman could have fit in Boulder perfectly.
Please remember that Greenman is open from Thursdays to Mondays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. through the New Year. They also have take out and are still taking orders for holiday baked goods.
Have a great week-end…….talk to you later…
December 17th, 2010
Every corner, every tree, every restaurant is dressed for the holidays in Delray Beach. If you know this town, well, what can I say but that there is always something going on. This town loves music, entertainment, restaurants and the arts.
So, what’s going on this week-end? Well, take a look what’s in store for all of us that are here.
Friday and Saturday, 12/17 and 12/18 – Shark Feeding at the Sandoway House Nature Center. It is located at 142 South Ocean Blvd., just 2 blocks or south of the corner of Atlantic Avenue and A1A. It starts at 10:30 a.m.
Friday, 12/17 – It is the Gallery Walk held every Friday from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Delray Beach has a vibrant art scene in its downtown Atlantic Ave. and and NE 2nd Ave. (Pineapple Grove). Every Friday the galleries welcome the residents and visitors into their studios so that we can learn more about what they are all about. A lot of them serve drinks and hors d’oeuvres. More info? Please visit www.delraybeachartdistrict.com.
Until February 27, 2011 – The Cat’s Meow – A Purrfect Celebration of Cats — from Mild to Wild. Paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs by local and national artists. Admission is $6 for general, $4 for seniors and students (13-21), $2 for ages 5-12 and under 5, well they are free. This exhibit is at the Cornell Museum of Art and American Culture, at 51 N. Swinton. Tel. 561-243-7922.
Also until February 27, 2011 and at the Cornell Museum of Art and American Culture, at 51 N. Swinton, you will find the Bernet Folk Art Collection. Folk life oil paintings, quilts, needlework, decoys and baskets dating from the late 19th century to the mid 20th century.
Saturday, 12/18 – Breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Delray Beach Marriott, 10 N. Ocean Blvd. Reservations are required. You can make them by calling 561-279-1380, ext. 17. Seatings are 8, 9, 10, 11, a.m.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 12/17, 12/18, 12/19 – Johhnie Browns – Music, Food, full bar and plain good old fun. On Friday the band playing will be Riptide, on Saturday it will be Steel Pony Band. They will play from 9 p.m. until 1 p.m. On Sunday, it is reggae and classic rock with Usher, West & Battle from 8 p.m. until midnight. Johnnie Browns is located at 301 East Atlantic Ave., Tel. 561-243-9911 and the website is www.johnniebrowns.com.
Saturday and Sunday, 12/18 and 12/19 – Artists in the Park at Veterans Park, Atlantic Ave. at the Intracoastal. This is a free outdoor art festival from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, 12/18 – It is the Green Market and it is a favorite of mine. Located at SE 4th Ave., just south of Atlantic Ave. 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. It is an open air market held on Saturday mornings where you will find local produce, baked goods, gourmet foods, plants, flowers and entertainment.
Until January 2, 2011 – The Holiday Carousel is open 5 – 9 p.m. every day but on week-ends and school holidays it opens at 1 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Until January 2, 2011 – The Tree is open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.
My Wishes to You? Merry Christmas!!
 
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