January 15th, 2012
It used to be that there was Black Tie, Semi-Formal, and Casual. Times have changed and the new designations on how you should be dressed for a particular ocassion are: White Tie, Black Tie, Creative Black Tie, Black Tie Optional, Semi-formal, Festive Attire, Business Formal, Business Casual, Dressy Casual, and, finally, Casual… This last designation is pretty much khakies or good jeans, cargo or Bermuda shorts, plain t-shirt (no slogans, please), polo shirt or turtleneck, casual button-down shirt, sweater, loafers, sneakers (with or without socks), or sandals.
That’s our way of living, here, at the Delaware Beaches. That’s why this coast is so popular; we live a casual atmosphere and it reflects in the way we also dress.
With that in mind I have to tell you that back in 2009, I was out and about in Lewes. It was just a few months since I had started AboutMyBeaches. Looking for material, checking the restaurants and shops. I had not yet started including pictures on my blog.
I stopped at a brand new shop called Shorebreak, at 115 Savannah Rd., Lewes. It was right in downtown historic Lewes, where Second St. meets Savannah Rd. Tel. 302-645-8488. Josh Barr was and is the owner of this men’s wear shop. He is a local guy, went to school with one of my sons, and it was great to see him open this shop. He was looking forward to this new adventure.
Last week I decided to stop by and check Shorebreak out. It was wonderful to see the shop again, with beautiful merchandise. Most of all, it was great to see how Josh has really become a shopkeeper. He was so confident, knew his brands well; so friendly and easy to talk to.
The Delaware Beaches only have a few men’s shops that are owned, individually, by locals. Josh told me he carries everything from Southern Tide, Cutter & Buck, Original Penguin, Life is Good, sweaters and pullovers, flannels, sunglasses, swim shorts, shorts, hats, sandals, and casual footwear.
 
Here is what his shop looks like:
Belts, hats, ties, shorts, and sunglasses. Shorebreak is open every week-end at this time of the year, but you might also find him there, unexpectedly, during the week. You can give him a call in case you need something asap. There are also good sales taking place at this time, as well.
Sandals and casual footwear.
The bottle openers are always popular.
As I was walking through the store a small sign caught my attention. Another local guy, Corey Schab, has local t-shirts, L-Town, also reflecting the small, coastal town living of Lewes, Delaware. Shorebreak is carrying the t-shirts; high quality material and good looking, as well.
Small town shopping…Historic Lewes…residents, shopkeepers…priceless!!
December 17th, 2011
It was another night at the Delaware Beaches, when the inevitable was avoiding the nightly ritual of cooking….
Did you know….that bowing represents humility? You elevate, honor and respect the other person by lowering yourself. A bow should always be returned.
And, did you know that the shredded raddish or daikon is there for a reason? To nibble on between sushi orders. Use chopsticks to eat it. Daikon is also served under sashimi or as an edible side dish.
So here was another night hitting Saketumi instead of cooking. Saketumi is located at 18814 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-645-2818. Website? www.saketumirestaurant.com.
As I came in, Kim, who is the Manager, greeted us. We had not seen each other since before Thanksgiving. At that time I told him about the Turduckens from Louisina. Guess what? Not only did Kim ordered one, but he also deep fried it!! He said it was awesome. Another convert ordering from Cajun Grocer.
But, tonight it was all about trying new things. At times I get into a rut; ordering the same old thing.
Tanaka was behind the bar. He is the Main Event. He is such an artist. His preparations do not leave his side until they are just perfectly arranged.
Then, James was there too. He was our server. His suggestions were right on target.
We decided to start with some Sashimi Tapas:
Kampachi – Amber Jack Fish (yellow tail amberjack). A carpaccio with yuzu lime dressing. Yuzu is a citrus fruit from East Asia. Looks like a very small grapefruit. It also has a tart flavor.
This was so delicious. Delicately sliced; almost transparent. The lime dressing adding that citrus taste.
The next one was the Torched Tuna. Also in a carpaccio style with jalapeno, red tobiko, chive, masago cracker, and spicy ponzu sauce. My husband was salivating at the looks of this dish, until Kim said that it had gluten. A sudden long face appeared. Kim immediately said “it’s not very good”. We all laughed. Guess who had the pleasure of eating it? Moi…and I savoured every single sliced.
