June 22nd, 2011
Away from the Beaches for 24 hours. Back already. A road trip. I am getting to know Philadelphia, but I still have a long ways to go. Having worked and lived in Baltimore, Maryland, I really never went much to Phildelphia. Now, I am going full steam ahead; way into walking the streets, checking the neighborhoods and experiencing its restaurants….all the way to the food trucks.
After driving for a couple of hours it was time for a walk. Just like I enjoy seeing the roadhouses in Baltimore, Philadelphia has beautiful ones, as well. At this time of the year some looked so amazing.
It was around 2 p.m. and not having eaten, Michael and I decided to walk in the direction of Rittenhouse Square.
Rittenhouse Square was named for astronomer/clockmaker, David Rittenhouse. He was a descendant of William Rittenhouse, who built the first paper mill in America in Germantown. He was also the President of the American Philosophical Society and the first Director of the United States Mint.
Rittenhouse Square has always denoted quality. And, to have lived near or on the Square was a mark of prestige.
Fountains, trees, and benches for people to sit and relax. At that time of the day, the heat was getting up there and just to be under the canopy of those trees was instant relief.
The Parc Brasserie, a Bistro and Cafe. Usually, I would sit outside, if available, but after walking so much; air condition was what I wanted.
The Parc Brasserie is located at 227 South 18th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. Tel. 215-646-2262. Website? www.parc-restaurant.com. Parc is part of the famility of restaurants owned by Starr Restaurants.
Ornate ceilings, the restaurant pays hommage to the French Cafe culture. We had a perfect seat; looking over Rittenhouse Square and checking the passersby; some walking their four legged friends and others just enjoying a beautiful day in the city.
The bread was to die for; baguettes are made in-house daily.
We shared an appetizer of Chicken Liver Mousse with pickled shallots and grain mustard. Again, this bread was thick, warm and oh, so good. Perfect appetizer for a hot day.
Then Michael ordered the Lamb Sandwich, with Harissa aioli and arugula. Pomme frites? Of course, how could you not? Took a bite; very good.
Just in case you did not know what Harissa is; I did not know either. It is a condiment from North Africa and the Middle East. It is made from chiles, oil, garlic and cilantro, pounded with cumin or ground coriander and sometimes dried mint or verbena leaves.
I ordered the Nicoise Salad with seared tuna, shaved vegetables and lemon vinaigrette. It had been some time since I had a Nicoise Salad; fresh and light. The tuna, the white anchovies and the combination of the veggies with the lemon vinaigrette, made it so special. The lettuce? Buttery comes to mind.
A leisure afternoon with great food, great service, and the perfect view, as well.
No sweet ending at this time of the day. But an espresso we did have. We still had dinner in mind and some more walking to do.
Note: Some info. for my post was taken from www.ushistory.org.
Talk to you later….
June 7th, 2011
What got my attention and interest was an appetizer which is served at the Pickled Pig Pub; the fried pickles. I like pickles but I am not crazy about them. Michael, my son, told me these were very good.
Fried pickles are found in the South and are made by deep-frying sliced battered dill pickles.
The Fried Pickled Spears, house battered, kosher-dils served with a spicy dipping sauce can be found at the Pickled Pig Pub located at 18756 Coastal Hwy #3, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-645-5444. Website? www.pickledpigpub.com. They open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner starts at 5:00 p.m. Open 7 days a week and plenty of parking.
The Pub was deceiving; bigger than I had expected. It is a casual atmosphere. Come as you are kind of place; unwind after work, a quick lunch, a beer on a hot day.
Happy “Hours” are from 4 – 6 p.m. The Pickle Pig Pub has plenty of beers on tap and bottles, as well. A big supporter of local craft beers.
These pickles are served as appetizers. The menu is varied and interesting. You can find the menu on their website above mentioned.
The Pickled Pig Pub had a very nice cheese board, as well.
Of course we had other things on the menu. I had the Every Day Pub Burger. Nothing better than a burger at the right time; lettuce, tomato, onion, served on a brioche bun. Your choice of American, Swiss or provolone.
Michael ordered the Pub Pulled Pork, Carolina vinegarstyle, which is my favorite, by the way. Or, sweet southern barbecue, coleslaw topped on a brioche bun.
