May 20th, 2013
I want to welcome The Spice & Tea Exchange of Rehoboth. I decided to visit this new kid on the block…the ocean block of Downtown Rehoboth Beach. It opened its doors about 7 weeks ago. Love strolling through the streets in Downtown Rehoboth Beach….the shopkeepers are so friendly and very personal. No rush…it is your time. The Spice & Tea Exchange is located at 10 Rehoboth Avenue, right by the Bandstand. Tel. 302-227-3327. Website? http://www.spiceandtea.com/rehoboth. The website is very complete. Everything is very well explained; plenty of recipes are also included. You can find descriptions of all products. They also ship.
Please note that if you would like to find the nutritional information, just go on the website and on the right hand side click on it. You will be provided with all the nutritional info. and also if you have any allergies to wheat, gluten and soy, it will be disclosed. Seems most everything did not have gluten; some of the powders and blends did. So please check it out.
This company decided to offer franchising opportunities in 2007. This is the first one in Delaware. They are now open every day of the week.
The store flows well; the staff is very helpful.
When I arrived, they were making some custom popcorn seasoning.
The store also carries a wide variety of exotic rice and orzo.
In a hurry to buy an unexpected gift? Lots of neat things for that special person.
The sugars were gorgeous; and you are to use them as you would any sugar; baking, cereal, on fruit, toast…your choice.
The peppers were colorful and smelled delicious.
Custom Blend Teas for every taste and every day.
Using the right spice and experimenting with them adds so much to a dish that maybe might have been a little bland. I had not seen the powders and they really looked interesting. Again, I asked how you would use them in a recipe and they said they are easily added to your favorite recipe; some could be sprinkled on pastas, soups, etc. etc.
The gourmet sea salts intrigued me. They were from different parts of the world, mineral and hand-harvested.
The Black Lava was “from the island of Cyprus, dried in lava beds and mixed with activated charcoal”.
Plenty of other unique ones, as well; Bacon, Chocolate, Chipotle, Ghost Pepper, Olive Oil, Pinot Noir!
The official opening of the 2013 Summer Season is Memorial Week-End….plenty to barbecue….they have rubs and seasoning for this best time of the year!!
Have a good one!!
March 23rd, 2013
I am now armed with my new booklet called “33 Pieces of Cheese”. Yes, I am now ready for some slices, wedges and crumbles too!! If I am going to go cheese hounding in Rehoboth Beach with Jody, I will need this useful information.
You know how it is; you taste some cheese….you remember how good it was, etc. etc….then, that’s as far as it goes. Now, I have my tool which will remind me, provided I write it down, which cheeses I like the best.
Downtown Rehoboth Beach is the perfect town to go out and about. At this time of the year, when all the shops and restaurants are gearing up for a new season, it is the most fun. Perfect for checking out what this Nation’s Summer Capital is all about…..the beach, the town, shops, restaurants, music venues, and its history.
I used to visit this building for several years, every day….It was the Epworth Church. That’s where my youngest son went to pre-school. Eventually, this building became the home of several artists, Clear Space Theatre, and just recently, last fall, the home of a gourmet cheese shop called Morgan & Gower…cheesemongers. It is located at 20 Baltimore Avenue. Tel. 302-727-5566. Like them on Facebook!
It is a small shop; great for easy conversation and information from our cheesemongers. You want your cheesemonger to be approachable. On that day Zack and Ken were there. These two embodied what cheesemongers should be; passionate about their cheeses, making tastings available, explaining the origins and body of the cheese, and even suggesting parings with other foods and wines.
We were not the only customers at the shop, but they took their time to make sure we made the right selections based on what we liked. Buying good cheese is an experience and an indulgence. Cheeses can be expensive. Think of it, 1 lb. of cheese takes about 10 lbs. of milk.
I fell in love with the following 2 cheeses: The paper used to wrap the cheeses had a wax lining, which protects the cheese.
Midnight Moon from California. It is rare, and a popular goat’s milk gouda. Firm, dense and smooth. Caramel notes accompanied by nutty, and brown butter flavors.
The other one was called Brewster, a Gouda from Holland. These two cheeses were completely different and totally amazing. The Midnight Moon was softer and the Brewster was a much harder cheese.
I spotted a French mustard that I used to buy years ago; Moutard de Meaux. Morgan & Gower are the only ones carrying it in Rehoboth Beach. I had forgotten how good it was. I also had forgotten how hard it was to open. Zack reminded me, before I bought it. You just have to get the hang of it.
