December 20th, 2015
I big shout to Doggies at The Beach for taking such good care of my little Diva, Miss Addy. Doggies at the beach is a 3,500 square foot indoor, cage free doggie day care. It is Miss Addy’s home away from home. While visiting Doggies at the Beach she met Santa. I know what her expression is telling me, but I am glad she went along with the program. Doggies at The Beach is located at 18806 J. Williams Hwy. in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-644-8200. They have 24 hour human supervision and even web cams so that you can follow your precious pooch. Grooming is also available. They are on Facebook, as well. Check them out because they are always hosting events and very much involved in the community. Jim and his staff are very caring and obviously they love dogs!! Please visit http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
This would be a great stocking stuffer for your dog. Your pooch will love these Tail Bangers made with whole wheat flour, rolled oats, eggs, canola oil, fresh ground peanuts, honey, cinnamon, with a vanilla yogurt coating. Tail Bangers are made in Millsboro, Delaware, about 1/2 hour from Rehoboth Beach. The company has gone big, a success story. I have not visited but can’t wait to do so. You can find Tail Bangers at Doggies at The Beach, Candy Kitchen, Pet Stores in the area and even the UPS store at the Safeway Shopping Center. I took them as a gift to my friend’s dog, Dale, in Bluffton, South Carolina and they were a big hit. So, I decided to try them myself. They smell so good. I took a bite and they were not bad at all. After all they are made with all natural ingredients. Tail Bangers is located at 24546 Betts Pond Rd., Millsboro, DE 19956 You can find them on Facebook and Twitter. Website? www.tailbangers.com.
Another great stocking stuffer for those that love to cook and for your favorite foodies are these Sea Salts made right here on the coast by SoDel Concepts. There is the Bay Spice, the Summer Lemon Zest, and the Black Pepper Fennel. You can get these salts at any of SoDel Concepts Restaurants from Lewes to Fenwick Island. For the locations of the restaurants, please visit http://www.sodelconcepts.com.
Another perfect gift….a book, the perfect companion. Truddi Chase was from Maryland. Her story was made into a movie years ago, base on her first book When Rabbit Howls. The movie was called Voices Within: The Lives of Truddi Chase. It was an autobiography about her experiences after being diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. Truddi was interviewed by Oprah. Her story is a fascinating one of survival after been sexually abuse from age two. She coped by developing 92 personalities. She never integrated them so she lived with them all of her life until she died in 2010. Her second book has just come out thanks to her daughter, Kari, who lives in Lewes. This second book is more whimsical. All art work is by Truddi and the different personalities. The name of the book is The Creature of Habit. You can get it at http://www.truddichase.com
Or, you may also get it at http://www.amazon.com.
Have a good one!! TTYL
August 27th, 2014
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.
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.
 
Cooking outdoors….local seafood, and veggies from the farm. Here are some photos of that event.
Another Farm to Table Dinner at Indian River was memorable, as well.
Cooking outdoors took a different dimension here. In the brush!!
About 150 strangers got together to enjoy local fish, veggies and each other.
 
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!
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.
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.
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.
 
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!
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!
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.
February 19th, 2014
A Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Throwdown? Tonight at NorthEast Seafood Kitchen that’s what you will experience. It is the 2nd Annual Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Throwdown. Girl Scout Cookies have been around since 1917. Some of of us have our favorites, of course. They are an “icon of American Culture”.
Tonight, February 19th, you get the opportunity to sample desserts made out of Girl Scout Cookies from each SoDel Restaurant: Fish On!, Lupo di Mare, Matt’s Fish Camp, Bluecoast, NorthEast Seafood Kitchen, Catch 54, and Papa Grandes.
The event will be at NorthEast Seafood Kitchen, located at 29F Atlantic Avenue (Rt. 26) in Ocean View, Delaware, just a couple of miles west of Bethany Beach. It will begin with a cocktail hour from 4:45 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Then on with the throwdown! Special guest judges will be attending.
The actual throwdown will start at 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. For tickets and information, please call 302-537-1785. Or, email Ronnie at ronnie@sodelconcepts.com.
Hurry!!!
Note: For more info. on Girl Scout Cookies and the Girl Scout Cookie Championship, please visit http://www.girlscoutcookies.org
September 16th, 2013
You know the locals are dancing in the streets….the meters are down and the favorite restaurants begin their Second Season Specials. Even Ocean City friends decided to make that “long” trip to Rehoboth Beach.
So, our choice for the evening was Lupo di Mare, located at 247 C Rehoboth Avenue, in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-226-2240. Website? http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com. No reservations, just show up.
