June 1st, 2011
It was almost 10 p.m. when we left Catch 54 in Fenwick Island. I could not believe that it was still 73 degrees. It was a very hot day but as the sun slowly started setting the evening was just right. I wanted to see if the food at Catch 54 was as good as its view. So, road trip to Fenwick. Just about 25 minutes away from Rehoboth Beach.
It was also the perfect evening because everyone that was at the beaches this week-end had gone home, therefore, the restaurants were going to be more settled on a night like tonight. I was right. It was quieter and just so nice.
Catch 54 is located at 54 Madison Ave., Fenwick Island, DE 19944. It is right on Rt. 54, where Shark’s Cove Marina is also located. If you head west from Rt. 1, in Fenwick Island, then you will go over the bridge and you will see the restaurant to your right. Make the next right and you are just about there. Website? http://www.catch54.com. Tel. 302-436-8600. You will find Catch 54 on Facebook.
Catch 54 is part of the family of restaurants owned by SoDel Concepts; yes, Matt Haley is the owner.
The restaurant has plenty of parking. They open Mondays through Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. Fridays through Sundays at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and at 4:00 p.m. for dinner. Every day there is happy hour from 3 until 6 p.m. Catch 54 does not take reservations.
This restaurant is one of the few, at the Delaware Beaches, if not the only one with views anywhere you sit. On the first floor you will find a Tiki Bar. You can eat there, as well. The bar completely opens up so that you can really enjoy the outdoors.
Upstairs, which is the main dining area, there is a good size bar. The dining tables are set up so that you can also experience the views throughout. These marshes and inland bays are just spectacular. And, at sunset, they are priceless.
I got a little worried when I noticed that my camera was flashing. That meant I had a low battery. I decided not to take a picture of the steamed clams. They had herbs, a Tabasco Butter Broth and Lemon. They were delicious. My Caesar Salad was very good, as well. I ordered it because it had the white anchovies. I see those on a menu and I die for them. Many years ago I first had them in Spain and totally fell in love with them.
As you know, we always have to check if an entree contains gluten. Caitlyn was our server and immediately she told us which items on the menu were gluten free. It was good to see that the restaurant was catering to those with food allergies and that it had trained their staff so well.
Caitlyn was knowledgeable, friendly, and discreet. She let us chat but was also very attentive.
We ordered the Hot Bacon Crab Dip, with Jack Cheese and homemade Kettle Chips. The chips were so crispy and warm. The combination of the bacon, crab and cheese was perfect. Not too salty either, which was nice. This dish is enough for 4 people.
Then, my husband ordered the Seared Day Boat Scallops with mashed potatoes, creamed corn and tomato chili oil. The picture does not lie. It was that good. I took a bite.
My entree was a Fisherman Stew. Fresh caught fin fish, scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, celery, garlic butter, herbs, tomato broth, Old Bay, Lemon and toast. The first thing I wanted to do was dip the bread in the broth. But, I had the willpower and did not do it. Instead, I ordered a spoon and ate all the seafood with plenty of “gusto”.
I have not visited all the SoDel Concept restaurants, but the ones that I have had the chance to experience have been very generous with the portions.
But wait. I am not finished. It is a bit challenging to find a gluten free dessert on a menu. Yes, you can get fruit but, you know…give me a dessert, please. I noticed that there was a flourless cake. Well, say no more. We ordered it. I had seen recipes for that type of cake but I have never made one. It was a true chocolate taste. If you like chocolate, believe me, this is your dessert. The berry swirl and the whipped cream were the perfect companions.
The Sous-Chef, Ronnie, came to the table to see how we had liked everything. We thanked him for the food and for being on top of the gluten allergy. He said that they try to accommodate everyone. We enjoyed our dinner so much. It was such a peaceful atmosphere with a hint of music on the background.
Talk to you later….the merging of the views and the food to give you such delight…
May 7th, 2011
We really had a gorgeous day here in the Delmarva Peninsula. When Spring shows its colors, it is truly beautiful. Definitely, my favorite times of the year are Spring and Fall. A day like today, I could take it every day.
I got an e-mail from the Delray GreenMarket and it was so cute. It was about the reasons why Moms deserve their own Holiday.
She brought you into this world — through her own body.
For at least 2 years, she changed your dirty diapers.
Her first instinct was and is always to stick up for you.
Her lullabies, and later her lectures, could put you to sleep. Isn’t that the truth!!
