June 20th, 2012
For the ones that love, promote and are still discovering Rehoboth Beach, like me, the Rehoboth Beach Museum give us a starting point to show our guests, families and friends that are visiting Rehoboth Beach, how far this town has come.
The Museum was opened to the public in 2007 with a lot of help from the local community. You are experiencing the Rehoboth of now, but how was the Rehoboth of yesterday? Dive into the local history of the town. For example, both the Rehoboth Museum and the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society call the Old Ice House, home. Old Ice House? Yes, the history is all there. Then, you will realize why Rehoboth Beach, even though it is a year-round resort, it is also called the Nation’s Summer Capital.
The Rehoboth Museum is a small museum, but don’t let that fool you. It is packed with activities, exhibits, celebrations, and programs for all ages. Nancy Alexander is the Director. The Rehoboth Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-7310. Website? www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org. There is plenty of parking available; handicap access, as well. It is in the same complex where the Visitors’ Center and the Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce are located. Can’t miss it; right by the roundabout.
 Nancy Alexander, Director and one of the girls. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to help out in an event the Museum had for girls. It was an afternoon of tea, with their dolls. Also, it was a time for old fashioned games. The girls that visited talked about their dolls, wrote about them, new friends were met and ate delicious finger sandwiches, pastries and enjoy a delicious and refreshing punch.
  
So, what’s happening at the Museum? So much, that I decided to give them their own post. Let’s get started.
Friday, 6/22 – Fundraising Dinner at Fish On! at the Villages of Five Points in Lewes, at 6:30 p.m. The menu for the evening is inspired by the recipes of the 1940’s. The recipes were created during wartime and were the necessity of those on the home front to give up some basic food options. Don’t worry, though in the 1940s there was rationing, no Spam will be served. The menu, prepared by Chef Jen Blakemen and her team will consist of Hearty White Bread and Butter, Meatloaf, hearty, of course, Savory Herb Bread Pudding. Victory garden fresh veggies, and Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats. Note: Please call the Museum asap, since I am putting this post a little late. Tel. 302-227-7310. Tickets are $40 for members and $45 for future members.
Thursday, 6/28 – “WWII German Submarines in the Mid-Atlantic” – The presentation on Thursday will start at 7 p.m. at the Museum. Capt. William Manthorpe will discuss “Operation Drumroll” and the role of local residents thwarting German sub attacks. Free for members, $5 for future members , $3 for senior citizens, military personnel and students. Please call 302-227-7310 to reserve a seat.
This lecture will examine the real risk to the Atlantic coast by German coastal submarine attacks. Rehoboth Beach was often included in the concern of such threats. The naval defense heritage of Delaware in connection with Rehoboth Beach, and some physical effects of the war such as tar balls found on the shores. Also, the possibility of spies in the immediate are will be discussed.
Thursday, 7/5 – 7:00 p.m. – World War II: Rehoboth Beach. This exhibit was planned and created as a collaborative partnership between the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and the Delaware Humanities Forum.
 A WWII German Prisoner of War jacket from the Purnell Collection of the State of Delaware Office of Historical and Cultural Affairs In a continuation of programs relating to the exhibit, Michael Morgan, a retired teacher, has been writing freelance newspaper and magazine articles for over 3 decades. He is currenly working on a book exploring Delaware’s role in the Civil War.
On Thursday, July 5th, the presentation by Mr. Morgan will encourage audience participation. He will reveal what is was like in the day-to-day life of those who lived in the town by the sea. “Rehoboth was literally on the frontlines with ships being sunk within sight of the coast throughout the war. Residents kept a careful eye on the ocean where enemy submarines were on the prowl.”
It will be an interesting evening at the Museum; German subs, blackouts, and Coast Guardsmen on horseback. Call 302-227-7310 to reserve a space.