Lupo Di Mare is part of the group of restaurants owned by restauranteur, Matt Haley, and his company Sodel Concepts. Up and down the Delaware Beaches his restaurants are serving dishes full of flavor incorporating spices, fresh and healthy ingredients. His cuisine? Innovative!
Monday nights at Lupo you will find that your entire dinner will be %25 off!! So, there we were, Cindi, Ross, and myself.
The bar was small but cozy.
The selection of wines was extensive.
Our server was charming and new the menu so well. The bread was so good; a little sweet and the olive oil was smooth.
One of my favorite appetizers..I could have it daily…the Shaved Brussels Sprouts. Only 3 ingredients are added to the shaved sprouts: truffle oil, almonds and pecorino.
The prosciutto…always salty; love it! Perfect with the sweet bread.
For dinner a Chicken Parmesan – red sauce spaghetti, and mozzarella. Our server knew there was someone at our table with a food allergy. Suggestions were made…and a wonderful dish was enjoyed.
Cindi’s Salmon looked beautiful. Her exact words were “delish”.
And, my Braised Pork Bolognese was out of this world….I wanted that comfort food and I got it.
Cindi and I shared the Flourless Chocolate Torte…if you like chocolate, this, you will like.
So much to catch up, I think we forgot that we were closing the restaurant down. Perfect for photos….check it out.
Women & Wine at Lupo Di Mare on Tuesday, 9/24. For a great cause, the Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation. http://www.capeeducationfund.org. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner being served at 7:00 p.m. Four courses for $39/per person, gratuity not included. Call Mike Dickinson at 302-226-2240 to reserve your spot or email him at mike@sodelconcepts.com.
It was 9:00 p.m. in Rehoboth Beach on Monday night….quite a different scene on the Second Season!!
Talk to you later.
May 8th, 2013
El sabor de la comida latina no tiene limites. Las combinaciones de especies e ingredientes…el aji, ya sea dulce o picante, hace una fiesta por si sola en el paladar. Oh wait a minute, I am supposed to be writing in English. I guess I got caught up in the moment.
Papa Grande’s is the new sister restaurant brought to Southern Delaware by Matt Haley, Owner/Executive Chef of SoDel Concepts Restaurant Group. It is scheduled to open before Memorial Day. This marks the first Latin inspired concept within the group’s brand profile and the 7th restaurant in total.
“Papa Grande’s brought a cultural swing to our family of restaurants. It offers the same clean design style, authentic food and excellent experience that we have become known for with our customers,” stated Matt Haley, Owner/Executive Chef.
Inspired by the spirit and flavors of the Hispanic culture, Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria provides an authentic version of Latino cooking and cuisine. The menu offerings will be 80 percent hardcore authentic coastal taqueria with main dishes like Whole Fish Veracruz or Chicken Mole served with rice, beans and zucchini, ranging in price from $14 – $21 per entree. The remaining 20 percent of the menu offerings is fun, with Scrapple Apple, Belly clams or SPAM tacos. The generous taco menu selection has 15 – 18 options and the Starters range from Jicama sticks to roasted pardon peppers and Chorizo empanadas. Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria menu will be consistent with the rest of the SoDel Concepts’ restaurants by offering affordable and locally grown plates and tastes. To take a peek at the menu, please visit http://www. papagrandes.com/menu.
On the bar side, Papa Grande’s will be topping off the Latin cuisine with an expansive, authentic Tequila selection complimented by Tequila and Rum tasting menus. To sweeten the pot even further, the bar features a fresh sucar cane machine offering a little crushed-to-order food theater experience for guests. Check the website http://www.papagrandes.com.
 Trapiche for sugar cane. For back-of-the-house news at Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria, Matt Haley brought SoDel Concepts’ Corporate Chef, Doug Ruley, in as a partner on this venture. The two worked with renowned chefs at the Texas branch of the Culinary Institute of America to create a menu reflective of the traditions and home-style roots of the Latin American people.
In partnership with the Global Delaware Fund, http://www.globaldelawarefund.com, SoDel Concepts has pledged that a percentage of all profits from Papa Grandes will be donated to a scholarship program that will benefit underpriviledged Hispanic children.
Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria is located at 38929 Madison Avenue in Fenwick Island, Delaware by the Route 54 bridge, across the parking lot from Catch 54, one of its sister restaurants. It was reconstructed out of an antique barn that sat on the site, using reclaimed wood and glass from the former structure. There are 2 stories, with wrap around decks and unique, functional, glass garage doors that open up to offer guests the complete outdoor dining experience. Boats are welcome, just pull up to the dock, tie up and pop in. More info? Papa Grande’s does have catering and private dining, as well. Call 302-436-7272.
