November 18th, 2010
The doorbell rang today and I was so surprised to receive my Turducken so fast. You see from time to time I like a little variety for my Thanksgiving dinner.
About four years or so ago I cooked my first Turducken. I heard about it from friends and immediately ordered it from a company in Louisiana. I love Cajun food and The Cajun Grocer is located in Lafayette, Louisiana. Their website is www.cajungrocer.com. The tel. is 888-272-9347. I have even given it as presents for the holidays; besides being delicious, it is also a conversation piece.
Cajun cuisine is the rustic cuisine of Louisiana with locally available ingredients; so many culinary influences are detected in cajun dishes.
If you don’t like turkey, chicken or duck then you will probably be bored to tears with this post.
And, what is a Turducken? It is a semi-boneless turkey that is stuffed with a deboned chicken or hen, that is also stuffed with a deboned duck breast.
A layer of Cajun dressing is placed between each bird. The juices from the duck and the creole pork stuffing (the one I ordered) will really add flavor to the turkey.
Since the turkey is semi-boneless, you can slice it in such a way that you get the advantage of the 3 meats. Slice it like you are slicing meatloaf.
The Cajun Grocer has a variety of stuffings. Of course, this year, I sent them an e-mail because I wanted to know which Turduckens were gluten-free. They immediately informed me that they had 3; the seafood, the vegetable and the creole pork. I chose the pork. It is now in my freezer and 48 hours prior to cooking I will defrost it in the refrigerator. I will just have to plan what side dishes to add this year.
Check the www.cajungrocer.com because they have so many other foods available for immediate shipping; gumbo, gulf shrimp, boudin, crawfish and so much more. Recipes are also available and even music.
Yes, Zydeco which is Cajun and Creole music combined from Southwest Louisiana. It is quite good.
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. I like to be home on such a special day; to give thanks for everything we have. I like a gray day; windy and cold.
I have had Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant and really did not enjoy it at all. It’s just not the same.
So, Turducken vs. Turkey? It is just a matter of taste…and who’s coming for dinner.
The other thing I will enjoy doing this year, on Friday or Saturday, after Thanksgiving is going to the Artists Studio Tour in southeastern Sussex County; the towns of Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Frankford, and Dagsboro. Both days from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
This is the 16th Annual Artists Studio Tour, which is a self guided tour of the studios of 15 of Delaware’s most talented artists and artisans. They graciously open their studios to the public and are there for you to ask questions and see what they are all about.
For more information, please visit www.artstudiotour.com.
Have a good one!!….Talk to you later…
November 17th, 2010
The other day when I was walking Addy, my pooch, I saw Sue who was walking hers. My neighborhood is a walking paradise; you can walk the distance or just a mile.
While catching up on our families Sue mentioned that she was going to Brenda’s for a jewelry party. I told her I would think about it. To tell you the truth I usually don’t go to those parties because they remind me of Tupperware parties.
That party was last night. And, even though I had told Sue I was going, by the time 4:30 p.m. arrived I was lethargic. As it got darker and more rainy I thought about not going. Lazyness, really.
But, I rebounded and off I went with Sue, picking up Jody on our way to Brenda’s. It was such a nice pleasant evening. Getting together with some old friends and making new ones along the way.
I had not idea what kind of jewelry it was going to be or the set up, etc. etc. I had never been to one. But, once I stepped into Brenda’s house I knew that a post to my blog was a must, especially, at this time of the year.
It really was more like a cocktail party where tables, counters and window sills were set up with jewelry, perfectly displayed. Whether you want to admit or not, we, women love it.
The name of the company is Stella & Dot. The company’s headquarters are in Burlingame, California. The website is www.stelladot.com.
The founder of the company is Jessica Herrin. She was a co-founder of WeddingChannel.com and has taken direct sales to another dimension.
The name of Stella & Dot comes from the grandmothers; “honoring that generation of women who crossed oceans, rolled up their sleeves, won the vote, raised kids, went off to work, and did it all with style and grace”.
Holly Gilmartin was the Stylist. She had been given a pair of earrings as a gift; wanted to know more about the company and what becoming a stylist entailed. Well, this is her job now; times have changed and so have businesses and the way we approach them or they approach us, the consumers.
