July 22nd, 2012
This is so interesting…Did you know that prior to the 1950s, no railroad came to Bethany Beach? You would have to travel by train to Baltimore, Maryland, spend the night there, then, travel by boat across the Chesapeake Bay to the Delmarva Peninsula and by train across the peninsula to Rehoboth Beach. Still, you had to board a steamer, prior to 1910, called Atlantic, across Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay to Ocean View, then, on horse drawn carriage to Bethany Beach.
On July 1910, the Loop Canal was completed in Bethany Beach, therefore, you could take the motorboat Allie May. In 1912 the Helen Marie II replaced Allie May, to dock at the town itself. Exhausting to say the least!!
Bethany Beach is still considered a Quiet Resort. The town gets so packed in the summer and then, a well deserved rest through the winter. The Second Season brings a lot of visitors; it is one of the best times of the year.
The best way to travel through Bethany Beach is by taking the Trolley. It is the best deal in town. Can you believe that it is still $.25 each way? The driver does not make change so make sure you have quarters. It is in service through mid September from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Last pick up at Atlantic & Garfield is at 9:45 p.m.
You can flag down the Trolley along the routes for pick up and discharge except on Rt. 26 & Rt. 1. For more info., please visit http://www.townofbethanybeach.com, then click on Services and scroll down to Trolley.
Life in our small coastal towns revolves, in the summer, around the Boardwalk and the Bandstand. The Bethany Beach Boardwalk, along with the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk were named in the top Boardwalks of the United States.
Performances at The Bandstand: Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless noted. Hot line is 302-539-5484
Sunday, 7/22 – Dialtones – Rock n’ Roll from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Check http://www.thefabulousdialtones.com
Monday, 7/23 – Movie at 8:30 p.m., Zookeeper. It is rated PG.
Friday, 7/27 – U.S. Navy Cruisers – This is the premier U.S. Navy’s contemporary entertainment ensemble. The name comes from the Navy’s versatile, flexible, multi-missioned ship, The Cruiser. Genres of music range from jazz and standards, rhythm and blues, classic rock, adult contemporary, and original material.
Saturday, 7/28 – City of Fairfax Band – This band is from Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area. The musicians come from varying musical backgrounds. Performers are from all walks of life; they share the love of music.
Sunday, 7/29 – Sir Rod – Rod Stewart Tribute. Tommy Edward as Sir Rod Stewart. Check http://www.tommyedward.com.
All that Boardwalk Grub, which is what we all love during the summer months, can cause havoc on your exercise routines. Don’t worry because Bethany Beach has summer exercise classes right on the beach and the Bandstand.
Bethany Beach Yoga at Sunrise from 6 to 7 a.m. until September 16th. No class on Thursdays. Instructors: Georgette Rhoads and Pat Wood. There is a drop in fee. Tel. 302-448-0563. More info? http://www.bethanybeachyoga.org.
Tai Chi on The Bandstand from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. until Labor Day. Classes on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Instructor: Jim Mace. There is a drop in fee. Tel. 302-363-4509. E-mail mace12@juno.com.
Power Yoga on the Beach from 7 to 8 a.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday. Location? Garfield Beach (by the Bandstand) Drop in fee. Instructor: Natalie Griffin. Tel. 860-617-1933.
Wednesday, 7/25 and Thursday, 7/26, is the 21st Annual Beach and Bay Cottage Tour. Tickets are $30 and are available online, at the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce in Fenwick, at the South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach. Tel 302-537-5828. The Cottage tour benefits The Friends of the South Coastal Library, which was founded in 1988 to provide support for the services and resources of the Library. Please check the website for more info. and to see the Cottages that will be on the tour. http://www.beachandbaycottagetour.com
Note: Every Sunday, from 8 a.m. until Noon the Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market can be found at the PNC Parking lot, right in town. Only on Sundays and until Sept. 5th.
Have fun in Bethany!! Talk to you later….
July 20th, 2012
The Spanish word “picar” means to “mince” or “chop”…..A picadillo is just that; everything is either minced or chopped. It is made with spices, tomato sauce, raisins, olives, garlic, and pretty much, beef is what it is used.
The plantains are so versatile. They are from the banana family; they are a starch, but they do have less sugar than the banana. When they are green they are used to make “tostones” and “mofongo”. But as they ripen, they can be stuffed and even made into a dessert.
Considered a comfort food for so many that have plantains available year-round.
So, there I was looking at two ripe but firm plantains with spots on them. They were not totally ripe, which is exactly how you want them when making Stuffed Canoes. Green plantains are my favorite but I was not going to let these ones go to waste.