On that day the restaurant was crowed and I was surprised since I did not know if it had been discovered yet.
Had a nice lunch. The pickles were delicious, our waiter was attentive and I will definitely go back.
Note: The sister restaurant, Pig and Fish is located on Rehoboth Ave., downtown. Website: www.thepigandfish.com.
You know what? I could get an addiction to those pickles.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
June 1st, 2011
It was almost 10 p.m. when we left Catch 54 in Fenwick Island. I could not believe that it was still 73 degrees. It was a very hot day but as the sun slowly started setting the evening was just right. I wanted to see if the food at Catch 54 was as good as its view. So, road trip to Fenwick. Just about 25 minutes away from Rehoboth Beach.
It was also the perfect evening because everyone that was at the beaches this week-end had gone home, therefore, the restaurants were going to be more settled on a night like tonight. I was right. It was quieter and just so nice.
Catch 54 is located at 54 Madison Ave., Fenwick Island, DE 19944. It is right on Rt. 54, where Shark’s Cove Marina is also located. If you head west from Rt. 1, in Fenwick Island, then you will go over the bridge and you will see the restaurant to your right. Make the next right and you are just about there. Website? http://www.catch54.com. Tel. 302-436-8600. You will find Catch 54 on Facebook.
Catch 54 is part of the family of restaurants owned by SoDel Concepts; yes, Matt Haley is the owner.
The restaurant has plenty of parking. They open Mondays through Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. Fridays through Sundays at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and at 4:00 p.m. for dinner. Every day there is happy hour from 3 until 6 p.m. Catch 54 does not take reservations.
This restaurant is one of the few, at the Delaware Beaches, if not the only one with views anywhere you sit. On the first floor you will find a Tiki Bar. You can eat there, as well. The bar completely opens up so that you can really enjoy the outdoors.
Upstairs, which is the main dining area, there is a good size bar. The dining tables are set up so that you can also experience the views throughout. These marshes and inland bays are just spectacular. And, at sunset, they are priceless.
I got a little worried when I noticed that my camera was flashing. That meant I had a low battery. I decided not to take a picture of the steamed clams. They had herbs, a Tabasco Butter Broth and Lemon. They were delicious. My Caesar Salad was very good, as well. I ordered it because it had the white anchovies. I see those on a menu and I die for them. Many years ago I first had them in Spain and totally fell in love with them.
As you know, we always have to check if an entree contains gluten. Caitlyn was our server and immediately she told us which items on the menu were gluten free. It was good to see that the restaurant was catering to those with food allergies and that it had trained their staff so well.
Caitlyn was knowledgeable, friendly, and discreet. She let us chat but was also very attentive.
We ordered the Hot Bacon Crab Dip, with Jack Cheese and homemade Kettle Chips. The chips were so crispy and warm. The combination of the bacon, crab and cheese was perfect. Not too salty either, which was nice. This dish is enough for 4 people.
Then, my husband ordered the Seared Day Boat Scallops with mashed potatoes, creamed corn and tomato chili oil. The picture does not lie. It was that good. I took a bite.
My entree was a Fisherman Stew. Fresh caught fin fish, scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, celery, garlic butter, herbs, tomato broth, Old Bay, Lemon and toast. The first thing I wanted to do was dip the bread in the broth. But, I had the willpower and did not do it. Instead, I ordered a spoon and ate all the seafood with plenty of “gusto”.
I have not visited all the SoDel Concept restaurants, but the ones that I have had the chance to experience have been very generous with the portions.
But wait. I am not finished. It is a bit challenging to find a gluten free dessert on a menu. Yes, you can get fruit but, you know…give me a dessert, please. I noticed that there was a flourless cake. Well, say no more. We ordered it. I had seen recipes for that type of cake but I have never made one. It was a true chocolate taste. If you like chocolate, believe me, this is your dessert. The berry swirl and the whipped cream were the perfect companions.
The Sous-Chef, Ronnie, came to the table to see how we had liked everything. We thanked him for the food and for being on top of the gluten allergy. He said that they try to accommodate everyone. We enjoyed our dinner so much. It was such a peaceful atmosphere with a hint of music on the background.
