March 15th, 2015
I am crushed that Fried Green Tomatoes…..not a Southern dish. That they, apparently, entered the American culinary scene in the Northeast and Midwest, with a link to Jewish immigrants. I love them and when I see them on menus, I do order them. Having been in Charleston, I tasted them everywhere I could. But, let me tell you that, here, at the Delaware Beaches, we have some pretty awesome ones served at our local restaurants.
Looking forward to my fig tree this year. Not just to eat figs off the tree but to also prepare my Fried Green Tomato, Fig, Bacon, Corn Stack….It is my own recipe; not begged, borrowed, or stolen. You can get the recipe by clicking on the month of August of 2013 on the archives of AboutMyBeaches and scrolling down to the 11th.
In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware:
FINS ALE HOUSE & RAW BAR on Coastal Highway. I just had these the other day. They were delicious and hopefully, they will keep them on the menu.
BLUE MOON located on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. This is a signature appetizer. The fried green tomatoes are served with herbed sheep’s cheese, onion, compote, pesto and a balsamic drizzle. Definitely, a blending of flavors.
In Bethany Beach, Delaware:
PATSY’S RESTAURANT in Downtown Bethany Beach. Her fried green tomatoes are topped with roasted red pepper/Vermont cheddar cheese spread with fresh basil pesto and balsamic reduction.
Cape Charles, Virginia’s Eastern Shore:
AQUA AT KINGS CREEK MARINA in Cape Charles serves a Fried Green Tomato BLT Salad…smoked bacon and mixed greens, tossed with a roasted tomato vinaigrette.
Historic Charleston, South Carolina:
TBONZ in Historic Charleston had these great fried green tomatoes….they went in my burger.
SOUTHEND BREWERY & SMOKE HOUSE, located in Downtown Charleston had never had anyone topped their pizza with fried green tomatoes. Of course, pimento cheese was included. The pizza did not wow me here. But, the combination of pizza and fried green tomatoes was pretty good.
LOWCOUNTRY BISTRO, located in Historic Charleston has a great Ambrose Farms Spinach Salad….an addition of Fried Green Tomatoes made it just perfect.
A.W. SHUCK’S – We stopped here with our Culinary Tour (post in the making)….the praline butter on the fried green tomatoes was delish.
TOAST, located on Meeting St. had their fried green tomatoes with sweet pepper relish.
The following recipe is soooooo good. You can serve it with roast beef, chicken, or even in a sandwich. It takes some time to make but once in the jars you can store them for a long time. Give it as presents to special friends.
MERRYMAN’S GREEN TOMATO PICKLE
1 peck (8 quarts or approx. 20 lbs of small green tomatoes
6 red peppers
12 large onions
5 tablespoons celery seed
5 tablespoons mustard seed
1/2 gal. cider vinegar
3 lbs. light brown sugar
1 cup salt
Slice the tomatoes and onions very thin. Cut peppers into thin strips. Place alternatively (some tomato, some onion, some peppers) in layers in a large bowl, sprinkling salt over each layer.
Let mixture sit for several hours or overnight to draw out liquid.
Squeeze the pickle dry and place in a large kettle. Pour vinegar, sugar, mustard seed and celery seed over pickle.
Cook slowly until onion is clear and tomato is almost transparent. One to two hours. Check and stir often.
Place in sterilized jars and seal.
Note: It is usually served in my house during the Holiday Season. It is an old Merryman recipe.
Have a good one!!
March 15th, 2015
 
