June 24th, 2011
Peruvian and Cantonese fusion found in Peru; Latin and Asian influences.
“Chifa is the phonetic pronunciation of the Chinese character that represents this shared cuisine. It also refers to the restaurants that serve it.”
Some months ago I visited a restaurant by the name of Amada in Philadelphia. All tapas and very Spanish. I really enjoyed it, so much so that I wrote a post on AboutMyBeaches on 3/7/11. All you have to do is click on the month of March 2011 and scroll down to the date. I wanted to try some of the other restaurants owned by the Garces Group.
Jose Garces is the main event; Ecuadorian heritage, winner of the most recent The Next Iron Chef. Not too many chefs hold that title; only 6 chefs in the country.
Philadelphia is really not that far from the Delaware beaches; about 2 hours and 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Michael and I decided to have a late dinner. I thought that the restaurant was going to be closed by the time we got there. Let’s say we closed Chifa.
Chifa is located at 707 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel. 215-925-5555. Website? http://www.chifarestaurant.com.
Latin and Asian; the decoration reflected those influences. As you entered Latin is the style; tiles, woods, pottery. The bar is located in this room.
Next room? Asian; reds and oranges. Long tables ready for Dim Sum.
Kristin was our server and she had been with Chifa since it opened a couple of years ago. Her knowledge and expertise helped us make the best choices.
She brought us bread to the table. This bread is called Pandebono. It is made out of Yuca flour and Manchego cheese. A little dipping sauce on the side; a hint of sweetness. Very good.
Chifa serves most of their food as “tapas” and “family” style. Sharing is a key word. Tapas are small plates. A taste here or there; a teasing. You want more.
Our first choice was the Ceviche, cooked Peruvian style. The fish? Kingfish.
The most likely origin of “ceviche” lies in the area of present-day Peru and it is part of its national heritage.
This ceviche was probably one of the best I have tasted. So fresh. The marinade is Leche de Tigre, which is composed of key lime or bitter orange juice, sliced pickled onions, chili, salt and pepper and served with small slices of cooked sweet potato. Roasted corn or “mote” on the side. Excellent combination of flavors.
Kristin told us the Duck Tacos were so popular. After trying different recipes, finally the winner was the one on the menu. Duck confit, house kimchi, sliced radish, cracklins on flour tortillas. Remember when I said that tapas are a teaser? This is a good example. Could have had more; too bad I had to share them. He was thinking the same thing.
I love octupus, or pulpo in Spanish. I see them on the menu and I don’t even have to think. They were rock octupus, garlic-ginger, purple potatoes, ginger gastrique. Roasted and perfectly seasoned.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the Thai sausage but it was served with an aromatic rice, tamarind chile sauce and papaya salad. The sauce was excellent; a little thick; the tamarind was a predominant flavor in the sauce.
The Red Curry had jumbo lump crab, coconut, jasmin rice, tofu and eggplant. Not too spicy. We actually enjoyed it so much.
We even had dessert, but no picture. It was a mango mousse with mango sherbert. This is the time of the year for this much loved fruit in tropical climates. So many shapes and flavors, as well.
Thank you Kristin for the service you gave us. The combination of unusual and unique ingredients was tops.
Note: Chifa is open for lunch Mondays through Fridays 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. It is open for dinner Sundays through Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays it opens from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Have a great day!!…Food trucks are next!!
April 3rd, 2011
Even though the building is painted in different colors and the interior has been redecorated over the years, the memories came back once I stepped into Stingray. This restaurant, located at 59 Lake Avenue in Rehoboth Beach was years ago called Fran O’Brien’s. It was an institution; anyone visiting the beaches; this was the “it” place for “apres beach”, drinks, food, and dancing. It really was the place to see and being seen.
But enough of that since I am really dating myself. That’s exactly what I told Laura, our server. Laura was friendly and really knew the menu well.
Stingray is one of the favorite sushi restaurants of a couple of friends. And guess what? They were there. Joe and Carla; they are sushi connoisseurs. Carla told me that I needed to order the Man Eater and the Malay Roll. Laura agreed, as well.
It was the perfect evening to visit Stingray. This will be their fourth season in Rehoboth Beach. The tel. is 302-227-6476. Website? www.stingrayrestaurant.com.
Being that it was Sunday, it was quiet. The music was playing and the restaurant exuded a club-like atmosphere.