Sunday, 7/8 – A new program for young writers will be offered at the Rehoboth Beach Museum starting on July 8th. The workshop is limited to 5 children, ages 10-12. The purpose of the small group is to offer a one on one experience and encourage the exploration of the wold of their own words. The group will be led by Barbara Smith, former writer and photographer for the Baltimore Sun. It will meet for 5 consecutive Sundays from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
During the sessions the children will read and discuss The Coastwatcher by Elise Weston, a story about a child living at the coast during World War II. The workshop is geared to the enjoyment of writing. The cost is $35. The Coastwatcher should be purchased or can be found at the library in advance of the session. Please call for more info. and to reserve a space 302-227-7310.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…..
June 19th, 2012
Where can I get good crab cakes in Delaware? I was asked that question a month ago. Did not even know what to tell her. Everyone has a special recipe…restaurants boasts that they have the best.
Jumbo lump vs. lump? At times your wallet will have a say on that question. Crab meat is expensive. It did not used to be, but it is now.
To me, there is nothing like the Maryland blue crab. There is such a sweetness to it; so delicious. The taste is unique. I love everything crab; love to pick crabs and truly love softshells the best.
I have been trying some of the crab cakes at the Delaware Beaches. They have all been different. Some better than others, but all equally good.
When I make crab cakes, I add a little bit of this and a little bit of that. It depends on my mood. At times I add Old Bay; others more lemon juice, or both.
The same with the cooking method. Some are sauteed in butter; I mean real butter. Others, are broiled. Such were the ones I fixed the other day.
This recipe is easy. It calls for 5 saltine crackers. There is a gluten allergy in my house, so I substituted the crackers for gluten free ones.
I Love Crab Cakes Recipe
1 pound Jumbo Lump or Lump crab meat
5 saltines (If eating gluten free, substitute with your favorite cracker.)
1 egg beaten
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard (I used Emeril’s because it is gluten free.)
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
Pepper to taste
A couple of dashes of Tabasco (optional)
2 tablespoons good quality mayonnaise (more, if desired). I make my own or use Duke’s.
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon of butter
A sprinkle of paprika
Turn the oven to Broil
Line a cookie with foil. I used non-stick foil, otherwise, oil it a bit.
Go through the crab meat carefully and discard any shells found. Make sure you do this gently because you want to preserve the crab lumps.
Add all the ingredients, except the butter and paprika.
If you like big crab cakes, then out of the pound, form 4 cakes. If you want slightly smaller ones, then form 6 cakes. At times you can squeeze one more cake.
You can sprinkle them with paprika and dot the crab cakes with the butter. Place them in the middle rack in the oven.
Depending on the size of the crab cake, it will take probably 8 to 10 minutes. But, it could take also a couple of minutes longer, depending on the oven. You just want a light crust on them.
Serve them with your favorite summer vegetables…..if local corn is available, then that would be my other side dish.
Enjoy and make them your own!!
June 19th, 2012
Cooler in Delray Beach than at the Delaware Beaches today. Going to Florida? My neighbors asked surprised. Aren’t you hot enough here? Another would say. Actually, I do like Florida in the summer, particularly Delray Beach. It is much quieter during the day; it still gets hopping at night, though.
 Intersection of Atlantic Ave. & A1A Delray Beach is the perfect town to walk, bike, and sit on a most beautiful unobstructed beach. As I took off for an out and about morning walk, the first thing I noticed was the ocean was rough. But, a few were taking time to enjoy the wind, the ocean and one awesome day at the beach.
My walk took me up and down A1A, right along the beach. I am posting pictures so you can see how pretty it was.
 
Delray Beach is known for having great restaurants; outdoor seating is having a best seat in the house.
Hellos and good mornings were exchanged between the walkers and joggers.
And, what do you see I heard? Oh, I am checking the sea grapes. They still have some time to go. She thought I had seen a bird. Off she went.
The avocados are growing. In a month or so they will probably be ready.
But, plenty of mangoes…and the ones I picked yesterday are truly delicious.
 
So…have a great day!!
June 18th, 2012
It is the casual attitude of the Delaware Beaches that make them a destination. So many restaurants and shops opening this year; the expectation are, definitely, high for the Summer of 2012.
One of my neighbors, Mel, had told me about Root Gourmet. He has become a fan of this unique place which opened its doors just a few weeks ago.
