December 15th, 2010
I came to Delray Beach about 7 years ago. If I remember correctly the first restaurant I went to was City Oyster. Sitting outside is one thing the restaurants in Delray offer, when possible. Yes, dining al fresco, people watching, palm trees swaying and the train just passing by just make me enjoy my dinners even more.
I have not had dinner at City Oyster in some time; I did not have it the other day either. I came for oysters very early in the evening; a few people at the bar nobody yet sitting outside. Come to think of it, South Florida has been a bit chilly. Also, it was because the oysters and drinks were on special if you sat at the bar. Not for me, I will even pay more and sit outside. Remember that I will be going back to Delaware and sitting outdoors is a treat, at the moment.
The service was great. More so, because they let us sit down at a prime outdoor table and we were just going to have a couple of drinks and some oysters.
City Oyster is located at 213 East Atlantic Avenue, right in the middle of this trendy Village by the Sea. The tel. is 561-272-0220. Website is www.cityoysterdelray.com. City Oyster is not the only restaurant for the Big Time Restaurant Group. They also have restaurants in West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and New York.
We ordered 2 kinds of oysters; they had a variety. Ours were nice, cold and salty.
City Oyster is mainly a seafood restaurant but they also have salads, burgers, chicken, pork chops and steaks. And, for the sushi aficionado they have a complete sushi menu; appetizers and rolls.
The oysters hit the spot and off we went….talk to you later….
December 15th, 2010
In Rehoboth Beach, one of my regular restaurants, especially if I am in a mood for good Chinese food is Confucius. I have written posts about it in the past. To tell you the truth, I don’t really think I have ever had a bad meal there. I like it. I feel comfortable there; relaxed.
The Wednesday before I took off for sunny and frigid South Florida I ate at Confucius. Not in the mood for cooking but wanting something spicy and interesting. Those thoughts took me to Confucius. They are located at 57 Wilmington Ave., tel. 302-227-3848. Website is www.confuciusrehobothbeach.com.
It was quiet in Rehoboth that evening. The town looked great; all decorated for the holidays.
Shawn and Danielle own this restaurant. Friendly beyond belief. The waitresses that work the restaurant are knowledgeable; always happy to see you.
For an appetizer I ordered the sauteed string beans. This is a side dish but I love it as an appetizer. Crispy green beans, with dried shrimp and soy sauce. Shawn used wheat free soy sauce, knowing that my husband has to eat gluten free.
I thought of ordering the whole seabass but they did not have it on that evening. Here is the picture of my last seabass. Crazy isn’t it? I remembered that it was delicious.
I decided on the Five Spiced Duck. Shredded duck with celery, fresh hot peppers and cilantro. Good combination and very spicy but I loved it even though I drank like 5 glasses of iced tea.
The other dish was not on the menu but Shawn decided it would be a good one. Salt and pepper shrimp, scallops and calamari with those fresh hot peppers, as well. I tasted a scallop and it was crispy on the outside; moist in the middle.
No dessert, but a good satisfying meal. Very unique Chinese cuisine. Lucky to have them in Rehoboth Beach.
Confucius closes on Tuesdays in the winter. Mondays is 1/2 price of all fish entrees. Sundays the Peking Duck is $15.95 for half or $29.95 for whole. Sundays the brunch is still there with 3 items for $10. On Sundays they open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. The other days they open from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Please note that Confucius also offers take-out. Confucius is also very aware of the gluten free allergy.
Note: On the subject of gluten awareness I have to tell you that I have found that in South Florida the restaurants are not aware of the allergy. I am most surprised that restaurants don’t inform their staff about this or any other allergy. South Florida is very progressive in many things, but on this, it is not.
Try it….you will like it…..talk to you later….
December 14th, 2010
An amusement park? Sorry, but I don’t get too excited about it. Never have. But yesterday was an exception. It has been cold in South Florida so I was looking for something to do; not being able to go to the beach, stores too crowded for me; I have been eating up a storm; bla bla bla, you know how it is. Then I remembered that Ross, a friend from Ocean City, Maryland, raved about Lion Country Safari off of West Palm Beach. And that’s where Michael, Tommy and myself headed late in the afternoon. Probably too late, but we made it.
