March 10th, 2010
Once again, I am realizing that even though writing this blog gives me an opportunity to share my views and opinions; likes and dislikes, I am also learning a lot.
For example, you already know I like to eat and experience new foods; I am not scared to taste something that I have not eaten before. That is something I have shared with my family.
So, yesterday, Tuesday, I wanted something different. And, I can tell you that I was so surprised to find out that there is a restaurant in Rehoboth Beach called Lily. It is Thai Cuisine. I am also surprised that Sharon (one of my friends) has not told me about this restaurant. I wonder if she even knows. She is a local and a native. You know, the ones that were borned and raised in Rehoboth Beach. And, the ones that would know that Lily is located where the Canyon once called that space home, probably 30 years ago.
What is the essence of Thai cooking? Its characteristics depend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked. Its dishes can be refined and adjusted for all different tastes.
Thai cooking is unique. It differs from Chinese and Indian cuisine even though they have greatly influenced Thai cooking. You can identify it because it incorporates all 5 tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy.
Basically Thai food should be thought of as a blending of tastes and textures within each individual dish and the whole meal.
Lily is located on 10 N. 1st Street, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. is 302-227-3348. E-mail is Lilythaicuisine@gmail.com. There is take-out available. Hours of operation are: Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Sundays 11:30 until 9:00 p.m.
The restaurant is between Nicola Pizza and Adriatico. If you have been to Rehoboth or live here you know where these places are. Lily is small and comfortable, but most of all, casual. The tables are very well spaced. There is a bar but at present they do not have a liquor license. Probably by the summer. You may bring your own bottles of wine, beer, liquor. They cannot open them for you but they have openers and wine glasses available. Of course, there is no corking fee.
Lily opened a little over a year ago. Lily, the owner, was the main chef at another Thai restaurant in Rehoboth. There is also Chef Jason. I did not meet either one of them. My main contact was Alex, my waiter. When I called, I asked if they were aware of gluten allergies and Alex said they were; to come in and they would point out the dishes my husband could eat.
Alex was very attentive. His background is Ukranian and Polish but grew up in Belarus. He has been here for 4 years and goes to school. He made suggestions and told us that the heat level in the dishes could be adjusted. Some dishes were not spicy, at all.
The first dish that attracted my attention was an appetizer called Larb Gai. It was ground chicken breast tossed in lime juice, red onions, Thai herbs and fresh mint. It was refreshing, right amount of heat and pefect for sharing.
For a small restaurant, they have quite a variety of dishes on their menu, including dinner specials.
I decided to have the Roasted Duck Curry. This dish was spicy and I thoroughly enjoyed. It was slow roasted honey boneless duck, pineapple chunks, tomatoes, young bamboo strips, hot peppers in red coconut curry and basil. It came in a bowl with a side dish of white rice. Very well seasoned and beautiful colors. Immediately, your senses are revived; spice and color.
If you like Curry then Lily has seven of them. Coconut, Panang, Green, Red, Yellow, Masaman and Wild.
My husband had the Pad Thai. There was a choice of chicken or shrimp. He chose shrimp. This is Thailand’s Signature Dish. Pan fried noodles, bean sprouts, red tofu, eggs and ground peanuts. We asked to take the peanuts out; some times, believe it or not, they have a dusting of flour. This dish is not spicy at all so he requested some of their hot spices. Alex pointed out the 2 hotest ones and they were hot. My husband enjoyed his food, as well.
Sorry, but I forgot to take pictures of the entrees; their presentations were worthy or a photo or 2.
Lily has desserts but I will have to come back for the Sweet Mango and Sticky Rice, topped with coconut cream. Mangoes are not good this time of the year. You want juicy and sweet ones for this dish.
And for all, who like to introduce children to new things, Lily has a kids menu for children under 10; crispy chicken, fried crispy shrimp, beach fries (never leave those if you are at the beach) and kiddy fried rice.
I really enjoyed Lily, saw a friend there that had heard about it, as well, and I am definitely going back. There are too many dishes to try.
Talk to you later….
