August 30th, 2011
There was no way I was having any more of my leftovers last night. I don’t know what I was thinking when I decided to cook everything in the refrigerator in the event the electricity went out. I guess I thought it would be out for weeks. My husband said he would not have any more ground beef. That was it.
So, my mood changed to something lighter; ate way too much during Irene. I thought Saketumi would be the perfect place for a Monday night. Due to Irene not a lot of people were at the beach, but that will change soon this week-end. Saketumi is located at 18814 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 and it has plenty of parking available. Tel. 302-645-2818. Website? www.saketumirestaurant.com.
I have written about this restaurant before. It is a modern building with plenty of seating choices; even a terrace on top of the building, as well.
My choice? The sushi bar. That is where I usually find Tanaka Sam, who is the Sous Chef. I love seating at the sushi bar because I can interact with all of them. Tanaka always gives the sushi bar patrons a little taste of what is soon to be a very pleasant dining experience.
If you decided you are not a sushi aficionado and not really into it, then, don’t worry because this very modern Asian restaurant offers a variety of foods; Japanese, Thai and Chinese among others. They have tempuras, curries, noodles, rice and woks.
One of the dishes I have had in the past is a whole fish with that chili sweet sauce and very crispy. It’s a good one!! Don’t let it intimidate you.
Our waiter was Dimitar. He has served us before and is always attentive, prompt and knows his menu well.
Tanaka and I got the conversation going. We talked about the weather; his family lives in N.Y. At times I had to ask him again to repeat what he had just said; then, I laughed because he probably could not understand my accent either.
His sushi and sashimi presentations are outstanding. Totally gorgeous and a work of art.
Last night I had their Firecracker Roll. A little spicy with a nice kick to it. I also had the scallops, sashimi style and the Unagi, which is eel.
And, let’s not forget real wasabi. There is a big difference to the wasabi you get at different sushi restaurants. Unless you ask for real wasabi, if they have it, all you are getting is horseradish, mustard and food coloring. Very little or no wasabi is found in that paste. Wasabi is a root which must be finely grated before serving. It is perishable and it does cost a bit more.
My husband had different choices of sashimi and sushi on his plate. Guess what? They do have gluten free/wheat free soy sauce.
Saketumi is available for events, on Sundays they do have a brunch and most every day of the week they have specials and happy hour.
Even though I have written about Saketumi before, I decided to do it again. They have been consistent from day one. The staff is friendly, the restaurant is nice and the food is really good!! My family does visit Saketumi often. I guess we are regulars, right?
Note: I don’t want to forget to thank Kim, the Manager. Always very friendly and welcoming.
Another beautiful day in the Delmarva Peninsula? You bet!! Talk to you later…
August 19th, 2011
Are you thinking….there she comes again!! Oh, well. You know what happens? When it hits you or your family, then you spring into action, just like anything else.
I got an e-mail from Sharon who every year visits the Delaware Beaches. The difference this year is that she has been diagnosed with celiac disease. No gluten (wheat flour or its derivatives); so….how about Grotto Pizza, a favorite of hers? She read my post on Grotto’s new addition to their menu. You got it, Gluten Free Pizza!!
I don’t know Sharon but I know that brought a smile to her face. She wanted to know more. I sent her a not so short e-mail with additional information on our restaurants that are sensitive to the customers with food allergies and intolerances.
I know how hard it is to go to a restaurant and at the mention of the word “gluten free”, the glaze clouds the eyes of a waiter. It just happened to me this week. It is not her or his fault. On this day and age, as celiac disease is at the forefront of food allergies, restaurants need to inform their staff about this and other food allergies and intolerances because there is a difference, and it is important.
“A true food allergy causes an immune system reaction that affects numerous organs in the body.” It can be severe or life-threatening. An intolerance or sensitivity is less serious. It is limited to digestive problems.
It is evident that eating out is getting easier when you have a food allergy. I have seen the improvement.
The response of some restaurants varies. Not on purpose. There is a lot of ignorance and there is also the chef that has a concept of his dish in a specific way. To change it would completely ruin his masterpiece.
Two restaurants that are rising above the rest, here at the Delaware Beaches, are Big Fish Grill and Bethany Blues. These two restaurants, by far, are the best I have encountered, anywhere, regarding their handling of customers with food allergies. Kudos to them!!
