September 18th, 2015
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” booker t. washington
With that quote I begin my post by reminding you that Delaware is a Small Wonder with a Big Heart. Fundraising events happen all year round, but it seems that as the Second Season takes hold of all of us living in Southern Delaware, we set records for fundraising. It is incredible the amount of money raised to help others.
I got an invite to a Kick Off Party for the Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival which will take place on Saturday, October 17th (noon until 4:30 p.m.) at Independence Hall located at 23767 Samuel Adams Circle in Millsboro, Delawared. Even though the address is Millsboro, it is, actually, closer to the beaches.
 
The Kick Off Party took place at (a)Muse on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, on Thursday, 9/17. My friend, Susan DiMondi came with me to see what all the commotion was all about.
Let me tell you a little about What is Going On…
This event is being billed as the “ultimate wine, food and music event on DelMarVa”. It will be hosted by former Bad Company bassist, now food, wine and music aficionado, Paul Cullen. It will be a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up.
This is a benefit for Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels.
This is an inaugural SoDelFest. The culinary Theater will host the chef showcases/demos, where you will find Neil Fuentes, The Singing Chef and Food Rewrapped Champion and 5 of our top local chefs including: Hari Cameron, Lion Gardner, Doug Ruley, Ronnie Burkle and Sean Correa.
The festival will also offer wine and food pairings with 13 local restaurants including; Abbot’s Grille, Bluecoast, Seafood Grill, Bramble and Brine, Cultured Pearl, Grandpa 9Mac), JD Shuckers, Lupo’s Italian Kitchen, Michy’s Relaxed Dining, Nage, Palate, Semra’s, Summerhouse and Touch of Italy.
You will be able to experience the Man Cave….don’t worry we are all welcome for cocktails, a raw bar and Cigars! Join Rob Bagle from Bramble & Brine and representatives from Wigle Whiskey, Dad’s Hat, Benromach Scotch, George’s Bloody Mary Mix (a new local favorite from Berline, Maryland) and 16 Mile Brewery. There may just be oyster shooters there!
30 wines will be offered by Teller Wines and the distributors for pairing and additional tastes. Dogfish Head and Mispillion Breweries will be pouring their fall favorites at the bar!
There will be 2 special wine education seminars in the Wine University; Mike Zygmonski (Level II Sommelier, Sodel Concepts) will present a blind tasting and John McDonald (Wine Columnist, Cape Gazette) will present Wine 101 for anyone who wants to learn about the art of Wine Tasting.
General Admission tickets are $75 and there is a VIP upgrade that includes two special tastings at 95+ point wines and exclusive cheeses and a seat on-stage during one of the chef showcases. The press is invited at no charge with advance notice. Please visit http://www.sodelfest.com
Presenting Sponsor: Ocean Atlantic Companies
Major Sponsors: Schell Brothers, Sysco, SoDel Concepts, Coastal Style
Sponsors: Good Clean Fun Life, Sposato Family Vineyards, Active Adult Realty
Event Chair is Stacy LaMotta
Event Coordinator is Carlene Roche
Volunteer Coordinator is Meg Gardner
Arriving at (a)Muse Susan and I were invited to taste some of the wines offered by Sposato. For 6 years the Sposato Family researched, studied and visited South America. In 2012 the family purchased their farm in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, Mendoza.
Based on their 23 years of experience in working with land, soil irrigation and plants, by running their top rated landscape company, Sposato Landscape Co., they saw this as a great opportunity to further their experience in the agriculture industry. The farm was purchased as virgin ground. A new irrigation system, electric and other improvements have been installed with more to come.
The farm is 250 acreas located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, 3,000 ft. above sea level. Sposato Family Vineyard has some of the best and most popular wineries in Argentina as neighbors. The farm is located between two notable wineries, Bodega Septima and Vina Cobos by Paul Hobbs with more just around the corner.
We tasted 2015 Chardonnay. This fruit focused Chardonnay has an attractive color with aromas of tropical fruit, apples and peaches. Also a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, from their prize winning high elevation vineyards has aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, herbs, species and orange blossom notes that are persistent through the finish. The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has intense red with blue shades. Another one was their 2013 Reserve Malbec…intense violet color, typical of Argentine Malbec. And the 2014 Malbec had deep purple color, with high intensity of black fruits, raspberries and violets. Please note that you can get the wines in the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area.
A presentation was given by all of those that are involved and making sure that this will be an unforgettable event.
 Stacy LaMotta, Event Chair  Paul Culen, Host  Lion & Meghan Gardner, Blue Moon  Hari Cameron, (a)Amuse Paul Cullen entertained us while we tasted delicious offerings by Blue Moon, Nage, and (a)Muse.