Talk to you later….the merging of the views and the food to give you such delight…
May 25th, 2011
I am probably the only person that has made a friendship through the Census. Yes, her name is Annie Hall. I thought it was a joke when she first called. She asked me for lunch the other day and we decided to meet at BayWood. I had never been there; only had seen it from Rt. 24. Always amazed at the flowers; could not imagine how beautiful it was going to be once I was inside the complex. BayWood Greens is not only an 18 Hole Championship Golf Course; it is also a community.
BayWood Greens is located on Rt. 24, Long Neck, Delaware. It is about 15 to 20 minutes from Rehoboth Beach. Best way to get there is: From Rt. 1 take Rt. 24 West. It will be 7 miles to the BayWood entrance on the left. The website is www.baywoodgreens.com. Tel. 302-947-9225, 302-947-9800.
As you are driving in, there are gardens everywhere. Constant care and attention to detail is what immediately came to my mind.
At a distance I could see the Clubhouse. Again, flowers, fountains, and what a beautiful day it was.
There is plenty of parking and just a short flight of stairs in order to access the main entrance.
Again, the entrance was full of flowers.
As I came into the reception area I could see that the Clubhouse had a very sophisticated air about it. I asked the hostess if we could sit outside. If you want to sit inside, there are plenty of choices. But, on a day like last Friday, who wants to sit inside?
The Verandah was the perfect choice. A wonderful breeze and comfortable tables.
From the Verandah you had an expansive view. I can see why so many brides choose this spot. It is called the Wedding Garden. The wedding photos must be spectacular.
The Clubhouse is open for lunch and dinner. Brunch on Sundays, as well. There is plenty to choose from. Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, Dinner Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts.
It was so comfortable and relaxing that I felt I was on vacation somewhere else.
I chose the Baywood Bleu Cheese Salad. This is their signature salad with mixed greens, gorgonzola bleu cheese, roasted red peppers, red onion, artichokes, dried cranberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and Genoa salami tossed in a honey Dijon dressing. You would think that it would be enough but I also had grilled chicken on top. It was the perfect salad. The dressing was delicious and the combination of all those vegetables, dried cranberries and salami gave it that sweet and salty taste. Very very good.
Annie Hall had the Steakhouse Salad which was grilled flank steak served over mixed greens with corn, roasted plum tomatoes, and avocado tossed in a BBQ Ranch dressing and topped with fried shallots. She decided that instead of the Ranch dressing whe would order bleu cheese and said that it was delicious.
We talked and talked. Our server as so nice and came to check on us from time to time. We were happy,though.
After our lunch Annie had to leave and I just strolled around the grounds.
There is also a Golf Pro Shop which is separate from the Clubhouse.
BayWood is busy. They have a Summer Concert Series. The first concert will be Monday, May 30th from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. It will be held in the Wedding Garden. The concerts are open to the public and they are free. There will be a Memorial Day BBQ. You know, hamburgers and hotdogs. The entertainers will be The Cruzers. For more info. and reservations, call 302-947-9225.
The following sounded like fun. BayWood Clubhouse Restaurant has a Birthday Promotion. They will give you a discount equivalent to your age!! If you are turning 42, please go and get your 42% off your entree. If you can’t make it on your birthdate then celebrate your special day anytime during the calendar week of your birthday. Sunday to Saturday.
Then there is the Anniversary Promotion. Discount equal to the years of marriage. And if you have been married 10 years or less, they will still give you a 10% discount. Just remember that the discount applies to entree portion of total check. And, promotions are not available with other offers or discounts.
Please visit the website above mentioned because you can find a whole schedule on what is going on at BayWoods.
I recommend it to anyone that wants to have a good and relaxing lunch. The setting is gorgeous. I cannot wait to try dinner and feel the atmosphere at that time of the evening.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…
May 23rd, 2011
Rehoboth was so crowded this past week-end. Hard to find a place to park. Thank you Rehoboth Beach for not having to pay for meters yet.
Sunday was the day that we were getting together with a couple of friends. The chosen restaurant was The Back Porch Cafe. At the Delaware Beaches this restaurant is an institution.
