It is Valentine's week and we are in Florida. We left home on Monday morning and drove seven hours, plus stops. Arriving in Boca Raton we are staying with Jeff's brother Rick and Elaine.
First night some of their “Trenton” friends stopped over and then we all went to the Mizner Center to Juniors for dinner. This famous Brooklyn restaurant recently opened here. I ordered split pea soup and have to say that my version is better. Theirs was vegetarian and very thick with no flavor. Jeff did enjoy his brisket sandwich and sitting outside on a beautiful night was lovely.
Tuesday was a glorious day at the beach. Elaine and Rick took me to Boca Raton public beach where we soaked up some sun and I got in a nice walk. The water was too cold and rough to swim and there was a warning about Portuguese Men of War. Afterwards we met Jeff at a restaurant called Whale's Rib where we had Rock Shrimp. Never had these sweet shrimp before and they are peel and eat, with a very hard shell. Worth the effort. Also had fried oysters with homemade potato chips.
Wednesday we spent the day with our Yardley friends driving a few minutes north to Delray Beach to see Judi and Fred. First stop was the Lochahatchee nature walk. I love this place where boardwalks let you walk out over lagoons with hundreds of nesting birds. This year there were Wood Storks, Anhingas and Cattle Egrets. Also Tri Colored Herons and a Purple Gallinule.
We saw the largest alligator I can ever remember and more 🦅 birds. Only one nest had Anhinga chicks and most birds were busy building nests. Should be lots of babies in a few weeks.
Afterwards we all met Phyllis and Jordan for lunch at Three G's, a highly touted deli. The girls did a little clothes shopping after we ate and then we had quite an experience grocery shopping at The Boys. This place has quite a reputation and it is well deserved. The food, produce and bakery were well stocked, but the customers have a bad reputation. Walking the narrow aisles is life threatening. People are so rude and knock into you with their carts. Crowded corners have gridlock and you just stand there and wait. Jeff got claustrophobic and waited in the car. I persevered and got some things that are not available in South Carolina.
We went back to rest before Valentine’s dinner. That afternoon turned very sad as there was a horrific shooting at a Broward County High School about a half hour from us in Parkland. As we watched the news it took the fun out of our sails. There are no words to describe the sadness we feel for these families and all the kids who went through this terrible ordeal.
Recouping we headed out to Dada, a recommended restaurant. It was a perfect romantic place for today. We sat outside and the four of us got to talk and eat some interesting food. Jeff and I had a trendy fish called Paiche. It comes from the Amazon and is cut thick, but still light and flaky. For dessert I had a creme brûlée cheesecake. Very yummy!
Thursday we slept late and then Elaine, Rick and I went to Morikami Gardens.
I have been wanting to go there for years and finally made it. The lovely Japanese gardens and water features are delightful and perfect for strolling. Lots of koi in the ponds, turtles, egrets and iguanas.
Azaleas in bloom, milkweed, bamboo and perfectly raked gardens. A very pretty place and a small museum explaining the history of Japanese pineapple growers in Florida and how this sanctuary came about.
After lunch at a big place called Henry's, Elaine and I went to a kosher supermarket. It was an amazing place with so many products including meats, produce, bakery and “grab and go” dinners and soups. I had a few items on my list and got everything I needed.
Now we really needed a nap. We stayed in for dinner and got ready to leave early for Miami Beach.
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