November 9th, 2011
The other day I was looking at how pretty the trees were turning in back of my house. The colors were so brilliant. As pretty as they have been, I know, that leaf clean-up is a never ending task and it is around the corner.
Every time, and I mean every time I travel Route 50 from Rehoboth Beach to Baltimore or Washington, it never fails, I stop at Harris Crab House. I don’t really know anyone there. At times maybe a server or two.
Harris Crab House is located at Kent Narrows Way in Grasonville, Maryland. I never say Grasonville. I always refer to that area as Kent Island. Telephone? 410-827-9500. Website is www.harriscrabhouse.com.
This is a short post. Nice, sweet and to the point. Harris Crab House has the advantage of being on the water. The views are gorgeous. In good weather you can eat outdoors. Visit the website for all kinds of specials. You can also order on-line.
I feel good when I am eating these delicious steamed clams. I am not ashame to admit it, but they do have plenty of melted butter.
The oysters, ice cold and salty!!
The view? Well, I just told you….it is priceless!!
Note: All you can eat Oyster Buffet on Friday nights….
Talk to you later…
August 15th, 2011
Even before summer started someone mentioned this restaurant to me. It has taken this long to make it there. And it might…..
I tell you what. Lately I have just been getting less than memorable food. It just has been mediocre. I want food that will energize my taste buds and I want restaurants to make me feel as if I could not wait to go back.
So, I really should get back to my cooking. Maybe that will get me to appreciate going out to eat more.
Port is located at 1205 Highway One, Dewey Beach. The Tel. is 302-227-0669. Website? www.portdewey.com. Lunch is served Fridays through Sundays from 12 until 4 p.m. This location used to be the home of The Dewey Beach Club.
They have done some remodeling. A fish tank separates the dining area from the bar.
It was a little loud and not very relaxing since the wait staff kept rushing back and forth.
I ordered The King’s Salad. I think it was supposed to have had apples, but they were missing. Cranberries and mixed greens. I told our waitress to hold the sugar coated walnuts. Blue cheese crumbles and a house raspberry vinaigrette. Once it was cut and mixed, it was actually, pretty good.
For my entree I ordered Rockfish, blackened. I chose the mashed potatoes and different squashes were also included. It was good; but not exciting. I ate it. Don’t kid yourselves. That did not deter me.
My husband ordered the Pad-Thai. Stir fried rice noodles, shrimp, chicken and vegetables with authentic Thai seasonings; garnished with cilantro, bean sprouts and chopped peanuts.
His review was that it was too sweet. It had chicken and shrimp and maybe it should have been one or the other; not both. Not spicy enough, either. I thought he would start his tantrum, but he contained himself.
So, we quickly got our bill, which was somewhat reasonable, and departed.
Note: Port is supposed to have a Thai influence but there are only a few Thai dishes.
Not very exciting, don’t you think? Talk to you later…..
August 4th, 2011
Plenty of times I have taken the “ferry” over to Cape May. Just for the day. That is how close we are to the New Jersey shore; approximately 17 miles across the Delaware Bay.
To cross over, it takes about 80 minutes each way. You can take you car since the ferry can handle about 100 vehicles. Or, just go as a foot passenger. If you come to visit us in Lewes, and you are a foot passenger, there are shuttles available to take you to different destinations. Or, you can rent a bike.
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal is located at 43 Cape Henlopen Drive. Their website is http://www.capemaylewesferry.com. For faster access to their schedule you can visit http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/schedules-fares.
I really was not going anywhere when I decided to take a drive to the terminal and check their outdoor Bar & Grill; On the Rocks. It was during my daily trip to the grocery store when a person told me about On the Rocks. She told me I should blog about it. That it had the best view and good drinks, as well.
I don’t know a lot of ferry terminals but this one in Lewes is gorgeous. I arrived around 6 p.m. Cars were lined up for the 6:15 ferry. Everything was very well organized and the staff was friendly.
The inside of the building is spacious, with plenty of comfortable tables to either just wait for your ferry or grab something to eat and relax.
There is a gift shop with “all things ferry” among other items for all of us that need a shop at every turn.
And then, when you go outside, you will experience the prettiest view of the Bay. It truly is gorgeous. At that time of the early evening it was particularly beautiful; the ferry arriving.
There are tables with umbrellas. The deck is immaculate. You can walk around or just sit back and relax. There is a playground for kids to play safely; miniature golf, as well.
On the Rocks Bar & Grill is an open bar with stools around it. I just got an ice tea and sat outside taking the view in. I looked through the menu. I did not get anything to eat but I have been told that the hamburgers are very good.