Big Fish Grill
I am a habitual customer of this popular restaurant in Rehoboth Beach. There is always a line but I have a tip for you. If you go through the entrance of the Tiki Bar, you can grab a high top or sit at the bar without the assistant of a hostess. The service is just as good there. I, actually, prefer it.
I questioned if the crabcakes had any fillers. She said “just a little bit for binding”. Oh, it is just that my husband has a gluten allergy. I left it like that. I turned around and the Manager was there wondering who had the gluten allergy. Only the Manager at Big Fish will come and talk to you about an allergy.
After the food is prepared, she will inspect the dish; then the food will be brought to the table by him or her.
Big Fish is located at 20298 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-FISH. Website? www.bigfishgrill.com.
When visiting the website you can click on Menu. On the right hand side you will see all the menus available for each allergy. Dairy Free, Egg Free, Garlic Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free, Shellfish Free.
On that evening, just sitting at the bar, my husband enjoyed, worryfree, a Thai Wrap and some gorgeous shrimp.
I usually order their House Salad, which has wild greens with tomato, gorgonzola, walnuts and maple walnut vinaigrette. Then, I have them top it with their caramelized Atlantic Salmon. It is delicious. I can’t get enough of it.
Bethany Blues
This restaurant and music venue takes its customers with food related allergies very seriously, as well.
Bethany Blues is located at 18385 Coastal Highway, Lewes, and in Bethany Beach you can find them at 6 North Pennsylvania Avenue. In their website, www.bethanyblues.com you can click under Menu, then click under Allergy Concerns. You will get plenty of info. there.
Again, at Bethany Blues, the Manager will come and talk to you about your food related allergy.
Bethany Blues, I am coming back; just waiting for the Second Season at the Beaches, which is fast approaching.
Even though there plenty of other restaurants that can accommodate you at the Delaware Beaches, these 2 really do stand out.
Let me know what you think…talk to you later…
August 11th, 2011
Italy’s version of ice cream is gelato. It has less than 55% air, resulting in a denser product. Its history dates to the 16th century. Gelato heightenes the rich mouthful without tipping the scales. Comforting, isn’t it?
I have found that on hot summer days, the gelato is more refreshing than ice cream. I never used to think that way, but I do remember needing some iced water after ice cream. Not so with gelato.
Today I am writing about Gelato Gal. I wrote a post about it exactly a year ago. At that time I remember that I had gone to check out this new place a friend from Ocean City, Maryland, was talking about. She said, it was around the corner from my house. It really was there; dangerous for someone that loves ice cream.
I remember going in and meeting Amanda Randall. She is the owner. She had a new business to attend to and was so gracious in setting time aside to talk to me. At that time she probably was not sure how well received her gelato was going to be. She new she had a good product, though.
Fast forward a year. Gelato is still located at 20200 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-1001. Website? http://www.gelatogal.com.
And, boy, has she been discovered!! Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool. Gelato Gal was the Grand Prize and First Place Winner of the 2011 Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival.
I asked her the other day, what made her gelato so special? She thought about it and her answer was: it is fresh. Using local produce she is making some interesting gelatos, icluding a corn gelato, and a melon one, as well. In talking about her gelato she says that it is not a recipe she uses, it is a formula; her own.
She is inventive and makes gelato every day; not a lot, enough to keep it fresh. The gelato taste just as it should; the lemon taste like lemon, the cinnamon like cinnamon, etc. etc.
The inside of Gelato Gal has also gone through some renovation; colors are new this season. Chairs and tables are available for customers in case you also want to sit down, sip a nice cup of coffee or just take a break.
Besides gelato, coffee is available, as well as Smith Island Cakes, and special old fashioned cookies from Vermont.
The majority of people, I think, order gelato in a cup. At Gelato Gal they are also making their own cones. Available for purchase are gift certificates too.
I noticed frozen desserts were also available. Amanda told me the company is Bindi and the individual ready made desserts are excellent. The Coppola Limoncello was beautiful. It had lemon gelato swirled together with limoncello, presented in a champagne glass. So were the ripienos, which was sorbetto served in natural fruit shells…If you want to more about them visit www.bindi.usa.com/home.asp.
