Month: February 2017

Spring Training returns to Phoenix with home run food & drink deals

In just a few days umpires around the valley will be yelling “Play ball” starting the month-long 2017 Cactus League season for baseball teams and fans. Restaurateurs are well aware of locals and the influx of visitors to see their favorite teams and many are offering a game day and month-long food and drink specials around the Phoenix area. Below is a list of restaurants offering spring training deals around the Phoenix area.

Chompie’s Chipolte Ranch burger

The Scottsdale Charros

If you don’t want to miss any of the fun, you won’t have to stray from the Scottsdale Stadium to get a delicious bite to eat. The Scottsdale Charros make Spring Training an experience to remember with the Charro Lodge. This unique and special feature of Scottsdale Stadium is the perfect spot for a VIP feel with the patio-style seating with all-inclusive food and beverage.

You also get an outstanding view of the game you can’t find anywhere else in the stadium. You won’t find old fashion ballpark food here! The Charro Lodge has had a variety of local and national restaurants showcasing their menus, including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers and Postino. All proceeds from the Lodge go right back into supporting local charities and SUSD schools.

Kelly’s at SouthBridge

To enjoy the cool weather and feel the awesome Old Town atmosphere, hit Kelly’s at SouthBridge before or after your spring training game. Their spacious outdoor patio, adorned with bright red umbrellas, is hard to miss. Kelly’s is just a few minutes away from Scottsdale Stadium and is the perfect place for some pre/post game day drinks. Kelly’s is at 7117 E 6th Avenue, in Scottsdale. For more information, visit www.kellysatsouthbridge.com.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill

Heading to Sloan Park or Scottsdale Stadium? The patios at Thirsty Lion in Tempe and Scottsdale are the perfect place for a quick drink either before or after those spring training games. You’ll find great food, more than a dozen big screen TVs and over 50 beers on tap. Don’t forget to take the trolley from Tempe Marketplace to Sloan Park! For more information, visit thirstyliongastropub.com.

Burger Theory

Burger Theory is surrounded by FIVE Spring Training facilities! They will have a weekly drawing now through the end of March to win a pair of game tickets. Bring in your baseball ticket from any facility after the game and receive 10% off of your bill. Want to stay longer than a post-game lunch?

Stay and play at Burger Theory with their Room with a Brew hotel package. This package includes your choice of two craft beers daily! Enjoy them at the pool, in Burger Theory or delivered to your room. Burger Theory is at 4401 E. McDowell Road. For more information, visit www.burgertheoryphx.com

Photo Courtesy of Fired Pie

MATCH Cocktails & Cuisine

Cubs fans can hang out at the Cub Hub at the Found:RE hotel and take advantage of daily specials at MATCH Cocktails & Cuisine 7 days a week from 4:20 – 6:20 pm. With a Windy City menu created by executive chef Akos Szabo just show your game day ticket and get 10% off your bill. Just look for the W flag hanging outside the hotel at 1100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. https://www.foundrehotels.com

Drexyl Modern Cuisine

Show your ticket stub from that day’s game at Drexyl and receive a $1 You Call It glass of wine, beer or spirits with your purchase. Limit 1 per customer. Drexyl is at 8877 N Scottsdale Rd #402, Scottsdale

El Palacio

Craving Mexican food? Head to El Palacio in Chandler and they will give you half off any appetizer with your game day ticket all month-long. El Palacio 2950 E Germann Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249 http://www.epfamilyrestaurants.com/

Chompie’s Deli

Who doesn’t love Buy 1 Get 1 Free and all 5 Chompie’s area locations are offering a free Angus burger or Hot dog free with the purchase of 1. With 6 burgers and 2 hot dogs to choose from this dine in deal is home run. Not valid on March 17th. For a Chompie’s location near you check out www.chompies.com

Fired Pie

If pizza is your go to game day meal the Fired Pie’s Mesa Riverview’s location will give you a $1 off any entree w/ a Sloan park ticket stub and give you a free ride to see the Cubs play at nearby Sloan Park. Fired Pie at Mesa Riverview is at 1003 N. Dobson Rd www.firedpie.com

 

 

 

 

 

The 2nd annual Barrel & Board moves to SoHo63 this Thurs. Feb. 23rd

If you like to sip on barrel aged whiskey & beer while eating cheesy treats then this Thursday’s Barrel & Board tasting event is for you. One of the Scottsdale League of the Arts fundraising events moves to downtown Chandler’s SoHo63 for the 2nd annual tasting.

