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 4th, 2011
The coastal town of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, was founded in 1873. It is only 1.6 square miles and the name Rehoboth means “place (or space) for all”. The town has done such a great job in keeping its visitors coming year round, practically. Restaurants stay open; some might close for a couple of months only. Beach eateries, cafes, bars, bistros, all serving a variety of good food for all tastes.
So….on Friday evening, with a couple of friends, we decided on Lupo di Mare located at 247 C Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-226-2240. Website? www.lupodimarerehoboth.com. The restaurant offers take-out. And, if you are staying at Hotel Rehoboth, then, you can even order room service.
Lupo di Mare has been in the community for more than several years. It is known for its fresh cuisine; pastas and sauces are prepared daily.
Lupo di Mare serves Italian cuisine, has a very good selection of wines, including small boutique Italian wines.
A small bar is located to the right as you enter the restaurant; a full menu is available there, as well.
The room opens up; tables comfortably assembled and a little nook here or there conducive to lingering chatter. We lingered so much, we closed the restaurant. What can I say? It was relaxing!!
Sheila was our server. She was also our server back on June 13th when right before the season got crazy we went to check Lupo. She is attentive; not intrusive and her suggestions have been the best.
The first thing arriving at the table was Lupo’s focaccia bread accompanied with Virgin Olive Oil. Herbs, a tad sweet; so good.
Two starters were ordered:
The Grilled Artichokes with Sea Salt, Fresh Herbs, Lemon and Virgin Olive Oil. I have had them before and they were still so very good.
The Shaved Brussels Sprouts came just like the picture shows it. A mixture of Truffle Oil and Pecorino Cheese made this a favorite. It is also one of those “raw” foods. Please do order this starter. It is amazing.
A Fall Farm Vegetable & Mixed Green Salad was full of color and gorgeous vegetables. This was a new salad for the season.
An Arugula Salad was what I ordered and again that Pecorino Cheese, Radish, Red Wine Vinegar and Virgin Olive Oil made this salad a light and refreshing dish.
We were full of expectations for some of the entrees to arrive; new for the season were the scallops and the lamb shank.
The Pan Roasted Scallops with a cauliflower puree, shaved brussels, gold raisins and pine nuts got raved reviews. They were gorgeous and perfectly cooked and the dish looked beautiful. This dish was gluten free so my husband was delighted.
The Braised Lamb Shank, had creamy polenta, rosemary, and a winter veal fennel ragu. It was pretty chilly on Friday and this dish fit the description of “comfort food”.
I had the Pan Seared Sea Bass before. Once again I ordered it since it was so good the last time. It came with a butternut squash risotto, pancetta and spinach. It did not disappoint.
Dessert was ordered for all to share. We chose their Panna Cotta. It was glutten free and we all decided we liked custards. This Northern Italian dessert is made by simmering cream, milk and sugar together and letting it cool to form the custard. Usually, it is served with berries, caramel or chocolate. At Lupo di Mare it is served with berries. I confess; we ordered two.
I think it was time to go but not before I asked Sheila if I could take the lamb shank bone for Addy (my rescue). She had never tasted anything like it. Her review? Bring me more!!
Note: Lupo di Mare is now serving 3 courses for $19 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Check www.lupodimarerehoboth.com to check the menu. It opens daily at 5 p.m.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
December 2nd, 2011
I woke up this morning and said “I am not sure if I liked that Chinese food last night”. The answer came back from the peanut gallery “Well, you sure ate enough of it.” Do I dare tell you who this came from? Of course; my husband, you know the picky one, who actually did not have any because of his gluten allergy. I wished him a very good morning, if you get my drift.