It is a bit of a drive to get to Lion Country Safari. Well, you cannot have a park that size close to a city, especially since it is the first cageless zoo in our nation. We are the only ones caged; in our cars. The lions have a fence around them, which was good. I had the perfect car for this type of tour. So off we went.
It took us from Delray Beach on 95 North about 45 minutes or so. Take exit 68, Southern Blvd. and go west for about 15.5 miles. You will start seeing the signs as you approach the Park. It was worth it.
As I mentioned, we arrived late in the afternoon. At this time of the year they close at 5 p.m. It was suggested that we did the drive through tour. It was going to take about 1 1/2 hours. Perfect!!
A few things to have in mind are that no convertibles or soft top vehicles are permitted in the drive through tour. You are to have your windows up; animals roam freely; they have not been tamed. The Park has cars for rent but only on a first come first served basis. Also, pet are not permitted. They have kennels available for rent for $5. No open toe shoes if you are in the petting zoo, feeding the animals either.
Lion Country Safari opened up in 1967. It is involved in the captive breeding of a number of endangered species. It is also a rehab facility for injured wildlife. Website is www.lioncountrysafari.com. Tel. 561-793-1084. Annual passes are available. The actual address of the Park is 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd. Loxahatchee, FL 33470. The Park has a restaurant, gift shop and a recreational vehicle park. They offer camps for kids, large groups, vip tours, walking tours, inside tours, and special access to see the lions tours. All of this can be found by calling them or going on the website above mentioned.
We were given a CD that explained the 7 preserves they have in the Park and the animals that inhabit them.
It was very neat to see these animals at such close proximity. They were beautiful, as well and felt comfortable in their “habitat”.
We went through the 7 preserves:
Las Pampas: Called by many different names, but in South America that is what they are called.
Here we found the South American Tapir, which is from Brazil and it can weigh about 650 lbs. They have been threatened in the wild by hunting and habitat destruction.
We also found the Rhea. This is the 4th largest of all birds; up to 4 feet tall and about 50 pounds. The llama is just sitting in the background. They are used as beasts of burden. Raised for wool, meat and milk.
Ruaha National Park. This African wilderness is known for the Greater Kudu, which is the 2nd largest antelope.
The Serengeti Plains is one of the most famous east African wildlife areas.
The Wilderbeest, known for their gigantic migrations. to find food and water. Calves are able to run with their mothers shortly after birth.
The Eland is the largest of the African antelopes. Both sexes have horns.
The Watusi. The horns may span 10 feet.
The Waterbuck. Males have horns. Females do not. They elude predators by submerging in water up to their nostrils.
The Ostrich was one of my favorite. It is the world’s largest living bird. up to 8 feet in height. The content of one ostrich egg equals to 2 dozen chicken eggs.
The Kalahari Bushveldt is a a dry plateau of about 100,000 square miles located in southwest Africa.
We found the Gemsbok there, which name is the Oryz gazella gazella. They are adapted to go long periods of time with little or no water.
The Gir Forest is found in India. There Kulan stands about 4 feet tall. They have short legs but can run very fast, up to 45 miles per hour. They are an endangered specie due to extreme habitat loss.
The Blackbuck’s is found in India and it is one of the smallest members of the antelope family. They are found more in captivity than in the wild.
The Hwange is located in western Zimbabwe. The Equus burchelli bohmi is the Grant’s Zebra. Stripes are like fingerprints; unique to each individual.
The Southern White Rhinoceros weighs up to 2.5 tons. Its life expectancy is about 40 years; poor eyesight, though, but excellent senses of hearing and smell.
The chimpanzee were all hiding out; too cold for them; just like us, the humans.
The giraffe has always made an impression. Such a majestic animal. Beautiful. In the petting zoo, you can feed them. They are found in the dry savanna and open woodland south of the Sahara Desert.