Buen provecho!!
November 13th, 2012
The perfect pairing; Women & Wine. This is a series of dinner events taking place at Lupo di Mare, located at 247 C Rehoboth Avenue, in the Hotel Rehoboth, right in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. If you are not doing anything tonight, and would like to be included in the opening night for Women & Wine Club, please call Lisa Wheeler at 302-644-1200.
Just think of it. It is a bit cooler, rain in the forecast….4 courses: roasted butternut squash and coconut bisque, toasted pine nuts, evoo, hand rolled rock shrimp manicotti, sweet ricotta, tomato basil cream, spicy Dijon and goat cheese crusted rack of lamb, sweet potato tart, grilled scallions, and a sweet ending of chocolate s’mores tart, graham cracker crust, chocolate pudding, and charred marshmallows. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. $39.00/person; gratuity not included.
Every course is paired with a different wine. The wines selected, each has a different charitable cause; from breast cancer to autism. Tonight’s charitable donation will be to the Global Delaware Fund. This organization was founded by Matt Haley and is dedicated to providing goods and services to children at risk in distressed situations in Delaware and abroad. If you would like to know more about it, please visit http://www.theglobaldelawarefund.org.
Lupo di Mare has specials every day of the week. Please check them at http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com. Tel. 302-226-2240
On election night we decided to get something to eat. Our choice for that evening was Lupo. I like the looks of the restaurant. Modern with clean lines.
Arriving early, I was able to take some pictures. As you can see, it is very open with large windows overlooking Rehoboth Avenue.
Their bread is so good; a bit sweet with a sprinkle of salt. Good combination.
Our appetizers:
An order of Marinated Olives with julienned sun dried tomatoes, toasted spices and virgin oil. The colors as intense as the flavors.
One of my favorite dishes at Lupo is the Shaved Brussels Sprouts. Just 3 ingredients; sprouts, truffle oil, pecorino.
Our entrees:
Not on the menu all the time…ask if they have the Lamb Shank. This dishes is so perfect for this time of the year. Full of flavor, the meat falling off the bone.
An entree of Gnocchi & Gorgonzola Cream, had shaved green apples, baby arugula, roasted garlic, pepper, rosemary and toasted walnuts. Also, a very well received meal.
I really enjoyed my Eggplant Parmesan. It has broccoli rabe, fried eggplant, fresh tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella and herbs. The eggplant was light and crispy and had the right amount of sauce and cheese.
No need for dessert; just a cappuccino!!
Talk to you later. Have a good one!!
Noe: Lupo di Mare…accommodating those with gluten allergies.
November 9th, 2012
It is so good to be able to say thank you and mean it. I want to thank those companies advertising on AboutMyBeaches. Some of them I bugged a lot; explaining why they should be on my website. I really do appreciate it.
AboutMyBeaches started back on July of 2009. It was one of those ideas. I am a frustrated concierge. First it was going to be just a website. When my webmaster, Ed Timmons, met with me, I kept talking and talking. He probably thought I was more of a blogger. So, really, it was his suggestion. Here I am. I consider myself to be in the business of Word of Mouth.
Since my advertisers are on my website, which is written in a blog style, you can access them directly. Just look at them on the right hand side of AboutMyBeaches, http://www.aboutmybeaches.com, and you will be able to find out what these companies are all about. They are all different. Their owners are very nice, and easy to talk to.
Let’s meet them:
Tidewater Realty – This company is located at 32892 Coastal Highway (Rt.1) at the Starboard Center in the town of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Bethany is considered one of the Quiet Resorts of the Delaware Beaches. I know it well. For many years I lived there. It is a small coastal community, with great beaches, and quaint little restaurants. Tel. 302-539-7500. Toll free 900-888-7501.
 Bethany Beach Tidewater Realty is a boutique size real estate company. Broker of Record? John Merryman, III. This company has been a sales leader in the community for 30 years. It is known for its personal and professional attention. Website? http://www.tidewaterrealty.com. Please remember that Delaware has low property taxes and tax free shopping!!
Coastal Chem-Dry – This company is at the forefront of the carpet and upholstery industry. Green certified, with innovative equipment and powerful cleaning solutions. Website? http://www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. It dries quickly, so you don’t have to wait hours and even days for this to happen.
A Fall Special!! 3 rooms for $119.95 up to 350 sq.ft. Stairs not included.
Please contact them at: New Castle County and Kent County 302-234-0200. Sussex County 302-645-2800.
