January 19th, 2010
On Monday, it was probably one of the prettiest days since we have been in Florida. Low humidity, crisp and perfect temperature.
I had to go towards West Palm Beach, which is about 25 minutes north of Delray Beach. Easy drive, especially on such a day.
I have to congratulate the City of West Palm. This city looks so nice and offers so much; water accessibility, museums, restaurants, shopping, the arts, and walking promenades. I took a drive through Flager Ave. and it really did look so pristine.
I then went towards Clematis Street which is one of the streets in West Palm where a lot of the restaurants are located and perfect for walking and window shopping as well.
I parked at the corner of Olive St. and Banyan. That’s when I met George. George works for United Parking System, right there on the corner and it was $5 to park. We immediately started a conversation. George has a wealth of information. He is retired and has been around the globe a few times. From this location he has an advantage point. He interacts with the people that park in this parking lot, whether they are driving a Ferrari or the not so expensive kind. He has a clear view of the intracoastal; he pointed out the magnificent sailboat anchored and informed me that the owner was from humble beginnings in South Africa and then diamonds were discovered in his property and the rest is history. The gentleman now rubs elbows with the wealthy but feels comfortable in his shorts and sandals at the same time.
Since I was looking for a place to eat, I decided that George probably would be a good source of information. And he was. He really is a foodie too. He pointed us to Reef Rd Rum Bar, right on Clematis. He also wanted a review.
George said that the best restaurant in the whole area, was one I could not go to. Maria from Trieste, Italy is a magnificent cook and a very classy lady. I will leave it at that. Thanks George because you made my day just by being so friendly.
We walked over to Reef Rd Rum Bar, 223 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Tel. 561-838-9099. Fax 561-838-9051.
This restaurant is owned by the Big Time Restaurant Group who owns several restaurants like City Oyster in Delray Beach, Grease, Rocco’s Tacos in West Palm, City Cellar in West Palm and New York and Big City Tavern in Ft. Lauderdale. The website is www.bigtimerestaurants.com and by visiting it you will be able to find out about each of the restaurants including menus, and other info. Each restaurant is different.
Reef Rd is very casual with a Tiki style decor. We sat outside because besides the beautiful day, there something about eating outdoors. Since it was a holiday Clematis Street was quiet but the lunch hour was comfortably crowded.
This restaurant specializes in Mojitos and has about 120 bottles of barrel aged and premium rums. Along with a relaxed atmosphere you have a menu that will cater to young and old; chowders, salads, fish, sandwiches, etc.
One of their services is Hook & Cook which means you catch it, bring it to the restaurant and they’ll cook it for you. Please call them up for more information.
Reef Rd has a frequent lunch card, which means that if you buy 5 lunches (1 stamp per visit) you will receive the 6th free.
I had a very good lunch. I ordered the Greek Salad with the Crispy Grouper on top. The salad was good but the grouper made it better. This fish was perfectly seasoned and the batter was just so light; the fish was moist and fresh. Loved it.
I have mentioned before that my husband has to eat gluten free. One of the features on the menu was Fish Tacos. We asked if the shell was made out of flour or corn. Unfortunately, it was flour, but Angie, our very competent and friendly waitress, instructed the kitchen to go across the street, to Rocco’s and get corn tortillas, which are allowed on a gluten free diet. Not soon after we saw someone run over and then back with a container of the shells. I thought that was so nice and thoughtful that even if I had not enjoyed my meal I would have had to say that I did because that gesture said it all. His fish tacos, blackened, were very good and came with salad and yellow rice with beans. He said their taste was close to the first ones he had in San Diego years ago.
So, after such an enjoyable lunch we walked back and reported to George who was happy to hear we liked it and what else do I have to say but see you later…
January 17th, 2010
Guess What? There is a store with a very catchy name but not near my beaches. A little bit of a drive going north from the Delaware Beaches. It is Everything but the Kitchen Sink, located at 425 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, DE 19707. Tel. 302-239-7066. Website is www.thekitchensink.com. On Monday, January 18, they will be having an “Early Morning Madness Sale”. It will start at 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. They will be awarding 30% off or more on everything, but some exclusions apply. All sales will be final, as well. Visit the website above mentioned because it is the type of store that would appeal to both, men and women.
