While Delray Beach has grown into a vibrant coastal city, the Tarrimore House has been sitting on its quiet corner for 100 years. A former private residence turned restaurant in the ‘90s, it has been the beloved Dada since 2000. Its cheeky interiors are a nod to the namesake art movement, yet the home’s history is also reflected in its creaky wood floors and stone fireplace. Although the expansive, twinkling front yard patio is inviting with its towering banyan tree and cozy seating nooks, we chose to sit inside, where a mural of massive black ants (and one red one, which I challenge you to spot) and golden wheat stalks accompanied us throughout dinner.
We started with the Dada Dates ($17) and Tuna Tartare ($19). I had already forgotten what the menu said, so when the dates arrived, they looked like they were topped with a chopped fruit—maybe pineapple? However, after the first bite, I realized it’s not fruit at all but a wonderful Manchego cheese and almond salsa. The dates themselves were stuffed with a chorizo and goat cheese blend and then wrapped in beautifully crispy bacon. Be sure to dip a piece into the sherry gastrique sauce for extra sweet and tangy notes. The tuna itself was fresh but lacked flavor—I think because there’s a lot going on in the dish with the avocado, wasabi aioli, ginger and soy sauce. When I was able to get all the sauces onto the tuna in one bite, it was flavorful, but it wasn’t the case every time. Perhaps if the tuna had been tossed in one of the sauces before being plated, it might have felt more balanced.
We then tried the Vegan Butternut Squash Ravioli ($20) and Dada Meatloaf ($25). Both were intriguing for different reasons: I don’t see meatloaf on menus very often, and the ravioli came with a cashew “cream” sauce. The meatloaf was the standout dish of the evening. Juicy, tender and saucy, it was comforting at every bite. The mashed potatoes had a hint of horseradish, the perfect zippy amount, and the honey-glazed carrots added a welcome complement to the mushroom gravy. I’d go back and order this again and again. The ravioli was al dente and well made, but I wish the cashew “cream” sauce was more abundant so I could taste it better.
The evening concluded with a fun, nostalgic dessert—warm banana bread ($12) topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and a side of indulgent whipped mascarpone.
Chef Daniel Dore has done an excellent job of continuing to embrace the art movement’s creativity and humor with playful dishes that are artfully crafted, while also offering warm and kind hospitality.
IF YOU GO
52 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; 561/330-3232
PARKING: Valet, street and lot parking
HOURS: Sunday to Thursday 5–10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5–11 p.m.; Sunday brunch 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
PRICES: $11–$38
WEBSITE: sub-culture.org/dada
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