Root Gourmet is located at 19724 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-727-5664. Website? www.rootgourmet.com. I love what they have done with the building. It looks so inviting. The door handle? Original!! Plenty of parking, as well.
 
Root Gourmet welcomes its customers with fruit infused waters. A special treat to cool off after the summer heat at the beaches.
Don’t kid yourselves, Root Gourmet is not a grocery store. Their foods are mainly ready to go home style entrees. The idea is that they will do the work, giving you easy and tasty foods. You can do the rest with the reheating guidelines that accompany each order; therefore, allowing you more time to spend with guests or family.
The foods are placed in aluminum containers for conventional ovens. Don’t use microwaves; most dishes reheat best and retain their quality in conventional ovens, anyway.
Root Gourmet is perfect for those unexpected guests. You can order full meals or just a few items, like side dishes, to enhance what you are already cooking.
The first item that caught my eyes was the gluten free popadom chips. In talking to them, they mentioned that they can accommodate customers with food related issues.
Baked goods are all done in-house. Special orders are welcomed. Those special orders include gluten free baked goods.
Inside is all about your comfort. Everyone was so friendly. Root Gourmet is also a Cafe; sit down and relax. They open early and stay open late. The daily offerings are on the board.
I decided to have the Quinoa Salad. It really was delicious and refreshing; dried cranberries and apricots were some of the ingredients found in this super grain. It was also, gluten free.
Then, a crab cake. If you like the crab cakes from Nage, then you will like theirs, as well. Root Gourmet is part of Nage’s family.
I followed the reheating instructions; bake uncovered on a 350 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes with a target temperature of 165 degrees. It worked!! It really did reheat well….. I did have my doubts. Crab cakes can be tricky to reheat.
The crab cake tasted good. Lump crab on top; would have preferred the same on the bottom, though. Still, a perfectly good crab cake.
I will have to go back. Too many delicious looking items left to try. Potato Gruyere Gratin, Tomato-Spinach White Bean Casserole, Potato-Queso Filled Peppers, Brie Apricot Tartlet, salads…and a Daily Vegetarian Option.
Too easy….Just a call away…..ask about delivery!!
Have a good one!! Psssst…find Root Gourmet on Facebook.
June 17th, 2012
and….roasted beets, as well. If I had put roasted beets on the heading of this post, maybe you would not have even read it. I don’t know why, but they don’t seem to be that popular. I do love them, though. June through October are the best times for beets. They are the sweetest during those months.
Summertime…is, definitely, for grilling. While, Mother’s Day is all about going out to lunch or dinner to a restaurant, Father’s Day is all about cooking outdoors. When you have beautiful weather, nothing beats it.
This is one of those recipes that is just a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Informal; just wing it.
I did mention before how my husband always says that I cook for an army, well I had to buy 2 full racks of babybacks. There were 3 of us eating, and I wanted some leftovers.
I cut the racks in half and marinated it hem in Gazebo Room Greek Salad Dressing & Marinade. I get this marinade at Giant Supermarkets. It is light and has great flavor. I left them in the marinade all day.
Took them out of the marinade and dry them up a bit. Then, a dry rub. This is when you need to get created. Lots of pepper, cayenne too, herbs, garlic powder and, basically, anything you want. You are the boss.
Using charcoal gives the food such a distinctive flavor. Waiting for it to get just right is no big deal to me. But, it is important. You want those ribs to cook just perfectly; crispy outside, moist inside.
I basted them carefully with a sauce made of leftover barbecue sauces; adding apple cider vinegar to make a light consistency.
Basically, that was all I did. Rave reviews from my family. They thought they were the best!!
The beets came as a side dish, sprinkled with jumbo lump crab meat. Yes!!
Roasting the beets intensifies the flavor, plus the skin comes right out.
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
Pick beets that are not too large. They’ll take about 35 to 40 minutes to roast.
Wrap them in foil, place in the oven.
When done, let them cool, run them in water to get the skin off.
Slice, marinade in any dressing you might like. I usually use either a commercial one or just make my own with olive oil, vinegar and spices. That’s it!!
