August 31st, 2010
Hola: Espero todos esten bien en tan bonita noche.
I started this blog a year ago in July and Agave was one of the first restaurants I reviewed. If you would like to see that post all you have to do is look under the Archives and click on the month of July, 2009 and scroll to 7/27.
I had not even planned to go out to dinner. Once in a while I do have to stay home and cook. I love cooking. But, I found myself driving north from Rehoboth Beach to the town of historic Lewes. By the way, the traffic was light, what a relief!!
Agave is located on 137 2nd St., Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. is 302-645-1232. Agave is on Facebook.
Just like the many times I have dined in this restaurant, tonight was another good one. I have not been in some time, though. Waiting for the smoke to blow as they say; not because of the peppers cooking in the restaurant, but because of the crowds.
I sat at the bar. Those colorful martini glasses were still there; an extensive selection of Tequila, as well.
For a Tuesday night at around 7:30 p.m. the restaurant was pretty crowded. Agave has opened an upstairs room which is perfect for having a drink while you wait for a table. There are no reservations taken at Agave.
The first thing that caught my attention on the menu was a soup called Crema de Cilantro (Cream of Cilantro). It was a light cream cilantro broth with “queso fresco” and roasted poblanos. Delicious and it has been a new summer addition to the menu. Perfecta y muy bien sasonada.
Agave uses a lot of “queso fresco” which is like a crumbled goat cheese.
For my entree I ordered a Caesar Salad, which had a house made dressing topped with “queso fresco” and crispy bacon, house made croutons, and topped with fillet.
I have had this salad many times and it was still very good tonight. The croutons were particularly good also. They tasted a bit like cornbread.
I noticed that it said that the Caesar Salad was invented in Tijuana. I did not know that or who Caesar was.
Caesar Cardini, an Italian born Mexican, was responsible for its development. He was living in San Diego; also worked in Tijuana avoiding the restrictions of prohibitions.
There are several stories on how or why he created the salad. He apparently added the dramatic flair of the table-side tossing “by the chef”.
The other entree ordered was Chiles en Nogada; meat stuffed poblano chiles with seasonings like cumin, cinnamon and azafran. A nut sauce was drizzled on the top and a side dish of rice and beans was included.
Poblano Pepper is a mild chile peper from the State of Puebla, Mexico. When it is dried, it is called Ancho Chile. It is one of the most popular peppers grown in Mexico.
Chiles en Nogada is a sophisticated dish most popular during the Mexican Independence festivities. It incorporates green, white and red ingredients just like the colors on the Mexican flag.
It was a very nice dinner; casual and relaxing like all dinners should be. Lewes looked so pretty, people sitting outside eating ice cream at King’s Ice Cream or just strolling. Yes, it was picture perfect.
Buenas noches….hablamos luego…..
Note: Information for this post was taken from Wikipedia.
August 27th, 2010
My goodness, it has been such a long time since I have gone to Ed’s Chicken. They have been in Dewey Beach for so many years. If you have visited Dewey Beach and have not eaten at Ed’s then you might as well go back and do so, because it really is an institution.
I have even brought my parents from Puerto Rico through the years to eat chicken and crabs there and they always looked forward to that.
Ed’s Chicken & Crabs is located at the corner of Swedes St. and Rt. 1 in Dewey Beach. Tel. 302-227-9484. It seems that they are always open. Credit cards are accepted.
When I first went to Ed’s Chicken (that’s what it was called), I loved the way they marinated the chicken. You could taste the vinegar marinade. It was delicious. Later on I would eat other things there but chicken is what I liked.
Yes, an institution or a roadstand, and in Puerto Rico they would probably call it a chinchorro. It has had several facelifts through the years; paint, fencing, and umbrellas. But what has not changed is their friendly disposition. The owners always there to take care of things.
On Thursday, I decided to go there after enjoying the bay. The man behind me was raising his eyebrows as he listened to everything I was ordering; 2 dozen steamed clams, 1 chicken dinner, 1/2 dozen crabs, and the seafood medley which had all kinds of seafood. Yes, you guessed it, I was writing a post for the blog.
Let me tell you that Ed’s is a very popular restaurant, but you never have to wait long. Five minutes, if that.
Ed’s has carry out but the best is just sitting out on the corner of the highway and eating outdoors in the casual atmosphere known here at the beaches. No liquor license but you may bring liquor in.
