September 20th, 2011
I visited this restaurant in July. The menu probably has changed since then. At this time of the year they will be offering a dinner package that goes with Terror Behind The Walls. You see, this restaurant is located right across Eastern State Penitentiary; the subject of my previous post.
You will find Jack’s Firehouse Restaurant at 21230 Fairmount Avenue, Philadlphia, Tel. 215-232-9000. Website? http://www.jacksfirehouse.com.
It is open for lunch, dinner, and they also serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
I found the restaurant by chance with Michael. Checking out Eastern State Penitentiary and then looking for something to eat. I later found out that there were mixed reviews. On that particular day, we had a perfectly nice lunch on a hot day, sidewalk seating, overlooking the prison.
Jack’s is located in a 19th century firehouse. Bar, entertainment, patio dining, al fresco.
We were brought bread, muffins and a raisin nutty bread.
Michael ordered a portobello sandwich with Swiss cheese. It came with French fries. It was a good size sandwich and the portobello was juicy and well seasoned.
I had the soup of the day. It was a cold tomato soup with basil and a hint of lemon. Thicker than a gazpacho. It was perfect for the weather.
A salad and I was perfectly content.
Note: If you would like to take advantage of the dinner package offered during the Terror Behind The Walls, please make sure to call the restaurant. It is a set price including the ticket for the tour. You will have to pay in advance. In their website you will be able to see the full menu for that particular package.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…
September 17th, 2011
I am welcoming this change in the weather like you would not believe. It is so gorgeous and crisp; makes you want to get up and do something.
If you are spending time this week-end at the beaches, you will hear the roar of motorcycles up and down Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). They are mainly heading towards Ocean City, MD, where the Delmarva Bike Week is presently taking place.
The other day I went to have lunch at Liquid Assets. This restaurant, bar and beautiful bodega is located at 94th St. & Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-524-7037, website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com. I think this is the perfect opportunity to write the post on L.A. since just as it opens for lunch, it is also open for dinner.
I took my sister in law, Susie, on this outing. I wanted her to see how different it was. Don’t have one in our Delaware Beaches.
It has a bistro atmosphere with different choices for dining. You may choose to stay in the package goods section where you can see the comings and goings of patrons, and at the same time have a quiet dining experience.
You can also sit at the bar, or decide to dine in their separate dining room, which might be more intimate. The feel of it is, definitely, more like a wine cellar.
Susie and I decided on a corner table in the middle of the package goods store.
Diane was our waitress and she turned out to be very knowledgeable about the menu and very friendly, as well.
Usually, I do have their Pan Roasted Mussels. I truly love them and even though I have had very good ones in other restaurants; these, at L.A. are totally #1.
But, I decided to have something else. I went with their L.A. Burger. It was made with Creekstone Farms beef, with a traditional cucumber and red pepper relish, bibb lettuce, Denhay English Cheddar, and thick cut fries on a Kaiser roll. Temperature? Medium rare.
As you can see from the pictures, it was a very generous portion. How I ate it? I don’t know. To tell you the truth I don’t know why I even dare to question this since I have always been able to finish all my food.
It was juicy, well seasoned and I really did like the addition of the bibb lettuce.
Susie had their Deluxe Grilled Cheese. This sandwich is always on their menu and it is very popular. Applewood smoked bacon, sliced apples, cheddar, spinach, pane dolce and thick cut fries.
Great combination of flavors for this time of the year. We had to open it so that you could see what it looked like inside.
Liquid Assets has an extensive wine collection, as well as plenty of spirits. As I walked around a few caught my attention.
Then, one in particular. It was a Vodka called Tito’s Handmade Vodka. In large letters it also said Gluten Free.
This vodka is handmade in Austin, Texas by Mockinbird Distillery. It has been in the press lately, as well. It has the designation of being the First Spirit to be Made in USA Certified. If you visit their webiste, www.titosvodka.com, you will find very interesting info., including the press releases from Buy American Challenge, WSJ, Martha Stewart, NY Times and CNN Money.