A full bar, a lounge area where dinner can be enjoyed with reservations.
The sushi bar took center stage. Take Out is available until 1:00 a.m.
Other rooms were outfitted with tables and some with booths.
An enclosed glass porch was available and looked like it would be very nice to spend an evening having dinner on that porch while checking out the comings and goings on Lake Avenue.
I ordered the Man Eater and the Malay Roll.
The Man Eater had fried fresh salmon with jalapeno and spicy mayo, sprinkled with chopped fresh cilantro. It was delicious and the combination of the salmon with jalapeno gave it a good kick. Not overly so, but just a hint. Finished with the cilantro was perfect.
The Malay Roll had crispy Chilean sea bass, asparagus, and spicy sauce inside, sesame seeds outside. Very tasty, as well.
Then I decided to order live scallops sashimi. The presentation was very nice. The only thing is that I like the scallops to be sliced thin with lime. I thought that with the cucumber cup you could not really taste the scallops since they were chopped.
Then I asked Laura if she could ask the sushi chef to prepare an order just like I wanted. There was a marked difference and eating the scallops with the lime, well, was the best.
My husband had 2 orders of the same thing. One was the smelt roe, served on the cucumber cups. He liked them.
Then he had the Pocono Mountain Roll, which had steamed shrimp, crab plus masago mixed with a spicy sauce. It was good. I had one of those; it was a nice roll. It was one of those rolls that I would call safe. Safe, meaning not daring just comfortable; easy on your palate.
Stingray has a Sushi Bar on Wheels. You can have your own private sushi bar at your next event. Which means that you can be a guest at your own party. It offers a variety of maki rolls and sushi selections for your guests to enjoy.
Their Sushi Chefs will roll your selections behind their 6 seat sushi bar; fresh fish selections will be displayed in their refrigerated glass front sushi case. To find more information about this, please call 302-227-6475.
Besides Sushi, Stingray offers seafood, chicken, pork and beef. There are even a couple of vegetarian dishes on the menu, as well. Soups and salads are always on the menu.
Reservations are accepted for parties of 6 or more.
There is happy hour every day from 4 – 6 p.m. with 2 for 1 sushi rolls. These will be selected rolls, dine in only and available in the bar and lounge only.
Saturdays and Sundays the happy hour starts at Noon until 6 p.m.
Some of the Latin dishes were Pork Mojo, lobster quesadillas, and fish tacos. During the season more items will be added.
It was a nice evening. At this time of the year, plenty of parking, no lines, so I am taking advantage before the gates open on Memorial Week-End.
Talk to you later…..have a good one….
January 18th, 2011
I don’t know what comes to my mind first, the craving for a particular food that takes me to that restaurant to review it, or that I pick a restaurant because it is time to review a restaurant.
I think it is the former. I don’t give it too much thought. It is like wanting pizza, or a good juicy hamburger, Indian food, Thai, or, Oh, I feel like having a crepe. For example, yesterday I was driving and stopped at Eming’s Chicken, which is closer to Bethany Beach, Delaware, but away from the beaches. Well, I will probably be there Friday because they are having a pig roast starting at 11:00 a.m. I got that craving. If I do go, believe me, that will be a post in the making.
I thought about this particular post a few times. Already you know that I like sushi, and sashimi. I feel good after I eat it; satisfied but not overly full.
I was having dinner in Delray Beach back in December with Anita and my husband. We were at Lemongrass, which I have written about a few times, and one of my favorite restaurants in Delray. Talking and chatting away, interjecting in Spanish with Anita; back to English. The tables were close to each other so you could really see what other patrons were eating and some times even hear what they were talking about.
Our entrees arrived and out came my camera. A couple next to us, started a friendly chat. Of course, I told them what I was doing. They, actually, ordered my fish, since they saw how gorgeous it looked. Then, the gentleman proceeded to tell me that I needed to try a sushi restaurant in Boyton Beach called Sushi Simon. That it had very innovative combinations in their sushi. That’s all I needed to hear so, yes, we went there the next day and one other time after that. Here is my personal opinion and review.
Sushi Simon is located at 1614 S. Federal Highway, Boyton Beach, Florida 33435. The actual location is at the SE corner of Woolbright Rd. and Federal Hwy., right on that shopping center. Tel. 561-731-1819. No website but you can find them on Facebook. Their business hours are Mondays – Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 – 10:00 p.m. They also have lunch specials Mondays through Fridays. Carry out is available, as well.