Lewes
Saturday, January 23rd – You are cordially invited to enjoy “On Anita Peghini-Raber’s Art” – A Splash Vernissage, which is a new video Opera to benefit The Cape Henlopen Food Basket. It will be at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Second Street and Market Street. in downtown Lewes. $15 suggested minimum donation at the door and/or a non-perishable foot item. For tickets please call 302-227-1737 or 302-226-4851. Visit www.rehobothart.com and www.guillermosilveira.com.
Rehoboth Beach
Friday, January 22nd – Monthly Screenings, sponsored by the Rehoboth Film Society, are films and discussions about the various cultures of our world, including the ones in our own country. They are held the 4th Friday of each month and begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Upstairs Screening Room at the Movies at Midway located at the Midway Shopping Center, Rt. 1 or Ocean Highway. Tel. 302-645-0200. Website is www.rehobothfilm.com. Sugar is the featured screening. It follows the story of Miguel Santos, a.k.a. Sugar, a Dominican pitcher from San Pedro de Macoris, struggling to make it to the big leagues and pull himself and his family out of poverty….
Delray Beach, Florida
Tuesday, January 19th through Saturday, January 23rd – Palm Beach Poetry Festival – All Day. It will be held at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton, Delray Beach, FL 33444. It is the 6th Annual Palm Beach Poetry Festival. Poetry readings and workshops featuring an impressive line-up of national, award-winning poets. Website www.palmbeachpoetryfestival.org. On-line tickets are available.
Wednesday, January 20th – Cabaret from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Crest Theatre located at 51N. Swinton in Delray. Box Office is 561-243-7922, ext. 1. Website is http://www.oldschool.org/performances.asp. “Wilkommen!, Bienvennue!, Welcome!” Is the National tour of the 12-time Tony award-winning Kander and Ebb musical. Leave your troubles at the door and travel deep into the decadent life of 1929 Berlin.
Thursday, January 21st – Healthy Living Series, “Meditation for Stress Reduction” presented by Jim Bandler. This will be held at the Delray Beach Library, 100 West Atlantic Ave., at 2:00 p.m. Tel 561-266-0194.
Saturday, January 23rd – GreenMarket from 8 a.m. until 1p.m. at SE 4th Ave., just south of Atlantic Ave. Local goods like breads, oils, vinegars, flowers, and much more.
Saturday, January 23rd – Dance Hip Hop Competition at Atlantic High School on 2455 W. Atlantic Ave. 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. For more info. contact Rhonda Williams at 561-243-7356. Admission for spectators will be $10.
Have a nice week and talk to you later….
January 16th, 2010
“One of the nicest things about life, is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.” Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright could not have said it better.
Friday, in Delray Beach, lunch was on my mind and my target was the newly opened The Office. Yes, they just opened a week ago. Right on Atlantic Ave. and close to its sister restaurant, Vic & Angelos, which I reviewed on September 29th. You can read that review by clicking on the month of September on the left hand side of this blog and scroll down.
The exact address of The Office is 201 East Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. 561-276-3600. Website is www.theofficedelray.com and the e-mail address is info@theofficedelray.com.
The Office is a Gastropub. But what is this concept? A Gastropub’s main concern is quality food. It is a combination of pub and gastronomy. Gastronomy being the study of the relationship between culture and food. Sometimes the concept of a restaurant in a pub brings criticism because it removes the character of traditional pubs, which are mainly drinking establishments.
That been said, I want to tell you that today was a truly beautiful day. It has been so chilly in South Florida that everyone was eating outside, walking and just enjoying the warm breeze.
All the restaurants on the Avenue were crowded. Aren’t we supposed to be in a recession? Really, I could not get over it.
I think you would like The Office. It is a very open restaurant and it does have a library kind of feel when you come in. Wood panels and books are part of the decor. Interesting were the postal boxes; I am not sure if they were for decoration or if they kept the silverware in them. A large bar is one of the main attractions. You can access the bar from the sidewalk, as well. Well thought out.
