February 13th, 2011
To me, there is no life before coffee. I love it in the morning and there are times when I enjoy it in the afternoon, as well. More so on a chilly day. I consider it a ritual since I drink it every day.
Just opened a few weeks ago is the newest addition to the eateries in trendy Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. SPoT Coffee is their name. Located at 44 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-455-4041. Website? www.spotcoffee.com. You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.
I went to check it out because they have been working on that corner for quite some time; teasing us with “soon to be opened” signs. Was it going to be the place to go for coffee or just another coffee shop?
This company’s offices are in Canada and New York. In existence since 2004. Delray is not only a destination for vacationers, but for new businesses, as well.
I wanted to try their coffee because it seems that there are so many coffee shops in every corner of every city, but a lot of them over-roast their coffee; giving it a sour taste.
SPot Coffee is in a great corner. Its doors open to the sidewalk and tables are scattered around.
There is also a cozy corner with sofas in case you want to make yourself feel at home or read the paper. Art depicting Atlantic Ave. is also on their walls.
The coffee selections are on a top board. I decided to have a Mocha. The Mocha is only prepared with whole milk. I could not wait to taste it because so far this year I can say that the other great cup of coffee I have sampled was at One World Cafe in Baltimore, Maryland.
I did not have to wait long and I can say that it was delicious. I sat outside and really enjoyed it. Creamy, nice and hot; great aroma.
Besides coffee, SPoT Coffee also offers other beverages, baked goods, signature sandwiches like focaccia sandwiches, wraps and pizza.
A blackboard is posted every day with their offerings.
I only can vouch for their coffee, at this time. Did not try anything else. It is so good to have so many choices and to see the patrons enjoying themselves. I wish them much success.
Please note that SPoT Coffee also has coffee for sale and catering is available.
Have a great day!!…talk to you later…
February 9th, 2011
My status is: I am on a quest; to find the best gluten free pizza. But, the reality is that there is no comparison to the real thing. Thankful for the fact that restaurants are trying their best? You bet!!!
In the past year as I visited Delray I noticed Mellow Mushroom. They are pizza bakers but they also have calzones, hoagies, appetizers, salads and lots of different types of beer. It seems that they do draw a nice crowd, whether is for lunch or dinner. It was not going to happen since it is a pizza joint and my husband has a gluten allergy, therefore, he has to eat gluten-free. So, I forgot about them.
Surprise, surprise. I got an e-mail that listed different restaurants throughout the U.S. with gluten free items in their menu. Mellow Mushroom was listed. I called them and they said that they offered gluten-free pizza every day.
This past Monday we paid them a visit to see for ourselves. My husband just wanted a thin, crispy crust pizza. He said it would make his year if he got that.
Mellow Mushroom is located on 25 S.E. 6th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-330-3040. Website is www.mellowmushroom.com/delraybeach. You will also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
As you come into the restaurant you will find that it looks like it is an easy going place; funky decor. Just like a lot of businesses start, this one was started by friends back in the day. Yes, 1974 and near Georgia Tech. At present, the headquarters are in Atlanta.
It is a franchise; individually owned and operated with its own twist and theme throughout the restaurant; adding local color. Mellow Mushroom is open Mondays – Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 until 12:00 a.m. and Sundays from 11:30 until 11:00 p.m. Please check the website for specials.
On with our dining experience; I don’t want to get off track. We were seated immediately and it was about 8 p.m. The restaurant was comfortably crowded. We ordered something to drink. And, that is when we decided that the restaurant was going to be disjointed.
Waiting a long time for those drinks to come we already had seen the menu and knew what we wanted. One person wanted the calzone. I wanted the tossed salad with a balsamic dressing. And, you know already what my husband wanted; the gluten free pizza. Toppings? Green peppers, onions, ground beef, and mushrooms.
The waitress was friendly and finally she arrived with the drinks. Our order was then placed and my husband was waiting in anticipation for his thin crust pizza.
For the time of the evening, they took a long time. I do know that they cook to order, but it took a long time. Then the calzone came out, then my salad and then the pizza. At that point, another round of drinks was ordered and the waitress had forgotten my balsamic dressing so she was to bring that, as well.
The calzone was okay, but nothing to write home about.
I was dissapointed with my salad because the tomatoes were limp; almost like they were past their prime. Two sad slices of bacon on top. Plus, I still did not have the dressing and I ordered it again. By the time it arrived I had eaten the toppings on the salad so only lettuce was there. Not worth taking a picture.
I must admit that the pizza looked great. Again, it will never be the real thing but for someone that cannot eat regular pizza, this was a real treat. We did have to send it back to get it more crispy, though. I had a few slices myself, and I will say that I will come back again for it.
