September 25th, 2015
Opening Day for Sunfest in Ocean City, Maryland was Thursday, September 24, 2015. It is ranked the number one arts and crafts festival in the nation!! It was filled with crafts, arts, food and entertainment. Everything for the whole family to enjoy.
Walking on the award-winning boardwalk the visitors were enjoying a beautiful day at the beach.
Passing the ever popular Thrasher’s French Fries, already the line was so long. To tell you the truth I am not such a big fan of them because I like my fries crispy.
Hundreds and hundreds of people were checking out this first day of Sunfest. Apparently, the weather might be a little crazy on Saturday evening, so if you get a change today and tomorrow, please stop by.
The tent we were looking for was the Food Tent and we immediately found it.
One food vendor after another. If you have been at Sunfest before you probably have your favorites.
You can sit down in the many tables available or just stand and use the tall tables as well.
Funnel Cakes anyone?
We decided on some Seafood Bisque with Lace chips!! Perfect combination. They were so light.
Ross decided on pulled chicken and regular just made chips.
Sunfest will be opening Friday and Saturday from 10 1.m. until 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 .am. until 6 p.m. During the day you can enjoy the live entertainment completely free, either in their open air venue or inside the tent. In the evening the live entertainment is by ticket holder. Depending on the entertainer you tickets could be as low as $15 to $60. Please visit http://www.ococean.com
Stop Mr. Elvis himself, local color in Ocean City for many years. Known to all the residents. Take a photo. He loves it!!
Some of the crafts that caught our attention:
Wire Sculpture by Devin Mack of Drawn Metal Studios.
The lady that works with clay. She has been at the festival for years. You can see her working the clay with such minute detail.
The driftwood sailboats and ships were really cute. The company is Art Sea., from Pasadena, Maryland.
The painted ostrich eggs were very detailed. Loved Starry Nights.
This next company’s baking is not your usual. It looked so real, you could taste it…The Fake Baker.
The beautiful Adirondack Chairs, Hinkleys Chair Art….whatever you want, they will paint it.
Grabbing beers and on our way to listen to Skinny Leg Pete. Definitely a party band. Their genre? soul, funk, blues and rock. And, yes, people were dancing.
And then followed by Teenage Rust on the outdoor stage.
Thanks Cindi for inviting me…It was a great time with a BFF.
Have a great week-end!!
September 18th, 2015
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” booker t. washington
With that quote I begin my post by reminding you that Delaware is a Small Wonder with a Big Heart. Fundraising events happen all year round, but it seems that as the Second Season takes hold of all of us living in Southern Delaware, we set records for fundraising. It is incredible the amount of money raised to help others.
I got an invite to a Kick Off Party for the Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival which will take place on Saturday, October 17th (noon until 4:30 p.m.) at Independence Hall located at 23767 Samuel Adams Circle in Millsboro, Delawared. Even though the address is Millsboro, it is, actually, closer to the beaches.
The Kick Off Party took place at (a)Muse on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, on Thursday, 9/17. My friend, Susan DiMondi came with me to see what all the commotion was all about.
Let me tell you a little about What is Going On…
This event is being billed as the “ultimate wine, food and music event on DelMarVa”. It will be hosted by former Bad Company bassist, now food, wine and music aficionado, Paul Cullen. It will be a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up.
This is a benefit for Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels.
This is an inaugural SoDelFest. The culinary Theater will host the chef showcases/demos, where you will find Neil Fuentes, The Singing Chef and Food Rewrapped Champion and 5 of our top local chefs including: Hari Cameron, Lion Gardner, Doug Ruley, Ronnie Burkle and Sean Correa.
The festival will also offer wine and food pairings with 13 local restaurants including; Abbot’s Grille, Bluecoast, Seafood Grill, Bramble and Brine, Cultured Pearl, Grandpa 9Mac), JD Shuckers, Lupo’s Italian Kitchen, Michy’s Relaxed Dining, Nage, Palate, Semra’s, Summerhouse and Touch of Italy.
