July 25th, 2011
I am back to tell you that right next to the Haute Dog is a wonderful French Bakery called Bonjour. The address is 6070 Falls Rd., Baltimore, MD 21209. Tel. 410-372-0238. Website? www.bonjourbakerycafe.com.
Having a hot dog did not prevent us from going into the bakery to check it out. We were very good; resisted all temptation. But, boy, did they look good!!
Bonjour opened in 1998. The owners are Gayle Brier and Gerard Billebaut, a husband and wife team. I, unfortunately, did not meet them.
They offer breads, breakfast sweets, desserts, savories like turkey and cheese croissants, pissaladierre, quiche and flat bread pizza.
The bakery was beautiful. The colors were soft pastels. The aroma? Well, can you imagine? You are in a bakery. Close your eyes and imagine, tarts, pies, cakes, and macaroons.
It was comfortable inside Bonjour; the perfect place to sit down, enjoy some coffee and sweets.
Visit their website because they have information on all they have to offer.
A bientot……talk to you later…..
July 25th, 2011
I lived in Charm City from 1976 until 1981. Worked at First National Bank of Maryland and took the #61 Bus downtown. Enjoyed the Inner Harbor and everything this city had to offer. So, I asked myself, What’s Going On, Baltimore?
In the headlines; detrimental news about this city. When I think that cities throughout would kill for the resources Baltimore has to offer. The harbor, the downtown adjacent to water, sports, ethnic neighborhoods with amazing foods, major hospitals and universities, financial houses, an international airport, and all in very close proximity. Baltimore is small and that’s what I liked when I first moved there.
What got me going to Baltimore on the hottest week-end of the summer, when everyone was driving to the Beach, was first to visit my sister in law, and then, because I heard a conversation on t.v. about the new bullet tax that is being proposed for Baltimore. The commentator said something; well, why are we even talking about this, who really goes to Baltimore? An ignorant statement to say the least.
And, guess what? I am alive and did not even have to dodge any bullets. I agree, some areas are, definitely, more charming than others. Just like everywhere else. The sad part is when we take those areas for granted; oh, well they are part of what Baltimore is. Just like New York was cleaned up, Baltimore can achieve that, as well.
I found a lot of the streets to be very clean with no trash. A drive through Pig Town showed the sad state of that neighborhood.
Baltimore is a city of important Firsts in this country from 1743 to 1995. A few are:
1743 – First professional sports organization in the U.S.; The Maryland Jockey Club
1774 – First Post Office System in the U.S.
1796 – First Sunday newspaper in America – Monitor
1796 – First sugar refinery in the U.S.
1797 – First U.S. war ship to capture an enemy vessel – Constellation
1798 – First fort built by the U.S. government – Fort McHenry
1800 – First investment banking house in America – founded by Alex Brown
1803 – First electric refrigerator, invented by Thomas Moore
1814 – Birth of the Star Spangled Banner
1816 – First city to illuminate streets with hydrogen gas
1831 – First national nominating convention for President of the United States
1840 – First dental college in the world; Baltimore College of Dental Surgery
1854 – First Jewish Community Center in the U.S. – Young Men’s Hebrew Association
1901 – First Woman Professor in a U.S medical school – Dr. Florence Rena Sabin
1946 – First photograph from space produced at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab.
1966 – First baseball player to be named MVP in both leagues, Frank Robinson
1995 – First American city to win championship in the Canadian Football League – Baltimore Stallions
For a complete list, please visit http://baltimore.org/about-baltimore/baltimore-firsts
And, Baltimore, you can’t clean the city after all those accomplishments?
So, there I was, in hotter than…in Baltimore to do a little sightseeing, a little eating and a little catching up.
It was Noon and Susie and I were hungry. Just something small; early dinner later on.
We went to Haute Dog. Street food; I am totally into it. Haute Dog is located at 6070 Falls Rd., Baltimore, MD 21209. Website? http://www.hautedogcarte.com
Haute Dog is right next to Bonjour Bakery so I am not sure if the name “Haute” came because they had to step it up a notch.
It is street side. It opens at 11 until 2:30 p.m. They will keep on serving their customers past that time. There is usually a line.
There was a menu attached to the pole. This is probably one of the best hot dogs you will have. Grilled, which is what I like and very messy.
They have available, vegan dogs, and chicken dogs, as well.
The hot dog roll is pre-heated and it is thick.
We decided to split a Haute Dog Signature dog – It was a 1/4 lb. Black Angus dog finished with tomato and onion jam, bacon and onion marmalade and Dijon. The picture? That’s the best I could do under the circumstances; heat, hunger, camera, and bag on hand.