There is outdoor seating, but the only available table was inside. Tables were near one another, but I did not mind that.
Craig was our waiter and he was very good. Ask for him if you visit the restaurant. He was prompt, friendly and anticipated what we wanted.
The silverware was inside a business envelope. The menu was presented in a very large manila envelope. On the front, the list of everything you can eat was posted. The rest; alcoholic beverages.
I have to mention that they do have one of Delaware’s own Dog Fish Head; 60 Minute, IPA and the other beer that caught my attention was from Frederick, Maryland; Flying Dog Old Scratch.
The menu is divided as follows:
Office Supplies are the starters. Go Green are salads. Al Desco are burgers (a specialty of the house), Outlook are specials of the week, the Bottom Line are the entrees and Action Items are the Sides. For each type of alcoholic beverage you will also find a catchy name.
The menu also mentions that there will be no substitutions, no cry babies and no kidding. It also mentions to alert the serving staff of any food allergies. Well, of course, we did and Craig was so nice to go to the kitchen and ask the Chef if what my husband wanted to order had gluten. He wanted the Truffled Organic Deviled Eggs. No gluten on those and they were so delicious. I think next time I might have them with the Horiatiki Salad I had. This salad had heirloom tomato, cucumber, red pepper, red onion, taggiata olives, goat’s milk feta cheese and red wine vinaigrette. I think they would pair perfectly.
For lunch I had the Prime Office Cheese Burger. It was a very generous size burger with butter lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles, The Office Sauce and aged cheddar. Perfectly cooked and nicely presented. I thought it was a little salty, though. It came with the thinnest shoestring fries; very crispy, just like they should be. My son had the CEO Burger and it was named appropriately so; sweet onion, tomato confit, gorgonzola, gruyere, arugula and bacon. Is your mouth watering yet?
Glancing around the restaurant, you could watch a diverse group of people. I wondered about their stories. Are they here on vacation? Or, are they locals or natives? Is Delray Beach everything they expected this Village by the Sea to be?
The Office runs like clockwork; the owners seasoned restauranteurs, having many restaurants around the country. So, check out their website because you will find the menus and other interesting information.
And once again, just like James Beard has stated “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” Indeed it is.
Note: Info. on Gastropub was taken from http://wikipedia.org/wiki/public_house. The first picture is on the middle of The Office’s menu. I loved the way it showed.
See you around…maybe back at The Office…
January 14th, 2010
One of the best things about living in a small beach community is that it does not matter if you go into a bookstore, bake shop, coffee shop or jewelry shop, everyone seems to engage you in conversation and there is no rush. It is refreshing. The downtown retail communities in all my beach towns seem to want you to know that you are welcomed.
Some years ago I stopped by a store in downtown Rehoboth called Fun to Fine Jewelry. I think I ended up buying some Christmas presents. That store is owned by Laurie and Vince Mullay. I talked to Vince and he told me a little bit about the shop and he also said that they had one in West Palm Beach, Florida.
After the Christmas Holidays I was walking past the store and still did not stop. Last week I did because what attracted me in their windows were different bead necklaces. I will tell you about them in a minute but first let me tell you about Fun to Fine Jewelry.
The name says it all. Their jewelry is fun and edgy. It is also affordable. They also have fine jewelry, so it is a good mix.
They are located at the First Street Station, 70 Rehoboth Ave., Ste. 106, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. is 302-227-3770. Website is www.funtofinejewelry.com and e-mail address is funtofinejewelry@verizon.net
Fun to Fine Jewelry’s South Florida location is: City Place, 460 S. Rosemary Ave., Ste. 176, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Tel. is 561-805-9998 and the e-mail address is funtofinejewelry@bellsouth.net.
On-line shopping, by visiting their above mentioned website is very easy. Every piece is very well displayed. The company started in 2000. If you shop in their Delaware store or if you are sending pieces to Delaware have in mind that there is no sales tax. Otherwise, there is free shipping on all orders and free gift wrapping.
