March 12th, 2015
I really like my accountant, Rich. He is the one that first sent me to check out Jestine’s Kitchen. He said it would be worth the wait. No waiting was necessary because we arrived fashionably late.
Jestine’s Kitchen is located at 251 Meeting St. Tel. 843-722-7224 Website? http://www.jestineskitchen.com This restaurant is one of the top 50 best fried chicken restaurants in the U.S.
I did not even have to read the menu….fried chicken is all I wanted. Our table was comfortable, the service was prompt and the atmosphere was quiet at the time.
The restaurant pays homage to Jestine Matthews who worked for the Ellison family back in the day. The owner is the grandchild of the Ellisons. Jestine’s Kitchen invites customers to take a seat and enjoy good home cooking.
On the table the pickled cukes had a kick to them.
Local beer was ordered. Palmetto Brewery is a small brewery in Charleston, located at 289 Huger St. Check http://www.palmettobrewery.com if you want to know more about them, taste or see what events are on the schedule.
The Charleston Lager on the left is a classic American lager, the perfect Lowcountry beer. It is good while enjoying an oyster roast, bratwurst, soups, salads….light cheeses too. The Amber Ale on the right is their flagship beer. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including chocolate chip cookies and dessert pastries. I don’t think I have paired beer with cookies and pastries but when you think about it, why not?
Flour, water, salt, chicken and lard are just the beginnings. Some people soak their chicken in buttermilk. Two orders of the fried chicken, please. The sides? Collard Greens and Okra Gumbo….OMG!!
Look at the chicken. It was crispy and moist. Believe it or not….and picking the chicken with my fingers….they were not greasy!!
The collard greens also had a bit of a kick. The okra gumbo was well seasoned.
My cousin Maru wanted something simple like grilled chicken breasts and mashed potatoes….not me, I wanted it complicated. No room for dessert.
Jestine’s Kitchen opens Tuesday to Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 9 .m.
I know that locals have their favorites….George, if you are reading this post, where did you say your favorite was?
Talk to you later. Have a good one!!
March 12th, 2015
Back in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, since visiting Historic Charleston for a week, I have had time to go through about 465 photos. It was my first experience in Charleston, a place that I had wanted to visit for a long time but for one reason or another had not.
When my cousins from Puerto Rico invited me to meet them in Charleston, it was because there was a pathology convention to attend. Onboard and looking forward I arrived at the Belmond Charleston Place, located at 205 Meeting St., Tels. 843-722-4900 and 888-635-2350. Website http://www.belmond.com/charleston-place.
Checking in was so smooth. My room was at the newly renovated floor of the hotel. New softer colors in all the rooms. Everyone wants to know how comfy the beds were…they were very comfortable.
Having been on the road and arriving at a new city, I decided to just stay put and try their in-room dining. Don’t let my healthy eating for that night fool you for a minute. I dove easily into the local food without regret. The brussels sprouts were delish and so was my salad….the fruit was my sweet ending….the butter, smooth and a bit sweet.
Something sweet!
A touch of color was much appreciated.
If you would like to start your first morning having breakfast at the hotel, the Palmetto Cafe will be your place. A healthy breakfast buffet or a la carte.
Charleston Place, as it is commonly called, is large enough for events, weddings…you name it. It does not feel that big, but it is. Plenty of shopping within the hotel. The business office was a plus.
In every corner of the City of Charleston there is plenty to see. History abounds. Throughout the week we walked, shopped and dined. The beauty is that you can stroll downtown with ease. Stop and check the alleys, the houses, and the cobblestone streets.
 
