How Aunt Flo Led Me to the Andre Design District in Delray Beach—Plus, Where to Eat If You Still Have an Appetite

Oct 15

Written By Stefanie Michelle

The funky and artistic vibe of Andre Design District in Delray Beach — Photo courtesy of Google Maps

Desperate Times Can Lead to Delightful Discoveries

With my littlest finger and plenty of trepidation, I pulled the door open.

I knew what to expect.

After all, the Chevron guy restocking Fritos had told me the restroom was “out back.”

Out back? That doesn’t sound good. Not only that, he’d said the door was unlocked.

Free-for-all bathroom access, just minutes from the West Atlantic I-95 exit?

I shuddered.

But it was that time of the month, and I’d foolishly squandered my opportunity to use a clean, office restroom before beginning my 40-minute drive home.

So I walked around back and stepped into that wretched scene of an ugly past.

I scanned my surroundings, eyes darting from one mystery splatter to another.

My nose registered a foul odor. But I’m not easily offended.

So I inched forward, my brain’s warning signals shrieking, “Abort! Abort!” But I’m also no coward. So I took another step.

I peered into the toilet bowl and patted myself on the back. It was for such a time as this that I trained long, deep wall squats at the gym.

Still, I’d need Aunt Flo’s speediest pit crew for the emergency feminine product swap.

As I went to shut the door and lock myself into that doomsday chamber, I realized the door was jammed. “Now we have a real problem,” I thought.

Ladies. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this, but: NEVER drop trou in a gas station bathroom when the door doesn’t lock.

You don’t ever want to be a statistic, but least of all in a crime scene location such as this.

I walked out, defeated.

Chevron: 1

Stefanie: 0

Back in my car, I doused my hands in more hand sanitizer than my skin could absorb. My brain, a bit calmer now, registered a hunger pang. It was lunchtime.

I’d planned to eat at home, but frugality be damned!

Because now I had two birds to kill (hunger + the girl thing).

The solution? A clean and safe lunch stop.

So I pulled up Google Maps and challenged it to find “lunch” near me.

A few places popped up, and the one that caught my attention was Santana’s Kitchen and Cocktails. Why?

First of all, Santana’s a phenomenal musician. Secondly, the reviews were good and the photos showed lunchy-looking rice bowls, only two minutes away.

Healthy and convenient! Perfect.

So I ordered a Chicken Bowl through the app and started driving.

Hidden in Plain Sight—The Andre Design District in Delray Beach

As I drove south looking for the restaurant (which, on the map, appeared to be directly off of US-1), I didn’t see any signs for Santana.

Google Maps directed me to turn left into a nondescript industrial complex. I complied, but wondered, “Am I in the right place?”

Whether it was the lack of curb appeal off of US-1 or just the lingering ick from my gas station experience, my mental filing cabinet’s overzealous custodian was already pulling the “Seedy” folder back out.

But before she could tuck new scribbled notes next to the document titled “Memphis-to-Nashville Greyhound Experience—WHAT WERE YOU THINKING,” I turned a corner and things changed.

Ahead of me, vibrant murals come into view, and I saw two put-together women walking in the parking lot. I sighed with relief, “Whew! This place is just hipster.”

Unexpected Discoveries—A Diversity of Cuisine

Wariness turned into curiosity, and curiosity became delight when I saw a blue and yellow sign for Baba’s Pierogis.

Ukrainian food?! Yay!

Having lived two years in Ukraine, I felt all the warm n’ fuzzies.

Yes, I know I already ordered lunch at Santana’s. And?! How could I not at least peek inside Baba’s?

As soon as I walked in, I knew the place was legit.

*Leave it to the Ukrainians to create a highly Instagrammable storefront.*

*I know. I should’ve taken better photos. But, trust me, these were delicious!*

The young women in the kitchen looked just like my beautiful Ukrainian friends and were all speaking Russian.

(For those who don’t know, most Ukrainians speak Russian as well as Ukrainian, and many of them even speak it as their first language — their mother tongue.)

I ordered a small portion of steamed potato and onion pierogis (to try at home later, ok?). And, yes, I accepted the offer for sour cream on the side. I also ordered some cherry pierogis for dessert, because they’re a must.

On Ukrainian menus in Kyiv, pierogis were actually called vareniki, but since Americans are more familiar with the term ‘pierogi,’ also used in Poland, I imagine that’s why the owners opted to use that name for these satisfying dumplings.

By the way, Baba’s Pierogis mouthwatering menu is extensive, loaded with Ukrainian classics beyond just pierogis.

In the glass display case at the front of the restaurant, I even spied waffle honey cake! (Another popular dessert in Ukraine, and one I enjoyed many times in Kyiv.)

But even I have my limits. So I’ll have to try their cake another time, along with potato pancakes and Syrniki (small, cloud-like pancakes made with cottage cheese).

Baba’s Pierogis is a stylish, full-sized restaurant with plenty of seating for dining in.

As the ladies prepared my order, I exited and walked through the complex to pick up my original lunch from Santana’s.

A Design-Forward Hole in the Wall

I wove my way in between colorful industrial buildings, with the help of my blue dot on Google Maps, until I found Santana’s Kitchen and Cocktails–a small establishment full of personality.

Inside, I was pleased to find a jungle organic vibe, with natural materials like wood, concrete, metal, and pops of greenery. It’s a small space with a handful of tables. Outside, there’s a little turf area for al fresco dining, and a garage door even opens to bring in Florida’s gorgeous breeze in the winter months.

*Photo courtesy of Santana’s on Google Maps.*

The friendly man behind the bar had my order ready to go, but first, I used their oh-so-inviting restroom. TMI?

I took a picture because not even in the water closet did they neglect aesthetics!

My Chicken Bowl came with jasmine rice, stewed red beans, green apple slaw, pepitas, and a homemade sauce of my choice. I opted for aji verde. It was satisfying and tasty, made with fresh ingredients. Just the right lunch.

Next time, I’ll have to try the Mango Bread Pudding. I love a good bread pudding, and this tropical version is served warm with a buttery rum caramel sauce!

The Chicken Bowl was super as take-out. But I’d love to dine in sometime.

By now, it’s probably clear I have a sweet tooth, but I’m also drooling over the savory foods on the Latin-fusion menu.

I desperately want to try the guava-glazed duck empanada—are you kidding me?

I’m a Sucker for a Coffee + Pastry

I was already happy with the discoveries I had made in the Andre Design District, a foodie hub I had never even heard of before today!

But one more place caught my eye as I was taking the scenic route back to Baba’s to grab my order: Cumbres Coffee Roasters.

This giant sign for COFFEE got me. What’s one more pit stop?

I had to pop in—naturally.

It was a warm day, and an iced coffee would be the perfect companion for my drive home.

I was greeted by friendly young staff members, the smell of strong coffee, and an enticing display of pastries.

After getting the pastry run-down and several free samples of delectable Colombian chocolate, I ordered a cold brew and a guava pastry.

When in Rome, right?

Like Santana’s, Cumbres also has a charming outside seating area with art to brighten your day. If Cumbres were along my commute to work, I’d definitely frequent this joint.