September 19th, 2012
Gastronomy is the art of food eating. In Rehoboth Beach we have one of those restaurants that is a blend of gastronomy and pub. Connoisseurs of beers will tell you that this pub is known for having a wide variety of beers; among those, are the local brews; Delaware and Maryland.
The Pickled Pig Pub is located at 18756 Coastal Highway, on Rt. 1 Harbor Square, Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-645-5444. Website? http://www.pickledpigpub.com. It opens at 11:30 a.m. Dinner starts at 5:00 p.m. Happy Hours from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Plenty of parking available.
As I write this post I am starting to get hungry. Even though the Pickled Pig Pub offers dinner, I have only gone for lunch. My post is based on my lunch experiences with my friend, Jody, and my son Michael at different times.
As you go into the restaurant you will have a couple of seating choices. Tables and booths. You can also sit at the bar, which is located towards the end of the restaurant.
A cheese board that changes regularly will get your attention.
The very first I came to the Pickled Pig it was because I wanted to try their fried pickles. I had heard so much about them. They are home battered, Kosher-dills with a spicy dipping sauce. They are truly delicious. So far, they are my favorites in the area.
This past year I have gotten into fish tacos more than ever. Every time I see them on the menu, I will try them. The Pickled Pig’s Twin Battered Fish Tacos with pickled red onions, jalapenos, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, cilantro and a chipotle sauce will become favorites, without a doubt. I believe the day I had these ones, the fish used was grouper.
On one of my visits, my server, suggested I tried the Pork Flatliner. It turned out to be a really good sandwich. It is also pretty big. You might not be able to have the fried pickles if you are ordering this one. It had smoked pit ham, sredded pork, pork belly bacon, smoked cheddar, southern B.B.Q. style sauce and pickles on a toasted panini.
The Warm Pretzel Turkey Sandwich was tried by one of my fellow diners and he loved it. It is a big portion. The combination of shaved turkey, red onions, and cranberry cream cheese on a toasted pretzel bread, definitely hit the spot.
I love a good Cubano. The version served at the Pickled Pig did not disappoint. It was smoked pit ham, shredded pork, pickles, Swiss cheese and a Dijon spread on a pressed panini roll.
I do enjoy salads and I order them all the time; mostly for lunch. The Southwestern Salad at the Pickled Pig has grilled chicken, chopped lettuces, pico de gallo, queso fresco, plenty of jalapenos!!, tortilla strips and a chipotle ranch dressing. If you like jalapenos, this salad is for you.
Jody decided on the Asian Bistro Salad. I have had this salad before and it is perfect on a hot summer day. Or, when you want something a little lighter. It had crispy wontons, napa-bok choy cabbages, cilantro, carrots, spicy ginger vinaigrette, and peanuts.
A little local beer from Evolution was the perfect addition to their meal.
The Pickled Pig Pug has plenty of events going on at the present time. Their Beer Dinners are worth checking into. To find out about their events, please visit http://www.pickledpigpub.com/specials.php.
Note: The Pickled Pig has a frequent diners card. Ask for it when you go.
The Pickled Pig Pub has a sister restaurant in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. It is called The Pig + Fish. Check out their website at http://www.thepigandfish.com.
Have fun discovering all the eateries in Rehoboth Beach!! Talk to you later.
September 13th, 2012
Every time I am driving from Baltimore to Rehoboth Beach, I take a look at this Dock Bar from Rt. 50 and I say….I want to stop there. For one reason or another I never do. The weather might be too hot, too cold…oh no; it’s raining. You know how it is. But, today, on such a gorgeous day, with a deep blue sky, low humidity and comfortable temperatures, my friend, Trish, and I were stopping.
The Big Owl Tiki Bar is located at 3015 Kent Narrows Way South in Grasonville, Maryland. Traveling on Rt. 50/301, the Exit is 42. Tel. 410-827-6523. Website? http://www.thebigowl.com. The Big Owl Tiki Bar is also on Facebook.