“When you’re a mother, you’ll understand” turned out to be true.
Her chauffeur services and there were many, were first-rate.
She cooked your favorite meal when you came hom from college. Cooked for your friends too.
She did your laundry when you came home from college.
 The golf course looked fantastic!! Two words; homemade pie.
Mom does the worrying for everyone in the family!!
She taught you to play fair and watch your mouth.
She is there 24/7!! That’s my own comment.
So, to all of you who are Mothers in many ways; an aunt, a mentor, a grandmother, a stepmother, a teacher, I wish you a great day.
April 25th, 2011
I was out and about today with no direction in mind when I decided to visit The Freeman Stage in Selbyville. This outdoor art venue is located at 31750 Lakeview Drive, Selbyville, DE. If you are at the Delaware or Maryland Beaches the best way to get there is to travel on Ocean Highway to Fenwick Island. At the intersection of Rt. 54 then go west for about 4 miles. When you see Harris Teeter turn towards it. It is also the entrance to Bayside, a golf community on the water, and where The Freeman Stage is located.
Upon entering the Bayside community then proceed straight on Americana Parkway. The outdoor theatre is on Town Lake at the intersection of Americana Parkway and Lakeview Drive.
Last year I had mentioned a few of the live entertainment that were on the schedule. After seeing how pretty it was today, I am definitely attending some of them. It must be gorgeous on a balmy summer night.
It is an outdoor setting; not a big stage. You can bring your lawn chairs, bug spray and blankets but leave behind your pets (unless service dogs are assisting patrons with disabilities) and your alcohol. If you wish to purchase alcoholic beverages, then do so at the Freeman Stage Cafe. No smoking, as well, and no recording equipment and cameras during the performances unless by authorized press and personnel.
The summer event calendar is out and you can take a look at it by visiting www.freemanstage.org. If you decide you want to attend a performance, you can buy tickets through the website. You may also purchase general admission tickets for $10 per person, per performance when the gates open at 5 p.m. The website has all that info. and more.
If you need to call them, please do so at 302-436-3015. You can find them on Facebook.
One thing to remember is that since this is an outdoor venue, it is subject to the weather. You can visit their website for cancellations or call the above mentioned telephone number.
This will be their 4th season and the opening act will be on May 28th with a Memorial Day celebration featuring Zany Umbrella Circus. It will be for the whole family. Patriotic celebrations will highlight the day; circus illusions and acrobatics. It will be on that Saturday of the Memorial week-end starting at 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. It will be FREE!!
If you are a fan of LeAnnRimes, then she will be appearing on Saturday, 6/25 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 plus. The Freeman Stage is inviting all of us to spend an intimate evening under the stars with one of the biggest country stars.
You will be impressed with their schedule; a little bit for everyone to enjoy.
Have a great day…I am still digesting my Easter meal; I feel sluggish.
April 11th, 2011
Earth Day, or as it used to be called, Arbor Day is on April 22nd. In reality, the whole month of April is considered to be Earth Month. As we all try ways to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, I could not help to think about one of my advertisers, Coastal Chem-Dry.
Coastal Chem-Dry of Sussex & New Castle Counties is independently and locally owned. Their telephones are: Sussex 302-645-2800, New Castle 302-234-0200. Website? www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de
As spring gets underway; by the way today is a perfect example of a nice spring day. You can smell it in the air. My friends are all getting yards ready, gutters cleaned, power washing this or that, spring cleaning of closets and carpet cleaning.
Coastal Chem-Dry is a green carpet cleaning company and green certified. The products are non toxic; the carpets dry quickly. Their primary cleaner, The Natural, is safe and non-toxic.
If you have pets in your house, I don’t care how “good” they are, there are accidents to attend to. Chem-Dry has a specially formulated product to eliminate stains and odors. It is called P.U.R.T., which stands for Pet Urine Removal Treatment. If you need this treatment, once the carpet is treated, plastic is put over the spots for 24 hours. Then, all you do is vacuum over the treated areas. That simple.
If you call the Sussex County number above mentioned, you will talk to Angie. A few of my friends have already met him. All it took was one call and he was there immediately. Personalized service is something to be said about. And by the way, he is very friendly and thorough.
Have a great day!!!….It is warm, finally….
March 29th, 2011
Raison d’etre = “reason for existence”. I have not thought about that phrase in a long time, but seeing Checkers’ portrait at the fundraising event Paws for the Cause Foundation, I could not help thinking about it.