And….a sweet ending of ice cream…
Enjoy!! Have a great day!!
June 15th, 2012
It is looking like a great week-end in Rehoboth Beach. Still not at the height of the season, June is a quieter month at the Delaware Beaches. Schools are still in session, but not for long.
A few things to remember while in Downtown Rehoboth Beach is that you can now pay for parking by phone. You need to register at www.parkmobile.com Then, to pay for the parking, use their mobile app, QR Code or call 1-877-727-5758.
Once you have found a parking space, launch their free mobile app or call the above number. Enter the parking zone number located on the meter. It’s that easy!! You can still pay with quarters and change is available at the booths located on Rehoboth Avenue.
Friday, 6/15 – Opening night for Summer Concert Series at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. Through the years musicians have been able to showcase their talents at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and at the same time provide our visitors free concerts throughout the summer season. You can find the schedule at www.rehobothbandstand.com/schedule. In the meantime this is the line-up for this week-end. Entertainment at the Bandstand starts at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Friday, 6/15 – Another Level – It is one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s best dance and party bands. Each member has toured with top performers like, Prince, Patti Labelle, James Brown, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Harold Melvin, the Blue Notes, amonth many others. They will be performing greatest oldies, R & B, Fund, Jazz, Rock & Roll and pure Soul.
Saturday, 6/16 – MD Army National Guard Live Fire Band. It is the 229 Army Band and it is a new addition to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand schedule. It is military (rock) and they can only perform patriotic music selections. The band has performed for many military and civilian events, including the 45th and 50th anniversary of D-Day in France and for the world renowned Tatto Ceremony in Estonia. More info? Visit www.me.ngb.army.mil.
Sunday, 6/17 – Jamie McClean is known as the guitarist for the New Orleans, funk institution, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. His genre is New Country. His music is rich with rock, soul and dirty blues. More info? Check him out at www.jamiemclean.com.
Saturday, 6/16 – The Seaside Toy & Train Show will be taking place at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, located at 229 Rehoboth Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 100 tables of trains and toys. Tickets are $5. Children under 10 years of age are free. For more info., please call 302-537-5557.
Beach Feet On The Go – This is a program geared to encourage activity such as walking, biking, running, playground, and recreational activities. The program is in effect and ends on September 30th. In order to participate and qualify for prizes, participants need to average a minimum of 60 minutes of activity per day. 500 winners will receive a 2013 Delaware State Park annual pass. Passes are limited to one per family. The grand prize will be a 4 night stay at a cottage in the Delaware Seashore Park. Winners will be announced at the Sea Witch Festival in October. How do you register? Begin recording your minutes of activity, go to www.beach-fun.com, click into the Site Index beach ball and on “Beach Feet on theGo – Sussex Oudoors”.
Replenish Tuesdays – A Project of Eden of Delmarva. Dine at any participating Replenish restaurant on Tuesdays during June and receive an entry to win up to a $500 gift certificate!!! Find the list of participating restaurants at www.edendelmarva.org. Replenish is a DNREC-recognized self-certifying program, originating through and sponsored by Eden Delmarva. It encourages sustainability, respect for the environment, and the creation of green jobs through the recovery and use of renewable sources.
Clear Space Theatre Company – For the second summer in a row, Clear Space Theatre Company, located at 20 Baltimore Ave., in Dowtown Rehoboth Beach, is producing a summer full of live entertainment at the Delaware Beaches. Six nights a week, from June 28th through September 2nd, the theatre company will be rotating 3 brand-new productions: Annie, Broadway at The Beach, and Cabaret.
A Summer Kick Off Event with a Special Gala will be on June 28th, beginning at 6 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided courtesy of MIXX Restaurant, a cash bar will be available all evening.
The evening is costume optional in line with the theme of “Kat Kat Club”. A prize will be awarded during the intermission for Best Dressed. At 7:30 p.m. the company will debut its production of CABARET, the hit Kander & Ebb musical, which was subsequently made into an Oscar-winning film of the same name.