You will be able to experience the Man Cave….don’t worry we are all welcome for cocktails, a raw bar and Cigars! Join Rob Bagle from Bramble & Brine and representatives from Wigle Whiskey, Dad’s Hat, Benromach Scotch, George’s Bloody Mary Mix (a new local favorite from Berline, Maryland) and 16 Mile Brewery. There may just be oyster shooters there!
30 wines will be offered by Teller Wines and the distributors for pairing and additional tastes. Dogfish Head and Mispillion Breweries will be pouring their fall favorites at the bar!
There will be 2 special wine education seminars in the Wine University; Mike Zygmonski (Level II Sommelier, Sodel Concepts) will present a blind tasting and John McDonald (Wine Columnist, Cape Gazette) will present Wine 101 for anyone who wants to learn about the art of Wine Tasting.
General Admission tickets are $75 and there is a VIP upgrade that includes two special tastings at 95+ point wines and exclusive cheeses and a seat on-stage during one of the chef showcases. The press is invited at no charge with advance notice. Please visit http://www.sodelfest.com
Presenting Sponsor: Ocean Atlantic Companies
Major Sponsors: Schell Brothers, Sysco, SoDel Concepts, Coastal Style
Sponsors: Good Clean Fun Life, Sposato Family Vineyards, Active Adult Realty
Event Chair is Stacy LaMotta
Event Coordinator is Carlene Roche
Volunteer Coordinator is Meg Gardner
Arriving at (a)Muse Susan and I were invited to taste some of the wines offered by Sposato. For 6 years the Sposato Family researched, studied and visited South America. In 2012 the family purchased their farm in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, Mendoza.
Based on their 23 years of experience in working with land, soil irrigation and plants, by running their top rated landscape company, Sposato Landscape Co., they saw this as a great opportunity to further their experience in the agriculture industry. The farm was purchased as virgin ground. A new irrigation system, electric and other improvements have been installed with more to come.
The farm is 250 acreas located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, 3,000 ft. above sea level. Sposato Family Vineyard has some of the best and most popular wineries in Argentina as neighbors. The farm is located between two notable wineries, Bodega Septima and Vina Cobos by Paul Hobbs with more just around the corner.
We tasted 2015 Chardonnay. This fruit focused Chardonnay has an attractive color with aromas of tropical fruit, apples and peaches. Also a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, from their prize winning high elevation vineyards has aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, herbs, species and orange blossom notes that are persistent through the finish. The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has intense red with blue shades. Another one was their 2013 Reserve Malbec…intense violet color, typical of Argentine Malbec. And the 2014 Malbec had deep purple color, with high intensity of black fruits, raspberries and violets. Please note that you can get the wines in the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area.
A presentation was given by all of those that are involved and making sure that this will be an unforgettable event.
Stacy LaMotta, Event Chair
Paul Culen, Host
Lion & Meghan Gardner, Blue Moon
Hari Cameron, (a)Amuse
Paul Cullen entertained us while we tasted delicious offerings by Blue Moon, Nage, and (a)Muse.
So what are you waiting for? Call your friends, pass the word, share in social media and get ready to have some fun!!
August 30th, 2015
This was going to be the first time I was going to IVY even though they have been in business for a few years. IVY is part of the family of Dewey Beach Life. These are: Rusty Rudder, Bottle & Cork, Jimmy’s Grille Dewey, Northbeach, Outlet Liquors, and Dewey Beach Liquors. Both IVY and Northbeach are wedding venues, as well. More info? Please visit http://www.deweybeachlife.com.
IVY is located at Dagsworthy St. & The Bay in the heart of Dewey Beach. Tel. 302-227-9292. The Manager is Brooke Sterling and the Executive Chef is Aileen Delario. Reservations are accepted and there is parking, as well. So far so good, right?
To tell you the truth, I had forgotten what a fantastic view of the Bay this restaurant has. We arrived for a 7:30 p.m. reservation. There would be 6 of us for dinner.
