Death or Glory Rebels Traditional Dining Standards
Like most Delray Beach businesses and dining facilities, Death or Glory resides in a refurbished former house (also the late Max’s Social House, aka the Falcon House).
However, unlike most restaurants, it bucks against one particular heritage or type of cuisine and instead serves everything from vegan chickpea curry to fried chicken. There are very few regular menu items with new dishes constantly being added. It doesn’t tout itself as “the best [enter generic type of food here] restaurant”, but instead experiments with all type of culinary creations.
Photo by: Lucas Mathew Stein
Their Dark Tides Tiki Dinner with guest bartender Luke Tullos was no different. The theme was appropriate, considering that Ayme Harrison, former owner of the now closed Kreepy Tiki, is one of the co-founders. After grabbing a Welcome Cocktail – Ginger Root, guests sat at the table community style, opening the opportunity to meet new people.
The first dish of the night was the Pu Pu Platter – Assorted Apps and Sauces. The appetizers consisted of the vegetable egg roll, chicken wings, crab Rangoon, and Teriyaki beef skewers. While I found the wings to be sweet and tangy, it was the beef skewers that stood out to me. They were tough but tasty, and guests were able to cook them even more thanks to a small, portable fire pit in the middle of the appetizers.
Accompanying this course was the Sacrifice Swizzle – Batavia Arrak, Scarlett Ibis Trinidad Rum, Hybiscus Falernum, Giffard Passionfruit Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice. The presentation was fun, with the drink initially topped off with a flame. It proved to be refreshing, but might kick your ass later, kind of like a crazy ex. It had floral and spice notes, thanks to the hybiscus infusion.
Next up was the Tuna Poke – Cucumber Kimchee, Pickled Shiitake Mushrooms and Carrots, Sushi Rice, Wasabi Crema, Spicy Mayo, Sesame, Cilantro. It was fresh and delicious and, much to my delight, I was able to take some extra home. It’s also a regular menu item. With this dish came the community style Scorpion Bowl – Kirk and Sweeny 12 Year Rum, Bache Gabrielsen American Oak Cognac, Hayman’s Royal Dock Gin, Giffard Orgeat, Fresh Lemon & Orange Juice. It was both citrusy and full of ginger – not my favorite, but certainly not a terrible beverage.
The Braised Pork – Spam and Grilled Pineapple Fried Rice, King’s Hawaiian Roll proved to be tender and tasty, with the pineapple undertones providing a fun twist. Sipping on the Long Pig – Smith and Cross Navy Strength Rum, Bacon Washed Scarlett Ibis Trinidad Rum, Local Honey Syrup, St. Elizabeth’s All Spice Dram, BroVo Jammy Vermouth, Roasted Pineapple Juice, Fresh Lime Juice complimented the meal nicely, thanks to the bacon infused rum.
Photo by: Jennifer Goldstein
Closing out the night was the Po’akolu Sundae – Banana Fritters, Pineapple Coconut Cream, Rum Caramel Sauce. I will make this statement: if any dish needs to be a regular on the menu, it is this one. The pineapple ice cream fritters were nothing but on point and while the caramel was extremely sticky, it was the (not literally) cherry on top. It’s coexisting beverage was the Nightmarchers – Smith and Cross Navy Strength Rum, Giffard Banana Liqueur, Giffard Crème de Cacao Liqueur, Cold Brew Coffee, Whipped Pistachio Coconut Cream.
After drinks and the dish was served, the restaurant staff gave us a background on the Tiki folklore. The Nightmarcher was a dead warrior who emerged at night to murder those that were up. If one was to spot this creature, they either had to lay face down or run home. “This will get you home”, joked the staff member about the cocktail. The beverage was the best tasting one of the night, with the cinnamon stick lit on fire.
For more than just dinner, stop at Death or Glory for an experience. It may be weird, it may be out of your element, but it will most definitely be memorable.
Death or Glory is located at 116 NE 6th Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Call (561) 808-8814.