I admit it. I watch, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on occasion. It can be fun and Guy Fieri keeps the energy level high.
Have you ever driven past a place that you think could be on that show and later on wondered why you didn't just go ahead, stop and sample the goods?
Unlike Guy, I would never claim to be an expert on diners, drive-ins or dives, but something unique in this world of chain restaurants, is always alluring to me.
On a recent zip down to Delray, we passed an intriguing place called, Doc's All American. I grabbed my phone and snapped a quick photo from the car and made a mental promise to look it up once we landed back at home base.
Well, it has taken me a few days, more than a few, but I did check it out today and am now convinced there will be a trip to Doc's in the very near future.
According to their web site, they are a blend of the old and new. The drive-in establishments of years past, melded into a sit-down burger, dogs, fries and shakes haven.
http://www.docsallamerican.com/
So, I promise to be back with my opinion of all things Doc's as soon as I can convince Gerry to join in the fun.
Wait, he loves burgers and shakes, is always first in line for a new adventure, so I don't see a problem here.
Go ahead and have a look at their page, it will make you hear the Beach Boys in your head and make you hungry for the kind of fast food that was born before there was a specific term for it.
Oh, if you know of any other fabulous throw-back food places, let us hear from you. -- Pam
DELRAY BEACH -- Forget about designer clothes and shoes.
Did I just say that?
Well, yes I did, but when it comes to my guilty pleasures there are a few that top my short list.
Shoes, clothes, handbags and...cupcakes.
I confess that I do know a bit about these personal-sized cakes. As a kid, I made them; as an adult I still make them from time-to-time. I have sampled the wares at the original Sprinkles in Beverly Hills and one in Dallas. Toss in Cheryl's in Columbus, Ohio, Magnolia in New York (the original and the Grand Central Station location), Buttercream in Coral Gables...well, you get the idea, I can get obsessed.
So, as Gerry and I continue our quest to explore the historic hotels of Florida and beyond, I feel it is my duty to discover the little gems nestled near them, and if a cupcake just happens to be nearby, it must be sampled. Well, someone has to do it.
Our most recent jaunt found us on Atlantic Avenue in Delray. The avenue not only held our classic hotel (please see prior review), but an alluring mid-size shop called, Cupcake Couture. Couture because the cupcakes are named after designers, with a sweet twist.
We found cupcakes called, Donna Karot, Mound-olo Blahnik, Donatella Vanilla, Jimmy Choocolate and more. Opting for four mini-cupcakes, we found them not only delicious, but different from the norm in a fabulous way.
For more information, or just to drool over their photos, here is the link...
http://cupcakecoutureusa.com/
Have a special cupcake place you adore? Let us hear from you!
--Pam
DELRAY BEACH -- We are in Delray Beach, just south of West Palm Beach, as the Cruising Squared "Florida's Historic Hotels" tour continues. Our destination this time is The Colony Hotel and Cabana Club, a mainstay on Atlantic Avenue since it opened in 1926. Big, bright and very yellow, a stay here is truly like a step back in time. You notice it immediately as you enter the unair-conditioned lobby (fear not --the rest of the hotel is very cool and comfortable).
All around you, in classic Florida style, you are surrounded by color. Reds, yellows, oranges, blues ... you name it. It not only has retained its charm over the decades, but also looks almost as shiny and bright as when it opened its doors back in the Roaring 20s. See for yourself in this photo tour:
Especially notable for arriving guests is the hand-operated elevator (yes, the original from 1926) and a telephone switchboard that was finally retired in 1995.
Our room featured antique furniture paired with a new age, flat screen TV. The bath is very white and bright. A window unit with its own remote keeps you comfortable at whatever temperature you like.
You'll want to take time to roam the halls and lobby to check out the framed art, including historic photos from the hotel's past. Another bonus is complimentary breakfast. It's served in the lobby dining area from 7 to 10 am. There's also a bar that opens at 4 pm, and the entrance off Atlantic offers a wide porch where guests can enjoy a beverage, people watch, read a book or enjoy live music in the evenings.
Parking is free -- another nice perk -- in the lot right behind. Guests also have use of the Cabana Club, a private beachfront two miles away with a heated saltwater pool. At the time of our visit the pool was closed for renovation, so take a rain check on the pool/beach report. (It is supposed to re-open near the first of the year.)
Then there's the location. Just a few steps from your room and you're on Atlantic Avenue and its myriad collection of shops, restaurants, bars, boutique shopping and entertainment. Pam will have more to day about one shop she discovered. Here's a hint: Cupcakes.
If you want to try it for yourself, now's a good time. They have special rates in effect through the end of the year. You can also find a good overview of the hotel's history in this article from The Palm Beach Post.
We give it our top rating -- four pineapples. -- Gerry and Pam