Barrel & Board photos courtesy of Landon Evans & HDE Agency

The 3 hour event pairs local craft brewers & distillers and their barrel aged libations with cheesy & tasty bites from local restaurants including The Perch, Aioli Gourmet Burgers and more. You can cast your vote for best cheese pairing while listening to local acoustic guitarist Tom Kumagai perform live.

Tickets purchased online are $50 & at the door are $60 while supplies last and include unlimited cheese samples & tasty bites, 4 oz. beer samples, 1 oz. whiskey samples and commemorative tasting mug.

Barrel & Board will be held at SoHo63, 63 East Boston Street, Chandler, AZ.  For tickets and more information, visit http://www.scottsdalefest.org/

Here is a partial list a brewers, distilleries & restaurants participating.

12 West Brewing

Arizona Brewery Tours

AZ Distilling

Brat Haus

Campari

Chicago Distilling

Dragoon Brewing Co

Elizabeth’s Moments of Joy

Four Peaks Brewing Company

Glenfiddich

Grand Canyon Brewing Company

Hamilton Distilling

Helio Basin Brewing Company

Hudson Whiskey

Huss Brewing Company

Modern Tortilla

Mother Road Brewing Company

O.H.S.O. Distillery + Brewery

Russell’s Reserve

SanTan Brewing Company

Two Brothers Artisan Brewing

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

Wisconsin Cheese Market

Wren House Brewing Company

Yancy’s Fancy Cheese

 

Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge is on until Feb. 28th

Have you had your share of Girl Scout cookies in the last month, I know those kids are everywhere hawking their boxes of Thin Mints, Samoas, Savannah Smiles and other irresistible varieties, I like the Toffee-tastics myself. I know their hard to resist both the cute kids selling them & the cookies themself but if you’ve resisted, now may be the time for a sweet surrender as the there is only a 9 days left in the Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge.

Through Feb. 28th many Phoenix area & Flagstaff restaurants are participating in the 4th annual Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge by creating a dessert with cookies as an ingredient. Portions of the sales of the desserts will go to the Girl Scouts around the Phoenix  & Flagstaff community.

Chefs creating these delicious desserts are hoping to inspire the home chefs to buy an extra box or 2 of Girls Scout cookies before March 5th and create their own dessert. If you are up for the challenge or visit a participating restaurant and order the dessert, snap a picture of your dessert or you & your family eating it and post on social media with #dessertchallenge tag.

If you don’t know any Girl Scouts or have been under a rock and can’t find them selling their cookies around town visit http://www.girlscoutsaz.org/  or download the Cookie Finder app.

Participating in this years challenge are…..

347 Grill at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin CircDessert Designer: Frank Abeyta

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: UltraStar Samoa Brownie Parfait

Cost: $3.95 Details: 16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa www.ultrastarakchin.com

 Char Kitchen + Bar

Dessert Designer: Peter and Pal Micakaj

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: Chocolate Mousse with Thin Mint Crumble

Cost: $8  6107 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale www.charkitchen.com

Chompie’s – All Valleywide Locations

Dessert Designer: Neal “The Chomper” Borenstein

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: The Mint Cheesecake

Cost: $5.99 To find a Chompie’s near you  www.chompies.com

Churn

Dessert Designer: Jada Shiya

Assigned Cookie: Savannah Smiles

Dessert: Savannah Smile ice cream

Cost: $3.50/per regular scoop 5223 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; 602.279.8024; www.churnaz.com

 Compass Arizona Grill at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix

Dessert Designer: David Duarte

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: Tagalong Crunch Bar

Cost: $8 122 N. 2nd Street, Phoenix; 480-440-3166; www.compassarizona.com

Coup des Tartes

Dessert Designer: Ron Pacioni

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: Decadent Thin Mint Chocolate Tarte

Cost: $9 1725 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix; 602-212-1082; www.nicetartes.com

Drexyl Modern American

Dessert Designer: Scott Paget

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: Tagalong Cookie Dark Chocolate Sphere