Please note that information on Thai Cuisine was taken from www.templeofthai.com and from http://thaigrocer.com/aboutthaifood.html.
March 6th, 2010
Just 3 small posts that might be of interest.
The Doorman of South Florida – All of a sudden I could not open one of my garage doors. Immediately I called Michael, who is my Property Manager (he advertises on my blog, check it out) and he suggested this family operated company. Jim Falzone came and immediately fixed it. No need to replace any major parts. They are bonded and insured. Their specialties are garage, entry and French doors; residential and commercial. Their address is 1300 SW 10th St., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. 561-272-3667, the website is www.PalmBeachDoors.com. You may e-mail them at mydoorman@bellsouth.net. Thought you might want to know and even visit their showroom.
Sushi Machi – This restaurant is north of Delray, in Boyton Beach. Oh, not another Sushi restaurant!! Well, it is another one but it was good. The location is not attractive; the shopping center is just a little run down. The restaurant is very down to earth so don’t get dressed up. Just come as you are. This restaurant was suggested to me by Donna. She and her husband, Dick, go all the time. The sushi was delicious but if that is not what you want, they have plenty of other dishes on the menu. One person in my group got the chicken livers sauteed in ginger sauce. And, by the way, they were aware of people with a gluten allergy, they just did not have the wheat free soy sauce, but we did and they used it. I had a new roll called the Salmon Mango Roll. It had salmon, avocado inside out with salmon and mango. The mango really made this roll; the combination of its sweetness with the salmon and avocado, was just perfect. My other roll was the Birthday Roll, which had barbecued eel, shrimp tempura and cream cheese inside out with sesame seeds. Very good, as well. Another person had “Hibachi” from the Grill; the NY Steak. It really was perfectly cooked; medium rear. Sushi Machi is located on 9832 S. Military Trail, Ste. G-2, Boyton Beach, FL 33436. Is on the northeast corner of Military Trail and Boyton Beach Blvd. between Winn-Dixie and CVS. The tel. is 561-369-8823. They have take-out, delivery to a limited area, and party trays available. Their boats are gorgeously prepared. Tate was our waiter and he is there every evening. We really did liked it, but it is a very simple restaurant.
 Salmon Mango Roll 
The Snappy Turtle – If you are a woman, and you like shopping and have been in Delray Beach, then you probably already know this store. It was established 28 years ago by Carole Harvey. It is known for the pink and green colors; a very preppy store. This store carries a wide variety of Jack Rogers Sandals year round and some of the color combinations are exclusive to Snappy Turtle. Lots of t-shirts, shirts, skirts, sweaters, bags and jewelry are always displayed very attractively. In the back of the store you will find their Home and Gifts section. Plenty of times I have bought hostess gifts at Snappy Turtle. Their website is very complete and you can really view their shop and see a good amout of the very pretty things that are available, plus their shipping information. Please go to www.snappy-turtle.com. The address is 1100 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-276-8088. e-mail is sales@snappy-turtle.com.
Well, that’s all for now….The Delaware Beaches are calling…talk to you later…
March 1st, 2010
Where do I start? Oh, yes, I forgot; It started with my husband taking a nap on Saturday. While he was enjoying his beauty sleep I decided that the restaurant reservation I had made for dinner that evening was going to be way too early. We had a late lunch. Lolo and Maru have been visiting and since they were in Delray for a few days only I really wanted to show them the town.
We took a walk and, you know how this little Village by the Sea is. Two arts and crafts fairs, Green Market, cold weather, outdoor seating, etc. We even took a drive to Palm Beach.
Unless you get a reservation early in the week for a week-end evening, at one of the many restaurants in Delray, it is hard. Knowing that, I still decided to cancel my reservation and go to a restaurant in Boca that I had never been to, or will go ever again. I heard about it and at this moment I am not sure if I was at the right place.