The shop has other fine foods that can only be found in shops like this one. The olives looked amazing.
Since we live at the beach, guests seem to materialized out of nowhere….Morgan & Gower could be lifesaving!
Looking forward to my next cheese indulgence:
Pepato from New Jersey is a pecorino style cheese with added whole black peppercorns!!
And, Idiazabal from the Basque/Navarra region. This is a Hawthorne smoked cheese made from the raw milk of Laxta and carranza sheep. It is also called “queso de tapeo”. You will find this cheese served at Spain’s famous tapas bars.
So, what do you think? These cheeses go a long way. A little bite here or there with a glass of wine…and good company, of course!
Have a good one!! Talk to you later.
September 10th, 2012
Crystal has been in Rehoboth for so many years. During the season it also opens for dinner. Usually, my group of usual suspects go there for breakfast. We celebrate anything…birthdays, moving away, you name it…it’s great. All kinds of breakfast items. They do offer lunch; try the burger next time.
Crystal is located at 620 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-227-1088. During the summer months, you can expect to wait; they open every day. There is a full bar. Today, on a gorgeous September day, my son and I decided to stop by. It was so funny to see the locals, and natives already enjoying the Second Season in Rehoboth Beach.
My son orders the Crab Imperial Eggs Benedict every time. Today was no different. OMG…look at the picture. It had so much crab; smothered in Hollandaise sauce. A sprinkle of Old Bay, that’s all you need, and you are good to go. The home fries are pretty good too. The Crab Egg Benedict is always consistent, served with that much crabmeat.
I really wanted to have Chipped Beef on Toast. This dish, just like all the dishes at Crystal, is big. Our server told me that it was, particularly, good today. No, I can’t do that. So, instead I decided to have this tiny yogurt, granola, nuts, blueberries and even honey. But, wait a minute….I am not finished. I also had a side order of Scrapple, extra crispy. What a combination!! I confess, I ate it all. Now, I feel better. No more guilt!!
I hope my Scrapple friends, Missy and Jim see the Scrapple. It was perfectly cooked.
Talk to you later….you know I will.
Note: What was I thinking? I could have had that chipped beef!!
August 25th, 2012
Now that you have resigned yourselves that the week-end is going to be cloudy and rainy….what are you planning to do with the kids? It would be so easy if you were by yourselves; shopping, eating, drinking. Someday, right?
Downtown Rehoboth Beach is such a walkable town that, at least, you will not have to get back in the car and follow the masses to the outlets.
An easy one to entertain those young ones is that if it is just cloudy, let them run around on our award winning boardwalk and the beach!! That’s an easy one. If it’s raining, then, check the following activities. They might help.
Sunday, August 26th – Browseabout Books, located at 133 Rehoboth Ave. At 9 a.m. is an hour of activities, stories and crafts. Llama Llama will be there to pose for photos. Make sure you arrive by 9 a.m. to enjoy the whole hour. The meters do not go into effect until 10 a.m. so you will be fine.
Then, if you are here during the week, you can also go to Browseabout Books Monday through Thursday until August 30th for A time for Storytime.
8:30 a.m. until 9:10 the age group is 5 through 8 years of age.
9:15 a.m. until 9:45 the age group is 2 to 4 years of age.
For more information, please visit http://www.browseaboutbooks.com. They are open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.
They also have coffee and pastries and places to sit, catch your breath and check out the books.
Cake Break is a gourmet cupcake company located at 7 South First Street in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. It is a nut free facility with vegan and gluten free cupcakes. You can bring your young ones to decorate cupcakes. It is fun!! I have seen the kids there having a great time. You can have some coffee and enjoy some of the following:
The Blueberry muffins have been a hit. They are gluten free, vegan, and nut free. I have tried them myself.
I have also had the pleasure of trying Miss Piggy. This cupcake is the one with the bacon on top. It is a struessel cupcake with maple bacon icing and bacon on top. The other one on the tray is the Salty Dawg which has salted caramel.
The Cookie Monster is chocolate chip cookies, baked on chocolate ship cupcakes with or without mocha icing.
Cake Break opens at 6:30 a.m. daily. Carries pastries, NY Bagels, Homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, coffee, espresso and smoothies. http://www.cakebreakrehoboth.com
Crafts – Creatable Crafts is located at 146 Rehoboth Ave. Paint your own pottery, beading, glass fusing, mosaics, paint me t-shirts. Drop in basis. Paint today, pick up tomorrow. Tel. 302-227-1020. Website? http://www.creatablecrafts.com
Arcades:
Coastal towns have many arcades available for the young and the matured crowd. Rehoboth Beach has a 1 mile award-winning Boardwalk. Of course, we have arcades!!