It was late in the afternoon. We had just finished one awesome day walking and touring in Annapolis, Maryland. All we wanted was to sit and enjoy the view and the Tiki Bar.
 
The Big Owl Tiki Bar is bright in color and it looks like so much fun. We proceeded to sit right by the water. The view is amazing; boats passing by after a day on the bay.
Jennifer was our server but she is also part of the family that owns The Big Owl Tiki Bar. We ordered something to drink and also some steamed mussels.
The Big Owl Tiki Bar opens 7 days a week. There is also entertainment Thursday through Sunday. Jennifer mentioned that her father is a professional DJ. He is there, practically, every day. On Fridays he takes over as DJ and opens a Sunset Party…using the Conch Shell as a horn as the sun sets….shots for everyone. The music will get going.
The Tiki Bar is very tropical with a Key West ambiance.
Our mussels arrived and they were in a well seasoned broth with plenty of garlic and bread to make sure that not a drop was left on the bowl.
The Bar will remain open until mid-November. They will keep their kitchen open year-round for breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. starting in October. You can order right from the Big Owl Grill and sit under the tent on the water. During the colder months they will put the sides on and add a heater.
You now know where it is located, the tel. number, the website and even the Facebook page. Check them out….it is lots of fun, and they have a good menu. We had had enough but would like to come back and try that deep fried key lime pie…it’s their own original recipe.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later.
September 1st, 2012
Here I go again. I love picking crabs. This past week, a craving for steamed crabs took me to Lazy Susan’s located at 18289 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), Lewes. Tel. 302-645-5115. There is plenty of parking. The reason why I am also posting. A holiday week-end brings so many people to the beaches. Parking is a test for patience.
I thought Lazy Susan’s would be crowded. Surprise Surprise; it was not. The whole place to ourselves.
When I go to Lazy Susan’s is because I want to eat crabs; that’s all I pretty much order. They have been in business since 1984. It is a true crab house. But, if that’s not what you want; they do have a full menu.
We ordered large crabs. They were so heavy and sweet. Plenty of seasoning. A little corn too.
Melted butter and apple cider vinegar for dipping.
There are more than a few crab house in the area. I support them all. I have been going to Lazy Susan’s for a long time. So, it is one of my favorites. If you really want to pick crabs, now you know where to go.
The service was great, the crabs were awesome….nothing else to talk about.
Have a good one!!
Note: Lazy Susan’s is on Facebook!! And, it has Gluten Free Beer!!
July 27th, 2012
Some went to the ball game and others decided to try one of the many restaurants in downtown Baltimore. Baltimore did win on Thursday and the city was crowded.
My sister in law is always looking for those special restaurants; the ones that are unique. In Baltimore, you will find interesting ones. The city is known for its diverse culinary atmosphere. So, when I stopped at her house and she told me that there was a restaurant in Federal Hill called Bluegrass, I was ready. Having traveled from Rehoboth, I was already hungry.
Another friend, Peggy, joined us. Federal Hill was home to her many years ago before it became a trendy neighborhood. I was in good hands.
Bluegrass Tavern (Bluegrass) is located at 1500 S. Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. Tel. 410-244-5101. Website? http://www.bluegrasstavern.com. General Manager is Kelli Kulnich. Monday is the only day they close. Reservations are accepted.
The Executive Chef is Ray Kumm. His culinary path has taken him from Basserie Tatin, to Sotto Sopra, to Alizee, and a final stop at Bluegrass Tavern, where the cuisine is categorized as American and Southern cooking.
Federal Hill is just a few blocks from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. A neighborhood with shops, restaurants, taverns, boutiques and galleries. Some call it SoBo (South Baltimore). In the historic district, many of its buildings are included in the National Register of Historic places. Federal Hill is very conveniently situated. Close to I-95, I-395, the Baltimore Washington Parkway, and to Charles and Light Streets.
We arrived around 2 p.m.; a late lunch. Bluegrass has al fresco dining; not on such a hot summer day. It would have to be another time.