Unique place to bring guests to have lunch or a drink. They won’t forget it, that’s for sure.
This terminal is also a venue for weddings, celebrations, anniversaries, birthday parties, etc. To book an event please visit http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/book-an-event.
The terminal also holds other programs and events. The next event will be on Sunday, 8/7, at 6:15 p.m. It is called DaBreak Lounge on the Ferry “Twin Capes”. For more info. you can call 800-643-3779 or visit http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/programs.
The entertainers for that event will be Valhallas Pirates. Their mission is to present historical and theatrical entertainment to children and adults.
They help young people who are struggling with social, emotional and medical difficulties. They also aid the charities who are dedicated to those causes.
Valhallas Pirates educate the public regarding the golden age of piracy….check their website http://www.valhallaspirates.com to see what they are all about. You can become a pirate too!!
It was just about time for the Ferry to take off. They were announcing for everyone to be inside their cars; foot passengers in the terminal…..and right on time, there it went….
Have a good one!!
June 1st, 2011
It was almost 10 p.m. when we left Catch 54 in Fenwick Island. I could not believe that it was still 73 degrees. It was a very hot day but as the sun slowly started setting the evening was just right. I wanted to see if the food at Catch 54 was as good as its view. So, road trip to Fenwick. Just about 25 minutes away from Rehoboth Beach.
It was also the perfect evening because everyone that was at the beaches this week-end had gone home, therefore, the restaurants were going to be more settled on a night like tonight. I was right. It was quieter and just so nice.
Catch 54 is located at 54 Madison Ave., Fenwick Island, DE 19944. It is right on Rt. 54, where Shark’s Cove Marina is also located. If you head west from Rt. 1, in Fenwick Island, then you will go over the bridge and you will see the restaurant to your right. Make the next right and you are just about there. Website? http://www.catch54.com. Tel. 302-436-8600. You will find Catch 54 on Facebook.
Catch 54 is part of the family of restaurants owned by SoDel Concepts; yes, Matt Haley is the owner.
The restaurant has plenty of parking. They open Mondays through Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. Fridays through Sundays at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and at 4:00 p.m. for dinner. Every day there is happy hour from 3 until 6 p.m. Catch 54 does not take reservations.
This restaurant is one of the few, at the Delaware Beaches, if not the only one with views anywhere you sit. On the first floor you will find a Tiki Bar. You can eat there, as well. The bar completely opens up so that you can really enjoy the outdoors.
Upstairs, which is the main dining area, there is a good size bar. The dining tables are set up so that you can also experience the views throughout. These marshes and inland bays are just spectacular. And, at sunset, they are priceless.
I got a little worried when I noticed that my camera was flashing. That meant I had a low battery. I decided not to take a picture of the steamed clams. They had herbs, a Tabasco Butter Broth and Lemon. They were delicious. My Caesar Salad was very good, as well. I ordered it because it had the white anchovies. I see those on a menu and I die for them. Many years ago I first had them in Spain and totally fell in love with them.
As you know, we always have to check if an entree contains gluten. Caitlyn was our server and immediately she told us which items on the menu were gluten free. It was good to see that the restaurant was catering to those with food allergies and that it had trained their staff so well.
Caitlyn was knowledgeable, friendly, and discreet. She let us chat but was also very attentive.
We ordered the Hot Bacon Crab Dip, with Jack Cheese and homemade Kettle Chips. The chips were so crispy and warm. The combination of the bacon, crab and cheese was perfect. Not too salty either, which was nice. This dish is enough for 4 people.
Then, my husband ordered the Seared Day Boat Scallops with mashed potatoes, creamed corn and tomato chili oil. The picture does not lie. It was that good. I took a bite.
My entree was a Fisherman Stew. Fresh caught fin fish, scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, celery, garlic butter, herbs, tomato broth, Old Bay, Lemon and toast. The first thing I wanted to do was dip the bread in the broth. But, I had the willpower and did not do it. Instead, I ordered a spoon and ate all the seafood with plenty of “gusto”.
I have not visited all the SoDel Concept restaurants, but the ones that I have had the chance to experience have been very generous with the portions.
But wait. I am not finished. It is a bit challenging to find a gluten free dessert on a menu. Yes, you can get fruit but, you know…give me a dessert, please. I noticed that there was a flourless cake. Well, say no more. We ordered it. I had seen recipes for that type of cake but I have never made one. It was a true chocolate taste. If you like chocolate, believe me, this is your dessert. The berry swirl and the whipped cream were the perfect companions.