The Seared White Tuna Tataki with yuzu citrus vinaigrette, with fried shallot, mango salsa and cilantro was another successful tapa. This one, my husband could eat and thought it was very good, as well.
These 3 tapas were light and the perfect appetizer. My favorite was the Kampachi, then the Torched Tuna and then the Seared White Tuna Tataki.
People were coming in and I was getting cold so I ordered a Miso Soup. James asked me if I wanted the clams, as well. I had never had it with the clams and I found that including the clams gave it a different dimension to the soup. I liked it!!
We did not stop there. An order of their Tropical Thunder had a beautiful presentation and had a fantastic taste. Mango, salmon, topped with lobster salad and tobiko (fish eggs).
My husband likes to order a crispy eel sushi; the crispier the better….loved it as well.
I can recommend Saketumi with confidence. I have never been disappointed. They are friendly, the food is fresh with beautiful colors, appealing to all your senses. The service, prompt….and I love the sushi bar. Sitting there lets me converse with the chefs, see the fish and watch their talent.
 Fresh Wasabi Have a good one. Talk to you later…Please remember that AboutMyBeaches has its own Facebook Page…Comment, and discuss any topic…I welcome you.
December 14th, 2011
I asked Janice; how would you described your store? It’s a woman’s store, definitely. Someone once came in and said; “estrogen infused”. We laughed. Is it? Well, you might have to find for yourselves.
Bella Luna is at 127 Rehoboth Avenue right in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-0267. Website? www.bellalunatic.com. E-mail address? bellalunatic@gmail.com. Janice Elder is the shop owner.
Home, Body, Soul. Those words are on their storefront awning. They truly tell the customer what you will find inside. As you come into the Bella Luna soft music is usually playing. One look at the store and you will see that it is full to capacity.
I like the word whimsical. It is a fun store. Women, girls; they all love it. Guys come in to buy for their significant others.
A tiny corner just for something for young ones.
For the home you will find, art, fun plaques, Christmas Decorations, tea towels, great napkins and unique cards.
For the body, plenty of beautiful scarves, including Pashminas; textures and colors for all tastes. Gloves, hats, lotions, potions and scents.
Lots of necklaces and earrings. These earrings were from Turkey, in vermeil.
As we were talking a guy came in. He was in a slight rush. A present for someone special. He picked it out immediately; I think she might have sent him there. Ideas on how to wrap it were given. Off he went.
The Wine Wraps caught my attention. Turning a bottle of wine into a creative holiday present. Made by a company called Santa Barbara Design Studio. Names like Reindeer Reserve, and Vixen’s Vino to name a few.
Bella Luna makes one feel good. That must be the soul part of it. Janice is always very friendly. And, by the way, the young lady that was also working there is a great addition to the shop; very helpful in her suggestions.
At this time of the year when we are looking for something special for that best friend, hostess gift, or your own personal indulgence….it was the perfect place!!!
Have a good one!!…I will talk to you later….
September 28th, 2011
“Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.” orson welles
September is my favorite time of the year, but I am not sure about this September. It seemed that all we have gotten are clouds, rain, and fog. It looks like we are going full blast ahead with the Second Season.
As I was walking around Rehoboth Beach yesterday I noticed that the beach was so empty. A solitary man looking for “treasures”, another one fishing, even thought I did not know where he had gone.
The north end of the Rehoboth Boardwalk was totally deserted.
Hey, I am not complaining; I was looking forward to this since the beginning of August. The town all to myself. No meters and time for the “ladies that lunch”.
In the 1945 edition of Etiquette, Emily Post referred to luncheon as “generally given by and for women, but it is not unusual especially in summer places or in town on Saturday or Sunday, to include an equal number of men. The result? The term “the ladies that lunch”. It was the ladies’ light meal. And, men that chose to “lunch” were considerate “effeminate”. Times have changed, haven’t they?
I am not kidding myself. I love lunch or dinner. On this particular day, 4 of us got together for lunch; 2 Debbies, 1 Jody and myself. We chose the Summer House Saloon. Really, it is known as the Summer House. An institution as far as a gathering place, saloon, or “taverna” style eatery and watering hole in Rehoboth Beach.
