2 minute read

DINE & DRINK 50 THINGS WE LOVE

from Delray Magazine Summer 2023

by JES Media

from Delray Magazine Summer 2023, page 114

Article from: Delray Magazine Summer 2023

Evan Orellana

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

Beer And Wings That Never Disappoint

Beer and wings rarely disappoint, anyway, but here are a few places you can take to the bank: Beer Trade Co. Bru’s Room

Johnnie Brown’s

Three Trends We Love

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

Gardens—has more complicated plans than a burger and chocolate shake …

Quickest rebranding

Delray Beach Market, the much-heralded food market that opened with fanfare in April 2021, had an uphill battle, between the COVID pandemic, vendor turnover and a somewhat lukewarm patron age. It was a dazzling venue, but cus tomers complained about pricing, vendors were charged 30 percent of their revenues to be there, and some even said the location was not the best. At the end of January 2023, the market was closed to undergo a “temporary construction closure” and renovation to accommodate two new main anchors: Bounce Sporting Club and Lefkes Estia torio, a New Jersey-based Greek restaurant. It’s unclear whether any of the former tenants will still be in residence, but stay tuned. Reopening may happen this summer.