January 11th, 2012
“Lewes has always been essentially a seafaring town. Blessed with an excellent harbor, Lewes is home to a large fleet of charter fishing boats stationed on the canal along Anglers Rd. It is also the base of the Delaware Bay and River Pilots Association, whose members guide cargo vessels to and from the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. The University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean & Environment makes Lewes its home.” lewes chamber of commerce
At times I ask friends what they have been up to and usually the answer is Out & About. So, that’s what I just did Tuesday when I went to Lewes to visit 3 friends. What would I do without them? Don’t know. I find myself so lucky to have so many really good friends. The other day I reposted on Facebook something to the effect that “it did not matter how serious life gets, you want to count on those friends you can be stupid with”. These ladies are definitely on that level of friendship.
Lewes had taken the Christmas decorations down. New year and new expectations for all the coastal towns. The merchants were happy with the holidays; plenty of shoppers, fantastic weather, beautiful scenery. Second Street is the Main Street in Lewes; a quiet day in Lewes it was.
Our choice for lunch was Striper Bites. Lewes offers its visitors and residents many good restaurants within walking distance. Striper Bites is located at 107 Savannah Rd., almost where Savannah Rd. meets Second St. Tel. 302-645-4657. Website? www.striperbites.com. It is a most loved neighborhood restaurant with 2 other sister restaurants in Lewes; Kindle and Half Full.
Striper Bites opens year-round, full bar, plenty of seating; in the summer outdoor dining is available all the way into fall. Please note that they will be taking a well deserved rest; closing on Sunday, 1/15 until Thursday, 2/9.
Our server had to come a few times to our table. You know how it is, we were trying to out talk each other; catching up.
We had a laid back lunch. Since we are trying to watch our figure after the holidays then soup and salad is what we ordered. To tell you the truth I should probably be eating a piece of lettuce and call it a day. Anyway, this is what we had.
Jody and I decided on the Striper Bites House Salad. This salad was a mixture of fresh greens with archichoke hearts, roma tomatoes, kalamata olives, cukes, red onion rings tossed in Italian vinaigrette and topped with toasted pinenuts and crumbled bleu cheese. Jody and I decided to substitute the bleu cheese for feta cheese.
I thought the salad was very good. After some of the food I had been eating lately, it was refreshing and light. Toasted pinenuts added that extra crunch.
Our friend, Debbie D, had the same salad with the bleu cheese but she went the extra mile of topping it with grilled Rockfish. She thought it was delicious. We live on the coast and seafood is the specialty of many of our restaurants.
One friend that does not need to watch her weight is the other Debbie that was with us. Nevertheless, a hearty beef vegetable barley soup hit the spot. Nothing better than soup on a chilly day. She thought it was well seasoned and the barley and vegetables were enough for a light lunch.
I looked around and the restaurant was crowded. Good to see the people Out & About.
A few cups of coffee and tea completed what I always find a priceless time with friends.
Please note that Striper Bites opens Mondays through Saturdays from 11:30 until closing. Check the website for specials and events; they have plenty. It is closed on Sundays and….No reservations.
January 10th, 2012
 Best Table on the Beach...Venus in Dewey Winter is the perfect opportunity to learn to cook. Cooking is not hard…don’t rush it…savour it. One of the most fun days I had over a year ago was when a few of us went to one of the cooking classes offered by Big Fish Grill. We had so much fun. I even ventured to fillet the fish…why was it so hard when it looked so easy?
So, What’s Cooking? Read on…
Abracadinner Cooking Classes – By Personal Chef Kris Etze. Class sizes range from 4 to 8, depending on the topic and “hands on” projects. Each class will last approx. 90 minutes to 2 hours. Cost? $55 per individual class. Enroll in 4 and get the 5th class free. Additional fees may apply toward food and supplies. Class size is limited.
Tasting will be included; a light lunch in Kris’ kitchen.
Pre-register by calling 302-945-2610, faxing your info to 302-945-4153 or you may e-mail Kris at chef@abracadinner.com. Leave your name, email address, phone number, topic and date of class. All fees are due in advance. Mail your check to Kris Etze, 22393 Holly Oak Lane, Lewes, DE 19958. Driving directions, registration info, and anything you might need to bring will be sent by e-mail.
