December 13th, 2011
 Flying the Big Sky I think that every day annoyances are heightened this time of the year….people coming and going, rushing…it is worse when you are traveling and have to make connections. Ahh….computer connections. You love them when they work, you despise them when they don’t.
I guess I am a little put off. So it is time to vent some.
Let’s take, for example, carry-ons while traveling. The idea of a carry-on is just to take into the plane a small bag with essentials; not a month’s worth. What airlines have done is create delays by charging so much for the suitcases that need to be checked in. People are refusing to pay; some are getting away with it.
I saw on Saturday the biggest carry-ons going into the plane until they said that all bins were full. Therefore, everybody else then would have his or her bag ticketed and sent to its destination for free.
It took forever to load the plane. The pilot was even getting annoyed. Finally, sitting down, in the middle seat, all squished I was. Suddenly the angelical voice of the pilot proceeded to tell us that there were 2 flat tires and we all needed to deplane. Granted, I am glad someone noticed, but couldn’t they have seen them while loading the plane? It would not have been very pleasant to land in such a state. A belly flop would not have been pretty.
Out of the plane. My fellow passengers were able to leave their “tiny” belongings. I knew I was going to miss my connection. One and a half hours later into the plane we went in a short time; nobody was carrying suitcases. More waiting for the paperwork to let the pilots know we were okay to go. Off we went and I had a new connection.
Of course, I will give you a hand I said to the person sitting next to me. She needed help with her oversize bag on the top bin.
In Charlotte walking and just waiting for my connection in 2 hours. Oh….late again…the crew had not arrived yet.
Finally, at my destination; drive for another 45 minutes…….The joys of traveling…..no choice…Rehoboth looked better than ever.
The Christmas Tree by the Rehoboth Bandstand looked beautiful.
Oh, we are so lucky to be able to display, here in Rehoboth Beach and all the coastal towns that make the Delaware Beaches, any Christmas lights or decorations.
When did we start being so grouchy?…No lights, they offend my way of thinking, my religion and my I don’t know what.
The decorations look so pretty. But, there are town that are now looking into abolishing Christmas decorations for the reasons above mentioned.
Boca Raton, Florida, is tired of being a referee in this regard…The Sun Sentinel had an article a few days ago just on this subject.
Delray Beach was fully decorated. This house was over the top.
You have not heard from me too much due to the fact that computers have their own way of behaving. Mine have been crazy, but I think all is well, at the moment.
I feel good again…venting….it feels good to let out, a little erratic…talk to you later…back in business
November 6th, 2011
Hmm…I did not know that there was a National Capuccino Day on November 8th. A little friend sent me an e-mail and told me that you could get Free capuccino on Tuesday only at Saquella Cafe in Boca Raton and at Prosecco Cafe in Palm Beach Gardens. Both restaurants are owned by Chef Avi Sekerel. They feature yummy baked goods, refreshing salads, inventive sandwiches, flat breads, wonderful gelatos and a variety of entrees, as well.
Saquella is located at Royal Palm Place, 410 Via de Palmas, Boca Raton, Florida. Tel. 561-338-8840. Like it on Facebook at facebook.com/saquellacafe.
Prosecco Cafe is located at PGA Commons, 4580 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Tel. 561-622-3222. Like it on Facebook at facebook.com/proseccocafe.
To get a free cappuccino, at either restaurant on November 8th, diners just need to come in, that day, and say “I love Capuccino”. You can receive one cappuccino from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Additionally, diners can join the VIP Club, for either or both of these restaurants, by texting the word Saquella or the word Prosecco to 91944, to receive special offers, like the free cappuccino, on their phones.
The word Cappuccino, means little hood in Italian. The cappuccino was first created in Italy. This soul-satisfying coffee drink is derived from an Italian order of monks, known as the Capuchins, whose hoods resembled the drink’s frothy color and shape. It is prepared with espresso, hot milk and a topper of froth. Cappuccino is enjoyed throughout the day or evening.
This promotion from Chef Avi is a way to say thank you to all of the loyal customers, as well as hello to all of the cappuccino enthusiasts in the community.
Please note that both of these restaurants are proud of being No Fry Zone and everything is made from fresh, high quality ingredients with an emphasis on local purveyors.