Check the website for more specials and information.
Miken Builders is located at 32782 Cedar Drive, Millville, Delaware 19967. Millville is located a few miles west of Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-537-4444. Cell 302-381-0773. Website? http://www.mikenbuilders.com. Mike Cummings is the Founder and CEO of this company. I have known him for so many years. Our sons played Little League together. Besides being a friend, I have also been a customer.
Miken Builders is a commercial and residential construction company. It is very well respected for his construction work and for his involvement in our communities. No job is too small or too big for them.
Last summer they worked on my house. A whole new entry way, which by the way, I have enjoyed and was very much needed. Also, there was some remodeling in my bathroom.
Betterliving Patio & Sunrooms of Delmarva. This company is under the umbrella of Miken Builders. Location? 32442 Royal Blvd., Unit 1, Dagsboro, DE 19939. Tel. 302-251-0000. Toll Free 877-251-0080. Website? http://www.betterlivingdelmarva.com. They are the exclusive provider of Betterliving 3-Season year-round sunrooms and awnings.
Doggies at the Beach is a boarding and day care facility for your pooches. It is located at 18806 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24), Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-644-8200. Website? http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com. It is my dog, Addy’s, home away from home. I have total confidence in Jim and his staff and when I leave her there. I feel she is in the best of care.
Doggies at the Beach has 4 master groomers for dogs and cats, working 7 days a week; mornings, afternoons, and evenings. All you have to do is call for an appointment. The facility is great with 24/7 human care. It is also climate controlled. Dog training is also available.
Two new web-cams are being installed. One will be located in the new puppy room, the other in the new building called Bayside.
Doggies at the Beach is very much involved in the community. Don’t be surprised to see them in parades, holding events, and having a good old time!!
SoDel Concepts, founded and owned by Restauranteur & Philanthropist, Matt Haley. Website? http://www.sodelconcepts.com. A total of 6 restaurants at the moment, with its newest one, Papa Grande, opening in 2013 in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Stay tuned for updates. Busy does not even begin to describe this company. I have written posts, with pictures, on most of them, except Blue Coast Seafood Grill….soon, though. Just put their name on the search of AboutMyBeaches to see some delicious dishes.
In Lewes, Delaware you will find Fish On! – http://www.fishon.bz
In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware you will find Lupo di Mare – http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com
In North Bethany Beach, Delaware you will also find Matt’s Fish Camp – http://www.mattsfishcamp.com
Also, in North Bethany you will find Blue Coast Seafood Grill – http://www.bluecoastseafoodgrill.com
In Ocean View, Delaware you will find NorthEast Seafood Kitchen – http://www.northeastseafoodkitchen.com
In Fenwick Island, Delaware, that’s where you will find Catch 54 – http://www.catch54.com.
In each of them I have found a favorite dish. If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches, try them. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Plate Catering – This is a catering company owned by Matt Haley, owner of SoDel Concepts. A dinner for many, or just for a few. An intimate affair, perhaps? A special occasion, I am sure. They can handle it. Please give them a call at 302-644-1200. Website? http://www.plate-catering.com
The Global Delaware Fund. This is a non-profit organization founded by Matt Haley, owner of SoDel Concepts and Plate Catering. It provides goods and services to children at risk in distressed situations. It has been lending a hand here, in Delaware, and abroad. Please visit http://www.theglobaldelawarefund.com.
Butter Shades is a sun glass company from Philadelphia that sells affordable sunglasses without sacrificing pure, manufactured quality. This company has a passion and compassion…they are giving back to the community, as well. Please check the sunglasses at http://www.buttershades.com
TKO – In Bethany Beach you will find Alice H. Klein, Jeweler and Designer. She is the owner and founder of TKO Designs, Inc. In the business for 32 years, Alice has a unique way of presenting a beautiful stone in its best light. She works with plastics and resins, precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, gold, gold filled, silver and Swaroski crystals. She can give a lift to a tired setting giving it that wow factor.
 
TKO Designs is located at 100 Garfield Pkwy., Stores 6 & 7, Bethany Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-539-6992. Website? http://www.alicehklein-tko.com. I have known the company for so long and I am a consummate fan of her work. Her niece JoAnne works at her store, as well.
Florida – I do have a few advertisers in Florida. You might want to know them. Whether you are a snowflake or a snowbird these 2 companies provide great services. I also know them, personally, and can recommend them fully.
Tauriello & Co. is a real estate company located in the heart of Delray Beach, Florida. This coastal town is also known as the Village by the Sea. You can find it at 900 E. Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-278-5570. Toll Free 877-509-8300. Website? http://www.tauriello.com.