Kris has different classes with the first one starting on Saturday, 1/14. This class will be Chowdah Central…Winter is the best time to prepare a chowder. To me, it calms the winter blues and warms my soul.
Next class will be on 1/28 – Thai It Up! The flavors of Thailand.
Kris is offering cooking classes all the way into March. For a complete schedule and more information, please visit http://www.abracadinner.com. Abracadinner is also on Facebook.
Nage Rehoboth – I have not been to Nage in such a long time. They have been a recipient of my figs in years past. Come to think of it, a post is needed on this popular Rehoboth restaurant. Nage is located at 19730 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE. Tel. 302-226-2037. Website? www.nage.bz/cooking_Classes_in_Rehoboth.htm.
Nage will be offering 5 Cooking Classes. The first one will be on Saturday, 1/21. The topic will be Healthy and Flavorful Cooking Class. The next one will be on 2/18 with Hearty Winter Soups and Stews Class.
Better yet, just visit the website because each class is clearly explained.
In each class you will be exploring food and drink with the chefs of Nage Rehoboth. There will be an informal demonstration with lots of interaction with the instructor. A tasting, a booklet of the recipes from the class and even a meal shared with the instructor.
You will need to register and pay for the classes in advance. All reservations will be handled online. You may also pay online, as well.
Big Fish Grill – This is the only cooking class I have attended. The one that was so much fun. Their classes begin with a tour of the restaurant. Cooking classes feature menu items from the Big Fish Grill and Summer House.
There will be classes on February 4th and 18th, March 3rd , 17th and 31st, and April 14th and 28th. Call 302-227-3474 to sign up. For more details, please visit www.bigfishgrill.com.
So, what are you waiting for? Call a couple friends and make it fun!!
January 8th, 2012
I am never at a loss of words, but tonight nature left me speechless….
The Delmarva Peninsula is occupied by most of Delaware and portions of Maryland and Virginia. It is almost 180 by 60 miles. It is also bordered by the Chesapeake Bay on the West, and on the East, by the Delaware River, Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
It is basically a year-round resort with a quieter second season. January and February are probably the most subdued months and even though in the past couple of years we have gotten a fair amount of snow, so far, and I hope I am not speaking too soon, it has just been a most beautiful time of the year. So many visitors enjoying what this area is best known for; the beaches, restaurants, shops, the outdoors, and that relaxed atmosphere we all look forward to when we get away from our daily routines.
I had to drive from Rehoboth to the Salisbury airport. It is a convenient regional airport about 1 hour away. It was funny because it was mid afternoon and I mentioned to my son how beautiful the area looked. He nodded but that was it. I kept asking; don’t you love the marshes, and the bay and such wide open spaces? He agreed but not with the same excitement I was experiencing.
Driving back to Rehoboth I started noticing how pretty the sunset was going to be. It was now about 5 p.m. I drove to Rehoboth on Coastal Highway and was checking out our soon to open new Indian River Inlet Bridge when I noticed the Moon. Turned back and went on the beach and the pictures tell the time of the day; still light with the moon out and then the changes until I reached Rehoboth. I was totally speechless and in love with nature and the whole scenery.
Coastal Highway is a great beach road and a most scenic one; Rehoboth Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
I was not the only one thinking the same thing. I saw people stopping and getting their cameras out. A young woman did just that; we both were taking pictures of Silver Lake in Rehoboth Beach.
Believe it or not I was on my way to Giant. I wanted to make chicken soup. That had to wait; stopping to enjoy the views was a priority.
If you were at the Beaches tonight I am sure you saw the same thing…..just priceless…
January 4th, 2012
 Silver Lake, Rehoboth Beach...Chilly day!!
It was too cold this a.m. to do anything else so my friend Trish and I decided that it was time catch up. She is snowbirding this week-end and it was the perfect morning to get together. We chose The Point Coffee House and Bake Shoppe. I had just written a post and thought that it was time to try it out. It is located at the “point” where Rt. 1 meets 1A, at the entrance of Rehoboth Ave.
