February 24th, 2011
It was late in the day and Michael and I were doing some errands in Rehoboth Beach. We got hungry and stopped at Lily Thai Cuisine. This Thai restaurant is located at 10 North 1st St. in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-3348.
Ever since I found this restaurant I have been enjoying Lily’s great cuisine. I do. I really like it. When I first started going there you could bring your own bottle (BYOB). Then, they went through the process of applying for a liquor license and no bottles were allowed in the premises. Therefore, it has been somewhat slow.
Next week, might be the week where they will be able to serve beer and wine. They will start with that; see what their customers will be requesting and take it from there. If you want to make sure they are serving beer and wine, please give them a call to 302-227-3348. They open for lunch and dinner. Closed on Mondays, though.
They have great lunch specials for $8.95. Salad and half size entrees.
Michael and I ordered the Larb Gai. I order this dish all the time. It has ground chicken breast, tossed in lime juice, red onions, Thai herbs and fresh mint. It is spicy and a favorite. Michael liked it but not as much as I did.
The salad that came with the lunch specials had a very interesting dressing. It was somewhat sweet but the concentration was cilantro. Refreshing after the spicy Larb Gai.
Michael had the Green Curry which was hot hot and spicy. This dish is traditionally made with green curry paste, coconut milk, Thai eggplants, and hints of Rhizome and basil. Got good reviews from Michael.
A rhizome is the horizontal stem of a plant that is usually found underground, often sending out roots and shoots from its nods; ginger being a good example.
Mine was a Crispy Duck Ginger. It was crispy honey duck with young ginger, onions, mushrooms, celery, garlic, ground peppers and scallions. It had just the right amount of spice and the duck was nice and crispy.
Lily Thai is a quiet place for lunch. I think people forget that it is there. Anyway, I am passing the word around because I really do enjoy it.
Note: Carry out is available.
See you…..talk to you later…
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
January 15th, 2011
I am on a roll. Oh, yes, I have been on an ethnic food kick. Besides the Indian restaurant I reviewed yesterday I also went to see how Lily was doing. Lily is a restaurant that opened a couple of years ago. I only found out about it this past year. Have gone several times and will keep on going because I enjoy it Thai food very much.
Thai cooking incorporates all 5 tastes; sweet, sour, bitter, salty and spicy. Definitely, there is a sense of balance in Thai food.
A Thai meal consists of a single dish or it will be rice with other dishes served at the same time to be shared by all. A lot of times there are more dishes than guests at a table.
Lily is located at 10 N. 1st Street, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. The tel. is 302-227-3348. If you have been to Rehoboth then you will find the restaurant right between Nicola Pizza and Adriatico. Lily opens 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
I decided to go the other night and have dinner because I really did not feel like cooking. It was one of those nights. Cold and I was lazy.
Up until recently you could bring a bottle of wine and they would cork it for you. At the moment, you cannot do that anymore. The reason? They were approved for the liquor license but the restaurant still has to go through some formalities. Therefore, not now but in the next few months they will be ready.
I started with the Larb Gai. I always order this dish because I have had it in Boulder and in Florida, but at Lily’s is where I like it the best. It consisted of ground chicken breasts tossed in lime juice, red onion, Thai herbs and fresh mint. It was spicy and perfect for 2 people.
My husband ordered a Roasted Duck Curry. It was a slow roasted honey boneless duck, pineapple chunks, tomatoes, young bamboo strips, hot peppers in red coconut curry and basil. It was spicy, just like he likes his curries.
I really loved my dish. I had never had it and I can venture to say that it has been one of the best. It was Sweet & Spicy Chili Crusted Eggplant. The dish had lightly fried Thai eggplants, flavored with smoked sweet and spicy roasted chili sauce. Then, topped with chopped chicken, tiger shrimp, and cilantro. It truly was delicious with that sweetness and heat complementing each other so well.
I forgot to take a picture of our dessert, which was a mango over sticky rice topped with a coconut cream sauce.
It was a casual dinner on a cold and quiet night in Rehoboth Beach…..talk to you later…..
Note: Lily also has carry out.
January 9th, 2011
I know breakfast is supposed to give your body the fuel needed to face the rest of the day. To tell you the truth I don’t find breakfast that exciting. Well, unless I can have a Rapa Scrapple Sandwich. I don’t eat too many of those either, though. You know, trying to lose weight; definitely, that’s not going to help.