That was the experience. Lukewarm, I guess. Definitely, worth checking again.
Talk to you later…you know I will…
November 21st, 2010
After spending a few hours with Pete, my handyman, I decided to order a pizza from Nicola. I deserved it. Pete drove me crazy and there was nothing like a slice of pizza for instant gratification.
This is the 3rd time I have ordered pizza in a week. Right in downtown Rehoboth Beach, all those 3 pizza joints are within walking distance of one another. So, you have your pick. And we all do; it is a matter of taste.
Like Ed, a resident from Rehoboth, who says he can eat pizza every day and has given me other places to try. He has his preferences of what type of cheeses should be used, thickness, and toppings.
Last night there was a show on t.v. and it was all about the pizzas in New York City and Chicago. New York pizza won. The difference between the 2? The thickness with New York having a thin crust and Chicago was deep dish pizza.
I made my call and ordered a small cheese, well done, and thin. They asked me if I wanted a pan (personal) pizza or the regular. Of course, the regular. It would be ready in 20 minutes and it was.
Nicola Pizza does not need any introduction here at the beaches; it is also an institution that opened up in 1971. It is a family business.
They are located at 8 N. 1st Street. Tel. 302-227-6211. The website is www.nicolapizza.com.
Nicola is proud to inform its patrons that they drain the fat from the beef, blend three kinds of cheeses and use homemade sauce. No additives or preservatives are ever used.
You can dine in or take out and Nicola has a new location right on Rehoboth Ave., around the corner from the original one. I ordered my take out pizza from the original location.
Involved in the community and helping organization to raise funds. For that purpose, just give them a call for more information.
Nicola has specials during the winter and stays open year-round for lunch and dinner. They are also the home of the Nic-O-Boli, which is ground beef, their fat free pizza sauce and a blend of cheeses rolled in fat free dough, then baked in the oven. They do also offer specialty Nic-O-Bolis, as well, like no beef, low carb, and a few more.
Nic-O-Bolis can be bought by the case, frozen. I have given them as gifts before and always appreciated. Just pop them in the oven.
I drove home with my hot pizza and already my car was full of that smell.
I rushed into the house and showed it to my husband, who as you know cannot have it because of his gluten allergy.
I have not had Nicola’s pizza in some time and I thought it was very good. It was thin, crispy and well done. And, the sauce was flavorful and did not overpower the pizza. It came out just like I ordered it.
This time I had a couple of pieces and froze the rest in case I had a craving later on.
Later in the evening I decided to make a gluten free pizza myself. I had bought gluten free pizza dough. The pizza looked good. I added cheese, my own sauce, peppers, onions, mushrooms, anchovies, and sun dried tomatoes. It came out too “doughy” . I will have to perfect it.
Have a great day!!
November 16th, 2010
“The Legendary Taste”. They have been at it for 50 years, so believe me, they have had time to perfect it. I am talking about pizza. I am on my pizza kick that started on Saturday when I woke up and thought that it had been so long since I had a real slice of pizza; a post to my blog could be the excuse to eat it.
I decided to call Grotto yesterday. It was already way past lunch time. Grotto Pizza has locations up and down our State and into Pennsylvania but I was concentrating in the main Grotto located at 36 Rehoboth Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-3278. Website www.GrottoPizza.com.
My first impression over the phone was that Mark, who took my order, was so friendly. He offered me the Customer Appreciation Deal which was a large pizza with 1 topping for just $9.99. That price is usually for the small, 12 inch cheese pizza. I declined it since I only really needed a small one; less eating, you know what I mean.
Again, I ordered a cheese pizza, well done and thin. It was ready in 15 minutes.
As I was on my way there I started thinking that Grotto really has a fierce fan base. I remember that before there were Grotto Pizzas in Bethany Beach, people would drive through Rehoboth either in or out of town just to eat Grotto Pizza.
The Grotto Pizza on Rehoboth Avenue is pretty big. The take out is next to the main entrance.
As I was paying for my pizza I started talking to Tommy and told him my dilema of having in my family someone that has to eat gluten free and how I could not wait to have a taste of Grotto’s.
He then said that if I brought in the gluten free pizza dough ready to go they would stretch it and make it for me with all their ingredients. That was exciting and new!!!
I then proceeded to ask him what made Grotto’s pizza different from the rest? One of the key ingredients is that they use artisan cheddar cheese. Most pizza joints do not use it. Traditionally, the sauce is first put on the pizza and then the cheese, but at Grotto’s the cheese goes on first and then the sauce. That is why you see more sauce than cheese at first.
Artisan cheese is manufactured by hand; the result is that the cheese is often more complex in taste and variety.
