February 10th, 2015

Chowdown For Charity, Next Gen South, Delaware Community Foundation, Fundraising Event, Southern Delaware, Kent & Sussex Counties, Food Tasting, Voting, Wall of Wine, Silent Auction, Fun=Fundraising, Same Time Next Year!!

Here we were, the usual suspects….we do have a younger suspect, Jade!!  We were ready to Chowdown for Charity, an event that took place on Friday, February 6th, at Baywood Greens Golf Course in Long Neck, Delaware.  It was an evening of food tasting, voting and mingling.  Much loved local chefs were cooking for a cause….Next Gen South of the Delaware Community Foundation, http://www.delcf.org. This is a non-profit board of young professionals from Kent & Sussex Counties that was founded in 2012.

Next Gen South selects an area of focus every 2 years based on what is needed in our communities.  Presently, the focus is and has been for the past 2 years, Children’s Mental Health.  This is one fundraising event that lets this organization award grants to local organizations on an annual basis.  Next Gen South might be young but in 2014 they awarded $15,000 to:  Delaware Guidance Services, Delaware State University, The Seaford House.

Chefs were ready for the guests….remember we were given 3 tickets to put on our favorites.  A friendly competition would be taking place.

ABBOTT’S ON BROAD CREEK – This restaurant is located in Laurel; http://www.abbottsgrillde.com.  It is a sister restaurant to Abbot’s Grill in Milford.  Chef Ryan Cunningham was serving Smoked Strip Loin with a Scallop Vinaigrette & Coriander Popcorn.

Loved the addition of the popcorn to the tender beef.  Ryan asked us to come to Laurel for a real treat this year.

a(MUSE.) – Located in Dowtown Rehoboth Beach, http://www.amuse-rehoboth.com.  Hari was hard at work, but always explaining exactly what he is cooking.  Pumpernickel Pasta?  OMG!! This pasta tasted just like pumpernickel bread.  You had to be there to experience it, but Hari said he has it at the restaurant, among other amazing tasting pasta flavors.  It was served with Brussel Sprouts, Pastrami Beef Cheek, Charred Onion & Pickled Mustard Seed.

The pasta was cooked to perfection and the other flavors complemented already a winning central ingredient.

LUPO DI MARE – Located in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com.  This restaurant is part of the family of SODEL Concepts restaurants and started by the late and much missed Matt Haley.

They were serving Rustic Meatballs, Parmesan Polenta with Tomato Gravy.  I can’t make a good meatball, so always enjoy little morsels like these ones.  They did tell us that this was not their signature meatball…prepared exclusively for this event.

PAPA GRANDE’S – Two locations:  Downtown Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island.  A Delaware coastal taqueria.  http://www.papagrandes.com/rehoboth.  Papa Grande’s is also part of the SODEL family of restaurants.

I love Scrapple!!  And, this is what they were serving…House Scrapple Tostada, Hibiscus Jelly, Apple Radish Jimaca Salad, Corn Chip.  Having had their scrapple taco last year….of course just by looking at these tostadas, I knew they were going to have an awesome taste.

They asked if we had had their Duck Scrapple….and that they were planning on a crab scrapple this summer….can’t wait.

THE BRICK HOTEL RESTAURANT & TAVERN – Located in Georgetown on The Circle, http://www.brickhotelrestaurant.com.  The chefs were serving Black Cherry Braised Beef with a Root Vegetable Puree & Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

The black cherry flavored was detected on the braised beef.  It was cooked in a 250 degree oven for 6 hours.  It melted in your mouth.  Totally delish!

THE WALL OF WINE –  This has become very popular at events.  Wine aficionados love it….more so if they get a prized bottle of wine.  You pay $20 and then get to choose a wrapped bottle of wine from the wall.  You might get the $10 bottle or a very expensive bottle.  A ticket was also given for a raffle….a bottle of Dom Perignon at the end of the evening!!

BAYWOOD CLUBHOUSE RESTAURANT – Located in Long Neck, http://www.baywoodgreens.com/restaurant.

Stuffed Pork Pinwheel!! Pop them in your mouth.  They would be perfect for a party.

NAGE BISTRO & WINE BAR – Located on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach, http://www.nagerb.com.

This pastrami was made out of tuna, on a pumpernickel crouton, caraway sauerkraut, spicy mustard….definitely one of my true favorites of the evening.

Next stop?  BETHANY BLUES, LEWES…Located on Costal Highway (Rt. 1), http://www.bethanyblues.com/lewes.

I love St. Louis Ribs more than any other rib.  That’s what they were serving.  Smoked St. Louis Ribs, caramelized in a Habanero Apple Cider, served with a Jalapeno Slaw.  Got those tastebuds dancing immediately!!

TOUCH OF ITALY – A trattoria, salumeria and pasticeria….http://www.touchofitaly.com.  These restaurants can be found in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Ocean City, Maryland.

Making mozzarella…it looked time consuming, but also relaxing.  Take a look.

Smaller mozzarella balls were served with rosemary and EVOO!!

ESPUMA RESTAURANT & MARTINI BAR – Located in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, http://www.espuma-restaurant.com Chef Jay Caputo was serving Spanish Style Clam Chowder topped with Potato Foam and Scallion Powder.

The biscuits were filled with the creamy, and well seasoned clam chowder.  I liked it a lot.

Love this tapas eating style….grazing here or there!!  We tried them all!!  Next!!