Wait a minute. I guess I should tell you what Scrapple is. Well, to me there is only one; Rapa. That’s the company that makes it. It is a pork product from Bridgeville, Delaware. I like it sliced thin, sauteed until crisp; in a sandwich or by itself. More info? Their website is www.rapascrapple.com.
For breakfast my friends and I go to our favorites in Rehoboth Beach, like Crystal or Greenman. It is usually a special time any time I can get together with them. Their names? Why not? Missy, Debbie and Roberta and once in a while Alice, when she is in town.
When in Delray, I follow pretty much the same routine than at home; coffee, cream, and Stevia; later on, a gala apple. But, once in a while I like to find that special breakfast place; the one where I can sit outdoors and have a cup of coffee, an omelette, with no one rushing me.
I was in Delray before the Christmas holidays and we decided to try Atlantique Cafe. This Cafe is located at the Atlantic Plaza, 777 East Atlantic Ave., Suite C-8. Tel. 561-272-1170. Website is www.atlantiquecafe.com. You can find them on Twitter and Facebook. They have breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plenty of parking, as well.
Part of the charm of Delray is that it is a very walkable town. If you are a walker you can pretty much cover the whole downtown. If you are coming from A1A on Atlantic Ave., then right after you cross the intracoastal bridge, on the right, you will find the Atlantic Plaza. The Cafe is towards the back. And, if you are coming on Atlantic Ave. from I-95 then continue until you see the bridge and the Plaza will be to your left.
It was chilly; but now that is 20 degrees in Delaware I guess it is all relative. I wanted to sit outside, and so we did. They were busy but attentive. Some people sat with their dogs at their feet.
I don’t know if I was up to explaining the gluten free allergy so early in the a.m. Guess what? They were good. It was easier than I thought.
I went inside to check the restaurant and I was impressed; bigger than I thought with a bar that could fit plenty of people. By the way they have happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. They also offer free Wi-Fi and have large t.v.s for all those sport enthusiasts.
Finally, I decided to have a Greek Omelette. It had onion, tomato, spinach, gyro meat and feta cheese. As much as I say about breakfast I have to tell you that the omelette was moist, and I think the gyro meat and the feta were a pretty good combination. It was a big omelette but, no, I did not have any trouble finishing it, which by the way, came with a side of hash browns.
My husband’s breakfast was not on the menu; he made his own thing; Corned Beef, fried onions on hashbrowns. He also wanted cole slaw. He knows his cole slaw and liked this one a lot. If he had said it was o.k. then I would have known better.
I loved that huge tree. We sat under it and it added so much to the atmosphere of this restaurant. I did not have lunch or dinner but they do offer salads and platters, cold sandwiches, off the grill and even a kids menu. Full dinner menu is also available Mondays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
If you are visiting Delray, give them a call if you would like to know what entertainment is being offered. At the time of my visit Elvis was there on Saturdays.
Have a great week….keep warm if you are up north…enjoy yourselves if you are in warmer climates…talk to you later…..
October 6th, 2010
You wonder if I am still blogging about the beaches. Of course, but I had a little detour and I do love checking other places out. So, my posts this past week have reflected that.
Last week I was in Baltimore and Susie and I took off for a long walk. By the way, Susie is my sister in law and an avid walker. We had a destination in mind, this being the One World Cafe but in order to get there and have breakfast we needed to walk close to 2 miles.
We took a trail called the Stony Run Trail. It was a beautiful autumn day. The Stony Run Trail follows the railroad bed of the former Baltimore & Delta/Maryland Central. Service began between Baltimore and Towson in 1882. Then in 1891 the Maryland Central merged to form the Baltimore & Lehigh Railroad, then to merge again to form the Ma & Pa in 1901, which was in service into the 1950’s.
There are no railroads running now on this beautiful trail that navigates through very pretty neighborhoods. The restoration of the Stony Run Stream has been completed and community involvement has been on-going to prevent erosion and to improve the condition of the trail. Native plants, trees and shrubs have been planted and the trail is used by walkers, runners, and bikers.