We met Kelly Kulnich, the General Manager. She proceeded to take us to our table. Hank would be our server.
The restaurants has 2 floors; both with full bars. Bluegrass’ pride is the ability to perfectly pair their delicious food with drinks. A specialty of the Tavern is the focus on America’s finest Bourbons. Beers from local breweries are on the board and on the menu.
 
Charcuterie is the art of making sausages and other cured, smoked and preserved meats. It takes time but in the hands of an expert….haven!! Bluegrass has an array of charcuteries.
 
The restaurant is warm and cozy. Definitely, a neighborhood restaurant.
 Bar on the first floor.  Bar on the second floor. A few drinks were ordered, including a Bluegrass Pale Ale from Heavy Seas Brewery.
A couple of appetizers:
Kolrhabi Vicchysoisse – with lemon verbena garnished with crispy forest mushrooms. This cold soup was so amazing. A must if you are visiting Bluegrass. Light and smooth; vegan too.
Beet Carpaccio – I love beets and these ones were gorgeous and tasted just as good as they looked. Served with smoked sable, pickled fennel and an orange vinaigrette.
For lunch we ordered:
Corn “Risotto” – grilled welsh onions, fresh sheep’s milk cheese, bursted baby heirloom tomatoes. We all tasted it and it was awesome; we did not want it to end. It is a very popular dish at Bluegrass. Gluten free!!
Bacon Avocado Sandwich with roasted peppers, escarole and chips. So gorgeous and Peggy loved it. A generous portion and very reasonably priced. We opened the sandwich so you could see how beautiful it was.
Mine was the Smoked Fried Chicken Sandwich with crystal hot sauce aioli, pickled red cabbage and fries. What a treat!! Very well seasoned and my taste buds were dancing happily. Again, we opened it.
Dessert:
I hardly ever order dessert. It seems that I am usually satisfied. But, we had to order something. A dessert to share.
I decided on the Olive Oil Cake…..just as I was saying that I was not a cake lover, the cake arrived. It was the best ever!! Moist, and just yummy. Gran marnier glaze, brown sugar chantilly, candied orange zest. Truly delicious!!
Our server, Hank, was extremely courteous, knew his menu well, and let us talk and talk.
Bluegrass gives back to the community that has accepted them so well. Each month they choose a charity or organization and donate 10% of the total gross earnings for just that day.
The Tavern is holding events and specials every week. Please check the website or the board at the restaurant.
Until Sunday, August 5th B’more is holding Restaurant Week. The opportunity to try all kinds of restaurants in Downtown Baltimore at a fraction of the price. Bluegrass is one of such participating restaurants and you can check what they are serving by visiting their website.
To see the participating restaurants, please visit http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com.
So….when in Charm City, please stop by. I cannot wait to have dinner!!
Have a great day. Talk to you later.
July 10th, 2012
Eating is not merely a material pleasure. Eating well gives a spectacular joy to life and contributes immensely to goodwill and happy companionship. It is of great importance to the morale. e. schiaparelli
This post is reviewing Fish On! twice in one week!!
It was Sunday night when a friend came over to visit. I was probably on a lazy kind of mood. A crowded and hot week-end at the Delaware Beaches. Plain and simple; I did not feel like cooking. So, I chose Fish On! We are so lucky to have all these wonderful restaurants in our beaches. I have to hand it to you, Chefs, because you are doing a great job in keeping all of us interested in your culinary surprises.
Fish On is part of the SoDel Concepts group of restaurants that extend up and down our coastal beaches. Owner and Executive Chef is Matt Haley. It is located at 17300 North Village Main Blvd., Villages of Five Points, Lewes, Delaware 19958. Tel. 302-645-9790. Website? http://www.fishon.bz
Fish On! does not take reservations. That is not bothering me anymore. I am eating late this summer. Love having the restaurants almost all to myself at that time. Fish On! has plenty of parking. The restaurant offers outdoor dining. So, on a beautiful Delmarva night, please take advantage of a pretty nice setting. Eating outdoors is the best.