I was told that this restaurant was so quaint, French, authentic; you could hear people speaking in French, etc. etc. I thought that could be a good place to check. The name of the restaurant was supposed to be La Vieux Paris and I was told that the owners originally had sold the restaurant but still worked there. The address was 170 West Camino Real, Boca Rato, FL 33432. Website www.Tiramisu-Restaurant.com. At this point you should be wondering why the website does not correspond with the name of the restaurant. Read on…
It had rained in Delray that afternoon and I left the moon roof slightly opened. Needless to say the moment I got in the car I got wet including also my front passenger, my husband. The start of a great evening.
I followed the directions given to the restaurant but every time I took a turn, a waterfall would go on my head from the rooftop. Just great.
The restaurant was in the corner of a shopping center on Camino Real. We immediately got confused when two names appeared on the restaurant; La Vieux Paris and Tiramisu. They were the same.
I asked if I was at La Vieux Paris and the lady said that yes but that it had changed names some years ago. I really was looking for the authentic French restaurant and Tiramisu was Italian with Victorian decor and a few French dishes. There was no turning back; we were sitting at the table and water was being served.
I saw the long faces of my husband and son, while Maru and Lolo were being good sports. I could tell my husband wanted to run. He even hated the tablecloth, the unmatched dishes and wine glasses and a few other things I will not mention. No wait, I will mention one; the waiter kept serving every one else at the table reaching across his face. Not good.
We ordered a soup and salad. It was o.k. The best dish was the gnocchi with spinach; that was it. The dish that caused commotion was the red snapper. Two of us ordered it and one was sent back. At this point he did not want anything else. The service was slow and we wanted to get out of there. I had the other snapper and even though the presentation looked good, the dish was mushy and watery and the ten green beans were canned; the two tablespoons of yellow rice were o.k.
 The Red Snapper - The dish that caused commotion. Pretty soon, after the snapper was sent back, a not too happy person came out to find out what was wrong. We told him about the fish and the green beans and he wanted to give us more green beans and we just said that the dish was not really good. He, the chef and owner, Tommy Kabashi, said that he tasted the fish and there was nothing wrong with it and he had sold many. And, that we were paying for the mushy snapper. Off he went back to where he came from. The 18% was added to the party of 5 and I decided not to leave a tip. Sorry but that is the way went. The snapper was $30 and I considered that the tip.
Note: In my last post I mentioned that since I like to cook, when going to a restaurant I want that personal service; I want it like I am the only person in the restaurant. Well, what a disappointment!
It is also worth mentioning that before going to the restaurant we saw a few bad reviews on the internet. Lolo, Maru and I decided that we don’t pay too much attention to those because a lot of times is a matter of opinion. I have to think about that one again.
Lorenzo’s (my son’s friend) parents, who live in Boca, went to this restaurant for lunch and it did not go well, either.
One thing we all will not forget was the laughs and memories that came out of that evening. Expensive as it was, it was funny, especially when my husband kept saying he was in a happy place but his face said otherwise.
Sorry it took so long to write this one. It was a first when I really decided that there is no way I would go back to Tiramisu/La Vieux Paris, whatever the name is.
Until later….from Delray Beach….still cold but beautiful day….hasta luego Maru and Lolo, maybe Culebra?…or Old San Juan….
February 26th, 2010
On Thursday, the cold weather kept everyone in sweaters in Delray. When it gets chilly, watch you. The sky was so blue, though; it really should have been warm.
So, what do people do on a day like that? After the usual daily routine of exercising, what better way, if you find yourself on vacation, than to have lunch at one of the restaurants on the very busy Atlantic Avenue in Delray.
Even though it was colder than I would have liked it to be, we sat outside at the very well known Tramonti. This restaurant can get very busy. It is not big. I like it that way. Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. Reservations are, definitely, a must during the height of the season.
Tramonti is located at 119 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. is 561-272-1944, Fax is 561-272-1704. The website is www.tramontidelray.com. The restaurant opens for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and then dinner starts at 5:00 p.m. Take out is available but only for pick-up.
If you have visited Tramonti and have liked their sauces, well, they are available for purchase on the premises. They are sold in 26 ounce jars for $8.00 each and the choices are: Marinara, Braciola, and Arrabbiata.
Marinara: It comes from the Italian word sailor; marinaro. The sauce does not contain seafood, as some people might think; it was made in Naples for the sailors when they returned from the sea.