The Summer House was established in 1977. For years, it has been owned by the Big Fish Restaurant Group. I have written plenty of times about Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth. I thought I better write about them; don’t want them to get jealous. Popular, crowded and consistent.
This Group owns 6 restaurants, one seafood market and one seafood wholesale company.
The Summer House is located at 228 Rehoboth Ave., right in the heart of the Avenue. Tel. 302-227-3895. Website? www.summerhousesaloon.com. It opens 7 days a week. Mondays through Saturdays for lunch at 11:30, Sunday’s Brunch at 11 a.m. and dinner every day at 4 p.m.
I am glad that Jody suggested we had lunch there. The reviews are mixed; but mostly they are on the positive side.
We sat near the bar. No, we did not have any spirits. We were so busy chatting that our server had to come back a few times. It always happens that way.
It also happened that we all ordered salads. Trying to work out the pounds gained eating all that summer grub.
The Chopped Salad is a standard at Summer House. Very good. It has fresh chopped chicken, greens, cabbage, calamari, carrots, cucumbers, tomato, eggs, mushrooms with a garlic ranch dressing.
The next salad was the Baked Goat Cheese & Mesculine Greens, topped with grilled chicken. The warm goat cheese was at the bottom and the rest of the greens, dried cherries, candied pecans and the lemon thyme vinaigrette followed. It was delicious, especially when you took bites that included the warm goat cheese.
All caught up, content and happy to have seen each other finished a very nice afternoon.
Note: Summer House, just as Big Fish Grill and the rest of their restaurants, are on my top list of eateries that are fully aware of customers with food allergy concerns. They have menus for practically every food allergy, so please do not hesitate to visit the website above mentioned and you will see everything listed on the right hand of the site, including all their specials.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
September 9th, 2011
Bethany’s flowers were gorgeous. As I walked around town today, they were still looking so good even though we have had some extreme weather lately. I have to congratulate the person in charge for all her work. I know she is there pretty much every day early in the a.m.
It was quiet in town, the playground was empty and there were just a few people shopping. That will soon end tonight since tomorrow Bethany is hosting its Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival. It is on the Boardwalk and branching out to some of the adjacent streets in town. The show is from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. A juried art show, including live music and a silent auction. It is sponsored by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. It is free. More info? Please call 302-539-2100 or visit www.bethany-fenwick.org.
I was with my friend, Debbie, and since we got hungry we decided to go to DiFebo’s located at 789 Garfield Parkway (Rt. 26) in Bethany. For reservations you may call 302-539-4550 and for carry-out, please call 302-539-4914. Their website is www.difebos.com and you can also find them on Facebook as DiFebos Restaurants. DiFebo’s is open year-round.
It was, practically, one year ago since I stopped to have lunch there. It was way past the lunch hour, but there were still customers having a late lunch.
Our waiter, which by the way was very attentive, experienced and friendly, brought us some hummus and flat bread. This is a traditional hummus, but I could detect a hint of lemon. Very smooth. The flat bread was delicious.
For my lunch I orderd a House Roasted Beet Salad. It had fresh beets, arugula, walnuts and apples. When I see beets on a menu I do order them. I love them and these ones were very good. A perfect starter.
Then, I also ordered the soup of the day. They had just finished making a tomato soup. It was lighter than a bisque; perfect on a cloudy day. A little Parmesan cheese finished the presentation.
Debbie ordered the Arugula & Blue Cheese Salad. It had a balsamic vinaigrette, pears, and walnuts. She decided to top the salad with a salmon.
Debbie and I were happy with our lunch. A little coffee, more chatting and then it was time to go.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…
August 30th, 2011
There was no way I was having any more of my leftovers last night. I don’t know what I was thinking when I decided to cook everything in the refrigerator in the event the electricity went out. I guess I thought it would be out for weeks. My husband said he would not have any more ground beef. That was it.
