July 29th, 2010
I love buying cookbooks. I read them like novels. And, I don’t discriminate; neighborhood cookbooks, different cuisines, fundraising and school ones.
The last time I was in Boulder I bought a couple of them. They looked easy and a little innovative.
One of them is called Amor y Tacos. In it the recipes are modern Mexican tacos, Margaritas and appetizers. The author? Deborah Schneider.
She combines the recipes of taqueros in roadside stalls in Baja with the ones in Tijuana.
My son decided yesterday, after I had cleaned the kitchen that he wanted to make some tacos. With this book in hand he decided on the Lemon-Garlic Chicken Taco with Mezcal.
The sauce in this recipe is spicy-lemon garlic flavor; almost like a variation of a Caribbean mojo sauce. The meat is to be tossed with all the great flavors of the marinade after it is cooked and not before.
Lemon-Garlic Chicken Taco with Mezcal
4 large boneless chicken thighs, with skin on
1 tsp. olive oil
Kosher salt
1 large clove garlic, peeled and finely minced
1 small serrano chile, minced
Fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 lemon
1/2 lime
1 1/2 tsp. mezcal or blanco tequila
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
12 (4″) corn tortillas, warmed
Shredded lettuce
1 avocado, diced, sprinkled with a little salt
Pre-heat pan over medium heat. Toss the chicken thighs with the oil.
Starting with the skin side down, cook the thighs until the skin is very crisp. Turn and cook them until done.
Sprinkle the crisp with a little salt. (The chicken may be roasted, if you want, skin side up and uncovered, in a 375 degree oven until well done and golden crisp.)
When the chicken is cooked, slice it thinly or dice it. Place it in a bowl and toss it with the garlic and serrano chile, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a couple grinds of fresh pepper.
Squeeze the lime and lemon juice directly over the chicken, add the mezcal (or tequila), and stir in the cilantro.
Serve wrapped in the warm tortillas with lettuce and avocado.
Note: If you cannot find serrano chiles just substitute with a jalapeno, just like he did.
This recipe turned out delicious; it is spicy but the combination is great.
Note: Mezcal is made from agave throughout Mexico. The best ones taste strongly of alcohol.
I love enjoy seeing my children cook. Talk to you later….
Have a great day!!
July 28th, 2010
Last month I lost my driver’s license. I proceeded to go and sit for hours at the DMV located in Georgetown, Delaware.
Did not even look at it until I flew to Florida a week or so ago and almost could not get on the plane. My license said on the top that it was not to be used for Federal I.D. They did let me go through but it was close.
The moment I came back to Delaware I went back to the DMV. Thank God this was a very fast visit.
This is what’s going on with driver’s licenses:
By December 2014 we all need to get a Federally Compliant Driver’s License. This license/identification card will be sufficient identification to fly domestically, travel by train, enter federal facilities, and conduct other offical federal business after December 1, 2014.
All states are going to be on board with this regulation. After the above mentioned date, you will not be able to use your regular license for those purposes. The new compliant license will have a gold star on the upper right-hand corner.
In order to get the Compliant License you will need to bring the following:
1. Birth certificate issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics or State Board of Health (wallet cards, birth registration or hospital announcements/records are Not accepted).
or
Valid Passport/immigration documents
2. Social Security Card or Official Letter issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) containing social security number.
3. Two proofs of Delaware residency that includes applicant’s name and is postmarked within 60 days (i.e.; utility bill, cable bill, voter’s registration card or junk mail; personal mail is Not accepted).
3. Legal name change documentation if applicable (marriage license(s), divorce decree(s), court order(s).
Please note that if you do not have a passport, and only have a birth certificate, but are married, then you need to bring the documentation that supports the legal name change mentioned in #3.
Since I did not know this when I went to get my duplicate driver’s license, I only got a Non- Compliant license and had to go back with all my documentation.
I just want to save you that extra trip to the DMV. You know what I mean.
New picture was taken and what can I say? Not happy. A long time ago I had a good picture taken but you cannot use the same picture anymore. Oh, well…
See you, and talk to you later….
July 27th, 2010
It seems like it was yesterday when I wrote my first post for my blog. Actually, yesterday, Tuesday was the one year anniversary of AboutMyBeaches. I have to thank Ed Timmons from 4C, Inc. for guiding me and being my webmaster. You may reach him at 302-228-3255. Website www.4cinc.com. Once he set me up I took off running, talking, writing or whatever you want to call it.
