November 23rd, 2013
In the heart of the Art District of Delray Beach, Florida….Pineapple Grove, Brule Bistro has made a name for itself for serving delicious food with amazing flavors in a casual atmosphere…an extensive wine list will make any wine lover happy.
Brule Bistro is located at 200 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483 Tel. 561-274-2046 Website? http://www.brulebistro.com. Find them on Facebook, as well.
Our big decision was…inside or out? My friend, Anita had never been and she decided she wanted to capture the vibe of the restaurant…sitting inside would be a must.
JD opened the door and he immediately became our server. With a big smile and plenty of good answers to our questions, not to mention his suggestions, we knew we were in good hands.
We sat near the open kitchen….we wanted to see the comings and goings of a busy restaurant. The chefs were definitely, ready!! You know the customers are having fun when the constant chatter, and the background music had everyone in a good mood…plenty of smiles.
Taro Chips looked beautiful waiting to be served.
The swordfish looked fantastic. I was trying to make a decision.
Delray Beach is a dining destination in South Florida. Who would have thought 20 years ago that this Village by the Sea would be the talk of Palm Beach County. Great food, plenty of entertainment, lots of shops…the beach is…well, you have to experience it.
Our dining event was starting….first a little bread to get us going, olive oil and balsamic reduction.
An appetizer of Pontano Farms Zucchini Blossoms, shiitake, goat cheese, tarragon aioli, and port reduction. Crispy on the outside with all those other ingredients making my taste buds do a little dance.
An Artisan Wedge Salad was Anita’s choice, with Romain, bacon, avocado, pickled shallot, tomato concasse, creamy bleu cheese vinaigrette.
Shrimp & Grits, jumbo prawns, house chorizo, on crispy polenta was an appetizer which my friend, Anita, decided to order for dinner. She loved it.
JD, our server thought the Tangier Duck Breast & Roasted Pumpkin Cavatelli, was a wonderful dish, full of flavor. He was right. It had Brussels sprouts, duck bacon, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a spiced apple reduction.
Should we even consider a sweet ending? Of course, the Smoked Sea Salt and Caramel Brownie with vanilla gelato….was outstanding. Just the right amount too…and perfect for sharing, when you know you have had enough to eat.
So many choices and where to go. Word of mouth is something I take seriously. At times I agree with the suggestions, and other times, I don’t, but that is what makes it interesting.
Have a great time….Talk to you later.
June 23rd, 2012
Turning out to be one of my favorite restaurants in Delray Beach…. Brule Bistro, located at 200 NE 2nd Avenue. Tel. 561-274-2046. Website? www.brulebistro.com.
I remember when Pineapple Grove was just starting out. People did talk back then that it would be an extension of Atlantic Avenue. To some extent, it is. But, it has much more. It has a unique flavor. Lots of little restaurants, boutiques, apartments, gyms, even postal service. Most importantly, it is an artist’s colony, as well. So, when you live in Pineapple Grove, everything is accessible; Atlantic Ave., just a stroll away.
I love the way Brule Bistro has evolved. Love what they have done with the interior of the Bistro. I was told that in July they will be closing for a week; more remodeling, I believe in the kitchen area.
The other night when we stopped for a bite to eat, the restaurant was comfortably crowded. I usually sit outside but being that it was a little too warm and it looked like rain was on the way, we played it safe, and inside we sat. I am glad we did because it was so nice inside.
Brule Bistro makes everything in-house. It opens early and closes late.
It is a great spot for lunch. Sit under their umbrellas and enjoy the balmy South Florida weather.
Try their Gazpacho with Yogurt Creme. It is so good and so refreshing. Even though their menu changes all the time; this popular soup is always on their menu.
As we sat at our table, our waiter brought homemade bread with roasted pepper mousse.
A Grilled Avocado with Roasted Tomato Salsa, sprinkled with Sea Salt and Extra Virgin Olive Oil was ordered as an appetizer.
A Citrus Ceviche Martini with Bay scallops, Laughing Bird Shrimp, Sake and Avocado, was another appetizer ordered. Almost did not get the picture. My guest was too fast.
The Duck Confit Eggroll, House Brined and served with a Mango Mustard Sauce was well received.
I had to order the Braised Local Rabbit Fricassee with Ricotta Gnudi, Oyster Mushrooms and Vegetable Fricassee. It brought memories from when my grandmother used to make it in Puerto Rico. Very good.
For dessert, a decadent and Flourless Chocolate Dome. Dense and rich.
Delray Beach has so many restaurants; it is so nice to find one so comfortable with good food, nice atmosphere, and most of all, attentive service, and reasonable prices.
Until next time, Delray…have a good one!!
March 27th, 2012
For the past 3 years we have been eating gluten free in my household. It is something we had to get used to. When you have to, then you do it. Pretty soon you become an expert; reading labels, being protective and proactive; outspoken, and informed.
I embraced new flours made out of chickpeas, rice, coconut; did not know they even existed.
Since 1 in 133 people are afflicated with Celiac Disease; we better get used to the idea of eating gluten free. It is the only way to get healthy again; a commitment to eating gluten free forever.
Celiac disease is a genetic, autoimmune disease. A percentage of diabetics also contract it. Besides the Celiac disease, there are people with intolerances to gluten, but do not have the full blown disease.
Not only do you have to avoid foods like breads, pasta, crackers, cookies and beer; but also soy sauce, soaps, shampoos, food colorings, that may contain gluten. Reading labels and contacting the manufacturing companies will be your best bet. I do it all the time. And, they are very helpful.
Another thing you have to check out is medications, generics, and over the counter.