Liquid Assets also has catering, and the availability to hold private parties in the restaurant.
By visiting their website, above mentioned, you will find their menus, including their cheeses, their martinis and their beer list. Throughout the year they hold events and interesting specials, as well. You can even share your lazy dog photos with L.A.
Lazy? Don’t want to cook? They have carry-out.
You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
September 15th, 2011
Finally, I was able to make it to Blue Moon. I love being able to visit those favorite restaurants that make our Delaware Beaches a dining destination. In the summer? Well, I have told you before, Rehoboth gets crowded; I wait for the Second Season to really enjoy our most sought after eateries.
It was last Sunday evening when we chose Blue Moon for a special dinner with my sister in law, Susie. She had come for her usual 24 hour visit to the beach. That’s all she ever stays; a swim, a restaurant, maybe pick up some popcorn and off she goes back to Baltimore.
Blue Moon is located at 32 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-6515. Website? www.bluemoonrehoboth.com. Only 2 blocks from the beach on this trendy street, which is full of restaurants and shops.
You cannot miss Blue Moon, blue and yellow colors, patio full of customers having a drink, either waiting for the entertainment to begin or for their reservation.
Besides being a restaurant, patrons also enjoy Blue Moon for its entertainment. You can visit the website above mentioned for a complete schedule. Last Sunday, Pamala Stanley was entertaining. She is a well rounded performer and very popular at the beach.
The building is a Victorian beach house from the turn of the century. It opens 7 days a week at 5:30 p.m. On Sundays brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
If you are here during the week you might be able to get in without a reservation, but, you really should make one, anyway. The restaurant, itself, is not very big. Tables are in close proximity to each other.
I had high expectations. Blue Moon’s cuisine is innovative and diverse. The restaurant is very well aware of gluten allergies. Even though it is a busy restaurant, they do take the time to accommodate customers with food allergy issues.
First on our table was the bread. And, immediately a treat was placed on the table. Dates stuffed with a bit of cheese and wrapped with an apple wood cured bacon. I completely forgot to take a picture. They were so good. Nothing like the combination of that salt and sweetness at the same time.
Drinks and appetizer were then ordered.
Susie ordered a salad of Artisanal Lettuces with strawberries, toasted almonds, goat cheese, lemon, and a bee pollen vinaigrette. Beautiful colors, fresh and light.
My husband, who is usually the “particular” one ordered something he had been dying to have for some time; the Seared Cage Free Foie Gras with sweet pear, brioche, hazelnut butter and a vanilla gastrique.
Foie Gras is duck or goose liver that has been fattened; this one was free range (natural feeding).
The presentation was gorgeous and he thought it was rich, buttery and delicate.
Kathryn was our waitress and I decided to take her suggestions on this evening.
She told me that the Fried Green Tomatoes was a signature appetizer for the Blue Moon. They were amazing; herbed sheep’s cheese, onion, compote, pesto and a balsamic drizzle. A unison of flavors.
Some say that fried green tomatoes are a “southern thing”, but others think that they are linked to Jewish immigrants. Not sure, though.
For our entrees our choices were:
When my sister in law comes to the beach, she will choose seafood. So, for her entree she chose Porcini Dusted Halibut with spatzle, roasted mushrooms, tatsoi, pine nuts, brie fondue, and a blueberry gastrique. Bueberry? It was perfect. She loved it; perfectly cooked.
My husband decided on the Pan Seared Pacific Ling Cod with a potato-lump crab hash, smoked bacon, sweet corn, and a lobster beurre blanc. I had the opportunity to steal a bite and it really melted in your mouth. Very good and nicely seasoned.
Once again, I went with Kathryn’s suggestion of the Seared Duck Breast, with goat cheese gnocchi, almond, arugula, honey gastrique, caramelized cippolini, cherries and yes, figs!! Fell totally in love with it. Deboned, crispy and cooked medium to rare (pink in the middle). Great suggestion.