The Back Porch is located at 59 Rehoboth Ave. Tel. 302-227-3674. Website? www.backporchcafecom. Reservations are recommended.
At the Back Porch Cafe you have several choices regarding seating. You can eat indoors, on a beautiful night you can dine al fresco, or you can have the choice of the side porch.
It has been some time since I had stopped by for dinner. The restaurant closes for the winter. In 2009 a gluten free menu was offered. I have to remind you that my husband has to eat gluten free; celiac disease.
As we waited for our friends to arrive I asked to see the menu. I also asked if there was a gluten free menu. The person said that they did not have one; that probably they will have one later on in the season. She said she would go and check with the kitchen but that their restaurant was not a gluten free restaurant. Their menu changes all the time. My answer was that he had a food allergy. She came back from the kitchen and marked the dishes that he would be able to have.
One appetizer and one salad were gluten free. There were 5 entrees to choose from.
On this Sunday evening the Back Porch was not crowded. That was not so on Saturday. They even had to turn people away.
I was trying to figure out what appetizer to choose from; the Char Seared Day Boat Scallop, blood pudding and wilted cavolo nero, blood orange vinaigrette. The blood pudding is what caught my attention. I am sure it was going to be a “morcilla”. Being from Puerto Rico, that is one thing that Isla del Encanto can prepare well.
But no. I chose the Pickled Veal Tongue, Tomato Marmalade, Shaved Ricotta Salata. It was good; a little gamey, which I like, and a very good combination with the tomato marmalade.
My entree was a Roasted Guinea Hen, Sage and Mascarpone Polenta, Fava Beans. It was pretty tasty. The white meat was nice and crispy but the best flavor was reserved for the dark meat even though it was not as crispy. The polenta was good and the fava beans gave the dish the final touch of color.
One person ordered the Yellow Fin Tuna, Corn Blinis, Preserved Lemon Salsa. She loves this dish which is pretty much available all the time. She orders it every time.
Then, a salad. That’s all she wanted.
Another person ordered the Pan Seared Wild Rockfish, with peas, morels and braised butter lettuce. He thought it was delicious.
Then my husband ordered the Grilled Wild King Salmon, with fresh pea colcannon, warm bacon vinaigrette. He liked it even though his choice would have been the crispy veal sweetbread. It had gluten so that was not going to happen.
I asked the table what they thought of their meal. Everyone’s answer was “ good”. My comment was the same. Good, but not the meal that made me want to say “I cannot wait to come back”.
No desserts for us even though there were a few tempting ones.
We were pretty much the last ones to leave. A stopped at the bar and some chatting.
Then, after a few minutes, my question was: What is your policy for someone coming to the restaurant who needs to eat gluten free? His answer was: Policy? If you come to the restaurant with an allergy and there is nothing you can eat on the menu on that day, then you are out of luck.
Basically you need to call a couple of days in advance informing them about the food allergy. Their kitchen is the size of a closet and they cannot make changes, substitutions or additions to the menu.
Otherwise, he continued, they would have to accommodate every person with a restriction, for example, vegetarian, vegan, peanut, and so on and so forth. They are just too busy and simply, cannot do it.
They do not want to substitute ingredients because their dishes are structured in such a way that if they did that then the outcome would not be the same.
To tell you the honest truth, I was a little taken back with the delivery of all this. I have been a customer for a long time and I thought the way it was presented was with some attitude, perhaps? Did not expect it.
There are so many gluten flours in the market and so many products that can be used in order to create the same taste and presentation. They just have to be on hand for the unexpected customer with a food allergy.
In a time when so many customers have dietary restrictions, restaurants are bending over backwards to make you feel comfortable and at ease so that you can enjoy the evening, I found the Back Porch a little rigid and wondered; do they even care if I come back?
Please remember that if you or anyone in your party has a food allergy, call ahead and see what accommodations can be made available to you.
So many restaurants and so many choices….aren’t we lucky?
Certainly an interesting evening with friends….nothing better than to share a meal with the ones that mean the most to you….Talk to you later….
May 21st, 2011
 The Raw Bar is between the Seafood Market and the Restaurant It was raining last night and I was not sure if I wanted to go out. Plus, the fact that the Beaches were crowded. So many events and activities on this week-end; just a prelude of next week-end’s official start of the Summer Season at the Delaware Beaches.