Braciola: This sauce is simmered for hours to capture the flavor of pork, sauteed onions, wine and herbs. Perfect for pasta dishes or meats.
Arrabbiata: Is a light marinara or red Italian sauce that is given an extra spicy flavor by adding hot peppers to the sauce. Arrabbiata translates to “angry mood”, but it will be an angry sauce that will delight your taste buds.
It was sort of a late lunch, the one we had at Tramonti. Giorgio was our waiter and he was very outgoing and enthusiastic. He did not care if others joined our table after some time; sitting outdoors is the best.
My husband had one of the specials of the day which was Risotto al Forno, which was risotto with squid in its own ink. It was delicious. I know; I took a bite or two. It reminded me when my grandmother, Mamota, used to make rice with squid in its own ink and the color was so dark. Fantastic.
I had a salad. The Spinaci Gamberi which was a salad of baby spinach, pine nuts, grilled shrimp and oranges. The combination with the oranges was unique. No dressing was necessary. A little pepper and a little parmesan cheese complemented the dish so well.
Tramonti has an extensive menu. It is pricey, but the food is prepared so well. I have eaten there a few times and has always been very good.
Yesterday the restaurant staff was a little nervous because, since it was cold, everyone that had reservations for outdoor seating wanted to come inside. I don’t know what they ended up doing because there was no way everyone was going to fit inside. All I heard was that no more reservations were being accepted for yesterday’s evening.
A few of the dishes that caught my attention were: Profumi Mediteranei which is baby octopus with celery, fresh garlic, olives, extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juuice, Spaghetti in Cartoccio Areo Special which is baked spaghetti with shrimp, parma proscuitto in a cognac cream sauce, wrapped in foil, and the Coniglio Cacciatore Alla Polenta which is farm rabbit braised in lightly spiced madeira wine sauce with Tuscan Polenta. The Cernia Nera dish is a local black grouper Livornese style with olives, onions, capers, and tomato sauce. There are plenty more dishes to satisfy a variety of taste buds.
Tramonti has a Sunset Special that is available from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. The cost is $24.95 per person with no substitutions. There is a choice from several appetizers and a choice from several main courses, as well, for that price. A soft beverage and American coffee is included.
Even though I have tried a lot of the restaurants in Delray, now that I am reviewing them on my blog, I am paying a little bit more attention to my waiter, noise level of the restaurant, attitudes, and of course, the food.
Believe me, I like to cook so when I go out to dinner I want to relax. I don’t have to have a fancy dinner, I just want good food with the best ingredients; prepared for me like I am the only person at the restaurant. I want personal attention.
Tramonti has been here for some time and all you have to do is drive or walk past the restaurant to see a bustling restaurant in action. Italian is definitely spoken at Tramonti.
Go ahead, try it and let me know. I want to hear what other people think.
Note: The information for Arrabbiata Sauce was taken from www.wisegeek.com and the information for Marinara Sauce was taken from www.italianchef.com.
See you….company coming this week-end. Have not seen Maru and Lolo for a very long time. Looking forward to showing them Delray Beach.
Talk to you later…..
February 25th, 2010
“We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink, for dining alone is leading the life of a lion or wolf.” by a Greek Philosopher, BC 341-270
With that in mind 5 friends got together on Tuesday evening, in Palm Beach, and 4 elements were about to happen in equal manner; the service, the drinks, the cuisine and the overall ambiance.
When we visit Delray, a lot of times there are friends scattered around, visiting other towns in the area. Such was the case so in order to make it easier for everyone, to dine together, we decided on Palm Beach; equal distance to all.
A few years ago I went to Michael McCarty’s and thought that would be a fun place to have dinner. Michael R. MCcarty’s is located on 50 Coconut Row in the Royal Poinciana Plaza. The tel. is 561-659-1899. Website is www.michaelrmccartyspalmbeach.com. Reservations are not required, but I think you should, especially in the height of the season. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and brunch on Sundays. The attire is supposed to be business casual but I saw a wide range of attires. I think resort casual would be the word. Blazers are not required, as well. The way to describe the food would be American with other influences.