Every day we found something new. Look at the Dock Street Theatre. This was the first building in America built exclusively for theatrical performances. Many years ago it was restored. The inside was rebuilt to resemble a theatre in London in the 1730s. It is used year-round. Location? 135 Church Street. http://www.charlestonstage.com
In the evening the Thoroughbred Club at Charleston Place gets hopping. I already posted about it. Tapas Bar setting…Do not miss Calvin (Deke) Taylor, The Entertainer, playing some pretty good jazz.
I almost forgot to give Carrie, the Concierge a shout!! She was awesome and got us set up with Ian Sanchez for our tour of Middleton Plantation among other suggestions, as well. Thanks Carrie!
Talk to you later…have a great day!
March 11th, 2015
“Friendship is not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.” muhammad ali
That statement sets the tone for my post tonight. Starting AboutMyBeaches years ago has been great. In reality, it is my diary. Anyone that knows me can check where I am anytime. It is that simple. The idea of my blog started because I think I am a frustrated concierge. Bla bla and more bla. I do have some good information, I think.
My friends put up with me when we go to restaurants. I take photos all the time. They usually order different entrees so that I have more to talk about. My friends are priceless. They know who they are. They are there any time I need them. They also know how to give me space.
I am still celebrating my birthday. I might as well embrace the passing of time. Today, Jody and Debbie got together with me. We had our manis and pedis, had coffee at Starbucks then headed to see Focus, the new movie with Will Smith. You can tell it is still winter/spring at the beach…..look at the photo in the movie theater at Movies at Midway at 4:30 p.m. Lol!! You would have thought it was a private screening.
Off to grab an early dinner at Fins Ale House & Raw Bar located at 19269 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227–FINS. Website? http://www.finsrawbar.com. Jamison, our server, took care of us in a special way. We walked in with presents so he new we were celebrating.
The Balsamic Glazed Salmon Debbie ordered and loved.
Jody ordered their Chopped Salad and topped it with grilled chicken.
After all my dining in Charleston last week I decided that 2 appetizers would be the way to go. The Seared Tuna was really good. No, it was perfect.
And when I saw the Fried Green Tomatoes…..I “gotta” have them. I am on a fried green tomato journey. They were awesome. I could have had just that for dinner. Hope they keep them on the menu.
When I am with my friends there is so much conversation. You would not believe the subjects we come up with. Attitude was a big subject tonight. My friend Debbie brought me a writing by Charles Swindoll on Attitude. It comments about the attitude in our lives the longer we live. That we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. That we cannot change our past or the fact that people will act in a certain way. Also that we cannot change the inevitable. It ends with “And so it is with you, we are in charge of our attitudes”.
Another topic of conversation was how people find each other. My take is that anyone that really wants to find you, can. I did not have to wait too long because checking for my messages on my phone I saw something on my AboutMyBeaches email address…..it was my old college roommate. I have not seen her since 1972. I might have spoken to her in 1976. Her name was Carolyn de Lima and she was from Syracuse. Her family owned Paul de Lima Coffee at the time. So surprised to hear from her. She had been in Puerto Rico and was looking for me. We have not talked yet. I just sent her an email. How nice!!
Connections continue as another friend that lives in Portland is, as I type this post, staying in my apartment in San Juan…..have not seen her since the early 1970s, as well.
So, you see, if you want to find someone….you really can.
So quiet in my house tonight….taking it all in. What a nice day. See you later.
Note: I still have posts from Charleston.
March 11th, 2015
In 2009 I adopted Miss Addy. I call her my princess, best in show, the best and most beautiful dog in the world…all kinds of silly names. Miss Addy is a mutt and a “rescue”. I think she was about a little over a year when I adopted her. Here is her photo. She is a little Diva now. She learned quickly.
Word of mouth is everything. So, when my friend, Renee told me about Doggies at The Beach, I thought it would be the perfect place to leave Miss Addy when I was traveling for a day or overnight. It would give me a piece of mind. Not everyone can or want to travel with their pooches, so be sure when I tell you that they will be well taken care of at Doggies at The Beach.
Doggies at The Beach is located at 18806 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24) in Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-644-8200 Website? http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com. Doggies at The Beach is open 7 days a week. You can leave your dog for overnight care, day care, and grooming. Throughout the year they hold training classes and they also hold vaccination days at a discount rate.
At times, when I come in the customers make me laugh. Here are some of the photos.
 