About 2 months ago Wu’s Kitchen opened at 19324 Lighthouse Plaza Blvd., in the Lighthouse Shopping Center, where one of my favorite grocery stores, Giant, is located. Also Jay’s Wayback Burgers and Casapulla’s are in that shopping center, as well. Their telephone: 302-226-1788 and 302-226-1778. They open 7 days a week. Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Right after they opened 3 of us went. I was having trouble communicating regarding the gluten allergy so I just ordered something that I thought would be gluten free. I did one of those when your voice gets a little louder thinking that they might be able to understand you. It was crazy.
Fast forward another month. Last night I made chiles rellenos for my husband. I just did not feel like eating that so decided to take a trip to Wu’s Kitchen. It was late so nobody was there at that time. I ordered more than I needed to in order to write a post. Yeah, sure.
An order of Fried Wonton – Very crispy and I liked them.
Number 66 was Double Cooked Pork – I, actually, did not like this one too much. I thought I was ordering something else. The pork was a little dry even though it was mixed with the vegetables and sauce.
Number 16 was part of their Szechuan & Hunan Dishes – Orange Chicken. It was good and the orange rind and flavor was distinctive.
My fortune cookies did not say anything exciting. No number combinations or anything like that. Just “Declare Peace Every Day”. I do that all the time, anyway. Maybe that was it!!
Wu’s Kitchen was immaculate. The restaurant has booths and single tables. Or, like most people, you can take out.
They have specials too. Mondays through Saturdays, until 3 p.m., for $6 you can have 3 choices from their buffet, a soda, and a choice of white rice, brown rice, or fried rice. Pretty good deal.
Please note that when I write about a restaurant, you have to take into consideration that this is my personal experience. We all have different tastes and expectations….I visit the same restaurants often…small restaurants, dives, a hot dog stand, or a “cuchifrin” as they would say in Puerto Rico….looking for that exceptional bite…have a great day!!
Why don’t you try it and let me know?
November 20th, 2011
Three restaurants in 24 hours…not bad; all different too. Still looking for the elusive stone crabs. My husband had them on his mind. The funny thing was that Everglades City, which is in Collier County, just like Naples and Marco Island, is, really, the capital of the universe for stone crabs. They should be found at a lot of restaurants. The season for stone crabs runs from October 15th until May 15th.
Jay suggested The Dock. For so many years this restaurant has been right at the City Dock overlooking Naples Bay. It is located at 12th Avenue South. Tel. 239-263-9940. Website? http://www.dockcraytoncove.com. It opens daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner. On Sundays they offer brunch. On that location you will also find the Naples Yacht Club and other eateries and shops.
This is Crayton Cove which was Naples’ first sheltered mooring.
The Dock offers open air dining in a very casual atmosphere. Sandwiches, salads, pastas, ribs and raw bar are among some of their offerings.
Finally, the stone crab claws were ordered; large ones, served cold. They were good, he said. To tell you the truth, I am not crazy about them. I think I like the sauce better. To me, there is nothing better than the taste of the Maryland crab. There are different, I know, but they just don’t do anything for me.
Our, Naples resident, Jay, had the Grouper Sandwich, grilled, on Cuban bread, creole remoulade sauce and cole slaw. He was happy too.
I had the Havana. It was their “Cubano” sandwich; grill pressed Cuban bread filled with roasted pork, smoked han, Swiss cheese, and pickles with mustard sauce served with black bean and rice.
I must admit that it was delicious. I had not had one in some time and just like the bread of a lobster roll, the bread of a Cuban sandwich makes the sandwich. Then, “a la plancha” to get all the extra ingredients nice an hot.
The Dock has a full bar and is available for holiday parties and Christmas lunches. Please check the website above mentioned.
So totally satisfied we headed back to the east coast of Florida and to the town of Delray Beach…talk to you later…oh, and thank you Jay…
November 18th, 2011
It was so nice to let our friend, Jay, do the driving and talking. I just sat back and took it all in. It was a pretty day to be on the Gulf of Mexico; Historic Naples is certainly quaint.
I found a few facts from this Paradise Coast. The average temperature is 75 degrees. Collier County is the largest county in the State of Florida.