I have to tell you that I was a little disappointed with the chicken. It is not that it was not good, it just was not the vinegar marinade that I remembered.
The clams were very good and the seafood medley got good reviews, as well.
I thought that the crabs were o.k. but definitely I have had better ones. This has been a very good year for crabs and I was not that crazy about these ones.
It was good eating outdoors; such a beautiful evening. Every time I can do this, it makes my meal better.
Have a great week-end….
August 24th, 2010
Every week I say that I should not be eating this much raw fish; once again I had that craving for sashimi.
If you are a frequent visitor to the Delaware Beaches you know that we do have excellent restaurants in all the beaches. So many choices and so lucky to be able to experience the best.
On Monday night my craving took me to the Cultured Pearl located at 301 Rehoboth Avenue right on downtown Rehoboth Beach. The telephone is 302-227-8493. Website www.culturedpearl.us. Telephone for carry out is 302-227-4217.
I have been a customer of the Cultured Pearl for many years, going back to their old location on Wilmington Ave. Rob and Susan are the owners of this very popular Asian restaurant.
It is decorated with an inspiration in traditional Japanese architecture; bamboo, flowing water, koi, and live birds.
During the summer months I usually try the downtown restaurants during the week because it is hard to find parking. Actually, I have to be honest with you, it is a pain. But, last night I figured that being that it was a Monday night, and the weather was not the greatest, well, it would be better. And it was.
At first the restaurant did not seem that crowded, that changed later on. On good weather, it is great to sit outdoors. The roof top area has a lake effect; koi below and gazebos on top.
I usually sit at the sushi bar. I go to this restaurant to strictly eat sushi and sashimi, but if you have not acquired a taste for it, don’t worry because the Cultured Pearl is restaurant that also offers American Cuisine.
Those 2 first seats at the sushi bar are the ones I go for. Right in front of Master Sushi Chef, Yasuhiro Sano. Last night he fixed us a little something to wet our appetite. The Firecracker is a roll that is so delicious. It has a kick to it because of the fresh jalapeno. It has tuna, salmon, wrapped in Nori Hasomaki style, tempura battered, topped with spicy mayo, fresh jalapeno, crab meat, sriracha. It is slightly warm and we always order it.
I have ordered Miso soup in every Japanese restaurant, but I must admit that the one at the Cultured Pearl is one of the best if not the best, in my opinion.
Last night I was looking at it wondering how this soup was made. Miso soup consists of a stock called “dashi”, which is a simple broth made by boiling edible kelp and preserved, fermented tuna; then straining the liquid. Hmmm… Then softened miso paste is mixed into it. Miso paste is a seasoning and it is produced by fermenting rice, barley and or soybeans, with salt and the fungus kojikin. Hmmm…again. Miso is high in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals.
I am not thinking again how this soup is made. I love it, anyway.
Two entrees were ordered. Well, look at my sashimi. The live scallops are one of my favorites; eaten with the thinly sliced lime. On the picture, they are on the right hand side. Red snapper in the middle, salmon, tuna, eel, etc. etc. A feast, no less.
The other entree that was ordered was very well received, as well.
By the time we were finished the restaurant was crowded; it was a rainy night in Rehoboth Beach, the people eating outdoors had to come in and I took off to meet Paula so that she could show me what else the beaches had to offer on a Monday night.
Have a great week!!
P.S. The Cultured Pearl is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Check their website.
Note: The Cultured Pearl is also aware of customers with a gluten allergy. Wheat free soy sauce is served upon request.
August 14th, 2010
Finding little eating gems is what I love the most. The first time I visited Atlantic Beach, Florida a few weeks ago, I kept eyeing a bright shack across the parking lot of my hotel.
Even though I was on Atlantic Beach, by the time you cross to that parking lot, then you are in Neptune Beach.
Last week I was back again on that beach, and this time I was definitely having a taste of that cuisine.
The owner of the Bar-B-Q Sticks is from the Philippines. Her husband, I think helps, as well. The address is 120 1/2 Lemon St., Neptune Beach, FL 32266. Tel. 904-247-7180.
So polite and friendly; but not just them. I found out that in that whole area people were genuinely friendly and full of information.
The basics of Philippine cooking is that it is basic; no special skills are needed. Most dishes are either sauteed or stewed; others are boiled, braised or fried. Not too many baked dishes are found. Due to is tropical climate, it is really too hot to bake.