It’s Sunday morning. It is quiet at home. I like it that way. The rain stopped last night. It is warm at the Delaware Beaches. It feels like Spring. I am almost out of coffee; not a good thing.
Sundays are just one of those days to put your feet up, read a book, or do nothing at all. Magical Sundays, I call them.
Visiting Historic Charleston, I still have a few posts to write. There are so many churches in Historic Charleston, close to each other, as well. Architecturally, they are wonders and have been able to withstand the test of time.
It does not matter what religious denomination you are. If you are visiting Historic Charleston stop by. They are sanctuaries and not just for Sundays. St Philip’s is a National Historic Landmark.
I stopped at St. Philip’s, located at 142 Church St., one block east of Meeting Street. Website? http://www.stphilipschurchsc.org. This church is considered the Mother Church of the Diocese of S.C. Est. 1670. It first was located where St. Michael’s Catholic Church stands today. The present building was built from 1835-1838, after the original building was completed in 1724 and a fire destroyed it in 1835.
This church distinguishes itself from others…porticos and columns reminiscing of Roman porticos. I believe its steeple is the tallest one in Historic Charleston.
Resting in peace in the Churchyard you will find the graves of John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War and V.P. of the U.S., Edward Rutledge, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Charles Pinckney, signer of the Constitution, among other notables.
The docent on that particular day was so nice. She was like a grandmother. Softspoken, she spoke of the church so proudly. We talked for some time. And, not just about the church. Her personal life had taken her to Historic Charleston. Her kids behind her after she had been divorced….You see, everyone has a journey. A positive attitude is half the battle.
Have a great day!!
March 12th, 2015
I don’t know what possessed me to even talk my poor cousins into this tour. They live in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, which is over 500 years old. Lol!! The thing is they went along with it. It was at 10:00 p.m. It was cold in Charleston that evening.
First clue was that our tour guide had been doing these tours for 6 years and had not seen or felt anything. Hmmmm. The second thing is that even though most of the structures are intact, inside there are too many reproductions. Hmmmm.
 
Our tour guide closes every night by herself with not a care in the world. Okay.
The stairs are original and they looked that they were not going anywhere.
The American College of the Building Arts acquired this building so this is also a school doing research and historic preservation.
The jail was in operation from 1802 until 1939. Infamous criminals of Charleston called this home. Federal prisoners during the Civil War were also housed here. The building has massive walls. Interesting to imagine being a prisoner in those times. The tour guide explained that well.
Some of the more famous inmates were John and Lavinia Fisher, convicted of robbery and murder. They said that Ghost Adventures crew got something on an EVP of her saying the last 2 words of her message before she was hanged…The Devil. I really don’t know. Another was Denmark Vessey who was accused of planning a slave revolt. High sea pirates were also inmates here.
 