Boyton Beach is located just north of Delray Beach and South of Palm Beach. Not far; easy to get to.
When I first entered the restaurant I thought I smelled fish, which usually turns me off, but that dissipated and did not happen again. The restaurant was small, and not very wide; plenty of tables and a sushi bar, though. A couple of tables outdoors too. It was cozy and people were friendly.
Looking through the menu I thought it looked good, even though I do not like imitation crab. It seemed that it was used a lot in their rolls. Also, cream cheese was used a lot.
The rolls I decided to try were:
Little Havana which had eel, avocado, cream cheese, plantains, and mango. I will tell you that it was delicious and perfect for a South Florida roll. The plantain and mango combination was great. Loved it. That was what the gentleman told me at Lemongrass. Innovative combinations.
 Little Havana and Ichigo Roll Ichigo Roll was delicious, as well. It had also eel, masago, avocado, cream cheese, strawberries, and macadamia nuts on top. I had not had a roll with macadamia nuts. It was a first and really liked that crunchiness and fruit together with the eel.
My husband had the Kawaii Maui Roll with coconut shrimp, avocado, cream cheese, pineapple, papaya, with mixed macadamia nuts on top. He thought it was the best roll he had had in a very long time. Could not stop talking about it. We had taken our own gluten free soy sauce. The restaurant had not had anyone ask for something like that in the past.
 Kawaii Maui Roll Next visit came about because my husband could not stop talking about the Kawaii Maui Roll. Tommy and Michael came with us and it got a little tricky because Sushi Simon, practically, does not have too much for the person that does not like sushi, or seafood, for that matter. The only thing he could have was Gyoza which were steamed or deep fried pork and vegetable dumplings.
 Gyoza But, wait, he decided to try the roll my husband was raving about. I could see it in his face, it was a no go, as he was trying to eat it. The other ones finished that roll for him. Happy, yes, they were.
We ordered pretty much the same thing. I added the Crazy Lucy soup, which was a special soup of the day. I really liked it. It was a Miso soup but with different fish added to it. Tasty.
 Crazy Lucy I again, ordered that Little Havana roll and then tried another roll that was on their special that evening. I cannot remember its name but it did have the avocado on top. It was good, but not memorable like Little Havana and Ichigo Roll.
The concensus was that it was good, but for the size of the rolls, it was expensive. I would go again for that Little Havana Roll and the Ichigo Roll. My husband will go again for the Kawaii Maui Roll. I thought his roll was small; a few more pieces were needed.
It is great to have choices…..talk to you later…and have a great day!!
 Simon
December 9th, 2010
“If you are ever at a loss of converstion, introduce the subject of eating.” leigh hunt
That was not our problem tonight. Actually, that does not happen too often. But, the subject of eating is always there. I have mentioned before that I do like interesting food; not afraid to try many types of cuisines.
It has been pretty cold in South Florida. Mentally, you are prepared for the sun, the swaying palm trees, the beach. But sweaters? I don’t think so. Too early.
Atlantic Avenue, on this Village by the Sea was quiet tonight; the perfect night to visit Lemongrass. This Asian Bistro is right in the heart of Delray Beach. Only one couple was brave enough to dine “al fresco” tonight. The rest of us, inside was our preference. Before I forget Lemongrass is located at 420 E. Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-278-5050. Website is www.lemongrassasianbistro.com. Besides the location in Delray Beach, Lemongrass is also in Boca, Boyton Beach and Ft. Lauderdale.
I have only been to the one here in Delray and I was so pleasantly surprised as I came in and saw the new dining section. All remodeled, clean lines and a very comfortable bar for either eating or drinking. It was definitely needed.
The sets of tables are arranged at closed proximity. It does not bother me. People usually check what is arriving at the table. I do the same thing.
An appetizer of sashimi was ordered; but it came with a hot stone. You were to sear the fish. A hit with everyone passing by. I don’t think people realize that this dish gets the table going and sets the mood for the evening.
We laughed and we joke in Spanish and English. It was time to get down to the serious business of ordering entrees and the 3 of them were different, interesting and delicious.
