50 THINGS
WE LOVE
Best drinking event It used to be St. Paddy’s Day when you could actually walk around with a beer, like most cities during a St. Patrick’s Day parade (try telling Chicago they can’t sip a beer at the parade, and watch what happens), but these days, as Delray has ramped up its gentrification, we’d have to say brunch. The bottomless Bloody and mimosa is offered with brunch at many spots on the Avenue, including Elisabetta’s, City Oyster and Dada. Sunday never looked so good. Or, as someone said, “For Delray, brunch is its polo.”
Secret bar where the cool kids go Avalon’s speakeasy is a small, dimly lit and tasteful lounge with a full bar, waitress service and an emphasis on Champagne bottle service. Tucked away and exclusive, it’s the kind of place you feel like you need to put your name on a list in advance if you want to get in. Or know someone. No velvet ropes here, but it definitely feels “private.” Proper dress mandated, as in leave the shorts and flip-flops at home.
Underrated Date Night spot The entire Avenue is a Date Night spot, but we love the intimacy and vibe of Jimmy’s Bistro, the elegant and impeccable cuisine at The Grove—described by some as “the new 32 East”—and the longstanding exuberance and local appeal at J&J Seafood Bar and Grill.
1 Tapas for dinner 2 Mezcal 3 Asian food
What we are waiting for When celebrity chef Pushkar Marathe sweeps in to manage Doc’s, a burger and soft-serve joint that was open in Delray for 70 years before it closed in 2021, we are trying to fathom how the James Beard Award-nominated semifinalist chef will transform it. Suffice to say Marathe—who runs Stage and Ela Curry Kitchen in Palm Beach
LIBBY VOLGYES
DINE & DRINK
THREE TRENDS WE LOVE
Pushkar Marathe
Gardens—has more complicated plans than a burger and chocolate shake …
Jimmy’s Bistro
BEER AND WINGS THAT NEVER DISAPPOINT Beer and wings rarely disappoint, anyway, but here are a few places you can take to the bank:
AARON BRISTOL
Beer Trade Co. Bru’s Room Johnnie Brown’s
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delray beach magazine
50 THINGS WE LOVE feature SUMM23.indd 50
summer 2023
5/5/23 2:30 PM