Olio in Downtown Delray Beach Delights Palates

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Recently as Amy and I were researching venues for an upcoming event, we came across the established and well-liked restaurant called Olio. It’s off The Ave in Delray Beach, so if you do want to get to the hustle and bustle after dinner, it’s only a block or two away.

We sat down with the General Manager of Olio, Jon Biscardi who helped us plan our event. What many local residents may not know is that Jon has been in the restaurant business locally for years. At one time with The Falcon House, 3rd & 3rd when it was 2/3rds and 32 East to name a few. Below are a few questions we posed to him to share with everyone.

Noreen & Amy:
How long have you been manager at Olio?

Jon:
After having been involved in the industry for several years, it’s nice to find a home here at Olio. I’ve now been here 4 years an really love it!

N&A:
What is your favorite thing about your job?

Jon:
Of course, the people! We have many loyal regulars that come see us often, whether for drinks at the outdoor bar, appetizers or full on dinner.

N&A:
What are your personal favorites on the menu?

Jon:
Too many to choose…  but if I had to pick one I’d say the Teriyaki Salmon. Many diners who wouldn’t usually enjoy a nice piece of Salmon come specifically for our version.

N&A:
Many of our readers are buyers who are moving to the East Delray area. What would you like them to know about your restaurant?

Jon:
First and foremost that we are “off” The Ave away from the traffic and crowds. But we’re close enough so that if someone did want to get there, it’s only a short walk away. We are also a sister restaurant to La Boheme on the Barrier Island closer to the beach on Atlantic Avenue.

N&A:
Is there anything else you’d like people to know?

Jon:
We have two party rooms and can host gatherings. Whether it be a birthday party, business dinner, or fundraiser, we can put something together for those that need it.

N&A:
In your free time – are there East Delray attractions or locations you personally like to frequent?

Jon:
I love our beach! I also enjoy seafood and when I go out to eat will grab a bite at J&J Seafood.

Next time you’re planning a night out, try Olio! You’ll love the food and the people.
You can find them online at:
Contact info and hours as follows:
Phone: (561) 278-6633

Fax: (561) 278-4873

Email: [email protected]

Olio Hours:

Monday – Sunday: 4pm – 10:30pm

Happy Hour: 4pm – 6:30pm

Address: 42 SE 2nd Avenue
Delray Beach, Florida 33444

Delray Beach Home Tour Draws Hundreds to Benefit Achievement Center

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Noreen was interviewed this morning about one of her favorite projects, The Delray Beach Home Tour!

The Tour is a well-loved annual event that benefits the Achievement Center for Children and Families.

Participants come from all over South Florida to tour some of Delray Beach’s most distinctive residences. Guests enjoy a relaxed day discovering the delights of the homes on tour, plus partake in a catered luncheon. The trolley transports them from home to home. With over 800 attendees, 100 volunteers, and many other supporters, this signature event is not to be missed!

From the tour website:

“This year’s Home Tour will be in the Palm Trail Neighborhood of Delray Beach and features a wide variety of architectural styles and design elements that provide home decorating enthusiasts an inside look into the world of distinctive Delray living.”

17th Annual Delray Beach Home Tour
Thursday, March 15, 2018
10 am to 4 pm
Palm Trail Neighborhood of Delray Beach

Contact the organizers for more information or to purchase tickets! 

Take Your Workout Outside This Spring in Delray Beach

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Why spend an hour at the gym when you can get in a great workout while enjoying the sites and sunshine of Delray Beach? Whether you’re looking for a high-intensity workout, something out of the ordinary, or a more mindful exercise experience, you’ll find it on along the ocean shore.

Turn to Mother Nature and your own body weight to provide you with all the fitness equipment you need for a fresh and fun workout in the park.

Create your own outdoor circuit training program that includes squats, push-ups, side planks and side shuffles. Add in pull-ups and step-ups if you’re at a playground with a jungle gym. Don’t forget to warm up with a brisk 5-minute walk or jog before you start.

Anchor Park  is a great place to try out an outdoor circuit program: It has both a community park and a playground—and it’s close to the beach for a post-workout swim.