Cost: $11 8877 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480-840-1861; www.drexlyusa.com

 Flower Child – All Locations

Dessert Designer: Peder Bondhus

Assigned Cookie: Toffee-tastic

Dessert: Toffee-tastic Chocolate Pudding

Cost: $5 To find a Flower Child near you  www.iamaflowerchild.com

Fresko Mediterranean Kitchen

Dessert Designer: Janna Harris

Assigned Cookie: Savannah Smiles

Dessert: Melopita (Greek Honey Cake)

Cost: $4.50 5033 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix (Ahwatukee); 480-940-3669; www.freskokitchen.com

 Jalapeño Inferno – All Locations

Dessert Designer: Terry Craig

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie

Cost: $5 20825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; 480.513.8332; www.jalapenoinferno.com

Lumberyard Brewing Company (Flagstaff)

Dessert Designer: Richard Kimball

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake Parfait

Cost: $4.95 5 S. San Francisco Street, Flagstaff; 928-779-2739; www.lumberyardbrewingcompany.com

Olive + Ivy

Dessert Designer: Kelli Sappington

Assigned Cookie: Trefoil

Dessert: Trefoil Cherry Cheesecake Gelato

Cost: $3.25 per scoop 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 480-751-2200; www.foxrc.com

Proof Canteen at the Four Seasons Scottsdale Resort Troon North

Dessert Designer: Calena Srutowski

Assigned Cookie: Do-si-dos

Dessert: Triple Decker Do-si-do Delight

Cost: $10 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale; 480-513-5085; www.proofcanteen.com

 Rhythm & Wine

Dessert Designer: Terry Craig

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie

Cost: $5 7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale; 480-478-6999; www.rhythmandwine.com

Rusconi’s American Kitchen

Dessert Designer: Dave Rico

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: Chocolate Chunk Samoa Pecan Pie

Cost: $8 10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 480-483-0009; www.rusconiskitchen.com

 Silver Pine Restaurant at the Little America Hotel (Flagstaff)

Dessert Designer: Vanessa Ronspies

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: Samoa Tiramisu

Cost: $8 Inside the Little America Hotel at 2515 E. Butler Avenue in Flagstaff; 928-779-7900; www.littleamerica.com

 Sorso Wine Room

Dessert Designer: Paige Murphy

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: #MintHappens Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Mousse

Cost: $7 15323 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480-951-4344; www.sorsowineroom.com

 The Crepe Club

Dessert Designer: Omar Tarabichi

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: Tag-a-Crepe-Along

Cost: $7.95 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602-956-0087; www.thecrepeclub.com

 The Henry

Dessert Designer: Lucia Alferez

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: Samoa Doughnut with Toasted Coconut Cream Filling

Cost: $3 per doughnut 4455 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602-429-8020; www.foxrc.com

 The MARKET by Jennifer’s Restaurant + Bar

Dessert Designer: Jennifer Russo

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Twixted Trefoil Bar

Cost: $10 3603 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; 602-626-5050; www.themarketphx.com

The Thumb

Dessert Designer: Susan Kolman

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: Minty Oh!

Cost: $4.25 9393 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale; 480-513-8186; www.thethumb.com

Twisted Grove

Dessert Designer: Christopher Collins

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: T.A.G. (Tagalongs Are Great) Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

Cost: $5 8220 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale; 480-699-0811; www.twistedgrove.com

 

 

PHX Vegan Food Festival returns to the Phoenix Art Museum

The 2nd annual PHX Vegan Food Festival will be returning to the Phoenix Art Museum next Saturday Feb. 25th with a larger space to accommodate more food vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and an upgraded VIP Experience. This family friendly event will be held outside from 11 a.m. – 5p.m.

There will also be chef demos and presentations from industry experts including Chef Jason Wyrick of The Vegan Taste, Kristin Lajeunesse, Blogger and Author of Will Travel for Vegan Food, and Author, Wellness Coach and Vegan Chef, Tess Challis. A kids activity area will be available hosted by Free Arts of Arizona.

