Celebrate Your Special Day In Delray Beach: Part I!

By Delaina Dixon | October 7, 2015 | Food Fashion Style, Travel

It’s #LifestyleWednesday and we’re all about the birthday! What’s a DivaGal to do when she’s celebrating her special day? Party somewhere fabulous, of course. That’s why TV DivaGal packed her overnight bag and headed south to Delray Beach, Fla!

This first-class resort beachfront destination is right off the Atlantic Ocean, just 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport and 40 minutes from Miami.

Touted as the most fun small town in the USA by USA Today and Travel Channel, it’s easily proven with more than 50 restaurants, bars and lounges in a several block radius and ample housing right off the beach!

After a 20-minute drive from the airport (a mere 2.5 hour flight from NYC), we arrived at Hyatt Place Delray Beach. Less than two years old and conveniently located in the city’s Pineapple Arts Grove section, Hyatt Place Delray Beach is a comfortably chic and affordable option for the weekend or business traveler, offering amenities that rival four-star lodgings. Enjoy a spacious lounge area with ample seating and a full bar offering cocktail specials (hello $5 Bloody Mary!); complimentary wi-fi throughout the hotel (yes, that means in your guest room); a 24-hour fitness center and rooftop pool.

We were given the nicest room in the facility (only the best for the birthday girl!): an executive suite on the fourth floor. From the ceiling-to-floor bay windows, the over-sized lobby and sitting area and full-room separate sleeping area with signature Hyatt Grand Bed, we almost didn’t want to leave our room!

We were also given a birthday treat of champagne, beach gear and a pop-up book of Delray Beach history. The staff at Hyatt Place Delray Beach know how to treat a BD DivaGal right!

We then met up with our weekend guide Stephen Christanthus, associate director of the Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative, and we were off to experience Delray nightlife. The evening started with a margarita and sliders at the The Office, a craft beer bar and restaurant right on the corner of Delray Beach’s main drag, Atlantic Ave.

We are huge Project Runway fans, so meeting this season’s competitor Amanda Perna, who works in Delray Beach, was a treat! She introduced us to her diverse team and showcased us some of her best pieces (we’re so ready to buy!).

Back on the main drag, we were escorted to a VIP table at SALT7 for dinner. This poppin’ steak and sushi joint only uses the finest ingredients, and we weren’t afraid to try them all!

We feasted on sashimi yellowtail with jalapeno peppers and lamb chops in a lemon oregano glaze.

Our main course was a lobster tempura topped with filet mignon and SALT7 signature sauce (the chef wouldn’t divulge the secret!). We washed down this intriguing combo with their signature Black SALT Margarita (pictured above) made with don Julio blanco tequila, fresh pressed black cherries and pressed lime juice; black Hawaiian seas salt rims the glass.

After a bday shot back at Hyatt Place DB (cocktails go late), we ended the night at El Camino, a Mexican soul food joint just two blocks from our hotel. But more on that spot to come!

Check in next Wednesday for Celebrate Your Day In Delray Beach, Part II!