December 16th, 2011
It is hard to get together with friends during the holidays. Trying to catch up with Shelley, I took Susan to Ocean City, Maryland. We thought we would have something to eat. Our choice? Liquid Assets located at 94th St. and Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-524-7037. Website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com.
It was a simple dinner before the Christmas; both of my friends were Jewish. Susan had never been to Liquid Assets. I always say that it is the perfect Bodega to have lunch or dinner. Their food is so consistent and very good; the restaurant is very unique.
The mussels are a must; that broth was so good. They were pan roasted with chorizo, shallots, garlic and grilled bread. I kept using the shells as a spoon to scoop it up. Finally, our server asked me if I needed a spoon. Too late; I was then finished.
Susan and Shelley had the Caesar Salad; hearts of romaine, crisp croutons and grana padano with grilled chicken.
I had such a good entree. It was Pan Roasted Duck Breast on top of brussel sprouts, butternut squash, boucheron cheese, truffle oil, herbs, and fluer de sel. I did not want it to end. Cooked at a temperature of medium rare; it was perfect.
Deciding that it was time to go home but not before we made a stop to see the Winterfest of Lights which is taking place until January 1st at Northside Park, 125 St. & The Bay.
It was already late so no ride through the animated wonderland on the Winterfest Express. The Winterfest of Lights is an annual event for the whole family. It started around the end of November. It brings so many people; be prepared to wait during the week-ends.
Over a million lights and hundreds of displays, which are updated every year with more added to the existing displays. There is a Winterfest Village inside a festive and heated pavilion.
It was so quiet during our stop and the 60 ft. Christmas Tree was beautiful.
$5.00 for 12 and older and free for 11 and under. You can even purchase tickets in advance at the Ocean City Community Center at 200 125th St. Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the main entrance.
Winterfest of Lights opens Sundays through Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
If you want to continue driving all the way into downtown O.C. then take a drive along Avenue of Trees on Baltimore Ave. from 15th St. to 32nd St. Lots of lights and sparkle showing a beautiful downtown.
Note: Santa will be available for photos at Winterfest of Lights until December 23rd.
Friends….what would you do without them….love to be with them…priceless!!
December 8th, 2011
Every time I make this recipe I get those “ooohs and aaahs” you want to hear. It is, actually, pretty good. For lunch? For dinner? You decide.
It is really a healthy recipe; light and ready in no time. Great for a crowd; you can double it, or for just a few.
Hope you like it. Here it goes:
Asian Chicken Slaw
1 cup low calorie sesame-ginger salad dressing (I used Wish-Bone’s Light Asian with Sesame & Ginger Vinaigrette)
1 lb. chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 can (14.5 ounces) Mandarin oranges
1/2 lb. sugar snap peas, sliced
1 cup fresh basil, cut into thin strips
2 bunches scallions, trimmed and chopped
1 bag (16 ounces) cole slaw mix
1/8 tsp. salt (optional)
1/8 tsp. black pepper
Combine 1/2 cup of the dressing with the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Let it stand for about 20 minutes.
Toast almonds in a non-stick skillet, over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Watch them so they don’t burn. You want to obtain a light brown color.
Remove chicken from marinade and add to that same skillet or use another one. Cook over medium-high heat until the chicken is nicely done, turning a few times. It might take about 7 minutes or so. You want it cooked through. Then, cut into bite-size pieces.
Drain Mandarin oranges, reserving 1/4 cup juice. Whisk juice into remaining 1/2 cup salad dressing.
In a large salad bowl, toss cabbage, sugar snap peas, basil, scallions, cole slaw mix, salt, pepper and chicken with dressing.
Add Mandarin oranges and almonds; gently stir to distribute well. Serve and enjoy.
If you would like more dressing…then you know what to do….yes, make it your own…..talk to you later….
December 1st, 2011
It is that time of the year, and now that it is December 1st I can get into the holiday spirit. I, actually, did just that on Tuesday. Remember how nasty and rainy it was? Well, around 4 p.m. I took off for downtown Rehoboth for some holiday spirit lifting at Christmas Spirit. The store in Rehoboth Beach is an institution, having been at the Beach for 33 years. The one is Ocean City? Not that far behind with 22 years.
In Ocean City, Maryland you will find Christmas Spirit at 3400 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-289-6101. The one in Rehoboth Beach is at 161 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-6872.
I thought as I came in that the store looked great. Jill Hudson, the Manager, told me they had a great week-end. So many people in town were here for the Thanksgiving Holiday, shopping, and enjoying such a gorgeous time in November.