The views from the inside are towards the Bay. The bar is indoors and there are plenty of tables and seating available. Later in the evening the music and dancing would begin.
Al fresco dining with friends…there was talk, laughter and merriment. And of course, photo opportunities as the sun started to set.
Does food relly have more flavor when eating it in the open air? Oh, I definitely think so. At IVY the setting is beautiful and the sunsets are spectacular.
All you have to do is take a seat, then take a sip of a luxurious cocktail, and finally take a taste of their unique offerings.
If you decide to eat al fresco remember that you will be on their beach, so wear your comfortable shoes or sandals.
The menu was divided into Little Bites, Cool and Leafy, Big Bites….And then…dessert. The Little Bites are great for trying different things tapas style.
Our table ordered a little bit of eveything.
From the Little Bites:
The Portabella Pate with truffles, cherry, and ginger.
The Godzilla Shrimp…colossal tempura’d shrimp with seaweed, wasabi and ginger.
The Hamburger Slider….even though it was a slider it was a generous portion.
The Herb Crepe was presented beautifully. It had crab and shrimp and lemon aioli. This was a cold dish. My fellow diners that ordered it liked it but would have preferred it warm. Just a suggestion.
From the Cool and Leafy, a Bib Lettuce Salad with bell, tomato, pickled red onion, pine nuts with an Old Bay vinaigrette. It was light and it was also large enough for sharing.
Big Bites…these were traditional size entrees.
Crab Cake…Jumbo lump, fresh lemon herb tarter, corn and tomato saute.
Ratatouille…for those vegetarian ones and perfect at this time of the year with so many veggies available….tomato, squash, eggplant, zucchini, thyme and chevre polenta.
The Halibut with cauliflower, Madras broth, coconut lime, and microgreens. Very light and mild.
The Scottish Salmon had a spicy jamaican jerk, tamarind glaze over rum flamed pilaf. Loved it!!
No dessert was ordered because we were perfectly satisfied…another time.
Talk to you later…and in the meantime enjoy the sunset!!
August 28th, 2015
In 2006, the city of Lewes was selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations”, and was named a “Preserve America Community”. Founded in 1631, by the Dutch, Lewes is Delaware’s oldest settlement, earning it the nickname of “The First Town in The First State”.
So, What’s Going on this week-end?
Saturday, 8/29 – Historic Lewes Farmers Market…Location? The Lewes Historical Society Complex at 110 Shipcarpenter St. Love this market. Demonstrations during the morning…9 a.m. Maurice Catlett, Executive Chef at Fish On! in Lewes will prepare fried green tomatoes with spicy shrimp salad and blue cheese. Love fried green tomatoes! http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org
Saturday, 8/29 – Brews by The Bay 2015…This is the second year for this event. Experience the only Bi-State Beer Festival in the Country. Live music, 20+ breweries, local food, and yard games on each side. Taste the best new craft beers from both Delaware and New Jersey. Where? The Cape May Terminal from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and the Lewes Terminal from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Better yet, buy a discounted combo ticket and take the ferry to both fests and decide which state has the best new brew for you. Prices: $48.25 for NJ only and Delaware only. $74.50 for both Plus a roundtrip ferry ride!! Special reduced rates for designated drivers. Please note that no alcohol or samples can be carried on the ferry. Beverages are available for sale on the ferry. More info? Please visit http://www.capemaylewesferry.com.
Saturday, 8/29 – Free Deck Tour of the Kalmar Nyckel. Join the crew. Kids can ring the ship’s bell. Please call 302-645-2791 or visit http://www.kalmarnyckel.org.