In attendance will be local vegan and vegan friendly restaurants, food trucks and vendors including 24 Carrots, Café Lalibela, The Coronado, Juice Core, Local Lunchbox, Mi Vegana Madre, Pomegranate Café, Urban Beans, Simon’s Hot Dogs, and Southern Fried Vegan. Guest will be able to enjoy samples of food as well as speak with the vendors about their vegan friendly products and services.

Davisson Entertainment is the organizer of the PHX Vegan Food Festival and according to Daniel Davisson, founder “We were blown away by the reception we received from the first PHX Vegan Food Festival, proving that the Valley has been hungry for this type of event. We learned a lot from the inaugural event, so the second annual festival promises to be even bigger and better, creating more excitement and awareness for the vegan community,”

General admission tickets are $25 and include access to the entertainment, vendors & food samples and the VIP admission is $50 and has early entry an hour earlier, 2 beverage tickets, reserved seating for demos and complimentary parking for the first 150 guests. Kids 12 and under are free.
For more information & to purchase your tickets for PHX Vegan Food Festival go to http://www.phxveganfest.com/
The Phoenix Art Museum campus is at 100 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, Ariz. 85004

 

Chef Charles Wiley to open Hearth ’61 at new Mountain Shadows resort

A lot has been going on the last few years at the corner of 56th St & Lincoln Dr. in Paradise Valley as the old Mountain Shadows resort makes way for the new & modern Mountain Shadows resort. Phoenix area foodies have been anxiously awaiting what popular chef Charles Wiley will be doing with the resorts signature restaurant. We now know he will be opening Hearth ’61 in early March.

The seasonal ingredient driven restaurants name Hearth ’61 pays tribute to 1961, the year Paradise Valley was incorporated and a “Hearth” being a centerpiece of the resort and the Paradise Valley community.

Duncan carrots

Chef Wiley will be using his friendships he’s built over the years at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain and at Hotel Valley Ho’s Zuzu with farmers and other local purveyors to fuel his menu that will marry rich flavors with traditional cooking styles and techniques on the evolving menu. The restaurant will be open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A few of the dishes from the menu are…..

Niman Ranch Dry Aged Tomahawk- A 40-oz. bone in rib-eye, dry aged 28 days, roasted garlic, rosemary truffle butter

George’s Bank Sea Scallops – sauce romesco, buttered mushrooms, ancient barley, charred spring onion, fennel pollen

Charred Eggplant & Hayden Mills Ancient Grains – red quinoa, white sonora & farro berries, shiitake mushrooms, asparagus, roasted peppers, ricotta salata

Ginger Roasted Carrots – tahini yogurt, chervil

Floor to ceiling windows to view the surrounding Camelback & Mummy Mountains and desert, a sunken living room lounge, open kitchen and above ground wine cellar surrounded by glass are just a few of the design and decor features that honor a time from the past along with modern ambience.

The 5’s courtesy of Hearth ’61

“It is truly an honor to be a part of this iconic project, the rebirth of Mountain Shadows,” said Wiley. “We will rely on all the relationships we’ve cultivated over the years with local farmers and artisans to craft a rustic yet vibrant cuisine. The culinary team we’ve assembled is nothing less than extraordinary, and we’re excited to present menus featuring a perfect balance of innovation and tradition”.

The inventive menu of chef Wiley’s at Hearth ’61 will be complimented by an ingredient driven cocktail program that features 2 original cocktails, The 5 C’s referring to Arizona’s cotton, copper, cattle , citrus and climate industries which will feature locally distilled Commerce Gin, grapefruit & lemon juice and muddled basil leafs. The Forty-Rod which uses High West whiskey, corn milk, lime juice, ginger – cayenne syrup and garnished with a corn husk is inspired by the strong whiskey drinks of the old west.

 

 

 

Wine & Chocolate are a delicious couple on the Scottsdale Wine Trail this Valentine’s Day weekend

If you crave chocolate and wine the way I do and have some time this Valentine’s Day weekend then head down to the Scottsdale Wine Trail in downtown Scottsdale for wine & chocolate pairings at the 5 tasting rooms that make up the wine trail.

Winemaker & owner Curt Dunham & Peggy Fiadaca pouring at LDV Wine Gallery

Walk the wine trail Sat. & Sun. from 12 noon – 5pm for only $5 per tasting at each of the tasting rooms where guests can pair samples of Arizona wines with chocolates. This casual, no pressure tasting is great for 1st dates as well as long time lovers who want a unique and fun way to celebrate Cupid’s favorite day.