The Beach Arcade is next to Dolle’s at 5 North Boardwalk. Tel. 302-227-1040.
Playland Arcade is on the South side of the Boardwalk.
Surfside Arcade is on the South side of the Boardwalk, as well.
Funland is located on the South side of the Boardwalk and it is a whole amusement and arcade complex. You will find rides and arcades for the whole family. Website? http://www.funlandrehoboth.com
If you are by yourselves, then, check the following:
The Rehoboth Art League is located at 12 Dodds Lane. Tel. 302-227-8408., Website? http://www.rehobothartleague.org. Until Sunday, August 26th the 74th Members Fine Art Exhibit is on display at the Corkran and Tubbs Galleries. The Members Showcase: Print Makers is at the Homestead Gallery.
From August 31st until September 30th is the 4th Regional Juried Show at the Corkran and Tubbs Galleries. Delaware and New Mexico Paintings-Color and Form: New work by Ray Petersen, Venture Gallery. By The Sea: New Works by Denise Dumont at the Homestead Gallery.
Opening Reception is on August 31st from 5 to 7 p.m.
Please keep your eyes open for Cinema & Art coming later on in October. Mark your calendars for the November 3rd Holiday Fair and later on in December, on the 8th is the Art League Holiday Open House.
Heidi Lowe Gallery is having a Barbara Klar Trunk Show this Saturday, 8/25, and Sunday, 8/26. The gallery is located at 328 Rehoboth Avenue. Check http://www.heidilowegallery.com. For more info. on Barbara Klar, please check http://www.clearmetals.com/bio.html.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum is the perfect place to get to know Rehoboth Beach better. If you have been coming to the beach for years, this museum will show you how far this coastal town has come. It is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue near the traffic circle. The Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is in the same complex. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, college students, and military. $2 for children 13 to 17 and the rest are free.
This museum used to be the town’s ice house and it is currently hosting two exhibits. “Rehoboth Speaks: The Story Nation’s Summer Capital” tells the story of the founding and growth of Rehoboth Beach. And, “World War II: Rehoboth Beach” tells the story of our beach town during the war. Visitors will learn how local citizens helped with Civil Defense and of the local boys who were sent overseas. Website? http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
Saturday – 8/25 – At the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, at 8 p.m. is Sounds of Society, a Tribute to Chicago
Sunday – 8/26 – At the Bandstand is She Said Sunday, Cover Band, at 8 p.m.
Have fun…relax!! You are at the beach!!
August 8th, 2012
If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches you should stop by the Rehoboth Art League located at 12 Doods Lane, on Saturday, August 11th and on Sunday, August 12th. Or, Saturday, August 18th and Sunday, August 19th. It is the 39th Annual Outdoor Fine Art and Craft Show.
Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
There will be over 120 selected artists. The location is the historic 4 acre shady campus and beautiful gardens. Food, Music, & Entertainment. Children’s activities, as well.
Free parking and shuttle service. $5.00 entry free per week-end. For more info., please call 302-227-8408 or visit http://www.rehobothartleague.org.
My friend, Susan Gladstone, is a potter. She will be one of the exhibitors at this outdoor show. Her booth is #53. Please stop by and tell her I sent you.
Susan is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, but she is making Rehoboth Beach her home. The Happyrock Pottery is located at the Shops at Celebration Mall at 20 Baltimore Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 410-375-7120.
Her specialty is Raku pottery which has small cracks that turn black. These are made by the deposits of carbon in them, turning them black no matter what color of clay used. The final product is so unique.
Watching Susan work was so relaxing. As a professional she made it look so easy.
From throwing the moist lump of clay….this is what goes next.
Susan will have small pieces also at the show. The hands of a potter…..
Have a good one!!
August 4th, 2012
Visitors to Rehoboth Beach come for many reasons; the town is charming, it has artistic appeal, a great nightlife and a pretty nice ambiance….the restaurants? A destination. When you come to Downtown Rehoboth Beach, you can play, dine, shop, and stay, all in one square mile.
Life revolves around the Boardwalk and the Bandstand during the summer months.
Early this morning I decided to check out the Boardwalk. I parked on the south side of the Boardwalk, on Hickman Street. Usually, you can find parking very easily on that street. It was such an awesome day in Rehoboth; hot too.
The Boardwalk is a mile long. Built, originally in 1873, on high ground. Through the years, storms have changed its configuration.