Saturday, 8/29 – Live Music at Bethany Blues, Lewes at 18385 Coastal Highway, http://www.bethanyblues.com/lewes Entertainment begins at 8:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Stop by and listen to Captain Blue’s Bluegrass Band. CJ and the Band lead the way with Americana/Folk Bluegrass! Check them out at http://www.reverberation.com/captainbluemusic
Sunday, 8/30 – Yoga in the Park at Lewes Canalfront Park on Front Street from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. Every Sunday until September 6th. Sessions are by Dimitra Yoga. Tel. 302-645-2795 or visit http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org
Sunday, 8/30 – A Pirate Sail on the Kalmar Nyckel from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Sail the Tall Ship of Delaware. Join the captain and the crew of salty pirates for a festive experience on the high seas. $60 for adults and $40 for children 7 years of age and under. Meet at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal Public Pier. http://www.kalmarnyckel.org
August 25th, 2015
After a very satisfying dinner at Sello’s in Ocean City, Maryland, we took off for Ocean Downs Racetrack & Casino. This has been a racetrack for 66 years. We were looking forward to a nice evening of harness racing and a little gambling, as well. Don’t worry our bets were very conservative. Address 10218 Racetrack Rd. Tel. 410641-0600
Casino at Ocean Downs has 800 slot machines and electronic table games, like Crabs, Blackjack, Roulette and Poker. For more information please visit http://www.oceandowns.com.
At the game tables you will play against a virtual croupier. You have to be 21 years old and please play responsibly.
A Trotter or a Pacer? The Trotter moves a right leg and a left leg forward at the same time; his right front and left rear, then his left front and right rear. The Pacer moves both legs on the same side of his body forward at the same time.
Running horses gallop, moving both front legs forward and then both rear legs forward.
At the racetrack children are allowed to come in if accompanied by an adult. You must be 18 or older to place a wager (bet). Four wagers are available: Win, Place, Show Exacta, and Big Triple.
When you wager (bet), you are not betting against the track, but against everyone who is making that type of wager in that race. Post time is 7:20 p.m.
All of us won some money on that beautiful evening. We laughed…we were there to have fun. First I started picking the horses traditionally….by their starts. Then, I said the heck with this, it is going to be by the names. Their names were just too good to pass.
Here are some of the names: What I say Goes, Girlfriend Bash, Givetheladyabeer, Fashion Villager, Gimmesomeroom, Feelingmightygood, A Wild Impulse, Big Is Better, Howsaboutakiss, Shessoserene, Well Maid.
There were 11 races on Sunday evening. You can watch these races every Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday through September 4th.
Please visit the website http://www.oceandowns.com/racing.php for other events going on. On August 27th The Clydesdale Horses will appear.
Certainly a lot of fun with great friends…priceless!!
August 20th, 2015
Walking the High Line meant that my friend, Cindi, and I would be walking all those “indispensables” New York City has to offer…from Str-eat food to fine dining, and a few cocktails along the way.
The High Line is a New York City Park, maintained and supported by the Friends of the High Line, http://www.thehighline.org.
In 1934 as part of the West Side Improvement Project, the High Line opened to trains. It was designed to go through the center of blocks, rather than over the avenue, carrying goods to and from Manhattan’s largest industrial district.
In 2002-2003 the High Line’s preservation and re-use began.
In 2005-2006, the City accepted ownership of the High Line which was donated by CSX. The groundbreaking was celebrated in April, 2006.
On September 21, 2014 the third and northernmost section of the park, the High Line at the Rail Yards, opened to the public, with a celebration for a successful 15 years of advocacy to preserve the entire structure. For more info., please visit http://www.thehighline.org/visit/#/access.
The High Line is open from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. There are public tours on Tuesday and Saturday from May through September. Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. The location? Gansevoort St. entrance, on the High Line at Gansevoort St. More info? Please call 212-500-6035.
Along the way you will see the Hudson on one side and the City on the other.
While visiting check the landscaping, and the railroad ties that are still seen and have been preserved on purpose throughout the walk.
It was a little hot last Sunday but you can take your shoes off and cool off.
Plenty of benches to take a break and the trees are now grown, giving shade on hot summer days. You will also find vendors selling cool refreshments….one of my favorites the Shaved Ice or Piraguas as they are called in Puerto Rico
The Mural…Love Is The Answer
You can’t miss it. Portraying Albert Einstein’s literal words. The street art is by Bansky, known for his social and political art commentaries that pop up around NYC.