Some of the ingredients used are coconut milk, anatto seeds known as achiote, banana blossoms found inside the banana pods, shrimp paste, chorizo, bean curd, and Chinese cabbage, among others.
I decided to get the daily special which was the Bar-B-Q Sticks. You could get chicken or beef. I also wanted to try the lumpias.
Lumpias are considered pastries even though the filling is meat, and vegetables, if available. They are from Chinese origin, similar to spring rolls, but the pastry is much thinner. They are served with a sweet and sour sauce.
Both dishes were so good that I went twice to their place. It is a best kept secret in Neptune Beach.
Even though that is the only thing I tried, other patrons were getting rice noodles, sauteed vegetables, and even the ever present hamburger was on the menu. So, really, a little bit for every taste.
What’s not to like? Beach block, parking, outdoor seating, cheap and the food is delicious!!
Talk to you later…you know I will….Gorgeous day in the Delmarva Peninsula!!
August 9th, 2010
One of my friends was complaining about me wanting to go to Rehoboth for dinner on Friday night. Are you crazy, we are never going to find parking and on and on he went.
Oh, he said, I cannot believe you went into Rehoboth this way, you know under the bridge, etc. etc. Well, I never go this way, he continued, hmm, it seems easier, he kept on talking. Oh my gosh, look at the traffic on Rehoboth Ave. I knew it. Good luck finding parking. I just told him to stop complaining. I was even driving him. The other 2 in the car were quiet.
Our target restaurant was the new Cafe Azafran that had just opened on 18 Baltimore Ave. The original restaurant is in Lewes on109 Market St. and this new location was going to be following the same cuisine. The tel. is 302-227-8100. Website is www.cafeazafran.com.
The person that was complaining got a little happier when he saw the parking lot across from Cafe Azafran. Not bad, afterall. He treated for the parking and dinner. But, that’s the kind of friend he is.
Cafe Azafran is known for its authentic Mediterranean Cuisine. They also have Tapas for sharing, entrees, desserts and a full bar.
The restaurant is not just opened for dinner; it is also opened daily from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. offering breakfast, along with a very extensive Cafe Drink Menu.
Scones, croissants, yogurt loaf, baked oatmeal with milk or yogurt, Azafran Breakfast Sandwich, Frittata with Roll and bagels with toppings are among their morning offerings.
I was so surprise to the Dawn there. She was going to be taking care of us. She is the best.
We were hungry so immediately we started with:
Bistro Salad – This salad has French goat cheese, crisp jamon, baby romaine, croutons, tomato, with a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. I really enjoyed it.
The special salad had beautiful tomatoes and also French goat cheese. Also very well received.
And, the Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Peppers and Olives Salad was also very well liked.
For entrees we had:
Seafood Tarragona which was a bouillabaisse of shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamares, fish, hazelnut and almond Romesco in a saffron shellfish broth. I love soups and this was perfectly seasoned and just the right amount.
Rave reviews from the person that got the Flat Iron Steak. He said it was the best he had had. It had roasted mushrooms, fresh garlic-chive mashed potatoes, bleu cheese butter, and a fresh vegetable demiglace.
The friend that got the Azafran Jumbo Lump Crab Cake also thought her dish was delicious. Cafe Azafran is known for its crab cakes so I was not surprised. It had Catalan spinach, white beans, polenta and an avocado aioli.
The halibut entree was another success. It was accompanied by ratatouille.
We actually did not try any of the desserts but I know that they do have Tiramisu, Lemon Ricotta Napoleon and Crema Catalana which is a Spanish creme brulee, among others.
Anyway, as usual I have to mention that having dinner with friends, good friends, by the way, is the best. Really, it’s true, and you know it.
And that parking space? Right on the ocean block of trendy Baltimore Street, $15 until 2 a.m.
I will talk to you later…..
July 26th, 2010
I have mentioned before that I practically go to the grocery store every day. Regarding dinner, I never know what will strike my mood as that favorite time of the day approaches.
Some times I like to cook but in order to write a post to the blog I need to go out and have someone else cook for me.
Such was the case last night. My mood? Sashimi. That’s what I eat when I go to a Sushi restaurant. You know, sashimi is usually the first course in a formal Japanese meal. The reason is that it is considered the finest dish; it should be eaten before other strong flavors affect the palate.