Already the colorful umbrellas were lining the beach. My objective was reaching the Sandcastle Contest which took place all day.
Dining right on the Boardwalk is part of the fun.
All of a sudden I saw the lifeguards. They were in their 10 a.m. meeting, just like they do every day.
Kites were up; a pretty breezy kind of a day.
When I arrived at the Sandcastle tent, they told me they had about 36 teams already. Trophies would be awarded later in the day.
It was so funny. The teams were busy. Water, shovels, kids, families….guess what? All having a great time.
Right on the Boardwalk you will find several arcades and rides. One of the biggest and oldest is Funland. It is an institution since 1962, and a must for all if you are visiting Rehoboth Beach. Rides open at 1:00 p.m. Games earlier than that.
Ryan’s Mini-Golf is over the Boardwalk, great view of the beach.
Plenty of places to eat at the Boardwalk, but an iconic one is Gus & Gus since 1956.
Note: Off the Boardwalk to the beach, there are ramps that are wheelchair accessible.
Just strolling….that was the post…the forecast for Sunday? Practically, the same!!
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….remember, relax; you are at the Beach!!
August 2nd, 2012
“The name “Rehoboth Beach” was chosen for the Camp Meeting Grounds. The source for the name is the Bible (Gen. 26:22): In early Hebrew, Rehoboth meant “broad places”. English explorers had given this name to nearby Rehoboth Bay in the 17th Century.” history of Rehoboth beach…downtownrehboth.com
From the Rehoboth Museum
Summer is really going at a fast pace. The Delaware Beaches are at the height of the season. These next 3 weeks are the busiest ones. So, if you are coming to our beaches, kick back and relax; that’s why you are here, right?
Lots of happenings in Rehoboth Beach. Cameras will be around the Boardwalk, and Bandstand….please have your smiles ready!!
Friday Tours by the Rehoboth Beach Museum – The Rehoboth Beach Museum will provide guided tours of the museum and the Anna Hazzard Tent House beginning on Friday August 3rd. and through September 28th. All tours start at Anna Hazzard Tent House located at 17 Christian St. at 9:00 a.m. The tours are included with the cost of admission to the museum, which is paid when the tour arrives at the museum. Reservations are strongly suggested. Please call 302-227-7310 to reserve a space. The Anna Hazzard Tent House was built in 1895 for use as housing during religious camp meetings. After that tour, you will drive to the Rehoboth Beach Museum located at 511 Rehoboth Ave. The Museum which was formerly the town’s ice house is currently hosting 2 exhibits. “Rehoboth Speaks: The Story Nation’s Summer Capital” and “World War II: Rehoboth Beach”. Admission to the Museum is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, college students, and military, $2 for children ages 13 to 17. Children 12 and under are free. More info? Please visit http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org
The Bandstand in Rehoboth Beach brings Summer Concerts for all audiences….other venues holding live entertainment and music in general can be found, with links on this website. The post was dated 7/23/12 with a heading of Links to Venues at the Delaware Beaches. Just click on the month of July, 2012 and scroll down to the 23rd. Or, put the heading on the search. You will also find information for the rest of the Delaware Beaches.
From the Rehoboth Museum
Friday, 8/3 – Book Signing at Kevin Fleming Gallery located at 239 Rehoboth Avenue. from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Landmarks and Legacies is a colorful narrative written by Pam George, and includes stunning photographs by Kevin Fleming that highlight 50 of Delaware’s prominent historic places. For more info., please call 302-672-6842.
Friday, 8/3 – At the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand the performance is at 8 p.m. The Real Geniuses, 80’s rock. http://www.therealgeniuses.com.
Saturday, 8/4 – It is the 34th Annual Sandcastle Contest in Downtown Rehoboth Beach at Fisherman’s Beach at the north end of the Rehoboth Boardwalk. Free of Charge. Over 100 teams and over 800 contestants. In the past some of the amazing creations have been, swamp animals, mermaids, pyramids, crabs, dolphins, and sharks among others. It is open to adults and children. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Start sculpting after that. Sculptures must be completed by 3 p.m. for judging. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m. Visit the Chamber’s website at http://www.beach-fun.com.