An estimate of 134 art galleries are in the Greater Naples area.
The western side of the Florida Everglades is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles are known to cohabitate.
Collier county is also the home of the endangered Florida panther.
A walk; a nap and pretty soon it was time to check out the restaurant that Jay had picked out for dinner. He said that it was unique, the chef was daring, to say the least. He made the reservation for 8:00 p.m., hoping that the patrons were heading home and we would have the place to ourselves. No such luck.
The chosen restaurant was USS NEMO, located at 3745 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34103. Tel. 239-261-6366. Website? http://www.ussnemorestaurant.com.
There were a few tables outside, but our preference was, definitely, inside. Upon entering USS NEMO there were the comings and goings of a busy restaurant. The room was open with booths, as well as single tables.
 
At first we thought it was bit dark. Maybe the reason was that the candle was out. Then the lights flickered some. Finally, we asked and they were having a problem with their lightning that evening.
Melania was our server. She was from Romania. She was friendly; a big smile. Bread was brought to our table. Hummus and condiments too.
The menu was a good one. I saw the Branzino and thought I had to have it. After talking to Melania she said that the signature dish was the Miso Broiled Sea Bass. Okay, say no more, that’s exactly what I did have after having a Seafood Ceviche which had white sea bass, shrimp, salmon, grilled pineapple and lime. Refreshing and very good.
Then, my sea bass had a citrus ginger butter sauce, steamed rice, asparagus, and a carrot tempura that was soooo good. Melania hit it right on. This sea bass melted in my mouth.
Jay decided on a salad, watermelon adding the extra touch.
Then, even though he had been at USS NEMO several times, the only dish he had tried was the Prime Tuna. A choice of cooking styles were East, West or Indian. Jay chose the West style. The blue tuna would be flash seared and rare. It had a peppercorn crust, exotic mushrooms, asparagus, fresh thyme potato gratin, sauteed garlic spinach and a cognac demi-glace. On this particular evening, Jay thought they cooked it a few seconds more than he would have wanted but it was delicious, anyway.
My husband was not that hungry but he had a very interesting appetizer. Bone Marrow; in the bone, a side of sea salt, and a condiment. The dish is a conversation piece. It is considered a delicacy and it was Julia Child’s favorite. Because of his gluten allergy he could not have the crostini. I tried it and it was good. Not gelatinous as you might think; marmalade would be a better term. And, a little tricky to get out of the bone. All I could think of was my dog, Addy. If he had not ordered it, I was going to. It was hard to resist.
Then he had a Black Truffle Risotto which was a side dish; he just had it as his entree. Very flavorful.
For our dessert we shared a flourless chocolate cake. It was fudgy, rich, delicious and believe it or not, jut a tad sweet. A perfect sweet ending.
We talked to Melania for a little bit and want to thank her for taking care of us in such a special way.
Talk to you later……lunch in Naples again….
November 17th, 2011
Since a good friend has made his home in Naples, I decided I needed to learn a little about this town that is known for its beaches, its simple elegance and its wonderful restaurants, relaxing cafes, fun bistros and shops.
Naples is also known as Paradise Coast. It is in Collier County and it was founded in the late 1880s. I did not know why it was called Naples bu,t apparently, when it was founded, stories telling of the mild climate in the area, as well as having abundant fish and game, likened it to the Italian peninsula. Then, the people promoting the area described it as “surpassing the bay in Naples, Italy”.
So, after driving a couple of hours from Delray we were a little hungry. Having someone with a gluten allergy, at times, it can be tricky as where you find a restaurant that can accommodate you. Of course, on my husband’s mind were stone crabs, having seen them at the Delray GreenMarket on Saturday. That might have to wait.
We arrived in the historic district of Naples; Historic Third St. South and we set our sights on a restaurant called Handsome Harry’s Third Street Bistro, located at 1205 Third Street South, Naples, FL 34102. Tel. 239-434-6400. Website? www.handsomeharrys.com.
