Agliolio Italian Bistro & Wine Bar

2258 N Congress Ave, Boynton Beach FL

Did you ever notice that you seem to find some great places when you aren't really looking?  Brian happened to drive by Agliolio Italian Bistro & Wine Bar the other day while picking up a package from the post office, and hasn't stopped mentioning this place ever since.  We both constantly crave Italian food, and its just minutes from where we live.  How have we not been here sooner?

Anyway, we decided to try this place out for a belated Valentines Day dinner last night.  The name of the restaurant 'Agliolio' is derived from the Italian words for two prominent ingredients in many Italian dishes, aglio meaning garlic, and olio for olive oil.  Their menu covers pretty much all of the traditional Italian favorites--chicken parm, bruschetta, pastas, and pizzas--you get the picture.  But their "Pasta-Bility" concept is a fun little feature, allowing you to choose from a selection of their homemade pastas and then choose the sauce and additional toppings of your choice.  So smart!  I mean, how many times have you gone to an Italian restaurant and either you, or someone in your group, asked the waiter to either change the type of pasta or sauce from what the menu lists?

Brian stuck to his typical pick, the chicken parmigiana, and asked for linguine with vodka sauce (P.S...that's my handsome dude above--charming right!!? HA!)
I chose to try the eggplant rollatini, breaded eggplant sliced thin and stuffed with a creamy ricotta filling, with melted mozzarella on top.  For my pasta choice, I went with linguine as well, but opted for the creamy pink sauce and a topping of roasted garlic.  Both of our meals came with a garden salad and bread, too.  I was so stinkin' stuffed afterward, but we left verrrry satisfied!  (I actually just finished my leftovers for lunch today, yum!

The restaurant was packed on a rainy Friday night in Boynton Beach, but getting a table didn't take long at all--we sat at one of the hi-tops.  We're going to have to come back during their happy hour 1/2-price drink specials--daily from 3pm until 6:30pm, with extended happy hour until 10pm on Wednesdays.

Note: For those living just a bit further north of Boynton, there's another location in Wellington too.

Buon Appetito! 

The Beat Cup Cafe

660 Linton Boulevard, Delray Beach FL
Open Monday through Thursday, 10am to 3pm
Friday and Saturdays, 10 am to 3pm & 9pm to 2am

An eclectic little cafe off the beaten path--I just happened to stumble upon this fun little spot while in-between meetings today, thanks to a little Google searching and a super-grumbly tummy--and have to say that this is one of the most unique concepts I've seen so far while in South Florida.  As soon as I walked in, I was immediately drawn in by the industrial-esque exposed pipes and beams that line the walls and ceiling, the many pieces from local artists hanging throughout the space, the mini soundstage complete with a drum set, chalkboard menu boards hovering over the cafe counter, and a foosball table in the back corner.  To the left, an open doorway leads to a superbly awesome little salon, Salon Resta, that is connected to the cafe--an unexpected and creative feature that really adds to the charm and atmosphere to this place.

The Beat Cup Cafe

The restaurant is currently undergoing a menu change, removing some less popular items to make room for some new favorites so the selection was slightly limited for lunchtime--but I was more than impressed and my tastebuds very satisfied from what I ordered.  A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, roasted red pepper, bacon, chipotle mayo, and goat cheese between a toasted ciabatta roll.  To drink, a delicious 'cold brew' coffee with half and half, perfect for a mid-afternoon caffeine fix.

They serve up hot and cold beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as breakfast and lunch.    A broad genre of musical talent can be enjoyed here on certain days of the week as well.

I love coming across gems like this--totally added to one of my new spots to frequent.

Boston's On the Beach

40 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach FL

Open Monday 11am-2am; Tuesday until 1am; Wednesday & Thursday until 12am; Friday until 2am

Saturdays 7:30am-2am; Sundays until 12am

Super dog-friendly and in a prime location--I've been here a few times now for both breakfast and lunch and have had a great experience each time.  On weekends they serve breakfast until 11am, and portions are very generous for the price.  To satisfy our need for sustenance after a night out celebrating the New Year, Both Brian and I each ordered the Beach Special--two eggs any way you like it, two blueberry pancakes, two breakfast potatoes, and toast, along with a tall glass of OJ all for just over $20 for the two of us.  Now I call that a deal!

[menu]

But one of the fun little features about this place, besides its perfect spot along A1A running parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, is its Pooch Patio.  Bring your dog and sit out at one of the tables on the green street-level patio section.  The staff will bring your canine companion a giant bowl of fresh water on the house.  Treat your pup by ordering one of the items from the doggy menu, such as scrambled eggs or a 100% beef hot dog.  Of course, Brewster-man would barely touch his water, so he just laid under our table and enjoyed the fresh air.  What a silly little chicken.