The owner of the restaurant is Michael R. McCarty’s, someone I do not know. He has been in the restaurant business since his 20’s. Originally, on this location, there was a watering hole called Dempsey’s. Michael R. McCarty’s opened his restaurant and has been doing very well ever since.
I love restaurants with open porches for gathering. This is the first thing you see at Michael McCarty’s. Those awnings amidst the trees and the green heavy wicker chairs make you just want to sit there all night. Cocktails are served on this porch, as well as lunch and dinner. On this particular night it seemed that it was mainly cocktails, people just waiting to go and eat inside.
The entry way and ambiance were definitely British Colonial. You could picture this restaurant in any of the Caribbean Islands; the West Indies. The dining area was large with plants breaking the seating arrangements. Green and tans were the colors. The bar was large, to the side, and seemed to be well attended on that evening.
It would not be Palm Beach if you did not find a splash of pink. Michael McCarty’s has Rory’s. It has pink patent leather banquets, aubergine walls and a bar. Usually, this room is for private parties and looked like a fun place. It is also used when the restaurant is crowded. On Tuesday, the restaurant was comfortably crowded and this room was not needed.
We had a round table in a cozy corner. We all took our readers out since the restaurant is very dimmed lit. I like it that way but if you need reading glasses, you better have them with you.
Blake was our waiter. Friendly and the spitting image of James Taylor. We were surprised that he did not know who James Taylor was or Carly Simon for that matter. Can you imagine that? Oh, well, I guess I am dating myself. Nevertheless, Ross mentioned a few tunes and he seemed to recognize some and told us he would check it out. Blake was very attentive throughout the evening and he was quietly funny, if there is such a description.
We started with cocktails and wines and some of us wanted appetizers. For my appetizer I started with a steamed artichoke. It was a very good size and the dipping sauce had a hint of vinegar. Another friend had the trouffled fries, perfectly cooked with trouffled oil.
For our entrees, I had the special which was grouper. I substituted the mashed potatoes for the sauteed spinach and asparagus. Another friend had my same dish but with the potatoes. Blake told us that the calf liver was thin and cut in-house. Two of our diners were calf liver aficionados so that is what they got. The next friend ordered the chicken Madeira.
The experience was that the portions were good. Not too big or small. But, actually the chicken Madeira was a pretty good size. The grouper was very tasty and flaky and well seasoned. The calf liver got a rating of good but some had had better in other parts of the country; good nevertheless. Cindi thought her chicken Madeira was very tasty; tender.
For dessert Blake suggested Graeter’s Ice Cream. This ice cream comes from Cincinnati and I had never heard about it. Loving ice cream the way I do, then that was the perfect choice. Mocha Chocolate Chip. The ice cream was very creamy but I think I really liked the chocolate chips best. Nice chunks of semi-sweet chocolate. I thought it was good but no different than some of the good ice creams on the market. We all have our favorites. Graeter’s was established in 1870, family operated, a French Pot process to create irresistible creaminess, 2 gallons at a time.
Our relaxed conversation and laughter continued, at the same time enjoying some decaf capuccino.
We parted ways after hugs and promises to see each other again. Dinner with friends; priceless!!
See you soon….
February 23rd, 2010
I found myself at the BWI Airport in Baltimore, Maryland. We all say it is Baltimore, but, really the right address for the airport is Linthicum, Maryland. We arrived with more than enough time, so now, what? Please, I don’t want to eat at the airport. Even though there are airports known to have very good eateries, I really have not found any.
So, it was nice to see that right by the Southwest ticket counters there was a new restaurant. It is actually called DuClaw Brewing Co. It looked lively and definitely a visual attraction. It had a good menu but, unfortunately, since my husband has to eat gluten free, most of the items had gluten. So, why bother? Did not try it but it is worth mentioning.
We went right through Security. I guess not too many people were flying on Sunday. BWI looked clean, bright and organized.