I ordered the Holly Snapper. I have ordered this dish more than a few times. It is one of my favorites and tonight it was just as good. This fish is whole, boneless and fried; topped with a garlic sweet chili sauce.
Another dish ordered, a most popular one, was the Lobster Monster Roll. It had crispy lobster, cucumbers, scallions, asparagus, masago, spicy mayo and sesame seeds. Amazing looking and tasting.
A new addition to the Lemongrass menu was Grilled Shrimp with a Red Curry served in a young coconut. Great presentation because the coconut was filled with the red curry and the grilled shimp surrounded the coconut. It was served with a spoon, as well. As you ate the broth and put the shrimp in it you could also scrape the side of the coconut and get the pulp, which, if you really like coconuts, I don’t have to tell you that the pulp of a young coconut or “tela” is the best part.
Of course, we wanted to find out how the coconut was prepared. It looked perfectly peeled and smooth. Well, they are bought that way and all that needs to be done is to cut the top and fill it with the food, in this case the Red Curry.
Even though we did not exchange names our neighbors on one side of the table were so friendly and gave us tips about the area. They are locals. The other young couple on the other side was so nice, as well.
I have mentioned before that part of what makes this Village by the Sea so unique and special is the people; and in this case a smiling face is half the meal.
Note: Lemongrass was very gracious to make us a special sauce since my husband has to eat gluten free, and the sauce that accompanied the appetizer had soy sauce, which has wheat. Organic Tamari, gluten free soy sauce is readily available in many supermarkets and specialty foods shops. It would be a great to have it available to their customers with gluten allergies.
A little blog from Delray, another one from Delaware….the best of both worlds….talk to you later….
October 21st, 2010
Having lived at the Delaware Beaches for almost 30 years I have seen a lot of changes but the most have happened in the town of Bethany Beach. It was definitely a seasonal town with summer starting on Memorial week-end and ending on Labor Day.
I remember also when once my parents visited from Puerto Rico and we went to get something to eat at a small place and they wanted a beer and they were told that it was a “dry” town. What? My mother could not believe it. Where have you moved to, she asked?
But as they visited more often and as the town progressed, with more buildings and restaurants and amenities they could see that it was the perfect place to raise a family. They, actually, loved coming to Bethany.
Bethany still surprises me every time that I visit. During the summer it is packed. Twice I could not find parking this past summer. The beautification of the town is fantastic. The additions of new restaurants offering fare for everyone’s taste let visitors and residents stay in town instead of driving up and down Ocean Highway (Rt. 1).
One of the newer additions to the town is Misaki, located at the York Beach Mall in South Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-539-0500. It offers Asian Cuisine, including sushi and sashimi.
The trend in sushi restaurants, some with very innovative cuisines, has sprung from coast to coast.
During past visits to California the sushi and sashimi have been presented in such a way that you cannot help but fall in love with it.
I love the traditional rolls even though I usually order sashimi. I get excited when splashes of color are added to new dishes; mango and figs being examples of those.
I also remember the little sushi restaurant that started many years ago in Fenwick Island, Delaware, just south of Bethany Beach. All of us, residents and locals fell in love with it. From then on sushi restaurants in the Maryland and Delaware beaches have not looked back.
Last night is was raining and I decided that a trip to Misaki would be the thing to do, besides the fact that they had good specials. I had not visited this restaurant because, here in Rehoboth Beach, we have 2 great restaurants offering Asian Cuisine; The Cultured Pearl and Saketumi. I am partial to them; both different in a lot of ways and excellent. I wanted to see how Misaki would measure to the restaurants in Rehoboth.
Passing through Bethany Beach and entering South Bethany, right at the last light, on the right hand side, is the York Beach Mall and Misaki is located on that strip mall.
It is a small restaurant but can accommodate enough people comfortably. It had a good sushi bar, and usually that is where I would sit but since there were 3 of us, a booth was most appropriate for casual conversation.
The service was excellent, attentive and not intrusive. He presented the specials and let us catch up and relax.
Shelley does not eat sushi so she decided on the chicken teriyaki, which she had tried before and really liked it. She was not disappointed this time either.
I had the chef sashimi. I also ordered, the aji mackerel which was suggested. It is also called horse mackerel and the fish had both delicate and robust flavors.
I had the Miso soup which they make every day. My favorite is the one at The Cultured Pearl. I have tried it every where I go and that one is still the one.
