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Posts Tagged ‘Fenwick Island’

April 5th, 2015

Dinners, It’s All About Food & Spirits….and Philanthropy, Events, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches

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“Eating is so intimate.  It’s very sensual.  When you invite someone to sit at your table and you want to cook for them, you’re inviting a person into your life.”  maya angelou

The Delaware Beaches are dining destinations for many.  Plenty of events revolve around food and the enjoyment of what has become a pastime for many.    It’s all About Food & Spirits!!  So, What’s Going On?

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Thursday, April 9th – BOGLE VINEYARDS WINE DINNER AT PAPA GRANDE’S REHOBOTH BEACH – 6:30 P.M.  Location?  210 Second St. Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-212-2409.  This Coastal Taqueria is offering 4 courses, including dessert.  $40, gratuity is not included.  All courses will be paired with appropriate Bogle Wines.  Offerings like Tropical Tuna Cocktail, Roasted Beet Salad, Lamb Enchilada….and sweet ending of delicious Churros.  Please call Mike Zygmonski at 302-212-2409 or email him at Mikez@sodelconcepts.com.

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Thursday, April, 9th – FORDHAM & DOMINION BEER DINNER – Hosted by Summer House in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  7:00 p.m., $30/person, gratuity not included.  4 Courses, all paired with Double D Duoble IPA honey drizzle, Candi Belgium Tripe IPA, Oak Barrel Stout, and a sweet ending of Morning Glory Espresso Stout Float…More info?  Please call 302-227-3895.  Summer House is located at 227 Rehoboth Avenue. Website?  http://www.summerhousesaloon.com.

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Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April, 10th, 11th, 12th – DEWEY BEACH & REHOBOTH BEACH BACON FEST – Spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sampling bacon delicacies in Rehoboth and Dewey Beach!!  Best information for this upcoming event can be found at http://www.idewey.com.  22 locations of Bacon Pleasure!!  For the competitors there will be prizes for 1st Best Bacon on the Beach, 1st Dewey Beach Bacon Fest, and 1st Rehoboth Beach Bacon Fest.  Restaurants, Caterers or Bacon Artisans, are all welcome.  Competitors must have their Best Bacon on The Beach sample ready by Noon on Saturday, April 11th and by 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 4/12. Lol!!  There will be no vegan options!!  There will be vendors and breweries…some showing off some bacon inspired creations.  Best….is to check the website and Facebook Page.

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Sunday, April 12th – FASHION, FUN 7 PHILANTHROPY WITH SUSSEX COUNTY FUND FOR WOMEN – $30, $35 at the door if seating is available.  Reservations are required.  Register on or before April 10th by contacting Lynn Kokjohn at 302-841-4333.  There will be raffles, coupons, hors d’oeuvres, wine and shopping!!  Location will be Independence Hall Clubhouse located at 29762 Oliver Wolcott Dr. in Millsboro, DE 19966.  The mission of this organization is to provide funding to enhance the worth and potential of women and girls in Delaware by bringing together the collective philanthrophic power of women.  More info?  Please visit http://www.delcf.org/ffw

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Tuesday, April 21st – CHICKS FOR CHARITY DINNER WILL BENEFIT:  THE REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE.  Location?  Fish On! at the Villages of Five Point in Lewes.  6:30 p.m. $30 includes gratuity.  Cash or Check only.  Cash bar available. There will be raffle items and a 50/50.  Please RSVP to Chicksdinner@gmail.com.  No calls to the restaurant, please.  Chicks for Charity is always in need of raffle items and volunteers.  Please send them an email if you would like to help or have a raffle donation.  These dinners take place once a month and support a local charity.  More info?  Please visit http://www.chicksforcharity.us.  The Rehoboth Art League was founded in 1938.  It is a membership-based teaching and exhibiting non-profit arts organization dedicated to encouraging and preserving the arts in Southern Delaware.  It is located in Rehoboth Beach.