There are no cages here. What they do have are 6 separate play areas that are small, medium and large. 24-human supervision is one of the services that they are so proud of. They play with the dogs, take them out for walks and give them a treat here or there, as well.
With 3,500 square feet they have plenty of space for all their customers to have a good time. They will be comfortable since the location is climate controlled and with purified air. There are 5 web cams….just in case you want to follow your pooches daily activities. Names like Little Dippers, Moon Doggies, Big Kahunas are the names they give to the play areas which are assigned according to size. They even have a Puppy Palace, just in case your pooch demands a suite. The last day of your adorable pet stay, they will give him or her a bath…a scarf and they will be ready to go.
Miss Addy just spent a week at Doggies at The Beach, while I was in Charleston. My cousin was so jealous because where she lives she does not have this type of care for her dog. So, when I got a few texts from Doggies at The Beach sending me photos of Miss Addy….she was like….what?
Before you start leaving your pet at Doggies at The Beach there are procedures to follow. A temperament evaluation…no agressive dogs, please. Shots and any other pertinent info. Best if you call them at 302- 644-8200.
HAPPY 8TH ANNIVERSARY TO DOGGIES AT THE BEACH!! An anniversary with plenty of Events. So, What’s Going On?
Friday, April 3rd – Local Buzz Happy Hour – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gallery Espresso located at 12001 Old Vine Blvd., Lewes. Doggies at The Beach will be displaying their stuff. Please stop by and check them out.
Sunday, April 19th – Doggiest at The Beach Customer Appreciation Day Cook Out from Noon until 2:00 p.m. at their location on Rt. 24 or 18806 John J. Williams Hwy. in Rehoboth Beach. Doggies are welcome with their Humans!! There will be a Photo Booth, Food, Drinks, Door Prizes and the Doggie Mascots will be there, as well….In other words, lots of fun!!
Wednesday, May 20th – Frogg Pond Customer Appreciation Night at 3 South First St. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Food and Entertainment. Please note that this event is not for the doggies….just you.
So, as you can see it is pretty nice. Keep it in mind if you are bringing your pooch to the Delaware Beaches. You might want to call and schedule his or her stay ahead of time.
On another note…Jim and his staff at Doggies at The Beach are so involved in the community, here at the Delaware Beaches. They help raise funds for charitable organizations and I think the world of them.
If you think your dog is just not having fun, think again, because he or she might might be having more fun!! Talk to you later.
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March 10th, 2015
 
My stay in Historic Charleston, South Carolina, took even longer when my flight was cancelled on Sunday, 3/1. Too bad, to be “stuck” in this historic city for a couple more days. My accommodations for those 2 nights were at the Meeting Street Inn. It is located at 173 Meeting St. Tels. 843-723-1882 and 800-842-8022 Website? http://www.MeetingStreetInn.com
Meeting Street Inn was built in the style of the Charleston single house around 1873. The “Charleston Single” was built from 1740s to the late 1800s. The lots are narrow and the porches were called piazzas by the English. The porches also served as hallways for air circulation.
My cousin and I had eyed this inn during our stay. We even stopped by to check the rooms. I thought that on another trip this would be a nice place to stay. It is within walking distance to everything you want to do in Historic Charleston. They do have a small shuttle that could take you around anywhere you would like to go in town if you don’t feel like walking.
So as I sat at the Charleston Airport wondering what to do…..a call, a reservation, and I was good to go.
Checking into the Meeting Street Inn was easy. The staff was so nice and ready to help in any way. The bed was most comfortable.
Sunday was not a nice day but Monday turned out to be the best day of the week. The Meeting Street Inn has a small pool and also outdoor seating for R & R.
Great to enjoy the outdoors early in the a.m. with coffee and breakfast which by the way is included or wine and appetizers in the evening, also included.
 
The breakfast is served from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. Hot and cold breakfast service…fruits cereals, buns, etc. etc.
 
In the evenings wine, cheese and refreshments for the guests from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Appetizers including the ever present Charleston Cheese Spread which is pimento cheese spread.
I really enjoyed it and until next time….thanks to the Meeting Street Inn staff.
March 10th, 2015
I am not sure if you are ready for shopping or not, but stores are open. Historic Charleston offers great shopping for everyone. If your husband decides that shopping is not his cup of tea on this trip, there are a few places you can park him.
Or if you are traveling with your pooch….have your husband or significant other take him to the dog park and meet other Charleston dogs, while you engage in something a little more interesting.
C’est La Vie of Charleston we found on 108 N. Market St. Tel. 843-212-5744. The owner opened the store last year and is ready for the prime months that Historic Charleston offers its visitors. Good weather, plenty of restaurants, history, shopping….the town, I hear is starting to bloom. You can find C’est La Vie of Charleston on Facebook. Check it out because you can get 10% off purchases until 3/17.
 