On Sunday evening the restaurant was comfortably crowded when we arrived. Not soon afterwards, just a few having a leisure coffee and desert.
Our server was Stefana. I have to tell you that she was so pleasant; knew the menu well. Gluten free awareness? Oh yes, she was very well aware of the allergy.
Bread was brought to the table. Even though the bread looked simple, it was a little bit sweet; not overly so. It is baked daily in-house.
I decided to have their Charred Asparagus Soup. It was creamy, full of flavor, with a creme fraiche and basil oil.
Two orders of Pan Seared Halibut, with grilled peach, black bean and corn salsa, cumin and paprika roasted potatoes. Gluten Free!! Got great reviews from my fellow diners.
I decided to go with the Seared Seabass, with summer squash and sweet potato ribbons, and a lemon herb gremolata. It melted in your mouth, the vegetables were perfectly cooked. The picture does not lie. It looked and tasted that good.
Perfectly satisfied, we just had some coffee.
Tuesday evening. Quiet after the hectic week-end. You could see that the traffic was taking it easy. Once again, we decided to go to Fish On! The scallops were calling my husband.
Fish On! was a little more subdued; we also went pretty late.
My choice was the Bean, Corn, and Chicken Soup. It was “brothy”, light and it had been cooked with jalapenos, so there was a nice kick to it. Loved it.
Fish Tacos for my next entree. Shaved brussels sprouts, pickled onions, corn tortillas. Guess what? I learned something new. The fish was called swai. I had never heard of it. It is pronounced sweye. Similar to catfish but with a milder flavor and more delicate texture. It is from Vietnam. Even people that do not like fish, tend to really enjoy this very much versatile fish that can be broiled, baked, sauteed, and fried. My Fish Tacos were delicious and a very healthy portion indeed.
When restaurants are not crowded it is the perfect opportunity to maybe be able to change something on the menu. Fish On! was more than happy to oblige.
The Scallops were ordered. They would have arrived accompanied by summer vegetables and a chorizo succotash. Not sure if the chorizo was gluten free, we decided to replace those with the Roasted Red & Gold Beets; no blue cheese, mustard vinaigrette on the side. Both were outstanding!!
Please note that restaurants get so busy that many times they can not be substituting one thing for another. So…ask but be understanding of their situation.
Again, a little chat here or there with Stefana….and until next time.
Fish On! opens 7 days a week at 5:00 p.m.
A Children’s Menu is also available. Other offerings, besides seafood, are on the menu, as well.
Have a good one!! ttyl g
June 14th, 2012
Ay bendito, por favor, dejenme entrar…no puedo esperar. A lo mejor hablando en Espanol trabajara en una proxima ocasion.
Agave, located at 137 2nd St., Lewes, Delaware, 19958, has been serving some of the best Mexican cuisine in Coastal Delaware. It is not just the quality of the food, and the presentation. Their prices are excellent, as well. Their tel 302-645-1232. No website, but you can find Agave on Facebook.
No reservations. In the past, and before they expanded, you still had to wait a reasonable amount of time. Locals knew at what time, or what day to go to avoid crowds. People were really raving about the food. Including myself. The Chiles en Nogada are excellent, the chili is one of the best I have had, their corn roasted with queso fresco, messy but worth it.
At present, what I hear the most is the long waiting period; unreasonable. I think restaurants want to be known for their good food and not for the amout of time customers have to wait.
For the ones that are like me….there is no way I would wait for 2 hours. It’s just not going to happen. And, it did not.
I told my friend, Susan, to meet me at Agave on Thursday, June 7th. Lunch would be the way to get into Agave. We arrived right at Noon.
We were elated to find it empty; not for long. But, at least, we had the pick of the table.
Our lunch was delicious. Susan decided to have the Puffy Tacos. Two Puffy Tacos stuffed with grilled Mahi-Mahi, jicama slaw, pico de gallo, and Mexican Lime Crema, with a side dish of rice and black beans. I have had these tacos before and Susan thought they were the best she had ever eaten.