So what are you waiting for? Call your friends, pass the word, share in social media and get ready to have some fun!!
 
January 14th, 2014
The Delaware Beaches are a culinary destination!! We have all the necessary ingedients to make cooking a success…we just need the chefs that can lead us on that path. Here are some of the cooking classes and demos that are coming up. If you are wintering in Coastal Delaware, check them out.
This post is all about cooking….I mean learning to cook. “If a pot is cooking, the friendship will stay warm.”
NAGE – This is a very popular restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, located at 19730 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). Tel. 302-226-2037. Website? http://www.nagerb.com. Click on Cooking Classes. The following classes are on the schedule: They begin at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Healthy Cooking Class on January 25th.
Slow Cooking Class on February 15th.
Low Country Cooking Class on March 15th
Nage Classics Cooking Class on April 12th
BIG FISH GRILL – Located at 4117 Highway One. Tel. 302-227-9007. Website? http://www.bigfishgrill.com/classes-a-events.html. I have attended one of these classes and they are so much fun. The classes feature menu items from Big Fish and Summerhouse. Be prepared to participate. Don’t be afraid. Attending this class will give you the opportunity of seeing what Big Fish looks like from behind the scenes. There will be a whole fish cutting demonstration, as well. The classes are $75 and you must register in advance. Time? 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Special requests are accepted. Group/theme/private classes are available.
The doors will open at 9:45 a.m., giving you the chance to have coffee and to meet the chef.
January 18th, February 1st and 15th, March 1st, 15th and 29th, April 12th and 26th, and last one will be on May 3rd.
STINGRAY SUSHI BAR & ASIAN LATINO GRILL – Located at 59 Lake Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-6476. Website? http://www.stingrayrestaurant.com. Learn How to Roll Sushi!! $45 per person. For tickets and more info., please visit the website. Classes will be from Noon until 2 p.m.
February 23rd, April 27th, and May 18th.
ABRA…CA…DINNER!! – Chef Kris will be holding these classes in her own kitchen. Size of classes range from 6 to 8 students, depending on the topic. Each hands-on class will last 90 minutes to 2 hours. The cost is $55 per class, special topics will require an add-on charge. Driving directions and anything may need to bring along will be sent to you by email ahead of each class.
For further info., please call Chef Kris at 302-228-6125 or email her at chef@abracadinner.com. Website? http://www.abracadinner.com/classes.html. Purchase 4 classes and receive a complimentary fifth class, valid for use within 6 months, where space permits.
January 25th – Soups for You!
February 1st – Chili Duet with World’s Best Cornbread
February 8th – Cooking Under Pressure
February 22nd – One Pot Wonders
March 15th – Roll’em Up
March 22nd – Apps in a Snap!
April 5th – Eating the Rainbow
April 12th – Let’s Slaw Down!
May 3rd – Viva Italy!
REHOBOTH BEACH MUSEUM -SOUPER SATURDAY on February 1st at 4 p.m. with Denise Clemons, Cape Gazette columinst of Cape Flavors will present 2 prepared delectable soups and will stage a demonstration of a third. For fun and for better tasting the Museum is suggestion you BYOS (bring your own spoon). Admission is free, just bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank of Delaware. The Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-227-7310. Website? http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
FOOD-LORE – The Museum presents Ed Okonowicz Folklorist and Storyteller on February 7th and 7 p.m. The discussion, Food-lore, from scrapple (my favorite) to muskrat shares proof of what we eat tells much about our regional identity as well as, our family history. Mr. Okonowicz offers an insight to Delaware’s food lore in a power-point presentation and conversation with his audience.
For admission to this event, participants are asked to bring a non-perishable item for the Food Bank of Delaware. Reservations are required by calling 302-227-7310. The Rehoboth Beach Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue next to the Visitors Center. Parking is available and the Museum is handicapped accessible.
On March 7th at 7 p.m. the presentation at the Rehoboth Beach Museum will be THE FRENCH CHEF, JULIA CHILD FRENCH CLASSICS. This PBS video will be shown at the Museum. It is unlike anything ever seen on t.v. before. As Julia herself said, “If I can do it, you can do it…Bon appetit!” This video is part of a special collection of six original black and white episodes from the 1960’s.
NORTHEAST SEAFOOD KITCHEN – One of Matt Haley’s restaurants located at 29 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, a few miles west of Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-537-1785. Website? http://www.northeastseafoodkitchen.com. This will be a cooking demo with Chef Ronnie and Chef Doug. It will be January 22nd from 6 – 7 p.m. The cocktail hour begins at 4:45 p.m. until 6 p.m.