Some companies will tell you that their plant is gluten free and that their products are, as well. Others will tell you that they cannot guarantee it because some of the compounds come from foreign countries. It takes some time to find the right companies, but they are there.
I was just at my local supermarket, Giant. On top of the gluten allergy. I took pictures of the give-away magazine; “gluten free” right on the front cover, and back.
 
Restaurants have been a challenge in Delray Beach and South Florida, in general, but they are getting better all the time. Only a few here or there have menus, but they seem to be happy to accommodate you. The Chefs have not been overzealous and are willing to adjust the recipes.
When you go to a restaurant, make sure they know you have a food allergy. You do not want your food contaminated and please don’t bring me a piece of bread on my plate.
If you are in Delray Beach, you can call the restaurants. The following ones will work with you.
Ziree Thai & Sushi located at 401 West Atlantic Ave., 561-276-6549, http://www.zireethai.com. This restaurant has Tamari gluten free soy sauce. We kept asking them to have it and slowly other customers did ask and voila!!
Cabana El Rey at 105 East Atlantic Ave., 561-274-9090, www.cabanarestaurant.com. The picadillo, the roasted chicken, churrasco, rice, beans, do not contain gluten.
Vic & angelo’s, 290 East Atlantic Ave., www.vicandangelos.com. The chefs at this restaurant are willing to work with you. Make sure you mention the gluten allergy. They will substitute.
Mellow Mushroom, 25 S.E. 6th Avenue, www.mellowmushroom.com/delraybeach. They have gluten free pizza. Even though I think the gluten free pizza will never be as good as the “real” pizza, if you have not had it in a long time, it will start tasting pretty good.
Brule Bistro, 200 NE 2nd Ave., 561-274-2046, www.brulebistro.com. Salads, soups and other entrees are easily adjusted. Again, make sure you mention the gluten allergy.
Bru’s Room, www.brusroom.com. They have the best grilled wings. Ask for the Triple Threat (not hot, just with a nice kick and garlic), or the Sweet and Tangy, my favorites. They are gluten free and Bru’s Room does have a gluten free menu.
 
Just recently someone wrote to my website regarding Bru’s Room and my mentioning it to be gluten free. They got a piece of bread on their plate and the server said the menu was new. I had written originally, in 2010.
I guess it is a good as time as any, to mention a disclaimer from AboutMyBeaches. This blog is my diary; I guess you could say I am an open book. These are my experiences and my pictures. I enjoy food and the company of friends and family. Then, I pass it on to you. Again, you have to take control in the restaurant, afterall, you are the customer. If you do not think you are being served and attended they way you deserve, then you do know what you need to do….
The Sundy House is located at 106 S. Swinton Ave., 561-272-5678. www.sundyhouse.com. They have a new gluten free menu. I have not tried it.
South of downtown Delray Beach, on Linton Boulevard:
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 335 East Linton Blvd., 561-266-9393, www.carrabbas.com. They do have a gluten free menu. A tip: If you see so many people waiting to get in, just go into the bar and you can grab any of those tables without a reservation, as they become available.
Outback Steakhouse, 1300 Linton Blvd., 561-272-7201. They do have a gluten free menu.
Note: On Atlantic Avenue, in downtown Delray there is Nutrition Cottage at 407 E. Atlantic Ave., http://www.nutritioncottage.com. They have a wide selection of gluten free products, including a freezer with frozen breads, desserts and other goodies. On January 7th I wrote about them on this blog. All you have to do is click on the month of January, 2012 and scroll down to the 7th.
Regarding grocery stores…..some better than others; Publix, Winn Dixie, Whole Foods, not in that order, though.
You can check the website of Celiac Disease Foundation of South Florida, http://www.cdfsouthflorida.org.
If you do happen to get that glazed look from your server as you mention the “gluten allergy”, ask to speak with the Manager. Good luck and have a great day!!
December 21st, 2011
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.
September 26th, 2011
I almost forgot to tell you about my casual lunch at BruLe, which is a bistro and a wine house in the Pineapple Grove Art District of Delray Beach.
It was in July and Rosalyn and I had just returned from the Norton Museum in West Palm Beach, where an Exhibit called Out of This World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television was underway until 9/11/11. It was great.
The Norton Museum of Art is located at 1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Tel. 561-832-5196. Website? www.norton.org.
Another Exhibit was From A to Z: 26 Great Photographs from the Norton Collection is still going on until October 16th. That was great too.
Also, until October 9th is Striking Impressisons: European Prints from the Museum Collection.
And, The Art of War in East Asia will be on exhibit until November 13th.
It was hot and we were hungry. I had not had lunch at BruLe, so, why not? The address is 200 NE 2nd Ave. Right at City Walk in Delray. The tel. is 561- 274-2046. Website? www.brulebistro.com.
In the above mentioned website you will be able to check their menus. They open for lunch and dinner.
They had a great selection of wines being that it is also a wine house.
We ordered 2 salads. Rosalyn ordered the Arugula Salad with candied pecans, green apple, bleu cheese and red onion and a house vinaigrette.
I ordered their Market Salad which had baby greens, assorted veggies and a white balsamic vinaigrette. Then, to finish it off I topped it with grilled chicken.
Both salads were delicious on such a hot day.
I think BruLe has a very diverse menu that will agree with most of its customers. Can’t wait to have dinner next time.
Order at the counter, take a seat and they will bring your order to your table.
Note: Carryout is available. But, if you would like delivery, then call The Delray Delivery Dudes at 561-900-7060. Visit their website, www.delraydeliverydudes.com. Their hours for delivery are: Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
|
Comments Off on Delray Beach Eats! Brule Bistro, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Pineapple Grove, The Village By The Sea, Review, South Florida, Palm Beach County