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!!
 
April 21st, 2015
 
Milton, Delaware, is located on the Broadkill River and many years ago it was a very important shipbuilding community. The river runs through this town. The European settlers of the 17th and 18 centuries used this river as a means of transportation.
Many shipyards were eventually located in Milton.
Vaudeville was one of the most popular types of entertainment in North America from 1880’s until the early 1930’s. The performances were separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill. It came to be called “the heart of American show business”.
 
The Milton Theatre is located in Downtown Historic Milton, at 110 Union St. It was built in 1910 and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Milton. In the 1930’s it was this community’s art deco movie house, featuring silent films, and the “talkies”.
I first “discovered” this theatre in 2010. Today, I think it is a beautiful gem. It is the home of the Premiere Centre for The Arts. Website? http://www.pcade.com Telephone? 302-684-3038 Milton has a fast growing arts community. The Premiere Centre for The Arts is bringing live theatre, films, comedy nights, summer arts camp, Broadway Baret Night…they are busy in Milton and just as busy in Middletown, at 27 Anderson St., Tel. 302-378-1384. Please make sure to check the website for the schedule of events.
Jody and I arrived last Friday to see the production of Assisted Living: The Musical…How The Older Half Lives! It was so funny and…a full house in attendance!!
New seats are arriving at the beginning of May. Check some of the Coming Attractions: http://www.pcade.com
Wednesday, 4/23 – Damnation, a film odyssey across America explores the sea change….
Friday, 4/24 – Comedy Night with Corey Alexander, Mike Adams, and Chuck Bonner at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. Enjoy a night of fun and laughter. There will be a Cash Bar.
Thursday, 4/30 – Delaware Tech Student Multimedia Art Showcase
Sunday, 5/3 – Dover Day Princess Tea
Sunday, 5/3 – Psychic Mediums Deanna Fitzpatrick and Ursula Darby
Saturday, 5/9 – Milton Theatre’s Broadway Cabaret, an Autism Friendly Performance at 2 p.m. The cast will sing and dance in a review of your favorite Disney and Broadway music.
Please remember that The Milton Theatre can be rented for parties, including character parties, and other events, as well.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later.
April 6th, 2015
I don’t even know when I decided to put recipes for Meatless Monday. Some Mondays I do not follow this global movement. But others, like tonight, made me want to construct a Bean Burger….The recipe is stolen, adding my own twist.
Meatless Monday started in 2003, launched in association with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It has been catching on. The movement is active in about 36 countries. Every nation brings its uniqueness…culture, customs, and cuisine to the table in meat free dishes. To learn more, please visit http://www.meatlessmonday.com.
Monday is the chosen day because we see it as the beginning of the week. I get it, I get it….I always start my diets on Monday. It is a fresh start. Yeah, and at times is downhill from Monday on.
This recipe is so easy. A little bit of this and a little bit of that. I am sure you can make it your own, as well.
A BLACK BEAN BURGER FOR MEATLESS MONDAY
2 cans black beans, divided, rinsed and drained (I bought low sodium beans)
1 small chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 minced garlic clove
2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (optional)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons oil for frying pan (your preferred oil)
3/4 bag of frozen peas and carrots
1 cup panko (I bought Chipotle Panko)
2 eggs
Puree 1 can beans, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Mine looks a little chunky because I do not own a food processor. The blender was a pain, but I did it, somewhat.
To the burger mixture, add the other can of beans, the peas and carrots, the panko and the eggs. Mix to combine.
Heat a skillet to medium heat.
In the meantime form the burger patties.
Place them in two batches in the skillet and cook until browned. About 4 minutes on each side.
Serve on rolls….I chose this Pretzel Roll. Add lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard and avocado.
Or serve on a salad if you are not eating carbs.
Enjoy!!
March 14th, 2015
“Filled with mingled cream and amber I will drink that glass again. Such hilarious visions clamber Through the chambers of my brain–Quaintest thoughts queerest fancies Come to life and fade away; Who Cares how time advances? I am drinking ale today.” edgar allan poe
Those thoughts in mind brought my friend, Cindi, and I to Dogfish Head located at 320 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-226-BREW. Website? http://www.dogfish.com. What in the world? A line to get in? It was noon on Friday, the 13th of March. Rehoboth Beach is crowded. Spring Break, and a destination to Rehoboth Beach.
 