What is the attraction of beads? Definitely they are nothing new since they have been used since the Middle Ages. At that time and until the 18th century the bead trade was immense. They are usually pierced for stringing and made from different materials like wood, shell, bone, seed, nut and metal. So many different shapes, as well. At this point in time beadwork varies with fashion and it is as popular as so many thousands of years ago.
The bead necklaces I saw on the Fun to Fine Jewelry window that attracted me so much were from a company called She Beads.
The company’s address is 1824 Johns Drive, Glenview, Ill 60025. The tel. is 888-920-1923. Fax number is 847-904-7182 and the website is www.sbstore.com.
She Beads are hand rolled clay beaded jewelry. They are not painted, even though they look like they are. They are made from polymer-based clay and every single one is rolled and strong by hand. The website shows how they are made.
The founder and owner is Sandy Rueve. I don’t know her but I do have one her necklaces. A love for perennial gardening inspired her to envision this one of a kind, signature She Beads Collection.
Years ago, this mother of 2, with 3 jobs was juggling everyday life. One of her jobs was working as an X-Ray technician for the Chicago Bulls. She started her “cottage” business and began to design and sell jewelry and accessories. Apparently, it caught Michael Jordan’s eye and she designed and handcrafted beads for him; She Beads was born. Again, her whole story is in her website.
You wonder, why I am writing about her if I have not personally met her? Well, I think it is enlightening to hear how people like her want to give back. Think about it, pretty much everything you hear is bad news; economy, personal problems, bankruptcy, murders, weather disasters, etc.; this is a good one. Read on…you will see.
She Beads has selected charities and The Charity Bead Collection was developed. It is not just about donating funds, but to become supporters for education, to create that awareness, and touch people with experiences that are similar.
In her Charity Bead Collection, these beads are special and represent each individual charitable cause.
In the past years, I have had several friends with breast cancer. One of She Beads selected charity is The Pink Ribbon Girls. Pink Ribbon Girls help young women diagnosed with breast cancers. Please visit www.pinkribbongirls.org for more information.
Another chairity is The Chicago Ovarian Cancer Alliance (COCA) and Sandy called it The Teal Ribbon Beads. This company support women, family and friends with ovarian cancer. Please visit www.ovariancanceralliance.com.
The Gold Ribbon Beads are for CureSearch, which is the National Childhood Cancer Foundation. Cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children. Please visit www.curesearch.org, which is a combination of Children’s Oncology Group and the National Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Red Dress Beads – Go Red for Women. These beads are created for the American Heart Association. Need I say more? We all have been touched with a family member that has developed heart disease. Please visit www.goredforwomen.org.
The Oneness Beads – For thousands of years beads have been used in many cultures. Oneness is a foundation that promotes racial unity through the arts. Please visit www.oneness.org.
She Beads is on Facebook and Twitter, so check this company out. In the meantime if you are in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, West Palm Beach, Florida, or on the web, you can visit Fun to Fine Jewelry; they have a good representation of the She Beads collection.
See you and have a good one….
January 13th, 2010
Throughout the, “Second Season”, at the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland there are multitude of events, fairs, festivals, you name it. Too many to list; I usually list the ones that interest me the most. At this time of the year, is definitely much quieter but there are still some things going on.
In Delray Beach, Florida it is a different story. The season is getting hotter and hotter. And, thank God, because we have been here for a few days and it is pretty chilly. I will be mentioning a few of the events going on in this quaint Village by the Sea, as well.
So, here they go:
Rehoboth Beach
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – January 15, 16, and 17th – What Makes Us Tick? – It is a film and discussion series that explores the mysteries of human behavior. The 2010 series will focus on personal change. For example, how do you react when confronted with values, lifestyles, and viewpoints different than your own point of view? Are your personal biases triggered? There will be 3 films presented and each screening will end with an audience discussion about growth and change by a local mental health practitioner. The location will be at the Swan Ballroom, at the Atlantic Sands Hotel in downtown Rehoboth. Tickets are $16/film for Film Society Members and $18 for non-members. Complimentary wine, coffee, and desserts will be served prior to the screening. This event is presented by the Rehoboth Film Society and for more information on this particular screening, or if you want to check what else they have in store for the area, please visit their website www.rehobothfilm.com.
