GROOVY GROVE
A quick peek at Delray’s Pineapple Grove district
There’s an area in downtown Delray Beach that may not attract as much foot traffic as the bustling Atlantic Avenue, but its artistic personality is something to explore.
Sure, some Palm Beach County locals know Pineapple Grove District is a special place. But for tourists and those new to the area, join us on this guide down Northeast Second Avenue and the heart of the district — that sweet, local gem welcoming folks under its pineapple archway.
Our starting point: The intersection of Northeast Second Avenue and Northeast Third Street. We’ll be hopping from place to place heading south on Northeast Second Avenue. You’ll quickly find an eclectic blend of stores featuring local arts and crafts.
KEEP CALM! CHRISTINA’S GOT YOU
Stop to eat at Christina’s, which is on the plaza on the east side of Northeast Second Avenue. The owner, Christina Betters, has had three restaurants in the past, and the customers’ loyalty to her has kept her loyal to them. Christina’s, the restaurant, has been open for 25 years.
Pro tip: The most popular items on the menu are the California Omelet, the eggs Benedict (our favorite) and the breakfast burrito. And the mimosas for $10 each. No, they don’t have bottomless mimosas. Christina, get it together!
Christina’s, 263 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach; 561-278-3200
A SHOP AND A MURAL
If you’re into photography, the Delray Camera Shop is a onestop. Besides the newest gadgets, they carry some really cool vintage cameras. Ask the sales associates to show you one. Or, simply take a look at binoculars, buy a camera lens or enhance your phone’s camera. Don’t miss the mural on the north side of the building.
The Delray Camera Shop, 186 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach; 561-278-3331
SAY HI TO THE FRENCH GUY!
If you’re into anything aromatic, you’re going to love this place. At The Lavender – Your French Store, you’ll find lotions, candles, clothing, furniture and crystals. I felt like I was kissing my grandma on the cheek with some of these soaps. “This is a little shop where you can find only natural products from France. Everything is imported from France,” said the owner, Olivier Renaud. And there’s another cool mural across the street — one of many Instagram-worthy shots in the area.
The Lavender – Your French Store, 164 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach; 561-749-0742
THAT’S SWEET!
By now, you’ve been roaming around Pineapple Grove for a while, taking in the views, discovering new artists and walking up an appetite. Sweeten up your life with a stop at Two Fat Cookies. Opened in 2007, Two Fat Cookies offers anything a sweet tooth could crave: chocolate cupcakes, cheesecakes, pops, cakes, cookies and more.
After 11 years, you may think the secret ingredient is a special sugar, but nope. It’s the bond between
a mother and daughter. Debbie Wexler and her daughter Zoey Wexler share the same passion for making desserts, and this duo would love to meet you.
Pro tip: The cheesecake topped with cookie dough is addicting and totally worth the sugar high.
Two Fat Cookies, 245 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach; 561-265-5350
SAY HEY TO THE MAE
If you’re feeling inspired and introspective, wander into The mAe Gallery where there are always new pieces from hundreds of artists. This gallery isn’t huge, but it’s peaceful and worth a stop.
The mAe Gallery, 170 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach; 561-403-5549
!QUÉ GUAY!
Let’s say you skip breakfast because … you’re weird. Well, there’s a place just for you. It’s called Papa’s Tapas, and it only serves lunch and dinner. The sangrias are not too sweet and have a lot of ice. The tapas explore several tastes from Spain, including seafood specialties such as mariscada, mahi-mahi, zarzuela and more.
Papa’s Tapas, 259 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach; 561266-0599
GET AN ENERGY BOOST
Whoever came up with the concept at PurGreens is a genius. This restaurant shares the space with a gym. Literally, the two are connected. We skipped the gym and stopped by the PurGreens window/bar where a friend ordered the Blueberry — a spinach, peanut butter protein shake. The owners plan to grow most of their products aeroponically on towers either at the restaurant, or at an off-site commercial farm. Aeroponics is the process of growing plants without using soil.
“We literally grow our own product,” Danielle Monroy, the owner said. “It never touches the soil. It’s nonGMO. It’s pesticide-free.”
PurGreens, 45 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach; 561-2767387
DINNERTIME YET?
Brule Bistro has a rustic and inviting atmosphere, with a sophisticated, yet industrial feel. Our food editor, Liz Balmaseda puts it this way:
“Brule Bistro serves a healthy mix of inspired small plates and heftier bistro-style dishes. The influences here range from classic French to modern American. The place is lively. The wines are interesting. The food is downright delicious.” The place is about to have a major renovation featuring a lighter color palette, and you should be looking out for it.
Brule Bistro, 200 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach; 561274-2046
EL CAMINO
If you’d rather have something a bit more casual, there’s El Camino. Ahh, where do we start? At the beginning or with the nachos? El Camino is always packed, often with a line out the door and a wait list. But there’s a reason. The flavors, the service and the ambiance are top-notch. This is a spot where you trust the “cool kids” and get in line. We’re talking about $2 tacos, $5 margaritas, $4 drafts and so much more.
Now, about the nachos. Mmmm. El Camino really knows how to serve a large plate of perfectly crisp nachos with plenty of evenly-layered meat, avocado, veggies, jalapeños and cheese. The nachos at El Camino are literally what they should be everywhere. We ordered the brisket, which was slightly spicy and not dry or stringy. When it comes to the rest of the menu, I can speak for the margaritas and tacos, too — definitely not a disappointment.
El Camino, 15 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach; 561-8655350
There are more art galleries, restaurants and bars to check out that we simply couldn’t fit in one day. And we got lots of recommendations, too, for more Grove daycay: Arts Garage, The Grove, Max’s Harvest, and N2 Wine Bar. Maybe we’ll see you there.