But, the craving was for oysters and a raw bar. I had gotten an e-mail from Big Fish Grill announcing the opening of their new raw bar. It is an addition to their restaurant. Same location at 20298 Coastal Highway. Telm 302-227-FISH. Website? www.bigfishgrill.com.
You can either go through the front door of Big Fish Grill or you can enter through a side door directly into the Raw Bar (used to be their Tiki Bar). It is between the Big Fish Grill Market and the restaurant.
As you enter, the high top tables and the seating at the raw bar are for grabs. For the regular tables you need to talk to the staff.
This room is noisy and lively. Shucking oysters, peeling shrimp, pass down the clams, and help me open this lobster. While you are at it hand me a beer or give me another glass of wine, please. That’s the atmosphere!!
For the Memorial Week-End the restaurant and raw bar will be opening from Friday until Monday from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. with dinner starting at 4 p.m.
As of June 1st dinner will be starting at 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and at 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Back to my Fruits de Mer. This restaurant is known for their fresh seafood. So, the offerings might be changing from time to time. Last night some of the clams and oysters were Middle Necks, Blue Points Chincoteague and Delaware Bay (NJ).
Since we sat at the bar we could see what was being served. There was a Cold Seafood Plater which had oysters, clams, shrimp and Main lobster.
We ordered some crab claws and shrimp. The size of the shrimp was impressive and I was not sure how they were going to be. You know, at times those big shrimp are not that great. Well, surprised again; sweet, moist and definitely good.
Then we ordered some Blue Points and I must admit I do love oysters even though May does not have an “r” in it. They say you should not eat oysters on the months that do not carry an “r”. But since the world was going to end on Saturday, I took that chance.
I even ordered more shrimp. Had to take plenty of pictures. They were unreal.
Big Fish is one of those restaurants that take food allergies very seriously. There is a menu for every allergy and you can eat there with peace of mind.
Enjoy the weather….it is one of those days at the Delmarva Peninsula; Priceless…
April 28th, 2011
The Historic town of Lewes is getting ready for a celebration on Friday, 4/29. It is called Fun Friday. Lewes is celebrating the Royal Wedding. I wrote a post on the different events throughout this special day. You can read it by clicking on the month of March, 2011 on the left hand side of this website and then scrolling down to the 9th.
“Friends are the flowers that never fade.” With that in mind I went to meet Jody on Tuesday in Lewes, Delaware. I met Jody not long ago; an instant friendship. She is funny, likes to talk and likes to try new restaurants, as well.
About 3 weeks ago a new restaurant opened in Lewes. When I first heard about it I thought it was only a bakery. This new eatery is the perfect combination; a bakery, a restaurant, and a bar. Sounds like heaven. Their motto? “Come for Dessert, Stay for Dinner”.
Cake Bar is located at 115 Second St., Lewes, Delaware 19958. Tel. 302-645-CAKE (2253). Website? www.sugarbakerscakes.com.
What a difference!! As you come into Cake Bar from the Second St. entrance I was pleasantly surprised. The bakery is at the front. Nothing like looking at beautiful baked goods in a warm atmosphere to wet your appetite.
Jody and I met Jamie, the owner. Friendly; like you know her. She told us that she and her family had been coming to Lewes for a long time and that they owned a home in town. They were looking for a place to start a business and when the opportunity came they grabbed it. Right in the center of town.
I like what they have done with the dinning areas. It was comfortable and a good choice of colors.
But that is not all, Jamie and her family own a very successful business in Catonsville, Maryland. It is called Sugar Bakers Cakes at 752 Frederick Rd., Baltimore, MD 21228. The website is www.sugarbakerscake.com. The tel. is 410788-9478.
In business since 1996, this company has made a name for themselves. Please check their website to see the most amazing cakes for all occasions. The reviews? Awesome!! Appearing in The Today Show and Whose Wedding is It Anyway?.
Their cakes are delivered to Baltimore, Washington, and to the Maryland and Delaware resorts.
You can contact them either in Baltimore or in Lewes for a complimentary wedding cake consultation. June is around the corner, so I hope brides to be are reading this post.
