Did you ever happen to walk into a restaurant that came highly recommended but you never made the connection until after you walked in?  Well, at Delray Beach’s Dada, this is that restaurant people can’t help but talk about.  For those of you who do not know, Dada is a style of art where everything is art.  The walls are art, the chairs in the bar are art and it doesn’t end there.  The service staff is and of itself art with enough uniqueness and quirkiness that you would never find at large chain restaurants.  Individuality is celebrated there and our waitress had just as much enthusiasm as she did tattoos.  It made me remember working at the Cheesecake Factory and some Servers had to cover theirs in shame just to look uniform.  Not here!  It’s great to find people that actually like their job.   

I love converted spaces and Dada was originally built in 1924 as a house but then completely transformed in 2000 to be a full restaurant.  We sat on the front porch and between that and the garden they have about twenty tables and a gorgeous Banyan tree.  However, when checking out the inside, there’s a room with giant ants climbing all over the walls and ceiling, a bar so ornate and chairs to match, and unique paintings.  On the patio they have enough candles, lamps, lanterns, and tiki torches to give the perfect light.  There is so much more there that you will want to see everything.  

Your next reason to make the journey to Dada—the food.  Simply put, it has something for everyone, young and old alike will find be satisfied.  We definitely suggest the Mango Gazpacho soup that is drizzled with sour cream. On a hot Florida summer afternoon, mango is always a welcome treat, but this was a unique and entertaining way to serve it. The Soup of the Day happened to be Thai Peanut, which they lovingly called, Peanut Butter Soup. This was also amazing to say the least.  The Bread served with the soup with sundried tomatoes and herbs that literally tasted like stuffing. The basket also contained a delicious cornbread, something not normally served in bread baskets.   

I whole heartedly recommend, if you’re in the mood for something Latin and fabulous, the Chicken Del Rio which has a very large seasoned and pan fried chicken breast over white rice, a moat of black bean puree, melted cheese, and fresh diced tomatoes and sliced avocados.  I ate every single bite and sadly, might order it every time I go back.  On the flip side, if you are looking for something middle of the road and safe, then why not try the Almond Crusted Chicken.  This has a pounded chicken breast with an almond coating, is pan fried, and then served with a dinner jelly and really amazing mashed potatoes.   

The experience of simply being at Dada is one of those things that you have to Pay It Forward and tell as many people as possible about.  Dada is one of those places that the later it gets the more interesting it is.  For those who want a peaceful meal and enjoy the art, Dada opens at 5 PM and I would recommend dining then.  By 8 PM the place if filled with fun and eclectic people.  They feature live bands, artists, and have a different theme each night.  Their mantra is simple:  Food, Drink, Music, Culture, History, Art. It says it all, but you have to experience it yourself to truly understand what I’m saying.