December 21st, 2011

Brule Bistro, Pineapple Grove Art District, Restaurant, Al Fresco Dining, Review, Delray Beach, Florida

Warm in Rehoboth Beach.  I like it that way, even though at this time of the year I really do like winter to show its face for the holidays.

Rehoboth is known for its good restaurants; great chefs introducing their innovative cuisine is what a lot of foodies in the area want to experience.

Delray Beach, Florida is known also for its restaurants.  One after another you will find them on Atlantic Avenue, which is “Main Street”.  Italian, Japanese, American, French, and Latin.

Years ago another street was introduced in Delray Beach.  The street is NE 2nd Ave.  This is known as Pineapple Grove, due to the produce that was grown in years past. It looked, at the time, that it would end up being an extension of Atlantic Ave.

Well, it has turned out to be one of the hippest parts of town; sidewalks are lined with art, sculptures, bookstores, eateries; downtown living at its best.  The residents of Pineapple Grove have everything accessible to them, including gyms and postal service.  Oh, and don’t forget that they are pretty close to the beach, as well; a bike ride or a short drive.

Early Sunday a.m.

One thing that Delray Beach has taken to the next level is the availability to dine “al fresco”.  A temperate climate in South Florida is so conducive for this type of dining.  In Delray you might find yourselves dining right on the sidewalk or in some private garden, as well.  The sidewalks are wide enough to let the pedestrian activity run smoothly.

Brule Bistro is located at 200 NE 2nd Ave., Suite 109, Delray Beach, FL 33444.  It is right on City Walk which has retail on the bottom.  Tel. 561-274-2046.  Website? http://www.brulebistro.com.

This past summer I went on a hot day and thought it was delicious.  Again, just a few weeks ago, it was the choice for my son and I on a perfect day in the Village by the Sea.

Brule has a casual atmosphere.  The bistro is known for its extensive collection of wines.  It has take out; no reservations, though.  It opens early and closes late.  The website has a full menu for you to check out.  And, specials every day.

The staff was friendly and knew the menu well.  There was an excitement as I asked my server what the dish that he had just served to another table was.  I ordered that lunch special of salmon over roasted beets.  It was considered a salad and I did not want it to end. 

I first started with a Chilled Gazpacho with a yogurt creme.  The gazpacho was homemade, no canned tomato juice there.

Then came that salmon over the roasted beet salad.  I usually write down what I am eating but it the excitement of it all, I forgot.  At least, the photo says it all.

My son started with a Shrimp Ceviche in a citrus and chili marinade, served with avocado and the thinnest of warm house chips.

Then an order of their Brule Club with roasted turkey, bacon, arugula, tomato, avocado, Asiago and pesto aioli on a multigrain bread.  It was a handsome portion, perfectly displayed. Gone in not time.

No desserts for us….we were perfectly happy.

If you are in the Village by the Sea….check it out and let me know what you think.  You can write to me to the blog or visit AboutMyBeaches on Facebook.

December 15th, 2010

City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Delray Beach, Florida, Restaurant, Review, Oysters, South Florida, Palm Beach County

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….