John had a combination of roll and sushi.
I think Misaki can hold its own to the Rehoboth Beach restaurants. It is great to be able to have so many choices. People have received this restaurant with opened arms; it was packed last night.
Have a great day!! It is beautiful outside….talk to you later….
October 11th, 2010
Rehoboth Beach is one of those coastal towns located in Delaware that is known for its good restaurants. Even though I have lived here for many years, there are still some that I have not visited.
A year ago I started my blog and during this past year I have reviewed some of the downtown restaurants. Once I have reviewed a restaurant or business I send them an e-mail. My reviews are, of course, my personal opinion. I think the restaurants appreciate comments; how the customer has been treated from the moment he or she steps into their establishment.
With that said, I am now getting e-mails with the fall offerings and specials. The following list, is by no means complete. I am getting there and I will keep passing on the information as I get it or find it.
The Back Porch Cafe – 59 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 302-227-3674, www.backporchcafe.com. The restaurant will be open in October for long week-ends. They will be serving their fixed price menu on Thursdays. Regular dinner menu will be available Friday through Sunday. The Back Porch is open for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays and for Sunday Brunch.
They will close for the season on Sunday, October 31st.
Note: I wrote a post on the Back Porch on 10/1/09. If you would like to read it, please click under Archives on the month of October and scroll down to the date.
Big Fish Grill – Even though this restaurant is not in downtown Rehoboth I decided to include it since its sister restaurant, the Summer House, is.
Big Fish Grill is located on 4117 Hwy. One, Rehoboth Beach, tel. 302-227-3474, or 227-3665, www.bigfishgrill.com.
Happy Hour – Only at the Bar. Mondays through Thursdays 5 – 7 p.m., Fridays 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and Sundays 4 – 6 p.m. 1/2 priced appetizers.
On October 31st – Kids under 12 eat free if they are wearing a costume from 4 – 8 p.m. A picture will be taken and the best costume will be picked, as well.
Big Fish Grill has started cooking classes. I attended one this year and it was excellent. Next one will be 10/23 and then 11/6, 11/10, 11/20, 12/4 and 12/8. Please check the above mentioned website for information and the 2011 class schedule.
Please have in mind that the restaurant is available for fundraising events Sundays through Thursdays from October to April. Please call them for more info.
Note: I wrote 2 posts on this restaurant; one on 1/23/10, during the cooking class and one on 9/20/10. Just go under the Archives and click on those months and scroll down to the dates.
Summer House – Sister restaurant of Big Fish is located at 228 Rehoboth Ave, tel. 302-227-3895, www.summerhousesaloon.com.
Happy Hours are Mondays through Fridays from 4 – 7 p.m. Only At the Bar.
Catch NFL Games – specials on drinks during the game.
On Saturday, 10/30 is the 3rd Annual Halloween Scream Beach Bar Crawl. It is a party and costume contest. The winner will be announced at midnight and will win $200 in cash and the second place will win $50.
On Sunday, 10/31 kids under 12 will eat free if they are wearing a costume from 4 – 8 p.m. A picture will be taken and the best costume will be picked.
Cafe Azafran – 18 Baltimore Ave., tel. 302-227-8100, www.cafeazafran.com.
This restaurant has a sister restaurant in Lewes. It opened this season on trendy Baltimore Ave., one block from the boardwalk.
Mondays – 1/2 price bottles of wine
Tuesdays – Prix-Fixe (3 course menu for $23), plus 1/2 bottles of wine (any wine under $60 on their list)
Wednesdays – Tapas Happy Hour ($7 tapas and $7 glasses of wine off their wine board)
Thursdays – Steak & Wine Nite – 3 great steaks with 3 different preparations. Choose your steak and then choose your preparation for the one price. Steak dinner is served with a green salad, Jason’s bread and olives $17.
Select red wines will be on special by the glass or bottle. Add on for steak dinners $9, either a crab cake, shrimp plancha or seared scallops.
Tapas Happy Hour Sundays – Thursdays from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Bar and Dining Room with $7 Tapas Menu and discounted Drink Specials.
Note: I wrote a post on this restaurant on 8/9/10. If you would like to see it just click on the month of August under Archives and scroll down to the date.