If you would like to get in touch with Holly to either purchase an affordable indulgence, have her set up a party, or just for basic information, then e-mail her at hollygil@verizon.net. Holly has a marketing, retail and merchandising major and she is young and full of energy, friendly and refreshing.
I slowly tried everything they had available on display. The pieces were truly wearable. Well made with a good weight to them. Some of it was edgy and some was very feminine.
And, some pieces made a statement and were practically an outfit by themselves.
One collection was very verstile with mix and match chains, strands and brooches. It is called La Coco Collection. It is a 3 in 1; unclip to create a bracelet, necklace and brooch. They had it in gold plated and silver plated.
The brooches could be either a pin on your lapel or necklace.
The bracelets had a hinge closure with a magnet to fit small to medium wrists and were made out of resin.
The colorburst enamel cuff was bold and hand painted, gold plated in turquoise and ivory.
I was looking at a charm bracelet that was very colorful. It was called the Bloom Charm Bracelet. It came with an ivory charm with a center of Czech crystals. Then you could add more charms to it. The basic price was $39.
The Metropolitan Mixed Chain Necklace was a “menagerie of street chic chains accented with 4 unique vintage brooches that mix CZ, glass eads, mixed metals and faceted stones”. It had a toggle closure.
Bib Necklaces are so in style at the moment and this one was a hand-embroidered bib with shimmering glass beads, faux pearls and Swarovski crystals. Silk rosettes and ribbon tie closure. The cost? $198.
One necklace I thought looked pretty because of the combination of wood and hand painted turquoise enamel was sort of overlooked by some, but it really was pretty; warm wood with hand knotted silk thread.
Once an ordered is place and paid for it will be sent to your home or business in a matter of days. The packaging is beautiful, as well.
Oh, I almost forgot that there is a whole line for young girls, as well.
It really was a very enjoyable evening. Women….we are too much….talk to you later….
November 16th, 2010
“The Legendary Taste”. They have been at it for 50 years, so believe me, they have had time to perfect it. I am talking about pizza. I am on my pizza kick that started on Saturday when I woke up and thought that it had been so long since I had a real slice of pizza; a post to my blog could be the excuse to eat it.
I decided to call Grotto yesterday. It was already way past lunch time. Grotto Pizza has locations up and down our State and into Pennsylvania but I was concentrating in the main Grotto located at 36 Rehoboth Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-3278. Website www.GrottoPizza.com.
My first impression over the phone was that Mark, who took my order, was so friendly. He offered me the Customer Appreciation Deal which was a large pizza with 1 topping for just $9.99. That price is usually for the small, 12 inch cheese pizza. I declined it since I only really needed a small one; less eating, you know what I mean.
Again, I ordered a cheese pizza, well done and thin. It was ready in 15 minutes.
As I was on my way there I started thinking that Grotto really has a fierce fan base. I remember that before there were Grotto Pizzas in Bethany Beach, people would drive through Rehoboth either in or out of town just to eat Grotto Pizza.
The Grotto Pizza on Rehoboth Avenue is pretty big. The take out is next to the main entrance.
As I was paying for my pizza I started talking to Tommy and told him my dilema of having in my family someone that has to eat gluten free and how I could not wait to have a taste of Grotto’s.
He then said that if I brought in the gluten free pizza dough ready to go they would stretch it and make it for me with all their ingredients. That was exciting and new!!!
I then proceeded to ask him what made Grotto’s pizza different from the rest? One of the key ingredients is that they use artisan cheddar cheese. Most pizza joints do not use it. Traditionally, the sauce is first put on the pizza and then the cheese, but at Grotto’s the cheese goes on first and then the sauce. That is why you see more sauce than cheese at first.
Artisan cheese is manufactured by hand; the result is that the cheese is often more complex in taste and variety.
This time I controlled myself and drove with my pizza at my side smelling it all the way home.
I had groceries in the car and I left them there; rushed inside. I wanted to eat it while it was hot. It looked beautiful.
It was thin just like I ordered it. Grotto’s dough was softer; not crispy. But, the real taste is in the sauce and cheese. That was excellent.