The Sous-Chef, Ronnie, came to the table to see how we had liked everything. We thanked him for the food and for being on top of the gluten allergy. He said that they try to accommodate everyone. We enjoyed our dinner so much. It was such a peaceful atmosphere with a hint of music on the background.
Talk to you later….the merging of the views and the food to give you such delight…
May 21st, 2011
 The Raw Bar is between the Seafood Market and the Restaurant It was raining last night and I was not sure if I wanted to go out. Plus, the fact that the Beaches were crowded. So many events and activities on this week-end; just a prelude of next week-end’s official start of the Summer Season at the Delaware Beaches.
But, the craving was for oysters and a raw bar. I had gotten an e-mail from Big Fish Grill announcing the opening of their new raw bar. It is an addition to their restaurant. Same location at 20298 Coastal Highway. Telm 302-227-FISH. Website? www.bigfishgrill.com.
You can either go through the front door of Big Fish Grill or you can enter through a side door directly into the Raw Bar (used to be their Tiki Bar). It is between the Big Fish Grill Market and the restaurant.
As you enter, the high top tables and the seating at the raw bar are for grabs. For the regular tables you need to talk to the staff.
This room is noisy and lively. Shucking oysters, peeling shrimp, pass down the clams, and help me open this lobster. While you are at it hand me a beer or give me another glass of wine, please. That’s the atmosphere!!
For the Memorial Week-End the restaurant and raw bar will be opening from Friday until Monday from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. with dinner starting at 4 p.m.
As of June 1st dinner will be starting at 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and at 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Back to my Fruits de Mer. This restaurant is known for their fresh seafood. So, the offerings might be changing from time to time. Last night some of the clams and oysters were Middle Necks, Blue Points Chincoteague and Delaware Bay (NJ).
Since we sat at the bar we could see what was being served. There was a Cold Seafood Plater which had oysters, clams, shrimp and Main lobster.
We ordered some crab claws and shrimp. The size of the shrimp was impressive and I was not sure how they were going to be. You know, at times those big shrimp are not that great. Well, surprised again; sweet, moist and definitely good.
Then we ordered some Blue Points and I must admit I do love oysters even though May does not have an “r” in it. They say you should not eat oysters on the months that do not carry an “r”. But since the world was going to end on Saturday, I took that chance.
I even ordered more shrimp. Had to take plenty of pictures. They were unreal.
Big Fish is one of those restaurants that take food allergies very seriously. There is a menu for every allergy and you can eat there with peace of mind.
Enjoy the weather….it is one of those days at the Delmarva Peninsula; Priceless…
April 23rd, 2011
I really don’t mind driving distances to go to a good and unique restaurant. I do mind waiting in line to get into a restaurant, though. And with that in mind my husband and I went to meet Ross and Cindi at The Grove Market in Bishopville, Maryland.
The Grove Market is at 12402 St. Martins Neck Rd., Bishopville, MD 21813. Tel. 410-352-5055. No website. And, if you are planning on having dinner there, bring cash or check. No credit cards are accepted.
That being said and done, the next step is you have to go through the process of getting a reservation. All you have to do is call. But don’t expect to get a reservation that pronto. Well, maybe, if you are lucky or have a good friend like I do. Even though I think Leslie, the owner, knows me now. When you call, leave your request and I would even leave a second choice for time and day.
The Grove Market is very small, and so popular. Be patient. I have written a couple of times about it and questioned if it has been worth going through the “ordeal” of making the reservation. Every time the answer is, Yes!! It is that good.
This was their opening week-end for the new season. From Rehoboth Beach it takes about 45 minutes. Go Ocean Highway until the Rt. 90 Bridge. Take that exit and continue to the next light. Turn right on St. Martins Neck Rd. and continue driving for about 1 1/2 miles. It is on the left hand side of the road. A tiny little place. Check the picture so that you can remember it.
It was packed, but Leslie moved her patrons quickly. Don’t expect to stay there forever.
The Grove Market looked good; all spruced up for the season but always keeping that look that makes it so unique.
I was so happy to see that John McDonald was at the helm of the tiny kitchen. He is a fantastic chef.
We were seated in the back room which I really like; only 3 tables and backyard view. It is funky. There were lights and signs and, wow, also flowers on the table. Yes, the tables are plastic, and the tablecloths are faded. That is why you go there; so different, but the food is the icing on the cake.
In the back dining room, your waiter will take your order for beer or wine. Bottled water is available, as well.