This time I controlled myself and drove with my pizza at my side smelling it all the way home.
I had groceries in the car and I left them there; rushed inside. I wanted to eat it while it was hot. It looked beautiful.
It was thin just like I ordered it. Grotto’s dough was softer; not crispy. But, the real taste is in the sauce and cheese. That was excellent.
Grotto is on Facebook and Twitter. They offer different specials every day of the week. A big supporter of causes in the community, also offering discounts to military and emergency services personnel. Stop in and get more information. Check the website. It is complete with a history of what Grotto Pizza is all about.
Yes, it is about preference and taste.
Talk to you later…..have a good one!!
May 30th, 2010
“You can comb the sands or lie in the sun. The choice is yours, as long as it is fun.”
Just about 24 hours ago I had gone to check how Rehoboth Beach was doing. Afterall, Rehoboth Beach is opening, this Memorial Week-End, its doors to all the summer visitors as that season we love gets under way.
It is that time of the year when we all get that casual attitude; shorts, t-shirts, and best of all, no schedule. We cook outdoors, eat outdoors and after the type of winter we have had it is such a pleasure to have great weather this week-end. Oh, yes, 79 degrees. Once again, living on the coast is such a treat.
Just as Rehoboth has opened its doors, so have all the beaches in Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland. What make these towns tick are the residents, the merchants and the food. Yes, food; pizza, popcorn, ice cream, and french fries. In Rehoboth Beach you do not have to walk far from the beach to find all these summer “delicacies”, all within a block of each other.
Let me show you a bit of what I am talking about.
 Rehoboth Boardwalk 48 Hours Ago  Rehoboth Boardwalk - South Side - 48 Hours Ago  Sunday  Sunday Then I decided to take a look at the beach and it was so crowded. It was a very warm day but the water is still cold so everyone was just under the umbrellas. It was a sea of umbrellas.
I love it!!! It is so good to see everyone down here. I have not read any statistics as of yet, but it is one of the most crowded Memorials everyone has seen. Last night, I had to go through Dewey Beach and this is the beach town where the word “party” is taken to the next level. Non stop beach activities, food and music. And, at around 11:00 p.m. it was unreal.
 Salt Water Taffy  Candy  Ice Cream  Grotto Pizza  Nicola  French Fries  Dip them in a little bit of Apple Cider Vinegar  The Best 
Yes, I am, definitely, looking forward to summer.
I will be talking to you later….but please have in mind that Monday is Memorial Day…Remember all of those who have died for our country in order for us to enjoy our freedom….
January 10th, 2010
For being the first week-end after New Year’s I was surprised to see that Rehoboth and Coastal Highway were crowded. I thought everyone would be pretty much worn out after all the shopping, partying, and eating.
Debbie and I were getting together for lunch. You remember her? She went kayaking with me this past summer in Fenwick Island and has been with me to some of the restaurants I have reviewed.
We ended up at Casa DiLeo on 721 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel 302-226-8660. The owner and Executive Chef is John J. DiLeo.
Casa DiLeo has been in the area for some time now. It has a big following and back in October they expanded their restaurant. This is the first time that I have seen the expansion and it looked good and certainly added more seating availability.
The hours of operation are: Mondays through Thursdays 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Any time that my friends and I get together for breakfast, lunch or dinner, we must drive the wait staff crazy. We just talk, might glance over the menu, and without missing a beat we keep on talking. We tell them to come back in a little while, many times. It’s just the way it is. But, isn’t it nice to be able to share a meal with best friends? I love it.
Casa DiLeo is a fullfledge restaurant, but I am going to be reviewing lunch time. That is why I went there today. My favorite room is really the first one when you come in. As I come in, the music is playing and I feel the welcoming atmosphere of a Italian trattoria. The colors, the prints; all add to that feeling.
A trattoria is an Italian style eating establishment, less formal than a restaurant, but more formal than a tavern. The service is casual, with the food being mostly regional and local.
Casa DiLeo has a full bar and a very good selection of wines, including the PortoVino Italian wines. Try them and let me know how you like them.
This restaurant has take out and delivery. The specialties are New York Style Pizza, Pasta, Subs, Calzone/Stromboli, Soup and Salads. For dinner, some of their offerings are: Chicken & Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken or Veal Marsala, DiLeo’s Homemade Chesse Lasagna, which is very good, DiLeo’s Homemade Meat Lasagna, which is also delicious.
I usually get the Greek Salad with their balsamic dressing. Both, Debbie and I ordered it today, but we added a slice of pizza for each of us. I had really forgotten how big their portions are. But, check the picture of one slice of NY Style Pizza. The salad was fresh, full of vegetables with a nice slice of Feta cheese on top.