I think there is too much commotion for entities to be hanging around. The Old City Jail is basically a lab.
Charleston has more than 1,400 historically significant buildings within the Charleston Old and Historic District, and this is one of them.
Well, to tell you the truth, it was scarier walking back to our hotel at that time of the night….churches, buildings, little alleys…Yikes, I am going to sleep.
I just remembered that Carrie, my favorite Concierge in Charleston said she was scared to death. That she felt something. Really?
Note: Bulldog Tours, located at 18 Anson Street. Tel. 843-722-8687 Website? http://www.bulldogtours.com
March 12th, 2015
I really like my accountant, Rich. He is the one that first sent me to check out Jestine’s Kitchen. He said it would be worth the wait. No waiting was necessary because we arrived fashionably late.
Jestine’s Kitchen is located at 251 Meeting St. Tel. 843-722-7224 Website? http://www.jestineskitchen.com This restaurant is one of the top 50 best fried chicken restaurants in the U.S.
I did not even have to read the menu….fried chicken is all I wanted. Our table was comfortable, the service was prompt and the atmosphere was quiet at the time.
The restaurant pays homage to Jestine Matthews who worked for the Ellison family back in the day. The owner is the grandchild of the Ellisons. Jestine’s Kitchen invites customers to take a seat and enjoy good home cooking.
On the table the pickled cukes had a kick to them.
Local beer was ordered. Palmetto Brewery is a small brewery in Charleston, located at 289 Huger St. Check http://www.palmettobrewery.com if you want to know more about them, taste or see what events are on the schedule.
The Charleston Lager on the left is a classic American lager, the perfect Lowcountry beer. It is good while enjoying an oyster roast, bratwurst, soups, salads….light cheeses too. The Amber Ale on the right is their flagship beer. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including chocolate chip cookies and dessert pastries. I don’t think I have paired beer with cookies and pastries but when you think about it, why not?
Flour, water, salt, chicken and lard are just the beginnings. Some people soak their chicken in buttermilk. Two orders of the fried chicken, please. The sides? Collard Greens and Okra Gumbo….OMG!!
Look at the chicken. It was crispy and moist. Believe it or not….and picking the chicken with my fingers….they were not greasy!!
The collard greens also had a bit of a kick. The okra gumbo was well seasoned.
My cousin Maru wanted something simple like grilled chicken breasts and mashed potatoes….not me, I wanted it complicated. No room for dessert.
Jestine’s Kitchen opens Tuesday to Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 9 .m.
I know that locals have their favorites….George, if you are reading this post, where did you say your favorite was?
Talk to you later. Have a good one!!
March 12th, 2015
Back in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, since visiting Historic Charleston for a week, I have had time to go through about 465 photos. It was my first experience in Charleston, a place that I had wanted to visit for a long time but for one reason or another had not.
When my cousins from Puerto Rico invited me to meet them in Charleston, it was because there was a pathology convention to attend. Onboard and looking forward I arrived at the Belmond Charleston Place, located at 205 Meeting St., Tels. 843-722-4900 and 888-635-2350. Website http://www.belmond.com/charleston-place.
Checking in was so smooth. My room was at the newly renovated floor of the hotel. New softer colors in all the rooms. Everyone wants to know how comfy the beds were…they were very comfortable.
Having been on the road and arriving at a new city, I decided to just stay put and try their in-room dining. Don’t let my healthy eating for that night fool you for a minute. I dove easily into the local food without regret. The brussels sprouts were delish and so was my salad….the fruit was my sweet ending….the butter, smooth and a bit sweet.
Something sweet!
A touch of color was much appreciated.
If you would like to start your first morning having breakfast at the hotel, the Palmetto Cafe will be your place. A healthy breakfast buffet or a la carte.
Charleston Place, as it is commonly called, is large enough for events, weddings…you name it. It does not feel that big, but it is. Plenty of shopping within the hotel. The business office was a plus.
In every corner of the City of Charleston there is plenty to see. History abounds. Throughout the week we walked, shopped and dined. The beauty is that you can stroll downtown with ease. Stop and check the alleys, the houses, and the cobblestone streets.
 
Every day we found something new. Look at the Dock Street Theatre. This was the first building in America built exclusively for theatrical performances. Many years ago it was restored. The inside was rebuilt to resemble a theatre in London in the 1730s. It is used year-round. Location? 135 Church Street. http://www.charlestonstage.com
In the evening the Thoroughbred Club at Charleston Place gets hopping. I already posted about it. Tapas Bar setting…Do not miss Calvin (Deke) Taylor, The Entertainer, playing some pretty good jazz.
I almost forgot to give Carrie, the Concierge a shout!! She was awesome and got us set up with Ian Sanchez for our tour of Middleton Plantation among other suggestions, as well. Thanks Carrie!
Talk to you later…have a great day!
March 10th, 2015
 
My stay in Historic Charleston, South Carolina, took even longer when my flight was cancelled on Sunday, 3/1. Too bad, to be “stuck” in this historic city for a couple more days. My accommodations for those 2 nights were at the Meeting Street Inn. It is located at 173 Meeting St. Tels. 843-723-1882 and 800-842-8022 Website? http://www.MeetingStreetInn.com
Meeting Street Inn was built in the style of the Charleston single house around 1873. The “Charleston Single” was built from 1740s to the late 1800s. The lots are narrow and the porches were called piazzas by the English. The porches also served as hallways for air circulation.
My cousin and I had eyed this inn during our stay. We even stopped by to check the rooms. I thought that on another trip this would be a nice place to stay. It is within walking distance to everything you want to do in Historic Charleston. They do have a small shuttle that could take you around anywhere you would like to go in town if you don’t feel like walking.
So as I sat at the Charleston Airport wondering what to do…..a call, a reservation, and I was good to go.
Checking into the Meeting Street Inn was easy. The staff was so nice and ready to help in any way. The bed was most comfortable.
Sunday was not a nice day but Monday turned out to be the best day of the week. The Meeting Street Inn has a small pool and also outdoor seating for R & R.
Great to enjoy the outdoors early in the a.m. with coffee and breakfast which by the way is included or wine and appetizers in the evening, also included.
 