Hanna and her mural….Hanna came to work this summer for Gelato Gal. She is a student from Belarus. She has volunteered to enhance the surroundings by painting a 20 foot mural of the Rehoboth dining experience. This is her contribution and we really thank her so much; hopefully she will come back. Customers enjoy watching her paint as they eat some delicious gelato outside. She will be finishing soon; stop by and say hello.
How could I finish this post without my own private tasting?
Chocolate Zen – You know why it was a winner. Dense and smooth
Coconut – I bought it for my husband; he loved it and you know how “particular” he can be.
Melon Chai – Melons from Tomato Sunshine. This was a sorbetto; light and perfect on a hot summer day.
Cinnamon – Was truly delicious. I recommend it.
Note: Gelato Gal does not accept credit cards; cash only
Also worthy of mentioning is that the majority of the gelato is gluten free.
That’s all for today….I hope you have a great week ahead….lots going on in the area. Talk to you later..
July 12th, 2011
Probably about a month ago I received an e-mail about this new innovative restaurant that was about to open in Delray Beach. When? and Where? I wanted to know. And, the reason was that DIG (Doing It Green) would be the first full-service, sit-down restaurant in the area serving dishes made with the freshest ingredients available. But, get this. No steroids, pesticides, hormones, chemicals, sulfites, nitrates and nitrites. All organic.
Pretty much everyone I talk to…food being the main topic…is looking for healthy good food. The main concern? Will we have to sacrifice flavor and taste in order to eat healthy. I should hope not.
I arrived in Delray and a couple of days later I gathered a few friends and off we went to try DIG. One was skeptical about driving away from Atlantic Ave. God forbid we would drive a few miles west. Good food, will travel, is my motto. It is not that far; just a few miles near Military.
DIG is located at 5199 West Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33484. Tel. is 561-638-0500. E-mail is eat@digdelray.com. The website is presently under construction but will be www.digdelray.com.
The restaurant sits by itself on a shopping center.
An organic garden has been started and it is growing. Eventually, they will be getting some of their produce from this garden in conjuction with local organic farms. Some tables have a view to this garden.
As you come into the restaurant, it is well lit with plenty of tables available. Everything is recycled; tables, chairs, and lighting fixtures; a polished concrete floor.
Paintings on the wall are by local artists.
There is also a large bar. Besides being a full fledge bar serving organic liquor and wines, by the glass and bottle, it also has an organic juice and smoothie bar. By the way, my dinning friends enjoyed their organic wine selection very much.
We arrived at the restaurant at around 8:00 p.m. and chose a table next to a large window. Casey was going to be our waitress. She explained DIG’s concept. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and her suggestions were well taken.
Casey served us our water and proceeded to tell us that the water was at a 9.5 ph level to ensure the healthiest and purest water available.
Bread to the table was served in a tin bucket. Some of the bread was slightly sweet; the other was crusty.
This is what we all ordered:
I ordered Cabbage Dumplings with carrots, sno peas, and a ginger-soy dressing. The perfect starter; an Asian flavor, of course. Delicious.
Another person ordered the Portabella Quesadilla with goat cheese, sherried onions, Pico de Gallo, guacamole, cilantro and sour cream. Great mild flavor.
The salad bar was large with all ingredients hand picked for the evening. Both of the soups were called magical; they were vegan. One was a pea soup and the other a bean soup. I got both of them and they were very good.
Eventually, hummus will be prepared table side.
One person ordered the Eden Farms Center Cut Pork Rib Chop – 100% certified Berkshire Pork, mashed garnet yams, vegetable medley, Bragg’s apple cider glaze. This was a large entree. Come to think of it, all entrees were very generous. The pork chop was very tender and moist.
Another one ordered the Lump Crab Cakes with mashed Yukon gold potatoes, asparagus, grain mustard and wild flower honey sauce. No fillers and nice lumps of crab meat.
Rosalyn ordered the Organic Eggplant Rollatinis. This was an appetizer which she chose to eat as her dinner entree. It was a a good size, as well. The rollatinis had herbed goat cheese and fresh made pomodoro sauce.