Grotto is on Facebook and Twitter. They offer different specials every day of the week. A big supporter of causes in the community, also offering discounts to military and emergency services personnel. Stop in and get more information. Check the website. It is complete with a history of what Grotto Pizza is all about.
Yes, it is about preference and taste.
Talk to you later…..have a good one!!
November 15th, 2010
Someone told me that I should think about ordering the rockfish at Fager’s. Well, 6 of us were getting together for dinner. 1/2 Price Prime Rib on Sundays and Mondays is now going on every week at Fager’s. It used to be Mondays and Tuesdays but probably this change is for the better. It did not matter to me because I was meeting very good friends and once this group gets together, we laugh all the way through the meal.
The pictures I took last night almost look like I was arriving at a club. Fager’s is an institution in Ocean City.
I probably don’t even have to tell you too much about it. I have written a post about Fager’s in the past. If you would like to see it just go under Archives, on the left-hand side of this blog and click on the month of April, and scroll down to the 20th.
Fager’s stays open year-round. It is located at 201 60th Street In the Bay in Ocean City, MD. Tel. 410-524-5500. Website is www.fagers.com.
It is a restaurant that can appeal to young and old. A little bit of entertainment for everyone.
When we arrived the entertainment on Sunday was Sonny. Sonny Sings Sinatra starts at 5 p.m. every Sunday. People were dancing to those unforgettable songs and Sonny was pretty good.
I did not think it was too crowded. We were seated in their Fine Dining section, upstairs.
After my pizza eating binge earlier in the day, I decided to have fish. I chose rockfish; blackened. Cindi did too, as well. The rest ordered the prime rib.
For appetizers one person ordered clams casino. They were devoured in no time. I guess they were good, but I really don’t remember him commenting on them.
I wanted the wedge with homemade blue cheese dressing and sweet bacon and caramelized nuts. I have ordered it before and it was just as good. It is a refreshing salad and the dressing is light, actually.
Cindi ordered the house salad and that was good too. This salad had field greens with toasted pine nuts and lemon raspberry vinaigrette with crumbled blue cheese on the side.
We were surprised when our waitress came to tell us that they had run out of rockfish. We were there pretty early. The restaurant offered to replace the rockfish with the sea bass.
It took a long time for our table to be served; I don’t know why because as I stated before it was not as crowded as other times.
Well, I am glad they ran out of rockfish because the sea bass was out of this world. Both, Cindi and I agreed.
The Chilean sea bass was broiled with a plum-sesame glaze and it was accompanied by a jumbo prawn and Thai basmati rice and vegetable.
The others that had the prime rib would be able to tell you that it was good but not their best. We are all fans of the prime rib at Fager’s; we think it is the best in Ocean City, but last night it was just okay.
Nevertheless, the conversation was colorful in many ways and we left the restaurant laughing and with the waitress after us since I had made a mistake on the tip which I promptly rectified. A true mistake, though.
And when will these friends get together again? I hope soon…can’t wait….
P.S. Please note that Fager’s is one of those restaurant that is very aware about food allergies. A gluten free menu is available for those who need it.
Check the website for all kinds of specials and events coming up!!!
Talk to you later….have a great day!!!
November 14th, 2010
I don’t know why I woke up with a craving for pizza. You see, I have not had a real pizza in over a year. With the gluten free type of eating we do in our home, well, what can I say, I just have not had one.
There are gluten free pizzas but they really need to be improved. Nowhere near the real thing.
Rehoboth Beach has great pizza joints. They are institutions in our beaches. At first I thought I would get a small pizza from each and do my own tasting. Then I thought better; just get one each day and enjoy it slowly.
I decided to go to Louie’s Pizza located at 11 Rehoboth Ave., right by the Boardwalk. Tel. 302-227-6002. Website www.homeofthegrinder.com.
Louie’s has been in Rehoboth since 1974. They will close for the months of December, January and February.
They proudly say that they are “Home of the Grinder”. A Grinder is a sub which is oven baked for 3 minutes.
You can dine in or call for take-out orders. Two separate entrances. Not too many smiles on their faces; they seemed to be all business.
Louie’s is all about grinders, subs and pizzas. They also serve salads, which are made to order. No alcohol. Their gyros are supposed to be very good, as well.