Friday, 1/15 – 7:00 p.m. – Stars Robert De Niro as a conservative, homophobic security guard, who suffers a debilitating stroke during a robbery….
Saturday, 1/16 – 2:00 p.m. – The stars of this film are: Ben Kingsley, Penelope Cruz, Patricia Clarkson and Dennis Hopper. Elegy charts the passionate relationship between a celebrated college professor and a young woman whose beauty both ravishes and destabilizes him…
Sunday, 1/17 – 2:00 p.m. – On the streets of Szechuan Province in the 1930s, the aged Wang is the King of masks, a renowned street performer and wizard of the venerable are of mask magic. He longs to pass on his technique but custom stipulates…
At the Rehoboth Art League, “Teach, Inspire, Preserve” – located just blocks from downtown Rehoboth Beach on Second St., which becomes Dodds Lane in Henlopen Acres. Website is www.rehobothartleague.org, tel. is 302-227-8408. You may also call RAL for a copy of their catalog.
RAL is a beautiful place to visit in Henlopen Acres. They are open year round and many art events, classes and displays are found in their buildings.
Some of those Winter/Spring Classes are:
Saturday, 1/16 – Intro to Digital Photography. This class will be taught by Marc Weinberg. How to get the most of a new digital camera. 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. On Sunday, January 17th this class will also be offered for ages 12-18 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Mondays until February 22nd from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. – Gentle Yoga taught by certified Yoga teacher, Kim Klabe. This is new to RAL but what a great way to relax your spirit and mind. No previous experience is required.
Wednesdays until February 10th – 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Painting the Landscape in Pastel. Go to the next level and learn to layer, blend and choose color. Taught by local pastel artist, Nick Serratore.
Wednesdays until February 24th from 9:00 a.m. until 12;30 p.m. the class will be An Introduction to Ceramics. It will include major techniques used in clay work, techniques for decorating, finishing ceramic pieces and completing the pieces. Taught by local potter, Wes Stack.
The Cape Gazette, Rehoboth Beach and Delaware Beaches local newspaper is a sponsored of the “BeachOriginals” Dining Card. This card is offered by independent restaurants in Rehoboth, Lewes, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island during the off season. It is valid through May 15, 2010 at participating restaurants. There are about 26 of these restaurants offering great deals.
How does it work? Well, you would use the card on valid days to receive a one time discount of up to $15 off the purchase of a second entree of equal or lesser value. The discount is equal to the cost of the lesser or equal valued entree, not to exceed $15. Some restrictions apply. Please visit www.delawarebeachguides.com/Beachoriginals for more information and how to purchase the dining card, or www.capegazette.com.
Ocean City, Maryland
Saturday and Sunday, 1/16 and 1/17 – Nautical and Wildlife Art Festival at the Ocean City Convention Center located on 40th St. and the Bay. It is the premiere, at the beach, presentation of nautical and wildlife artists in residence. For more info. please call 410-524-9177 or visit http://www.donaldsduckshoppe.com.
Delray Beach, Florida
Friday, 1/15 – Golden Dragon Acrobats from China – 8:00 until 10:00 p.m. – at the Crest Theatre located at the Old School Square on 51 N. Swinton, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Box Office tel. is 561-243-7922 Ext. 1.
Breathtaking acrobatics and traditional dance blend with ancient and contemporary music. This show was sold out on Broadway.
Friday – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday – 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday – 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $42 or $39 for groups of 10 or more. To purchase tickets please call the above telephone number or visit http://www.oldschool.org/performances.asp, for on-line purchases.
Saturday, 1/16 – Green Market on SE 4th Ave., just south of Atlantic. 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. This market is held every Saturday and it is a great way to start your morning. Walk around with your cup of cofee and purchase baked goods and local produce.