For many the best part of the day is having breakfast. These two chefs will take you on a breakfast journey by demonstrating the art of making House Breakfast Sausage, Biscuits & Gravy, Waffles, Omelets, and Breakfast Cocktail!
For tickets and more info., please call the above mentioned telephone. Or email ronnie@sodelconcepts.com.
 
PAUL CULLEN – A NIGHT IN ITALY – COOKING DEMO, WINE TASTING, CONCERT – Tune Your Palate is the creation of Paul Cullen. He is a consummate performer and has a passion for cooking…Italian traditional cuisine, just like his Grandma taught him. March 2nd at Spice and Tea Exchange in Downtown Rehoboth Beach at 10 Rehoboth Avenue, at 6 p.m….$55. You can purchase your tickets by visiting http://www.paulcullenguitar.com.
And…remember: “A good cook is the peculiar gift of the gods. He must be a perfect creature from the brain to the palate, from the palate to the finger’s end.” walter savage landor
January 14th, 2012
 Rehoboth Beach Enjoying your long week-end? You have to admit that even though it was a bit chilly; it still has been one beautiful day. Looking to have breakfast or brunch in Rehoboth on Sunday? Then, check my list because there are plenty of our local restaurants that serve one or another, or both.
Breakfast vs Brunch? I really don’t have a preference. I am not too much of a breakfast person; a bold cup of coffee is what I crave in the a.m. Breakfast gives you fuel to endure the day, though. Brunch is a complete different animal. It is a meal between or instead of breakfast or lunch.
A typical brunch is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; late morning. I think brunch is all about how leisure you can be. Socializing and indulgence come to mind.
This is the Second Season in Rehoboth Beach. Some restaurants have taken a well deserved rest; but the following are open and ready to make you feel at home.
Jam Bistro by Eden is located at 21 Baltimore Ave. They will be serving Brunch starting at 11:30 a.m. Tel. 302-226-5266.
Cafe Azafran Rehoboth is located at 18 Baltimore Ave. They will be serving Breakfast starting at 8 a.m. Tel. 302-227-8100.
Sole Rehoboth is located at 44 Baltimore Ave. They will be serving Brunch starting at 10:30 a.m. Tel. 302-227-7107.
The Gallery Espresso is located at 70 Rehoboth Ave., in the 1st Street Station. They serve Breakfast and even have some vegan and gluten free fare. Tel. 302-231-2113.
Purple Parrot is at 134 Rehoboth Ave., and they will be serving Breakfast. 302-226-1139.
Summer House is located at 228 Rehoboth Ave., and they will be serving Brunch starting at 11 a.m. Tel. 302-227-3895.
Crystal is located at 620 Rehoboth Ave. They will serve Breakfast all day. Tel. 302-227-1088.
The Point is located at 722 Rehoboth Ave., where Rt 1 meets 1A. They serve Breakfast and plenty of baked goods all made in-house. Tel. 302-260-9234.
Nage is located at 19730 Coastal Highway, 1 mile south of Midway Movies and across from the Gap Outlet. They will be serving a Brunch from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. 14 items for $14, Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Wine Bar is open all day.
Bethany Blues located at 618285 Coastal Highway will be serving Sunday Football Brunch from 11 until 4 p.m. Tel. 302-644-2500.
And after your breakfast or brunch, why not take a walk on our beautiful Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk?
Enjoy your stay in Rehoboth Beach!! Talk to you later…..
January 13th, 2012
If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches you will be surprised to find out that there is plenty to do. Being that it is a Holiday Week-End, we are expecting lots of visitors in town enjoying what, we, residents take for granted. If you are visiting, check this out.
Rehoboth Beach
Friday, 1/13 – Artist’s Exhibit – Works on Canvass at MIXX located at 26 Baltimore St. from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. It is open to the public. Artist? Geri Dibiase from Geri Dibiase Photography, Lewes, Delaware.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 1/13-1/15 – The Rehoboth Beach Film Society is presenting at the Bellmoor Inn, located at 6 Christian St., a 3-part analytical film series that explores aspects of the human experience. Each film includes a post-screening discussion.
The first film to be screened on Friday will be the Visitor at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the next film will be As it is in Heaven at 2 p.m. and on Sunday, The Fisher King will finish the series at 2 p.m.
Admission will be $13 for RBFS members and $15 for the general public. Complimentary snacks and a cash bar will be available prior to each screening.