Then, the waiter will announce the appetizers. There is no written menu, did I tell you that? Everything is from memory. Plenty of appetizers for the size of the restaurant. I could not copy one thing down so bear with me and check the pictures.
I chose the clams in a very well seasoned broth. Thank God they brought a spoon. All gone, it was.
My husband chose the mussels. I was surprised because he never orders them. I am the one that loves them. Just as good as my clams.
Cindi had the soup. This was a beet and tomato soup. The color was just beautiful.
Ross had the beef kabobs. The rind of the orange and the combination of seasonings were tremendous; so tender.
Soon we were ready for the main event. And this is how it went.
I ordered the lamb. I wish I could remember everything he said. The lamb was a very big portion. It had chutney and raisins; a little Indian, maybe? A little sweet and tangy. I could not eat it all. Served with a breadstick, which is the recipe that was used many years ago when they had pizza.
My husband ordered the scallops with risotto and asparagus. I have had them; very good, as well.
Cindi ordered the shrimp. She was a happy camper.
And, Ross orders the same thing every single time. The Duck. Well, he gave me a piece and I can now see why. It was crispy and the sauce was tremendous; a semi sweet soy drizzle with an English cumberland sauce. I will have it next time.
No room for dessert, except Ross ordered the chocolate pie. He asked for extra forks but he only gave me a bite. Smooth texture; if you like chocolate, order it.
I am going to have to take a notebook next time to write the ingredients down. What happened was that between the talking and more bla bla bla, then, hello? It was over. You got the idea, though.
Please note: The Grove Market is sensitive to customers with food related allergies.
Since I started this blog almost 2 years ago I can tell you that the majority of the time I have had good meals; but also some lukewarms, as well. I give the benefit of the doubt and go again. Everyone can have a bad night. It is when those bad nights are consistent; then there is a problem. I guess I have been lucky or easy to please.
Sharing a meal with friends is something else…I love it!!
Talk to you later….you know I will…
April 20th, 2011
I needed to write this post last night while my taste buds were still remembering the delicious meal I had just enjoyed.
I experienced at Matt’s Fish Camp a great quality of ingredients, a culinary competence, a very good service and a relaxing and casual ambiance.
Matt’s Fish Camp had soft openings a few nights this week. Officially, this new restaurant is opening on Thursday, April 21st. They will open 7 days a week with lunch and dinner by Memorial Week-End. At present, they are opening at 4:00 p.m., Wednesdays to Fridays, and at 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Location? South of Indian River Bridge, in North Bethany at Tower Shores. Tel. is 302-539-CAMP. Website? www.mattsfishcamp.com.
Matt’s Fish Camp is the newest addition of already very well-known and successful restaurants from Lewes to Fenwick Island, Delaware, owned by Sodel Concepts. To find out more info. about all their restaurants and catering services, please visit http://www.sodelconcepts.com.
It is just the type of restaurant that captures the essence of coastal dining; the ocean on one side, the bay on the other. Local favorites serving the freshest catch of the day. Just like the fish camps in the south.
On the right side of the building there are picnic tables where you can enjoy your carry out.
In the inside, a little music in the background, bar tables on one side; you can check the sun setting. Open kitchen on the other side.
The dining area is set up with booths and tables. It is very casual. Just come as you are type of restaurant. The staff? Very friendly.
I started checking the menu. I am sure they were wanting to see how it was received. You can purchase wines by the bottle or by the glass. Beers, some local like Evolution Primal Pale Ale, Dogfish 90min ipa and 16 Mile Blues Golden Ale. Others, like Corona, Blue Moon, Troegs Hopback Amber, Miller Light, Coors Light and a Maryland favorite, the Natty Boh.
My eyes first went to what was called Jars. These are starters served in Jars. We ordered Matt’s spice roasted peanuts. Slightly salted, slightly spicy; herbs in plain view.
Then I ordered the conch “red” chowder. I love conch. When I see it, I don’t think twice about it. The soup had plenty of conch; the right amount of spice. The flavor brought me right to the islands of the Caribbean.
My husband had Matt’s imperial crab stuffed oysters. These oysters had a little bit of breading but Matt fixed him some without the breading. Very good; the crab imperial did not take over the oysters.
For the main entree I decided to have the whole black bass. It was grilled and served over mashed potatoes, yellow squash and sugar snaps. Every time I can order a whole fish, I will do so. Even though you have to work around those little bones, it is worth it. The taste is so different; the bones really add so much flavor while cooking. It was tender and, again, perfectly seasoned.