The combination of those flavors was perfect; the marmalade, the Dijon. The warm bun was great. It was definitely not a boring dog.
We found out that customers make special trips to Haute Dog; they are not just the neighbors.
Check it out…let me know how you like it…Talk to you in a bit…
July 22nd, 2011
I have to laugh because last week when I went to Florida, one of my neighbors asked me, Not hot enough for you here? Florida has been, actually, cooler than the Delaware Beaches these past few days and I believe this week-end, as well.
I was very interested in seeing this B & B. There are so many people from our area that visit Florida. B & Bs are so popular. I want to pass this info. to my readers, just in case this might be something they might like to try. Besides the fact that most B & Bs, like the Historic Hartman House, serve its guests a gourmet breakfast, they all offer a different atmosphere. You also get to enjoy that personal touch of the owners, as well as their local knowledge. Where to go, what to do? Real tried and true information.
I finally met Benita; I will make sure I meet Jordan next time. She welcomed us (Rosalyn and I) with a smile on her face. And, I knew she was busy, but she still took the time to show us around.
The Historic Hartman House was built in 1923. It is located at 302 NE 7th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tels. 866-787-2302, 561-278-2302. E-mail address is historichartmanhouse@gmail.com. Website? www.delraybeachbedandbreakfast.com.
Please visit the website because there are packages that are so attractively priced, as well as the history of the B & B, and so much more.
There are 4 rooms in the Historic Hartman House. On the first floor the room called Pineapple Grove, just like the neighborhood in town, is wheelchair accessible. It was occupied, so we did not see it.
The other 3 rooms were upstairs.
There is Las Palmas.
The Blue Seas.
And the Highland Park Suite with an adjacent room with a sofa bed. This room has a mahogany dressing table, and a beautiful bathroom.
In the first floor, a fully equipped kitchen. That day they were preparing stuffed baked apples.
A breakfast room, and sofas and chairs to lounge and relax.
There is a small sunroom as well, with someone watching the door.
When you are their guest, you will get soft spa robes, plush mattresses, wireless internet, flat screen tvs, gourmet breakfast, late afternoon treats, and a gorgeous yard.
The 75 foot lap pool is very impressive. It takes center stage in that yard, surrounded by seagrapes, mango trees, key limes, avocado and orange trees.
I am not kidding, you really could sit out there all day. It is beautiful. Benita and Jordan have outdone themselves in preserving this historic house. The pine floors were beautifully refinished. It is a home.
The Historic Hartman House is secluded but with easy access to Atlantic Ave., shopping, restaurants and that gorgeous beach.
And, wait a minute, I am not finished yet. I think Benita or Jordan might be able to take you to a nearby destination in their very comfortable and modern golf cart.
I think the Historic Hartman House is a welcomed addition to that Village by the Sea.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
July 22nd, 2011
I had to go and check Hook ’em & Cook ’em out. Mel is one of my fellow walkers; he is religious about his walking, more so than I. Some time ago, I told him I had a website. That I wrote about the area. He told me I needed to visit Hook em & Cook ’em. That they were so nice and the seafood so fresh. Okay, okay I am going. On a sizzling day, I took off for the Indian River Marina which is south of Dewey Beach and just before Bethany Beach.
To get to Hook ’em & Cook ’em is a little tricky now. Due to all the construction of the new bridge, detours are driving us all crazy. But, they are there, just like they have been for 8 years. Yes, Hook ’em & Cook ’em is inside the north side of the Delaware State Park at the Indian River Marina.
Their telephone is 302-226-8220. The website? www.hookemcookem.com. The owners? Bert & Deanna. Please note that they have an on-line store, as well. At the York Beach Mall in South Bethany there is another location; no seafood is sold there, but everything else is.
I have to tell you that I had not been back there in so long. It really looked beautiful; a gorgeous setting. The boats, the water and the Marina itself.
Camera out and the first thing I saw was a gentleman getting some flounder off the hooks. One of the kids’ catch.
I finally went in. The shop was very well stocked and busy.
Fishing gear and everything that has to do with fishing, surf or otherwise. I really don’t fish but do appreciate others that do.
I introduced myself to Deanna. She knew exactly who I was talking about; Mel. The same Mel that has not been there in some time.
Deanna was making a crabcake so I was happy to get the picture. She is limited to what she can cook at the shop. She makes Cream of Crab Soup, Crabcakes, using only jumbo lump meat, shrimp salad, tuna salad and Rock Fish Chowder. They can also steam seafood.
You can order take-out, or just sit outside on one of their picnic tables.