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Thursday, April 23rd – NANTUCKETS, FENWICK ISLAND, PRESENTS: DUCKHORN VINEYARD WINE DINNER – 5:30 p.m. $85/person.  Enjoy wonderful foods paired with Duckhorn’s Finest Blends.  Details and reservations, please call 302-539-2607 or visit http://www.nantucketsrestaurant.com

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Sunday, April 26th – 7th ANNUAL WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – PERFECT PAIRINGS – BENEFITTING CHILDREN & FAMILIES FIRST, REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE, AND CHILDREN’S BEACH HOUSE.  4 p.m. until 7 p.m.  Tickets are $45 per person or $78 per couple.  Taste dozens of fine hand-picket wines from around the world.  Artfully paired with their chef-driven unique food and pastry specialties.  Great Silent Auction items, as well!!  Please visit http://www.nagerb.com/wine—food-festival.html.  Location?  Nage Rehoboth Beach, 19730 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1).  Tel. 302-226-2037

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Saturday, May 2nd – HISTORIC LEWES FARMERS MARKET PRESENTS: THREE HISTORIC HOMES, THE SUPERB CHEFS, THREE DELECTABLE MENUS….ONE MEMORABLE NIGHT.  10th year anniversary celebration!!  For tickets, please visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.  More info?  Please call 302-644-1436.

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Wednesday, May 13th through Sunday, May 17th – 2015 MIDATLANTIC WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – Chefs and winemakers from all over the globe descend upon the East Coast to collaborate on 35 brunches, lunches, tastings and dinners.  Tickets are on sale now.  Please visit http://www.mawff.org.  Southern Delaware will be hosting some of these events.  Please visit the schedule at http://www.mawff.org/schedule.  Click on the links to read about the 60 plus International, National, and MidAtlantic chefs, and 23 winemakers and wineries from around the world.  There will be chefs and winemakers from 6 continents.

“Three things are needed for a good life; good friends, good food, and good songs.”  jazon zebehazy    Have a good One!!

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March 24th, 2015

Destination? Delaware Beaches, What’s Going On?, Events, Activities, Southern Delaware, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island…Waiting for Summer!!

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On March 19, 1891 it was first called Cape Henlopen City.  In 1893, the name was formally changed to Rehoboth.  Since then, Rehoboth Beach has been welcoming thousands of visitors not just in the summer, but year round.  It is a destination for many, and for a lot of us, it is also home.  Living at the beach is great, and, believe me, I do not take it for granted.

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The beaches are stirring, businesses are sprucing up.  So, What’s Going On?

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Wednesday, March 25th – BENEVOLENCE DAY-Beer & Benevolence at Dogfish Head located at 320 Rehoboth Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  Noon until 9 p.m. with Live Music at 6 p.m.  This is a benefit for Habitat for Humanity.  More info.?  Please visit http://www.dogfish.com/benevolence.

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Friday, March 27th – ART AND CRAFT – The Rehoboth Beach Film Society is presenting a fascinating glimpse, with this film, into the life of one of the most prolific art forgers in U.S. history.  Location?  Movies at Midway located on Coastal Highway at the Upstairs Screening Room.  $4.00 for RBFS members and $6.00 for future members.  More info.?  Please visit http://www.rehobothfilm.com.

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Theater in Downtown Rehoboth Beach!! – CLEARSPACE THEATRE CO. presents:  Comedy, a musical comedy until April 5th.  The Little Mermaid from April 17th until April 19th.  Little Women from May 1st until May 17th.  Clearspace Theatre Co. is located at 20 Baltimore Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  For tickets and info., please visit http://www.clearspacetheatre.org.  You may also call 302-227-2270.

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Friday, April 3rd – 47th ANNUAL GREAT DELAWARE KITE FESTIVAL – Location?  Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.  Registration opens at 10 a.m.  EASTER EGG HUNT at 11 a.m.  Kite flying events  start at 11:30 a.m. and the Egg Toss Contest starts at 1:15 p.m.

