October 26th, 2010
Consignment is the act of consigning; placing things in the hand of another, but retaining ownership until the goods are sold.
Well, what a surprise!! I did not know that Seaquels had opened in Ocean View , Delaware. Ocean View is west of Bethany Beach, by just a few miles, if that.
Seaquels motto? Resale! Replace!! Renew!!!
Seaquels is at 9 Atlantic Ave. (Rt. 26), Ocean View, DE, 19970. Tel. 302-829-8636. E-mail is seaquels@gmail.com. The website is under construction, at the moment, but will be up and running soon. The owners of this store are Cindy Davis and Kathy Green; friends from Philadelphia and Baltimore who decided, a year ago, that it was now or never to open Seaquels.
My friend, Debbie, was the one that suggested I visit this well received store.
The smile on someone’s face and the courtesy extended to me is something that I value highly. It’s almost like an instant connection. Cindy and Kathy were like that. Immediately the conversation started; they were so happy to show their store. I was not the only one there but they were very at ease in handling all of us.
You cannot miss the store on Rt. 26. It is colorful and will put a smile on your face, as well. They are open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Everything is on consignment. The furniture looked like brand new. Cindy and Kathy said that they move things around a lot. Customers were stopping and asking them to be on the look out for that special chair, table, sofa, or lamp.
Cindy and Kathy also said that they get a lot of local artists that will place their work on consignment, as well.
Each room is arranged to show off all the items in a very unique way; paying attention to details.
Even though it is a consignment store, they reserve the right to accept or not to accept items.
I took so many pictures so I hope you can get an idea of the store. Go check them out because you are going to be very impressed. Really, you will!!
The Quieter Season at the beaches is great….take advantage of it….talk to you later….
October 21st, 2010
Having lived at the Delaware Beaches for almost 30 years I have seen a lot of changes but the most have happened in the town of Bethany Beach. It was definitely a seasonal town with summer starting on Memorial week-end and ending on Labor Day.
I remember also when once my parents visited from Puerto Rico and we went to get something to eat at a small place and they wanted a beer and they were told that it was a “dry” town. What? My mother could not believe it. Where have you moved to, she asked?
But as they visited more often and as the town progressed, with more buildings and restaurants and amenities they could see that it was the perfect place to raise a family. They, actually, loved coming to Bethany.
Bethany still surprises me every time that I visit. During the summer it is packed. Twice I could not find parking this past summer. The beautification of the town is fantastic. The additions of new restaurants offering fare for everyone’s taste let visitors and residents stay in town instead of driving up and down Ocean Highway (Rt. 1).
One of the newer additions to the town is Misaki, located at the York Beach Mall in South Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-539-0500. It offers Asian Cuisine, including sushi and sashimi.
The trend in sushi restaurants, some with very innovative cuisines, has sprung from coast to coast.
During past visits to California the sushi and sashimi have been presented in such a way that you cannot help but fall in love with it.
I love the traditional rolls even though I usually order sashimi. I get excited when splashes of color are added to new dishes; mango and figs being examples of those.
I also remember the little sushi restaurant that started many years ago in Fenwick Island, Delaware, just south of Bethany Beach. All of us, residents and locals fell in love with it. From then on sushi restaurants in the Maryland and Delaware beaches have not looked back.
Last night is was raining and I decided that a trip to Misaki would be the thing to do, besides the fact that they had good specials. I had not visited this restaurant because, here in Rehoboth Beach, we have 2 great restaurants offering Asian Cuisine; The Cultured Pearl and Saketumi. I am partial to them; both different in a lot of ways and excellent. I wanted to see how Misaki would measure to the restaurants in Rehoboth.
Passing through Bethany Beach and entering South Bethany, right at the last light, on the right hand side, is the York Beach Mall and Misaki is located on that strip mall.
It is a small restaurant but can accommodate enough people comfortably. It had a good sushi bar, and usually that is where I would sit but since there were 3 of us, a booth was most appropriate for casual conversation.
The service was excellent, attentive and not intrusive. He presented the specials and let us catch up and relax.