On that first post I talked about defining the meaning of being a “local”. That post stands the same today; Barry still thinks I am not a local; like he is one himself. He reminds me time and time again, among other comments. He is a great friend, so that’s why I can talk like this about him.
What he was not prepared for was to hear that Sharon, considers me a local but not a native like she is. That Missy was claiming me, that Cindi, a native from Lewes was also claiming me, as well. Our good friend, Craig, no longer with us wrote to my blog that day, along with Marcy, Roberta, Shelley, Trish. These are some of my good friends that have supported my “concierge journey”.
I cannot forget the other friends that have gone along with me kayaking, like Debbie. Walking on the boardwalk, Alice. Donna and Anita in Florida; one checking a new hotel and the other checking an artist.
My family and friends that have endured my picture taking at restaurants; not letting them take a bite until I was ready and having every one at the table ordering different items so that I could talk about them.
I was shocked when an invitation came from the Rehoboth Historical Society and Rehoboth Beach Museum addressed to “members of the press”. I had to e-mail them back thinking it was a mistake. But, it wasn’t. I was really invited. How neat!!
A person wrote after a restaurant review was not of his liking. What were my credentials, he asked? I don’t have any, really. But, what I do have is common sense and I know how I should be served and treated at a restaurant. He wondered how could I critique after just ordering a couple of things off the menu? I could just have ordered water and had an opinion, really.
I enjoy going out to dinner; discovering new places, passing the word around. That’s why this blog is my diary. Open and sincere.
Cooking is another of my passions. You have seen my recipes. I am no expert and some of them….well, don’t you remember the “pasteles” I made? It looked like somebody had thrown up on the plate. The funny thing was that it looked ugly but it tasted delicious.
AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Twitter. I, myself, am on Facebook and Linkedin. What this has done for me, personally, is a reconnection to all of my old friends. The “Igualitos” from Puerto Rico and a few others I had not seen for 38 years. That, really, has been priceless.
Rediscovering the Island of Puerto Rico was amazing. Only when you have left it, you learn to appreciate it more, even with all its deficiencies; the sounds, the sirens, potholes, tapones (traffic jams). Its beauty, the mountains, coconuts, rain forest, the beaches; and of course that “comida criolla”.
Now I do have to brag a little. As of today, including this post, I have 353 posts, 874 comments, 763 tags. From 6/27 to 7/27, 7,470 people hit my blog. On an average, and depending what my topic is I have between 190 to 275 plus people hitting it daily. I am excited!!
Thanks to my advertisers; but I do want more.
$500 for one year
$300 for 6 months
No website? No problem, $175 for 1 year.
The Delmarva Peninsula and all those other places I blog about and the new ones to be discovered…….I have to use that word again, Priceless!!!…talk to you later…
July 26th, 2010
I have mentioned before that I practically go to the grocery store every day. Regarding dinner, I never know what will strike my mood as that favorite time of the day approaches.
Some times I like to cook but in order to write a post to the blog I need to go out and have someone else cook for me.
Such was the case last night. My mood? Sashimi. That’s what I eat when I go to a Sushi restaurant. You know, sashimi is usually the first course in a formal Japanese meal. The reason is that it is considered the finest dish; it should be eaten before other strong flavors affect the palate.
I went last night to Saketumi. It is my favorite at the beach for sushi or sashimi. It is located at 18814 Highway One, (Rt1 or Ocean Highway), Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-645-2818. Website www.saketumirestaurant.com.
Saketumi is a modern restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine. They have take out, catering, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese. They serve lunch, dinner and brunch on Sundays.
Saketumi has plenty of parking available. And, if you are visiting or are a resident you know how important that is at this time of the year.
I like to sit at the Sushi Bar. I get to see what is going on and interact with the Sous Chef. At Saketumi, this would be Tanaka San. He is an artist when it comes to presenting the food. Just gorgeous. You hate to disturb the plate.
Tanaka has always presented me with an appetizer. I have asked him so many times what it is that I am eating, but to tell you the truth I cannot understand what he says to me, so, I just eat and enjoy it. The fish is in a vinegar sauce with a little bit of onion and I love it; I really do not know what it is, though.
I could not help but take pictures of some of the dishes being prepared.
The tuna sashimi looked delicate.
The Tuna Tuna Surprise or TTS was so colorful. It had inside-blackened tuna, asparagus, sweet goma sauce and wasabi aioli. Outside-akami tuna, tobiko, chive.