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Friday, April 3rd – LOCAL BUZZ HAPPY HOUR – 5 to 7 p.m. at Gallery Espresso located at 12001 Old Vine Blvd. in Lewes.  Doggies at The Beach will be there displaying their stuff.  http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com

Saturday, April 4th – REHOBOTH TOY & KITE’S 21st ANNUAL  EASTER PLAY DAY to be taking place at Virginia Ave. and the Boardwalk in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  Games and kite making, Egg Hunt at Noon.  Pictures with the Easter Bunny.  Free continental breakfast and snacks at 10 a.m.  More info?  Please call 302-227-6996

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Wednesday, April 8th – READ A MOVIE – The Rehoboth Beach Film Society and the Rehoboth Beach Public Library invite film and/or literary enthusiasts to Read a Movie screening of “The Duellists” at 4 p.m. in the upstairs community room of the library.  Based on the short story, “The Duel” by Polish-born writer Joseph Conrad, this film depicts a historically accurate account of early 1800s France.  This screening is part of the monthly Read a Movie series in which members read a little-known short story in advance of the screening, then gather to watch the film and share their thoughts about how well or not so well the story was expanded to the big screen.  To sign up and receive the stories in advance, email Denise Hoban at outreach@rehobothfilm.com.

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Friday, April 10th – 5TH ANNUAL “GET DOWN IN TOWN” – Shop & Eat…all for a good cause!!  5 p.m. until 8 p.m. everyone is invited to downtown Rehoboth Beach for this event.  Shoppers will enjoy special discounts in participating stores while noshing on local restaurants’ desserts, treats and drinks dispersed throughout stores.  Food served from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.  Shopping until 8 p.m.  There is a $10 admission fee to participate in this one night event, which also includes a chance to win a Grand Prize Drawing valued over $l,000.  The Drawing will take place at 8 p.m. at First Street Station Courtyard and the recipient must be present to win.  Tickets can be purchased the night of the event.  Or, ahead of time at Azura Clothing, Heidi Lowe Gallery, Rehoboth Beach Main Street Office, Something Comfortable, South Moon Under and online at http://www.downtownrb.com.  There is no better place where you can wine, dine, walk and shop than Downtown Rehoboth Beach!!

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Sunday, April 12th – BROADWALK ON THE BOARDWALK! A fun event for a serious cause.  Part of CAMP Rehoboth’s Women’s FEST 2015! All are welcome, including dogs.  Put on your Pink or Lavender.  They will be honoring survivors of ALL cancers.  Lavender is the color for All Cancers.  Meet at CAMP Rehoboth on 37 Baltimore Ave. at 9 a.m.  Free registration.  Check in, coffee, sweet treats and music.  Walk begins at 10 a.m.  All donations will benefit the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.  Cash or checks accepted.  Matching donations up to $2,500 generously donated by Nancy Froome.

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Sunday, April 19th – DOGGIES AT THE BEACH CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY COOK-OUT.  Noon until 2 p.m. at Doggies at The Beach, located at 18806 John J. Williams Hwy. (Rt. 26) in Rehoboth Beach.  This is a cage free dog boarding facility, where I leave my pooch, Miss Addy.  24 hour human supervision!!  More info?  http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.  Tel. 302-644-8200.

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Friday, April 24th – REHOBOTH BEACH FILM SOCIETY APRIL’S MONTHLY SCREENING – RBFS presents this year’s Academy Award nominees for Best Animated Short Film.  The screening will be held at the upstairs screening room at Movies at Midway on Coastal Highway.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  A rare opportunity to enjoy one of the most entertaining categories at the Academy Awards-Best Animated Short Film. Me and My Moulton, Feast, The Bigger Picture, A Single Life and The Dam Keeper.  Admission is $4 for members and $6 for future members.  Tickets will be sold at the door to each screening on a first come, first serve basis.

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Sunday, April 26th – 7TH ANNUAL WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – PERFECT PAIRINGS – A benefit for Children & Families First, Rehoboth Art League, and Children’s Beach House.  Tickets are $45/person or $78/couple.  4 to 7 p.m.  Taste dozens of fine handpicked wines from around the world, artfully paired with their chef-driven unique food and pastry specialties.

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Sunday, April 26th – BIG FISH GRILL 5K TO BENEFIT LOCAL COMMUNITY – 3rd Annual event.  Race start for runners and walkers is 8:30 a.m. in front of Big Fish Grill on Rt. 1.  Big Fish Grill will be donating portion of the proceeds from this event to local nonprofits CHEF (Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation) and RBMS (Rehoboth Beach Main Street).  In addition, all students (K-12) who participate are eligible to win a $1,000 savings bond. You must be present to win and have student ID.  Pre-registration is $25, until 4/23 at noon.  Registration from then through Race Day is $30.  Student (18 and under) Pre-Registration is $20, until 4/23 at noon.  Registration from then through Race Day is $25.  Register online at http://www.races2run.com.  For more info., please contact Barb@races2run.com.