Brokers of Record are Daniel & Sue Tauriello. They have been in Delray Beach for so many years and are very well respected in the Village by the Sea. I have known them since 2003 and they have given me personal and professional service. Please call Cheran or Sue if you want to find that special place to hang your beach chair.
Beach House Management, LLC – This is a property management company in Delray Beach. Michael Keegan is at the helm of the company and along with his staff, you home will be in good hands. Totally professional and caring. I have used Michael since 2003 and have no regrets at all. Some might think that a property management company is a luxury; in reality, it is a necessity when you are not there. For more information, please visit http://www.mybeachhouses.com. Tel. 561-376-4329.
Again, I do appreciate your business….Interested advertising on AboutMyBeaches? I think it is a very good deal. $500 for one year. Your banner on AboutMyBeaches. My personal attention, as well. Check the website and see if you like it. Nothing better than word of mouth.
Have a good one!!
October 16th, 2012
Congratulations are in order to Chef Doug Ruley, formerly Head Chef of Bluecoast Seafood Grill in Bethany Beach. SoDel Concepts, owned by acclaimed Chef, Matt Haley, has announced that Chef Dough Ruley will be the new Corporate Chef of the restaurant group.
Chef Ruley will be in charge of overseeing all of SoDel Concepts’ restaurant kitchens, currently 6 in total. He will also manage the food and menus from SoDel’s catering company, Plate Catering. Responsibilities will include supervising all kitchen staff, creating and updating menus, and delegating which items will be prepared for special company events.
Originally from Elkton, Maryland, Doug became enamored with food and the kitchen at an early age. Whether helping bake a birthday cake or preparing live blue crabs, he was up for the challenge. Summers were often spent helping his grandparents tend to the garden, live stock and the smoke house on their farm. Doug attributes his passion for food to days of shucking corn and picking beans, building the foundation of his career.
Shortly after graduating from high school, Doug began working in local restaurants including celebrated Newark, Delaware eatery, Jude’s Diner. After training in a Rehoboth Beach restaurant kitchen the following summer, Doug decided to pursue his natural talent and go to culinary school, something Jude herself had been pushing for.
Doug graduated at the top of his class in 1996 from Johnson & Wales (Rhode Island). Julia Child gave the commencement speech. Immediately after, Doug accepted a position as Sous Chef at The Melrose Club in Hilton Head Island, SC. After a year, Doug moved back to Elkton and was hired as a line cook at then un-opened restaurant, Iron Hill Brewery. Five years later he was promoted to Executive Chef and Operating Partner of Iron Hill, which now has over 8 locations. While at Iron Hill, Doug produced several “Best of Delaware” awards, with a string of five “Best Restaurant” awards in a row. After10 outstanding years with Iron Hill, Doug and his wife decided for a change and moved to the beach, signing on with Matt Haley and SoDel Concepts as Head Chef of highly acclaimed restaurant, Bluecoast.
Of his employer, Ruley states that Haley and the SoDel team are “pioneers” in the culinary field in Delaware. “Working with Matt has been the most rewarding years of my career. His wisdom and leadership brings out the best in his employees.”
Doug credits his success to the tremendously talented people he has worked with throughout his career, and to his family, for being understanding of the vigorous nature of the culinary world. He currently lives in Fenwick Island, Delaware with his wife, Lisa, and their three children.
About SoDel Concepts:
SoDel Concepts was founded by Chef Matt Haley. SoDel Concepts was named to the 2009 Inc. 500, which lists America’s fastest-growing private companies. The group’s restaurants include Fish On! in Lewes, Lupo di Mare in Rehoboth Beach, Bluecoast and Matt’s Fish Camp in North Bethany Beach, NorthEast Seafood Kitchen in Ocean View and Catch 54 in Fenwick Island. Matt Haley and co-owner Scott Kammerer also own Haley-Kammerer Consulting, a hospitality management company that provides management and consulting services for businesses such as Troegs Brewery & Kitchen, James Street Tavern, and Premier Wine & Spirits in Wilmington, Delaware. Others include Que Pasa in Dewey Beach, Fins & Claws restaurants in Rehoboth Beach. Sports at the Beach in Lewes and Waterman’s in Ocean City, Maryland. For more information, please visit http://www.sodelconcepts.com.
Note: You can access directly all of SoDel Concepts restaurants, including Plate Catering, on AboutMyBeaches, by a click on their individual links or on SoDel Concepts. Don’t forget to check Global Delaware, as well. See what this non-profit is all about.
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