This little dog whose passing has given its owner a reason to not sit back, has now a non-profit foundation. As I just mentioned, the foundation is Paws for the Cause. The website is www.pawsforthecausefoundation.org. The Foundation has also partnered with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine’s Chase Away Canine Cancer Program. Website? http://www.acvimfoundation.org.
Sunday was the event. It was a beautiful day. The 1st Annual Chef’s Challenge was from 2 to 5 p.m. The venue? The Cordrey Center located at 30366 Cordrey Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966. For more info., please visit their website www.thecordreycenter.com.
The Cordrey Center is situated among plants, flowers, shrubs. It is also the home of East Coast Perennials. Gorgeous flowers were already abundant.
I arrived a few minutes early and then at 2 p.m. the place started filling up. I have lived at the Delaware Beaches for many years, and granted, Millsboro is about 1/2 hour inland, but still I really did not know many people, at all.
Lite fare was served courtesy of Fish On, from Lewes.
There was a silent auction with so many items. A few caught my attention.
Pet Portraits by Jerry Dahl, 103 Brookthorpe Ter., Broomall, PA 19008. Tel. 610-356-4943.
The Delaware Dog Book. In Three Words. It is also a fundraising event for Paws for the Cause Foundation. I will be getting more info. but basically it consists of your dog or dogs, sitting for a photo shoot and in 3 words your description of your pet. For more info., please visit www.pawsforthecausefoundation.org.
Another was the Twin Lakes Brewing Co. from Greenville, DE. Their website is www.twinlakesbrewingcompany.com. The Twin Lakes Farm has a long and prestigious history dating back to our found fathers, George Washington and Caesar Rodney. The beer is all natural, brewed using whole flower hops; unfiltered and unpasteurized. Considered to be “all natural” beers.
The Chef’s Challenge:
Three restaurants with their chefs were on one side of the building. We were all asking questions and they were prepping. The restaurants were Fish On, www.fishon.bz, Abbott’s Grill, www.abbottsgrillde.com, and Luca, www.lucaristorante.com.
Getting ready for a food challenge takes some preparation, and here are a few pictures. The aroma was amazing.
Three judges were selected to sample the delicacies, which included scallops, fish, and lamb.
Even though I had to leave early, I did find out that the winner was…..
The Live Auction
There were about 6 items in the Live Auction. The auctioneer that lent his services for this worthy cause was Richard (Dick) L. Bryan. Dick is a native, a real estate broker, and an auctioneer with a specialty in residential and commercial real estate. His e-mail is rbryan@dmv.com and his tel. is 302-645-4800.
It really was such a nice afternoon. I congratulate Bonnie Benson for a job well done. She really should be proud on how smoothly everything went.
The fundraising does not end there. Everyone that has a pet knows how attached we become to them. They bring so much joy and love into our lives. There will be other fundraising events and I will be passing them along to you.
Have a great day!!…talk to you later…
March 2nd, 2011
Risotto is usually served as a primo, or first course. I like it as a main course; yes, it is pretty filling. Usually, I like to cook it when I have had enough chicken, beef or seafood. Served with a green salad, it does make a nice meal. Add your favorite wine; and then it is not just a nice meal, but the perfect meal.
This Italian dish of rice cook in broth in a creamy consistency is also perfect on chilly nights. That is has a lot of carbs? Well, that’s true; still good, though.
Arborio is the rice used for risottos. It is a short gran rice, named after the town of Arborio. The round grains are firm, creamy, and chewy. Also, this rice is used in rice pudding.
The other night I fixed a very simple risotto with a little Asiago cheese, green onions and peas. I know, it is sort of a pain to stir the rice until the broth evaporates, but it is worth it.
A Simple Risotto
1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup green onions
3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup small peas
1 cup Asiago cheese, grated very thin
Saute onion and butter on medium heat for a few minutes; I did 5 minutes.
Add rice and also stir for a minutes, as well.
Stir in 1 cup of broth and keep on stirring until the broth is absorbed. If the medium heat is too high then lower it a bit. You want the rice to keep absorbing the broth; be patience. Cooking cannot be rushed.
Gradually, keep adding the rest of the broth, 1/2 cup to 1 cup at a time. I did it 1/2 cup at a time. You want the broth completely absorbed before adding the next 1/2 cup.
Taste it and if you feel it needs more broth, well you know what to do. Then add 1/2 cup of the Asiago cheese and stir. You can add more, if you want to.