The first thing you need to do is peel them. They are much easier than the green ones. A few slits here or there and the skin comes off.
Deep fry them until a golden color. Drain on paper towels and then put aside until ready to stuff.
As I was looking for items to make the picadillo I had to do with what I had on hand. So, basically, the picadillo was made with pork sausage. Actually, it turned out pretty good.
My recipe for Picadillo is called “What kind of Picadillo is that?
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 lb. pork sausage (I used Jimmy Dean, which is gluten free.)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup sliced manzanilla olives with pimiento
1/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes in oil
4 ounces of tomato sauce
A few dashes of Tabasco (optional)
Pepper to taste
A couple of ounces of Velveeta Cheese chopped
Grated Parmesan (about 1/4 cup)
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
In a frying pan, add the Olive Oil, heat and add the pork sausage. Cook for a few minutes and then add the onion. Continuing cooking until sausage is totally crumbled and the onion is soft.
Add manzanilla olives, sun dried tomatoes, and stir.
Add tomato sauce, pepper and Tabasco. Stir and remove from heat.
Add the Velveeta Cheese. Mix it in. (If you want to add another kind of cheese, you know what to do.)
Make a slit in each plantain from top to bottom but careful not to go completely through. You will find that the plantain is very pliable. It will give as you stuff it. Put enough picadillo, just like in the picture.
Then, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until completely heated through.
To serve you can do several things. You can give one to each person, which looks nicer, or just a half. You can serve it with a green salad. The colors would be really nice.
Make them your own. Remember I just kept adding ingredients that I usually like when cooking. I did not have raisins but I would add a couple of tablespoons, as well.
Enjoy them. It is a good combination. The sweetness of the plantains with all those other ingredients make them “deliciosos”.
Have a good one!!
July 20th, 2012
Not the perfect beach day? The kids might be driving you crazy, right? The following info. might let you still enjoy a day at the Delaware Beaches when the weather does not cooperate.
The Arcades – Right on our beautiful Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.
The Beach Arcade – Next to Dolles at 5 North Boardwalk. Tel. 302-227-1040.
Playland Arcade – South of the Boardwalk.
Surfside Arcade – South of the Boardwalk.
Funland’s Arcade, right at Funland, also south of the Boardwalk. http://www.funlandrehoboth.com. Funland is also a historic family amusement center. Rides, games and arcade.
Jolly Trolley
The Jolly Trolley is a way to travel from Downtown Rehoboth Beach to Dewey Beach. Just hop on and take a round trip.
Bookstores
Some of the bookstores offer story times and activities.
Browseabout Books is located at 133 Rehoboth Ave. Tel. 302-226-2665. Website? http://www.browseaboutbooks.com.
Cake Break is a premier cupcake bake shop in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Kids can decorate cupcakes and that will keep them busy for some time. Tel. 302-260-9265. Website? http://www.cakebreakrehoboth.com.
Crafts – Activity Studio. Paint your own pottery at Creatable Crafts. Fun for the whole family; not just the kids. Paint today and pick up your projects tomorrow. Location? 146 Rehoboth Ave. Tel. 302-227-1020. Website? http://www.createablecrafts.com.
Museums:
Anna Hazzard – Early story of Rehoboth Beach as a religious retreat through artifacts and memorabilia. The Museum is in one of the original “tent” houses from Rehoboth 1870s camp meeting era. It is located at 17 Christian St. Tel. 302-226-1119.
Rehoboth Beach Museum – It is located by the roundabout in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. It is also the home of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society. Check the World War II: Rehoboth Beach exhibit which will be on display until March of 2013. Website? http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
Rehoboth Art League – 12 Dodds Lane. Tel. 302-227-8408.
Movies:
Atlantic Theaters located on Coastal Highway. Tel. 302-645-0200. http://www.moviefone.com/theater/movies-at-midway-rehoboth-beach/3587/s.
And….if that’s not what you might like to do, then just check out the shops and restaurants….plenty of them in Downtown Rehoboth Beach!!
Have a good one!
July 20th, 2012
“The earlier settlers to this coastal area were Native Americans who traveled to the beach in the summer months to enjoy the cool breezes and abundant seafood.” Abundant seafood? But, of course. Cool breezes? Well, if you have been at the Delaware Beaches, you know that those breezes have been a little too warm.
If you are visiting Rehoboth Beach take a chance to enjoy our award winning Boardwalk. It is the life of the town. Guest what? The Travel Channel will be filming in Rehoboth Beach around the Boardwalk on the week-end of August 4th which is also when the Sandcastle Contest will be taking place. So…..if you see cameras rolling, please smile!!
