On my previous post I mentioned that day tripping to Philadelphia is an easy one from the Delaware Beaches. It only takes a few hours and if you casually plan it well, you will have a fun day. A change of scenery, as well.
The Philadelphia Museum of art is located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Our quest was to make it to the Fabulous Fashion: From Dior’s New Look to Now exhibit. It is there until March 3rd. You can check the museum’s website by visiting https://philamuseum.org.
I was trying to see what dining experience we could have at the museum. In order not to be rushed it would be perfect to eat there. I found out that a new restaurant called Stir had opened in October, 2018. There is the restaurant and there is also a Cafe. My interest was Stir, the restaurant.
Stir was designed by Frank Owen Gehry. His is considered to be one of the most well known architects in the world. Some of his buildings, including his home in Los Angeles have become world-renowned attractions.
We, actually, made a reservation through Open Table. The restaurant’s ceiling looks like it is floating. The chairs were so comfortable and the lighting was perfect. The Executive Chef is Mark Tropea who is a Philly-born guy with 20 years of experience.
Stir is managed by the Philadelphia’s Constellation Culinary Group which was known as the STARR Catering Group.
The moment I saw the Roasted Duck on the menu, I knew that would be my choice. Served with Vadouvan carrots, wheat berries, sour cherry and port reduction. Vadouvan is a French Masala Curry Powder with a little kick. The blending of classic curry spices with aromatic onion, garlic, and shallot. It is ground to fine powder. Medium rare and chrispy on top is how it was presented. So delicious, I want to go back.
The Grilled Venison Loin also caused a “Stir” because just like the duck it was perfectly cooked, as well. A currant and pink peppercorn gastrique, castle valley grits, and brased rainbow chard complemented the venison.
We did not have dessert. But, we did have wine. Our server was friendly and his suggestions were on point.
But we had a tour to catch. Isn’t it great when a restaurant delivers such a good experience?
Anyway, remember that there is an AboutMyBeaches FaceBook page and if you like it will be much appreciated.
Until then…..Spring is around the corner.
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“Colour and I are one. I am a painter.” paul klee, 1914
This quote of long ago came to mind when I visited Liz Lind Editions Gallery and Studio in the town of Showell, Maryland. So, you wonder where Showell, Maryland is….It is an unincorporated town in Worcester County not far at all from Ocean City, Maryland and the Delaware/Maryland line, between Bishopville and Ocean Pines, Maryland. From Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, it will take you about half hour to 45 minutes at this time of the year.
You can find Liz Lind Editions at 10109 Pitts Rd., Showell, MD 21862. Tel. 443-727-9042. Website? http://www.lizlindeditions.com It opens Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. During the week, please call for an appointment and Liz or Erica Rittling, her Assistant, will be happy to receive you.
I think that years ago, I stopped at her gallery in Annapolis, and at that time I was taken with her watercolors. When Liz mentions that sunlight, sand and surf are the 3 elements that inspire her work, all you have to do is look around her studio, or you might want to open her website, above mentioned, to see her work.
And, when I looked outside today, it was so pretty that I thought this day is what Liz is talking about…ocean breezes, hot sand between the toes, and pink swirls of cotton candy on the boardwalk. She mentions that those memories are always with her.
So, I asked her…How did you become a painter? It started as a little girl, buying spiral notebooks from the pharmacy, scribbling and just playing around. Later in life, she and her mother had a gallery, then Liz had a gallery…and she finally decided that her paintings were selling so well that she would only represent herself…Linz Lind Editions!!
Coffee Table Book
Liz mentions her work is a combination of many things, including gouache. Not knowing what gouache was, I found out that painting in this form is similar to watercolor, but it is modified to make it opaque.
Some of her paintings are traditional watercolors, and she mentions that others are more like a stage set, where they are assembled separately. She works on several paintings at the same time. Some take months; others just minutes. Her work is not complete until the composition becomes her vision.
Liz grew spent so much time in Ocean City, Maryland…a coastal type of girl. Her paintings show, the sand and the sea, the ocean and surfing, whales, the Atlantic Shore, and the Chesapeake Bay. Her watercolors of flowers and garden petals are whimsical…She designed the cover for Maryland Life magazine.
Her gallery is on the first floor and upstairs you will find her studio. Liz Lind Editions also offers framing.
Liz Lind is a brand name. In her gallery you will find the perfect gifts….note cards, ceramic coasters, tiles, framed tiles, baby onesies, coffee mugs, ornaments, and adult and children tee-shirts.
Liz Lind is in collaboration with Maine Cottage. Her works for Maine Cottage are printed and signed in a limited edition of 100. For more information, please visit http://www.mainecottage.com.
Please note that Liz Lind accepts commission work and she is also a great teacher. If you have any questions, please call her at 443-0727-9042.
It was so nice meeting Liz….the artist behind her paintings. If you do decide to visit and meet her, you’ll see what I mean. She was friendly, gracious, and fun. And, so were you Erica!!
Have a great day!!
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Up and down the Delmarva Peninsula historic towns are being preserved by residents and merchants. The Historic Town of Berlin is one example. On any given day, this town, which by the way, looks like a movie set, is bustling with visitors. If it is not one thing is another….but, they always have a concert, a festival, merchants’ stroll, you name it. The shopkeepers are young and interesting, new restaurants have opened this summer; making Historic Berlin a shopping and dining destination.
From Rehoboth Beach and other Delaware Beaches, it takes about 45 minutes. If you live on the Delaware and Maryland coast, then you are probably used to driving. I really don’t mind it one bit. A road trip? I look forward to it!!
My friend, Susan, and I stopped at Jeffrey Auxer Designs. The building is unique and it dates back to 1897. It is located at 19 Jefferson St. in Berlin, Maryland. It is behind the Atlantic Hotel, which is located on Main Street. Can’t miss it. It is the center of the town. Jeffrey Auxer Designs closes on Monday, but it is open the rest of the week. At this time of the year it was the perfect place to pick up a few Christmas presents. His Tel. is 443-513-4210. His website? http://www.jeffreyauxer.com.
The ring holders were so cute. Jeffrey also makes rings and earrings.
The art of blown glass. The deep colors of the glass. The amazing shapes. All this you will find at Jeffrey’s shop. A person who blows glass is called a glassblower, a glassmith, or a gaffer.
Jeffrey offers classes, either individually or in a group setting. You can also bring your party to the studio. He has room for 8; kids or adults. You can find more info. if you visit the above mentioned website.
I bought one of the ornaments and I also bought a couple of bowls.
The studio is so colorful and Jeffrey is very friendly and easy to talk to.
Berlin is beautiful this time of the year. This is, definitely, a must stop shop while visiting this Historic Town.
Note: Jeffrey also exhibits at Gallery One, located at 32 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, Delaware. It is a few miles west of Bethany Beach.
Talk to you later…
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