Not your run of the mill Vietnamese cuisine

Well, for those of you who are friends of mine on Facebook, you must know by now that the Blu Bambu is one of my favorite Vietnamese food finds in Boca. Tucked away in Royal Palm Place, this little restaurant may be little in size, but not in flavor! The Owner/Chef Tien Tran sure knows how to please my palate! I am convinced they add a pinch of love into every dish.

Today I tried one of their daily specials: Grilled Chicken breast with a creamy pesto sauce. I didn't have the time to eat it there, so I asked them if they could prepare it to go for me. When I arrived to pick it up, I was greeted with a warm welcome (as usual) and my food was ready for me. (Which is always a plus in my book).

I placed my nicely packaged lunch on the seat next to me and as I made my way back to the office the wonderful aroma that escaped from the bag made my stomach growl and my foot heavier on the pedal. So finally, (what seemed like forever, but in fact was just a quick 2 minute drive) I made it back to my office and opened my bag to reveal my nicely compartmentalized meal. The chicken breast, still nice and warm, was pounded thin, the way I like it and cooked to perfection. The creamy pesto was fantastic. This combination is what intrigued me to call in my order today. I am familiar with the traditional basil pesto, but had never even heard of the creamy kind. I was given a side of rice and steamed veggies as well, which complimented the chicken very nicely.

So, if you still haven't tried Blu Bambu, I hope you now are inspired to do so. As I mentioned, they're tucked inside Royal Palm Place and may be a little hard to find at first, but persevere until you do. It is one of those treasures you'll be glad you discovered.

Blu Bambu is located at: 45B Royal Palm Place 561-393-0096

Until we eat again...
I send you delicious wishes, XO

Denise

It's quick, affordable and very tasty!!!

Can you guess what "it" is? I'll save you the trouble. It was my lunch today. You've probably heard of the chain called Tropical Smoothie, right? But have you tried their Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad? I especially like this sandwich version of this salad served on their incredibly soft thick sliced, nine grain wheat bread. I get mine at the location at Royal Palm Place, across from Chops Lobster Bar. These guys know how to do it right. They are consistent every time. They've got a great menu selection, way more than just smoothies. So if you haven't been to a Tropical Smoothie yet, I highly recommend you head over there and give it a try. You will soon become a fan, just like me!

http://www.RoyalPalmPlace.com/shops_details2.php?id=1&rid=130

Until we eat again,
I send you delicious wishes, XO
Denise

Valentine's Day is for Lovers...

And I'm a lover. A lover of FOOD that is!!! Valentine's Day is a day dedicated to those people (and in my case, the food) we love most. With so many restaurants to choose from, where will my Honey and I go to proclaim once again our undying love for one another?

Well this year, we're planning to go to what might be the best place in town- Casa D' Righetti. (Our own humble abode). To me, there's something very romantic about preparing and cooking a delicious dinner together and taking our time enjoying each course, set amidst candles and soft music. No crowds, no waiting in lines, no outrageous bill.

But for those of you who are brave enough to head out there on this Day of Lovers, here's one restaurant that I would recommend that has designed a special menu with Cupid in mind:

Anna Vincenzo's, located in the Fifth Avenue Shops in Boca Raton is offering a 4 Course menu for $100 per couple and includes a bottle of wine (red or white), a Lover's Combo Appetizer (rollatini, stuffed mushrooms, clams, & calamari), Caprise Salad (with garlic rolls), Pasta Valentino (with Arugula, Shrimp and Tomatoes), Entree (choice of Snapper Anna, Carne Scarpariello or Chicken Marsala) and a special Kiss Me Sweet Dessert!
Tax & gratuity extra.

To make your reservation, call: 561-362-8990

Until we eat again,
Best wishes & tasty dishes! XO,

Denise

Great Sub, Great Deal

It was getting late in the day and I still hadn't had a chance to have lunch. With so many places to choose from and so few dollars in my pocket, it hit me- the perfect place was just around the corner.

I had heard of 620-SUBS from my husband actually. He raved about their subs, especially the Italian Mini Sub Combo for $5, which includes chips and a soda. That sounded perfect. And it was. Just the right amount of mayo, meat, cheese, sweet peppers, lettuce, tomato, onion, oil & vinegar.

620-SUBS definitely delivered in the satisfaction department. The guys behind the counter were friendly, they made my sub in a split second and the price was just right. I think I might have found my new favorite sub shop. Give it a try next time you're in the area.

They're located on Federal Hwy, just north of NE 2nd St., across from Bank Atlantic in the same shopping plaza as the Vetinarian. 805 N. Federal Hwy. 561-620-7827.

Until we eat again,
I send you delicious wishes...

Denise

Great Happy Hours/Weekly Specials in Downtown Boca Raton- Part 1

Hello to all my foodie friends. Thanks for taking the time to read this, my very first blog. I hope you find it both informative and even somewhat entertaining. My intention is to provide you with great food finds in and around the downtown Boca area (quite simply because I love food, I love talking about it and this is where I live and work- which automatically makes me qualified for the position). Anyway, here we go with Part 1 of Great Happy Hours/Weekly specials in Downtown Boca Raton:

One of my favorite pics is Table 42 Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar (formerly Coal Mine Pizza) in Royal Palm Place (formerly The Pink Plaza).

Table 42 has the following great deals during the week:

Monday
Empty Pasta Bowl

Tuesday
Truffle Tuesday & Quartino Specials (Quartinos are small carafes of wine)
(Their Truffle Pizza Pie is award-winning, Really!) Operations Manager, Steve Lieber took first prize at the American Pizza Making Competition in Orlando a few months ago using his Black Truffle Pizza recipe. You have got to try it, you will not be disappointed, I promise!)

Wednesday
Burger Night $5.00 burgers all night
(And let me tell you, they can make them some mighty tasty burgers.)

Thursday
Ladies Night; Ladies enjoy 2 for 1 drinks from 5 - 9pm

Friday
Big Night Fridays; Seafood Specials all night

Saturday & Sunday
Wine Down Weekends; Half Price bottles for adults & kids eat free on Sundays (WHAT?? Did I read that right? Are they out of their mind? Yep, you read that right, and nope, they're not outta their mind. Just bring the kids with you on Sunday and enjoy a family meal)

http://www.grrestaurant.com/

Click on the below link for a map to Table 42 Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar:
http://bit.ly/dgf5ZM

Until we eat again...
I send you delicious wishes, XO

Denise