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Saturday, Sunday, May 2nd, May 3rd – COASTAL DELAWARE RUNNING FESTIVAL – Marathon, Half Marathon…Delaware’s Coolest Marathon – Dewey, Rehoboth, Lewes.  It is a Boston Qualifier.  Scenic, flat and fast course will encompass Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Cape Henlopen State Park, and the Town of Lewes, finishing at the Lighthouse Cove Waterfront Complex in Dewey Beach.  Full post race buffet provided by The Lighthouse Cove Dewey Beach. Complimentary post race beer for those 21 years of age and older.  To register visit http://www.codelrun.com.

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Saturday, May 9th – TREASURE YOUR CHEST BREAST CANCER 5K RUN/3K WALK IN BETHANY BEACH…Rain or shine!! Fundraising for Little Pink Houses of Hope and Vance Kane Memorial Fund/Beebe Medical Foundation.  Pre-registration $25, Kids $15 (under 10 years of age).  Online registration closes April 10th.  Prizes for Most Spirited Outfits…Dress in Your Best Pirate Gear.  Team, Individual, Strollers, Wheelchairs, Dogs….T-Shirts Guaranteed only to those pre-registering.  For registration and more info., please visit http://www.bethanybeachbreastcancer.com.

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Saturday, May 9th – DEWEY BEACH ARTS FESTIVAL – Rain Date? Sunday, May 10th.  9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location?  Dagsworthy Ave in Dewey Beach.  For an application, please visit http://www.deweybusinesspartnership.com, or call 302- 228-3701.

Hey…I stand corrected, the Delaware Beaches are not stirring…..they just woke up!! Time to play!  Have a good one.

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November 29th, 2014

Destination? The Flying Fish, Cafe, Sushi Bar, The Village of Fenwick, Fenwick Island, Delaware, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches

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I have written before about this restaurant that is all the rave in Coastal Delaware.  It is located at The Village of Fenwick at 300 Coastal Highway, Unit #7.  Tel. 302-581-0217.  Website?  http://www.flyingfishfenwick.com.  It is open Wednesday through Sunday, at this time of the year, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. or so.  Reservations are accepted and carryout is available.  Check the website for more info. and details on their menu.

It was the perfect early evening to have something light to eat after the Thanksgiving dining etravaganza.  It really did feel so good.  Light, tasty, great atmosphere, fantastic service, small and intimate.

An order of sashimi black snapper.  The sauce was a ponzu sauce that was awesome and different!!  Craig, our server, suggested it and it really was that good.

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An order of Avocado Roll, another order of The Bangkok Dangerous, which was flash fried tuna and salmon roll topped with a unique muddled pepper blend, lump crab, spicy mayo, and their sweet special and spicy Bangkok sauce, and an order of the Bermuda Roll…shrimp, toasted coconut, avocado, and pineapple roll with a miso drizzle.

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My order consisted of the following:  The Citrus Salmon Roll had shrimp, avocado, yuzu mayo, and bits rolled and draped with seared salmon toro, shiso, and tobiko. The other roll was The Eel Deal; flash fried avocado and tamago roll topped with spicy mayo, tobiko, and crispy BBBQ eel.  Both delicious rolls and again, thanks to Craig for helping in the suggestions.  Please note that the word shiso, which I did not know what it was, means an herb also known as Japanese basil.  It has a mixture of flavors…hints of basil, mint and cumin.

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An early evening, a carryout order and back to Rehoboth Beach….good food will travel!!

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November 28th, 2014

Destination? Annual Southeastern Delaware Artists Studio Tour, Friday, November 28th, Saturday, November 29th, Southeastern Sussex County, Free Tour, Self Guided, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches

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A tradition in Southern Delaware, this is the 20th Annual Southeastern Delaware Artists Studio Tour.  It covers the towns of Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Dagsboro, Selbyville, and Fenwick Island.  So, are you awake? Because, today and tomorrow are the days where these talented artists open their studios.  Get to know them up close and personal.  Thirteen full time artists will be participating this year.  Some you already know, but also there are a few new faces, as well.

