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Archive for the ‘General’ Category

July 22nd, 2010

Annie’s Banannies, Rehoboth Beach, Bananas, Dessert, Fresh Fruit Toppings, Review, Delaware Beaches

 

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Okay Renee, I got it.  Totally a fan now.  I can see why you go there every day and have one of Annie’s Banannies.

And, Mac, you are also a regular and you were not kidding when you told me it is the best dessert in town.

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The friends who mentioned that Annie’s Banannies is their favorite place.  I did not know they also knew Mac.

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The word is spreading; how good this dessert is.  Word of mouth again is a powerful tool.

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Annie’s Banannies is my post tonight.  I went twice to their location on 9 1st Street South in downtown Rehoboth Beach.  If you are a local or a resident and know the town well, Annie’s Banannies is one door down from the Frogg Pond.  The telephone is 302-260-9875.  The website is www.anniesbanannies.net. The e-mail address is anniesbanannies@comcast.net.

Please check the website because the menu is posted, as well as Annie’s story; on how finally her store was realized; a tender and uplifting summary of what Annie is all about.  It is her own creation!!

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Her motto?  You’ll never dream….it’s not ice cream.

All natural ingredients that are good for you.  The main ingredient?  A frozen banana that will be put through a “juicer” and the outcome is like the most delicious ice cream.  Soft, not overly sweet.  There are no refined sugars used; fruit purees are sweetened with agave nectar.  The toppings range from fruits to nuts.

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Annie’s Bananies is also an eco-friendly company.  The cups and straws are made from corn; the spoons from potatoes.  All cups, desserts spoons, straws, and napkins are biodegradable and organic products are chosen when available.

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Annie’s Banannies is sensitive to those customers with nut allergies.  Plenty of Banannies that are vegetarian, vegan and gluten free, are available.

I decided to go with the Bunchberries.  This one is made with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberry puree.  It was gluten free and vegetarian/vegan friendly.

I kept watching how they just put a couple of frozen bananas in the juicer and the transformation was underway. Could not get over it.  It was so good and refreshing.  On a hot day like today it was the best prescription.

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On my second trip, the Tropical Banannie was ordered.  It had fresh mango, pineapple and coconut flakes.  Again, it was gluten free and vegetarian/vegan friendly. Loved it just as much.

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So, yes, I am hooked……Hours of operation are:  Mondays – Wednesdays from 3 – 11 p.m. and Thursdays – Sundays 11 – 11 p.m.

Talk to you later….you know I will.

July 22nd, 2010

Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Activities, Recreation, Children’s Playground, Delaware Beaches

 

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Hot weather, at the beach, but could we get a bit of shade?  Grove Park might be the answer if you are visiting Rehoboth Beach.  The Park is located at Columbia and Grove Street, right by the roundabout and behind the Chamber of Commerce.  Need information?  Please call 302-227-4648.

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Great facilities for kids and just plain relaxation for yourself.  Reading, sitting or taking a break from jogging or walking.

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On Mondays and Wednesdays at the Park you will find:

Pre-School Arts & Crafts – 12 years and under.  Instructors:  Regina LeGates and Tammy Serman (6/28 – 8/30)

Youth Arts & Crafts – 12 years and up.  Instructors:  Monique Bamforth and Stephanie Shuttleworth (6/30 – 9/1)

Program Info:  Time: 10 – 11 a.m. at the Grove Park.  10 classes.  Please be on time to guarantee participation as class materials are limited.

Also, please participate in your own age group and only attend one program.

 

On Tuesdays:

Grove Walking & Jogging Club – All ages.  Instructor:  Doris Hicks.  Time:  6 – 7 p.m.  10 workouts (6/29 – 8/31).  Walk or Jog for the “Health” of it.  For mor info. please visit www.eteamz.com/thegroveclub/.

 

Talk to you later… have a great day!!

July 21st, 2010

Lavender Fields, Milton, Delaware, Lavender Farm, Lewes Farmers’ Market, Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market

 

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I don’t even remember how many years it has been since I visited Lavender Fields.  Some weeks ago, a friend mentioned the farm.  On Tuesday, when I visited the Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market, there they were.

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I chatted a bit and if you would really want to know more about hours of operation and what this working farm is all about, please visit www.lavenderfieldsde.com.  They also have a blog www.lavenderfieldsfarm.blogspot.com.  The address is 18864 Cool Spring Rd., Milton, DE 19968.  E-mail is info@lavenderfieldsde.com. Telephone is 302-684-1514.

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From Rt. 1 North or South, take Rt. 9 and 404 West toward Georgetown, travel 4 miles, just before the railroad tracks take a left on Cool Spring Rd.  Travel 7/10 of a mile to Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor LLC (#18864), on the right. 