Our friend, Jay, had never been, but the restaurant had been recommended some time ago. This was the perfect time to try it out.
The restaurant was not very crowded when we arrived. You could sit outdoors, or, in a dining room that opened on all sides, where you could still enjoy the warm weather, but sheltered from the direct sun.
Handsome Harry’s also has an indoor dining salon that is more sophisticated and reserved than the other casual and relaxing dining choices.
Thirsty; drinks were ordered. Looking through the menu; definitely American Cuisine. There was an extensive wine list, which by the way you can check on their website.
Following is what we ordered:
The “Lobster” Salad – Chilled Maine Lobster meat tossed in their unique dressing, and served over a nest of greens with sliced avocado and fresh mango; finished with a lemon chive aioli. A generous serving and my husband thought it was very good.
The Lobster Roll – It was the lobster salad served in a toasted hoagie roll New England style with sweet potato fries. Jay thought it was delicious.
When I opened the menu, my eyes went to their Char Grilled C.A.B. Cheese Burger - Cooked medium and served on a seeded Kaiser roll with aged cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle and French fries. This burger was big and, yes, I ate it all, including the fries. Very good.
We did not have dessert; just our own conversation was enough at this time. The day was still young, plenty of time for dessert later.
Handsome Harry’s has entertainment in the evenings. You can check the schedule on their website.
If you are an early diner, they have available a very good offering; a starter, entree and dessert at a reasonable price.
Note: It will be closed for Thanksgiving.
So far, so good, Jay….next…
November 10th, 2011
Practically every restaurant located on trendy Atlantic Avenue in the Village by the Sea, also known as Delray Beach has outdoor dining; so conducive to relaxed chatting; some of them with more comfortable seatings than others.
Vic & Angelo’s has premiere outdoor seating. Those chairs are, definitely comfortable and on a day with low humidity and plenty of sushine it is the place to be.
Vic & Angelo’s is located at 290 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-278-9570. Website? www.vicandangelos.com. By the way, the website has menus, specials, and events, so make sure you check it.
Three of us for lunch. Roberto was our server. Friendly and very attentive. Before I get more into the post, I do want to thank him for taking such good care of us.
Vic & Angelo’s is very open and the decor is bright and fun. Since they occupy a corner on Atlantic Ave., they are able to have a large open bar on one side and on the other, the outdoor seating takes place under a canopy.
 
I was thirsty. Some had wine but I had a Passion Fruit unsweetened tea. Nice and refreshing.
Bread was brought to the table; more like a flat bread with a hint of garlic, parmesan and herbs. Very nice.
Wings were ordered. These wings were Coal Oven Sicilian Chicken Wings, which were first marinated in rosemary, garlic and lemon juice; oven baked, therefore less fat. Rosemary, Chilies, Aged Parmesan, Olio Verde, and Onions. These and the ones at Bru’s Room, also in Delray, are by far the best wings ever.
V & A Caesar Salad – Romaine Hearts, Hand shaved Reggiano and White Anchovies. Again, those white anchovies make an appearance with a Caesar Salad and they are so mild and delicious. Great homemade Caesar dressing.
A Veal Picatta was ordered which had artichokes, capers and a lemon jus. Veggies on the side. My husband thought it was really really good.
Too satisfied to have dessert, we decided to have some espresso with a little twist of lime.
Thanks V & A for sending us some delicious Lemoncello.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
November 10th, 2011
 From Varietai, Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach So much going on at the Delaware Beaches for this Veteran’s Day week-end celebration. The lure of the beach is magical; you feel at peace; the salty air and a slower pace during the Second Season is what’s bringing visitors to the Delaware Beaches. You can be as busy or as lazy as you want.