Saturday and Sunday – 1/16 and 1/17 – 21st Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts – Free and from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. This art festival has consistently been ranked as one of the best art affairs in the U.S. It blends long time favorites with buzz-worthy names on the contemporary art scene. The festival starts at Atlantic Ave. all the way to A1A. So, The sand…the sea…it does not get better than this. For more info. please visit www.artfestival.com.
Have a great day!! Talk to you soon…
January 13th, 2010
It is still so cold and even though I had a few events to report and a prepared post, I put them aside and thoughts of biscuits, cornbread, and muffins were dancing in my head because they are comfort foods and would be great with a good, full bodied cup of coffee. So, here they go.
Best Ever Buiscuits
2-2 1/2 cups self rising flour
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup milk
Place flour in a large bowl and make a well in the flour.
Add shortening and milk to that well in the flour.
Start mixing with your hands until flour leaves the bowl.
Flour your hands and pinch off dough to make the biscuit.
Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in the top part of the oven at 500 degrees until brown.
Church Supper Cornbread
Boil together:
3 cups boiling water
1 stick of margarine
Mix well:
2 cups white corn meal
1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
Pour boiling water mixture over dry ingredients and mix very well.
Add 1 1/2 cups cold milk. Mix.
Add 3 well beaten eggs and mix well.
Pour into a greased, floured pan (9″ x 13″).
Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour.
Beer Muffins
4 cups Bisquick
2 tblsps. sugar
1 can room temperature beer
Mix all together. Put in muffin tins and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
Remember to get some good coffee and sit back and relax…
January 11th, 2010
When I called the American Orchid Society (AOS) in Delray just a few days ago, I was not sure if they were even open. The talk last February was that this wonderful place was going to close. But, no, they told me that they are still open for business and doing well.
I have great pictures of my visit to AOS. It is an uplifting kind of place. Nothing better than the site of these orchids to wipe any blah days.
Let me tell you that the American Orchid Society is 85 years old. “The Mission of the AOS is to promote and support the passion for orchids through education, conservation, and research.”
This is the world headquarters of the AOS. The address is 16700 AOS Lane, Delray Beach, FL 33446. Tel. is 561-404-2000 and e-mail is TheAOS@aos.org. For directions, please visit the website www.aos.org and click on contact and you will find it there. It is very easy to find, whether you are coming from north or south on I-95, or the turnpike.
You really will lose yourself in these enchanting gardens. Everything is so natural, just like it should be and you will see rare orchids growing just like they would in their own habitat. 
As you come into the greenhouse, which is very large, you will start experiencing the sites and smells of these wonderful orchids. Their colors are magnificent. And so many shapes and sizes. I took so many pictures; my descriptions will do no justice.  
I only know a tiny bit about orchids. My neighbor, Pam, in Delray is an orchid aficionado and she has given me a few. Her garden is gorgeous and pretty much always in bloom.
The AOS has tours available, including lunch and learning programs. For reservations please call the number above mentioned. The gardens are open Mondays through Sundays from 10 until 4:30 p.m.
Please note that on Wednesdays there will be an Orchid Doctor on site to “diagnose” sick plants from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. On Saturdays and Sundays the Orchid Doctor will be in from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Garden tours are Saturday at 10:30 until 12:30 p.m. or by appointment.
On Saturday, January 16th from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. there will be a class called The Real Basics of Growing and Blooming Orchids. The instructor will be Ron McHatton, AOS Director of Education and Chief Operating Officer. He will teach you that orchids are not that hard to grow, once you understand what they require. This might be a good opportunity for anyone that appreciates these flowers to learn to grow their own or at least take care of the ones you might have already. For registration, please call SusanWayman at 561-404-2031.
Please visit the AOS website because it has so much information, regarding events, classes, support, and orchid information.
Hope you like the pictures. The colors look great especially at this time of the year when at the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland everything is pretty much the same color.
See you…
January 10th, 2010
For being the first week-end after New Year’s I was surprised to see that Rehoboth and Coastal Highway were crowded. I thought everyone would be pretty much worn out after all the shopping, partying, and eating.