Friday, 1/13 – Jakes Seafood located at 19178 Coastal Highway (Rt.1) will have entertainer, Dave Sherman, from 6 – 9 p.m., performing vocals and acoustic guitar; playing favorites from the 60s, 70s, 80s and a little country, as well.
On Saturday, 1/14 Jakes Seafood will be the venue for Decades Dancing Party, starting at 9 p.m. Kick off your heels and dance the night away to the 50s, 60s, and 70s. No cover!!
Friday, 1/13 – Every Friday at Nage Bistro & Wine Bar, local artists, acoustic music from 7 p.m. in their Wine Bar. Nage is located right on Rt. 1 at 19730 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach.
Lewes
Friday, 1/13 – Bethany Blues will be the venue for Sydney’s Music Revival – Opening Event for the New Season 1/13 until 5/25 on Fridays at 8 p.m.
Tonight, Friday, The Larry Tucker Band will be playing old and new school R & B with a strong Motown influence. They are also considered a big time party/dance band. This is their first appearance at Bethany Blues.
Bethany Blues is located at 618285 Coastal Highway. Tel. 302-644-2500.
Saturday, 1/14 – 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade – Celebrate the legacy from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Savannah Rd. and Second St. in downtown, historic, Lewes.
Saturday, 1/14 – Zwaanendael Museum is hosting “Savory Sussex”. Stop by the Museum located on 102 King’s Highway, from 2 to 4 p.m. to hear Chef Jay Caputo, owner of Espuma and Porcini House in Rehoboth, provide entertaining commentaries on local flavors of Sussex County. This is the 4th talk on a 7 part, monthly, series of programs on the unique and delectable local flavors of Sussex County, Delaware. For more information and seating availability, please call 302-645-1148.
Have a great week-end!!
January 10th, 2012
 Best Table on the Beach...Venus in Dewey Winter is the perfect opportunity to learn to cook. Cooking is not hard…don’t rush it…savour it. One of the most fun days I had over a year ago was when a few of us went to one of the cooking classes offered by Big Fish Grill. We had so much fun. I even ventured to fillet the fish…why was it so hard when it looked so easy?
So, What’s Cooking? Read on…
Abracadinner Cooking Classes – By Personal Chef Kris Etze. Class sizes range from 4 to 8, depending on the topic and “hands on” projects. Each class will last approx. 90 minutes to 2 hours. Cost? $55 per individual class. Enroll in 4 and get the 5th class free. Additional fees may apply toward food and supplies. Class size is limited.
Tasting will be included; a light lunch in Kris’ kitchen.
Pre-register by calling 302-945-2610, faxing your info to 302-945-4153 or you may e-mail Kris at chef@abracadinner.com. Leave your name, email address, phone number, topic and date of class. All fees are due in advance. Mail your check to Kris Etze, 22393 Holly Oak Lane, Lewes, DE 19958. Driving directions, registration info, and anything you might need to bring will be sent by e-mail.
Kris has different classes with the first one starting on Saturday, 1/14. This class will be Chowdah Central…Winter is the best time to prepare a chowder. To me, it calms the winter blues and warms my soul.
Next class will be on 1/28 – Thai It Up! The flavors of Thailand.
Kris is offering cooking classes all the way into March. For a complete schedule and more information, please visit http://www.abracadinner.com. Abracadinner is also on Facebook.
Nage Rehoboth – I have not been to Nage in such a long time. They have been a recipient of my figs in years past. Come to think of it, a post is needed on this popular Rehoboth restaurant. Nage is located at 19730 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE. Tel. 302-226-2037. Website? www.nage.bz/cooking_Classes_in_Rehoboth.htm.
Nage will be offering 5 Cooking Classes. The first one will be on Saturday, 1/21. The topic will be Healthy and Flavorful Cooking Class. The next one will be on 2/18 with Hearty Winter Soups and Stews Class.
Better yet, just visit the website because each class is clearly explained.
In each class you will be exploring food and drink with the chefs of Nage Rehoboth. There will be an informal demonstration with lots of interaction with the instructor. A tasting, a booklet of the recipes from the class and even a meal shared with the instructor.
You will need to register and pay for the classes in advance. All reservations will be handled online. You may also pay online, as well.
Big Fish Grill – This is the only cooking class I have attended. The one that was so much fun. Their classes begin with a tour of the restaurant. Cooking classes feature menu items from the Big Fish Grill and Summer House.
There will be classes on February 4th and 18th, March 3rd , 17th and 31st, and April 14th and 28th. Call 302-227-3474 to sign up. For more details, please visit www.bigfishgrill.com.
So, what are you waiting for? Call a couple friends and make it fun!!
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