April 16th, 2016
Temperatures are cool but definitely it feels like spring is in the air. The evenings are perfect to enjoy a Moqueca. Say what? Okay, look at the entree….it is served at Lula Brazil located at 234 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-212-2755.
The Moqueca is a seafood stew. It is made with a fragrant broth of coconut milk, dende oil, which is Palm Oil, mixed peppers and onions served with rice. My table enjoyed it with mixed seafood; fish, shrimp, mussels, clams and calamari. If you like soups and stews, this one is a winner.
Meg Hudson is the owner of Lula Brazil, which is going into its second year. The restaurant has been received well by locals and visitors. I was talking to Meg and she said that she had arrived at Fortaleza many years ago and fell in love with this beautiful area, which is one of Brazil’s largest cities. Fortaleza attracts tourists from other parts of Brazil and also from overseas. The reason is its beaches and the party atmosphere. It has rolling dunes and quaint fishing villages, as well. She never forgot it. Life continued and almost two years ago, she opened Lula Brazil, decorated with the bright colors of Brazil.
Lula Brazil is bigger than you think. It has a large bar area in the back and also it has outdoor dining, as well. At night dancing put on your dancing shoes because this place gets hot hot. Summer 2016 promises to be a very good year for Lula Brazil. At the present time they are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. Friday, from 4 p.m. until 1 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. until 1 a.m. Reservations are accepted, but you may also walk in.
The night I visited Lula Brazil, Carlos was in the kitchen and Jack was our server. A few drinks to start and for me a Shrimp Ceviche. I love when you can taste the lime in the ceviche.
Fried Yucca with grilled sausage. The vinaigrette veggies gave a kick to the sausage and yucca. The farofa or yucca flour is used as a condiment. This one served was perfectly cooked and not greasy at all.
The Moquequinho de Caranguejo or Crab Soup had a different twist to the more traditional crab soup. It had coconut milk.
Grilled Fish with Black Beans & Rice, farofa (yucca flour) for condiment, as well and grilled veggies.
A Mixed Grill with Picanha, Sausage and Shrimp. Picanha is a cut of beef popular in Brazail. In the U.S. you can find it as top sirloin cap.
For dessert a custard is a favorite of mine. It was velvety smooth and the surprise of coconut inside.
There are events already in the calendar at Lula Brazil. You can check what’s going on by visiting the Facebook Page or http://www.lulabrazil.com.
And remember that Lula Brazil has plenty of space to hold parties. Just give them a call.
Bom Apetite!!
January 31st, 2016
“Wine is meant to be with food – that’s the point of it.” julia child
It is January at the Deaware Beaches and it should a little quieter. And it is, don’t get me wrong. But these beaches have become year round resorts. No longer just for summer residents, people have been moving to the Delaware Beaches in large amounts. Years ago living in Bethany Beach meant that once Labor Day Week-End came around, only abou 500 of us would be left behind. I liked it like that but the towns had to grow just like anything else.
I was meeting on Thursday with a few friends from Ocean City, Maryland. This was a good mid point to meet. But, we also found out that 99 Sea Level, a new restaurant that opened this year at the also newly opened Marriott Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, was considered very good with a perfect location, as well. 99 Sea Level is located at 99 Hollywood St., Bethany Beach, DE 19930 Tel. 302-539-0299 The restaurant is open at this time of the year, Wednesday through Sunday. Wednesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Website? http://www.99sealevel.com.
99 Sea Level is inside the hotel on the same level of the hotel’s Reception.
It is too cold to sit outside but this summer make sure to stop by and grab outdoor dining which is oceanfront by the Boardwalk.
The lobby of the hotel is so pretty and make sure to notice the chandelier designed and built by glass blower, Jeffrey Auxer, from Berlin, Maryland.
Every Thursday 99 Sea Level offers a Wine Society Dinner. You can choose to be part of the dinner or you can eat from the regular menu. We decided to go with the wine dinner. Ms. Donna Serafini who is the Director of Operations was going to be our Wine Sommelier.
4 Courses paired with beautiful wines. This dinner was $48.00. The bar was crowded and also the room was full with all of us expecting one delicious meal accompanied by the perfect wines.
