January 22nd, 2012

Delray Beach, Restaurants, Favorites, Tried & True and Always on Their Menu, Delray Beach, Favorite Eateries, South Florida, Palm Beach County

In Delray Beach, Florida some restaurants come and go, just like anywhere else.  But then, there are those who are now part of the established eateries that make this Village by the Sea such a South Florida destination.  They are serving tried and true dishes; some are a house specialty and some are a customer’s favorite.

So, if you find yourselves in this Village by The Sea, enjoy the town, the beach, the shops and all the restaurants; some are more casual than others, but almost all of them offer al fresco dining.

I visit Delray often and the following restaurants are favorites in Delray.  They all offer so much on their menu.  But, there are some dishes that I am totally hooked on.  Check my list.

Ziree Thai and Sushi is located at 401 West Atlantic Ave. (a few blocks west of the Delray Beach Tennis Center).  Tel. 561-276-6549.  Website? http://www.zireethai.com.

Sushi, sashimi, other Asian delights are among the many dishes.  I have been visiting Ziree since they opened and have seen it grow and be such a part of the local community.

I love a dish called the Atlantic Ocean.  It is a combination of salmon, shrimp, scallops, squid and mussels, steamed in thick curry sauce and basil leaves.  It is a delicious dish and can you believe that it is only $19.95.  It is served with your choice of white or brown rice.

Jimmy’s Bistro has been in Delray for a few years, at 9 S. Swinton.  Tel. 561-865-5774.  You can find Jimmy’s Bistro on Facebook. I was there when Jimmy first opened the bistro.  I knew success was around the corner.  It was a matter of time; a few passed the word around and Jimmy has become very much loved in the community.  It is small, quaint and has great background music.

One of my true favorites and I imagine, a signature dish along with his Po’ Boy is Jimmy’s Tomato Soup with Parmesan Crust.  It is served steaming hot; love poking through the crust to find a comforting soup.  It is filling so get a lighter entree. Or, have a salad with it.

Cabana El Rey – It is referred to as Cabana, located at 105 East Atlantic Ave.  Tel. 561-274-9090.  Website?  www.cabanarestaurant.com.  This restaurant serves a variety of Latin dishes; tostones, mariquitas, coconut rice, morcillas, paella, rice in squid ink, but a favorite of mine and one that you will always find on its menu, is the Pollo Asado which is a half roasted chicken rubbed with adobo (garlic, oregano, lime and extra virgin olive oil).  It is served with a choice of yellow or white rice and beans, of course.  It is $17.95 and is the best; kid you not.

Tramonti is located at 119 E. Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-272-1944.  Website? www.tramontidelray.com.  This restaurant is one of those that is crowded all the time.  Do anything you can to get ahead of the line; speak Italian? That’s even better.  They serve a very good lunch too if dinner is not your thing or reservations are hard to get.

A signature dish of Tramonti is called Spaghetti in Cartoccio Areo.  It is a baked spaghetti with shrimp, parma prosciutto in a cognac cream sauce.  The baking is done in foil.  Well seasoned, thick sauce, just enough cognac.

Another favorite? Carpaccio Di Manzo is a beef carpaccio on a bed of arugola, capers, balsamic vinegar and shaves of parmigiano cheese.  It is more of an appetizer.

Brule Bistro is in what is known as Pineapple Grove.  This Art District of Delray is becoming a second Atlantic Avenue.  Brule is located at 200 NE 2nd Ave., Tel. 561-274-2046.  Website? www.brulebistro.com.  I have yet to make it for dinner; that will be soon, though.  The restaurant has a good menu and an extensive wine list.

The chilled gazpacho with yogurt creme is excellent on a hot South Florida day.  Homemade; not canned.

The Market Salad is a favorite and it has assorted veggies and white balsamic vinaigrette dressing.  Topped with grilled chicken, it is certainly a beautiful meal.

City Oyster was one of the first restaurants I went to when I first came to Delray Beach about 9 years ago.  It is located at 213 East Atlantic Avenue.  Tel. 561-272-0220.  Website? www.cityoysterdelray.com.  Definitely it is defined as American Cuisine.  It has a great bar and very impressive inside.  I usually just sit outside having what I love there best; raw oysters.  They are from different parts of the country.  Served on ice, plump and salty.  That’s all I need to say.

Vic & Angelo’s is located at 290 East Atlantic Ave.  Tel. 561-278-9570.  Website? www.vicandangelos.com.  Great atmosphere, good bread, fine wings, and delicious pastas, but one dish that I order every single time is the V & A Caesar Salad.  Romaine Hearts, hand shaved Reggiano, white anchovies with the homemade Caesar dressing makes this one of my favorite salads.  It is large enough to share; I never do and I never offer either.

After that salad a veal picatta with artichokes, capers and lemon jus…is a favorite, as well.

Bru’s Room is a Sport’s Bar right in the heart of Delray.  Along with many types of beers, and plenty of televisions for all the sport aficionados, they serve the best, bar none, Wings.  I usually order the Triple Threat. It is a combination of all their wings; BBQ, Sweet ‘N’ Tangy and hot, grilled and topped with minced garlic.  You can leave the garlic out or just get like I sometimes do, the Sweet ‘N’ Tangy, but the magic word is Grilled.  You can order them for take-out, as well. Call 561-276-3663.  Bru’s Room is located at 35 NE 2nd Ave.  Website? www.brusroom.com.  The wings are gluten free and it is one of the few restaurants that I have encountered in South Florida offering a gluten free menu.

The Office is located at 201 East Atlantic Avenue.  Tel. 561-276-3600.  Website?  www.theofficedelray.com.  No ordinary office this is.  They serve outdoors, at the bar or indoors.  I have had different salads at the office; some are specials but one that is always on their menu and a favorite is the Vinegar Maker’s Salad.  Romaine, tomato, avocado, cucumber, carrot, onion, olives, chick peas, and roasted cauliflower.  It is even better topped with a fish, beef or chicken.  My choice is usually beef.

A resurgence of deviled eggs I have found to be in a lot of restaurants.  Their Truffled Deviled Eggs with paprika and chives are so good.

The Dark english Ale Battered Fish with salt and vinegar “chips”, pan fried onion dip, and cole slaw does not have any rivals.

Lemongrass is located at 420 E. Atlantic Avenue.  Tel. 561-278-0222.  It is a happening spot with plenty of customers enjoying unique fare.  I have had, just like in the above mentioned restaurants, plenty of what they have to offer, but, one dish that is outstanding, besides being a conversation piece is their Holly Snapper.  Boneless and fried snapper, topped with a garlic sweet chili sauce.  I take my time in eating it and savour every last bite.  Love it!!

Another favorite and signature dish is the Lobster Monster Roll…crispy lobster, cucumber, scallions, asparagus, masago, I/O with sesame seeds.  This is all you need to order.

Delray Beach, let me tell you that you have come a long way….good for you…talk to you later.

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….