My husband decided to have the skate. Both of us had never had it. It was to have been dredged in flour in ordered to be pan seared but because of the gluten allergy it was served without the flour. I took a bite and it melted in my mouth. Very delicate. I was so surprised. It was so good!!
Potato salad was brought to the table for sharing. Perfect summer side.
By this time, my brain was signaling that I had eaten too much. To please stop! Well, Mike, our waiter, which by the way was very attentive, told me that he really loved the blueberry pie. It was a classic pie. I have to say that it was not overly sweet at all and I think Matt said he put a little pepper and sorry but I forgot which herb he mentioned. Thyme, perhaps?
Then George and Jerry came to the table. Having not seen each other in such a long time we started to catch up. A small order of the skate was ordered again because we raved so much about it that George needed to try it. They were pretty happy with their meals, as well.
I have a feeling we closed the fish camp. Talk to you later….you know what? You are going to love it. You’ll see. Let me know….
April 3rd, 2011
Even though the building is painted in different colors and the interior has been redecorated over the years, the memories came back once I stepped into Stingray. This restaurant, located at 59 Lake Avenue in Rehoboth Beach was years ago called Fran O’Brien’s. It was an institution; anyone visiting the beaches; this was the “it” place for “apres beach”, drinks, food, and dancing. It really was the place to see and being seen.
But enough of that since I am really dating myself. That’s exactly what I told Laura, our server. Laura was friendly and really knew the menu well.
Stingray is one of the favorite sushi restaurants of a couple of friends. And guess what? They were there. Joe and Carla; they are sushi connoisseurs. Carla told me that I needed to order the Man Eater and the Malay Roll. Laura agreed, as well.
It was the perfect evening to visit Stingray. This will be their fourth season in Rehoboth Beach. The tel. is 302-227-6476. Website? www.stingrayrestaurant.com.
Being that it was Sunday, it was quiet. The music was playing and the restaurant exuded a club-like atmosphere.
A full bar, a lounge area where dinner can be enjoyed with reservations.
The sushi bar took center stage. Take Out is available until 1:00 a.m.
Other rooms were outfitted with tables and some with booths.
An enclosed glass porch was available and looked like it would be very nice to spend an evening having dinner on that porch while checking out the comings and goings on Lake Avenue.
I ordered the Man Eater and the Malay Roll.
The Man Eater had fried fresh salmon with jalapeno and spicy mayo, sprinkled with chopped fresh cilantro. It was delicious and the combination of the salmon with jalapeno gave it a good kick. Not overly so, but just a hint. Finished with the cilantro was perfect.
The Malay Roll had crispy Chilean sea bass, asparagus, and spicy sauce inside, sesame seeds outside. Very tasty, as well.
Then I decided to order live scallops sashimi. The presentation was very nice. The only thing is that I like the scallops to be sliced thin with lime. I thought that with the cucumber cup you could not really taste the scallops since they were chopped.
Then I asked Laura if she could ask the sushi chef to prepare an order just like I wanted. There was a marked difference and eating the scallops with the lime, well, was the best.
My husband had 2 orders of the same thing. One was the smelt roe, served on the cucumber cups. He liked them.
Then he had the Pocono Mountain Roll, which had steamed shrimp, crab plus masago mixed with a spicy sauce. It was good. I had one of those; it was a nice roll. It was one of those rolls that I would call safe. Safe, meaning not daring just comfortable; easy on your palate.
Stingray has a Sushi Bar on Wheels. You can have your own private sushi bar at your next event. Which means that you can be a guest at your own party. It offers a variety of maki rolls and sushi selections for your guests to enjoy.
Their Sushi Chefs will roll your selections behind their 6 seat sushi bar; fresh fish selections will be displayed in their refrigerated glass front sushi case. To find more information about this, please call 302-227-6475.
Besides Sushi, Stingray offers seafood, chicken, pork and beef. There are even a couple of vegetarian dishes on the menu, as well. Soups and salads are always on the menu.
Reservations are accepted for parties of 6 or more.
There is happy hour every day from 4 – 6 p.m. with 2 for 1 sushi rolls. These will be selected rolls, dine in only and available in the bar and lounge only.
Saturdays and Sundays the happy hour starts at Noon until 6 p.m.
Some of the Latin dishes were Pork Mojo, lobster quesadillas, and fish tacos. During the season more items will be added.
It was a nice evening. At this time of the year, plenty of parking, no lines, so I am taking advantage before the gates open on Memorial Week-End.
Talk to you later…..have a good one….
 
|
0 Comments