The doors open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  This is a self guided free tour.  You can visit http://www.artstudiotour.com for more detailed information.

Click on http://www.artstudiotour.com/artists.htm to see the participating artists, and also their bios.

“Art in the Hat Raffle” – In each studio you visit you can purchase raffle tickets for $4.99 each or 5 for $20.00  100% of the proceeds from the raffle will benefit art programs and education in the Indian River School District.  Each particpating artist has donated a work of art.  And, they will all be raffled.  Put however many tickets you want on your favorite piece or try your luck and put a few in each one.  To find out what work of art each artists is donating, please visit http://www.artstudiotour.com/raffle.htm.

Over the years I have crawled the tour, always stopping by to visit one of my favorites.  His name is Fom Frey.  He is a Woodturner, located in Dagsboro.  Using mostly local woods he turns them into beautiful pieces of art.

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His miniatures are just gorgeous and so delicate.

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Meet Tom Frey, the Woodturner.

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Shopping season has started in earnest…..the Rehoboth Beach outlets were packed on “Midnight Madness”….but these artists offer something unique…a piece of art; all from their heart.

Stop by check them out, have some cookies and refreshments….they offer that too.

Have a great week-end!!

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September 26th, 2014

Pig Roast!! Emi-ng’s, Bishopville, Maryland, BBQ, Beef, Chicken, Roast Pit Beef, Ribs, Country Style, Baby Backs, Carry out, Pig Roast last Friday of the Month, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

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Time is flying by. Where did September go? The Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland have plenty of events during the Second Season at the Beaches. One thing for sure is that you will find a Pig Roast the last Friday of the month at the very popular Em-ing’s, located at the corner of Rt. 113 & Rt. 610….address is Bishopville, Maryland, right on the border with the Delaware line. Cannot miss it!!

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Tels. 410-352-5711, 888-458-7436. Website? http://www.em-ings.com.

They are open Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. You can also keep up to date with them by following Emi-ng’s on Facebook.

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I have been a fan of Em-ing’s for years. I like their End of the Month Friday Pig Roasts, as well. They are popular and until the last bit is sold, they will be there. Today, is the day!! It is their first one of the Fall Season.

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It is a very professional operation…catering, online sales, turkeys for the holidays…check them out!! Traveling on Rt. 113 north or south? Pick up some carry out and keep them happy while driving.

I know that for some roasting a pig seems a little….shall we say too much. But, for many it is the most delicious thing. And, the skin…crispy is awesome! I know, not very healthy, but it is only once a month.

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Everything is prepared inhouse….You can get every day BBQ; beef, chicken, ribs…. rice pudding, corn bread, great pies, including some sugar free ones, and homemade sweet breads.

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Grab a bottle of BBQ Sauce or Hot Sauce….pretty good too.

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After the rain event on Thursday….this is an amazing Friday for a Pig Roast!! Have a good one!

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August 30th, 2014

Destination? The Freeman Stage at Bayside, Selbyville, Delaware, Live Music, Entertainment, Dance, Theatre, Children’s Shows, Outdoor Venue, Invincible: A Tribute to Michael Jackson, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

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There is still time to catch outdoor entertainment at The Freeman Stage.  Located at 31556 Winterberry Parkway, Selbyville, DE 19975.  Just a few miles west of Fenwick Island, Delaware.  The programs are diverse and there is something for everyone.  You sit outdoors, under the stars, and when there is a full moon, it is a priceless place to be.  The website is http://www.freemanstage.org.

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It was such a nice evening.  Something to eat; outdoors at The Cove….hamburgers and salads, waiting for the show to start.  Assigned seats for this evening’s performance, otherwise you can bring your chairs.

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Friday evening Shelley, Susan, and I went to see Invincible:  A Tribute to Michael Jackson.  At least I was going to recognize all the songs.  You know, songs like Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, etc. etc.  The show celebrated the King of Pop’s Birthday. You can find Invincible: A Tribute to Michael Jackson on Facebook.

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It was a high energy performance so there was no way we were going to stay put on our seats.  Some of us went to the back and danced the show away.