Veterans Park on East Atlantic Avenue, is another perfect outdoor workout spot, with lawn bowling and shuffleboard courts for some group fun, too.

 

Why Run When You Can Kangoo Jump?

Jump-start your outdoor workout—literally—with Kangoo jumping instead of than a run through the park.

(First invented in Europe in the mid-1990s, Kangoo jumping is a safe, low-impact rebound exercise you do with the help of Kangoo Jump shoe (boots). The activity is easier on the joints than jogging and a great calorie-burning exercise that also strengthens the legs.)

Though there are Kangoo jump clubs in many cities, all you really need to get started is a pair of Kangoo jump shoes, which are available online and in specialty sports stores. Strap them on and you’re ready to go.

Kangoo jumping shoes are equipped with a spring system that compresses as you run to absorb impact. They provide lateral stability that make them safe to use for people of any age and activity level.

Rather than a jog along the Commodore Trail, why not try Kangoo jumping the trail instead? The shoes are even sturdy enough for a run on Bluegill Trail or on one of the area’s breathtaking beaches. A list of Delray’s Trails is available at www.traillink.com/city/delray-beach-fl-trails.

 

This Beach Was Made for Yoga

What’s not to love about beach yoga? It combines fitness, discipline, and sunshine. It allows you to connect with nature and strengthen your body and mind.

If you’re already an avid yoga enthusiast, you know the many benefits of this ancient Indian form of exercise. Have you taken your practice outdoors to amplify its spiritual benefits yet?

Sunset Beach Yoga hosts an 80-minute guided yoga class every Sunday and Wednesday evening (weather permitting) at Atlantic Dunes Park Beach, led by Jessica Om. The event is open to all levels and to those who self-practice too. Find out more about the group at www.meetup.com/sunsetyogaonthebeach.

If the beach isn’t the place for you, but you still want to be close to nature during your yoga practice, Bamboo Garden Yoga, located at 88 SE 4th Avenue, offers a variety of indoor and outdoor yoga classes, including Bikram, vinyasa, and meditation. Classes are offered daily; registration is available online at bamboogardenyoga.com.

 

One of the biggest challenges to staying active is finding a fitness program that’s effective and fun. Taking your workout outside when the weather is nice gives you variety and a healthy dose of Vitamin D, both of which will make your body healthy and strong.

Visit the St. Vincent Ferrer Fair in Delray

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Every year in February, families in Delray Beach and the surrounding areas look forward to the St. Vincent Ferrer Fair!

The well-loved event has been delighted families, friends, residents and snow birds alike for almost 50 years. It’s hosted by The St. Vincent’s Ferrer Parish and usually takes place in the weeks prior to St. Patricks Day.

The fair/festival features carnival rides, games, live entertainment, food, a world class flea market, and more. Admission and parking are free, however tickets or 3 day passes are sold for rides and other activities. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School.

Location:
St. Vincent Ferrer Church & School
840 George Bush Blvd
Delray Beach, FL 33483

To learn more: http://www.stvincentferrer.com/parish-festival/

Parish Festival

Plan a Family Trip to Sandoway Discovery Center

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A family trip to Delray Beach isn’t complete without a stop at Sandoway Discovery Center, located at 142 South Ocean Boulevard.

For just $5, guests can learn about the wonders of the ocean through interactive exhibits and education programs providing an informative mix of marine biology and Delray Beach history. The biologists are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and eager to share their love of the ocean.

A Must-See for Shark Lovers

If you’ve ever wondered what nurse sharks eat for breakfast, you’ll not only find out, but have the chance to feed it to them at Sandoway House Nature Center. The ecological education center lets you watch live shark feedings Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., and even names one lucky person (over the age of 3) the Shark Feeder of the Day. A $25 cost applies. Pre-registration is required by calling 561-274-7263.

A special three-month shark exhibit is set up at Sandoway Discovery Center every year between June and August, featuring an expanded exhibition of these great and predatory marine fish. The display is full of exciting shark artifacts, including shark teeth and jaws from more than 100 species of shark. There is also a mini-fossil dig set up for children to dig for (and keep) genuine fossils.

Between October and May, guests can enjoy a Surfing History Exhibit, detailing the complete history in the State of Florida, and Palm Beach County in particular. The display includes locally-made surfboards and thousands of photos.