Lion Country Safari was not crowded yesterday. I loved going at that time of the day. On the way out, we met Ramon. We had to return the CD. He told me that the Park has 500 acres and 380 of them are for the animal preserve; the rest has the restaurants, rv park, etc. He also said that they are enhancing the Chimpanzee section, and that next to the Park the land is going to be developed. I don’t know if condominiums or single family homes.
Again, if you are in this area and the kids are driving you crazy, this can be a good activity.
Enjoy…..talk to you later….It’s another cold one in South Florida…
December 13th, 2010
This past year P.U.P.S. moved just one block down from where they were originally located. The new address is 123 Second Street, Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-9010 and the website is www..pupsoflewes.com. The shop is owned by Lesley Bowers.
I stopped by the other day to get my dog, Addy, a new collar. She has been wearing hers for so long and I thought she deserved something new. Spoiled, that’s what she is.
The new shop is full of everything needed for your dog or cat. I went directly to the collar section and there were so many to choose from and so cute. They also have collars for cats; the store is not just a dog store.
Shampoos? Natural? You got it.
Weather gear? There, as well.
Treats for the holidays and stucking stuffers? So much for that special pet in your life.
There are a few things for the human kind; socks and sleepwear.
Anyway, Addy has been wearing her new collar. She is happy.
If you are in Lewes, stop by the store will bring a smile to your face.
Note: The sport jerseys are a big hit, and no, I did not get her the Ravens one.
Have a good one…talk to you later….
December 12th, 2010
Guests, family, Thanksgiving, friends and now the rest of the Holidays are around the corner. My holidays are quiet this year and believe me, I think I like it that way. I am so laid back that I have not put up a single decoration yet. There is still time, though.
My recipes reflect my moods during the holidays. You read my posts about the Turducken and the sides dishes during Thanksgiving; now I want roast beef, lobster and crab imperial.
Crab Imperial is such an easy dish to prepare for company. Well, you better check that no guests have a seafood allergy. I am going to give you the Crab Imperial recipe that I have. I doubled it the last time I made it and I also put it in a casserole dish. I had big eaters that evening and they thoroughly enjoyed it.
Crab Imperial
1 lb. backfin crabmeat
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
6 tablespoons cream
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
4-6 drops Tabasco sauce
2 slices of bread, crumbled
butter
Paprika
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Pick crabmeat well. Mix mayonnaise, cream, mustard, Worcestershire, Tabasco together until smooth.
Add bread. Fold crabmeat in gently.
Place in a casserole dish and pat it smooth. Dot with butter and sprinkle with paprika.
Bake for about 20 minutes. If you double it then bake for a little longer; you want it hot and and a little toasted on top.
I made this recipe a couple of days before Thanksgiving. I also served it with polenta on the side, and a colorful salad.
Serves 4; doubled, serves 6 or a few more depending on your company.
Remember to make it your own and enjoy it…..talk to you later….
December 11th, 2010
Back home, in Delaware, the parades are over and done with. Usually, it is so cold; again that is exactly what happened this year.
I knew Delray Beach was going to have their paraded this evening so I just took a walk to the line up. It was amazing to see Atlantic Avenue already closed up. This town does parades and festivals like no other. Bob Barricades comes on the scene and nobody can drive through Atlantic Avenue for a few hours.
There were so many kids and all looked anxious. Ready to start the parade. Well, the parade was not starting for another hour. It was a bit chaotic; floats needed to be finished on the spot.
Then I saw her. I think it was a “she”. Wow she was just patiently waiting for her float to be finished. I could not help but watch her.
She was part of the Florida Red Cross Disaster Relief Group.
She looked up, almost like saying “they made me come”.
Then she got up and I am sure she was thinking “let’s get this show on the road”.
And back down she went, taking a snooze.
I kept on walking and my thoughts went to community involvement, traditions and family; parades are still with us when so many of other traditions have been long forgotten.
The sign around Delray Beach are all about the holidays; but this particular one I wish to all.
Talk to you later…..
December 11th, 2010
Some of the side streets in Rehoboth Beach might look a little quiet now, but let’s not forget the businesses that are there day in and day out. Cake Break is one of them. Open year round, at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, serving bagel sandwiches, breakfast pastries, organic coffee and espresso.