The shop has many themes, ornaments, decorations, garlands, tree skirts, and lights. There are those ornaments that are keepsakes; then, the ones that are so much fun to give to friends or to attach to a present.
     
Jill thought that the store, on that day, was picked over. I did not find it so. It was full to capacity, I thought.
I always gravitate to the coastal ornaments. I find them so pretty. Jill told me that even though she has lived here all her life, these were also her favorites.
Strolling through the store; some caught my eye more than others.
For example, there were handpainted Christmas balls by Ruth Culver from Berlin, Maryland. 25% of the proceeds will be donated for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Ne’ Qwa Art? I had never seen these ornaments. They come in a very impressive box with a certificated of authenticity, as well.
This art originated in China and it is the reverse handpaiting on the inside of mouth blown glass. It is only practiced by a few. If you would like to know more, the website is www.neqwa.com.
Many towns and cities hold their Annual Christmas Parades in the first week of December. So, here we are, and our coastal towns are ready!!
Thursday, 12/1 – Berlin, Maryland will hold its parade at 7:00 p.m. – Christmas floats, marching bands, fire trucks, Santa Claus and more.
Thursday, 12/1 – Christmas Balloon Parade in Georgetown, Delaware at 7 p.m. A Vintage Christmas Parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, marching bands, floats, and fire trucks. More info? visit www.georgetowncoc.com. Please note that on Monday, 12/5 there will be Caroling in the Circle at 7 p.m.
Friday, 12/2 – It is the 51st Annual Selbyville Christmas Parade at 7 p.m. Food, fun, floats, marching bands, beauty queens, classic cars and fire trucks, of course!!
Saturday, 12/3 – The Christmas Parade in Historic Lewes, Delaware – 5 p.m. Then, tree lighting ceremony and caroling in Zwaanendael Park. Refreshments will be served in the Fisher-Martin House. More info? Please call 302-645-8073 or visit www.leweschamber.com.
Saturday, 12/3 – Christmas Parade in downtown Millsboro – 10 a.m. Santa’s Pak Shopping Spree – shopping, gifts, craft vendors, at the Millsboro Civic Center on Wilson Highway and Mitchell St. 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mrs. Claus will be there and lunch will be available. More info? 302-934-6777.
Saturday, 12/3 – Ocean City, Maryland will be holding its Christmas Parade begining 11 a.m. at 100th St. North to 115 St. to the Gold Coast Mall. Check inside the Mall because they will be having lots of fun stuff. More info? Call Elaine Jarvis at 410-524-9000.
Monday, 12/5 – Christmas Parade in downtown Rehoboth Beach at 6:30 p.m. More info? www.downtownrehoboth.com.
Wednesday, 12/7 – It is the Christmas Parade in the town of Milton, Delaware at 7 p.m.. More info? Call 302-684-8500 or visit www.historicmilton.com.
Holiday House Tours:
Lewes, Delaware, 12/3 – It is the Christmas Tour of Lewes from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the tour. More info? Call 302-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.
Milton, Delaware, 12/10 – Holiday House Tour and Holly Festival – 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the house tour, are $12 in advance and $15 the day of. They can be purchased at Antiques in Milton on 109 Union St. and at the Holly Festival in the Milton Fire House from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. More info? Call 302-684-5544.
Fala la la and more la…..have a good one!!
September 28th, 2011
On my left hand side of AboutMyBeaches, on this website, I have under categories a place for services. They are those tried and true services used by me that I can pass on to you.
You know how it is. Need a plumber and who are you going to call. A painter, needed fast; company is coming. Or, it is time to to some tile updating.
So, I have used the following services in the past month. I thought they were professional and very dependable.
Seaside Plumbing, Inc. They are plumbing and gas contractors, licensed in Maryland and Delaware. They are located at 7731 Purnell Crossing Rd. in Berlin, Maryland. Tel. 410-641-1368. Website? www.seasideplumbing.com.
Even though they are located in Berlin, Maryland they service the Peninsula; I just used them.
Note: They do have 24 hour emergency service, as well.
Colorful Expressions – I used these painters and they could not have been more professional and knowledgeable about their work. The owner is Chris Smullin. Tel. 302-381-3578
Camelio Tile Co. – Tile Installer. John Camelio is his name. Tel. 443-497-1351. Website? www.cameliotileco.com. John did a great job and was very easy to work with.
The above companies are young and very pro customer service.