Lavender Fields is a historic 5 acre property that dates to 1776.

Everything is done by hand from planting to harvesting.  Lavender is easy to grow in and around the Delmarva Peninsula because of its favorable climate and soil.

The herb, has calming properties; it can also be used for cooking.

This farm hosts tour groups, luncheons, teas and special events.  Please give them a call and check the website for all kinds of great information.

You will find Lavender Fields on Saturdays at the Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market located at Shipcarpenter and 3rd St. from 8 until Noon.

On Tuesdays you will find them at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market located at Grove St. Park from 12 until 4 p.m.

 

Talk to you later….have a good one…

July 21st, 2010

Kettle Korn, Rehoboth Beach, Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market, Popcorn, Delaware Beaches, Tuesdays, Noon until 4:00 p.m.

 

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While stopping to visit the Rehoboth Farmer’s Market I could not help to notice the man stirring the popcorn.  I remember seeing this popcorn in Delray Beach, as well.  This is Kettle Korn.

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Freshly popped in a huge kettle, it tasted delicious.  A suggestion was made that if you take it home, you can just place it in the freezer and when ready to eat, just take it out and eat it immediately.

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I had to get a tasting.  They do have free samples.  It was lightly salted with just a hint of sweetness.

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If you want to learn more about it, please visit www.kettle-korn.com, or just stop on Tuesdays, at the Rehoboth Farmers’ Market located behind the roundabout and the Chamber of Commerce.  In their 4th year, they will be there rain or shine!! 

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Have a great day!! Talk to you later…

July 20th, 2010

Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Tuesdays, Noon until 4:00 p.m.

 

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“Real Food, Real Farmers, Real Community”.  This is the first time, this summer, that I have gone to the Farmers’ Market, here in Rehoboth.  Buy fresh, buy local is their motto; yes, freshly picked or produced within 24 hours of the market.

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It was crowded and hot, hot.  The weather is unreal but we were all there.  The Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market is located right behind the Chamber of Commerce, by the roundabout, and behind Grove Park.

Besides seeing some familiar faces I was able to see the representation of some of Rehoboth’s favorite restaurants.

For more information, please check their website, www.rbfarmersmarket.com to see the vendors, calendar, newsletter, recipes, liks, map and contact information.

Remember that this market is on Rain or Shine every Tuesday from 12:00 until 4:00 p.m.

Now check out the market; flowers, vegetables, breads, salsas, etc. etc.

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Have a great day.  Stay away from the heat…and talk to you later….

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July 19th, 2010

Atomic Flying Fish, Taco Shop, Restaurant, Review, Tacos, Neptune Beach, Florida, Atlantic Beach, First Coast, North Florida Beaches

 

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Beach eateries; don’ you love them?  Those come as you are small eateries that are found in all coastal towns.  Their food is usually pretty good and the establishments are dependable.

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We saw one on Neptune Beach this past week; The Atomic Flying Fish.  Neptune Beach is right there with Atlantic Beach.  Of course, we needed to try it.  Had not read anything about it.

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The owner, very friendly and the food was very good.

Michael had the Marvelous Mahi-7, seasoned and served with shredded cheese, pico, sour cream, and black beans.

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Pico de Gallo is an uncooked condiment used in Mexican cuisine made from chopped tomato, onion and/or jalapenos or serranos, lime juice, cilantro, cucumber and even mango.  Perfect for tacos and quesadillas.

I had the Super Grouper-8, which was blackened and served with cheese and pico.  Fresh grouper!!

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All tacos were served on shredded lettuce on 8″ flour tortillas with tortilla chips.

Atomic Flying Fish is located at 309 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, FL.  Tel. 904-372-0882.  Opened Tuesdays through Sundays at 11:00 a.m.  You will find them on Facebook, as well, so check them out to see what is going on.

Some of the other tacos on the menu were:

Pineapple Shrimp-6, which was marinated wild-caught shrimp with cheese and pineapple.

Cali Fish-5, which was seasoned fresh-water catfish with shredded cheese and pico.

Alligator-7, also blackened with cheese, pico and spicy remoulade.

Soups:  Served with oyster crackers.

Stewnami which was a spicy squid and scallop bisque, sund-dried tomatoes and jalapenos.  Supposedly, creamy and delicious.

Neptune Beach Clam Chowder, with corn and blue crab.

 

It was so good that we went back again for more!!  Well, Michael did.

 

Have a great day!!…Talk to you later….

July 18th, 2010

One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa, Atlantic Beach, Florida, First Coast, North Florida Beaches

 

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This is one of those experiences that are unexpected but leave you pleasantly surprised.