Cafe Sole – Located at 44 Baltimore Ave., tel. 302-227-7107, www.rehoboth.com/cafesole. Their fall specials are on-going.
Half price entrees every Wednesday evening. This is a local’s favorite.
Jazz Festival Update:
The festival is this coming week-end and Cafe Sole is excited to announce that 2 great groups have been booked for their restaurant.
Friday, October 15th – Clap, sing, and tap your feet to the authentic New Orleands sound of “The Cornbread Five”. This is a group of dedicated musicians (and music teachers) who are passionate about honoring the traditions of music from The Big Easy.
Saturday, October 16th – The mellow jazz styling of The Lauren Lark Quartet. Led by awesome singer/songwriter Lauren Lark, the group will revive your memories of the age of smooth jazz and romantic cheek-to-cheek dancing.
Choose a night (or choose both) and call for a reservation.
Sunday Brunch is from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Note: I wrote about this restaurant on 9/1/09. If you would like to read it just click on the month of September, 2009 and scroll down to the date.
Conch Island – Key West Bar & Grill. This is another restaurant that opened at 207 Rehoboth Ave. this year. Tel. 302-226-9378, www.conchislandbar.com. It has been well received.
Happy Hour is from 3 until 7 p.m. every day of the week and all day on Sundays.
$4 dozen wings, $1 oysters, 1/2 price steamed shrimp, $2.50 Miller/Light Coors Bottles, $4.50 Captain Morgan/Smirnoff mixed drinks, $4 American Honey Shots and $5 Patron Shots.
Conch Island has entertainment, as well. For more information, please call the above telephone number or visit their website.
Note: My post for this restaurant was on 5/10/10. All you have to do, if you would like to see it, it click under Archives, on the month of May and scroll down to the date.
Confucius – Chinese Cuisine, located at 57 Wilmington Ave., tel. 302-227-2848, www.confuciusrehobothbeach.com. I frequent this restaurant a lot and love their food and service.
Mondays – All fish entrees are 1/2 price.
Sundays – Peking Duck is $15.95 for 1/2 or $29.95 for whole.
Sunday Brunch – 3 items for $10.00
All specials are for dine-in only, while the supplies last.
Note: On 12/21/09 I wrote about Confucius. All you have to do to read it is go under Archives on the left hand side of this website and click on December of 2009 and scroll down to the date.
Cultured Pearl – Located on 301 Rehoboth Ave., this restaurant is one of the most popular in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-8493, 302-227-4217 for carry out.
Monday Night Sushi at the Pearl is back for a second season with a couple of new twists and turns to it. Once this night caught on, it got very crowded, so reservations are suggested.
For more info. on what this restaurant has to offer, please check the website.
Note: My post for the Cultured Pearl was on 8/24/10. To see it just click on the month of August under Archives on the left hand side of this website and scroll down to the date.
Eden – Located at 23 Baltimore Ave., tel. 302-227-3330, www.edenrestaurant.com. This is another very popular restaurant in downtown Rehoboth. I tried it for the first time this summer and had a wonderful meal.
Wednesdays – Prix Fixe – 3 Courses for $35.00
Note: My post on Eden was on 9/9/10. Just click on the month of September under Archives and scroll down to the date.
Hobos – Eco Global Fusion Cuisine. Mexico, Europe and the Mediterranean with a few additions in between. Location? 56 Baltimore Ave., tel. 302-226-2226, www.myhobos.com.
Tuesday, October 12th – Whole Body Health Program by Gretchen Hanson, Hobo’s owner and Chef.
This 30 day program is for people that want to feel better, get healthy and lose weight involving cooking classes, a detox from processed foods and an all around food overhaul. It is free and it is at Hobos. It will last until November 16th. It is a complete overhaul of the way you eat eliminating all processed foods, white flour, hfcs, hydrogenated fats, sugar, etc. It involves her undivided attention and lots of one on one counseling time and 5 free cooking classes in exchange to your committing to follow the plan for 30 days.
Gretchen is writing a book which will be finished next spring so the participants will agree to be a part of it, as well. Most importantly, this is not a diet, it is a lifestyle, which means that there is no weighing, measuring and calorie counting; just real, delicious food….
Thursday, October 14th – Hobos Restaurant & Crush & Press jointly host a tasting dinner of Extra Virgin Olive Oils & Rhone Valley + Wines. It is at 6:30 p.m. at Hobos.