A Learning Place for All Age Groups

In addition to its popular shark attraction, Sandoway Discovery Center is also home to snakes, turtles, birds, and tortoises, and has stingray and invertebrate touch tanks that provide a hands-on learning experience. The Florida Reptile and Amphibian room is where visitors will learn about some of Florida’s native and invasive reptile species.

Its microscope room and its children’s activity room make it a fun place for adults and children alike to better understand the environment and the delicate ocean ecosystem through hands-on learning and play.

Other popular features of this historic two-story beachfront museum are the extensive private seashell collection featuring 10,000 museum quality shells from around the world, the nocturnal room, and the second-floor observation deck.

Sandoway Discovery Centre is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The center is closed on Mondays and major holidays. For more information, visit www.sandowayhouse.org.

 

Girls Night Out in Delray Beach!

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Delray Beach offers plenty to do and sights to see with friends, day or night. And, when you need a break from the kids and the SO, it’s really the perfect place for a fun girls night out… or a whole day for that matter!

Here’s just one itinerary we recommend – but of course there’s an unlimited number of fun options.

Our plan: Grab your BFFs and head over to East Atlantic Avenue for hours of fun, starting with a well-deserved stop for pampering at one of the area’s finest spas. You’ll make your way to a few stops and end with drinks at Delray Beach’s oldest cocktail bar. 

Stop 1: Seagate Spa

The Seagate Spa isn’t exclusively for hotel guests; book yourself and a couple of girlfriends in for an afternoon of luxury and pampering, including a decadent massage and a mani/pedi.

The Seagate’s 8,000-square-foot spa is located inside the Seagate Hotel at 1000 East Atlantic Avenue and offers a complete range of massage, skin care and body treatments. It’s the perfect retreat for young professionals, busy moms, and women in need of relaxing and invigorating spa experience. Going with friends just makes it more fun!

Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit. A perk of booking at the Seagate Spa is all-day access to the hotel pool, jacuzzi, pool bar, tranquillity room and steam room. You could even come early for a workout in the fitness center.

The Seagate Spa is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Request an appointment online at www.theseagatehotel.com/spa-fitness.

Stop 2: Blue Gallery

There’s no better way to spend an hour or two with friends than at one of the finest art galleries in Delray Beach. Located at 600 East Atlantic Avenue you’ll find Blue Gallery, where contemporary art comes alive.

Blue Gallery features original collections from internationally-acclaimed artists, including Lenner Gogli, Iris Eshet Cohen and Marcus Botbol. You’ll discover awe-inspiring pieces of landscapes, abstracts, semi-realistic, realistic, and figurative styles all under one roof. And if you decided to add one of Blue Gallery’s beautiful pieces to your personal collection, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will even help you install it perfectly in your space.

Visit Blue Gallery online at www.bluefineart.com for information on the artists whose work is featured and for upcoming exhibitions.

Stop 3: The Old Arcade

What girls night would be complete without a stop for cocktails? For something a little offbeat, we like The Old Arcade, Delray Beach’s first and only Speakeasy bar, built in 1925 and kept secret until the end of Prohibition.

Tucked in behind Caffe Martier, The Old Arcade is a vintage-style bar serving classic cocktails with an updated twist ranging from price for $12 to $15. The bar boasts great ambience and talented mixologists who specialize in craft cocktails. The Resolution #9 is a fan favorite.

Visit The Old Arcade’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/theoldarcade) for a complete menu of restoratives, and make sure you enter through the back alley, especially if it’s your first visit. This secret bar can be tricky to find otherwise, but worth the effort.

 

We hope you enjoy this suggested itinerary! We are always up for a good GNO, so let us know your favorite ladies night destinations in Delray Beach!

February Happenings in Delray Beach

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After the holidays, our high season is in full swing and continues during the month of February in Delray Beach.