The Dynamite was also beautiful. It was a baked California roll, with spicy mayo, scallop, fresh crabmeat and masago on top.
A version of the Dynamite was ordered. To make it gluten free no masago was put on top. Extra tobiko on top. Tobiko is flying fish roe. Very good.
My dish was called Pine Sashimi. Strictly Sashimi for me. It had tuna, yellowtail, salmon, sawara, albacore, kampachi, madai, izumidai, hirame and botan ebi. Got it? It was to die for. The presentation? A work of art.
The albacore (tuna) was white. I had never had it. It was meatier, soft and buttery; melting in your mouth.
What else can I say? I have gone so many times to Saketumi and I can honestly tell you that my service at the sushi bar and the food have been excellent.
Talk to you later….you know I will….
July 25th, 2010
Bethany Beach is where my children grew up. This town is so popular with families. Even at the height of the season, when it is so crowded, you still can feel that small town atmosphere.
It is small but it has great entertainment for all its visitors and here is what is happening in Bethany Beach this week:
Wednesday, 7/28 and Thursday, 7/29 – It is the 19th Annual Beach & Bay Cottage Tour to benefit the Friends of the South Coastal Library. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the South Coastal Library, 43 Kent Ave., Bethany Beach, DE 19930.
Also, tickets can be purchased at the following businesses:
In Bethany: Cattails, Perfect Furnishings, Japanesque, Sea Needles, Wear It Out.
In Fenwick Island: The Bethany/Fenwick Chamber of Commerce, Carolina Street and the Rooster’s Nest.
South Bethany: McCabe’s
Rehoboth Beach: Browseabout Books
This event has been selling out since 2000 so get your tickets as soon as possible.
Wednesday, 7/28 – 1st State Harmonizers will be performing at the Bandstand. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. This is a men’s barbershop choral group. They preserve the barbershop music as an art form. It is a style of a cappella, or unaccompanied vocal music.
Friday, 7/30, Saturday, 7/31, Sunday, 8/1 – Bethany Beach Yoga – Drop in Fee. Location: Boardwalk and Bandstand. Time: 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. More info? Please call 302-537-7838 or visit www.bethanybeachyoga.org.
Friday, 7/30 – The City of Fairfax Band will be performing at the Bandstand. It will start at 7:30 p.m. The Band is celebrating its 40th year anniversary. The programs are varied and present the best in classical transcriptions, wind band music, military and marches, show tunes and much more.
Saturday, 7/31 – Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys will be performing at the Bandstand at 7:30 p.m. This is country music and the performance is new this year at the Bethany Beach Boardwalk.
Sunday, 8/1 – A Buddy Holly Tribute at the Bandstand from 7 – 9 p.m.
Have a great week and remember that you are at the beach so relax and kick back….that’s why you are here!!
July 25th, 2010
To all of you, fortunate to be visiting us, in Rehoboth Beach, this is what’s going on:
Monday, 7/26 – Free Write at the Rehoboth Beach Public Library, located at 226 Rehoboth Avenue. 8:00 – 9:55 a.m. All skill levels of writers invited to attend. Sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach Writers’ Guild. More info? Please call 302-227-8044.
Monday, 7/26 – 39 Clues Reading Circle – Rehoboth Beach Public Libary located at 226 Rehoboth Ave. 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. Children ages 7 – 12 can go and read chapters from a different book each week and do a craft activity for each. For more information please call 302-227-8044.
Tuesday, 7/27 – Free Write for Kids at the Rehoboth Beach Public Library located at 227 Rehoboth Ave. Kids ages 9 – 15 can enjoy a writing program moderated by author Maribeth Fischer. 2:30 until 4:00 p.m. More info? Please call 302-227-8044.
Thursday, 7/29 until Saturday 7/31 – It is the very popular and long awaited All Saints’ Episcopal Church’s Annual Antiques Show. Location: The Rehoboth Beach Convention Center located at 229 Rehoboth Ave.
Preview Cocktail Party & Raffle on Thursday from 6 – 8 p.m. Cost $30 which will include admission throughout the week-end.
Show Times: Friday from 11 until 8 p.m. Saturday from 11 – 6 p.m. Sunday from Noon until 5 p.m.
General admission is $7.00 For more information, please call 302-227-7702.
Liquid Surf & Skim Lessons
Liquid will be providing individual and group surfing and skimboard lessons throughout the summer and fall.
The class will consist instruction on all aspects of surfing: technique, equipment, ocean safety, and surfing and skim etiquette. Proper technique for paddling out, catching waves, and standing up. Students will also be provided with land instruction and review.