Let’s see, what else is going on in the next few days…..
Friday, 7/20 – The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society’s Annual Watermelon Festival will be held in Grove Park and the Rehoboth Beach Museum from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Your favorite things will be part of the festival: Watermelon seed-spitting and eating contests, crafts, bean bag toss and hula hoop and paddle ball contests, and guessing games to win jelly beans and watermelons. Also a favorite is face painting and free tastes of watermelon. Families can win a grand price of a Bucket of Fun filled with toys and gifts certificates. Admission is $3 for visitors age 13 and older, $2 for ages 5 to 12. Children age 4 and younger get in free. Admission to the Festival includes admission to the museum. Please call for more info. at 302-227-7310. Visit www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
Friday, 7/20 – At the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand – Entertaining visitors will be Groove Train. It’s all about the 70’s. Show begins at 8 p.m.
Through September 2nd – Clear Space Rocks with “Broadway at The Beach”. Eight cast members bring 33 songs from 26 different musicals to life in “Broadway at the Beach”. The concert-style performance features musicians on stage with the singer and choreography by Christa Pardocchi. Expect to hear some of your favorite songs like “Big Shot”, “Let’s Hear It For The Boy”, and “Don’t Stop Believin”, in addition to a big crop of new Broadway tunes. “Broadway at The Beach” plays in repertory with “Annie” and “Cabaret”. Performances are Tuesday – Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, priced at $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $15 for students and children, are available online at http://www.clearspace.theatre.org.
A full schedule of performances are also found on the website. You can also purchase tickets in person at the box office, located at 20 Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Musical Director, Doug Yetter says that “with this show, we’ve tried to imagine what it would be like if Broadway dominated the radio today, like it did in the first half of the 20th century”. He continues to say that “with movies being made into musicals and pop songs being used to score shows, the soundscape of Broadway has really changed in the last decade, and we wanted to reflect that shift with this show”.
Saturday, 7/21 – A Tribute to the Eagles with 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience. It is at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand at 8 p.m.
Sunday, 7/22 – 2012 Maritime Heritage Festival at the Indian River Life-Saving Station located south of Dewey Beach and just before you cross the Indian River Bridge, on Coastal Highway. This historic Life-Saving Station is gorgeous and the festival will offer something for everyone. Food, re-enactments of time at the Life-Saving Station, and songs and stories of old sailing days. Tickets: $5 for adults, $3 for youth (5-12), 4 years old and under are free.
Sunday, 7/22 – Week-end is over so sit back, relax and enjoy The Pork Roll Project and the sounds of Contemporary Blues!!
Have a good one!! Remember, you are at the beach….relax and kick back!!
Note: Just a little reminder that AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook!!
July 18th, 2012
Tomato Sunshine changes with the season. I love stopping by. It is very close to my home. To tell you the truth, at times I just pull in and walk around. The flowers are gorgeous, the produce is amazing. It all puts a smile on my face.
Tomato Sunshine is located at 19791 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-226-9533. Website? http://www.tomatosunshine.com. If you are vacationing, please stop in. Ernie and Donna are the owners and either one or the other is always there. Any questions you might have, just ask because everyone is so helpful. I always have an interest in different looking fruits and Ernie is quick to give me a description.
 
But, today I was looking for peaches. It is that time of the year. Tomato Sunshine has local peaches. Because of the hot weather they are ready. If you are baking or just enjoying them as a fruit, stop by. They are so sweet.l
I notice they had local fresh bread, as well. The bread came from Touch of Italy located at The Villages of Five Points in Lewes.
The corn, and the melons were just gorgeous.
The Honeydews were screaming…take me, take me…it is too hot!!
Then, my eyes focused on the mountain of tomatoes. The color was unreal.
There it was. The mother of all tomatoes. I picked it up and took it to the scale. I wanted to see its weight. Wow….1.74 lbs!! My gosh!. They told me the other day they had a 2 pounder.
It is the height of the season for a lot of the local produce. If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches, please just take time to enjoy what Southern Delaware has to offer. We have lots of farmers’ markets; local markets that open every day. You know what? You won’t regret it. The taste is just incredible.
Talk to you later. Have a good one!!
July 17th, 2012
A Trunk Show at Jeff West House in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Meg Carter was appearing with some of her beautiful jewelry, which is inspired by the sea. This designer is from Alexandria, Virginia, and Jeff West Home exclusively sells her unique designs. Meg uses natural seashells, fresh water pearls, semi precious stones, and metals. She is very popular, here, in Rehoboth Beach. Our casual lifestyle fits perfectly with her designs.