An unveiling of Sick Cider…only 100 growlers….numbered, as well. The Cider was strong. Oh yes, we bought one….$20.
Growlers carry fresh beer from a brewery to one’s house. In the late 1800s and 1900s beer was carried from the local pub to one’s home by means of a small galvanized pail. Local lore has it that when the beer sloshed around the pail, it created a rumbling sound as the CO2 escaped through the lid, thus the term “growler” started. Growlers are filled straight from the tap and are sealed with a twist-cap.
Dogfish Head has a list of growlers….the restaurant was crowded, the Weekend of Compelling Ales and Whatnot was a sold out event as it is every year. This group was definitely ready. We were having lunch on the second floor. It was loud and lively!
 
The first floor is usually set up with tables, but for this week-end events the tables were taken out. On Friday the local brewers were going to get up close and personal with the guests. Later in the evening live entertainment until closing time.
This restaurant is a must stop when visiting Rehoboth Beach…..first, because the starting of the brewery has been a huge success. From humble beginnings to being nationally recognized. The food is good too!! The retail shop has souveniers for all those beer aficionados on your list.
You can tour the Dogfish Head in Milton, just up the road. Visit the website for the tour schedules.
Growler on our table….Namaste for Cindi. Namaste is a Belgian style white beer. It is made with dried organic orange slices, fresh cut lemongrass and a bit of coriander. A refreshing and thirst quenching beer!!
An order of the Pub Salad topped with woodgrilled salmon…and their “Midas Touch” vinaigrette. Very good!!
Cindi’s Woodgrilled Salmon sandwhich was also very well received.
A sweet ending of Ancho Chili Churro Bites…with dipping sauces of Mexican Chocolate, Nutmeg Creme Anglaise, and an Ancho Chili Honey with just the right amount of kick.
EVENT
Monday, March 30th is the Annual Benevolence Day, when Dogfish Head closes for the day and all employees help Habitat for Humanity!! Please visit http://www.dogfish.com in case you would like to sign up and help. Helping Habitat for Humanity at 621 and 625 Washington Avenue in Ellendale, DE 19941 at 9:00 a.m.
Rain has stopped and the beaches are warm tonight.
February 6th, 2015
 
What temperature to serve beer? It has to do with one’s preference….mine? I love it ice cold….with a side of steamed crabs!!
The Rehoboth Beach Film Society and the Lewes Historical Society are co-presenting Delmarva Connections. This is a 3-part film series that explore connections to the region around us. The final event of the 2015 series takes place on Friday, March 6th at 7:00 p.m. with a screening of the film, “Brewmore Baltimore” at The INN at Canal Square, 122 West Market Street in Lewes, Delaware.
For those comming to the Delaware Beaches for a week-end of fun and relaxation, March is a wonderful month at the beach. So, I am giving you plenty of time to make plans because this documentary is worth seeing if you are a beer aficionado.
 