Individual lessons: $65 for the 1st hour and $35 for any additional
A soft surfboard will be provided to use during each lesson.
Group and Family Lessons: 2 students, $125.00, 3 students, $175.00 and 4 students, $190. Two hour instruction. Soft surfboards and skimboards will be provided to use during each lesson.
Location: All lessons will be held at Tower Road, south of Dewey Beach, in the Delaware Seashore State Park.
Cost to enter the park: The daily fee for in-state is $4 and $8 for out of state. There is room however to safely drop off, meet and turn around to exit.
Please call Liquid at 302-227-7130 if you are interested. They are located at 19406 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), Rehoboth Beach.
All students must be 6 years of age or older and be a competent ocean swimmer.
All students are responsible for their own transportation to the lesson.
Have a great week!! Talk to you later…
July 25th, 2010
Each summer our visitors to the Delaware Beaches come from hundreds of miles around to enjoy what this area has to offer; the beaches, the people but most of all, the food; crabs, corn, fresh produce. Yes, I buy fresh and I buy local.
Of course, the topic of conversation is the weather. Hot and steamy. In my household once it gets that way I like to keep the cooking plain, strong, and simple.
So as the temperature yesterday soared to the 100 degrees I decided to go to my usual stomping grounds. This is what I got.
Freeman’s Corn – You have seen my posts about this family owned business. Fresh produce at its best. No question, the corn is so sweet, clean and beautiful. They are located at the corner of Robinsonville and Plantations Rds. That is called Rt. 1 D which is parallel to Rt. 1.
Next favorite stop for crabs would have to be Jimmy Lynn’s Seafood Carry Out. They are the “home of the Crabs with Attitude”. Located on 182226 Coastal Highway, Lewes. Tel. 302-644-9329.
I have tried the softshells from every seafood store in the area and, to me, they are the best. They come in on Wednesdays.
I also like to buy their crab claws. They are fun to eat as an appetizer, dipped in vinegar.
If you heard someone say that they do not like tomatoes is because they have never had fresh summer tomatoes like we have on the Eastern Shore. I don’t know if it is the soil but at the height of the season, they truly are the best.
Homemade mayonnaise – Once you make it, you will not go back to the commercial type. It is so easy to make. I posted the recipe on my post of June 28th. Just click on the month of June on the left hand side of my blog, under Archives, and scroll down to the date.
You can put it on tomatoes and corn or use it as a dip. Remember to make that recipe your own and adjust it to your liking.
Have a great Sunday!!! Our visitors are so lucky; No rain and the beaches are hot.
July 23rd, 2010
I want to welcome my latest advertiser, Coastal Chem-Dry of Sussex & New Castle Counties, Delaware.
When I think of carpet and upholstery cleaning I would have to say that I really did not know anything about it. I just call the carpet cleaning company when it’s time and call it a day. Never giving a thought what will be used on my carpets, the ones I walk on every day or will the stains go away temporarily or at least for a long time. I do have a dog.
Chem-Dry has been in business for a long time. It is the world’s largest carpet cleaning company. The difference about Chem-Dry of Sussex & New Castle Counties is that I personally, know them. I guess that gives me license to talk about them.
It is a family owned and operated business. Yes, they are locals of both counties, Sussex and New Castle. They offer superior carpet, upholstery and tile cleaning; plus they are friendly, fast and dependable.
Chem-Dry dries in 1 to 2 hours; not days. It is safe and non-toxic; resisting resoiling, which means it stays cleaner longer.
For all of us that have pets, and accidents do happen, then let me tell you that urine in carpeting is a severe problem that requires major restoration work; not just simple cleaning and treating. Chem-Dry’s revolutionary product is specially formulated to eliminate urine odors, even in the most severe cases.
The carpets stay cleaner longer because they do not use excessive amounts of moisture. Soapy residues attract dirt like a magnet, therefore, the carpet gets dirty again faster than before.
Chem-Dry’s Motto is “If we can’t get it out. No one can.” They are prepared to remove any stain, can give you an on-site evaluation and provide a no-obligation estimate.
I hope that after reading my post you will give them a call. I am not kidding you, they are great.
New Castle - 302-234-0200
Sussex County - 302-645-2800
For more information, please visit the website by clicking on their banner on the right side of my blog or go to www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. The website will inform you about appointments, services, estimates, products and tips, specials, and most of all, about the company.
Have a great week-end!!!
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