Hook ’em & Cook ’em has, pretty much every day, tautog, flounder, rockfish, and black seabass. They have fillets or whole fish for sale, as well.
Lobsters are a bit scarce this year. If you are interested in lobster call them ahead of time to make sure they have them.
On one of the freezers, bait is what you will find; the other had frozen seafood. Tuna is bought from commercial fishing boats. This is due to licensing laws.
It was time to go outside because the flounder I first encoutered was going to be cleaned by Christopher. He is quite young but an expert; also Deanna and Bert’s son. He cleans fish for everyone.
If you like to fish and would like to have that opportunity at the beach with either your family and friends, Deanna and Bert own Judy V. This is a 65′ fishing boat. Don’t worry if you are not an expert because their staff will guide you every step of the way. There are 1/2 days or full days of fishing. You can visit the website, www.fishjudyv.com. You can also call 302-226-2214 or 877-613-6022. The website will have the rates and departure schedules.
Then, there is Capt. Bob II. This is a 55′ fishing boat which is also available for private charters. You can get all the info. for this boat also on the website above mentioned.
I got some tuna for dinner and it was delicious. I had not had a nice piece of tuna steak in a long time.
Deanna was so friendly and I thank Mel for pushing me to go and meet them.
You need to save the date of Saturday, July 30th. Right at the Indian River Marina the Third Annual Seafood & Arts will be taking place from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. It is free!! You will find Lollipop the Clown, live music, fresh seafood and platters and fun for the whole family. For more details, please call 302-227-3071 or visit www.destateparks.com/marinas.
Even though it was so hot, walking around the Indian River Marina was a pleasure. I got close to the Indian River; people were fishing and having a grand old time.
If you are in the area stop by because you will be impressed.
As I am finishing this post, I almost forgot a most important member of the staff at Hook ’em & Cook ’em; Spencer. It was nice meeting you too.
Have a good one…talk to you later…
July 21st, 2011
 Joshua was the Chair of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation. The Foundation honors his passion.
The Freeman Stage at Bayside is outdoing itself with amazing entertainment for the Delmarva Peninsula.
Opened in 2008, it is located 4 miles west of Fenwick Island , Delaware, at the intersection of Rt. 54 and Rt. 20 (Harris Teeter is right on that corner, as well). In your GPS you can put 31570 Lake View Drive, Selbyville, DE. You can also visit the website http://www.freemanstage.org.
Friday and Saturday – The Freeman Stage at Bayside combines Arts and Jazz.
It will open at 4 p.m. on Friday and at Noon on Saturday. If you are visiting the beaches, grab the chair that you used at the beach, pack the family and kick back and relax.
Visual arts and jass lovers will be able to enjoy it all. The Green will be showcasing artwork from Delmarva’s local artists. The Stage? Jazz ensembles will be performing for the crowd.
For bios and more info., please visit http://www.freemanstage.org/calendar/list.
Friday – Joe Baione from 4 – 6 p.m.
Friday – Project Trio from 6 – 8 p.m.
Saturday – Creating Whimsical Masterpieces by local artist John Donato. An energetic art class, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Saturday, Delmarva Big Band from 12 until 2 p.m.
Saturday, Matt Wigler from 2 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Radio King Orchestra from 4 to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Gerald Clapton from 6 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy the week-end….keep cool and talk to you later….
July 20th, 2011
In order to review them I had to taste them. It is a requisite when you are deciding if the fries are crispy, therefore fried to perfection; not greasy either. That’s what got me to Bricker’s.
Bricker’s are the new French Fries in Rehoboth Beach. They are joining my list of Boardwalk Grub. Their location is at 8 Rehoboth Avenue, practically on our famous Boardwalk. Tel. 302-227-3470.
Bricker’s is an institution in Pennsylvania. The company originated in York in 1965. The owner is Donald A. Bricker. They also have catering available so give them a call to 717-792-4959. If you really want to know their history, other locations, what they can offer, and what this company is all about, please check their website at www.brickersfries.com.
The Pennsylvanians visiting our beaches are thrilled to have these fries while they are on vacation. Just like home.
I was curious. I had seen something in a local paper. So there I was today, after having a coffee with Jody. I really had not planned it; but all of a sudden there I was. The boardwalk was crowded, I almost could not find parking on the Avenue, which is the norm at this time of the year.
I cannot believe I did not get their names. If they read this, I hope they realize how friendly they were when they were taking care of me and giving info. about our new fries in town.
These French fries are cut and fried to order. What you get is a very satisfying fry. Not greasy, at all. The container in which they come is open, sturdy, and piled with fries.