I went last night to Saketumi. It is my favorite at the beach for sushi or sashimi. It is located at 18814 Highway One, (Rt1 or Ocean Highway), Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-645-2818. Website www.saketumirestaurant.com.
Saketumi is a modern restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine. They have take out, catering, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese. They serve lunch, dinner and brunch on Sundays.
Saketumi has plenty of parking available. And, if you are visiting or are a resident you know how important that is at this time of the year.
I like to sit at the Sushi Bar. I get to see what is going on and interact with the Sous Chef. At Saketumi, this would be Tanaka San. He is an artist when it comes to presenting the food. Just gorgeous. You hate to disturb the plate.
Tanaka has always presented me with an appetizer. I have asked him so many times what it is that I am eating, but to tell you the truth I cannot understand what he says to me, so, I just eat and enjoy it. The fish is in a vinegar sauce with a little bit of onion and I love it; I really do not know what it is, though.
I could not help but take pictures of some of the dishes being prepared.
The tuna sashimi looked delicate.
The Tuna Tuna Surprise or TTS was so colorful. It had inside-blackened tuna, asparagus, sweet goma sauce and wasabi aioli. Outside-akami tuna, tobiko, chive.
The Dynamite was also beautiful. It was a baked California roll, with spicy mayo, scallop, fresh crabmeat and masago on top.
A version of the Dynamite was ordered. To make it gluten free no masago was put on top. Extra tobiko on top. Tobiko is flying fish roe. Very good.
My dish was called Pine Sashimi. Strictly Sashimi for me. It had tuna, yellowtail, salmon, sawara, albacore, kampachi, madai, izumidai, hirame and botan ebi. Got it? It was to die for. The presentation? A work of art.
The albacore (tuna) was white. I had never had it. It was meatier, soft and buttery; melting in your mouth.
What else can I say? I have gone so many times to Saketumi and I can honestly tell you that my service at the sushi bar and the food have been excellent.
Talk to you later….you know I will….
July 14th, 2010
One of my favorite pastimes, in case you have not realized that yet, is eating. Not just eating, but trying new foods and restaurants that are innovative and creative. Who wants to eat the same old boring food day in and day out? Whether I am at the Delaware Beaches, Delray Beach, Florida, Puerto Rico, Boulder, Colorado, Baltimore, Maryland and in between I am looking for a little adventure in eating.
Yesterday, Cindi and I decided that lunch could be a nice time to catch up on what has been going on in our lives. Better to do that while eating.
Liquid Assets has my favorite mussels. I had a craving for them. You have seen me try mussels lately everywhere I go. Well, Liquid Assets mussels are the best, in my book. I think second place would be a little Italian place in Georgetown. But, every time I get to try them in other places my thoughts go back to the ones at Liquid Assets; just delicious!! No comparison.
Liquid Assets is located at 9301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD. Tel. 410-524-7037. Website is www.LA94.com. Make sure to visit the website to check events, recipes and to find out what’s new in the wine and liquor business.
I just saw a new Vodka called Bakon Vodka. It is a potato vodka, which is the vodka you would need to drink if you are on a gluten free diet. Apparently, it is smooth, and slightly sweet. No strong burn or aftertaste. It has a savory bacon flavor with a clean crisp finish. Interesting.
As I entered Liquid Assets again, I had to ask myself; if I did not know any better would I think I am at a liquor store or a restaurant? The place is unique, no doubt about it. I have not seen one like this at the Delaware Beaches.
The first room definitely gives you the aura of the liquor store but immediately you get to notice the big bar and tables around it; sofas amidst barrels and wine bottles.
There is another dining room that will transport you to a wine cellar, maybe in your own home or in another country. This dining room is probably more conducive to quiet conversation. It has its own bar, as well.
Cindi and I got comfortable and our waitress proceeded to let us know what specials were on the menu that day.
We decided on a bruschetta for the table that was made out of peaches. Loved it. Had a good kick to it.
Cindi had the orzo salad with kalamata olives and chilled canteloupe soup. I had a taste of the soup and it was very refreshing. It was definitely good.
Of course, I had the mussels and they were as good as ever. I loved the pieces of chorizo, the broth and, of course, the bread.
A coffee to finish our meal and before we knew it, it was time to say “adios”. Until next time.
Great getting together with friends. What would you do without them?
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
July 12th, 2010
An invitation to spend the afternoon on the bay is something that is always appreciated. You forget how beautiful the Delmarva Peninsula truly is.