We all continue to explore the weekly Green Market every Saturday 9:00-2:00 at Old School Square, and here are a few other events residents, snowbirds and visitors can enjoy this month:

Laugh with The Library

Friday, February 2nd, 7:30-10:30PM

Now in it’s 12th year, this event takes place at The Delray Beach Marriott Hotel. Gather your friends together and purchase a table for 10 or grab individual tickets.  Enjoy this year’s headliner, Comedian Don Gavin, who will be hosting a “laugh-out-loud night of comedy.” Proceeds from this cocktail party and evening of lively entertainment will benefit the Delray Beach Public Library’s outreach programs.

For more information: https://www.delraylibrary.org/laugh/

 

Artists in the Park

Weekend of February 3rd-4th, 10-4:30 PM.

This fantastic arts event is hosted by The Delray Art League in Veterans Park along the Intracoastal water way off Atlantic Ave.  Enjoy art in a lovely outdoor setting where you can visit with master artists and their pieces – paintings, prints, sculptures, and other mixed media.

For more information: https://delrayartleague.com/artists-in-the-park/

 

The Delray Beach Open

February 16th-25th

The highlight of the month is certainly The Delray Beach Tennis Open at The Delray Beach Tennis Center. This exciting tennis event attracts 55,000 spectators annually and is touted as the world’s only 10-day ATP Champions Tour and ATP World Tour event.  The Open consists of tough tennis competitions/matches between the top athletes on the circuit today. It also brings back the legends. There are also multiple dining and networking events that take place in the on-site Hospitality Pavilion (ie VIP Reception, Box Series Holders’ Reception, Chamber Bash, Ladies Luncheons). Tennis enthusiasts can also take advantage of unique and competitive amateur tennis opportunities held on the grounds of the event (ie Legends Clinic, ATP Doubles Pro-Am, Tennis on Campus Collegiate Challenge, Mega-Mixer, College Matches, USPTA Fast 4 Event & Woman’s Round-Robin).

For more details: https://yellowtennisball.com/

 

Paint and Sip to support The Milagro Center

Monday February 19th 7:00-9:00 PM

This lovely affair is hosted by Painting with a Twist located at 2288 N Congress Ave.  A mere $45 donation helps support after school arts and education for local at-risk kids in the Delray Beach community via The Milagro Center.

For more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/198576877364953/

 

In addition to this sampling of February fun, you can enjoy ongoing events aplenty.  Look for music, shows, art at Old School Square, the Arts Garage, The Arts Warehouse, The Delray Beach Playhouse or Morikami Park.  There is always plenty to do for everyone in Delray Beach, our Village by the Sea.

Vince Canning Shoes Hosts Delray’s High Heel “Stiletto” Race

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Yes, you read that right!  It’s a High Heel Race and it’s taking place during Delray Fashion Week on Friday, January 26th from 5:30-7:30 at Old School Square. This is just prior to the Friday night Free Concert Series.

Vince Canning Shoes – (the fabulous shoe store that has been delighting Atlantic Avenue shoppers fir 60 years this year!) – is host to this annual race to benefit The Achievement Center for Children and Families. The Stiletto Race was created by Vince Canning’s niece LaRonda Denkler to honor Canning’s legacy of giving back – and to celebrate the store’s 60th year on Atlantic Avenue.

This fun lively event/fundraiser benefits at risk children within the Delray Beach Community.  Whether a lone racer or a team of 4 for the relay races, participants are encouraged to get creative with themes. Favorite characters, costumes… if you can think it, create it then bring it!

The categories include:

  • 75 meter dash for women
  • 75 meter dash for men
  • 4 member team relays
  • Runaway Bride
  • Silver Sneaker
  • Sexy Strut

Racers are awarded not only for performance in races but also for most creative shoe. Speaking of awards, the trophies alone are worth the $25 registration fee!

This year promises to be the best event yet with a major venue change to Old School Square where the Friday Free Concert will follow the race.

Pre-Registration is going on now OR come register the evening of Friday, January 19th when Vince Canning will host a pre-registration shoe shopping bonanza in their store. Mark and LaRonda also have a selection of larger sizes for men to borrow for for the race. If you can’t make the in store pre-registration, or online, be sure to register onsite the evening of the 26th beginning at 5:30.

Who’s ready for a crazy fun fundraiser?  If you are not racing, please come cheer the participants on and show your support for a beloved Delray Beach retail icon for 60 years, Vince Canning Shoes as they give back to the kids!For more details, visit: http://delraystilettorace.com/

Fun for Kids: ArtNest in Delray Delights!