The First Course was a Chickpea Vegetable Stew with pearl onion, fingerling potatoes and flatbread. The Wine? Firesteed Riesling from Oregon.
Between courses the staff made sure we were comfortable attending to our needs. We were enjoying chatting and catching up.
The Second Course was Warm Octopus…leeks compote, Peruvian Anticucho Sauce, Truffle Virgin Olive Oil. Anticucho, say that again? They say it is a name given by Peruvians to a very hot soup, prepared with a special pepper from the jungle. The Wine? Ferarri Carano Fume Blanc, a Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County, California.
The Third Course was a Veal Sirloin…yuca puree, carrots, and mustard peppercorn. It was paired with Edmeades Zinfandel from Mendocino County.
The Fourth Course…The sweet ending of Dessert was an Apple Upside Down with cinnamon, vanilla cake, and candy pecans. It was paired with Block Nine Pinot Noir from California.
It was a lot of fun…and lots of wine!! These dinners happen every Thursday. They will also have in February a Beer Dinner also pairing courses with them. You can check the website or visit them on Facebook for more information.
There will be a Super Bowl Party on the 7th!! And Valentine’s Day is around the corner, as well.
So the evening was over. I headed to Rehoboth Beach and my friends headed to Ocean City, Maryland, but not before we stopped in front of our favorite jeweler in Bethany Beach, Alice H. Klein of TKO Designs.
May 1st, 2015
A full plate is becoming a thing of the past. Eating tapas style is a more adventurous and delightful way of sharing a meal with friends. And, that’s exactly what Sharon, Richard and I did on Wednesday evening at Shorebreak Lodge, located at 10 Wilmington Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-227-1007 Website? http://www.shorebreaklodge.com
Glad I made reservations, because, my new go to restaurant was so crowded. Great drink specials, lively atmosphere, close to the Boardwalk…and excellent service, as well.
Our stimulating dinner conversation had us laughing, practically, all night.
Shorebreak Lodge is offering a very eclectic menu. There is something for everyone, even for some of us that like to try dishes that are considered je ne sais quoi.
For the table:
Burrata Mozzarella with Butternut N Figs. Burrata is from the Italian region of Puglia. It has a milky flavor and several textures, as well. The outer layer is spongy but, inside, it is creamy and also very spreadable. Great with crusty bread. This dish is awesome!! Totally recommend it.
Shrimp N Grits with Chorizo, Tomato and Anise Sauce. Love it when grits have a smooth consistency and are full of flavor.
Brussel Sprouts, Bacon & Dried Figs….combining cabbage flavor, the saltiness of bacon and the sweetness of figs. Yum!
Roasted Butternut Squash, just a simple dish to add to our grazing.
Rehoboth Beach is a culinary destination….so many restaurants, so many chefs outdoing each other in friendly competition.
Have a great a week-end!!
March 14th, 2015
“Filled with mingled cream and amber I will drink that glass again. Such hilarious visions clamber Through the chambers of my brain–Quaintest thoughts queerest fancies Come to life and fade away; Who Cares how time advances? I am drinking ale today.” edgar allan poe
Those thoughts in mind brought my friend, Cindi, and I to Dogfish Head located at 320 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-226-BREW. Website? http://www.dogfish.com. What in the world? A line to get in? It was noon on Friday, the 13th of March. Rehoboth Beach is crowded. Spring Break, and a destination to Rehoboth Beach.
 
An unveiling of Sick Cider…only 100 growlers….numbered, as well. The Cider was strong. Oh yes, we bought one….$20.
Growlers carry fresh beer from a brewery to one’s house. In the late 1800s and 1900s beer was carried from the local pub to one’s home by means of a small galvanized pail. Local lore has it that when the beer sloshed around the pail, it created a rumbling sound as the CO2 escaped through the lid, thus the term “growler” started. Growlers are filled straight from the tap and are sealed with a twist-cap.
Dogfish Head has a list of growlers….the restaurant was crowded, the Weekend of Compelling Ales and Whatnot was a sold out event as it is every year. This group was definitely ready. We were having lunch on the second floor. It was loud and lively!