Come Build With Us…The Collectivity Project will be at the High Line until September 30th from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. This is an installation of 2 tons of white LEGO bricks that features an imaginary cityscape conceived and designed by the public. Visitors are welcomed to play with the installation, building and rebuilding the structures over time. More info? Please visit http://www.art.thehighline.org.
So, if you are visiting the Big Apple, this is a must do activity!!
Have a good one…TTYL
August 11th, 2015
“Summer is kind of like the ultimate One Night Stand: Hot as Hell, Totally Thrilling, and Gone Before You Know It….Yes, Summer 2015 is flying by. Rehoboth Beach will continue just as busy in the Second Season, so make plans to come back to the Beach.
The day started with rain, then sun, then rain again, but the beach was crowded.
Spending a few hours in town with my friend, Jody, we noticed that The Ice Cream Store, located at 6 Rehoboth Avenue had a line. It always does. Flavors like Bacon, Beer Ice Cream. Blood Orange Mango, Dirt, Motor Oil, and Booger!! Check the other flavors by visiting http://www.rehobothbeachicecreamstore.com/flavors.htm.
They have over 100 flavors and you can customize your cone and cup. They also give samples, which is great to make sure those crazy flavors are what you are looking for. Pretty much endless possibilities. And, I have not tried them. Ice cream is my weakness and don’t want to start anything I might not be able to stop. Lol.
The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and The Boardwalk are the meeting places in Rehoboth Beach. Free Summer Concerts take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. During the day it is quiet, just the visitors taking photos, beaching, or sampling the Boardwalk Grub, on one beautiful coastal beach town. But, during the evenings when concerts are taking place, it is crowded, noisy, and you might be able to kick your shoes and start dancing.
This coming week-end check who the entertainers will be: Music begins at 8:00 p.m. More info? Please visit http://www.rehobothbandstand.com
Friday, 8/14 – Lower Case Blues – Genre? Hard Rockin Blues to New Orleans Funk with a mix of Jazz & Soul.
Saturday, 8/15 – Vinyl Shockley – Genre? This band reflects the influences that Rhythm & Blues & Hillbilly Music have.
Sunday, 8/16 – Phillip Fox Band – Genre? Southern Rock
There are so many place to eat in Rehoboth Beach, but our choice for lunch today was Dogfish Head located at 320 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-226-2739. It was so crowded that we had to wait for half hour.
You might think that that visitors come for just the beer. Maybe so, but their food is constantly good, as well. Check the website at http://www.dogfish.com.
Two orders of the Pub Salad…Seasonal lettuces, grape tomato, carrot, cukes, red onion and Midas Touch vinaigrette, topped with woodgrilled salmon. So delicious, especially when you want something light.
Jody ordered the same salad but topped it with woodgrilled chicken.
This evening, a rainbow over Rehoboth Beach!
Have a good one!!
August 6th, 2015
They say that during summer week-ends Ocean City, Maryland hosts between 320,000 and 345,000 vacationers. Up to 8 million visitors annually. Businessman Isaac Coffin built the first beach-front cottage in 1869 in order to receive paying guests. Guests would arrive by stage coach and ferry. The idea was to fish off the shore, and to enjoy the beautiful and long strip of sandy beach. As it happens, soon after, others followed his lead and built houses on the strip of sand. Then the development came as businessmen were attracted to the area. Two hundred and fifty lots were cut into it; a corporation was formed to help with the development of the land. And, the corporation stock of 4,000 shares were sold for $25 each. The rest is history.
There is plenty to do in Ocean City. The beach is so wide and very clean. Early in the a.m. already visitors choose their spots. Umbrellas up and they are all good to go.