After going through Security we found ourselves on Concourse B so we kept walking and found out a colorful restaurant called Zona Mexicana. Zona Mexicana is very clean and modern. It has a full bar with flat screen t.v.s arround the restaurant and plenty of seating; bar tables or benches. The music was pretty good too.
If you are there early you can have their American Platter breakfast which is scrambled eggs, ranchero potatoes, bacon with fresh fruit and wheat toast but if you want to kick it up a notch you can have it Mexicana style, topping it with fresh salsa and queso fresco. Queso fresco is found in every Mexican restaurant recently. Breakfast is served from 6:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
My husband and I had the Border Burger. It was very good, made to order and a very large portion. You can see it on the picture. I ordered a side salad that came in a taco shell. Originally, my husband wanted to have the tacos. The shell is made out of corn so a person with a gluten allergy can have them. But, the problem was that Zona Mexicana makes their own shells and they are fried in the same oil in which other foods are fried in. This is what usually restaurants do, and it is something you have to have in mind when ordering.
 Border Burger Even though our Concourse was A, which was on the other side, I am glad we went and checked this new restaurant. I am passing it along to you since this is an international airport and you might find yourselves in it one of these days.
Our waiter, Dave was very nice and I asked him about the restaurant since I had never heard of it. Apparently there is a connection with DuClaw Brewing Co.; the owners are looking for another place within the airport to put another eatery, so stay tuned.
Who would have thought that maybe these restaurants could become as popular as restaurants in other airports throughout the U.S. as well as in major cities train stations?
Zona Mexicana has fast and friendly service while you wait anxiously to board. Kid-friendly, as well.
It is open from Sundays to Fridays from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. and on Saturdays from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. Their telephone is 410-850-4846.
A smooth flight and cooler weather in Florida. Nos vemos luego… Talk to you later…
February 21st, 2010
I have been thinking about Second Street Grille for a few days. I have been wondering why is it that I never, at least, in my circle of friends, hear anyone say “Let’s go to Second Street Grille”. Really, I never do. So, I decided to find out for myself. Believe me, Second Street Grille has been in the center of Historic Lewes for many years and I think the last time I might have been there was maybe 2 or 3 years ago.
Second Street Grille is located on 115 Second Street. The tel. is 302-644-4121. The website is www.secondstreetgrille.com. Please check the website because you will be able to see the menu on-line. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. During the rest of the week they have lunch from 11:30 until 3:00 p.m., lite fare from 3:00 until 10:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 until 10:00 p.m. The Sunday Brunch is from 11:00 until 2:00 p.m. The happy hour starts at Noon.
Lewes looked really pretty on Saturday. It was crowded too. I think people have cabin fever and are ready to just walk and enjoy a sunny day.
I came through the side door of Second Street Grille which is the entrance to the bar area. As I came in, there was a step-down and I did not see it, but I also did not see a sign warning patrons about it. Probably the locals already know that is there, though.
This corner of the restaurant where the bar is located also has about 7 tables, all of them with crisp white tablecloths. It is decorated with French posters and the walls are red and yellow so I imagine the look is more like a bistro. The music was good oldies.
It was lunch time and there were plenty of specials available. It seemed the waitress knew a lot of the people coming in so I figure that they must have been regulars; a mature crowd.
Second Street Grille is known for their crabcakes but I really was not in the mood for them so I decided to have the Second Street Grille Salad with fried oysters on top with their balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The salad was loaded with fresh veggies. I never think to put radishes in my salad, but these ones were very good; crunchy and sweet. The rest of the veggies were yellow squash, broccolini, cucumber and watercress. It had a very nice presentation.
In regards to the fried oysters, I will have to tell you that I was somewhat disappointed. I like the breading of fried oysters lite because when you bite into a fried oyster you want it to be moist and salty; you want to taste the oyster and not the breading. What I tasted the most was a thick breading that covered the oyster. There is no other way to say it.
I like a balsamic vinaigrette dressing with a bit more substance than the one I was served at Second Street Grille. There was something missing. More of an aged balsamic; a bolder taste. It was o.k. but not my favorite.