I was looking for a different type of hotel while I was staying in the Jacksonville area.  I made a reservation at One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa because it was in a small beachtown and it was ocean front.  Little did I know that this hotel is known for its individualized service.  It exceeded my expectations; location, service, rooms, and of course, the beach.

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“Luxury is not just a lifestyle.  It is an art form, and only the most skillful of artists can bring it to light.  One Ocean is the first masterpiece in a collection of individualized luxury resorts known as The Gallery.”

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Yes, that’s where I ended up and at the end of my stay I hated to leave.  But, soon I will be back.

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The hotel is owned by Remington.  This is an independent hotel management company.  They build hotels, operate them or perform asset management duties.  The company is based in Dallas, Texas and for more information, please visit www.remingtonhotels.com.

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The Gallery, under which One Ocean Resort falls under, is a signature collection of luxury resorts.  They have world class accomodations, dining, spas and recreation.

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The One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa is located at One Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.  Tel. 904-249-7402.  They have a great website, so if you want more info. please visit www.oneoceanresort.com.

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The feeling I got when I entered this hotel was of serenity, the one brought by being in touch with the ocean.

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I believe the hotel only has about 6 floors.  It is, really the only high rise, if you consider that a high rise on Atlantic Boulevard.  The valet guys were great and friendly, just like the staff I encountered.  My room information was ready as I gave the valet my keys; no need to stop at the reception counter.

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They want to cater to all your needs.  One of the things that caught my attention was the Pet Menu.  Yes, you heard me.  Your pooch or cat might want to accompany you on this vacation.  They have appetizers, entrees for either one and beverages.  Plus, walking services can be arranged, as well.

Here goes the menu.  I had to blog about it.

Appetizers:  Science Diet Canned Selections, Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Paw’s Kitten Treats. Price?  $3 and $4.

Entrees for Dogs:  Schnauzer Spinach Salad with Corn and Chopped Beef, Chihuahua Chicken and Rice, which is diced chicken and steamed rice, and Open Faced Beagle Burger.  $10 each

Entrees for Cats:  Feline Tuna Carpaccio which is thinly sliced Ahi grade tuna, Siamese Salmon Filet, that being medium rare for the finicky feline, and last but not least, the Foie Gras Pate, made for only the finest breeds.  Those entrees fluctuate from $8 to $14.

Beverages for both:  Voss or Pellegrino waters.  Or, milk.

I am not kidding you, it is true.

For the humans they have a great restaurant called Azurea.  This restaurant is able to cater to all your needs, as well.  You may dine indoors, outdoors, by the pool or in the privacy of your own room.

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I hope you have had a great week-end.  Too hot, isn’t it?  Talk to you later…

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Note:  I think my Addy and her friends, Tucker, Bay, Mizzen or Aaron would love it here.

July 18th, 2010

Atlantic Beach, Florida, North Florida, First Coast, North Florida Beaches

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I have been moving around a bit this summer; Delaware Beaches, Boulder, Colorado, Puerto Rico, South Florida and for the past few days I have visited Atlantic Beach, Florida. 

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Atlantic Beach is the first town in the First Coast.  It is located in Duval County, next to Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach.  Around 13,500 people reside in this unique beach town. 

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The city of Jacksonville has the esteemed honor of having the largest urban park system (over 80,000 acres) in the U.S.  Approximately 50,000 acres have been acquired and placed into conservation parklands.  Local communities, like Atlantic Beach, and Jacksonville Beach have partnered in order to secure the acquisition of vital salt marshes that meander through the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Atlantic Beach exudes small town charm and intimate seaside tranquility.  The beach is unbelievable; wide and gorgeous, never ending.

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Throughout that northern coast I could not believe how accessible the beaches were to the public.

 Atlantic Beach is really small; the center of town is just a few blocks long.  Restaurants, shops and bars welcome its visitors. Guess what? No parking meters.

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As I walked around the streets of this beach village I could not help to think of the term I hear people mention that have resided in all these coastal towns of Florida; “it was like old Florida used to be”.  I finally saw what they meant.

The towns is simple and attractive.  The ocean front homes on Atlantic Beach are classic beach homes.  Life along the coast; “laissez faire” kind of living. Breathing that salt air, early morning walks, riding bikes, getting a suntan; just thinking about it puts me in that kind mood.

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I met Sophie on the beach.  She was just strolling with not a care in the world.  Sophie was a ferret.  She was so friendly and definitely, cute.

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I am back in Delaware now, but cannot forget the feeling that Atlantic Beach gave me.

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Talk to you later…..you know I will…

Note:  Some information for my post was taken from www.preserveflorida.org.

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