Shelley does not eat sushi so she decided on the chicken teriyaki, which she had tried before and really liked it. She was not disappointed this time either.
I had the chef sashimi. I also ordered, the aji mackerel which was suggested. It is also called horse mackerel and the fish had both delicate and robust flavors.
I had the Miso soup which they make every day. My favorite is the one at The Cultured Pearl. I have tried it every where I go and that one is still the one.
John had a combination of roll and sushi.
I think Misaki can hold its own to the Rehoboth Beach restaurants. It is great to be able to have so many choices. People have received this restaurant with opened arms; it was packed last night.
Have a great day!! It is beautiful outside….talk to you later….
October 13th, 2010
I cut out recipes all the time from different magazines and publications to try them when the mood strikes me.
The other night I felt like this recipe had enough kick to start the evening. I really made this recipe my own because I did not have all of the ingredients; a little substitution here or there still made the recipe one that I would like to make again.
Shrimp & Sausage Red Rice
3 tbsps. bacon drippings
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green sweet pepper
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced ( I used 1 clove)
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/2 to 1 tsp. kosher salt (optional)
1 14.5 oz. can whole tomatoes, crushed
1 rounded tbsp. tomato paste
2 cups chicken stock
1 tbsp. butter
1 cup long grain rice
8 oz. andouille or cooked, smoked chorizo sausage, sliced in 1/2 inch rounds
1 cup sliced fresh okra
1 lb. medium peeled and deveined shrimp (I bought the easy peel shrimp)
Well, now I have to tell you that I could not find okra in the market the other day, I forgot to buy the jalapeno pepper and I did not use tomato paste because the can I had in the house was questionable regarding the issue of gluten free. Instead, I added 1/4 cup of tomato bisque that I found in my cabinet.
Oh, I did not have a green pepper either so I substituted roasted red peppers instead and added a 1/4 cup of sliced, green salad olives with peppers. Hey, it really was good, though.
In a large skillet heat bacon drippings. Add onion and cook over medium-low heat without stirring for 5 minutes.
Add the sweet pepper, jalapeno, garlic, thyme, and crushed red pepper. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. of salt, if you want to and a few grinds of black pepper.
Cook over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until onion and pepper are soft but not browned.
Add tomato and tomato paste. Stir in stock; bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Taste for seasoning; it should be highly seasoned to flavor the rice.
In a heavy bottom pot or heavy 12 inch skillet heat butter over medium heat until melted. Add rice; cook stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the rice becomes translucent.
Carefully stir in the hot tomato mixture. Cover quickly and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
Add sausage, shrimp and okra, mixing in gently with two forks. Return cover and cook 15 minutes or until the shrimp is opaque and most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove from the heat and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
Serves 6. Just add a green salad or green steamed vegetables.
Note: To crush canned tomatoes, just put them in a bowl and with your hands break them to pieces.
Andouille Sausage is from French origin and it is mostly associated with Cajun cooking. It is spiced and heavily smoked. The one that I used in the above recipe was also gluten free.
As you can see the recipe was a little different but cooking is sometimes not an exact science; the right ingredients even though they might be substitutions will still make a great meal; if it is cooked from the heart.
August 30th, 2010
This unique event, the first one in Delaware will take place on Monday, September 6th, starting at 3:00 p.m. It will be held on the seaside grounds of the Historic Indian River Life Saving Station, located 3 miles south of Dewey Beach or 1 mile north of the Indian River Inlet on Rt. 1.
If you are not familiar with this historic site, then please check my post written on 8/29. All you have to do is scroll down to that date.
Chef Matt Haley is the Host and Chef for Outstanding in the Field (OITF).
This organization started in 1998. OITF travels the world to find exceptional chefs to showcase the local food culture and salute area farmers, growers, and fishermen.
Fish On, Betty’s Pure & Simple, Lupo di Mare, Bluecoast, Northeast Seafood Kitchen and Catch 54 are the restaurants that feature the farm-to-table concept. These restaurants have available local farmers’ products, and their proximity to Sussex Country farms and farm markets, make it so much easier.