After paying my check I decided to walk to the main dining room. The way I feel about the restaurant is that, granted, they do not have the best view in town but also I found that there was a lack of atmosphere and not just today, but I remembered thinking about that years ago as well. I don’t know if it is the way the tables are placed on that long hall or that maybe the bar area needs to be more casual and lively.
Second Street Grille definitely has a following and I understand that Sunday Brunch is a favorite.
I had a decent lunch, but there is room for improvement. I will go back and check it again in the summer.
Until then….talk to you later…
February 13th, 2010
I had to go and check this store out after I was the recipient of several presents at Christmas time.
Bella Luna is located on 127 Rehoboth Ave., right on the Avenue. The tel. is 302-227-0267. The website is www.bellalunatic.com and the e-mail address is bellalunatic@gmail.com. The owner of the store is Janice Elder and Bella Luna is about 6 years old.
Well, this store is predominantly for women; young and old. But, if a gentleman comes to buy a present, he will not be intimidated. Plus, Mugg, who has been working at the shop for about 2 years is very friendly and ready to tell you about the products they represent.
You know, if you live in Rehoboth Beach, you are always driving up and down the Avenue. I had noticed the yellow awning, but to be honest I thought the store was catering to a younger crowd and therefore I just kept on going.
I had met Janice before and told her that I really wanted to come and take pictures and talk about the store. Downtown Rehoboth Beach is such a nice place to go shopping, even if it is window shopping; interacting with the shopkeepers is a real treat. It’s relaxing, and on a sunny day, it is beautiful.
Bella Luna is fully stocked and at first I got a little overwhelmed since there is so much to absorb. But, once you are in the store you will appreciate all the little corners Janice has in her store displaying all those neat items; the birthday corner, funny cards and cocktail napkins are an example.
Not only Bella Luna has touches for your summer house, but it has beautiful candles, lotions, scents, jewelry, scarves and purses.
Mugg took care of me the other day and she graciously explained how Janice always tries to find a perfect balance with her merchandise and at the same time appeal to a diverse taste with her unique findings.
The shop has about 7 artists represented throughout. Hanging from the walls are original pieces of art.
And, the following are some of the designs you will find:
Lalo Treasures – Jewelry. Orna Lalo started this company in 1990. She was inspired by flora and fauna and has been creating her work for over 20 years. A graduate in art and fashion design, she currently divides her time between her home in Israel and the company’s factory in Bulgaria. Her first store opened in Tel Aviv in 2006. Then, in 2007 a new shop opened in Eilat. Boston came after that and 3 booths in Sofia, Bulgaria inside the main shopping mall, as well. Her website is http://au.lalo-treasures.com.
Hotcakes Design – Jewelry. This company is owned by Caramia Visick and it began in 2000. Inspired by vintage Bakelite, the designs are modern. Their carved resin jewelry is hand cast from molds of Caramia’s design. All jewelry is made to order in their studio in San Francisco. Her website is http://hotcakesdesign.com.
Purses with a Past – These are colorful purses made from vintage materials. The designer is Michelle Cooley from Annapolis, Maryland. These purses can be given to a couple, a graduate or they can become a collector’s item. Even the cards, describing the purses and materials are vintage cards found by the designer.
Maruca Design – Handbags. This company is from Boulder, Colorado. Very unusual and progressive textiles are used; jacquard woven fabrics. Each bag is cut and sewn by hand just like when the company started in 1991.
About 13 years ago, I was in Steamboat Springs, CO and I bought one of these bags. I still have it and thought the bohemian look and celestial designs were so much fun. The website is http://www.marucadesign.com.
 My "Vintage" Maruca Bag Pacifica – Perfumes, soaps, candles and body butters. This company is owned by Brook Harvey-Taylor. Website is www.pacificaperfume.com. Her manifesto is “Love what you do and do what you love. Great waves make for great days. Don’t follow trends, follow your heart. Invest in a new world and keep ties to the old one.”
If you are a fan of any of the above mentioned lines, then, now you know that Bella Luna carries them and remember No Sales Tax In Delaware!!
Talk to you later and Happy Valentines Day!!!
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