Bricker’s uses soy bean oil. Not peanut oil like in most other places. People with peanut allergies, please take notice. You will not have to worry.
A condiment bar; the indispensables when you are eating fries are salt, vinegar and ketchup. Yeap, they were all there too.
In the Rehoboth location pretty much what they serve is French Fries!! There is a board with the different sizes, including cheese fries. They also have available chicken fries, which are chicken tenders.
Another thing that is interesting is that people with a gluten allergy do not have to worry either. The chicken tenders are fried in another oil, therefore, avoiding contamination with the fries.
It is going to be very hot in the next couple of days. Two kinds of slurpies are available, besides the usual soft drinks.
I really enjoyed them. I, actually did not feel too guilty….which is not a good thing…
Try them…they really are good. Have a good one!!
 Souvenir Cup is $4, refill is $1
July 19th, 2011
I sat last night quietly at my kitchen table. I was thinking how quickly the summer is going by. We waited for it throughout the long winter; then, we complain about being too hot, too many people, traffic jams. Are we ever happy, I ask? I do all those things myself. It was about 10:00 p.m. and everything was so still. I could hear the sounds of critters outside and the sprinklers going off on the golf course.
I did not go into downtown Rehoboth yesterday; don’t know how busy it was. A lady told me that she did not think this week was busy. Wrong again. It really was, but it was such a gorgeous week that they were all at the water’s edge.
If you are enjoying Rehoboth this week, then these might be of interest to you.
The Delaware State Parks offer so much activity throughout the State of Delaware. Right down the road on Rt. 1 and just north of the Indian River Bridge is the Indian River Life Saving Station. The following activities will meet there. These activities showcase our inland bays. Please remember that these are outdoor activities so watch for the weather and give them a call to 302-227-6991 with any questions you may have.
Wednesdays through Saturdays and until August 20th – At 9:30 a.m. Enjoy the Delaware’s Inland Bay ecosystem on a sit-on-top kayak. Participants will receive basic kayaking instruction an all equipment. You should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water. It takes about 2 hours. Prepare to get wet. Pre-registration is required by calling 302-227-6991. Meet at the Indian River Life Saving Station just north of the Indian River Bridge. The cost is $30.
Wednesdays through Saturdays and until August 27th – Seining the Bay at 1:30 p.m. Pull a seine net through calm shallow water to catch fish, crabs, and other critters that call the Inland Bays “home”. Learn to identify each species and learn about each critter’s adaptations and strategies for survival. Closed-toe shoes are required. Pre-register by calling 302-227-6991. The cost? $4/person.
Thursdays and until August 18th – 10 a.m. until noon is the Estuary Ecology Boat Tour – Participants of all ages will help perform simple water quality tests, identify aquatic plants and animals, look for birds and learn what role humans play in the ecology of our coastal waterways. $20/person and pre-registration is a requirement. Call 302-227-6991. Remember that you are to meet at the Indian River Life Saving Station located just north of the Indian River Bridge.
Thursdays and until August 18th is the Rehoboth Bay Sightseeig Boat Tour from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sit back and relax and enjoy a tour of Rehoboth Bay from the water. See the local landmarks, wildlife and learn about the past and present human connections to the area. For all ages. You need to register by calling 302-227-6991 and the cost is $18. Meet at the Indian River Life Saving Station just north of the Indian River Bridge.
Fridays and until August 19th at 8:30 p.m. – Ghost Crab Saunter. A nightime walk along the beach searching for the elusive Ghost Crab. Bring a flashlight to help you spot them as they scurry from side to side looking for their evening’s meal. Meet at the Indian River Live Saving Station, just north of the Indian River Bridge. More info? Call 302-227-6991.
Fridays only in July – There are 5 shops at 33 Baltimore Avenue. These shops will be having an Open House on those Friday evenings from 5 – 8 p.m. It is a benefit for Red Cross. For specials offered by the stores please visit: Touch of Italy (www.touchofitalylewes.com), Shademakers Eyewear (www.visioncenter.com), Crysti (www.cristy-rehoboth.com), Elegant Slumming (www.elegantslumming.com) and Beach Essentials.
Friday, 7/22 and until 8/22 is the Rehoboth Art League’s Fine Art Exhibit. For more information please visit www.rehobothartleague.org or call302-227-8408.
Saturday, 7/23 – I met Ivana some months ago and she wears many hats in her daily routine. She is also an artist whose specialty is mixed media. An opportunity to see her work and the work of other local artists will be at Echelon Design Center at 20184 Phillip St. in Rehoboth Beach. You know where it is, right by Big Fish Grill. The name of the exhibit is Spectacle. 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. It is a Free event!! You can access their website, www.spectacleartshow.com and see the artists who will be participating.