So, my mood changed to something lighter; ate way too much during Irene. I thought Saketumi would be the perfect place for a Monday night. Due to Irene not a lot of people were at the beach, but that will change soon this week-end. Saketumi is located at 18814 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 and it has plenty of parking available. Tel. 302-645-2818. Website? www.saketumirestaurant.com.
I have written about this restaurant before. It is a modern building with plenty of seating choices; even a terrace on top of the building, as well.
My choice? The sushi bar. That is where I usually find Tanaka Sam, who is the Sous Chef. I love seating at the sushi bar because I can interact with all of them. Tanaka always gives the sushi bar patrons a little taste of what is soon to be a very pleasant dining experience.
If you decided you are not a sushi aficionado and not really into it, then, don’t worry because this very modern Asian restaurant offers a variety of foods; Japanese, Thai and Chinese among others. They have tempuras, curries, noodles, rice and woks.
One of the dishes I have had in the past is a whole fish with that chili sweet sauce and very crispy. It’s a good one!! Don’t let it intimidate you.
Our waiter was Dimitar. He has served us before and is always attentive, prompt and knows his menu well.
Tanaka and I got the conversation going. We talked about the weather; his family lives in N.Y. At times I had to ask him again to repeat what he had just said; then, I laughed because he probably could not understand my accent either.
His sushi and sashimi presentations are outstanding. Totally gorgeous and a work of art.
Last night I had their Firecracker Roll. A little spicy with a nice kick to it. I also had the scallops, sashimi style and the Unagi, which is eel.
And, let’s not forget real wasabi. There is a big difference to the wasabi you get at different sushi restaurants. Unless you ask for real wasabi, if they have it, all you are getting is horseradish, mustard and food coloring. Very little or no wasabi is found in that paste. Wasabi is a root which must be finely grated before serving. It is perishable and it does cost a bit more.
My husband had different choices of sashimi and sushi on his plate. Guess what? They do have gluten free/wheat free soy sauce.
Saketumi is available for events, on Sundays they do have a brunch and most every day of the week they have specials and happy hour.
Even though I have written about Saketumi before, I decided to do it again. They have been consistent from day one. The staff is friendly, the restaurant is nice and the food is really good!! My family does visit Saketumi often. I guess we are regulars, right?
Note: I don’t want to forget to thank Kim, the Manager. Always very friendly and welcoming.
Another beautiful day in the Delmarva Peninsula? You bet!! Talk to you later…
July 31st, 2011
“Authentic New York Delicatessen (only better)” It is their motto; one that has been since 1915.
My son said last night “this is not AboutMyBeaches”. My husband said, he could not believe I did not have “The Original” which is the Cloak & Dagger; corned beef, cole slaw and Russian dressing.
My other son, said “hmm I am ready to go”. That’s more like it!!
I, well..the t.v. was on early this morning and there was a person talking about the food waking up your senses, etc. etc. I tell you, what woke up my senses. Wait a minute, I should say what woke up my hunger. After being at the Baltimore Farmer’s Market last Sunday, Susie, my sister in law, said that instead of eating at the market we could go to “corned beef row”. That did it and it was great. Their reputation is unsurpassed.
Attman’s is located at 1019 East Lombard St., Baltimore, MD. 21202. Tel. 410-563-2666. Website? www.attmansdeli.com.
It was about 1:00 p.m. and there was a line. The place was bustling. Dishes coming out, pastrami here, mustard there. Don’t leave it too lean. My wife is waiting in the car. I was like, what the heck am I going to order?
I was also looking at the cases with some of their offerings including tongue, probably for their Tongue Fu sandwich which has beef tongue, pastrami, corned beef and Swiss, topped with spicy mustard.
I got some help. They do have a friendly staff. He told me to get the corned beef with mustard on rye. I was a novice. Or, the pastrami, same way. I just needed more time. Regulars knew what they were ordering.
Okay, okay; one corned beef, mustard on rye, one pastrami, mustard on rye, one cole slaw and 2 drinks.
Then, off to their Kibbitz Room for dining and chatting. Susie and I split our sandwiches so we could experience both meats.
She thought she loved the pastrami the best.
I thought mine was just as good.
My husband kept texting me that had I ordered the wrong thing. Haha, a good excuse to come back.