It is $55 per person and you can make reservations on line at info@myhobos.com. The olive oils tasted will be available for purchase the night of the event.
Menu will include:
Heirloom tomatoes preserved with lemon thyme and stuffed with arugula pistou
“Cream” of roasted cauliflower and artichoke soup with garlic rouille
Polenta cakes with nutmeg mushroom duxelles
Salt smoked sea scallops and caramelized shallot and leek risotto timbales
Almond Mandarin olive oil cake
Note: I wrote a post on 6/10/10 on Hobos. If you would like to see it just click on the month of June under Archives and scroll down to the date.
Lupo di Mare – One of the many restaurants of the Sodel Group is located at 247 Rehoboth Ave., right by Hotel Rehoboth and Mod Cottage. Tel. 302-226-2240, www.lupodimarerehoboth.com.
Tuesday, October 12th is the Women & Wine Club Event – Starting at 6:30 p.m. “Pino Envy” – Enjoy a 4 course meal matched to wines chosen by Southern Wine & Spirits. Cost is $39.00.
For reservations, please contact Molly King at molly@sodelconcepts.com or at 302-275-0183. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will go to the Rehoboth Beach Village Improvement Association.
Fall Specials:
Wednesdays – 1/2 price pasta
Thursdays – 1/2 price select bottles of wine
Wednesdays – Saturdays, if seated before 6 p.m. – Prix Fixe: 3 Chef designed courses for $19.00
Sundays – Sunday Supper – 3 Chef designed courses for $19.00
Happy Hour – Wednesdays – Sundays, 5 – 7 p.m. – Drink and appetizer specials.
This restaurant is available for specials events and catering. Please call them for details.
MIXX – It is American Fusion Cuisine – Full menu with tapas (smaller) portions. Located at 26 Baltimore Ave., tel. 302-226-8700, www.mixxrehoboth.com.
I enjoyed this restaurant very much when I visited last year. I wrote a review on 6/3/10 and if you would like to see it, just click on the month of June, 2009 under Archives on the left hand side of the website. Scroll down to the date.
Mondays and Tuesdays MIXX is closed.
Wednesdays – $8 Gourmet Burgers, 1/2 price martinis
Thursdays – Half Price Wine ( glass and bottle), $6 Wine flight, plus free tapas appetizers, soup or MIXX salad with entree.
Fridays and Saturdays – Early MIXX – 20 % off entire check until 6:30 p.m. nightly (dining room only).
Happy Hour – 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. (Bar Only) – $3 house wine, $3 all beers, $5 mixed drinks and $7 martinis.
Sundays – Brunch from 10 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Buy one, get one free (any dinner entree) Sunday evenings.
Please note that there is a 20% theatre discount, if you are attending a performance.
Jazz Update at MIXX:
Friday – 6 – 10:30 p.m. Matthew Kenworthy
Saturday – 7 – 10 p.m. Tear the Roof Off Trio
Sunday Brunch – 10 – 1 p.m. Matthew Kenworthy
If you have any questions, please give them a call since specials and events are subject to change without notice.
It all sounds pretty good, don’t you think? Enjoy!!
Talk to you later….
August 31st, 2010
 Real, fresh wasabi on the left vs. what is usually served as wasabi on the right.
Remember last week when I had that sashimi craving? Well, it must be that it happens once a week. The week-end was over and I figured Rehoboth Beach was probably a little slower at the beginning of the week. Remember, summer as we know it, here at the Delaware and Maryland beaches, is coming to an end sooner than expected.
Back to the Cultured Pearl I was last night. They are located on 301 Rehoboth Ave. I do eat other foods but lately I want it. I feel healthy when I eat my sashimi. Not full; just content.
In my opinion the best seat in the house at a Sushi restaurant is the bar or counter. You are sitting just a few feet from the people that will be responsible for feeding you.
By sitting at the bar you can observe the quality of the seafood, the chef’s technique and the preparation of various Sushi meals.
One of the other benefits of sitting at the bar is that you are able to interact with the Sushi chefs. Last night I was again sitting in front of Yasuhiro Sano, Master Sushi Chef at the Cultured Pearl. He is not the only one there, but I have gotten to know him more by sitting on that spot.
My friends tell me that I am the type of person that has never met a stranger. I will say hello to anyone; even establish conversation in the grocery line. I just like to know what make people tick.