And should I ask , what would be on the menu? The freshest the area can provide that day; maybe crab, rockfish, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, peaches or locally raised beef. Each course is going to be paired with an appropriate wine. You will have to attend and see.
The price is $200 per person. To order tickets and for more information about Outstanding in the Field, please visit www.outstandinginthefield.com.
See you there….maybe, if I can get tickets….
August 22nd, 2010
 Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul. I decided to go to Lewes, Delaware, yesterday afternoon and meet my friend, Shelley. The coastal towns in Delaware are busy and crowded. Summer, as we know it, is coming to an end.
We were walking right in front of Cafe Azafran and behind Half Full when we stopped to gaze at the motorcyle, just parked there. The Indian Drifter.
 Never trade the thrills of living for the security of existence.  If you don't ride in the rain you don't ride. Two helmets and no riders around. But, look at it. It looked amazing. Beautiful and I am not a rider.
 Only a Biker knows why a dog sticks his head out a car window. As I started taking the pictures, the riders came out laughing. It was that laughter that got my attention. They were definitely having fun.
I did not know them. They allowed me to take their picture and they were from Milton, Delaware, just north of Lewes. Locals? Natives? Don’t know either.
 Young riders pick a destination and go...Old riders pick a direction and go. It was a couple enjoying their time together….priceless!!
August 16th, 2010
 Al Fresco I was taking, Addy, my dog, for a walk early this morning. It was humid. So much more than yesterday and I started to wonder what would I want for dinner tonight. I have not had anything for breakfast yet, and already dinner was on my mind.
I think dinner is my favorite time of the evening. Having it al fresco makes it even better.
The following 3 recipes would be perfect for a day like today. They are easy too.
Flank Steak Wrap
1 beef flank steak – 1 to 1-1/2 lbs.
4 cups pre-cut coleslaw mix
1 cup chopped green onions
salt and pepper to taste
8 medium flour tortillas
1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Dressing:
1 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons sesame oil
For the dressing, just combine the rice vinegar, honey and sesame oil in a jar and shake vigorously.
Place beef steak and half of the dressing in a plastic bag. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator for 1/2 hour.
Pour other half of dressing in a large bowl and toss with coleslaw, green onions, salt and pepper.
Place steak on grill over medium coals and cook 17 to 21 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness. Let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes and sprinkle with salt (optional) and pepper. Slice into thin strips on the diagonal.
Warm tortillas 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave.
To assemble: Place beef slices, some coleslaw mix and peanuts on a tortilla and roll tortilla. Garnish with green onions and peanuts.
Note: Allergies? To make it gluten free, then you will need to find corn tortillas and read the ingredients on the peanuts. Peanuts are usually dusted with wheat. Crazy, isn’t it? Peanut allergy? Then you know what you need to do. But maybe you can give it a little “cha-cha” by adding chopped jalapenos instead of peanuts.
Raspberry-Lime Agua Fresca (Non-alcoholic)
If you like raspberries, then you will probably like this refreshing drink; definitely, better than soda.
3 cups or a 12 ounce bag of frozen raspberries
1/2 cup sugar (you may use sugar substitute, please adjust)
1/2 cup lime juice
ice cubes
fresh mint sprigs
lime wedges
Place raspberries, sugar and lime juice in a blender along with 2 cups of cold water. Puree, and then pour the mixture into a large pitcher.
Sir in 6 cups of cold water. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours.
Stir well before serving. Pour the agua fresca over ice and garnish with mint sprigs and a lime wedge.
Note: If you would like to spike it, then white rum or tequila would be the liquor to add.
White Sangria
There is nothing better than a good Sangria on a hot summer day. I will admit that my favorite is the traditional red one but it also good to alternate and serve a white one on a warm day.