Through our lunch at Attman’s, there was never a line with less than 5 people. Attman’s is near the Inner Harbor.
My husband told me that when he was young. I should say younger; he is probably reading my blog, Attman’s was his “paycheck treat”.
He also remembers when Corned Beef Row was like an outdoor grocery store. Chickens, meats; all Kosher.
Attman’s is an old style Jewish deli. It does not need an introduction. It speaks for itself. If you want to know more about it, check out their website, www.attmansdeli.com. Or, you can also go on line and visit www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=6044. This article explains the good times and the hard times of this important street in Baltimore.
It has taken me all week to write about 24 hours in Baltimore. I still have 2 more posts. This City that has been knocked down in the news, even though it has so much to offer. A lot of tender loving care? Of course, and some of you are trying, I know.
In the meantime, I am looking forward to another visit. I already know what I am going to order, regardless of what my husband says. The Lombard Street sandwich has hot corned beef, hot patrami, chopped liver and Russian Dressing. Cannot wait!!
Note: Attman’s offers off-premise catering service throughout Maryland, Washington and Virginia. Ask them about their “Lombard St. Party” which for 50 people or more at your location.
Have a great day! Talk to you….later….
May 18th, 2011
It has been a year since this Bethany Beach restaurant opened. They have served lunch and dinner every day. That’s what they wanted.
Renee told me last summer how she had tried Off The Hook; her meal had been delicious. One thing lead to another; I did not make it.
Last Monday I had to go to Bethany Beach. My husband’s only concern was; what’s for dinner?
I had roasted such a good chicken on Sunday that I thought leftovers would be the perfect meal for a cold evening. Don’t you think so too? Answer: I am not eating leftovers. Bla bla bla. Well, you can come with me to Bethany but I don’t know what’s even open.
And, that’s how we finally got to Off The Hook. It is located at 769 Garfield Parkway (Rt. 26), Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Tel. 302-829-1424. You can find it on Facebook.
I was plesantly surprised. I found a cozy restaurant; small but inviting. Light walls with colorful prints on one side of the room. On the other, there were 3 blackboards. One of those was offering thanks to the suppliers. Johnson’s Country Market in Eastview, DE, Julius Silvert Mushroom Farm from Kennett Square, PA, Other Side Produce, Easton, MD, Big Fish Wholesale Fish Market, Rehoboth Beach, and Crack of Dawn Bakery in Berlin, MD.
One of the boards expressed its appreciation to all the locals for patronizing them during those long winter months and the other had the Daily Dinner Specials.
There was a bar, which overlooked the kitchen.
Tiffany was our waitress. She was efficient and knew the menu well.
Chef Matt Cornelius stopped at every table to see if everyone was enjoying their meal.
And, then Steve Hagen, Chef and Owner, came in and we met him, as well. Of course, the topic of gluten came afloat, as it always does.
Tiffany brought bread to the table. I am pretty sure it was rosemary, olive oil and cracked pepper. My husband was drooling. He could not have the bread. Guess what? It was so good.
I went right to my entree. I chose from the Dinner Specials Board; the Clams Linguini with sundried tomatoes, capers, basil, and garlic in a white wine butter sauce. It really was good. The whole combination was in unison. And, I loved the sweetness of the garlic.
My husband had the Pan Roasted Scallops. This dish is usually served with fregola sarda, caramelized onion, garlic confit, spinach, chicken jus, crisp rosemary. Due to the fact that it had gluten, Chef Cornelius prepared a corn confit just for him.
Then he ordered clams as well. This dish was an appetizer. Middle Neck Clams, with tarragon, capers, white wine and lemon. I got to taste one and I recommend them totally, if you like clams. The tarragon made such a difference.
We ordered a takeout from the dinner specials; Oyster Stew. The review from that stew was that it was not too heavy, or too milky; just the right consistency. I wonder if Chef Cornelius can give away that recipe?
We did not have any dessert but some of the sweet endings were key lime pie, truffle terrine, french toast bread pudding and apple pie cannoli. Don’t they sound good?
Anyway, there is excitement this week at Off The Hook. Their new sister restaurant, Just Hooked, is opening in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Congratulations!!
 My husband shared his clams with me.
Talk to you later….
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