This informative domentary chronicles the story of one of the most vibrant and popular industries in the U.S…..BEER!! With nealy one billion in annual sales, the U.S. beer market is growing rapidly. At its peak, in the early 1900s, the brewing industry in Baltimore distributed products by over 40 distinct breweries, and National Brewing Company was a producing over 1 million barrels per year. Although the industry declined, it made a resurgence in the mid-1980s and microbreweries started opening in neighborhoods throughout the city. “Brewing Baltimore” takes us on a journey through Baltimore’s past and present as historian Maureen O’Prey guides us through the city’s rich brewing history. We learn about the old stalwarts of the trade and are introduced to Baltimore’s newes set of modern day brewers. A review on http://www.baltimorepostexaminer.com says “When the film ends, it feels much like the introduction to something much larger. It’s like it’s setting up some grand adventure that is just beginning.” When you open the website above mentioned, put Brewmore Baltimore on the Search.
A post film discussion will be led by filmmaker Nicholas Kovacic and Baltimore historian Maureen O’Prey. Admission for this event is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.rehobothfilm.com, or by calling the Rehoboth Beach Film Society at 302-645-9095, ext. 1.
RBFS’ mission: To promote cinematic arts and to provide educational and cultural enrichment for our community. The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival will be November 11-15, 2015….mark your calendars!!
Have a good one!!
Note: My photos are from The Boulder Beer Company in Boulder, Colorado, and Dogfish Head in Milton, Delaware….both tours are excellent!!!
January 26th, 2015
The aroma of Indian food; coriander, curries, dry red chillies, turmeric, fennel….sooo good. Only a few Indian restaurants in Delaware and one of them, Flavor of India, is located at 348 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Tel. 302-677-0121. Website? http://www.flavorofindiade.com. It is in the same building with a separate entrance from the Motel 8. Believe me, the restaurant is really good.
They are open 7 days a week. Dine in or take out.
Stopped to pick up some take-out and gave Tony the news that my husband, John, had passed away on August 31, 2013. He was truly shocked and could not believe it. John and I enjoyed eating at Flavor of India and also enjoyed talking to Tony.
I picked up Lamb Saagwala, which had lamb pieces and fresh spinach cooked in an Indian spicy herbal sauce. I also picked up some Lamb Pasanda, an authentic dish from northern India. In northern India the curries are thick and the gravies are very creamy. The basmati rice is awesome with a rich aroma…..you cannot find that rice in Rehoboth Beach…Flavor of India have their own connections.
In the past when dining in I have ordered the pappadom, which is like a flat bread. Sauces are brought to the table for dipping. You can also eat it by itself.
And dishes like the Goat Masala, which my husband loved. Most of the goat dishes have a bone.
And, Lamb Zafrani…one of my favorites.
I took home for dessert Gajar Halwa, which is mainly made with carrots….sweet and very interesting taste. Have had it before and still like it. Served warm.
The sense of taste is so acute and amazing….trying the foods from northern India with so many different spices, each hitting at the right time. So, if you have a craving for Indian food, or just want something different, go and visit Tony at Flavor of India. I keep telling him they should open a restaurant in Rehoboth Beach.
Note: Flavor of India continues to receive awards for being a true representation of Indian food with great service, delicious food, and reasonable prices. They are also aware of customers with gluten free allergies.
January 26th, 2015
Meatless recipe….but the day is perfect for a nice hot chili!!
This recipe is totally stolen. Cannot take any credit for it. It is a recipe from Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa. It comes out so good and it can be served by itself, or, as a side dish for meat, chicken or fish. I have served it with a Turducken and I just served it for Christmas Eve dinner with my small standing rib roast from Hickman’s in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Spinach Gratin and sliced tomatoes on the side…yummy! It is by no means a low fat, low cal recipe but some adjustments can be made….substitute the butter for something lighter. The heavy cream can be half and half, and the milk can be low fat, as well.
SPINACH GRATIN
4 tablsps. usalted butter
4 cups yellow onions, chopped
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp nutmeg, grated (I used ground)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups milk
5 10-ounce packages of frozen spinach, defrosted
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Kosher salt (optional)
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until translucent. About 10 minutes. Add the flour and nutmeg and cook stirring for a few more minutes, making a roux. Add the cream and milk and cook until thickened.
Squeeze as much liquid as you can from the defrosted spinach. Add the spinach to the sauce. Then, add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese and mix it well. Season with salt and pepper if you want to.
Transfer the spinach to a baking dish, 9 x 13, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 Parmesan and the Gruyere on top. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy!!
I made this recipe gluten free. Please grate your cheeses to make sure there are no additives containing gluten.
January 20th, 2015
My tiny bag of pearled barley is part of my decor….does not fit in any cabinet. Barley has a low glycemic index. It is also the highest in fiber of all the whole grains.
Check this recipe out!! It is a Stolen Recipe…not my own, even though I usually try to make recipes my own…in this particular recipe the lettuce used was not the one suggested. It worked out just fine.
BARLEY WALDORF SALAD
3/4 cup pearled barley
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (I used non-fat yogurt, instead) Anything to help the battle of the bulge.
3 tablespoons light mayo
1/4 teaspoon of finely shredded lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest (This was an extra addition, it gave it a better lemony taste.)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sugar (I used Stevia.)
1/4 teaspoon of Sea Salt
1 1/2 cups seedless gred graves, halved (I bought the smaller seedless ones.)
2/3 cup corsely chopped red apple
1/2 cup finely sliced celery
lettuce….Any leaf lettuce will do. The recipe called for 8 leaves of butterhead, Boston or Bibb lettuce. I tore my lettuce leaves.
1/4 cup walnuts and walnut pieces….toasted
In a large saucepan toast pearled barley over medium to low heat for about 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring. Add 4 cups of water. You can also cook it in unsalted chicken broth, like I did. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 40 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse. Set aside to let it cool off.
The rest of the ingredients are just an easy assembly.
In a large bowl combine yogurt, mayo, lemmon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Stir in cooked barley, grapes, apple and celery.
Toast the walnuts in a medium heat over the stove, in a frying pan.
To serve, spoon barley mixture over your choice of lettuce. Sprinkle with walnuts and garnish with the shredded lemon peel.
I thought it was great….one of my sons thought it was okay!! You decide.
Have a good one!! Quiet day on Silver Lake in Rehoboth Beach.
 
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