FINS FISH HOUSE & RAW BAR – In Downtown Rehoboth Beach and with a sister restaurant on Coastal Highway, http://www.finsrawbar.com.  Another time consuming dish is making risotto.

FINS did a great job with their Crab & Shrimp Risotto.  It was delicious!!

LAST STOP!!

THE ROOKERY – Located in Milford…2 golf course locations, Milton and Milford, http://www.rookerygolf.com.  We finished our Chowdown with a treat of Ahi Tuna with a Ginger Lime Soy, served over a Seaweed Salad, Cucumber & Wasabi Tobiko.  Excellent ending!!

We then continued to listen to DJ Jimmy Young, who provided great entertaining throughout the evening.  Plenty of items on the silent auction raising funds for a great cause.

Have a good one!!

THE WINNER?  a(MUSE.)  Congratulations!!

January 24th, 2015

What’s Going On? Cooking Classes, Nage, Big Fish Grill, Chef Kris Etze, Dining Events, Blindfold Wine Dinners, Chowdown for Charity, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Sussex County

All those cooking classes and dining for a cause…..but not before I tell you about my breakfast wrap.  I had a customized breakfast wrap at Arena’s Cafe at 17314 N. Main Blvd., at  The Villages of Five Points in Lewes, Delaware, 19958. Tel. 302-644-0370.  Open for breakfast and lunch it, has breakfast fare, burgers, sandwiches, etc. etc…..and plenty of parking.

This wrap was really good.  And, my most favorite ingredient was scrapple.  I am not much of a breakfast person but, this particular customization really hit the spot.

My friend, Jody, decided for something a little healthier, I guess…..and boring, like the eggwhite omelette.  She loved it!!  I think it was called The Popeye!!

The Delaware Beaches are a dining destination, but also it has become the place to get away with friends and join a week-end cooking class.  These cooking classes and dining events look like so much fun.

BLINDFOLD WINE DINNERS – NAGE, located at 19730 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach.  Tel. 302-2276-2037.  http://www.nagerb.com/blindfold-dinners.html.  The Blindfolds go on just before each course, then, they come off for the Gastro Reveal after you’ve eaten each course!!  Friday, February 20th at 6:30 p.m.  Twenty diners in their Private Dining Room will have the opportunity to settle that if by losing one sense, another one becomes more acute.  This particular dinner will have 4 succulent seafood courses paired with 4 hand picked wines.  $89/person and gratuity is included.  They have noted that if you do have a shellfish allergy not to register for this particular dinner.  Friday, March 13th at 6:30 p.m.  Food aficionados will again enjoy an evening at their Private Dining Room with the blindfolds on and then off.  4 French Courses with 4 French Wines.  $89/person including gratuity.

NAGE COOKING CLASSES – 19730 Coastal Highway, Rt. 1, Rehoboth Beach.  Individual classes are priced at $55.  The only one left open will take place on Saturday, April 18th from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m….Cooking With Spring Vegetables.  For all culinary levels.  Please visit http://www.nagerb.com/cooking-classes.html.

BIG FISH GRILL – The classes will be held at Big Fish Grill located 20298 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach.  Tel. 302-227-9007.  The menu will feature items from the Big Fish Restaurant Group.  The classes will also include a tour of the restaurant, a whole fish cleaning demo, which by the way I have participated….and it is not as easy as it looks.  Tips about purchasing and preparing fresh seafood will be among the topics during the class.  The doors will open at 9:45 a.m. and they want you to arrive hungry! It costs $85/class.  Minimum 10 participants per class, as well.  Please note that they do have group theme and private classes available.  To see their schedule and more info., please visit http://www.bigfishgrill.com/classes-a-events.html.

ABRACADINNER COOKING CLASSES –  Chef Kris Etze opens her own kitchen!!  The classes are $55 oper class.  Occasionally an extra add on charge for a special topic, as well.  Driving directions and anything you need to bring along will be sent to you by email ahead of a class.  Kris also offers pre-arranged topics for small groups in your own kitchen.  Please contact her at 302-228-6125 or email her at chef@abracadinner.com.  Please note that Kris is able to handle any food allergies.

You can purchase 4 classes and receive a complimentary 5th class, valid for use within 6 months, where space permits.  Please visit http://www.abracadinner.com to see the upcoming schedule and for more info.  Some of the upcoming classes are:  It’s a Crock, Comfort Foods with a Twist, Mad for Mediterranean, Seafood-Quick and Easy!, Wok and Roll.

CHOWDOWN FOR CHARITY – Friday, February 6th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.  Location?  Baywood Greens Golf Course at 32267 Clubhouse Way, Long Neck, DE 19966.  $65/person in advance and $75/person at the door.  This is going to be such a fun event with plenty of your favorite restaurants participating.  It is a fundraising event for Next Generation of Southern Delaware.  This group is a giving circle of the Delaware Community Foundation and is a philanthropic organization that was created and is directed by young professionals living and working in Sussex and Kent Counties.  They are in their 3rd year and are raising lots of funds for a good cause.

You can expect food, drinks and a little friendly culinary competition.  Enjoy beer and wine while local restaurant chefs will be preparing a gourmet signature dish for you to sample and vote for your favorite, selecting the “2015 Chowdown for Charity Chef Champion”.  More info?  Visit http://www.delcf.org.  You can purchase tickets online!!  Please visit the Facebook Page of 3rd Annual Chowdown for Charity.

Have a great day!!