The pizza dough and sauce are made fresh daily.
I had called my pizza in. I was going to take it home and eat only one slice.
Ha! Easier said than done. The moment I picked it up I proceeded to walk to the Boardwalk and sat in one of those comfortable benches overlooking the ocean and thought I had died and gone to haven the moment I bit into the pizza.
It was so delicious. Thin, well done, light, crispy and each bite was full of flavor. The back of the pizza was baked to perfection.
I had 3 slices; I am not ashame. The pizza was not that big. The small one was $5.95.
Enjoy the pictures because I certainly did enjoy the pizza.
Talk to you later….I have to go and walk it off….
Did I tell you that it was a gorgeous day on the beach? Of course not, I was too busy, you know, eating.
November 13th, 2010
Traditionally known to be a very hot dish, this, of course, depends on the amount of “heat” used.
There are about 20 different techniques in Szechwan cooking; some, like stir frying, steaming or brasing. And, common spices? Chili paste, ginger and garlic, among others.
I have had this recipe for a long time and it is so easy because you can prepare a lot of the ingredients ahead of time. Perfect for company. Just know your guests and adjust the seasonings.
“Szechwan Spicy Chicken”
2 lbs. chicken breasts, skinned and boneless
1 lemon
4 bunches scallions
4 tablespoons of soy sauce
4 tablespoons sherry
4 tablespoons ketchup
4 tablespoons chili sauce
3 tsps. sugar
1 tsp. pepper
3/4 – 1 1/2 tsps. red hot pepper flakes
6 tablespoons peanut or salad oil, divided
6 tablesppons minced fresh ginger
4 minced garlic cloves
1 can water chestnuts
Cut chicken in small cubes, squeeze the lemon over them, and set aside.
Cut the scallions, including the green stalks in diagonal slices and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sherry, ketchup, chili sauce, sugar, pepper and hot pepper flakes, set aside.
All of the above may be done ahead of time. I actually like the chicken to marinade in the the lemon for some time.
Heat a wok or skillet. I don’t have a wok so the skillet is what I used and it worked perfectly. Add 4 tablespoons of oil and heat.
Fry ginger and garlic for a minute, stirring.
Add the scallions and water chestnuts and fry another minute, stirring also.
If you have a wok then just push the veggies to the side but I just took them outof the skillet so they would not overcook. I would add them later.
Add the remaining 2 tablesppons of oil to the pan and stry fry the chicken cubes. You want them to stir fry them enough to get some color and for the liquids to evaporate.
Stir the scallion mixture and chicken together and stir fry for a minute.
Add the reserved sauce and stir to coat the chicken.
Let this mixture cooked for a few minutes on low.
Serving over nice fluffy rice and adding a green salad would make this a perfect dish.
Note: To make it gluten free I used wheat free soy sauce available at supermarkets. Instead of store bought chili sauce I just used ketchup and added about 1-1/2 teaspoons of horseradish. The label on the chili sauce at the store had some ingredients that made me question if it had gluten.
Also, please use real sherry; it is so much better.
And, how spicy was the dish? You want it to have a good kick, so I used about 1 teaspoon of the hot pepper flakes.
This recipe can easily be doubled. As prepared, it served 4 people.
Anyway, enjoy it and make it your own…..talk to you later….
P.S. If you try it let me know how it came out.
November 11th, 2010
 Inside the Big Tent - Food, Tickets, Festival Souvenirs
Movies can cause many emotions and so was the case today of the documentary that I went to see. It was the perfect day, Veterans Day, to have seen Soundtrack For a Revolution.
If you get the chance to see this one in Rehoboth, please do so. It was so good. It tells the story of the American Civil Rights Movement through its powerful music. The freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality.
The film features new performances of the freedom songs by top artists, including John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean and The Roots. Riveting archival footage; and interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders, including Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
The freedom songs evolved from slave chants, from the labor movement, and especially from the black church. The music enabled blacks to sing words they could not say, and it was crucial in helping the protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence.
The film celebrates the vitality of this music. It is a film of significance, energy, and power. For more info. please visit www.soundtrackforarevolutionfilm.com.