I loved my dinner. It was Pan Seared Diver Scallops with truffled cauliflower, spaghetti squash and DIG “Dirt” sauce. They were perfectly cooked. I usually order scallops when I see them on a menu and these were tops. The “Dirt” sauce was made by grinding different types of mushrooms and then making that nice brown color sauce.
Dessert. Always what choice to make so that we can all enjoy it. I decided to choose the Sugar Free, Gluten Free Cheese Cake. Best I have ever had and I think the other ones agreed that it was excellent, as well. Niko is the pastry chef and has outdone himself at DIG.
Cookies were also brought to the table courtesy of DIG. Fantastic.
The four of us agreed that the food was excellent. A few thought that the lighting in the restaurant could be improved in order to make it more cozy. And, a few others thought that the room could be broken up with plants as a buffer to make it more intimate.
If you are in the area, take advantage of this unique restaurant. I can guarantee you that you will fall in love with the food; no flavor has been sacrificed. I cannot wait to go back.
DIG is open for lunch at 11 a.m. and dinner every day of the week with happy hour from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Drink specials and bar bites at reduced prices.
Talk to you later….have a good one!!
July 11th, 2011
During the day the town of Delray Beach is somewhat quiet in this Second Season. At night, well, it is a different story. I think the snowbirds leave thinking that this town will just roll its streets and call it a night; shall I say? Very mistaken. They should have been here this week-end.
 Pineapple Grove (2nd St.) in Delray was sleeping in on Sunday a.m. Delray is as lively as ever during the summer months as during the winter season. Visitors are vacationing, shopping and enjoying that “al fresco” dining that I love the most.
So, I decided to walk and try some of them with Miguel and Rosalyn; brother and cousin. This is what we found.
Crepes by the Sea is located at 6 NE 5th Avenue right by the intersection of Federal and Atlantic Ave. Website? www.crepesbythesea.com.
Mine was a tomato, spinach and cheese crepe. To tell you the truth, it was good; but just that.
Miguel had the ham, egg and cheese. His was, definitely, better.
The Office is located at 201 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-276-3600. Website? www.theofficedelray.com. This restaurant is yet to disappoint me; no different in the Second Season. A very enjoyable lunch.
Miguel had the lobster chowder. It was nice and creamy with lots of chunks of that sweet lobster.
My two fellow diners had the Dark English Ale Battered Fish with salt and vinegar “chips”, pan fried onion dip, and cole slaw. They both loved it with Rosalyn commenting that it had been the best she had ever tasted.
I had the Vinegar Maker’s Salad. This salad had romaine, tomato, avocado, cucumber, carrot, onion, olives, chickpeas, roasted cauliflower and I topped it with steak. The salad was perfect on such a hot, summer day.
The Office is a sister restaurant to the other well-known Delray Beach eatery, Vic & Angelo’s, located at 290 East Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-278-9970. Website? www.vicandangelos.com.
We stopped at the fairly new Seagate Hotel to check out The Atlantic Grille located at The Seagate Hotel & Spa, 1000 East Atlantic Ave. Website? www.theatlanticgrille.com.
The restaurant is beautifully decorated. Check the website for the weekly entertainment.
Our eyes shot to the breads sitting by themselves in the open kitchen.
Tramonti is one of the most popular restaurants on Atlantic Ave. Early on Sunday evening you would have found us there. It was not too crowded, which was perfect. Georgio, our waiter, was fun and very attentive.
We had a Carpaccio di Manzo. Thinly sliced raw beef, mixed salad, shaved parmigiano and balsamic vinegarette.
A simple arugula salad of roasted artichokes and shaved parmigiano is all I wanted.
My choice for an entree was a suggestion by Georgio. It is a signature dish for Tramonti. Spaghetti in Cartoccio Areo Special. It was baked spaghetti with shrimp, parma prosciutto in a cognac cream sauce. I came escounded in foil. Very nice.
For a sweet ending, a Sicilian Cannoli is what we chose. Rosalyn thought it was just good; I thought it was delicious, especially since I had not had one in a long time.