No matter what path you take along the wine trail here are the 5 tasting rooms pairing wine & chocolate this Valentine’s Day weekend.

Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room  7064 E. 5th Avenue

Su Vino Winery 7035 E. Main Street

Aridus Wine Company 7173 E. Main Street

Carlson Creek Tasting Room 4142 N. Marshall Way

LDV Wine Gallery 6951 E. 1st Street

For a map of the Scottsdale Wine Trail and more information check out. http://www.scottsdalewinetrail.com/

SumoMaya announces a new chef & Bottomeless Brunch on weekends

Chefs move from one restaurant to another like athletes get traded or sign with a new team. Scottsdale’s SumoMaya has announced that they have brought on a new chef to run their team in the kitchen. Roberto Madrid comes to SumoMaya from Deseo Restaurant at The Westin Kierland Resort in north Scottsdale.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Wolvos

One of the first tasks chef Madrid will be overseeing is the new weekend “Bottomless Brunch” the restaurant has begun serving on Saturdays and Sundays. As the popularity of leisurely brunching has become on weekends, SumoMaya’s $39 brunch includes Bottomless Margaritas, Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and Michaelidas along with a few of rounds of foods. For those who chose not to indulge with cocktails brunch is $29.

While sipping on your cocktails guests can then choose from a family style menu for the “First Round” that includes Smoked Salmon Lox, Sweet Mexican Pastries, fresh fruit & granola and more.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Wolvos

On to the “Second Round” where options include….assorted sushi rolls selected by chef Madrid, SumoMaya’s popular Guacamole w/ Pomegranate or Ribeye with tostatdas, Huevos Revueltos Al Abanil with scrambled eggs or Bread Migas + Chorizo.

Diners then choose an entree from the creative menu that includes Sweet Potato Waffles with sliced bananas, Waygu Steak + Eggs with corn arepa, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce or Market Vegetable Scramble with crispy quinoa amongst others. Popular weekday menu items such as Kimchee + Egg Fried Rice with mushroom and Korean chili aioli, Enchiladas Suiza, Pork “Al Pastor” Pad Thai will be available.

Make sure you save room for dessert(easier said than done, I know) as the unique Liquid Cheesecake Brulee or Bunelos, those delicious cinnamon donuts sweetened with condensed milk and dulce de leche are served family style.

Both early riser and those who like to sleep in on weekends can take advantage of brunch as SumoMaya serves from 9a.m. – 3p.m. on weekends.

SumoMaya is at 6560 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85250.

 

 

Chompie’s celebrates National Bagel Day with #BagelLove giveaway Feb. 9th

Mark your calendar for next Thursday February 9th as it’s a day to celebrate at Chompie’s Delicatessen. They will celebrate National Bagel Day and their 38th anniversary with a little #BagelLove as all 5 Phoenix area Chompie’s will be giving away a FREE bagel w/ cream cheese with any Take-A-Way purchase…. that can include buying just a cup of coffee.

With over 30 bagel & bialys varieties and 13 handmade cream cheese flavors to spread on your bagel, guests will have a hard time deciding which combination to choose. The daily made bagels go quick and when there all gone so is the giveaway. A one bagel per person rule applies.

The New York style bagels made by Chompie’s are lightly crisp on the outside with a chewy & soft inside making for a favorite boiled and baked treat that helped put Chompie’s on the map back in 1979 when they opened their 1st location at 32nd St. & Greenway Rd. in north Phoenix. Now with 5 full service restaurants, deli counters, catering and a bagel factory the Borenstein family sure know how to share the #BagelLove.

To get your #BagelLove on Feb. 9th head to your favorite Chompie’s location. http://www.chompies.com/ 

Scottsdale:          9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale 85260     480-860-0475

Tempe:                1160 E. University, Tempe 85281              480-557-0700

Phoenix:              4550 E. Cactus Rd. 85032                            602-710-2910

Chandler:            3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 85226          480-398-3008

Glendale:            7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center          623-344-3104

 

 

 

Eating my way through Delray Beach, Boca Raton & Boynton Beach.