Casa DiLeo has a wide variety of subs. From the traditional subs like Italian to the unique ones like Sausage Parmesan or Veal Parmesan.
The same goes for the Calzone and the Stromboli. Chef DiLeo has his own “Boli” like the DiLeo Boli which is ground beef, Italian seasonings, sauce and cheese.
Calzone? Stromboli? A Calzone is like an Italian turnover which is stuffed with tomato and mozzarella and possibly other ingredients like pizza toppings. The stromboli is a type of turnover filled with various cheeses, Italian meats and veggies. The dough is Italian bread dough.
Everyone has something to say about pizzas. Whether you like the thick or thin crust, I would have to say that Casa DiLeo has a pretty good one. They have non Premium Toppings like tomatoes, low fat cheese, mushrooms, onions, sausage, etc. and they also have Premium Toppings like Bacon, Spinach, Feta Cheese, Anchovies, Portabella Mushrooms and more.
The House Specialty Pizzas; Low Fat Veggie, Diablo Pizza (red devil-hot), Supreme (8 toppings), New York White Ricotta, Mediterranean which has feta cheese, Kalamata olives, spinach, artichokes, fresh tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil. I have had the Diablo Pizza in the past and really enjoyed it.
Casa DiLeo offers about 8 pasta sauces, so you have your pick from tomato sauce to Pomodoro (red) clam sauce.
We come to the sweet endings and how could you leave without having a Canolli with DiLeo’s homemade cream? Very popular and award winning is DiLeo’s Chocolate Mousse, and one of my favorite desserts is the Zabaglione with fresh berries. We did manage to leave without having dessert.
Zabaglione is a dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, Marsala wine or Prosecco and sometimes cream, mascarpone cheese or whole eggs. It is a very light custard.
And off we went, with a slower gait, but happy…
Another cold night in the beautiful Delmarva Peninsula…but I will talk to you later…
Note: Information on trattoria, Calzone, Stromboli and Zabaglione was taken from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/trattoria http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/calzone http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/stromboli_(food) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zabaglione
October 25th, 2009
Beach eateries; don’t you love them? A come as you are type of place; from the beach, the tennis court, golf course, the gym. It really does not matter.
If you are living on the coast you know that these beach eateries are dependable institutions. They have been in business for many years and people keep coming to them all the time looking for the foods they are known for.
Whether you are at Hodad’s, known for burgers and shakes, on Newport Ave. in Ocean Beach, CA, or at Tommy’s Sub Shop on 28th St. and Coastal Highway in Ocean City, Maryland or Anthony’s, known for over stuffed roast beef and ham sandwiches also in Ocean City, MD, or El Gaucho Burger, whose specialties include media noches and cubanos, besides the burgers, on Ashford Ave., in Puerto Rico, or Ed’s Chicken in Dewey Beach, DE or Loui’s (great pizza and fries) on Rehoboth Ave., you know that you can count on them for the same quality of food that keeps you coming back.
One of those eateries is Ocean Side. It is located on Coastal Highway and Virginia Ave. in Fenwick Island, Delaware. They have been in business since 1981 and the tel. in Delaware is 302-539-5388 and from Maryland the tel. is 410-250-2695. They accept credit cards and are open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The owners, who happen to be there all the time, are Bob and Sue and they have been welcoming patrons for 29 seasons.
Originally it was much smaller and some years ago they expanded and a large bar was added, as well as more dining space. They serve beer and wine and televisions are always on so you won’t miss a thing.
The smell of pizza, fries, etc. is the first thing that hit you as you come in. It can get quite busy in the height of the summer season. Plenty of people come year-round.
Ocean Side is known for a variety of foods. You will have available hot sandwiches and a favorite of a good friend, Ross, is the Chicken Fingers Parmesan. He tells everyone to try it and it has become a local favorite.
They also offer cold sandwiches, hot and cold subs and wraps. Cheese Steak is another local favorite. Plenty of side orders and munchies, as well.
Ocean Side is also very well known for their pizza and strombobbi. Pizza specials are on the menu every day. And, after 5 p.m. the homemade spaghetti and meatballs will be ready.
The other day I ordered a Chef’s Salad for carry out and it was very good; they have about 7 other salads besides the one I chose.
All in all it is a very popular place. You probably have been there already and know what I am talking about. The parking is easier in the second season vs. the summer. It is located on a strip mall, so it can get crowded, but you will get there.
Let me know how you like it because my choices are usually pizza or salad and have not tried a lot of their other offerings.
I hope you had a good week-end. I certainly did. Getting together with friends; sharing lots of laughs; perfect!
Talk to you later….
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