Boy was I wrong when thinking everyone had gone home we would have the place to ourselves. It was crowded. It is comfortable, cozy and Tom is just so friendly, as well as the rest of their staff.
Trish and I were good. We split our orders and kept within the confinements of New Year’s resolutions, I think.
Our breakfast was delicious…the pictures do not lie.
 
But, let’s get down to what’s going on in Rehoboth Beach…
If you are trying to unwind from the hectic holiday schedule you might want to head out tonight to the Movies at Midway at 7 p.m. The Rehoboth Film Society is featuring Karen Cries On The Bus. This is part of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society’s Around the World Series. These series feature critically acclaimed, award-winning international independent films. Free and open to the public. I is in Spanish with English subtitles.
If you would like to see the trailer visit www.rehobothfilm.com then click on Film Events, scroll down to Around the World and click for more info. You can also call 302-645-9095.
Clear Space Arts Institute – Off-Season is the perfect time to get on-stage. Classes in voice, acting and much more for all ages and experiences. They will be taught at the Theatre by professional actors and educators. Please note that family and multiple class discounts are available. For more info. visit Clear Space Theatre at 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, call 302-227-2270 or check the website, www.clearspacetheatre.org.
Also, please note that you can become a member or give a gift of a membership, as well. The membership is good for a year.
Rehoboth Beach Museum is Searching for World War II Artifacts
The Museum will be hosting an exhibit that will illustrate the day-to-day life of citizens during WWII. It is looking only for items of local significance and would like to invite residents to share their family history during this time. The exhibit is scheduled to open in May 2012.
Rehoboth Beach Museum plans to recall how the lives of those who fought in the war, as well as those they had to leave at home in Rehoboth Beach were changed forever. The goal is to bring to light and life how residents of Rehoboth Beach were touched by this war; stories told, cherished objects, and visual history.
Already the museum has received photographs that illustrate a group of likely members of the Civil Air Patrol, proudly standing by their planes. Another important piece of memorabilia in the collection is a WWII rationing coupon booklet.
Nancy Alexander, the Director of the Rehoboth Beach Museum stated “This exhibit is to bring honor to those who fought in the war. Also, to remember those families who gave up some of the things they loved. Our area played a major role in the outcome of WWII and it is important to us that we share this with others”.
Ever since I got Addy, my rescue, Heinz 57, I have used Doggies at the Beach, as a place where I can leave her with total confidence. It is a cage free facility located on Rt. 24, 18806 John J. Williams Hwy. Tel. 302-644-8200. Website? www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
Doggies at the Beach is open 365 days. 24/7 human care. Day care, grooming, overnight care, dog and pup training, discount vaccination day, and so much more.
For the month of January 2012 they are offering grooming at 20% off. Please mention this info. and received 20% off your grooming and/or bath rate.
Next Discount Vaccination Day will be Saturday, January 7th from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Training for Doggies and Puppies:
Puppy only Training Class starting January 11th until February 8th. Wednesdays from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Pupply Only Training Class starting January 14 until February 11th. Saturdays from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.
Doggie Training Class (over one year) – January 11th until February 8th. Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Doggie Training Class (over one year) – January 14th until February 11th. Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Note: 5 weeks for $120. Must sign up and pay to hold a spot.
Congratulations to Gail. She was chosen by the doggies and their humans as Employee of the Year!! Doggies at the Beach would like to thank their customers for all their support in the last 5 years.
Have a great chilly day!! Talk to you later…
December 31st, 2011
I woke up so early and rushed out to see if I could get a glimpse of a sunrise on the last day of the year. Too cloudy; oh well.
I decided then that a visit to the downtown Rehoboth Beach bakeries would be the thing to do. Come New Year’s Day full of 2012 resolutions that will go out the window the moment you see what the bakeries will have; sticky buns, danish, muffins, cupcakes, donuts, breads….wash it down with a cup of coffee; I like it bold, not regular.
The Bake Shoppe is located at 222 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-226-0176. It will open at 6:30 a.m. This bakery has been in Rehoboth Beach for so many years. They are known for their traditional Polish Babkas. The pictures do not lie; check them out and start drooling.