Big week-end with the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, which has been in existence since 1998. 100 of the best American and international films; features, documentaries, and shorts. The best part is that all films are shown at one, multi screen location; Movies at Midway Complex in the Midway Shopping Center located on Route 1. You cannot miss it.
In the back of the movies you will find what I call a Happening Tent. Tickets, Information, Food, Drinks and the making of new friends. They start early in the a.m. and stay past the last films. The website? http://www.rehobothfilm.com/festival.
I try to collect the poster that represents the film’s theme. This year’s poster is so neat. Nine artists submitted their work, capturing film and the coastal area. “Harvest Moon” by Damon Pla, a self-taught artist, is an acrylic on canvas and he was the winner. Even though he was born in South Florida, his residence is Dagsboro, Delaware.
Friday, 11/11 – Tribute to Veteran’s Day by the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus will be performing tunes from the 40’s in the Big Tent behind the Movies at Midway at 11:11 a.m.
Within the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival you will find the films called Regional. These films represent the Mid-Atlantic Region. Look for the following ones:
Friday, 11/11 – An Evolving Legacy; Delaware’s Coastal Zone Act (The Storm of ‘62), Director, Michael Oats.
Saturday, 11/12 – Vanishing Voices – A Documentary of the WWII Regional Veterans, Writer and Director, James Diehl
Saturday, 11/12 – The Dish and the Spoon, filmed in Rehoboth Beach by Philadelphia Filmmaker, A. Bagnall.
Sunday, 11/13 – Cafeteria Man – A documentary of Baltimore School District – By Baltimore Filmmaker, Richard Chlosolm. A look at his own district and a desire for better Cafeteria food in his district.
Sunday, 11/13 – Howard Pyle & The Illustrated Story – This is the history, artistry and rise of this amazing artist, by Wilmington Filmmaker, Paul Mento.
Howard Pyle was one of the most popular illustrators and storytellers. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware on 3/15/1853 and died on 11/19/1911 at the age of 58. He was influenced by such masters as Winslow Homer and N.C. Wyeth.
You will find an Exhibit at the Delaware Art Museum – Howard Pyle: American Master Rediscovered – American Artist and Illustrator Howard Pyle 1853-1911. The Exhibit will begin 11/12/11 and will be there until 3/4/12.
The Delaware Art Museum is located at 2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington, DE. Tel. 302-571-9590. Website? http://www.delart.org/home.html.
“The Delaware Art Museum was originally founded in 1912 to preserve and exhibit the art of Howard Pyle, following his untimely death on 1911.” The exhibit will be the beginning of a celebration of the Delaware Art Museum’s first 100 years; 1912-2012.
Saturday, 11/12 – 2012 Mrs. Delaware Pageant at 7:00 p.m. at Clear Space Treatre Co., located at 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Jennifer Behm, winner of Gordon Ramsay’s “Master Chef”, Season 2 will be hosting the pageant. Tickets at the door are $25 for 11 years and up, $10 for 4 years to 10 years old; 3 years old and under are free. More info? Please call 302-228-7741 or visit www.mrs.delawareamerica.com.
Looking for a restaurant with parking and within close distance of the Movies at Midway? You don’t want to miss your films. Then, I suggest Saketumi located at 18814 Highway 1 (Rt. 1). Tel. 302-645-2818. Website? www.saketumirestaurant.com. I visit this restaurant all the time. It is a considered modern Asian cuisine. A variety of dishes to choose from but I love their sushi and sahimi; outstanding taste and presentation. They open for lunch and will stay open late for dinner, as well.
Take a look at what I had the last time.
Crispy Calamari and Spicy Tuna – Fried calamari, scallions, spicy mayo and tuna tata on the top, with sweet nitsume sauce.
Tuna Sashimi Roll – Silki tuna sashimi, no rice, wrapped with Japanese daikon with pickled ginger and baby sprouts.
Make sure to ask for fresh Wasabi; you won’t be disappointed.
Have a great time!! Talk to you later…
 
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