Jeff West Home is located at 413 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-227-3635. Website? http://www.jeffwesthome.com. This shop opens Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. On Sundays, it opens from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. There is parking available in the back or you can just park on the street; parking meters.
Jeff West opened Jeff West Home in 2008. He was already known for his impeccable taste, having designed home interiors in Washington, D.C., throughout Delaware, Cape Cod and Maine.
Jeff West Home is located in the most charming cottage on Rehoboth Avenue. It is so quaint and stepping inside, immediately you can see that Jeff has a good eye for colors, and probably an innate sense of style.
Your home should be a reflection of you. This shop is a reflection of Jeff.
New in this store this year is a new line for babies. Having seen so many of my friends’ children getting married and some already expecting, I thought it was worth mentioning…..Lacey, I hope you are reading this one.
 
Jeff West Home offers interior design services. You can call the above mentioned number and schedule an appointment.
The store carries beautiful pieces of furniture, lamps, needlepoint pillows, throws…and those indispensables you cannot live without. Here are some pictures of what you will find in Jeff West Home.
   
 
As I was leaving I noticed the Custom Monogram Bamboo Director’s Chair.
 And the Custom hand painted tiles.
Jeff told me I needed to check his new tiny little store in the cottage that sits on the back of the property. Call it shabby chic or cottage style. Jeff has been acquiring unique items with this store in mind. Perfect pieces for that screened in porch, pillows and accessories. It is called Pickets.
 
 
Shopping in Downtown Rehoboth Beach….so nice and relaxing. The icing on the cake? Tax free shopping!! Talk to you later.
July 17th, 2012
Welcome is what I want to say to all of Matt Haley’s Restaurants. It has been 3 years since I started this blog. The concept has stayed true. I wanted to promote the Delaware Beaches. I really do love living here and that’s what I told Matt Haley when I was pestering him about advertising on my website. It is a little tricky when you are talking and writing about restaurants. Afterall, it is your own experience. I write about them on my own terms; no technical training, for sure. I know how I like to be served. I like a variety of foods. And I love innovative cuisines.
I have eaten in several of Matt Haley’s Restaurants. Every time I wrote a post, I would send an e-mail to the company. It did not fail that Matt Haley was the one that answered those e-mails immediately. Not his managers and others in his staff; but, himself. That has not happened very often. I thought that said a lot about the man behind the concepts. And, SoDel Concepts restaurant group, is his restaurant development company located in Delmarva.
I have had the opportunity to attend several fundraising events hosted by Matt Haley. Yes, he does wear many hats besides the Chef’s. On those occasions, I have watched him interact with his staff. It is like a one on one kind of thing. Mutual respect and admiration. Maybe family is the right word to describe it.
Matt Haley’s feels at ease whether he is the Chef at a fundraising event at a farm or fundraising at one of his restaurants for Global Delaware.
 
In 2010, the organization Outstanding in the Field chose him as the Host and Chef for an amazing dinner held at the Indian River Life Saving Station. The organization, Outstanding in the Field, travels the world to find exceptional chefs to showcase the local food culture and salute area farmers, growers and fishermen. It was a first for Delaware!!
You can find SoDel Concepts and Plate Catering on the right hand side of this website. Just click on either one to go directly into their sites and find all there is to know about them. You can also click on the links available on the left hand side of this website, as well, to go directly into all the individual restaurants, including Plate Catering.
The Owner and Executive Chef is Matt Haley. Southern Delaware has the farms and the water. These provide us all with a unique advantage to fresh food, wonderful vegetables, poultry and beef. There are amazing restaurants and chefs making Southern Delaware a dining destination. And, Matt Haley’s Restaurants have the whole package.
Matt Haley’s Restaurants are under SoDel Concepts. And, here they are:
SoDel Concepts – Tel. 302-436-8600. Website? http://www.sodelconcepts.com.
Fish On! – Tel. 302-645-9790. Website? http://www.fishon.bz. Happy Hour, Opens at 5 p.m., Sunday 3 Chef designed courses for $19. Location? 17300 North Village Main Blvd., Lewes, DE 19958. At The Villages of Five Points. I wrote a post on the restaurant on 7/10/12. Just click on the month of July and scroll down to the date.