Schools in general need art supplies but in some Sussex County schools the budget has been reduced to $2 per child, per year. That’s where Spectacle comes in. To counter this need, art supplies collected during the event will be donated to local schools in need, along with a portion of all sponsorship funds.
The art supplies wishlist is:
Acrylic/tempra paint (especially, gold and silver), big erasers, chalk pastels, clay tools, clear rulers, colored pencils like Crayola, glue sticks, letter stencils, Michaels Gift cards, oil pastels, paint brushes, scissors, sharpies!!, spray mount, and watercolor paper.
Until August 7th – Art Exhibit at AerieArt Gallery located at 45 1/2 Lake Avenue, Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-5376. “The Three Professors”, James Hill is a sculptur, Jinchul Kim and Paul Flexner are painters, and all of them teach at Salisbury University’s Art Dept. in Salisbury, Maryland. AerieArt Gallery opens from 10 to 5 p.m., daily, except Tuesdays.
Live Theatre in Rehoboth Beach is brought to all of us by Clear Space Theatre Co. at the Clear Space Theatre on 20 Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth Beach. Visit www.clearspacetheatre.com for complete details because the shows rotate throughout the summer. They are 100 Years of Broadway, Words & Music: By Gershwin, and “Chicago”. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Tickets can be obtained at the box office or visit the above website for more information.
Saturday, Augutst 6th – Mark your calendars – Discount Vaccination & Vet Day at Doggies at the Beach – 9 a.m. until Noon. It is on a first come first serve basis. Doogies at the Beach is located at 18806 John J. William Highway (Rt. 24) in Rehoboth. Website? www.doggiesatthebeach.com. Tel? 302-644-8200 They are on Facebook; check them out and Like their news and dog pictures.
Have a great day at the beach……relax!!
July 18th, 2011
 Outside from Lighthouse in Dewey “I miss the days when summer vacation was about relaxing and hanging out with friends. Now, it’s about trying to squeeze your friends whenever you can.”
Dewey Beach is one of those coastal towns at the Delaware Beaches that once you become acquainted with it; well, it grabs you. Some of its supporters started coming to Dewey in their early years; it’s funny to see them now with a few kids in tow.
I saw this t-shirts at Que Pasa and it really says it all about Dewey and all of our Delaware Beaches; Pura Vida.
If you are in Dewey this week there is plenty to do for all, so check this out:
Monday, 7/18 – There is a movie under the stars at the beach. Tonight’s showing is “Nanny McPhee Returns”. It starts at 8:30 p.m. on Dagsworthy Street. Bring your chair, blanket, friends, if you want to and kick back and relax. Watch the weather, remember it is an outdoor event.
Monday, 7/18 – Reggae at The Cove at Bayside. Mike Pinto Band. There is a full bar and tickets are $12. Mike Pinto Band is on Facebook.
Monday, 7/18 – It’s The Fabulous Greaseband at the Bottle & Cork. Great music and letting your hair down, it’s a must. The Bottle & Cork defines Dewey in many ways; its been there since 1936. The Greasebands starts at 8 p.m. and you might find some familiar faces.
Wednesday, 7/20 – Bonfire on The Beach at 7:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. on Dagsworthy Street. If you need more info., please call 302-227-2233. Roasting marshmallows, dancing and playing to family friendly music. If you want, bring glowsticks for the young ones. It seems that a lot of kids are bringing them to the beach. If you need transportation from Rehoboth to Dewey, to and from check the trolley schedule at www.jollytrolley.com.
Skimboarding Lessons? Check the Dewey Beach Surf Shop at http://www.deweybeachsurfshop.com/camp,html. This camp is held Mondays through Thursdays from 9 until 3 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 until 1 p.m. They will provide food and drinks from local restaurants and will even provide a board. On Fridays, there will be a competition while learning the fundamentals of contests. Parents and friends are invited to cheer on.
 Times have changed, haven't they? The camp locations can change depending on the conditions for that day, but will be within 10 miles of each other. Most will be at the Delaware State Parks. The location will be announced the night before or early in the morning of the camp at the Dewey Beach Surf Shop. Please call for more info. at 302-227-8288. Dewey Beach Surf Shop is located at 2105 Unit A, Highway 1 in Dewey Beach.
Week-Ends – Yoga on the Beach, between Dickinson and McKinley Avenues. 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Brought to you by Comfort Zone Yoga Center. Please visit the website for more info. at www.comfortzoneyogacenter.com.
Have a great day!!…Talk to you later….
 
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