April 16th, 2015
“Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” hank rosso
With that in mind I headed south from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to meet my friends, Cindi and Ross, for a night of fundraising in Ocean City, Maryland.
It is so interesting to see this town at this time of the year. It is so quiet, but not for long. Beachgoers will be here soon enough and they will be creating their memories at the beach. This most southern part of Downtown Ocean City is where Trimper Rides is located. It was just featured in Strange Inheritances. Trimper Rides is a family owned and operated business located in prime real estate in O.C. Not to see the lights and the laughing and screaming visitors is a sight to be seen.
For a few years…I will call them, the movers and shakers in Ocean City, Maryland, have been diligently fundraising for a much needed hospice facility in the area. Together they are building the funds in order for construction to begin. They need $5,000,000. Already they have $3,000,000 thanks to the generosity of all in the communities.
“Hospice patients most often choose to remain at home. However, a growing number find that at the end of life they are unable to manage alone or need more than a frail spouse can provide. Suddenly, home is no longer the safest place to receive hospice care.” Coastal Hospice at the Ocean will serve the Lower Shore region. For more information, please visit http://www.coastalhospice.org. Or, please call Maureen McNeill, the Director of Development at 410-641-5481.
Unreal to see the award winning Boardwalk this quiet!! Inside Harrison’s Harbor Watch the mood was anything but quiet. It was a festive event with about 225 in attendance.
Harrison’s Habor Watch is located at 806 S. Atlantic Ave., overlooking the Inlet and Assateague Island. This is the southern end of the Boardwalk.
Having fun while raising funds…the main focus of the evening. Blindly choosing a bottle of wine…$20. Raffles!
The live entertainment was by Lauren Glick and Mike Armstrong.
Seventeen of Ocean City’s restaurants brought their “A” dishes to this event. Each station was paired with a unique wine complementing the food.
Oysters to start with were from Harrison’s Harbor Watch. Plump, salty and cold!! We are by the water so having them to start our evening was a no brainer.
Sushi from OC Wasabi. This was a popular station, to say the least.
My love affair with Fried Green Tomatoes continues. Having these ones from Sunset Grille, topped with Crab Remoulade, well, what can I say….awesome!!
They had just brought out the warm crab dip from Crabs to Go…paired with a light Prosecco.
One of my favorite tapas of the evening….Embers/Blu Tuna Tartare Tacos, and, Smoked Salmon Napoleon. The tuna, the lime, the cilantro and the presentation…great.
Touch of Italy has been in Ocean City for the past year. Love that they always take their time to teach their customers about what they offer.
Hooked offered a terrific combination of Basil Scented Tuna.
Barn 34…what a great job!! Two complete different offerings. The stuffed dates…the combination of salt and sweetness. Never fails. Can’t wait to have them again. The shrimp stuffed with cheese were also awesome!!
Spring Lamb from the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin. I like mint sauce vs. mint jelly, though. Very good indeed.
I usually do not eat eggs for breakfast, but deviled eggs are a different thing altogether. These were Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs!! The Cucumber Cups with Spicy Crab Dip….can’t wait for summer. This was presented by Seacrets!
My last tasting was of Crab Guacamole served with Fresh Tortilla Chips from the Captain’s Table.
Sweet Ending Desserts!!
Sweet Dispositions offered: Pecan Diamonds, Key Lime Tartlettes, and White Chocolate, Macademia Nut Cookies!!
Desserts by Rita had assorted Cupcakes!!
Wockenfuss Candies….Now, take a look at the elegant Chocolate Covered Strawberries!!
Tasting, sipping continued for a few hours. It was a total success!!
Cindi, Ross, and I decided that it was time to hit the road…..but not before Cindi showed us that Wine is a Girl’s best friend!!
Note: It was about 9:30 p.m….look at the Boardwalk!! Not one person.
Waiting for Summer 2015!!
June 25th, 2014
I think you will like this!! Fig Tree Studio travels around the Eastern Shore providing 1-hour classes to day care and community centers. Ages 10 months and up!! Supplies are included, affordable art lessons; prices depend on how many kids end up participating in the art lesson.