The tamale that I ordered was so good. It was made in the traditional way with corn flour, chicken, green and red peppers, raisins and a mole sauce. Since it is made with corn flour, it is gluten free. The mole sauce is made on a container that could be contaminated with glutens, so I would just leave it out, if you have a gluten allergy.
The tamale came first all wrapped up in a banana leaf. A pull of the banana leaf so that you can see the actual tamale.
Because the tamale was so delicious I decided to go with my husband this week. That trip to Agave is what prompted me to write about the long wait. So, when they told us 2 hours, 8 of the people that were there, including us, left.
The hostess was letting people through to look here or there; a little bit chaotic.
If you give them your name and telephone, they can call you with a 5 minute notice. Someone I know was asleep when they called her.
There must be another way to handle it. I don’t want to be waiting for so long with my guests when they could be enjoying their Avocado Martini!!
Hasta luego. Espero puedan resolver ese problema porque, en realidad, su comida es deliciosa.
Hablamos pronto…que lo pasen muy bien….
June 7th, 2012
“We’re preserving the past and promoting the future…one brick at a time.” lynn lester
I ended my last post by saying that, afterall, one had to eat. I went to The Brick Hotel as a guest of Jamie and Leslie. Remember? They were the two friends that gave me that amazing tour of the Easter Seals in Georgetown.
The Brick Hotel is not far. I was excited because I have been meaning to visit the restaurant. I had heard great things. And you know what? They did not disappoint.
Georgetown, Delaware, is the County Seat of Sussex County. The center of the town is built around The Circle. The Circle is surrounded by the Town Hall, State and County buildings, including the Sussex County Courthouse.
The Brick Hotel is also located on The Circle. The location is 18 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947. Tel. 302-855-5800. Toll free 877-88-BRICK. Website? www.thebrickhotel.com.
Lynn Lester is the Owner and Innkeeper. E-mail address relax@thebrickhotel.com.
The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality and The Brick Hotel’s symbol as well.
We arrived at the Brick Hotel just as they were opening for lunch. We were the first ones. The perfect opportunity for those Kodak moments.
This hotel was built in 1836. The building is one of the few early commercial buildings remaining in Southern Delaware. The brick used was made from a kiln near Georgetown. Through its life it has operated as a hotel for 100 years. But, also over the years the building has been used for other purposes, as well.
For many years it was the Wilmington Trust Bank. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was renovated in 2008, preserving the historical elements of the building. It is a piece of Georgetown’s history. If you want to read more about its history and about the building itself, please visit http://www.thebrickhotel.com/history.php.
Lynn was introduced and she graciously took us on a tour of The Brick Hotel. The Hotel has 14 rooms. Each room has a history and you can read about them on the website, www.thebrickhotel.com.
The rooms have all been renovated.
The bathrooms looked great.
The fireplaces are all originals, but gas inserts have been introduced.
Some rooms have access to the veranda; a wonderful place to sit and relax and look out to The Circle. Come to think of it, it would be the perfect place to watch Return Day. Delaware celebrates Return Day with plenty of festivities. It takes place 2 days after the national election with the losers and winners congregating on The Circle to “bury the hatchet” so to speak. The end of an election year and, really, the beginning of another. If you want to find out more about Return Day, please visit www.returnday.org.
Through the Hotel there are parlors to sit and relax; read or watch t.v. or get acquainted with other guests.
The Brick Hotel is available for corporate events, weddings, visiting groups, and special events. It has the restaurant, a tavern and a rooftop garden.
The Rooftop Garden was pretty large. Probably a great place to have an event.
The tavern was cozy and comfortable.
There are a couple of dining rooms. One larger than the other and a bit more formal.
There is also a private dining room.
We stopped to look at a masive door. What a conversation piece!! Remember when I mentioned that this building was also the Wilmington Trust Bank? Well, the vault is now the wine cellar.
We chose to eat in the more casual room.
The wood floors were original and beautifully preserved.
A few antique artifacts caught our attention.