Then the peas should be added. Stir it all together.
Serve and garnish with more Asiago cheese. Add a salad and you will, definitely, have a meal.
Note: Serves 4. By the way, this recipe is gluten free.
Enjoy and make it your own….talk to you later….
March 1st, 2011
I am embarrass to tell you that just until a few years ago, I did not know what the Children’s Beach House was. Afterall, this organization has been in existence for over 70 years. Having children, their families, and the overall community in mind, Children’s Beach House was started by Lydia Chichester DuPont. Known as “Miss” Lydia, her interest was children with special needs in mind. She felt she could take these children to the beach to experience the same healing qualities of the coastal environment she herself had found.
Upon her death the Lydia Fund was formed. It was created for the benefit of the Children’s Beach House located 1800 Bay Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-9184. Website? http://www.cbhinc.org.
The mission has always stayed the same; to focuse on the needs, medical care, treatment and education of underpriviledged children throughout the State of Delaware. To have these children reach their highest potential as functional members of their families and communities.
The building sits right on Lewes Beach, in this historic town. The setting? What can I say? It is breathtaking. If you go on http://www.cbhinco.org you will be able to check out the events that will be held this year and really see what they are doing in the community and the State of Delaware. You might even want to get involved.
The first event will be the Children’s Beach House Golf Classic on Thursday, May 26th, at The Peninsula. A great way to kick off the summer season while participating in this event that, actually, draws plenty of participants from across Delaware.
You can register by going on their website and on the right hand side you can see the events posted.
This is the opportunity for 128 golfers to play an exclusive course; The Peninsula. This is a private 7,200 yard, par 72, Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. 7 holes of the golf course are set dramatically along the Indian River and Lingo Creek. The location? 26939 Bay Farm Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966. And the website? http://www.peninsula-delaware.com.
So, Thursday, May 26th the event will start at 11:30 a.m. followed by a poolside BBQ buffet.
The cost is $175 for golfers and if you do not play golf but would like to attend the BBQ, then your cost will only be $50.
To register, please call 302-645-9184 or visit www.cbhinc.org.
All proceeds from this event will benefit the operational budget for Children’s Beach House.
I am putting this up now so that you can make your plans, but I will keep reminding you as the weeks go by.
Have a great day….talk to you later….
February 23rd, 2011
Phad Thai is one of Thailand’s national dishes. It consists of stir-fried rice noodles with eggs and fish sauce; other combinations can be added like bean sprouts, beef, shrimp, chicken or tofu. Crushed peanuts is the garnish that finishes the dish.
Last night I was in one of those moods. A simple recipe that would not take long and pretty much a one dish meal. Most of Thai food is gluten free, so this was a no brainer. I added tofu, but it is not necessary.
Phad Thai with Tofu
1 package (13.2 ounces) of rice sticks. I bought Sun Luck
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 garlic clove, minced
4 eggs
5 tablespoons of fish sauce (or, to taste)
3 bunches of green onions cut into 1/2 inch lengths
1/4 cup or a bit more of chicken broth (low sodium)
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons of paprika
1 cup of bean sprouts
1/4 cup ground peanuts
1 cup of extra firm tofu cut in pieces (optional)
In a large bowl soak rice sticks for about 45 minutes, until tender, but firm.
In a skillet put 1 tablespoon of oil and fry the tofu pieces until they brown but do not burn. Take them out and put them aside.
In a large frying pan, large enough that the noodles will fit when added, put the 3 tablespoons of oil in a medium high heat. Add the garlic and then the green onions; stir fry for a few minutes.
Add the eggs and scramble them until done.
Drain the rice sticks well and add to the egg mixture. Even though it looks like a lot in the pan, they will cook down. Keep stir frying until the rice stick become translucent, at the same time adding chicken broth to the frying pan. Stir fry away. You might not need all the chicken broth. I usually do use that amount of broth, though.
When the rice sticks begin to stick together then add the fish sauce, sugar and paprika and bean sprouts. Then, add the tofu if desired or shrimp, beef, chicken, or nothing at all.
Continue to cook until dry; add crushed peanuts and serve. This particular dish is not spicy. If you would like to add a little kick to it, just add a chili pepper or your favorite “heat”.
Please note that this recipe will serve 4 hungry people. Otherwise, leftovers will be great the next day.
Please enjoy this recipe and make it your own…
Have a great day!!!……talk to you soon….
 
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