I really did not want or need any dessert. I asked Kathryn’s what would her suggestion be if all I wanted was something to finish my meal; a little light.
She thought the Tres Leches would be a good one. Upon seeing it I decided that another lap around the block would be the only thing to do the next day. It was delicious. Tres Leches is a popular Latin dessert. The main component being a sponge cake. Blue Moon added its own unique touch.
My expectations were totally met and exceeded. It was a delicious meal, in a beautiful setting with family…priceless!!
Blue Moon always sends you home with a little sweet ending…
Talk to you later…
Note: Our service was good; but we decided that our waitress was very busy on Sunday. I just thought that at times we had to get someone’s attention to get more wine or water…a little off there. Otherwise, it was perfect.
September 9th, 2011
Bethany’s flowers were gorgeous. As I walked around town today, they were still looking so good even though we have had some extreme weather lately. I have to congratulate the person in charge for all her work. I know she is there pretty much every day early in the a.m.
It was quiet in town, the playground was empty and there were just a few people shopping. That will soon end tonight since tomorrow Bethany is hosting its Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival. It is on the Boardwalk and branching out to some of the adjacent streets in town. The show is from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. A juried art show, including live music and a silent auction. It is sponsored by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. It is free. More info? Please call 302-539-2100 or visit www.bethany-fenwick.org.
I was with my friend, Debbie, and since we got hungry we decided to go to DiFebo’s located at 789 Garfield Parkway (Rt. 26) in Bethany. For reservations you may call 302-539-4550 and for carry-out, please call 302-539-4914. Their website is www.difebos.com and you can also find them on Facebook as DiFebos Restaurants. DiFebo’s is open year-round.
It was, practically, one year ago since I stopped to have lunch there. It was way past the lunch hour, but there were still customers having a late lunch.
Our waiter, which by the way was very attentive, experienced and friendly, brought us some hummus and flat bread. This is a traditional hummus, but I could detect a hint of lemon. Very smooth. The flat bread was delicious.
For my lunch I orderd a House Roasted Beet Salad. It had fresh beets, arugula, walnuts and apples. When I see beets on a menu I do order them. I love them and these ones were very good. A perfect starter.
Then, I also ordered the soup of the day. They had just finished making a tomato soup. It was lighter than a bisque; perfect on a cloudy day. A little Parmesan cheese finished the presentation.
Debbie ordered the Arugula & Blue Cheese Salad. It had a balsamic vinaigrette, pears, and walnuts. She decided to top the salad with a salmon.
Debbie and I were happy with our lunch. A little coffee, more chatting and then it was time to go.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…
September 6th, 2011
Definitely, this post is not for Vegans or Vegetarians. You really have to love beef when you decide to have dinner at a steakhouse. It is not that you could not find something else, besides beef, to eat there; vegetables, salads, soups and seafood. It is just that if it is not your thing, then don’t bother.
1776 Steakhouse has been in existence at the Delaware Beaches for many years. But, since 2007 they have been under new ownership. And, it is a good thing. This restaurant was so popular for many years. It was the place to go if you wanted a good solid steak. I had not been since they changed ownership. The truth? Last time I did not have a good meal. That simple
So, the other night when the family decided that it was going to be a steak night, we chose 1776. I was curious and so were they.
1776 is located on Highway One (Rt.1) at the Midway Center. Right in the same shopping center as the movie theater. Tel. 302-645-9355. Website? www.1776steakhouse.net.
The decor of a steakhouse is a little more formal with subdued lighting. Someone said “they are manly”. Who knows? But, they all follow the same decor. 1776 was no different.
Two entrances; one directly to the bar and a more casual atmosphere. The other, being the main entrance, went into the dinning room.
1776 has plenty of parking available. People enjoy eating at the bar before or after catching a movie.
Our waiter was John Purple. He has been working at 1776 for many years and knows the menu well. He was attentive and very friendly.