Some live through stereotypes, some live in stereotypes and from time to time I live in a stereotype. That is the case when I travel to visit family in southeastern Florida towns of Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Boynton Beach. Certain aspects feel like a Seinfeld episode when Jerry is visiting his parents in “Del Boca Vistas”. The best times revolve around food and eating out and all that come with the experience. On a recent visit I ate out for most meals in strip mall eateries or dockside by the water and these are my chronicles, see if my experiences sound familiar.

Most were simple meals with family and friends catching up and watching life go by as its high season in south Florida with snow birds, families visiting parents & grandparents and full-time residents.

Shortly after arriving in time for a mid-morning breakfast on the way back from the airport we decided on my aunts favorite greasy spoon, The Green Owl III in Boynton Beach. Breakfast and lunch served with simple staples of eggs, French toast, pancakes and the special of the day, Scrapple. I’m not entirely sure what Scrapple but you don’t see it here in Phoenix very often. I can say the eggs, corned beef hash and slice of French toast is exactly what you’d expect. Not huge portions but good solid breakfast foods with the regulars and an always full & hot cup of coffee with change back from a $10 in most cases. Cash only!

As often as I’ve visited in my 40 something years to this area there’s always a  favorite or 2 on the eating schedule. For dinner we made reservations at the family favorite Banana Boat on the Intercoastal Waterway in Boynton Beach. It was my 1st visit in a long time at this nautical & beach themed restaurant where seafood is good and fresh. The French Onion soup was spot on for bargain price of $6.95 before I stepped out of my seafood comfort zone and went with filet of Macadamia crusted Key West Grouper. The fish was good and flaky and the Orange Rosemary sauce was vibrant and delicious. http://bananaboatboynton.com/

We passed on desert as we headed down to the bustling Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach to Doc’s All American for soft serve ice cream. Doc’s pre-dates any of my visits back to when my aunt grew up in the area and Doc’s was the place to go for food and fun when she was in high school.

I know what you’re saying, where’s the stereotypes and Seinfeld episode in all of this. That picture comes into play when family continues to arrive and we head to Saturday morning breakfast at Poppie’s Restaurant & Delicatessen  in Delray Beach where Miltary Trail meets Linton Blvd. This staple for gossip, big portions and people watching is slowly filing with regulars for morning coffee or after tennis at the club. Walking by the glass encased meats and deli favorites right to our table or booth I don’t remember but you get the drift. I expect Jerry, George and Elaine to coming strolling through the door any second as if they’re visiting Jerry’s parents. http://www.poppiesdelidelray.com/

I went with a platter of eggs, home fries, corned beef hash & a bagel. Big portions tasting the way it should as if we were up in New York deli.

For lunch, plans get made with our hometown friend for our traditional sushi lunch at Lemongrass Asian Bistro www.lemongrassasianbistro.com/  in downtown Boca Raton among the Bentley’s and Rolls Royce’s. This was our first visit to Lemongrass as our previous sushi place a couple blocks away has jumped on the ramen & noodle bandwagon. The sushi was fresh and filing as was it’s presentation. The Summer Roll(Vietnamese spring roll, not sushi) was one of favorites with its mint and shrimp stuffed goodness. Our favorite roll was the Aloha Roll with pineapple and more and my Bento box of sashimi and a “Sex on the Moon” roll was perfect.

During our late lunch I was informed dinner would be of the early bird kind at 4:30 for Chinese food. Up I-95 a few exits back to Delray Beach in a nondescript strip mall is Bird Nest Tree. http://www.birdnesttree.com/

My sister & I must have been the youngest patrons of this (stereo)typical Chinese food restaurant with dim lighting, leather booths and round tables. I opted to skip dinner as the taste of sushi still lingered on my palate and dinner plans with friends in Ft. Lauderdale was only an hour or so away. I did nosh on the large fried wontons on the table and grabbed a taste of Kung Pao chicken before our server scolded me and slapped a “sharing” charge on my families bill. It all looked and smelled like good Chinese food, maybe next visit for a full experience.

That’s not the end of my eating escapades as other meals were had at the country club, in homes of friends and family and at the wedding which brought all of us to Florida, that’s another post in itself. If you find yourself traveling the roads of these parts, these and other restaurants from previous visits make for good eating and people watching.