This documentary will be shown tomorrow, Friday, at 4:50 p.m. If you cannot see it, then the next time your city holds its film festival take that opportunity and watch it.
The other documentary that I had the chance to see today was Casino Jack and the United States of Money. This documentary portraits Washington super lobbyist, Jack Abramoff from his early years as a spirited member of the GOP political machine to his final reckoning as a disgraced, imprisoned paria. It confirms the adage that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
It is a tale of international intrigue with Indian Casinos, Russian spies, Chinese sweatshops, and a mob-style killing in Miami.
It is the story of the way money corrupts our political process. Following the ongoing indictments of federal officials and exposing favor trading in our nation’s capital, the Director, Alex Gibney, illuminates the way our politicians’ desperate need to get elected, and the millions of dollars it costs, may be undermining the basic principles of American democracy.
It is infuriating and even fun to watch. It is a saga of greed and corruption with a cynical villain audiences will love to hate.
Rehoboth Beach plays a role in the film with Abramoff using the city to establish a fake corporation in which to filter money.
For more info., please visit www.magpictures.com.
This movie will be also shown tomorrow, Friday, at 6:30 p.m.
This was the first full day of the 13th Independent Film Festival. Everything, from my point of view was running beautifully. The volunteers were doing a great job and each movie is welcomed by a member of the Film Society.
The turn out has been excellent and it is great to chat with the people in line. Some of them make this week for a time to get together at the beach to unwind, watch great films and explore our restaurants.
Note: Information for this post was taken from the Rehoboth Beach Film Society Publication.
Have a great time!!! Talk to you later….
November 11th, 2010
I don’t know but now that it gets dark by 5:30 p.m. I feel lethargic. Last night I could have stayed home but I had read on the paper that there was a restaurant in Lewes called the Blue Sea Cafe. Predominantly Mediterranean food. It sounded interesting and some of the dishes mentioned were appetizing.
It was also mentioned that the Blue Sea Cafe opens for dinner. With great expectations I went to check it out, but immediately was disappointed to see that it was closed. Another couple was there, as well, looking for the same restaurant.
Across the hall from the restaurant is Jerry’s Seafood. The Blue Sea Cafe and Jerry’s Seafood have the same owners.
I could see my husband’s hesitation. I cannot blame him. Even though there were plenty of cars parked in Lewes, there was not a soul at Jerry’s. The other couple went into Jerry’s and I proceeded to check the specials on the outside board.
Apparently, the Blue Sea Cafe is open every day for breakfast and lunch but only Fridays and Saturdays for dinner at this time of the year.
Jerry’s address is 108 2nd St., #1, Lewes. Tel. 302-6445-6611. Website is www.jerry-seafood.com. They have been in Lewes for 5 years.
It was my first visit. Ray was our waiter and he was very nice and prompt. We ordered an appetizer of smoked salmon and smoked trout but told him to hold the mini bagels. You know, the gluten allergy.
I enjoyed it; plenty for 2 people to share.
I usually like to start my meal with a salad; it cleans your palate before an entree.
Jerry’s is known for “Home of the Crab Bomb”. Jumbo lump, Old Bay, Mayo and a few special ingredients make it a 10 ounce ball. It is served in a ramekin. A smaller version (6 ounces) is available, as well.
I did not have it because I was set on the evening’s special; the fried oysters.
I wanted them to hold the potatoes and give me extra vegetable slaw.
I thought the oysters were well seasoned. The breading was light. I liked the veggie slaw very much. The combination with the oysters was very nice.
I asked Ray how the crab cakes were prepared. A lot of restaurants use fillers in their crab cakes and usually that means bread. Ray told me that Jerry’s Seafood does not use any fillers.
My husband thought the crab cakes were good but I could tell that his heart had been set for the Mediterranean food.
Jerry’s Seafood has daily specials and a Raw Bar. You can check it out in the website above mentioned.
It would have been nice to see the restaurant with more people. It would have added atmosphere to the evening.
My table at Jerry’s was at street level. Two familiar faces were watching us. Cindi and Cindi. They stopped, we chatted, and off they went. Main street Lewes is Second Street and if you are in town you are bound to run into someone you know.
Talk to you later…..
 
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