Location? 7 South First St., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302- 260-9264. Website is www.cakebreakrehoboth.com. You can find them on Facebook and Twitter, as well.
Their rum raisin bread pudding cupcake/muffin is so delicious with a light icing.
Fresh bread is baked daily: challa, old fashioned loaf, white, and baguettes.
Plus 20 flavors of gourmet cupcakes.
Cake Break is a nut free facility; gluten free, vegan, vegan icing, for those of you with food allergies.
I wanted to pass this info. to you just in case you are walking around Rehoboth and need a sweet fix. But that’s not all because Cake Break is taking special orders for holiday cupcakes and cakes. All you need to do is given them a call.
Have a great Holiday Season….talk to you later….
December 10th, 2010
As you have heard from the weather forecasters, South Florida has had very cold temperatures since Monday. Well, I kid you not; today I saw a woman wearing a fur coat. I cannot believe she was that cold. And, today has been chilly; not freezing. It strikes me so funny to also see people weraring gloves.
Delray looks beautiful this time of the year. Atlantic Avenue has lights everywhere; the restaurants have outdone themselves with their own unique decorations. The 100 ft. tree looks spectacular, especially in the early evening hours.
Delray Beach will be busy on Friday and Saturday. If you are around, then these are a few of the events going on.
Friday, December 10th – It is the Delray & Boyton Beach Holiday Boat Parade from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The line up will be at the Boyton Beach Inlet to Intracoastal Waterway to C-15 Canal in Delray Beach. Please bring the family and friends to see the flotillas of brightly color boats. Better yet, join them.
Friday, December 10th – Murder at the Beach Bookstore – Book signing at 7:00 p.m. – Midnight Guardians by Jonathan King. He writes full time in South Florida and Midnight Guardians take place in the Everglades. This is the 6th book of the Max Freeman mystery series. After Max is hired to investigate a conspiracy involving fake claims to Medicare he quickly realizes the scheme is much more dangerous…
Murder at the Beach is located at 273 NE 2nd Ave. (Pineapple Grove district). The telephone is 561-279-7790 and the website is www.murderonthebeach.com.
Friday, December 10th – Gallery Walk from 7 until 10 p.m. At Atlantic Ave. and NE 2nd Ave. – Delray Beach is known for a town that is embracing the arts full force. The Gallery Walks give you, the visitor, and maybe, the residen,t an opportunity to discover them and see what they are all about. They stay open for us, the public. Take advantage of a wonderful evening on the Avenue and in Pineapple Grove.
Saturday, December 11th – You will find the Delray Green Market every Saturday at SE 4th Ave. It is south of Atlantic Ave. More info? e-mail Nolan at www.mydelraybeach.com. I have visited this market through the years; local produce, breads, dipping sauces, flowers, music and the perfect place for a stroll on Saturday mornings.
Saturday, December 11th – Kids at the Tree – 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Old School Square at 51 N. Swinton Ave. Visit Santa and play in the “snow”, special surprises at the Famous 100 foot Christmas tree. More info? Please visit www.downtowndelray.com.
Saturday, December 11th and Sunday, December 12th – Artists in the Park from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Location? Veterans Park, Atlantic Ave. at the Intracoastal. This is a free outdoor art festival.
Saturday, December 11th – Shark Feeding at 10:30 a.m. at the Sandoway Nature Center located at 142 S. Ocean Blv. It is on A1A and South of the corner of Atlantic Ave. and A1A.
Saturday, December 11th – Holiday Parade in Dowtown Delray Beach. The parade begins at Venetian Drive at 6 p.m. and goes west on Atlantic Ave. to the Courthouse. This event is sponsored by the Delray Beach Parks and Recreations. More info? Then call 561-243-7277.
Saturday, December 11th – It is also the Greater Delray Beach Chamber Annual Holiday Parade from 6 until 8 p.m. It will start at Gleason and Atlantic and will go West. More info? Please call 561-733-6497.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season!! Talk to you later…
 
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