Lupo di Mare – Tel. 302-226-2240. Website? http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com. Happy Hour 5 – 7 p.m. Early Bird Special, 3 courses for $19 if seated before 6 p.m. Location? 247 Rehoboth Ave., inside the Hotel Rehoboth. I have written in the past about this restaurant. Just click on the month and scroll down to the date. 6/12/2011, 12/4/2011, 5/5/2012
Matt’s Fish Camp – Tel. 302-539-CAMP. Website? http://www.mattsfishcamp.com. Opens 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Location? North Bethany, South of the Indian River Inlet. I have written in the past, also, about this restaurant. Again click on the month and scroll down to the date. 4/20/2011, 6/26/2012
Bluecoast Seafood Grill – Tel. 302-539-7111. Website? http://www.bluecoastseafoodgrill.com. Opens at 5 p.m. Location? 1111 Highway One, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. It is just north after you leave Bethany Beach.
Northeast Seafood Kitchen – Tel. 302-537-1785. Website? http://www.northeastseafoodkitchen.com. Opens at 5 p.m. Outdoor dining is also available. Location? 29F Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, DE 19970.
Catch 54 – Tel. 302-436-8600. Website? http://www.catch54.com. Location? 38931 Madison Ave., Fenwick Island, DE 19944. In the Shark’s Cove Marina. Same view, new building due to a fire that took place last year. What I hear are good things and words like so “cool”. I’ll let you know how it is soon. Opens at 11:30 a.m. Happy Hour is from 12 Noon until 6 p.m.
Plate Catering is Matt Haley’s catering company. He is the Owner and Executive Chef. A dinner for 2 or for a large gathering…this is what this company does. Awesome dinners taking the stress out so that you can enjoy your company. Tel. 302-644-1200. Website? http://www.plate-catering.com. Email? info@plate-catering.com.
So, what else can I tell you about Matt Haley? Remember when I mentioned above, the many hats he wears…..a philanthropist’s. It is worth mentioning that Matt Haley founded Global Delaware. It is a non-profit “organization dedicated to providing goods and services to children at risk in distressed situations”. Global Delaware is helping, here at home, and it is also extending a helping hand overseas. To know more about it, to get involved, to donate (anything helps), please visit http://www.theglobaldelawarefund.com.
Notes: Matt Haley’s Restaurants do not accept reservation. You have to do like me; either very early or late. I choose late. It’s summer and it stays light so late. Let me know how you like them.
Matt Haley’s Restaurants are sensitive to those customers with food related allergies. They are very willing to make your visit a pleasurable one.
By the way, let me tell you that there were other e-mails sent to SoDel Concepts. They were the ones that started “Don’t kill the Messenger”, if you get my drift. He did answer!! Have a good one!!
July 14th, 2012
Is it French or American? The debate is still going on. Doesn’t matter; this is one of those soups that is refreshing during the hot summer season. It is sooooo easy to make. I do it all in the blender; 2 batches. If I have leeks; I add them, if not I improvise. As long as it is velvety smooth, we are in business.
I was looking at the little creamery potatoes on my counter. They were not completely round; elongated, mostly. The first thing I did before assembling the ingredients was boiled them in low sodium chicken broth until fork tender. No peeling either; I like the skin. Put them aside.
Vichyssoise
3 medium size leeks; white part only, chopped (If you don’t have them, improvise with shallots or green onions.)
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium size onion, chopped
1 container of the creamery potatoes (Other small white potatoes will do or about 4 medium size potatoes.) Already cooked in low sodium chicken broth; chop for easier blending.
3 cups of chicken broth (I used low sodium.) Note: Use more if needed.
1 cup of half and half
1/4 teaspoon mace
Salt and white pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chives (I did not have fresh, so I used dried.)
Sautee the onions in butter for a few minutes. Place aside.
In the blender, add about 1 cup of chicken broth, then add the potatoes. Process them, adding more broth, if needed.
Add the rest of the ingredients, including the chives. I know, the chives are supposed to be a garnish, not this time, though. Blend. If it gets too thick then, do it in two batches and add more broth and cream. You want it to be smooth; not lumpy.
Taste and adjust seasonings.
Garnish:
I have been in a roasting pepper frame of mind. I had roasted the peppers on a 375 degree oven by first cutting them in half, seeding them and then cutting them again in quarters. Olive oil and a little salt and pepper. In the oven until nice and soft for about 25 to 30 minutes.
I have also been making my own balsamic reduction. One bottle of Pompeian balsamic vinegar on medium low until it completely reduces to about 1/2 cup. It takes some time before it reduces, though. Great on veggies and I even drizzled some on the Vichyssoise.
That was it!!
Serve and enjoy…plenty of leftover soup to be eaten on the next heat wave, which I hear is coming way too soon.
Talk to you later and Happy Bastille Day!!
 
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