So, if you like to walk this trail is a “way to travel” in Roland Park. It connects a lot of great destinations in the northern Baltimore suburbs; to the Baltimore Museum of Arts, Johns Hopkins Campus, Charles Village, Roland Park, Hampden and Remington. If you are acquainted with Baltimore, then you know that all these neighborhoods are known for their wonderful restaurants and shops.
Finally we arrived at One World Cafe located at 100 W. University Parkway. Tel. 410-235-5777. Website is www.one-world-cafe.com. It is practically, across Johns Hopkins University.
One World Cafe reminded me of some of the restaurants that I visited in Boulder, Colorado. It was eclectic and bohemian.
Their motto? “Healthy vegetarian cuisine in a casual, eclectic atmosphere.”
One World Cafe serves organic and chemical free fruits, vegetables and whole grains, whenever possible.
Their menu reflect the vegan items; vegan desserts, fair trade organic coffee, organic wine, beer or local brews. The restaurant has a full service bar that is open until 2 a.m.
If you are someone that has a food allergy, this restaurant is very aware and sensitive to those with dietary limitations.
We were hungry but coffee was on my mind. I had one of the best cups of coffee in a long time. I should say a large cup of coffee. I like my coffee with a bold taste and it was rich and foamy and perfect!! The barista outdid himself. I told him so.
Next I ordered a Smoked Salmon Omelette, which had smoked salmon, red onion, tomato and capers. Served with multi grain bread. On the menu it stated that if you ate gluten free, then avoid the bread. Delicious.
I wanted to try the vegan meatless sausage patties and they were very good, as well.
Susie ordered the Blue Corn Cakes and she got 2 large pancakes served with butter and organic maple syrup.
She wanted to try the Fakin Bacon. She liked my sausage better but I liked the bacon just as much as the sausage.
Even though we only had breakfast, the dinner menu looked very interesting and I would love to come back and try some of their offerings.
I found the restaurant very comforting, a neighborhood restaurant where you can just stop by and have just a cup of coffee, read the paper sitting on one of the sofas, tables, or at the bar and have breakfast, just like we did.
One World Cafe is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. and on Sundays from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Have a great day!!!…Talk to you later….
Note: Some of the information for my post was taken from www.stonyruntrail.com/pdf./WIAnews_June07.pdf.
October 3rd, 2010
What a gorgeous day it was, yesterday, at the Delaware Beaches. I decided to go to Rehoboth and check out Cafe Papillon. Then, I encountered a multitude of people. Yes, they will be there today too looking for bargains on the sidewalks of Rehoboth Beach.
I had forgotten that this week-end was the sidewalk sale. Downtown merchants in Rehoboth clean out their stores and everything pretty much goes on sale.
No, it is not my thing. That’s probably why I did not give it too much thought. Anyway, I had to park two streets over south of Rehoboth Avenue.
Rehoboth is a small town so it was easy walking. Lots of people walking the Boardwalk, as well.
Cafe Papillon is located at the Penny Lane Mall, 42 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-7568. Website is www.cafepapillon.com. The Penny Lane Mall is a small alley full of shops that connects Rehoboth Ave. with Wilmington Ave.
Cafe Papillon is right in the middle of the mall. It is an authentic French Cafe and if you speak French, well, you will be right at home.
On one side you will find the patisserie where French baked goods are sold. Salads and sandwiches are sold there as well. Coffee and Beverages? On that side also. Everything is made in-house.
I was gazing at the tropezienne, fruits tarts and eclairs, but just got coffee. I was waiting for my crepe.
A tropezienne is a creme tart that takes a long time to prepare. It was developed in St. Tropez using local ingredients.
The creperie is on the other side and it is strictly for the purpose of ordering and cooking the crepes right there in front of you.
Different crepes were ordered. One was a ham, cheese and tomato and the other an egg, smoked salmon and tomato. I was watching him make the crepes and at the same time I wondered what he thought I was doing. Every time he added an ingredient I took a picture. He really did not mind, he told me so.
I could not wait to eat it. Outdoors at the cafe was perfect; a sunny, cool, autumn day it was. Sitting al fresco, enjoying our breakfast made us feel we were somewhere else and not one block off the Atlantic Ocean.
Of course, we had to have a dessert crepe. The suggestion was the Nutella and Banana Crepe. Nutella is a hazelnut base spread very popular in Europe and I think fairly popular here in the States, as well.