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It was surreal to see these performers (there were a couple of Michael Jacksons), look, sing, talk, and dance like him.

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It was a full house at The Freeman Stage and the show was incredible.  Tic Toc, Tic Toc….there is still time.  Check the website http://www.freemanstage.org.

Have a great Labor Day Week-End!!

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August 27th, 2014

Salud To Matt Haley, Philanthropist, Restauranteur, Community Leader, Humanitarian…Delaware Beaches, Global Delaware, Southern Delaware, Sussex County, Matt Showed How to Cook, Eat & Enjoy Ourselves While Doing It!

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Cooking comes from the heart….you can’t rush it.  Some have that special culinary gift, others, like most of us have to follow a recipe.  Matt Haley had that gift.  I have seen him reading a cookbook while having sushi at Saketumi in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  Was he getting ideas for a new dish, adding a little bit of this or a little bit of that, I don’t know and I never asked him.

I met Matt through my website, AboutMyBeaches.  When I started the website in 2009, which is written in a blog style, it was because I wanted to promote the Delaware Beaches.  I love to eat and cook so it started that way, with me reviewing restaurants. I am not a professional, but I know what I like and how I like to be served.

Every time I would write about a restaurant in 2009 I would send an email to the contact on the website of the restaurant I had just visited.  Most brushed me aside.  But, Matt was the only one that every single time answered personally from his email address.  Later on my husband and I had a business relationship with him.

I remember writing to him about a friend of mine whose mother had gone to one of the restaurants and then they charged her $2 for replacing green beans….what?  He would say, Gloria, just take them on my dime to the restaurant.  I never did.  Another time, just recently, another friend mentioned something else.  Once again I did write….if I had a restaurant I would want to have someone of trust telling me what happened.  Don’t you think?  Anyway, I did and he never complained.

Farm to Table?  What is That?  Matt also showed us that the setting of a dining experience adds so much to the aura of savoring delicious, local food.

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Always hands on, a dinner for Global Delaware, Matt’s non-profit, at Good Earth Market in Clarksville, Delaware, just west of Bethany Beach.  That’s the first time I attended such an event.  The idea of eating at a communal table, chatting and making new friends while raising funds for a worthy cause, was very appealing.

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Cooking outdoors….local seafood, and veggies from the farm.  Here are some photos of that event.

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Another Farm to Table Dinner at Indian River was memorable, as well.

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Cooking outdoors took a different dimension here.  In the brush!!

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About 150 strangers got together to enjoy local fish, veggies and each other.

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On August of 2012, Matt invited my husband, John, and I to dinner at his home.  I called it the Spanish Contingency Dinner.  His guests were the 3 sisters of La Esperanza in Georgetown.  Let me tell you that these sisters loved Matt like a son.  He was so involved in La Esperanza, as well.  He told me that every time he went on a trip, they would bless him, and cry, etc. etc., not knowing what trouble he was going to get into. Ha, ha!  Their names?  Rosita, Maria and Asuncion.  Also in the group was a couple, Jose and Virginia who are the editors of Hoy en Delaware.  It was then that he told us that he had been invited to be on the Board of Freeman in Fenwick.  He was so excited!

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I used to talk to Matt in Spanish, but to tell you the truth, he really did not understand much.  I used to tell him that I could not understand how he could be with all these Spanish speaking people and barely say “Si”.  It is the truth, and he would admit to it.

This was a great evening.  My husband, John, was loving it. Someone else cooking and him eating.  Matt and John had a really nice relationship.

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Up to that afternoon, Matt did not know what he was cooking for dinner.  If it had been me, I would have been running around my house like a lunatic.  Not him; cool, calm and collected….and lucky too because someone dropped some fresh fish just in the knick of time.  A simple preparation, was all that was needed.  Salad and veggies were all done.

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The rest of us brought desserts….Spanish desserts with me bringing my pride and joy…a Puertorican flan!

In the meantime, Matt asked me to stir something on the stove.  I asked him where his spatula was.  “I don’t have one”….what?  A chef with no spatula?  What is this?  All I could think was, how am I going to serve my flan?

Matt really did not have a spatula.  Here he is sliding the fish into the serving platter.  He did it but it would have been easier with a spatula.