So…if you decide to go let me know how that cappuccino was…..thanks to Sharon for your information regarding this promotional event. Have a good one…talk to you later….I do love cappuccino…in the evenings, I get a decaf.
By the way, like AboutMyBeaches on Facebook, while you are at it. Thanks!!
September 25th, 2011
And, why am I writing a post on South Florida when it is still warm here at the Delaware Beaches? Because it will be only a matter of weeks when those cool breezes will start telling us that winter is on its way. I, for one, am waiting for those cool breezes. There is something about this time of the year when the scenery completely changes. I love it.
Some are probably thinking about going south already. The last time I was in Florida was in July. I go to Florida any time during the year. You have to admit that at times, during this past summer, it was cooler in Florida than at the Delaware Beaches.
With friends, and about to go out to dinner, we decided to take a stroll through Mizner Park. This cluster of restaurants, shops, entertainment and residences are located in Boca Raton. South of Delray Beach. An easy drive and only a few minutes to get there.
During the winter it can get pretty crowded but on their Second Season it is a very relaxing place to visit.
They also have an amphitheater, wich is an outdoor venue. If you would like to check their schedule, please visit http://www.mizneramphitheater.com.
One event that caught my attention was the 2011 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, which will be on Saturday, October 22nd. You can find that info. on the above mentioned website.
One store that I tend to visit every time I find myself at Mizner Park is Sloan’s. It is an ice cream store, but it is the cutest shop. Very whimsical. Besides ice cream the also have candies galore and small gifts. They are located at 329 Plaza Real.
I thought this store was new this year. It was called The Spice & Tea Exchange. They sell spices, gourmet teas, seasonings, blends and rubs. their location was 426 Plaza Real. Website? www.spiceandtea.com.
They also sell accessories like salt and pepper mills, spice racks, grinders, mortar and pestles, tea pots and infusers.
The next shop was Z Gallerie. Their merchandise is directed for homes. You will find artwork, furniture, lighting, table top items, and plenty of accessories and unique pick up gifts.
The website? www.zgallerie.com.
You will find so many more shops at Mizner Park; we only had time to visit those mentioned.
Anyway, hope you visit them if you are in South Florida.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
February 8th, 2011
Flowers? They die within a few days. Chocolates? In my case that would be eaten in minutes. Purses, shoes and clothing? Pleeease; that goes out of style in no time. Gold? Now we are talking; it would last a lifetime. Those were my thoughts when I read about the first gold vending machines in the U.S. Then I read that one was in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget and the other was at the Boca Town Center in Boca Raton, Florida, which is a few miles south of Delray Beach. I just could not wait to see it.
South Florida is known for its affluence; flashy cars, mansions, expensive restaurants, over the top lifestyles. You know that there is money in a community when one of the first Gold to go – ATM machines in the U.S. has been installed and is already working. The location? The Boca Town Center located on Glades Rd. It is inside the mall. I went through the Neiman Marcus store, then turn right and then right again. It was right there on the center of the hall. It looked like a gold bar.
These machines are already in about 15 locations worldwide; Germany, Spain, Italy and Abu Dhabi. In the U.S. 40 more are in the planning stages of opening up.
So, now we can add to our shopping experience the power to buy gold on the spot. You can purchase Gold Bars and Coins. The machine is by Ex Oriente Lux, which owns Gold to go; www.gold-to-go.com.
There is a money back guarantee once you have purchased gold from these ATM machines. The one in Boca is operated by PMX Gold, located in Boca. If you are not satisfied, you can return it within 10 days of purchase, with receipt and bank details. The refund will be the purchase price plus/minus the amount equivalent to the percentage change in the gold price (London PM fixing) comparing the gold price on the purchase day with the gold price the day the gold is returned to them. They will also return your mailing expenses.
The gold coins and bars at the Gold ATM weigh up to 8 ounces. The prices are updated every 10 minutes based on real time spot price of gold. It churns out 20 to 100 pieces a day depending on the traffic.
The machine located at the Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Hotel is restocked every 2 days. It is that popular.
It is worth mentioning that these machines limit the amout of gold purchased to curb money laundering.
Have a great day!!….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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