 Babkas 
 
 
The next bakery I visited was Pasqualini’s Bakery located at 375 Atlantic Ave. Tels. 302-227-2111, 302-227-1086. Website? www.pasqualinis.com.
They will be opening on New Year’s Day from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Please note that all baked goods will be 1/2 off. They will be closing until March.
   
Cake Break is one of the much loved bakeries in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. It is located at 7 South First St. Tel. 302-260-9264. Website? www.cakebreakrehoboth.com. You can find Cake Break on Facebook and Twitter. They will be opening New Year’s Day at 8 a.m.
Cake Break is a nut free facility. If you have a nut allergy then you will have no worries. They offer gluten free and vegan cupcakes, as well.
  
   
Thanks for the coffee Debbie!!
My last stop was The Point. This is a Coffee House and Bake Shoppe, located at “the point” where route 1 meets 1 A. It is 722 Rehoboth Ave. Extended. Tel. 302-260-9734. The Point will be opening on New Year’s Day at 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Coming in my eyes took off to the case with all the baked goods…..The Point bakes everything in-house and most of the coffees are also roasted in-house. Plenty of seating to relax.
They offer all the sweet stuff like sticky buns, cinnamon buns, made to order waffles, biscotti, croissants, artisan breads and birthday and holiday cakes, as well.
  
Espresso, capuccino, frappes, smoothies and more. Local King’s Ice Cream. Free-Wi-Fi and parking. Order to go or stay awhile.
My latte was delicious and thanks Tom for a very nice treat; a biscotti.
Just enjoying my latte when a gorgeous quiche came out of the kitchen. For lunch they offer salads, sandwiches and soup, as well.
To the gentleman from New Jersey that I talked his ear off….it was nice meeting you.
And to all of you?….Happy New Year….Much health and prosperity and time to enjoy it all!!!
December 30th, 2011
This Holiday Season has been a beautiful one in Rehoboth Beach. Last year it seemed that all we did was dig ourselves from one winter storm after another; this year? Walks on the beach, fairly warm for the time of the year. So many visitors.
Rehoboth has a great Boardwalk, perfect for early morning walks. Just this week we enjoyed such a walk, right after Christmas. Just make sure that you do just like the locals and natives do; touch either end of the Boardwalk. Don’t ask me why; an accomplishment perhaps?
 South side of the Boardwalk If you are visiting Rehoboth Beach and are looking for a breakfast hangout with some good home cooking, then, Crystal would be the perfect choice. It is located at 620 Rehoboth Ave. Tel. 302-227-1088. They serve breakfast all day long, among other things. Full bar, as well.
So, after eating, so much for Christmas Eve, Christmas morning…my kitchen was then closed.
Crystal was our choice. The restaurant is simple and the service is great. Everyone was hungry and this is what they ordered.
Eggs Benedict with Crab …. it was overflowing with crabmeat. There were sides of home cooked fries and bacon.
A Spanish Omelette …. a large portion with plenty of Spanish sauce.
Eggs Benedict Florentine …. another well received breakfast.
Traditional fried eggs …. my sister in law thought they were delicious.
Then, I did not know what to order. I am never that crazy about breakfast. I was still full from the night before. But, I ordered granola with Greek yogurt and fruit. It was a large bowl but I loved it. The granola had it sweetness; the Greek yogurt was perfect. The fruit was delicious; I felt healthier.
I then stopped our server and asked her to bring me a side order of scrapple, well done; crispy. It really was so good. Not a great combination of foods but it hit the spot.
On New Year’s Day as you wake up and think of some of the absurdities of the New Year’s Eve celebrations, this might be the place for you.
Have a Good One!! Talk to you later.
December 28th, 2011
In Rehoboth to celebrate the New Year? You are in for a real treat because the weather is gorgeous and we hope it stays that way. Hello Downtown Rehoboth Beach!!
Baltimore Avenue is a trendy street in Downtown Rehoboth Beach with very unique restaurants. It is parallel to Rehoboth Avenue. Lots of shops, quaint old houses and the ocean at the end of the street.