The combination of the fruit and the spread was delicious.
Just as we finished we took off for a long walk; had to. I don’t need to explain why.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
Note: Cafe Papillon is only open on week-ends now until October 17th and then is until next year. Another thing to remember is that they only accept cash.
September 9th, 2010
I remember last year when my friend, Debbie, the one that is my partner in crime, told me that her best dinner had been at Eden. I had never been to Eden. I don’t know why because they have been there for more than a few years.
Monday was the perfect evening to try it out. There were 4 of us and it was a beautiful evening. Not crowded, it was the last day of the holiday week-end.
Eden is located at 23 Baltimore Ave. This is a very trendy street in Rehoboth Beach with lots of shops and restaurants. The tel. is 302-227-3330. The website is www.edenrestaurant.com and they open for dinner at 6:00 p.m.
I love the way the restaurant is decorated; open and comfortable with several choices for seating. Tables or booths; I chose the booth. There is a full bar with available seating, as well.
Eden’s motto? “Bold American Food”. Well, let’s see.
Jack was our waiter and he was excellent. I took all his suggestions.
Wine was ordered and Pellegrino water, as well. I like sparkling water.
For the table the appetizers ordered were the Maine Lobster/Local Crab Tower, mango salad, avocado puree and the Grilled Caesar Salad with a classic dressing sun dried tomato/kalamata olive tapenade.
Both delicious. The bold dish was the Grilled Caesar Salad it really had a great taste; the dressing was excellent, perfectly seasoned.
I told Jack that both were good but the Salad was the best of both appetizers.
The pan seared scallops “paella” chorizo rice, mussels, grilled artichokes, olives and pea shoots got rave reviews. Excellent taste.
Another dish was the herb roasted filet mignon, creamed spinach, ravioli, roasted grapes, braised walnuts, capers, red wine sauce. Very good and perfectly cooked.
The Crispy Scottish Salmon, browned butter whipped potatoes, bacon/sweet corn “chowder” seemed to satisfy him.
I had the Veal Chop and because I was talking so much I forgot to write what was my side dish. I think it had a been mash gratin and I remember thinking how good it was at the time. Sorry, I cannot recall; that’s what too much eating does to you. The Veal Chop was very moist and very big.
We almost did not get any dessert for the table but I am glad that Jack talked us into it. It was so pretty. It is called the Tribute to the Candy Bar!! Layered peanut crunch, dark chocolate and peanut butter mousses, ganache, and sea salt. Definitely, for the chocolate lover. Light, believe it or not; so smooth.
So, what can I say but that Eden has those qualities that make up a good restaurant: Quality of ingredients, culinary competence, service and ambiance.
Ingredients should be the best money can buy, a seasoned chef, service attentive; not intrusive, always anticipating what the customer needs. The ambiance; tranquil and relaxing.
Of course, the company makes up the rest of the evening. As usual there is nothing better than sharing a meal with friends.
Talk to you later….
August 30th, 2010
This unique event, the first one in Delaware will take place on Monday, September 6th, starting at 3:00 p.m. It will be held on the seaside grounds of the Historic Indian River Life Saving Station, located 3 miles south of Dewey Beach or 1 mile north of the Indian River Inlet on Rt. 1.
If you are not familiar with this historic site, then please check my post written on 8/29. All you have to do is scroll down to that date.
Chef Matt Haley is the Host and Chef for Outstanding in the Field (OITF).
This organization started in 1998. OITF travels the world to find exceptional chefs to showcase the local food culture and salute area farmers, growers, and fishermen.
Fish On, Betty’s Pure & Simple, Lupo di Mare, Bluecoast, Northeast Seafood Kitchen and Catch 54 are the restaurants that feature the farm-to-table concept. These restaurants have available local farmers’ products, and their proximity to Sussex Country farms and farm markets, make it so much easier.
And should I ask , what would be on the menu? The freshest the area can provide that day; maybe crab, rockfish, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, peaches or locally raised beef. Each course is going to be paired with an appropriate wine. You will have to attend and see.
The price is $200 per person. To order tickets and for more information about Outstanding in the Field, please visit www.outstandinginthefield.com.
See you there….maybe, if I can get tickets….
 
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