See you later….you know, as usual….bla bla bla
September 17th, 2011
I am welcoming this change in the weather like you would not believe. It is so gorgeous and crisp; makes you want to get up and do something.
If you are spending time this week-end at the beaches, you will hear the roar of motorcycles up and down Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). They are mainly heading towards Ocean City, MD, where the Delmarva Bike Week is presently taking place.
The other day I went to have lunch at Liquid Assets. This restaurant, bar and beautiful bodega is located at 94th St. & Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-524-7037, website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com. I think this is the perfect opportunity to write the post on L.A. since just as it opens for lunch, it is also open for dinner.
I took my sister in law, Susie, on this outing. I wanted her to see how different it was. Don’t have one in our Delaware Beaches.
It has a bistro atmosphere with different choices for dining. You may choose to stay in the package goods section where you can see the comings and goings of patrons, and at the same time have a quiet dining experience.
You can also sit at the bar, or decide to dine in their separate dining room, which might be more intimate. The feel of it is, definitely, more like a wine cellar.
Susie and I decided on a corner table in the middle of the package goods store.
Diane was our waitress and she turned out to be very knowledgeable about the menu and very friendly, as well.
Usually, I do have their Pan Roasted Mussels. I truly love them and even though I have had very good ones in other restaurants; these, at L.A. are totally #1.
But, I decided to have something else. I went with their L.A. Burger. It was made with Creekstone Farms beef, with a traditional cucumber and red pepper relish, bibb lettuce, Denhay English Cheddar, and thick cut fries on a Kaiser roll. Temperature? Medium rare.
As you can see from the pictures, it was a very generous portion. How I ate it? I don’t know. To tell you the truth I don’t know why I even dare to question this since I have always been able to finish all my food.
It was juicy, well seasoned and I really did like the addition of the bibb lettuce.
Susie had their Deluxe Grilled Cheese. This sandwich is always on their menu and it is very popular. Applewood smoked bacon, sliced apples, cheddar, spinach, pane dolce and thick cut fries.
Great combination of flavors for this time of the year. We had to open it so that you could see what it looked like inside.
Liquid Assets has an extensive wine collection, as well as plenty of spirits. As I walked around a few caught my attention.
Then, one in particular. It was a Vodka called Tito’s Handmade Vodka. In large letters it also said Gluten Free.
This vodka is handmade in Austin, Texas by Mockinbird Distillery. It has been in the press lately, as well. It has the designation of being the First Spirit to be Made in USA Certified. If you visit their webiste, www.titosvodka.com, you will find very interesting info., including the press releases from Buy American Challenge, WSJ, Martha Stewart, NY Times and CNN Money.
Liquid Assets also has catering, and the availability to hold private parties in the restaurant.
By visiting their website, above mentioned, you will find their menus, including their cheeses, their martinis and their beer list. Throughout the year they hold events and interesting specials, as well. You can even share your lazy dog photos with L.A.
Lazy? Don’t want to cook? They have carry-out.
You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
September 13th, 2011
Just a short drive from Ocean City, Maryland and a little bit of a longer drive from the Delaware Beaches, you will find some interesting events that are on the calendar for the upcoming week-end. After having such crazy weather, the month of September is turning out to be one of sunny days and low humidity, great for outdoor events.
Historic St. Martin’s Church
This Church is located in Showell, Maryland. It is the oldest of 11 Worcester County Museums; established in 1692. Beautifully restored and a proud gem of the community.
I wrote a post on St. Martin’s Church on 5/9/11. If you would like to see it, please click on the month of May,on this website, and scroll down to the date.
The address is Rt. 113 & 589 Junction, 4 miles north of Berlin, Maryland. The website is www.historicstmartinschurch.org. You can also find it on Facebook.
Because it is part of the Worcester County Museums you can also visit www.octhebeach.com/museums.
St. Martin’s has been busy all summer long. All the way through October there are open houses every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Weddings have been held at the Church and other events have been on-going, as well.
The next event will be on Sunday, September 18th, at 1:00 p.m. This is when New York based Brown Box Theatre Project will bring, to the public, free of charge “Twelfth Night”.
Shakespeare’s classic comedy of a shipwrecked heroine is brought new life by local resident Kyler Taustin, the Director, and a group of exciting young professional actors and designers out of Boston and New York City. The setting will be the bones of a shipwreck itself, with the actors picking their way over driftwood and broken pieces of a ship.
Since it will be an outdoor performance, the audience is encouraged to bring chairs and picnic blankets.
Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, with a twisting plot involving identical twins, mistaken identities, love triangles, and one very cruel practical joke.
Other events on the calendar are:
11/11/11 – St. Martin’s Day: A Celebration of Donors
11/12/11 – Open House Festivities
December- Historic St. Martin’s will have several holiday services, To Be Announced.
Worcester County Garden Club
The Worcester County Garden Club is sponsoring A Standard Flower Show, “A Day At The Beach”. Location? The Ocean Pines Library on 11107 Cathell Rd. (Route 589).
This will be a two day event. Please note that it is FREE to the public.
Friday, 9/16 frin 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9/17 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon.
Anyone interested in entering the show, please call Mary Lou Scott at 410-208-6558.
Design Arrangements and Horticulture Specimen will be judged prior to the public viewing.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
September 10th, 2011
United in Courage & Grief
“Grief is the most patient and persistent of all of life’s companions. It is an ancient, universal power that links all human beings together.”
molly fumia, safe passage
July 28th, 2011
and points in between. Yes, sometimes I might be on my way somewhere and the opportunity calls to check out a food truck, a tapas bar, a new beach, or a new museum. That’s why it is so much fun about writting a website in a blog style. It is a diary, yours alone.
AboutMyBeaches has made realized that I want to know and experience more. I remember when my webmaster, Ed Timmons from 4C, Inc., http://www.4cinc.com, mentioned I should write a blog instead of the standard website. I guess he figured I was talking his ear off so I was a good candidate for bla, bla, bla. He just did not know how much I could talk.
Then, I started blogging, only a few readers here or there. People that are connected on the internet suddenly started to find me. I think my posts are honest and from my heart. I have posted so far 728 posts, and now I am getting over 14,000 hits per month. Who would have thought?
And, you know what? I want more. Granted, some posts are more interesting than others; so its life itself. Remember that it is a diary.
Pictures….I decided to incorporate them because people are so visual. Looking at a picture entices you to read. Well, I should hope so, even though I do have some friends that say they have read the posts but maybe they just looked at the pictures. I know who they are, right? Shelley, Debbie at times. Not Missy or Richard, though. My fault, I test them.
My friends and my family have put up going out to dinner with me. My first statement as we sit down at a table is “don’t touch the food until I take a picture” and “can we all order something different?” I am surprised they even still want to go out with me.
It is so funny because I get e-mails or suggestions on places to go and check out. I welcome them; we all have different likes and dislikes and I am an inquisitive person.
The coastals towns that, I, predominantly promote, I love. There is something about living by the ocean. I know I am lucky. The Delaware Beaches have been home for many years and so good to my family. Giving them a push is not a brainer.
I do offer advertising on my website. It is $500/ per year. I offer personal care. No clicks here or there. You are there to stay on my site. Thanks to the following advertisers.
Tidewater Realty – http://www.tidewaterrealty.com. Delaware is Small Wonder. The beaches are so great. It has grown so much since I first arrived. Tax free, low property taxes and mild winters are an attraction.
Tauriello & Com – http://www.tauriello.com. I have used this company in Delray Beach. That Village by the Sea has amazing unobstructed beaches, restaurants, shopping and I do have a place there. Sometimes I hate to pass the word around because I want it all to myself.
Beach House Management – http://www.mybeachhouses.com. Michael knows I cannot live without him. He has been there to take care of my property, among other things, from day one. Your home is your castle and he is professional and knowledgeable.
Anita Jennings Designs - http://www.anitajennings.com. I know her personally. She is an interior designer based in Delray Beach. She is so easy to work with and very reasonable.
Coastal Chem-Dry – http://www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. Green carpet and upholstery cleaning. We all needed at times. It is family owned and operated. Angie is the man!!
Doggies at the Beach - http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com. The home away from home for my Addy. She is my rescue. Jim and his staff love their customers. Cage free with 24 hour human supervision. Very involved in the community, as well.
Vacation Rentals – http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/rehoboth-beach-delaware.html. This is a national company; part of the family of HomeAway. The properties you will find in this particular site are for Rehoboth Beach. Rental properties for all seasons.
I thank them all. If you are interested, please contact me.
I have posts to write. A few still left from my 24 hours in Baltimore, Maryland. Events going on at the Rehoboth Museum, a must if you are visiting Rehoboth Beach. On the Rocks is, believe it or not, inside the terminal for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Amazing views; casual, a beer or a hamburger, fries. I want to check the tailor in Rehoboth….got to go..have a great day!!
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