March 11th, 2011

Out and About, Delray Beach, Leaving the Rainy Weather at the Delaware Beaches only to find Chilly Weather in South Florida

Everyone I talked to last week kept saying how gorgeous the weather was in Florida, you cannot believe it, and bla bla bla.  The weather forecast for the mid Atlantic states was rain and more rain for Thursday and Friday so it was time to get out once again.  No, really, I had this trip planned since friends are passing through Florida on their way to Bolivia.  Cannot wait to see them.

BWI is the airport I pretty much use for my travels.  Every gate was packed and it dawned on me that it was Spring Break.  Oh, yes, a completely full flight.  Delayed because of rain and then delayed in the air because all the traffic coming into Palm Beach International.

Last time in Florida the weather was better than other times.  On this trip; it will probably even be nicer but yesterday I arrived to cloudly and cool skies.  My luggage was soaked and the contents were pretty wet, as well.   I think it happened as it was waiting to be put on the plane at BWI.

But things started cheering up as my driver, Arturo, picked me up.  Arturo was my driver last year in Puerto Rico.  He took me all over the Island and was very knowledgeable about everything to know in La Isla del Encanto.  He is a foodie; and he loves to discover new places to eat.   He has been in Florida for a few weeks and last night I showed him a few of the places that I enjoy in Delray.

Instead of taking I-95 I took him through A1A or South County Rd. from Palm Beach.  That drive is really nice; right along the coast.  Arturo was driving and sighseeing, taking it all in.  I am surprised nobody honked the horn; we were going so slow, but so was everyone else for that matter.

First things first; we were hungry, and, since it was around 3:00 p.m. we stopped for a snack at the Bru’s Room located at 35 NE 2nd Ave.  www.brusroom.com.  We had some refreshments and an order of their triple threat wings.  Those wings are the best, bar none!!

To work that food out we then took a 4 mile walk in anticipation to a late dinner.  It was cool and a pretty early evening, nevertheless.

We decided to have dinner at Lemongrass Asian Bistro.  I always visit this restaurant when in Delray.  Consistently good food.  They are located at 420 E. Atlantic Ave., and the website is www.lemongrassasianbistro.com.

Arturo had the Lemongrass Martini.  Light and refreshing, but he then changed to beer.

We had their famous Lobster Monster Roll.  It is a huge roll and perfect for sharing.  If you like lobster, then you should try it.

We also had the Sex on the Moon and the Three Musketeers.  These were delicious, as well.  I could see Arturo was happy and probably thought it was a good thing he decided to offer to pick me up at the airport.

I kept mentioning to Arturo that Elvis was going to be playing at Johnnie Brown’s.  I don’t know if he was excited about that, but I took him anyway.  Johnnie Brown’s was crowded and Elvis well, was just Elvis.  Some of the followers that are there every Thursday, were there again last night.  I even found another Elvis in the crowd.

Johnnie Brown’s is located at 301 E. Atlantic Ave. and the website is www.jonniebrowns.com.  They have entertainment every day of the week.

It was late so we strolled through Atlantic Ave.; some restaurants were closing up shop.  But, not The Office.  They still were serving for a bit longer.  Why not have a nightcap?

Arturo decided to have the Red Staple.  The Office is everything about an office.  We sat outstide and it was pretty chilly then but it was so nice, as well.  Right there by the entrance to Pineapple Grove, the heaters from The Office were doing their magic.

The Office is located at 201 E. Atlantic Ave.  Website?  www.theofficedelray.com.

The Red Staple had Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Prickly pear, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lemon Juice and Crushed.  I took a taste and it was the best drink of the evening.

 Then, nothing better than a good cup of coffee before calling it a night.

Talk to you later…you know I will…

December 9th, 2010

Lemongrass Asian Bistro, Delray Beach, Florida, South Florida, Palm Beach County, Thai, Sushi, Asian, Vietnamese

“If you are ever at a loss of converstion, introduce the subject of eating.”  leigh hunt

That was not our problem tonight.  Actually, that does not happen too often.  But, the subject of eating is always there.  I have mentioned before that I do like interesting food; not afraid to try many types of cuisines.

It has been pretty cold in South Florida.  Mentally, you are prepared for the sun, the swaying palm trees, the beach.  But sweaters?  I don’t think so.  Too early.

Atlantic Avenue, on this Village by the Sea was quiet tonight; the perfect night to visit Lemongrass.  This Asian Bistro is right in the heart of Delray Beach.  Only one couple was brave enough to dine “al fresco” tonight.  The rest of us, inside was our preference.  Before I forget Lemongrass is located at 420 E. Atlantic Ave.  Tel. 561-278-5050.  Website is www.lemongrassasianbistro.com.  Besides the location in Delray Beach, Lemongrass is also in Boca, Boyton Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. 

I have only been to the one here in Delray and I was so pleasantly surprised as I came in and saw the new dining section.  All remodeled, clean lines and a very comfortable bar for either eating or drinking.  It was definitely needed. 

The sets of tables are arranged at closed proximity.  It does not bother me.  People usually check what is arriving at the table.  I do the same thing.

An appetizer of sashimi was ordered; but it came with a hot stone.  You were to sear the fish.  A hit with everyone passing by.  I don’t think people realize that this dish gets the table going and sets the mood for the evening. 

We laughed and we joke in Spanish and English.  It was time to get down to the serious business of ordering entrees and the 3 of them were different, interesting and delicious.

I ordered the Holly Snapper.  I have ordered this dish more than a few times.  It is one of my favorites and tonight it was just as good.  This fish is whole, boneless and fried; topped with a garlic sweet chili sauce.

Another dish ordered, a most popular one, was the Lobster Monster Roll.  It had crispy lobster, cucumbers, scallions, asparagus, masago, spicy mayo and sesame seeds.  Amazing looking and tasting.

A new addition to the Lemongrass menu was Grilled Shrimp with a Red Curry served in a young coconut.  Great presentation because the coconut was filled with the red curry and the grilled shimp surrounded the coconut. It was served with a spoon, as well.  As you ate the broth and put the shrimp in it you could also scrape the side of the coconut and get the pulp, which, if you really like coconuts, I don’t have to tell you that the pulp of a young coconut or “tela” is the best part. 

Of course, we wanted to find out how the coconut was prepared.  It looked perfectly peeled and smooth.  Well, they are bought that way and all that needs to be done is to cut the top and fill it with the food, in this case the Red Curry.

Even though we did not exchange names our neighbors on one side of the table were so friendly and gave us tips about the area.  They are locals.  The other young couple on the other side was so nice, as well.

I have mentioned before that part of what makes this Village by the Sea so unique and special is the people; and in this case a smiling face is half the meal.  

Note:  Lemongrass was very gracious to make us a special sauce since my husband has to eat gluten free, and the sauce that accompanied the appetizer had soy sauce, which has wheat.  Organic Tamari, gluten free soy sauce is readily available in many supermarkets and specialty foods shops.  It would be a great to have it available to their customers with gluten allergies.

A little blog from Delray, another one from Delaware….the best of both worlds….talk to you later….