This is just a tiny tasting of the many restaurants found on Atlantic Avenue. There is one for every palate, so get out and try them out.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
July 7th, 2011
South Ocean Blvd. is the road I took to Palm Beach this evening from Delray Beach. Also known as A1A. Driving north on this road is a total treat, especially at this time of the year, when you have it all to yourself to enjoy. At some point during the drive trees appear like a canopy over the road; that ocean view was amazing; the water was calm and blue. A passing car here or there, a byciclist or two.
It can get mighty crowded in Palm Beach County during the height of the season. But, tonight is was priceless. The landscaping was to die for; it always is so perfect.
I was meeting a friend for dinner. Our choice of restaurant for this evening was the Palm Beach Grill. It is located at 340 Royal Poinciana Way, #336, Palm Beach, FL 33480. Tel. 561-835-1077. Website? www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/palmbeachgrill.
Palm Beach Grill is part of the family of restaurants called Hillstone, based in Los Angeles and in business since 1976. Hillstone has 12 restaurants throughout the country, all unique and different from each other. Their website is www.hillstone.com.
We met at the bar, which by the way, was comfortably crowded. Patrons were also eating at the bar. You can find a little bit for everyone on the menu. You can access the menu on the above mentioned website. Palm Beach Grill is also sensitive to people with food allergies, so please notify your waiter or waitress.
I liked the decor. It was simple with a slight edge to it; at the same time a sophistication in an understated way. Soon our table was ready. It was an open booth; very comfortable.
Then, we met Amy. She was going to take care of us. Always great to see a smile on someone’s face; friendly chat and knowledge of the menu. Having worked in the restaurant for years, she knew it well. We took all her suggestions.
A special appetizer this evening was the steak tartare. We saw someone at the bar with it. We decided to order it and Amy thought it was a good choice.
It came with toast points which were beautifully arranged. We told Amy that we loved it and the Chef should consider putting it on the menu as a permanent feature. It was that good. Steak tartare was first served in French restaurants in the early part of the 20th century.
My friend ordered for his main entree the Pan Fried Yellow Tail Snapper with the Chef’s dressing, thick sliced tomato and cole slaw. He was thoroughly impressed on how good it was. I took a bite of the cole slaw. Fantastic. We asked Amy and she said the cole slaw is made to order; green onions, sour cream; so fresh with just the right amount of dressing.
My choice was the branzino. This is the European seabass. It is a silver-skinned fish. Sometimes also called Mediterranean seabass, bronzini or branzini. Branzino is the name given in Northern Italy. It came with sauteed spinach. Very well seasoned and very much enjoyed, as well.
We also ordered hand cut French fries. Could not help it. Very thin, served with two sauces. Nice and crispy, just like I like them.
I know we had enough food already, but Amy suggested we try the Hot Fudge Sunday with Sloan’s Ice Cream. She though it was the smallest of the desserts. Are you kidding? It was a good size sundae, which I ended eating, practically all by myself. I felt guilty, but I consoled myself with the fact that I have not had a sundae in such a long time.
Palm Beach Grill has an open kitchen. A pretty big one too. It was so busy, but graciously they told me I could take pictures.
Then, the grilled artichokes captured my attention. They were gorgeous. Amy had told us that they were delicious. It was between the tartare or the artichokes. Next time; they are a fixture on the menu.
Palm Beach Grill is open 7 days a week. Reservations are strongly recommended. We came in with no reservations but we would not have been so lucky at the height of the season.
I really enjoyed it so much. The unexpected dinner with a good friend; it is always what I look forward to.
Talk to you later….I found quenepas at Publix…I will tell you later…
June 28th, 2011
Not such luck. My friends thought that Sunday was a day of rest. No pictures. Just let me start my appetizer and dinner without the warning: Don’t Touch Anything Yet.
That’s why they are such good friends, including my husband. Our choice for Sunday was Eden. Located right on trendy Baltimore Ave. Address: 23 Baltimore Ave., Tel. 302-227-3330. Website? www.edenrestaurant.com.
By the way we were celebrating a birthday, as well.
This is my second time at Eden on this 2011 Season. The beaches are getting crowded and parking can be testing, at times. All that is worth it. Eden is top notch.
In case you like to sit outdoors, there are also a few tables available in front of the restaurant.
As you enter Eden, the bar is on the left. Then, individual tables are available, as well as booths. The restaurant is very well appointed and if the atmosphere they were trying to achieve was romantic, classic with an elegant understatement, then they definitely attained it.