The breakfast is served from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. Hot and cold breakfast service…fruits cereals, buns, etc. etc.
 
In the evenings wine, cheese and refreshments for the guests from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Appetizers including the ever present Charleston Cheese Spread which is pimento cheese spread.
I really enjoyed it and until next time….thanks to the Meeting Street Inn staff.
March 10th, 2015
I am not sure if you are ready for shopping or not, but stores are open. Historic Charleston offers great shopping for everyone. If your husband decides that shopping is not his cup of tea on this trip, there are a few places you can park him.
Or if you are traveling with your pooch….have your husband or significant other take him to the dog park and meet other Charleston dogs, while you engage in something a little more interesting.
C’est La Vie of Charleston we found on 108 N. Market St. Tel. 843-212-5744. The owner opened the store last year and is ready for the prime months that Historic Charleston offers its visitors. Good weather, plenty of restaurants, history, shopping….the town, I hear is starting to bloom. You can find C’est La Vie of Charleston on Facebook. Check it out because you can get 10% off purchases until 3/17.
 
The shopkeepers of Historic Charleston deserve a shout; so friendly!!….Shopping in local boutiques is what I usually like to do. Individual attention is what we want. No rush, please.
The store is eclectic in the sense that you can find gifts for someone special, or just something to thank a friend. Having a party? Cards, napkins, place cards, cups for an event, or just because.
We fell in love with these beads. They are called Chew Beads. They are perfect for the summer. We just did not realize that they are also chewing beads for your little ones. Mothers, grandmothers you can be in style with these ones.
 
It’s springtime and time to refresh, or update.
 
If you think about it all boutiques are shops, but not all shops are boutiques. C’est La Vie of Charleston is unique and local!! Stop by and say hello.
Have a good one.
March 9th, 2015
 
“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.” ashley montagu
When I posted on my Facebook page timeline the photo above of my cousin and I having one of those moments in Charleston, South Carolina last week there were a lot of likes. Comments like “It’s a shame that you never have a good time.” One of my other partners in crime wrote that, knowing that we try our best not to wait for that perfect moment but to take an opportunity and make it perfect.
In Charleston we found the Old Charleston Joggling board. Enjoying the moment we did try it, but thinking it would break we got off quickly. They really don’t. Since the 1800’s these joggling boards have taken a special place in the hearts of Lowcountry residents. You see them as you walk Charleston….don’t be afraid, try them. You can order them by visiting http://www.oldcharlestonjogglingboard.com.
This peacock was trying his best to seize his moment but his lady friend was not interested one bit. He was gorgeous. We found him at Middleton Place, in Charleston, SC, where you can find America’s oldest landscaped Gardens.
I confess, my birthday was Sunday, 3/8, and I usually do not broadcast it, but social media as it is does. Pisces are awesome! We are compassionate, adaptable, accepting, devoted and a good friend. I think we are known to be happy, so I guess it fits.
Plenty of good friends are Pisces and yesterday one of my good friends came by to share her bounty….Stone crab claws sent to her from Florida. She cracked them, I staged them, and then we ate them!! Priceless!
Having a birthday is supposed to be a time of renewal. And, having it on Daylight Savings springs you forward into that mode.
55 degrees has given the residents of Delmarva a reason for joy…..shorts and flip flops are coming out. Really, I am not kidding. Driving from Bethany Beach to Rehoboth Beach, crossing the Indian River Inlet Bridge reminded me that pretty soon I won’t be the only one on the road.
Newfoundlands are spectacular dogs. To see a chocolate one is unusual. But we did, at the Market in Charleston. Little things that make you smile.
 
And then when I see my photo on the Island of Culebra….I can honestly say to enjoy the pleasures of the moment without concern for the future….Carpe Diem!!
 
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