Delray Beach, Fla.--This year's Savor the Avenue had over 1100 people eating in the street. It was advertised as the largest table in Florida, stretching from Swinton Avenue to 5th Avenue (about a quarter of a mile). It was really several tables, served and decorated by 20 restaurants, all arranged in a single line.
The event was started five years ago by the Delray Beach, Boca Raton Magazine and the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
Five dollars from every ticket sold is put aside for the Office Depot Foundation. This year $5000 was raised.
Several tables, decorated to the max, participated in the Table Decor Contest. Salt 7 Steakhouse won first place with their transparent encased orchids, transparent table, transparent chairs, and transparent plates.
Union restaurant came in third with its lavish floral decorations over vases filled with water and live fish.
I sat at the Sundy House restaurant table, for $85 a person, headed up by Chef Linsay Autry. After welcoming comments, speeches by Delray Beach City officials, Table Decor Contest winner announcements, and an opening toast, the four-course dinners began.
Mango Caipirinha, a Cachaca (Brazilian rum) cocktail was served as the Welcoming drink at the Sundy House table. It was overflowing with fresh chunks of fruit.
The hors d’oeuvre course was shredded
chicken and vegetables served in Swank Farm lettuce leaves. It was accompanied
by Champagne Delamotte Brut, which got a bit lost in the flavors of the lettuce
cup.
Next was an appetizer of creamy, ricotta gnocchi served with crisp sugar pea pods, pea tendrils, celery tops, Shiitaki mushrooms, and a
super crispy piece of bacon-like meat. This came with a glass of Louis Michel &
Fils Chablis Premium Cru “Vaillons.” The dryness of the wine balanced out the
creaminess of the dish.
The entrée was a moist piece of Cobia fish on top of tomato
farratto, a pea puree, and wilted, sprouted greens. It was served with an
unusual choice of wine: Mahua Pinot Noir, Central Otago, NZ 2009. I thought the
wine was a bit heavy for the fish dish.
Dessert course was a lemon pound cake with whipped goat
cheese frosting, orange marmalade, fresh citrus, toasted almonds, a chocolate
swirl and an edible flower. It was served with a lovely dessert wine called
Royal Tokaji “Mád Cuvée” 2009.
I'm glad I went to the Savor the Avenue event because it was a wonderful way to raise money for charity and meet 1100 new
friends for dinner.
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| 2013 Savor The Avenue table at the intersection of Atlantic Ave and 1st Ave, Delray, Fla. Copyright 2013 by Helen A Lockey |
Five dollars from every ticket sold is put aside for the Office Depot Foundation. This year $5000 was raised.
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| Salt 7, First place winner at the 2013 Savor the Avenue, Delray Beach, Fla. Copyright 2013 by Helen A Lockey |
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| Union, third place winner at the 2013 Savor the Avenue event, Delray Beach, Fla. Copyright 2013 by Helen A Lockey |
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| Guests at the Sundy House restaurant table, 2013 Savor The Avenue, Delray, Fla. Copyright 2013 by Helen A Lockey |
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| Sundy House mango cocktail, 2013 Savor The Avenue, Delray, Fla. |
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| Sundy House salad stuffed Swank Farm lettuce leaf, 2013 Savor The Avenue event, Delray Beach, Fla. |
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| Sundy House ricotta gnocchi at 2013 Savor the Avenue event, Delray Beach, Fla. Copyright 2013 by Helen A Lockey |
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| Sundy House cobia fish dish at 2013 Savor the Avenue event, Delary Beach, Fla. Copyright 2013 by Helen A Lockey |
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| Sundy House lemon pound cake with goat cheese frosting at 2013 Savor the Avenue event, Delray Beach, Fla. Copyright 2013 by Helen A Lockey |
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| 32 East, second place winner at the 2013 Savor the Avenue event, Delray Beach, Fla. Copyright 2013 by Helen A Lockey |
If you get a chance to partake, rush at it. To find out more you can go to:
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