Saturday, 8/4 – News from Doggies at the Beach…the premier dog day care and dog boarding facility in Rehoboth Beach. I can fully recommend it. I use it and I feel totally at ease when I leave Addy there. They are expanding!! In honor of their expansion for the month of August and only on Mondays and Tuesdays only…buy one day care and receive the second one free. Discount vaccination Day is Saturday, 8/4 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Master Groomers are needed due to the expansion. They want to be able to groom 7 days a week, during the day and evenings. Doggies at the Beach is offering a finder’s fee and the new Master Groomer(s) a sign on bonus. More info? Please call Jim at 302-644-8200. Please visit http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
Saturday, 8/4 – The last performance of Outdoor Summer Theater at the Rehoboth Art League. Shakespeare in the Garden. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Time: 4 to 6 p.m. Minimum of a $10 donation per person. You can either purchase in advance by visiting http://www.rehobothartleague.org, or at the door. It will be at the Homestead Gardens. This show is being produced by The New Face of Shakespeare, an affiliate of Possum Point Players, Georgetown, Delaware. The production is directed by Beverly Smith. Bring a blanket, bring a chair. If it should rain, or extreme heat, the performance will be held indoors.
Saturday, 8/4 – 7th Annual Rehoboth Museum Beach Ball – Sun, Sand and Shades from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at Kings Creek Golf & Country Club. Cocktails, Buffet, Silent Auction, Live Auction, Music by Sol Knopf. Dressy Casual Attire. Tel. 302-227-7310. More info? Please visit http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
Saturday, 8/4 – At the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand – 8 p.m. – Oh Boy, A Buddy Holly Tribute. http://ohboybuddytribute.com.
Sunday, 8./5 – At the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand – 8 p.m. – U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadores – Military – Jazz/Big Band.
Through September 2nd – From Clear Space Theatre Company – 3 Great Shows, 6 Nights a week. Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. This is the Second Annual Summer Repertory Season. Annie, Broadway at The Beach, and Cabaret. They continue to play in rotation in the heart of the summer season in beautiful Downtown Rehoboth Beach. From Family Friendly to Rock & Roll to an adult night out. Check the itinerary. For more info., please call 302-227-2270 or visit http://www.clearspacetheatre.org.
Tuesday, 8/7 – From the Rehoboth Beach Film Society – Festival Film Reviews. This is the opportunity for would-be film critics to be a part of the film selection process for the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. If you would like, please come to the Movies at Midway, located on Rt. 1 (Coastal Highway) in Rehoboth Beach, Upstairs. All screenings start at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.. Admission is $2.00. Please understand that film titles and descriptions will not e provided in advance as they would like everyone to arrive with an open mind for a new experience. These are for mature audience only. On Tuesday, August 14th there will be another opportunity to screen films. More info? Please visit http://www.rehobothfilm.com.
And, if by any chance you do not feel like doing any of this, then…..do what I love best…the pictures tell it all.
Blue crabs!!
Have a good one!!
July 11th, 2012
I had received a tip that I needed to look for Miss Piggy at Cake Break. Say no more, that’s were I went on one of those hot summer days in Rehoboth Beach. There is something about cupcakes. They evoke childhood memories. One serving and you don’t really need to share with anyone. It is all yours to enjoy.
Cake Break is located at 7 South First Street, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-260-9264. Website? www.cakebreakrehoboth.com. You can find them on Facebook as CakeBreakRehoboth and on Twitter as CakeBreakRB.
I am so glad to see Cake Break so successful. Debbie, her husband, and her staff, including her 2 professional bakers, are working so hard and it is, definitely, paying off. I have written in the past several posts. If you want to see them, just put the name on the Search on this website.
It was in the afternoon when I arrived at Cake Break. I saw Miss Piggy. Renee, who is a friend, and always on the lookout for interesting foods, told me about it. So here it is. Meet Miss Piggy. This simple looking cupcake is packed with flavor. Those contrasting flavors of salt and sweetness make this one awesome cupcake!!
I sat down to eat it as Debbie’s husband explained what it consisted of. It is a brown sugar yellow cake with a swirl of brown sugar inside. A drizzle of caramel with butter cream and bacon. A total winner!!
That’s all I was going there for and as I was getting ready to leave the Canoli cupcakes made themselves present. Devil’s food or yellow? Decisions, decisions.
Please note that even though Cake Break is a gourmet cupcake company they do offer all kinds of homemade baked goods. They open very early and stay open late, as well. Their coffee is delicious. I have tried it; bold and hot.
You can call their number 302-260-9264 and pickup is available curbside.
They are busy with weddings. They offer wedding cupcakes, birthday cakes and special orders. Just call them or stop by to meet with Debbie.
Cake Break is a nut free facility. Vegan and Gluten Free options are available. Both are the best.
Stop by and say hello…they are a friendly bunch!!
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