Last night I met Sean at the Sushi Bar. He is from Washington, D.C., has a house in Rehoboth and has been visiting the area since his teens. He felt the same way as I did. Loves sitting at the sushi bar.
As our dinners were about to make their entrance he told me that I should order real wasabi. I thought that’s what I have been eating all these years. Hey, that was not it.
Wasabi is sold in the form of a root which must be finely grated before use.
The wasabi that is usually served at a restaurant is a mixture of horseradish, mustard and food coloring. Very little or no wasabi is found in that paste.
In a good restaurant the paste is usually prepared as needed by the customer. Once the paste is prepared, it will lose its flavour within 15 minutes.
I was amazed, the flavor is so different; don’t get me wrong, it is still strong, even a little sweet with no burning aftertaste in one’s mouth.
The cultivation of real wasabi is difficult and expensive, therefore, restaurants will charge about a dollar more if you do request it. Not all restaurants have it, though. The Cultured Pearl does.
I really liked it. It was perfect with my sashimi and I hope that you try it and experience the difference, just like I did.
Thanks for the tip Sean.
Have a great day. Another beautiful one in the Delmarva Peninsula….talk to you later….
August 24th, 2010
Every week I say that I should not be eating this much raw fish; once again I had that craving for sashimi.
If you are a frequent visitor to the Delaware Beaches you know that we do have excellent restaurants in all the beaches. So many choices and so lucky to be able to experience the best.
On Monday night my craving took me to the Cultured Pearl located at 301 Rehoboth Avenue right on downtown Rehoboth Beach. The telephone is 302-227-8493. Website www.culturedpearl.us. Telephone for carry out is 302-227-4217.
I have been a customer of the Cultured Pearl for many years, going back to their old location on Wilmington Ave. Rob and Susan are the owners of this very popular Asian restaurant.
It is decorated with an inspiration in traditional Japanese architecture; bamboo, flowing water, koi, and live birds.
During the summer months I usually try the downtown restaurants during the week because it is hard to find parking. Actually, I have to be honest with you, it is a pain. But, last night I figured that being that it was a Monday night, and the weather was not the greatest, well, it would be better. And it was.
At first the restaurant did not seem that crowded, that changed later on. On good weather, it is great to sit outdoors. The roof top area has a lake effect; koi below and gazebos on top.
I usually sit at the sushi bar. I go to this restaurant to strictly eat sushi and sashimi, but if you have not acquired a taste for it, don’t worry because the Cultured Pearl is restaurant that also offers American Cuisine.
Those 2 first seats at the sushi bar are the ones I go for. Right in front of Master Sushi Chef, Yasuhiro Sano. Last night he fixed us a little something to wet our appetite. The Firecracker is a roll that is so delicious. It has a kick to it because of the fresh jalapeno. It has tuna, salmon, wrapped in Nori Hasomaki style, tempura battered, topped with spicy mayo, fresh jalapeno, crab meat, sriracha. It is slightly warm and we always order it.
I have ordered Miso soup in every Japanese restaurant, but I must admit that the one at the Cultured Pearl is one of the best if not the best, in my opinion.
Last night I was looking at it wondering how this soup was made. Miso soup consists of a stock called “dashi”, which is a simple broth made by boiling edible kelp and preserved, fermented tuna; then straining the liquid. Hmmm… Then softened miso paste is mixed into it. Miso paste is a seasoning and it is produced by fermenting rice, barley and or soybeans, with salt and the fungus kojikin. Hmmm…again. Miso is high in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals.
I am not thinking again how this soup is made. I love it, anyway.
Two entrees were ordered. Well, look at my sashimi. The live scallops are one of my favorites; eaten with the thinly sliced lime. On the picture, they are on the right hand side. Red snapper in the middle, salmon, tuna, eel, etc. etc. A feast, no less.
The other entree that was ordered was very well received, as well.
By the time we were finished the restaurant was crowded; it was a rainy night in Rehoboth Beach, the people eating outdoors had to come in and I took off to meet Paula so that she could show me what else the beaches had to offer on a Monday night.
Have a great week!!
P.S. The Cultured Pearl is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Check their website.
Note: The Cultured Pearl is also aware of customers with a gluten allergy. Wheat free soy sauce is served upon request.
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