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My flan was served….it did not look too pretty but everyone said it was good.  It is hard to serve a plan with a plain knife!

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It was an early evening.  Good company and great conversation….Matt admitting that he did like the those holiday favorites like green bean casserole!!  The traditional way, canned soup and all.

Matt did not have to worry about not having a spatula anymore….I did drop about 6 of them; all shapes and sizes, wishing him “Good Spatulating”.

Note:  At the beginning of September 2013, I saw Matt at Safeway.  That was his grocery store of choice.  He had just arrived from Europe, I believe.  We talked about my husband’s passing.  Then, he said his brother had died too a few months back.  No idea..so, now as I reflect on it, I am so sorry for his family’s loss.  I wish them peace.

At the Indian River Inlet Farm to Table Dinner, it was getting darker and we were all ready to leave.  I said “Matt, give me a smile.”  And, here it is!!  Good night, my friend!

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Matt’s legacy continues.  Please visit http://www.matthaleycompanies.com.  In it you will find everything about his companies, including the Memorial Service celebrating his life on Sunday, 9/28, at 2 p.m. at Freeman Stage at Bayside.

August 25th, 2014

The House, Parkwood Street, The Tidewater, Bethany Beach, Delaware, Developer? Tidewater Realty, Ltd., John Merryman’s Family, Builder? Lane Builders, LLC, Lewes, Delaware, It Settled!!, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

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My husband, John Merryman, III’s testimony before passing away last August 31st was that during over the 3 decades in Bethany Beach, Delaware, he had developed more than enough houses to know the business.  He referred to Jeff Burton of Lane Builders as a consummate professional, easy to deal with and someone he was happy to be doing business with.

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John and Jeff designed The Tidewater, a home that was to be built on Parkwood Street in Bethany Beach.  The lots in Bethany are usually long and narrow, so a special house with plenty of bedrooms for a family and friends was born.

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This house was within walking distance to the Town of Bethany; its beaches, boardwalk, shops and restaurants.  It was located in a quiet street in Bethany.  Instead of coming through the front door all wet, you could come from under the house and leave your beach belongings there.

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Jeff Burton is the Managing Partner and President of Lane Builders, LLC, located at 1009 Kings Highway, Lewes, Delaware.  Tel. 302-645-5555.   Website?  http://www.lanebuilders.com.  You can also find Lane Builders on Facebook.

Upon John’s passing, we called Jeff and we also called the buyer who was from Northern Virginia.  I cannot imagine their thoughts in having to then deal with the widow.  Having been assured that the building was going to go as planned, they were confident in our ability to carry it through.

I am writing this post, which by the way, is very personal, since the year anniversary of John’s passing is around the corner.  I wanted to tell you the kind of builder Jeff was for us.  The first thing he said without hesitation was “I will make this process as easy as I can for you.”  And, he did.

Jeff Burton taking care of last minute details.

Jeff Burton taking care of last minute details.

Spiritually, John was guiding me through this process.  I believe that.

The house turned out to be so nice.  I met the owners on the day of the settlement when we were checking the house.

The floors were hand-scraped wood flooring, the tones of the house were soothing, lots of gray, white and blue on the walls and countertops.

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The family is going to love having all those bedrooms and bathrooms.  A spacious laundry room…a must!

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I know that when the owners come up the stairs they will certainly enjoy the smooth flowing of their beach house.  They are already enjoying it, along with everything Bethany Beach has to offer.

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This family had been coming to Bethany for many years.  They told me they were waiting for the right house….The Tidewater is going to be a place for rest and relaxation.  Bethany Beach is a family resort.  It is also known as The Quiet Resort.

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Jeff Burton surprised me on that day.  The Tidewater is going to be always The Tidewater; in memory of John.  A home design that was their first one to be considered a preplanned home, custom built on your lot.  You can see a more detailed description of this house if you click on http://www.lanebuilders.com.

I will probably not have any contact with the new owners.  Our business is finished.  But, this house will always hold a special place in my heart.  John would have been so proud.

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My testimony?  I can’t say enough about Jeff Burton, his building partner, Keith Hastings, and their staff at Lane Builders.  If you are planning on building or remodeling at the Delaware Beaches, please give them a call.  You will not be disappointed.

Have a great day!

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