EDITOR'S NOTE: With so many people -- us, included -- starved for a travel getaway, the national parks are a prime destination this summer. So much so, some have had to close or limit the number of tourists flocking to see them. If you are among those thinking about a trip, here's some helpful information to make your travels more budget-friendly from CreditCards.com. -- Gerry "If you’re looking for a beautiful and affordable vacation, an escape to one of the United States’ national parks might be the perfect trip. The U.S. is blessed with an excellent national park system that preserves much of this country’s natural beauty and keeps it available to everybody. The U.S. National Park System features 63 national parks amid 423 national park sites, giving ample variety and opportunity for everyone to find a great vacation spot. "Traveling to a national park for vacation will not only be a great way to enjoy natural beauty and fresh air, but it’s also a budget-friendly trip, especially compared to a luxury resort or international trip. However, although national parks are generally a relatively low-cost vacation, you do have to travel to the area and decide on overnight accommodations (such as a hotel versus camping). Additionally, while some parks, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offer free admission year-round, many charge entrance fees and various activities fees. Let’s dive into options for making your national park vacation even more budget-friendly." READ MORE HERE. July 24 is National Tequila Day. Celebrate at Louie Bossi's and Elisabetta's with the Cinque Terre ($11.50), Espolon Blanco, infused with pineapples, oranges and fresno peppers. Elisabetta's is located at 32 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach and 185 Banyan Boulevard, West Palm Beach. Louie Bossi's is located at 1032 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale and 100 East Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton. Visit Louiebossi.com and Elisabettas.com for more information. NORTH PALM BEACH EVENT, SATURDAY, JULY 10: Beats-N-Eats at Anchorage Park. Multiple food trucks and instrumental music by Uncle Juice. No RSVP; just bring your chairs, your appetites and mood to groove (or chill)! (From the Village of North Palm Beach)
When we discovered Elisabetta's in Delray Beach, it instantly became our "go-to" place for Italian. Besides their authentic cuisine, the ambiance is just our style: Romantic and playful at the same time. This past January, they opened the second Elisabetta's, this time closer to home on the West Palm Beach waterfront. along Flagler Drive. Given the pandemic, we delayed visiting here (and all other dining venues) until we got our vaccinations. With that accomplished, this week we had a chance to try it out. Located at 185 Banyan Blvd. in downtown West Palm, it immediately seemed so much bigger. In fact, it is. They can seat 300 diners in its 10,000-square-foot space, as opposed to 200 at the Delray location. It also features a huge patio fronting the Intracoastal Waterway. Note that street and lot parking is available in the vicinity. If you decide to valet, there's an $8 fee. It was Thursday night, and the place was jumping. Our wait person told us Thursdays were sometimes their busiest night of the week, but it's pretty much packed regardless of the night. Despite the size, it's as noisy as you might expect if you had 300 people over for dinner. While it retains the authentic atmosphere of the original, it's more geared to fun than romance. With light rain falling, we chose to sit on the covered patio and begin to peruse their extensive menu, which duplicates much of what Delray offers, plus new additions. Everything here, from the bread and pasta to the sauces and gelato, is made from scratch. You can choose from 70 wines by the glass or pick something from their 400-bottle wine list. So many choices! While we decide, we opt for cocktails. Pam orders an Hibiscus Spritz -- galliano aperitivo, hibiscus syrup, topped with prosecco -- while I try the Peach Martini, a blend of peach vodka, fresh peach puree and lemon/lime juice. Now we can tackle making our food choices.
For entrees, Pam went with fish -- grilled branzino. I was in a mood for traditional Italian, so I went with spaghetti, the Aglio Oilo Pepperoncini, featuring calabrian chile. Pam's fish was absolutely delicious. My dish was on the bland side, but my bad -- I should have asked more questions. It was just as advertised -- garlic, olive oil and pasta, with the chile on the side. Save room for dessert? You bet! And what's more Italian than Tiramisu? We ordered one to share, and it was ginormous, not to mention decadent and delicious. Seriously, one of the best we've had. We were hoping to meet the restaurant's namesake, Lisabet Summa, executive culinary director, but she was not in that night. So we'll just say it here: Congrats on your new location! We'll be back ... often.
(PRESS RELEASE)_Boynton Beach, FL – Beat the summer sizzles with a culinary escape to Josie’s Ristorante in Boynton Beach. Executive Chef Sebastian Setticasi showcases a weekly trove of scratch specials and convivial drink deals to keep summertime extra delicious. Happy Hour Daily 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to Close Bar and patio only $3-$11 signature bites including: $5 Bada Bing Shrimp (a foodie favorite!) $5 wine by the glass $3-4 draft and bottled beers $8.50 specialty cocktails $5.50 wells and $6.50 spirits ($9 rocks) Martini & Meatball Monday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Get sauced with $2 prime short rib meatballs, $2.50 sliders, and $3 off martinis. Tortellini Tuesday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy the new pasta creation, Tortellini alla Panna infused with onions, peas and drizzled with cream sauce for $10. Military Wednesday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Veterans and active duty military we salute you with 20% off all lunch and dinner entrées. Must provide active duty or retired military ID. Sunday Brunch 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Grab your brunch buds and chillax over elevated breakfast and lunch-y options including crispy fried chicken and waffles, lobster and crab cake eggs Benedict, and zeppoli with Nutella mousse Bada Bing, Bada Birthday Enjoy a free treat on your special day, compliments of Josie’s! Choose from traditional cannoli, warm bananas foster bread pudding, mango Key lime pie, or 16-layer chocolate cake. For more information, call (561) 364-9601 or visit josiesristorante.com. Josie’s Ristorante is located at 1602 Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach. |
ABOUTExploring what to see and do in North Palm Beach and the South Florida area. Your hosts are Pam and Gerry Barker. GERRY PRONOUNCED GARYArchives
April 2024
YouTube ChannelCategoriesListen to Chapter One of "Panama Palmer"
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