We chose our table and proceeded to order.
Jamie always orders at The Brick Hotel their Classic Burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and a special sauce.
Leslie ordered the Grilled Portobello on a brioche with roasted vegetables and greens.
Our waitress told me that they had just finished making the pulled pork. That was a no brainer. I had the Pulled Pork Slammers in beer-braised BBQ sauce with coleslaw. All of our fries were delicious.
We had a wonderful lunch. Very satisfied; no need for dessert. The service was attentive and the prices were reasonable.
And, guess who came to have lunch, as well? Our governor, Jack Markell. You can tell you are in a small state when the governor arrives for lunch with hardly an entourage and stops to say hello to fellow diners.
I truly enjoyed it. I think it is the perfect place to have a quiet dinner. There is parking available and it is only about 20 minutes from the Delaware Beaches.
Note: On June 16th, Karen Murdock, a vocalist, who has been entertaining for the past year at The Brick Hotel will be performing nothing but Broadway tunes on the Rooftop Garden Terrace. It is called Broadway Under the Stars. 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Dinner will be served on the Rooftop with their featured dish being a Lobster Dinner for $19.99.
Please also note that some information for this post was taken from The Brick Hotel’s website.
The Brick Hotel is able to accommodate customers with food related allergies.
Talk to you later. Have a great one!!
June 3rd, 2012
An unexpected nice day, I must say. Waking up to one of those gorgeous days that the Delmarva Peninsula offers to us residents and visitors, as well. If you were visiting the Delaware Beaches, the week-end did not start on a good note, weatherwise. The ones that hung around were rewarded for their patience and understanding.
I have plenty of friends. Cindi is one of them. I have known her for such a long time. And, she is game for anything; a foodie too. Probably not a good influence on me, but what the heck.
We went to visit a friend in the town of Roxanna. To tell you the truth we were in no rush to leave her farm because look at the view from her deck. So close to the beaches and yet so rural.
But, as we started to get hungry we took off for an impromptu visit to Woody’s East Coast Bar & Grill. It is located at 1904 Highway One in Dewey Beach, Delaware. It is so easy to find. Dewey is not that big. A small strip shopping center; retail on the bottom, apartments on top. Tel. 302-260-9945. Their website is under construction, so please check them out on Facebook as Woody’s Dewey Beach.
The reason for this unexpected stop to Woody’s was because everyone keeps talking about their crab cakes. They are the best and bla bla bla….
We made ourselves comfortable as we went through the menu. Check everything we tried. Here it goes. By the way, it all came at once.
Cindi said we had to try the Crab Pretzel. This was a ballpark pretzel filled with their best crab dip and topped with melted shredded cheeses. Please share this dish. Sooo good.
Cindi also said we had to try the Seared Ahi. A different twist with a Cajun rub, then seared, accompanied with a cucumber melon seaweed salad, garnished with a wasabi cream.
I was told that Woody’s had some awesome wings. It was a pound of wings your way. Choices of medium, hot, BBQ, Old Bay or Asian. We went with the Asian since those were new to us. Served with celery and our choice of Blue Cheese. They did not disappoint. Well done with a slight sweet taste.
Then, I suggested we order the crab cake platter. Two 6 oz. crab cakes, broiled to a golden brown. The 2 sides chosen were mac and cheese and French fries.
The crab cakes were truly delicious. Best I have had at the Delaware Beaches in a long time. Jumbo lump crabmeat; just a hint of a filling to hold them together; crispy on the outside, and smooth in the middle. The French fries were well seasoned; crispy, as well.
The mac and cheese was so creamy and bubbling hot. Very very good.
We had enjoyed all this food sitting on one of their outside tables. It is a very casual place. Come as you are type. They open 7 days a week, from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. Credit cards are accepted. Some parking spaces available in front or, otherwise, hunt for street parking.
If you think we ate all that food….Cindi took a doggy bag.
It really was a nice day sharing it with a friend….those moments are priceless!!
And one more thing…my dinner? Well, I had a mango.
 
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