On that water, on that gorgeous day, Shelley, Michael, Erica and I took off to enjoy what this area is known for; nature, marshes, birds, fishing, Assateague Island, the ponies, and of course, the restaurants and bars on the bay.
The bay that we were navigating is called Assawoman Bay and it is really defined as a lagoon that is found between Ocean City, Maryland and mainland Delaware. It is huge, gorgeous and the playground for everyone that enjoys water sports.
We decided to make it all the way past Ocean City and see if we could see some of the famous ponies on Assateague Island. It takes a while to get there but nobody minded.
Our Captain, Shelley, was doing very well. We have had some crazy trips in the past so Michael and Erica were not sure how this one was going to turn out. But, they were surprised and pleased.
Assateague Island has about 37 miles of beach. It is a barrier island off the coast of Maryland (Ocean City) and Virginia. Already the day trippers were there.
I was not sure if were going to be able to spot the ponies; finally, at a distance, we did. They were so beautiful. Assateague Island National Seashore has about 300 ponies in Maryland and Virginia.
Those ponies we saw were really enjoying the solitude the island has to offer. The ponies have been there for about 300 years. The earlier ones had solid coloring; a good number now have brown and white patches due to interbreeding with new ponies in the last 100 years. For more information, please visit www.assateagueisland.com/wildlife/pony.htm.
We did have a target on your sights; that being Seacrets. If you have been coming to Ocean City, I am sure that, at some point, you have visited this entertainment complex.
I remember when it first opened up so many years ago. Then the expansions started and today the place has over 25 plus bars and restaurants. Music and entertainment are their specialty.
Seacrets is located on 117 West 49th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410524-4900. Website is www.seacrets.com. On Facebook, Twitter, Myspace.
We were coming by boat. You have the choice to dock your boat or anchor out and the Tipsy Water Taxi could pick you up. That’s exactly what we did. The Tipsy Water Taxi works until very late in the evening. It was so easy and they were great.
The beach bar is well, the place to be. Tables inside the water and drinks brought to your table or to the floaters.
The idea is to feel like you are on an island. They have Jamaica on their minds but it really could be any island on the Caribbean.
On Sunday, it was crowded by anyone’s standards but after the big holiday week-end, it was more toned down.
I was surprised that our food was very good. Seacrets is so big that I wondered how they could handle such big crowds.
The Jerk Chicken, was delicious. That was a starter but I could have put those pieces of chicken on top of one of the salads, as well. The Mediterranean Bruschetta was very tasty and the pita bread was warm. Greek Salads for all of us but I had skirt steak on mine and the steak was cooked to perfection.
We went to talk to the “Hat Mon”. He has been with Seacrets since 1991. His specialty? The art of palm weaving. In the summer he is here, at Seacrets, and in the winter he is in Florida, at Capt. Hiram’s Restaurant & Marina and Key West Inn at 1601 Indian River Drive, Sebastian, FL 32958.
Hat Mon weaves hats, bowls/baskets, purses, marlins, sharks, you name it. Another location where you might find him is at the Green Turtle Club in Abaco, Bahamas, www.greenturtleclub.com.
His new website is www.hatmon.com. His telephone is 410-251-9650.
One of the drinks ordered; the house specialty, was Pain In De Ass. This drink has multiple layers of frozen Rum Runner, which is blackberry and banana liqueurs with a kick of gold rum, and Pina Colada. It was well received.
It was time to listen to some music and I have to admit it; once you are there, it is contagious and when that music started you could not help but move your feet to that rythm and feel the sand between your toes.
Seacrets is patroled by the Peace Police. They make sure that while you are in their property you behave and look decent. No hats backwards while you are walking through the restaurants and bars. Only at the beach bar you can then turn the brim towards the back.
In the bathrooms, at least in the ladies room, once the door is closed, you will see signs asking you “Where is your drink?” And, what to do if you have left your drink at the table. With everything happening in our societies they are giving you the warning that you should never leave your drink unattended.
I thought Seacrets was a lot of fun on Sunday. I was impressed on how well organized everything was. The only thing I would suggest is to have someone attend to the bathrooms. Some needed care.
We left Seacrets after 7:00 p.m. and the ride back home was amazing. Gliding through the water was so peaceful; we were happy and as I looked at our faces, I notice that we were smiling.
Talk to you later…you know I will…
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