1 green apple, cored and cut into 1 inch chunks
5 strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup canned pineapple chunks with 1/2 cup juice
2 limes, thinly sliced
one 750 ml. bottle of white wine
1/4 cup triple sec
1 cup orange juice (4 oranges)
1/2 cup lemonade
ice cubes
Combine all ingredients except the ice cubes in a large pitcher and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. Serve the white sangria in glasses filled with ice, being sure to include a selection of the fruit in each glass.
Makes about 8 cups. Can easily be doubled.
Enjoy it and make it your own!!!
Talk to you later…you know I will…
August 13th, 2010
I cannot believe I have put so much thought into the superstition of Friday the 13th.
No nothing happened, in this unluckiest day on the calendar. Nothing was done that could have compromised my well being. Am I crazy?, I just actually took two airplanes. Other than the airport in Charlotte being packed, piercing screams from two of our younger passengers on US Airways Express; it was smooth landing.
I was a little worried about my suitcase. You know, this company is notorious for misplacing luggage on a non stop flight and I had changed planes. The luggage made it, as well.
Regarding this superstition, the New York times has quoted in the past that people “would no more buy or sell a share of stock today than they would walk under a ladder or kick a black cat out of their path”.
Millions of dollars are lost every Friday the 13th because people refuse to travel, purchase major items or even conduct business.
And listen to this. The dealiest associations with the number 13 are the facts that there are 13 stairs leading to the gallows; the blade in a guillotine fell from a height of 13 feet; and a hangman has 13 knots in a hangman’s noose. I knew you could use this information.
Otis Elevator Co., which is the world’s largest elevator manufacturer says that 90% of U.S. skyscrapers do away with floor #13.
And, Jack the Ripper and Charles Manson? Yes, 13 letters in their names.
To give you more info. than you would want, there are 13 witches in a coven.
But, do not worry because for 2010 Friday the 13th is only happening once.
The evening is almost over….talk to you tomorrow…about a better topic, I hope…
July 29th, 2010
I love buying cookbooks. I read them like novels. And, I don’t discriminate; neighborhood cookbooks, different cuisines, fundraising and school ones.
The last time I was in Boulder I bought a couple of them. They looked easy and a little innovative.
One of them is called Amor y Tacos. In it the recipes are modern Mexican tacos, Margaritas and appetizers. The author? Deborah Schneider.
She combines the recipes of taqueros in roadside stalls in Baja with the ones in Tijuana.
My son decided yesterday, after I had cleaned the kitchen that he wanted to make some tacos. With this book in hand he decided on the Lemon-Garlic Chicken Taco with Mezcal.
The sauce in this recipe is spicy-lemon garlic flavor; almost like a variation of a Caribbean mojo sauce. The meat is to be tossed with all the great flavors of the marinade after it is cooked and not before.
Lemon-Garlic Chicken Taco with Mezcal
4 large boneless chicken thighs, with skin on
1 tsp. olive oil
Kosher salt
1 large clove garlic, peeled and finely minced
1 small serrano chile, minced
Fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 lemon
1/2 lime
1 1/2 tsp. mezcal or blanco tequila
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
12 (4″) corn tortillas, warmed
Shredded lettuce
1 avocado, diced, sprinkled with a little salt
Pre-heat pan over medium heat. Toss the chicken thighs with the oil.
Starting with the skin side down, cook the thighs until the skin is very crisp. Turn and cook them until done.
Sprinkle the crisp with a little salt. (The chicken may be roasted, if you want, skin side up and uncovered, in a 375 degree oven until well done and golden crisp.)
When the chicken is cooked, slice it thinly or dice it. Place it in a bowl and toss it with the garlic and serrano chile, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a couple grinds of fresh pepper.
Squeeze the lime and lemon juice directly over the chicken, add the mezcal (or tequila), and stir in the cilantro.
Serve wrapped in the warm tortillas with lettuce and avocado.
Note: If you cannot find serrano chiles just substitute with a jalapeno, just like he did.
This recipe turned out delicious; it is spicy but the combination is great.
Note: Mezcal is made from agave throughout Mexico. The best ones taste strongly of alcohol.
I love enjoy seeing my children cook. Talk to you later….
Have a great day!!
 
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