Date Night with the Roommie.

Went out to Tryst (a local Gastropub) a few weeks back to use a Living Social coupon I had. It has a good variety to its menu and its specials are ever changing, so you aren't going to be bored too easily if you enjoy it enough to frequent often. The only thing you will want to take into account is that their menu online doesn't match up with the menu they offer, so if you see something you really want, then you will definitely want to call ahead. And also, take it from me, if you are wanting to get an inside table and it's a Fri/Sat night, then call for a reservation.

http://trystdelray.com/

They have a good selection of craft beers and if you tell them what beers you typically fancy, the guys/girls at the bar will help you out with a sample or two of whatever they recommend and you can take it from there. I told the guy I liked Blue Moon and he recommended their Funky Buddha, which is a locally brewed beer...so we both ordered it. They come in a few sizes, and naturally, I ordered the larger one. (No jabs here please). I wanted to order some apps with Pork Belly but sadly Pork Belly wasn't even on the menu at all, so you definitely want to call ahead if you are craving something in particular. So we ordered their Bone Marrow that comes with fig jelly and some toasted baguettes, and we also ordered their Chinese Pork Ribs that came with a sauce of hoisin and toasted sesame and cilantro.

The beer was delicious! The Bone Marrow was good as well, I mean, you can't really go wrong with grease and fat and a bone...if you think you can, then you clearly don't know what life is all about (kind of kidding). I'm not one who enjoys figs but the jam was a good compliment to the heaviness of the marrow. The Pork Ribs...a little tough to be honest. I think somewhere in the early cooking process they were cooked to perfection, but then when dinner service rolled around they were cooked too long. The sauce saved the dish in my opinion, without it, the dish would have been rough to finish.

For main entrees, I ordered their Bolognese and the roommie ordered their Sea Bass. I ordered the Bolognese for the pork and beef mixture and because I enjoy a good Bolognese (usually minus the peas, but in this case, they were done perfect). Next time I go, I will probably avoid the Bolognese...let me explain, it had a little too much cream and I don't handle cream well to begin with. It was extremely heavy and even though I am a big eater, I couldn't even get through half. The Sea Bass was great, it was cooked to perfection and was tender yet firm. The Bass sat on a tomato coulis (which is basically a thin tomato pureed sauce) and some greens.

Overall, food was good, and service was great but we did sit at the bar so I can't speak for the service on the floor or outside for that matter. Would definitely recommend it, but like I said, call ahead to confirm any specials or particular dishes, reservations if you want to sit at a table, and if you have a coupon such as a Groupon or Living Social, then use it...it's not the cheapest place but has good food and beers.

Dinner with the girls.

Headed down to Deck 84 in Delray last night for dinner and drinks. When going to Delray, be careful about where you go if you are on  particular budget restraints, as Delray can get pricey (quick).

Tuesdays at Deck 84 is Unlimited Taco night for $13. The girls I went with last night drink Michelob Ultra and, outside of Happy Hour, run you $5 a bottle. For the tacos, they serve you 3 at a time (1 of each unless you ask for a particular selection, and there are 3 types) and then if you order more, they come 2 at a time.

I, of course, tried all 3 plus 4 more...needless to say it was decent. They have a chicken, shredded pork shoulder, and a steak taco. The chicken was my least favorite, it was dry and chunky which made eating it a little more difficult. The pork taco had pickled red onions on top along with a few drops of pineapple, delicious. The steak tacos were good but overall, I don't know that I would write home about them.

Overall, between the ambiance of being on the water and dining with friends, I had a great time. They have a slightly tilted menu towards seafood but do serve burgers, salads, etc. (And as a side note, I highly recommend ordering their guacamole). The other perk to being out on the deck is that they provide treats and water bowls if you bring your dog.

Delray Beach Restaurant - Deck 84

Brunch (Asian style)

If you have ever been to an Asian fusion restaurant and taken a look at the menu and wondered "Why are there French Fries, Chicken Tenders, and Pizza on this menu?", then you are not alone because I do that all the time. Yes I am Korean, but I was adopted so my love for all things Asian food has been evolving. But take it from me, this place is pretty good.
We started out with a side order of Pork Belly skewer and Kimchi. They serve the skewer with a side of dressed up soy sauce and green onions. Then we moved onto a shrimp appetizer and pork dumplings, otherwise known as Gyoza. Both were delcious, although I tend to favor the Gyoza.
For our entrees, Cristen had the Pad Thai (Veggie style) and I had their Char Siu Pork Buns. I didn't try the Pad Thai but apparently it was amazing. But my pork buns were a deconstructed version of a traditional pork bun. Gone were the marinated pork bites, there was no roll-like appearance, and they did not come in a plastic bag. These pork buns came in the form of a sticky, dough-like open faced sandwich...genius! There were slices of green onions, peppers, a white sauce you could apply, and shreds of pork piled high. You also had a few slices of jalapenos on the side too.
I'm all about places that serve cutting edge food, the type of food you can't find at a Duffy's or Olive Garden. Don't get me wrong, if I want a burger, wings, or Soup and Salad, these are the places people go...but if you want great, trendy Asian food, check out Palm Sugar. They seem to have worked out their previous issues.

Palm Sugar Menu - Urbanspoon

Grocery Run (Asian style)

Took Suzanne (and Courtney) to my little Asian market, Fortune Cookie Oriental Market, for some grocery shopping for Korean spices.

First of all, don't put too much stock into the online reviews. Take it from 2 Asians...yes, the store does smell and 1 of 2 things will happen, 1. You walk out the same door you came in, or 2. You deal with it and enjoy the experience. The reason for the smell is you are surrounded by fish, dried fish and other items...shocker, they smell.

Now, if you are local or wish to take a drive...it is worth it. I managed to get sticky buns, which for anyone who does not know, they are buns with pork inside. Get 2 and lunch is taken care of. (And they get a fresh delivery on Saturdays). I also got a Grass Jelly drink to go with. When getting one, please remember to shake well and grab a straw. The jellies may come through quickly-be careful. It's a sweet drink too. Start with 1 and see how that goes.

Our trip was successful, found my buns, Korean Chili Powder, Kimchee, and Chopsticks. Check it out, at least for the experience.

Fortune Cookie Oriental Supermkt 2700 Forest Hill  Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL

BBQ...yum.

When I was up in Rochester, NY this past week, I stopped into this BBQ place called, Sticky Lips. Delicious!

I had the Jane Russell which features a half plateful of Iowa State Pulled Pork and Texas Beef Brisket with a side of beans and cajun corn. Sides were so so, but the real showstoppers were the pork and brisket. Service was great and I had a Magic Hat Circus Boy beer...or a few :). Check it out.

If you are a fan of Man vs. Food, this place was on there for their Bomber Challenge. Maybe next time...

All-American Menu « Sticky Lips Pit BBQ

Dinner @ Sheila's.

I had the 2 fried pork chops, mac n cheese, and fries. Eva got the cracked conch, pigeon peas and rice and fries. Yummy. They have a nice lightly flavored batter they dip everything in and nothing is greasy.