During the intermission there will also be a live auction. Some of the items to be auctioned off are: 7-day stay at the Wyndham Resort in Orlando, Florida in a 3 bedroom, 3 bath, fully equipped villa overlooking one of the 3 Jack Nicklaus golf courses on the property. Another item is a pair of tickets to country star Miranda Lambert’s concert at the Delaware State Fair. Seats are located in Track A, Row 25, Seats #24 and #25.
Tickets for the Clear Space Summer Repertory Opening Gala are currently on sale and priced at $75 per person. They are available online at www.clearspacetheatre.org, by phone at 302-227-2270 or by just stopping by the box office on 20 Baltimore Ave.
To find this and more info., please visit www.clearspacetheatre.org.
Enjoy the beach….relax and kick back!! Talk to you later.
June 14th, 2012
Ay bendito, por favor, dejenme entrar…no puedo esperar. A lo mejor hablando en Espanol trabajara en una proxima ocasion.
Agave, located at 137 2nd St., Lewes, Delaware, 19958, has been serving some of the best Mexican cuisine in Coastal Delaware. It is not just the quality of the food, and the presentation. Their prices are excellent, as well. Their tel 302-645-1232. No website, but you can find Agave on Facebook.
No reservations. In the past, and before they expanded, you still had to wait a reasonable amount of time. Locals knew at what time, or what day to go to avoid crowds. People were really raving about the food. Including myself. The Chiles en Nogada are excellent, the chili is one of the best I have had, their corn roasted with queso fresco, messy but worth it.
At present, what I hear the most is the long waiting period; unreasonable. I think restaurants want to be known for their good food and not for the amout of time customers have to wait.
For the ones that are like me….there is no way I would wait for 2 hours. It’s just not going to happen. And, it did not.
I told my friend, Susan, to meet me at Agave on Thursday, June 7th. Lunch would be the way to get into Agave. We arrived right at Noon.
We were elated to find it empty; not for long. But, at least, we had the pick of the table.
Our lunch was delicious. Susan decided to have the Puffy Tacos. Two Puffy Tacos stuffed with grilled Mahi-Mahi, jicama slaw, pico de gallo, and Mexican Lime Crema, with a side dish of rice and black beans. I have had these tacos before and Susan thought they were the best she had ever eaten.
The tamale that I ordered was so good. It was made in the traditional way with corn flour, chicken, green and red peppers, raisins and a mole sauce. Since it is made with corn flour, it is gluten free. The mole sauce is made on a container that could be contaminated with glutens, so I would just leave it out, if you have a gluten allergy.
The tamale came first all wrapped up in a banana leaf. A pull of the banana leaf so that you can see the actual tamale.
Because the tamale was so delicious I decided to go with my husband this week. That trip to Agave is what prompted me to write about the long wait. So, when they told us 2 hours, 8 of the people that were there, including us, left.
The hostess was letting people through to look here or there; a little bit chaotic.
If you give them your name and telephone, they can call you with a 5 minute notice. Someone I know was asleep when they called her.
There must be another way to handle it. I don’t want to be waiting for so long with my guests when they could be enjoying their Avocado Martini!!
Hasta luego. Espero puedan resolver ese problema porque, en realidad, su comida es deliciosa.
Hablamos pronto…que lo pasen muy bien….
June 14th, 2012
Miles of beaches, up and down the Delaware Coast. The surfmen were the keepers of our shores. They patrolled the desolate and dangerous beaches looking for shipwrecks and warning other vessels of the imminent dangers along our coastline. The years? 1876 – 1915.
If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches, a stop to the Indian River Life-Saving Station, should be put on the list of things to do. It is located south of Dewey Beach and about a mile north of the Indian River Inlet, by the bridge. On August 29, 2010, I wrote a post on this museum with pictures. You can check it out on the archives of this website. You can also check www.destateparks.com.
The Life-Saving Station was built in 1876. It is the only station in Delaware that is still standing in its original location.
The U.S. Flag flew over the Station. This particular flag, has 38 stars and was the official Flag of the U.S. from 1877 until 1890.
It is believed that Flag Day originated in 1885. More info? Please visit http://www.usflag.org/flag.day.html.
Have a great day!!
 
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