 
The first floor is usually set up with tables, but for this week-end events the tables were taken out. On Friday the local brewers were going to get up close and personal with the guests. Later in the evening live entertainment until closing time.
This restaurant is a must stop when visiting Rehoboth Beach…..first, because the starting of the brewery has been a huge success. From humble beginnings to being nationally recognized. The food is good too!! The retail shop has souveniers for all those beer aficionados on your list.
You can tour the Dogfish Head in Milton, just up the road. Visit the website for the tour schedules.
Growler on our table….Namaste for Cindi. Namaste is a Belgian style white beer. It is made with dried organic orange slices, fresh cut lemongrass and a bit of coriander. A refreshing and thirst quenching beer!!
An order of the Pub Salad topped with woodgrilled salmon…and their “Midas Touch” vinaigrette. Very good!!
Cindi’s Woodgrilled Salmon sandwhich was also very well received.
A sweet ending of Ancho Chili Churro Bites…with dipping sauces of Mexican Chocolate, Nutmeg Creme Anglaise, and an Ancho Chili Honey with just the right amount of kick.
EVENT
Monday, March 30th is the Annual Benevolence Day, when Dogfish Head closes for the day and all employees help Habitat for Humanity!! Please visit http://www.dogfish.com in case you would like to sign up and help. Helping Habitat for Humanity at 621 and 625 Washington Avenue in Ellendale, DE 19941 at 9:00 a.m.
Rain has stopped and the beaches are warm tonight.
March 3rd, 2015
 Historic Charleston Charleston, S.C., is a good place to get “stuck” when your flight is canceled. I did not know I was going back to Charleston so quickly. How lucky, right?
So many restaurants have opened in Charleston since last year. It’s like you don’t know which one to choose….and then, everyone that has been to Charleston will tell you where to go, what to eat….don’t forget this or that. I am doing the same thing.
On my book there are 5 “ingredients” to a good restaurant: Culinary Competence, Quality of Ingredients, Ambiance, Service, and Price. Which means you want the best chefs or cooks, depending how you want to call yourselves, fresh ingredients, ambiance conducive to conversation, personal service and a good price. I found S.N.O.B.
 
Slightly North Of Broad, or, S.N.O.B., is located at 192 East Bay Street. Tel. 843-723-3424 Website? http://www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com/slightlynorthofbroad. This restaurant is owned by the Maverick Southern Kitchen Group, with other restaurants such as High Cotton in Greenville, and Charleston, Old Village Post House in Mount Pleasant, and Charleston Cooks! They have gluten free menus available!!
I arrived at 11:50 a.m. I thought I would be the first one there. Oh, no. The dining room was full. Then, I was told that there was a seat available at the Chef’s Table. Are you kidding?…another lucky day. The dining room is an extension of the kitchen. The Chef’s Table is long and seats 6 guests. To my left there were 2 gentlemen, and to my right a couple who knew the Executive Chef, and another guest.
The corn bread was warm and came in a sweet grass basket. Perfect addition to my soup.
Checking out what everyone was having I noticed the huge portion of moist meatloaf. But, I wanted something different like their Curried Chickpea Soup with Cabbage and Currants. Totally delish, well seasoned and comforting.
I am always on a culinary journey. The blending of flavors get my tastebuds doing that je ne sais quai. Originally, I was going to order the fried chicken livers on grits…..then, my question was: What is your signature dish? No hesitation; the Maverick Shrimp & Grits. That did it. A signature dish that everyone comes to enjoy. I wanted it.
The gentleman on my left said to me that his hotel had said S.N.O.B. had the best shrimp and grits. So, check out my plate….shrimp, home sausage, country ham, freshy tomatoes, green onions, garlic and Geechie Boy yellow grits.
Geechie Boy Yellow Grits are ground in historic mills in Edisto Island, S.C…..Local!!
No dessert was necessary, I was totally satisfied……the gentleman at the end of the table…I believe his name was George was having a coconut ice cream, which he said was the best. He visits S.N.O.B. at least 3 times per week. He considers their cooking one of the best anywhere by far. That’s a local’s review for you.