Warm bread with two types of butter suddenly appeared. One was a whipped butter and the other a honey and basil butter. I love it when the bread is served warm.
Michael decided to have the Baked Brie as an appetizer. The Brie was wrapped in puff pastry and served with sliced apples and grapes and a raspberry champagne reduction. This appetizer was delicious, but, very filling. The combination of fruit, reduction, cheese and pastry was perfect. Good for sharing. Or, even as a meal with a salad.
I decided to order their Mixed Field of Greens. It had apple smoked bacon, dried cherries, walnuts, crumbled gorgonzola with a maple vinaigrette. It was light and fresh, which was good because a steak is a heavier meal.
We had ample time to enjoy a drink and the appetizers before making our entree choices. The entrees at 1776 come with a starch and a vegetable. The steaks are cooked to the preference of the diner.
For his main meal Michael decided to have the Delmonico. He chose it to be blackened. Temperature? Medium rare.
Delmonico steaks are delicately marbled. It is a boneless sirloin. Usually, a Delmonico is about 2 inches thick. The sirloin is a cut from the rear back portion of the animal. The top sirloin is the best.
My husband eyes were set on a filet mignon. He chose a 6 ounce filet, rare. The filet mignon is a steak cut from the tenderloin. It is the most tender cut of beef; also the most expensive.
I decided on the New York Strip, medium rare. The strip steak is known internationally as a club steak. It is cut from the short loin. Particularly tender but not as much as the ribe eye or tenderloin. Can be sold with our without the bone.
All of us decided that the three steaks were delicious; tender, juicy with excellent taste. Happy to have come back to 1776 on that night when we all wanted a solid, good steak.
Too full to enjoy dessert, we decided to get our bill, pay, and take off with our doggie bags.
Note: Even though 1776 Steakhouse is a traditional steakhouse, it does have very good seafood, as well. I have heard that the scallops are very good. Maybe next time. They open for lunch and dinner.
Sharing a meal…best if it is with family…priceless!!
September 1st, 2011
Lately I have had this love affair with burgers. It is part of the summertime grub. A new “burger joint” has just opened in Rehoboth Beach. It is the perfect location because it has plenty of parking. So, Michael and I decided to check it out and taste it ourselves.
Jake’s Wayback Burgers is located at 19324 Lighthouse Plaza. Very visible from Rt. 1, which is the main route in and out of the beaches. Their website is www.waybackburgers.com. In it you can check out their menu. You can even order from your nearest location and once your order is completed you can pick it up.
Jake’s Wayback Burgers first opened in 1991. Here, in Rehoboth Beach, they opened a few days ago. Their hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Every month they will be featuring their “burger of the month”, as well as the “shake of the month”.
So, for having just opened, we were surprised that there was a line at the register. We thought we would be the first ones to discover them.
I decided to order one of their signature burgers which was the Big Jake’s Cheeseburger with all the trimmings. I also added their in house made potato chips.
They asked for our names; our order would be brought to our table.
My burger was big, juicy and perfectly cooked. I like my burgers medium, but you can request them to be cooked whichever way you want to. The chips were light, not greasy and so warm. Very good.
Courtesy of the restaurant, we were brought some of their French fries. They were crispy and tasty.
Michael had a junior burger which was, actually, a very good size as well. But, when I tasted his malted milkshake I died. It really was so good. Just a taste is all I had. I wanted some more; no way. I already knew I would be paying for getting one of their bigger burgers. I had to order it, in order to write this post. You know how it is.
The term “wayback” came to mind as in way back when. The milkshake was served in those old fashioned containers used when I was growing up.. And, it was thick, creamy and cold.
Jake’s Wayback Burgers also has turkey burgers, marinated chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, salads and specialty sandwiches. The majority of the customers were ordering the burgers, though.
It is great to have more choices at the Beaches. We welcome them and wish them much success.
Note: You can find them on Facebook and Twitter as Waybackburgers.
Have a great day!!…Talk to you later….
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…
 
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