The shopkeepers of Historic Charleston deserve a shout; so friendly!!….Shopping in local boutiques is what I usually like to do. Individual attention is what we want. No rush, please.
The store is eclectic in the sense that you can find gifts for someone special, or just something to thank a friend. Having a party? Cards, napkins, place cards, cups for an event, or just because.
We fell in love with these beads. They are called Chew Beads. They are perfect for the summer. We just did not realize that they are also chewing beads for your little ones. Mothers, grandmothers you can be in style with these ones.
 
It’s springtime and time to refresh, or update.
 
If you think about it all boutiques are shops, but not all shops are boutiques. C’est La Vie of Charleston is unique and local!! Stop by and say hello.
Have a good one.
March 9th, 2015
 
“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.” ashley montagu
When I posted on my Facebook page timeline the photo above of my cousin and I having one of those moments in Charleston, South Carolina last week there were a lot of likes. Comments like “It’s a shame that you never have a good time.” One of my other partners in crime wrote that, knowing that we try our best not to wait for that perfect moment but to take an opportunity and make it perfect.
In Charleston we found the Old Charleston Joggling board. Enjoying the moment we did try it, but thinking it would break we got off quickly. They really don’t. Since the 1800’s these joggling boards have taken a special place in the hearts of Lowcountry residents. You see them as you walk Charleston….don’t be afraid, try them. You can order them by visiting http://www.oldcharlestonjogglingboard.com.
This peacock was trying his best to seize his moment but his lady friend was not interested one bit. He was gorgeous. We found him at Middleton Place, in Charleston, SC, where you can find America’s oldest landscaped Gardens.
I confess, my birthday was Sunday, 3/8, and I usually do not broadcast it, but social media as it is does. Pisces are awesome! We are compassionate, adaptable, accepting, devoted and a good friend. I think we are known to be happy, so I guess it fits.
Plenty of good friends are Pisces and yesterday one of my good friends came by to share her bounty….Stone crab claws sent to her from Florida. She cracked them, I staged them, and then we ate them!! Priceless!
Having a birthday is supposed to be a time of renewal. And, having it on Daylight Savings springs you forward into that mode.
55 degrees has given the residents of Delmarva a reason for joy…..shorts and flip flops are coming out. Really, I am not kidding. Driving from Bethany Beach to Rehoboth Beach, crossing the Indian River Inlet Bridge reminded me that pretty soon I won’t be the only one on the road.
Newfoundlands are spectacular dogs. To see a chocolate one is unusual. But we did, at the Market in Charleston. Little things that make you smile.
 
And then when I see my photo on the Island of Culebra….I can honestly say to enjoy the pleasures of the moment without concern for the future….Carpe Diem!!
March 8th, 2015
 
It is so still in my house you could hear a pin drop. I like it that way. I love Sundays….there is something magical about them. I decided to sit on my computer and continue posting on Charleston.
Prominent families in Charleston are of French Huguenot descent. On the Southeastern quarter of Charleston there is an area called the French Quarter. And, I am not sure if you have seen the beautiful Huguenot Church….it is truly so pretty. It is located at 136 Church St. The church opens its doors to worshipers of all Christian backgrounds. Tel. 843-722-4385. To know more about it, please visit http://www.huguenot-church.org/history.html.
The City of Charleston has diverse influences. With that in mind and strolling Historic Charleston in the evening my cousins and I arrived at Brasserie Gigi. It is located at 102 North Market St. Tel. 843-722-6393. Website? http://www.brasseriegigi.com. It had a good crowd and the menu looked interesting.
The Potage Parmentier or Potato Leek Soup was ordered…topped with chives and croutons. This soup was much welcomed….it was chilly that night.
Two orders of Mahi with potatoes. The fish was perfectly cooked.
And my Roasted Monkfish Bourride was outstanding….leeks, potatoes, parsley, thyme, lemon and white wine aioli.
Creme Brulee was our sweet ending…sharing at this point of our trip.
What’s excellent about Historic Charleston is that you can walk everywhere. And you have to….all this dining and wining can get anyone in trouble.
Note: Brasserie Gigi is open for lunch, dinner, and week-end brunch.
Talk to you later. Have a good one!!
 
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