I was spending 24 hours in O.C. with my friend, Cindi. She and I were going to enjoy some of the activities that visitors love in this coastal resort. We were staying at the Sahara Motel. Oceanfront at the Boardwalk’s edge. The Sahara Motel is located at 19th St. and Boardwalk. It does have a very popular Cafe open for breakfast and lunch. Tels. 410-289-8101, 1-800-638-1600. Website? http://www.saharamotel.com.
The Sahara Motel is a sister motel to: Beachmark Motel, Tides Motel, Executive Motel, and Empress Motel & Apartments. You can choose oceanfront, oceanview, poolside, west or tower building. To see the other motels, please visit http://www.bestmotels.com.
The Ocean City Boardwalk is 2 1/4 miles. Early in the a.m. walkers, bikers, and joggers take the opportunity to exercise while having the best view in town.
Sand Sculpting in OC
Just remember to touch at the end of the boardwalk to make sure your walk counts.
Turning around we went off for another 2 1/4 miles. The Boardwalk was waking up.
You can still find some of those cottages that make you say Oh, So Cute!! On the Boardwalk!
If you get tired of walking the Boardwalk, hop on the tram. $3/person one way, but there are other deals available if you are spending the week. Please visit http://www/ocbound.com/boardwalk-tram.
The 42nd Annual White Marlin Open takes place this time of the year. August 3 – 7. It is the World’s Largest Billfish Tournament with a purse of about $3.8 million dollars. This year there were 370 boasts registered. One of the activities for spectators is to go every afternoon to the Harbourside Marina to attend the weigh-in from 4 p.m. until 9:15 p.m. Balancing the tip of the scale can make you a winner of lots of money. Harbourside Marina is at 14th St and the Bay. It gets crowded. You can shop because there are plenty of vendors and you can also have something to eat and a few drinks, as well.
I bought the 2015 T-shirts but then we found a gentleman wearing one from 1988 when the purse was only $50,000.
It was a beautiful evening with plenty of boats in the marina and some were already getting ready for the next day of fishing.
The waiting was over. Only 5 boats went out on Tuesday because of the 10 foot seas. Finally, one of the boats, The Mahi, came in with a tuna. The weight was 19 1/2 lbs. If it had been 20 lbs. it would have won $12,000.
Friday, August 7th, is the last day. If you want more info., please visit http://www.whitemarlinopen.com/info/for-spectators.
Late night dinner at Longboard Cafe located at 6701 Coastal Highway was a good choice. They are open for lunch and dinner. A casual atmosphere, you may eat outdoors on their deck or inside. Tel. 443-664-5639. Website? http://www.longboardcafe.net.
We sat at the better where we were able to see a very fast and busy bartender doing his best to keep everyone very well hydrated.
Chris Button was entertaining the patrons and he was excellent.
A Grilled Caesar for Cindi and I…it was good and plenty for sharing.
Halibut Mediterranean style for me with tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, lemon, wine and garlic pan sauce. Nice white fish with a mild flavor. Fish comes in fresh every day.
Cindi’s Wild Caught Salmon Filet was also very good…teriyaki sriracha lacquer, field greens, avocado, roasted corn, grape tomato, and a balsamic drizzle.
No need for dessert…
Getting up at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday to go to the inlet and wish all those boats good luck was tough. But we did it. Hundreds of boats went out on Wednesday.
Walking the OC Boardwalk to get energy for breakfast at Barn 34 located at 3400 Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-289-5376. Website? http://www.barn34oc.com.
Mary Anne, Mike, and Michael….The Lawsons!! Great to chat with them and to see them doing so well. Barn 34 is open year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is casual…with a very friendly staff.
Cindi had The Beach Babe…Scramble eggs with sauteed onions, potato, red peppers, chorizo, stuffed into a flour tortilla, and topped with salsa and cheese. Yum!!
I was sold the moment I heard that one of their specials was the Fried Green Tomatoes Benedict…..So delicious, the tomatoes perfectly cooked and seasoned. Grits!!
It was time to head back to Rehoboth Beach….24 Hours in OC went by so quickly but that happens when you are in good company and having fun. Until next time!! Thanks Cindi!
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