Evan introduced himself and I decided to go with his suggestions. I will have to tell you that we complimented him on how well he took care of us. This is his first season at Eden. If you make a reservation ask for him. He was really great.
Appetizers: We decided on the Main Lobster/Local Crab Tower. It had a mango salsa and avocado puree. It was a signature appetizer and the presentation and combination of the lobster, avocado and mango was very good.
My husband ordered the Citrus Cured Ahi Tuna. It had pickled fennel and carrots and a caper pesto. He said it was delicious.
I love a grilled Caesar and Eden has a very good one with sun dried tomato/olive tapenade, pecorino romano, classic dressing. I cut it all up and mixed it. Really really good. Great flavor.
My husband requested for his dinner the Herb Roasted Filet Mignon. It had a celeriac/potato, gruyere gratin, asparagus, sun choke puree, vidalia onion compote, blueberry/red wine/chocolate reduction. Tender, and rare like he likes it. Could not stop raving about the gratin made out of celeriac, potato and gruyere.
The rest of us ordered the same thing. Evan told us that if we ordered the tuna we would be in for the best tasting tuna we would ever eat. Boy, was he right!! It was a wasabi/sesame crusted #1 Ahi Tuna. It came with sticky rice, seaweed salad, wasabi and soy sauce. Black and sesame seeds encrusted the tuna. You had to eat it rare, of course. It melted in your mouth. That’s all I need to say.
Two sweet endings!! It was a birthday celebration.
Nothing like a Classic Creme Brulee with housemade biscotti. Traditional, that’s how I like it; forget those other fancy flavors. Lightly caramelized, as well. The biscotti? Perfectly baked; a welcomed softness.
The featured dessert was the Panna Cotta. Pretty much a custard, as well. It’s origin? Northern Italian. Also eaten all over the country. It is made by simmering together cream, milk and sugar, then mixing gelatin in and letting it cool until set. Ours was topped with fresh fruit and cream.
Eden opens at 6 for dinner and reservations are recommended.
I love Sunday evenings….never did when I was younger…I like them even better when I share the meal with friends; light conversation and lots of laughs. Pretty nice, isn’t it? How lucky!
June 18th, 2011
I was ready for GreenMan. New season and new expectations. Breakfast with Jody. She is a foodie and ready to try anything. She held back a bit when I asked for a shot of wheat grass. Come on, I said, you have to tried it. I was telling her this, knowing that I had never had it myself. I expected a very earthy taste. It was somewhat earthy but what gave it a sweetness was a small piece of apple which was put through the juicer. About 3 bunches of the wheat grass make just a couple of ounces. Jody tried it and thought the same thing; not bad at all. I sipped my wheat grass through my breakfast and felt totally “green”.
 Green shot of wheat grass with a sliver of apple I have written about GreenMan in the past. If you want to, check my post, written on 12/17/10. Just go on the left hand side of this blog and click on the month of December and then scroll down to the 17th.
GreenMan is located at 12 Wilmington Avenue. Tel. 302-227-4901. On Facebook, just like everyone else is. The restaurant opens Wednesdays through Mondays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
It has an extensive menu and I have had delicious breakfasts while sitting in this quaint house. At times I have sat outside, on their porch, depending on the weather. GreenMan is simple, and small. It is popular and can get crowded easily.
Fresh fruit juices, smoothies, quiches, organic coffees, paninis, salads and bison burgers, among some of their offerings. The grits with sausage and cheese is a favorite. So is the creme brulee French toast, which I will have some day. Right now, only in my dreams.
Jody and I sat around and started to catch on our lives. We both can talk. When it was time to order Jody chose the tomato and basil quiche. GreenMan’s quiches are well known. You can also order full quiches, which is great to know in case you have unexpected guests. Just give them a call.
In keeping with my “green” attitude of the day I ordered a tofu wrap. It was very good. Chopped potatoes, tofu, spinach and just enough seasoning for breakfast.
If you are in Rehoboth Beach or surrounding areas and want to have a good breakfast or lunch, you should give GreenMan a try. Let me know how you like it.
Hope you have a nice week-end…..see you….
 
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