One thing that caught my attention was that you can call Cake Bar and order dessert trays; 10 person minimum for all trays. Just cookies, or a selections of brownies, blondies, and mini desserts. Served in easy to handle, bite size pieces.
The Fancy Feast includes mini eclairs, tiny mousse cups, fresh fruit tarts and dipped strawberries, among others.
You can also order miniature desserts by the dozen. Just give them a call if you would like more info. Remember their number is 302-645-CAKE.
Jody and I checked the menu. Cheeses, Maryland Crab Dip, fries with garlic truffle aioli, wings, mac and cheese, shrimp cocktail, steamed shrimp, steamed mussels are a few of their starters. Then the soups and salads followed. Sandwiches like Maryland Crabcake, the Delaware Dip, the BLT and G(uacamole) which had thick smoked bacon, roasted and sandwiched with arugula, juice tomato, and creamy guacamole. The Hot Dog Muffaletta is their take on New Orleans; a big, grilled all-beef dog in a baguette roll, packed with pepperoncini’s, red onion, roasted red pepper, provolone cheese and tapenade.
Some of their entres were shrimp and grits, day boat scallops, fresh daily fish, flat iron steak, meatloaf and mash. The Delmarva Chicken is a Delaware chicken brined in traditional local marinade of lemon, buttermilk, garlic, olive oil and seasonal herbs and then roasted. Choice of garlic mash or fresh veggies.
Jody and I decided on a salad. You know how it is, summer is around the corner, afterall.
Jody chose the CakeBAR Salad which had lettuce, cucumber, tomato, sweet red pepper, red onion, olives, artichoke hearts, and goat cheese Feta, with red wine vinaigrette. She topped it with grilled shrimp. It was light and she very much enjoyed it.
I chose the Wedding Salad which had baby greens topped with seasonal fresh berries, toasted pine nuts, crumbled goat cheese and house-smoked duck confit. Served with a honey citrus vinaigrette. I loved it. I think the combinations of all the fruit, the smoked duck and the dressing were a perfect marriage of flavors.
No dessert for us. Can you imagine? All homemade and we had the willpower to say no. Our waiter, which by the way was very good, named them all. We still resisted.
I wish Jamie and her family the best. Stop by and say hello.
Note: Fun Facts from Sugar Bakers Cakes: They use 75,000 eggs per year and 1.8 million chocolate chips per year. Yikes!!
Please remember that Cake Bar has happy hour.
Have a great day!!…talk to you soon…
April 1st, 2011
If you were to drive through the Town of Dewey Beach today, you would be surprised at how quiet it is. Don’t let that fool you. This is a town that has become a destination for those who are young, and for some of us that want to keep being young.
The bay on one side and the ocean on the other. In between? Restaurants, watersports, bars, and lots of entertainment.
April 1st seemed like a good day to start opening a few of those places in Dewey that have become so popular with visitors and residents alike.
Que Pasa? Well, this Cantina is opening today. Outdoor sitting is available even though at the moment it is quite chilly at the Delaware Beaches. Indoor sitting is available, as well. Some of their offerings are Chicken Tortilla soup, Homemade Ceviche, Chicken Tamales and Flash fried Empanadas, Shrimp a la Plancha, among many others. Their tel. is 302-227-4333. Website? www.deweybeachlife.com.
Rusty Rudder is also opening today. Their tel. is 302-227-3888. Website? www.ruddertowneusa.com. Tonight’s entertainment will be Mike Hines & The Look at 9:00 p.m. His website, in case you want to know what they are all about, is http://www.mikehines.com.
On Saturday, 4/2, the entertainment will be SpeakerCity and it will start at 9:00 p.m. For more info. on this band, please check their website http://www.speakercityrocks.com.
Lighthouse will be opening up on Monday 4/4 with their all you can eat wings for $10. Then on Friday, 4/8 they will have their now famous Taco Toss at the Lighthouse. Saturday, 4/9 will be Bullbuckers Live. Their genre is Ska, Reggae, and Soul. For more info. on this band go to their website, http://www.bullbuckers.com.
The Bottle & Cork will be opening May 7th and North Beach will be opening May 20th.
Have a great week-end…talk to you later….
 
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