Guilty…..the reason I was not having dessert is because I was going to a cooking class next door at Charleston Cooks in about an hour and a half. Yikes…
Note: The BB & T Charleston Wine & Food Festival is March 4th until the 8th…this coming week-end. It is in its 10th year. It celebrates Lowcountry Cuisine with James Beard Award winning chefs from around the country, as well as the region’s best. Please check http://www.charlestonwineandfood.com.
When is Spring getting here???
February 10th, 2015
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!!
March 14th, 2014
 
30 degrees did not stop us from getting together in the Quiet Resort of Fenwick Island, Delaware. Our choice of restaurant for Thursday evening was The Flying Fish, Cafe & Sushi Bar. I visited this restaurant when it had just opened and I loved it then. It was personal, with a cozy atmosphere. Could it be possibly better? It was!
The Flying Fish is located at The Village of Fenwick, 300 Coastal Highway, Unit 7, Fenwick Island. Tel. 302-581-0217. Website? http://www.flyingfishfenwick.com
I think part of the charm of The Flying Fish is that everyone is truly happy to see you as you step inside. The staff is attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu.
Cindi and I arrived early…within half hour the place was packed. We decided that the evening should start with the Flying Fish Saketini…cucumber vodka. Very smooth.
An order of Marinated Seafood which had squid, octopus, crabstick, scallop, and shrimp, marinated in just enough of their sesame lime ceviche oil and tossed with a bits of field greens. This salad had great taste and once it gets warmer at the Delaware Beaches, it could be the perfect salad for a hot summer day.
I wanted a plain House Salad. Full of flavor it had a combination of beautiful veggies with a miso honey sesame dressing.
So many rolls to choose from but Cindi decided that the Mobster Lobster Roll would be the one. This roll has spicy tuna, jalapeno, and tempura bits roll, draped in thin avocado and topped with chunks of lobster salad. This is an awesome tasting roll.
I have not had Sashimi in some time, so my choice was the Sashimi Sampler. Just the right amount, fresh and so delish.
The table next to us was having a feast. There were only 4 people. I was not stalking them but politely asked them if I could take the photos. They obliged.
 
I had to have them…..I am talking about Mochi. This is a Japanese dessert made from pounded sticky rice with an ice cream filling. The dough is soft and fluffy. Flavors like mango, green tea, strawberry and more.
Pretty soon the Delaware Beaches will be coming into their own. It will be their time to shine. As you arrive for your vacation or if you live here….stop by. You will not be disappointed. Hope you like it.
Talk to you later.
February 26th, 2014
The Spaniards have been doing this type of eating for hundreds of years…The Spanish tapas are a great way to try many dishes without having to really have a full meal. It is also a great way to share when friends get together and want to chat and catch up.
So, we decided we would go and graze at Cafe Azafran located at 18 Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It is on the ocean block. Tel. 302-227-8100. Website? http://www.cafeazafran.com.
Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach is a very trendy street in Downtown Rehoboth with plenty of restaurants and boutiques. During the height of the season our visitors enjoy walking out and about Rehoboth stopping at favorite restaurants. Cafe Azafran has been in Rehoboth more than a few years with a sister restaurant in Lewes.
Cafe Azafran offers Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays at this time of the year. Every day lunch is served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Dinner begins at 5 p.m. Tapas Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. During warmer months and weather permitting there is also al fresco dining.
Every Thursday night John Flynn and Holly Lane perform live from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Our grazing began with the following tapas:
Lamb Albondigas or lamb meatballs in a roasted red pepper sauce.
Asparagus a la Plancha, grilled and topped with crispy Jamon Serrano from Spain.
An order of Ratatouille Provencal with fresh herbs and Pecorino.
A Roasted Beet Salad to go with all of the above had mixed greens, endive, asparagus, boucheron, candied pecans, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
And because one salad was not enough…haha…we ordered the Salad Nicoise du Jour topped with salmon, haricots verts, egg, field greens, endive, new potatoes and olives.
My small plate was filled with delicious food….there was no room for dessert.
Have a good one!!
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