Debbie and I were getting together for lunch. You remember her? She went kayaking with me this past summer in Fenwick Island and has been with me to some of the restaurants I have reviewed.
We ended up at Casa DiLeo on 721 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel 302-226-8660. The owner and Executive Chef is John J. DiLeo.
Casa DiLeo has been in the area for some time now. It has a big following and back in October they expanded their restaurant. This is the first time that I have seen the expansion and it looked good and certainly added more seating availability.
The hours of operation are: Mondays through Thursdays 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Any time that my friends and I get together for breakfast, lunch or dinner, we must drive the wait staff crazy. We just talk, might glance over the menu, and without missing a beat we keep on talking. We tell them to come back in a little while, many times. It’s just the way it is. But, isn’t it nice to be able to share a meal with best friends? I love it.
Casa DiLeo is a fullfledge restaurant, but I am going to be reviewing lunch time. That is why I went there today. My favorite room is really the first one when you come in. As I come in, the music is playing and I feel the welcoming atmosphere of a Italian trattoria. The colors, the prints; all add to that feeling.
A trattoria is an Italian style eating establishment, less formal than a restaurant, but more formal than a tavern. The service is casual, with the food being mostly regional and local.
Casa DiLeo has a full bar and a very good selection of wines, including the PortoVino Italian wines. Try them and let me know how you like them.
This restaurant has take out and delivery. The specialties are New York Style Pizza, Pasta, Subs, Calzone/Stromboli, Soup and Salads. For dinner, some of their offerings are: Chicken & Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken or Veal Marsala, DiLeo’s Homemade Chesse Lasagna, which is very good, DiLeo’s Homemade Meat Lasagna, which is also delicious.
I usually get the Greek Salad with their balsamic dressing. Both, Debbie and I ordered it today, but we added a slice of pizza for each of us. I had really forgotten how big their portions are. But, check the picture of one slice of NY Style Pizza. The salad was fresh, full of vegetables with a nice slice of Feta cheese on top.
Casa DiLeo has a wide variety of subs. From the traditional subs like Italian to the unique ones like Sausage Parmesan or Veal Parmesan.
The same goes for the Calzone and the Stromboli. Chef DiLeo has his own “Boli” like the DiLeo Boli which is ground beef, Italian seasonings, sauce and cheese.
Calzone? Stromboli? A Calzone is like an Italian turnover which is stuffed with tomato and mozzarella and possibly other ingredients like pizza toppings. The stromboli is a type of turnover filled with various cheeses, Italian meats and veggies. The dough is Italian bread dough.
Everyone has something to say about pizzas. Whether you like the thick or thin crust, I would have to say that Casa DiLeo has a pretty good one. They have non Premium Toppings like tomatoes, low fat cheese, mushrooms, onions, sausage, etc. and they also have Premium Toppings like Bacon, Spinach, Feta Cheese, Anchovies, Portabella Mushrooms and more.
The House Specialty Pizzas; Low Fat Veggie, Diablo Pizza (red devil-hot), Supreme (8 toppings), New York White Ricotta, Mediterranean which has feta cheese, Kalamata olives, spinach, artichokes, fresh tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil. I have had the Diablo Pizza in the past and really enjoyed it.
Casa DiLeo offers about 8 pasta sauces, so you have your pick from tomato sauce to Pomodoro (red) clam sauce.
We come to the sweet endings and how could you leave without having a Canolli with DiLeo’s homemade cream? Very popular and award winning is DiLeo’s Chocolate Mousse, and one of my favorite desserts is the Zabaglione with fresh berries. We did manage to leave without having dessert.
Zabaglione is a dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, Marsala wine or Prosecco and sometimes cream, mascarpone cheese or whole eggs. It is a very light custard.
And off we went, with a slower gait, but happy…
Another cold night in the beautiful Delmarva Peninsula…but I will talk to you later…
Note: Information on trattoria, Calzone, Stromboli and Zabaglione was taken from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/trattoria http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/calzone http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/stromboli_(food) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zabaglione
 
|
2 Comments