10 students and under-$25
20 students and under-$35
30 students and under-$45
40 students and under-$55
50 students and under-$65
More than 50 students, please contact them for a price.
Fig Tree Studio’s schedule caters to the needs of the center, whether its a one session, weekly, or monthly class.
For detailed information and any questions you may have, please contact Erika Ritlling, 443-523-7656. You shoud visit the website http://www.figtreestudioberlin.com. On Facebook you may find it as Fig Tree Studio.
JULY ART CLASSES – Fig Tree Studio will be providing art classes at the Worcester County Arts Council located at 6 Jefferson Street in Berlin, Maryland, for the month of July. Your kids will have a great opportunity to create during the summer. All classes include supplies. Sign up and show up!! You may book a class by visiting the above mentioned website.
The following classes will begin the first day of July :
RHYME WITH ART – Ages 2-4. Price $6.00. 4:00 p.m. until 4:45 p.m.
July 1 – It’s Raining It’s Pouring – These little artists will learn basic watercolor techniques by creating a scene from this famous nursery rhyme.
July 8 – Itsy Bitsy Spider – Little artists will construct a spider using construction paper and other materials.
July 15 – Down in the Meadow – Little artists will create a family of fish using tempera paint and other tools to create a texture pattern.
July 22 – Humpty Dumpty – The little artists will create their own Humpty Dumpty using contact paper and paint.
July 29 – Alphabet Song – Little artists will create their initials using stamps made from fruits and veggies.
ART AROUND THE WORLD – Ages 5-13. Price $12. 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
July 1 – Creative Alphabet – Little artists will gain inspiration from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and create their own alphabet using inks and brushes.
July 9 – Circles in Art – The little artists will create a mandala using a variety of mediums.
July 16 – Mexican Masks – Little artists will use their imagination to travel to Mexico and create a collage inspired by the tradition of the Day of the Dead.
July 23 – Faces on the Pole – The little artists will create their own 3D pole inspired by North American totem poles.
July 30 – Light Your Way – Little artists will create their very own Chinese lanterns.
July is around the corner….have a great day!!
April 30th, 2014
When some of us got together at the end of 2013 for a dinner at the Waystead Inn, in Berlin, Maryland, we had no doubt that Toby Gilbert was on his way. On that evening some of Chef Toby’s offerings were:
Roasted Oyster Chowder…oyster cream, and roasted vegetables.
Roasted Duck…potato puree, jus reduction and herbs.
Winter Roots…carrot, sweet potato, purple potato, celery root, turnip, radish, beet, and herbs.
Venison Loin…rye risotto, berry sauce, chanterelle mushroom.
A sweet ending of “Apple Pie”…apple pate de fruit.
Spring 2014, Blacksmith opens in Historic Berlin, Maryland with Chef Toby Gilbert giving his customers food prepared in unexpectedly delicious ways.
Locals can walk or ride their bikes, but some of us that live further away do not mind the drive. It was great to see Paul again and his date early on Sunday….from Lewes, Delaware. So, you see, no big deal to drive, especially on a beautiful day.
Cindi and I arrived at 4 p.m. As the time passed it started to get comfortably crowded for a Sunday evening. You know what? As I took a look at the customers on that particular evening it was so much fun to see a wide range of ages….families with children, young adults, and the matured crowd, as well. The next thing I noticed was that everyone was having a good time.
Blacksmith is located at 104 Pitts Street, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-973-2102. On Facebook, find it as Blacksmith Berlin.
The sitting area is open with available sitting for about 70 customers. The kitchen is open, as well.
Meet Toby….So, how did you get into cooking? He said that he started cooking with his Mother. Now, that was a sweet thing to say. Giving credit to his mother was priceless!! Then, cooking in different restaurants and with amazing chefs, traveling and much appreciated training.
 
Toby feels very much at ease talking to his customers. He is particular about his food and presentation. Very engaging, treating his customers like they are the only ones in the restaurant.
