Have you been to Tryst yet? I visited Delray Beach's Official Beer and Tapas Clubhouse on Tuesday night, and I was reminded again how great this place is. With exposed brick, dark wood, and antique furniture, it has the vibe of a retro speakeasy (since there's no secret password, it's packed to the rafters even on weekdays). Tryst also sports one of the sexiest courtyards you could possibly dine in, with miniature gazebos and tropical plants stretching up to the two-story roof. If you sit inside and are dining with a group, ask for the antique marble (yes, marble) table by the kitchen with high-back chairs that make you feel like you've been secreted away to a scene in Dangerous Liasons. Did I mention the food is quality, too? Small plates like hoisin marinated pork ribs, fish and chips, smoked salmon and mahi mahi dip with capers, and a plate of apple and cabbage bruschetta with blushing pink slices of pork tenderloin (I love it when a waiter asks, "How would you like your pork done.") are great for sharing, but fab enough to horde on your end of that marble table.
A great opportunity to sample some of that glorious food in concert with a number of Tryst's fine beers is the upcoming Beer vs. Wine dinner going down on October 12 at 6:45 p.m. The restaurant will be doing a four-course prix fixe, and each course is paired with either selection from the wine menu, or Tryst's lengthy beer list. And what a fine beer list that is: it features favorites from Dogfish Head, Rogue, North Coast, Avery, and many more, with a notable selection of Belgians and Hefeweizens and draft options by the dozen. Each punter will get a scorecard to rate their selections, and a winner (beer or wine) will be chosen at the end of the night. Call Erin to reserve your spot -- 561-706-9958. I imagine, like the bar, this thing will fill up quickly.
A few more upcoming culinary events after the jump.
- The Aventura Mall Chocolate Festival arrives on Sunday, October 18 at noon in the mall's center court. Aside from the obvious tons of chocolate, there will be raffles and "chocolate-inspired fashion." Does that involve a tongue and swimsuit areas? Hmmm. Call 305-935-1110.
- Slow Food Glades to Coast is hosting the Frankenfood Film Forum Fifth Anniversary on November 14 at 1p.m. at Hagan Road Library Branch Auditorium. On show: Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser's Food, Inc., with a discussion to follow.
- The West Palm Beach Greenmarket is getting back in action on Saturdays starting October 17. The market, at Second St. and Narcissus Ave., runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and parking is free in the Banyon Street Garage. Call 561-822-1515 or visit wpb.org/greenmarket.
- Da Campo Osteria's celeb chef owner Todd English will be appearing at the Macy's Home Center in the Aventura Mall on October 15 at 6:30 p.m. For $25 you can sample Todd's cooking firsthand, and Italian feast that will benefit the Daily Bread Food Bank. Call 305-682-3352 to reserve.