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ArtNest Delray is a special place where kids – ranging from toddler-aged to pre-teens – can come express themselves via art. The owners have created a welcoming creative environment for kids, who sometimes come with their adults in tow.  They can experience art via various media…. drawing, painting, sculpting, collaging, book making, photography, jewelry making, fashion and more…!

Each month ArtNest offers a theme to build upon, whether it be exploring graffiti or the classics. The kids will not only learn, but they’ll get messy and have tons of fun! ArtNest offers 45 minute classes throughout the week at the end of which the students get to take their masterpieces home. But first, their art is digitally captured to add the “Gallery.”

The owners also offer special 90 minute classes while school is out, offering kids a great outlet and their parents a well-deserved break! The cost is minimal – currently only $20 per 45 minutes at varying times throughout the week and on Sundays. There are also options to purchase classes for a week while school is out, starting at $150.

Looking for a unique present for a birthday or holiday? Gift certificates and other packages are available for purchase. We love that an artistic and creative outlet is offered to Delray Beach’s littlest residents! Exposure to art at such a young age is great for kids and for the community. It will help ensure that the artistic Delray Beach vibe will thrive for generations to come.

For more ideas on where to take the kids in Delray, check out our Family Fun page!

What to Pack When Visiting Delray Beach

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Packing for Visiting Delray Beach

Maybe you’re visiting Delray to see relatives. Or, perhaps you are coming here for your coveted vacation. (Great choice!) Maybe you’re on a house-hunting mission. Whatever your reasons for heading our way, it’s time to pack. What to include?

Did you ever notice how heavy your luggage is when taking a trip to a cold-weather climate or during a skiing vacation? Parkas, sweaters, boots and coats…. Ugh! They sure weigh more than your summer clothes. But you won’t have that problem when packing for visiting Delray, even in the coolest months of January and February!

It’s all about the shorts, T’s, sundresses, and sandals!

It’s just another great reason to visit Delray Beach and Palm Beach County.  When it’s time to pack, just throw in all the shorts, T-shirts, mini-skirts, short-sleeved shirts. Then, perhaps add a light sweater or two in case the temperature dips below 70 – which it does often at night during the winter. Winter coats are needed only once in a blue moon in our corner of paradise in the Sunshine State.

Dressing up is still casual.

Most venues in our communities are quite casual. But if you plan on dining out at some nice restaurants when visiting Delray, women will need a few cocktail dresses and you’ll want to pack some dress slacks for the men. Breathable fabrics like silks, linens, and light cottons are practical and in fashion all year long.

Although smart summer casual is the theme, you’ll also see more sparkle in women’s fashion than you’ll find up north. And, for men, brighter colors are more prevalent in our climate. So, pack some color and sparkle – or go shopping in downtown Delray for some local flair.

Plan on sandals and loafers.

Leave the boots and clunky shoes home, too. South Floridians – and those visiting – wear loafers, tennis shoes and flip flops – or a smart sandal – just about everywhere. (Ladies, don’t forget to invest in a pedicure before you head this way – or make an appointment at one of our fantastic spas for your first full day!)

Gear for the beach and the course.

Finally, don’t forget a few bathing suits. Yes, we said a few! Your relaxation plans may bring you to the pool in the morning and beach in the afternoon. You’ll want to have a cute – and dry – option for each. (Plus, you want enough sets so the same visitors to the beach or pool don’t think you own only one suit!)

You’ll also need the sunscreens or oils of your choice, to go along with another crucial fashion item — and necessity — to protect your eyes from the bright sun. Sunglasses are a staple here.

If you are a golfer, a good windbreaker is a must during the winter. And if you are thinning above the hairline, we suggest a hat to keep your scalp freckle-free. Remember, as much as we love our time in the sun, it can be damaging. So take precautions – and enjoy!

 

Most importantly, don’t worry too much about what to bring. You can always pick up a few items in our local boutiques and stores, or in one of the great surf and souvenir shops. New clothes make great souvenirs, and they will serve as reminders to come visit us again some time soon!