The menu changes constantly and on Soul Food Sunday you had a choice of small plates, salads and soups, large plates and sandwiches. Some of the dishes passing by our table were Maryland style fried chicken, with Hanks duck fat hot sauce, Boneless short ribs with grits and pickled veggies….Cindi and I resisted those temptations and went for small plates instead.
We decided to share the Chicken Liver Pate, sealed with duck fat with homemade orange marmalade (Toby said they had so many oranges.), arugula and pumpernickle toast. Delicious.
The Soup of the Day was a cauliflower and carrot cream soup with roasted beets and creme fraiche. Just perfect for a chilly evening and the right amount of heat, as well.
Organic Arugula Salad with raw Blue Cheese, basil, vinaigrette, toasted almonds and red grapes.
Cold Smoked Oysters with beet mustard and carrot hot sauce.
Grilled Romaine lettuce leaves, Parmesan croutons and homemade Caesar dressing.
There were 3 desserts on the menu…tempting but we were satisfied…maybe next time.
Next time your destination becomes the Historic town of Berlin, Maryland….check Blacksmith!!
February 25th, 2014
The results are in and officially, Berlin, Maryland is the Coolest Small Town in U.S. That celebration will be all year long. Congratulations Berlin! This was Budget Travel’s 9th Annual contest. Berlin is open year-round with many shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It is the perfect town to stroll. The merchants are so welcoming and very unique shops are all over Historic Berlin.
Berlin was Numero 1…..the rest of the towns were:
2 – Cazenovia, NY
3 – Buckhannon, WV
4 – Travelers Rest, SC
5 – Mathews, VA
6 – Nevada City, CA
7 – Rockport, TX
8 – Estes Park, CO
9 – Galena, IL
10 -Elkin, NC
SAVE THE DATE!! Paint Berlin 2014, Plein Air, is coming on September 18 – 20, 2014. Artist registration begins on May 1st. Only 50 artists will be able to network, exhibit, sell their artwork, as well as compete for cash prizes.
Paint Berlin 2014, is open to experienced and novice painters. There will be a “Wet Paint” Sale & Exhibit on Saturday, September 20th.
The Worcester County Arts Council is the sponsor for Paint Berlin 2014. It was established in 1977. It is located at 6 Jefferson Street in Historic Berlin.
Their Co-Op Gallery features local artists and their work. Great to visit since you can get to see the artists up close and personal. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. It is also open some Saturdays.
Please visit http://www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org for information on everything relating to the arts in Worcester County. You may call them at 410-641-0809.
In April – Call for Artists – Earth – Through The Artist’s Eye: The Worcester County Arts Council invites all interested artists to participate in a juried art show to be exhibited during the month of April at their Gallery. The exhibition is open to all artists, professional or amateur with work in all media. The work must be delivered to the Arts Council’s Gallery between March 24 – 28 to be accepted. Please check the above website or call for more info.
Have a good one!!
December 20th, 2013
The dark chocolate is a favorite, but the milk chocolate…you have to try it. So smooth. Then, the combination with nuts and sea salt renders a toffee that is totally addictive.
Taylor’s Toffee is made at 38288 London Avenue, Unit #8 in Selbyville, Delaware, 19975. It is west of Fenwick Island, Delaware by a few miles. It is a family operated business. Tel. 302-436-7539
Taylor’s Toffee is also sold in area stores. You may call them and they will direct you where to go. But, today, Friday, December 2oth they will be at the Berlin Farmers’ Market on Harrison Avenue behind the Berlin Fire Company. I believe they attend the market frequently. The Berlin Farmers’ Market opens 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. year-round.
The chocolates come in gift boxes of 2 ounces, 6 ounces or 12 ounces. They also offer gift bags of 4 ounces, 8 ounces, or 16 ounces. They ship, as well.
The email info. is as follows:
Marilyn Taylor ttoffeetalk@comcast.net
Lynn Taylor Martin lynniemtaylor@comcast.net
Laura Taylor laura-j-taylor@comcast.net
Love to give it and love to receive it!! Talk to you later.