If you want entertainment then Showstoppers!! at Clear Space Theatre would be a special way of ringing in the New Year. A group of talented vocalists will take the stage at 9 p.m. to offer you a brand new selection of big Broadway musical numbers like Bosom Buddies from Mame, Easy Street from Annie and Glitter and Be Gay from Candide, among many others.
It is an hour long performance, then a live swing band for the remainder of the evening so you can swing-in the New Year. Dancing will continue until 1 a.m. with hors d’oeuvres and dessert throughout the evening, including a champagne toast at midnight.
Venue? Clear Space Theatre, 20 Baltimore Ave. Tickets are $50 each and includes the performance, live music, hors d’oeuvres, dessert and champagne toast. A cash bar will also be available. You can purchase tickets online at www.clearspacetheatre.org, by phone at 302-227-2270 or in person at the box office.
Cafe Azafran – 18 Baltimore Avenue. This restaurant will have seating availabe at 6-6:30 p.m. and 9-9:30 p.m. $49 per person plus gratuity. They will be offering 3 courses and the dinner includes a salad of baby romaine, radicchio and endive.
Please call 302-227-8100 and visit their website, www.cafeazafran.com so you can check out the menu for that evening. They open for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays.
Eden is located at 23 Baltimore Avenue. Tel. 302-227-3330. They will be offering an early seating for $85 per person or a late seating for $95 per person, including a champagne toast. Both seatings will have 4 courses.
Check their website, http://www.edenrestaurant.com. You will find the menu for that evening on Specials and Events.
MIXX will be offering a New Year’s Eve Menu with Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon, Seared Scallops or Surf & Turf. The restaurant is located at 26 Baltimore Ave., Tel. 302-226-8700. Website? www.mixxrehoboth.com.
Blue Moon is located at 35 Baltimore Avenue. Tel. 302-227-6515. This restaurant is celebrating New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Seating in the dining room will begin at 5:30 p.m. 4 courses for $95 per person.
Then, you can select from the 4-course New Year’s evening menu with a fabulous show by Pamala Stanley in their warm and cozy Atrium. That will begin at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for $135 per person.
New Year’s Day at the Blue Moon will bring a brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m….Their homemade Bloody Marys or Mimosas….Reservations are suggested.
Their Season Closing Party begins at 9 p.m. with drink specials, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment.
Their website? www.bluemoonrehoboth.com.
Sole went through a renovation, opening on their same spot at 44 Baltimore Avenue . Enjoy their new menu and decor on this last day of the year; it is a mix of the old and new. Call for reservations at 302-227-7107. You can find Sole-Rehoboth on Facebook, as well.
Sunday is their Pajama Party Brunch – Starting the New Year in a comfortable way. Call them up for reservations and more info.
You can check the menu on http://capegazette.villagesoup.com/business/el/sol/150891.
Baltimore Avenue is only two long blocks but believe me, it is a happening place in Rehoboth Beach!!
Have fun!!! Talk to you later…
December 27th, 2011
New Year’s Eve in Lewes, Delaware, is something not to be missed. Weather permitting a full lighted anchor will be dropped from the mast of Lightship Overfalls, to its deck, with a countdown into the New Year. This is an annual tradition. It is the only National Historic Landmark that does a “ball drop”.
Lightship Overfalls was part of manned lightships or “floating lighthouses” that were started by the U.S. government in 1820. It is one of the 17 remaining and one of only 7 of such vessels in the country that is still open to the public. For more info., please visit http://www.overfalls.org.
These floating lighthouses could be placed in deep waters where it was practically impossible to put fixed structures; they could also be moved easily.
In the mid 20th century new automated lights and radio signals made these vessels a thing of the past.
Lighthship Overfalls was built in 1938 and was one of the last to be built. In 1973 it was given to the Lewes Historical Society.
Then, on 12/7/01 ownership was transferred to the Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
So, if you are in Lewes, for this last day of 2011, then put on your party hat and get down to the canal, right at Front and Shipcarpenter Streets. Help everyone welcome 2012, toot the horn and drop that anchor.
Have a good time!!!
 
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