A lot has changed in the last decade. We experienced the housing bubble and subsequent recession, elected our first black president, and entered (then left) the Paris Climate Agreement.
One thing that’s still around? Savor the Avenue!
WHAT: For 10 years Boca and Delray magazines and the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority have organized this epic four-course culinary event, whose dazzling dining tables stretch five blocks down Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach. Each year more than a dozen top downtown restaurants participate, decking out their tables to seat more than 1,100 hungry guests who are treated to multicourse menus—with drink pairings of course.
32 East’s table at Savor the Ave 2017. Photos by Carl Dawson.
TABLE DECOR CONTEST: Participating restaurants hold a friendly competition, trying to outdo the others’ outrageous tablescapes, which can range from elegant, to whimsical, to downright insane. Last year Salt7 won with it’s extravagant glass and floral arrangements; the mirrored table was lined with massive bouquets of lilies, hydrangeas and orchids, with glass orbs hanging as if floating above.
Salt7’s table decor. Photos by Carl Dawson.
And the most important part of the evening, the food, is not to be overlooked. Click here to preview this year’s menus.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: New to the 10th annual Savor the Ave will be a People’s Choice Award, where you can vote for your favorite table décor on social media. Arrive early and walk the Avenue to view the beautifully decorated tables and vote for the best People’s Choice Award by voting for your favorite Savor the Avenue tablescape by uploading a picture of it to Facebook or Instagram, using #SavorPeoplesChoice and checking in to or tagging the restaurant name. A judging panel will also be scoring the tables to award 3 top prizes to the restaurant with the best table décor.
Cocktails at Savor the Ave 2017. Photos by Carl Dawson.
CHARITY: We believe every Delray Beach student has a potential worth nourishing. Last May, in Delray Beach schools 177 students were homeless. Help us feed homeless children to boost grade level reading and to empower brightest futures. Not One Hungry Homeless Student Delray Beach is our campaign and battle cry. Together we can feed every homeless student in our city every weekend. We are Living Hungry, the Delray Beach Homeless Task Force, and the Campaign for Grade Level Reading. Join us! Together we will declare “In Delray Beach, not one homeless student goes hungry.”
Musicians perform at Savor the Ave 2017. Photos by Carl Dawson.
WHEN: Reservations are required and must be made by calling the restaurant you wish to dine with. The menus are available only online on our website or DowntownDelrayBeach.com/SavorTheAvenue or at the restaurant. Reservations open Feb. 1, and Savor the Avenue takes place March 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The rain date is March 27.
Charcoal grilled lamb chop from 32 East’s 2017 Savor menu. Photos by Carl Dawson.
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS: 32 East, 50 Ocean, Avant, Cabana El Rey, Caffe Luna Rosa, Che!!!, Cut 432, City Oyster, Lemongrass, Max’s Harvest, RACKS Fish House & Oyster Bar, Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen, Rocco’s Tacos, Salt7, The Office and Vic & Angelo’s.
CHECK IN: Arrive the evening of March 26 and make your way to the restaurant location on East Atlantic Avenue. Each restaurant’s tables will be near its physical location. Check in with the host/hostess to receive your Savor the Avenue bracelet. Show the bracelet to receive complimentary cocktails at the beverage stations located within the event. Click here for a map.
GREET, TOAST & DINE: (E. Atlantic Avenue is closed from Swinton to Federal Highway to vehicle traffic)
5:30–6:15 p.m.: After checking in, enjoy a complimentary drink during the welcome reception provided by each participating restaurant. Locate your seats at Florida’s longest dining table, and prepare to enjoy a beautiful night.
6:15 p.m.: Seating begins. Welcome comments, GRAND TOAST provided by Steve Weagle, Chief Meteorologist, WPTV
6:30–9 p.m.: Four-course dinner to be served with custom adult-beverage pairings.
7:30 p.m.: Table Decor Contest winner announced.
ATTIRE: Downtown Delray Beach evening casual or themed depending on the restaurant decor
PARKING: Click here to view a map of downtown parking. Public parking lots and garage parking are available, as well as some valet locations. Atlantic Avenue will be closed during the event. Side streets will remain open for vehicle access.
Garages:
Old School Square Parking Garage:
Northeast First Street and Northeast First Avenue
Robert Federspiel Garage:
Southeast First Avenue and SE 1st Street
LET US KNOW HOW THE EVENT WAS! After the event, take a moment to complete a quick survey about your experience and enter to win a Dinner for Two at your choice of any Downtown Delray Beach restaurant. To take the short survey, click here.
Share your photos from the evening! #BocaMag #SavorTheAvenue
For more information head to downtowndelraybeach.com/savortheave.