December 9th, 2013
It was quiet as I passed the other night St. Martin’s Church….not so much so on Friday, November 1st when the celebration of The Fall Feast of St. Martin took place. St. Martin’s Church is located at 11413 Old Worcester Highway, Showell, MD 21811.
I was looking forward to mingling with friends and stepping into the past.
The mood inside the tent was festive.
The food was delicious, combining the cuisine of the region, from farm to table and from the sea to the raw bar.
 
And plenty to choose for dessert.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is one of the oldest structures in Worcester County. It was built in 1756, 20 years prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence.
This is the key that opens the doors to this historic church, built brick by brick. The importance of historic preservation…”St. Martin’s Church is considered by many historians to be the finest preserved, most significant piece of American history on the Lower Eastern Shore.”
The President of the Board of Directors is Mrs. Sherrie T. Beckstead. With her there are many that make possible the fundraising to keep the preservation on-going.
St. Martin’s Church is a museum. It is open to the public on a regular basis. Please visit http://www.historicstmartinschurch.org. Summer and fall bring open houses that are scheduled and staffed by volunteers. It is also available for private tours. It is a venue for historic weddings. Educational events like the Shakespeare performance of Romeo & Juliet are free to the public.
Take a look inside St. Martin’s. The pews have a history, as well….many of them were owned by area families.
A beautiful performance inside St. Martin’s by Vocalist Rachel Allman….the evening ended with the announcement of the raffle…a replica of the Key to St. Martin!!
Have a great day!!
December 9th, 2013
For me, shopping small and local has always been something that I have enjoyed. I have plenty of friends that love going “mall” shopping….not for me. I like that up close and personal kind of service. Which brings me to NEST, located at 11 South Main Street in Historic Berlin, Maryland. Tel. 410-629-1030.
Driving to Berlin from Rehoboth Beach, takes about half hour. No big deal, it is the Second Season so there is no traffic. Strolling a historic town, checking what’s new during the holidays is pretty nice, so Jody and I did just that.
I think Petey is really the Mayor of Historic Berlin. He is such a hard working little dog. I have featured him before and once again here he is…..greeting the customers and making sure that Dee gets up and gives us that personal attention we were looking for. Now, you tell me…where would you find something like this in a “mall”? You gotta love it!!
Dee has been quilting. Her remnants have become quilts. The reverse of the quilts is soft and warm.
Dee calls her handmade handbags Boppyowl. She offers 2 sizes and they are made with beautiful rich fabrics, lined with contrasting colors.
 
NEST is an eclectic and funky shop. Every time you shop, there are surprises; local artwork, jewelry, home accessories. At this time of the year the shop is fully stock. Berlin’s 2nd Friday Art Stroll will be on Friday, 12/14, so make sure you make NEST one of your stops.
NEST carries unwined candles from Unwined Candle Co., located in Sykesville, Maryland….from recycled wine bottles.
NEST opens year-round. Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday from 12 until 4 p.m. You can find NEST on Facebook, as well.
Merry Christmas!!
 Bird Houses
December 9th, 2013
Wishing luck to Berlin, Maryland…apparently the preliminary voting is over but Berlin is on the top spots for Budget Travel’s “Americas Coolest Small Town 2014”. We will have to wait to see if Berlin becomes a finalist in January.
Historic Berlin is a great town to visit…at this time of the year it is very festive and you will find that there is plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well.
Baked Dessert Cafe is located at 4C Bay Street, just off of Main Street. Tel. 410-641-1800 Website? http://www.bakeddessertcafe.com They open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Find Baked Dessert Cafe on Facebook.
At Baked Dessert Cafe you may sit down and enjoy some of their specialties and then some of their baked goods….the Cupcake Bombs come to mind. So delicious and tiny, so you will not have any guilt…
Please note that Baked Dessert Cafe offers gluten free baked goods!! For more information, please call them at 410-641-1800.
Baked Dessert is also an Art & Wine Gallery, featuring local artists and interesting wines.
Holiday Open House will be Saturday, 12/14 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Let them to the Holiday Baking…on that day you can sample desserts, breads and various holiday menu items. Place your order on Saturday the 14th and receive 10% off.
Merry Christmas!!
 
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