July 17th, 2014
Awesome day in Delmarva!! Low Humidity, blue skies….and it is Summer 2014! You might be at the beach, or gardening or just plain doing nothing at all. A couple of weeks ago the day was the same and my friend, Debbie K, called me and we wanted to play tourist. Enjoying the beautiful day we took off, unexpectedly, for the Lobster Shanty located on Rt. 54 in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Tel. 302-436-2305. Website? http://www.twiningshanty.com.
The Lobster Shanty opened its doors in 2010. It is owned by restauranteurs David and Janet Twinings. It really does have awesome views of the bay and marshes from most of the tables, including an open air sunset bar. Check the scenery because during different times of the day you may see herons, egrets and the creatures that make the bay marsh their own habitat.
The location is just a few miles west of Fenwick Island on Rt. 54…over the “bridge”. The Lobster Shanty can get pretty crowded, but on that particular day, at lunch time, we were lucky because it was quiet and had the perfect lunch…seafood was on our minds.
The bar is huge and also has that magnificent view. The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner and happy hour. You can make reservations by calling the above mentioned telephone number.
My friend, Debbie K, had the best salad….It was called the Lobster & Shrimp Salad. It was almost enough for 2 people. The salads were served over field greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion and seasonal fruits….dressed with their own maple vinaigrette dressing. It was so pretty!
My Lobster Salad Roll did not disappoint…it was, definitely, a perfect summer dish. It had knuckle and claw lobster, a little Helman’s, their own seasonings…..shhhhhh a secret, and an originial New England buttered grilled roll.
Debbie K and I caught up with each other lives and decided that we are lucky to live here at the Delaware Beaches….and, do not take it for granted.
Our lunch was very reasonable, our services was attentive, and we thoroughly enjoyed it!!
And as we drove on the ocean front road in Fenwick…..look at this! One lot back from being ocean front.
Have a good one…remember that you are at the beach; relax and kick back!
April 17th, 2014
You better believe it when I say they speak Spanish. Arriving at Papa Grande’s…I stepped inside and this is what I saw…pork tacos coming out. First impression? Huele bueno! It means smells good! It was like coming into a home and you can smell the food cooking. Yum. So, I said: Que tal como estan? A look and then: Hablas Espanol muy bien. Pues claro. Adriana introduced herself. From Veracruz. When you visit Papa Grande’s ask for her. She was friendly, and knew her menu well. I mention this now instead of later in the post because she was that good of a server.
Papa Grande’s opened in Fenwick Island, Delaware, last year. The location is 38929 Madison Avenue. It is only a mile and a half or so from Coastal Highway on Rt. 54. Tel. 302-436-7272. Website? http://www.papagrandes.com. This restaurant is the 7th restaurant opened by restauranteur and philanthropist, Matt Haley. Matt Haley is the recipient of the James Beard 2014 Humanitarian Award!! Papa Grande’s sits right behind a sister restaurant called Catch 54. But, wait, coming in May, Papa Grande’s arrives in Dowtown Rehoboth Beach. It is the first time one of Matt Haley’s restaurant is being duplicated. All his restaurants are different. But, one thing that is consistent…all use fresh ingredients and the best Southern Delaware has to offer. The food is simple; not fussy. What you see is what you get. That’s what we, customers want.
We were having a late lunch….almost close to their happy hour which begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. They open Sunday – Thursday from 11:30 to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. It was that in between time, when it was not crowded and we could relax and take in the views.
On the first floor, there is plenty of sitting, booths or individual tables. This dining area is quiet. The bar is upstairs.
 
Upstairs, the bar takes center stage with tables and booths also around the bar. The deck is the most sought after spot. Plenty of scenic views.
I don’t know what it is with me…the moment I saw the menu, I knew what I was going to have. I see scrapple and I have to have it. So, I did, but first I had their Shredded Brussels Sprouts. I am also hooked on this dish. At Lupo di Mare in Rehoboth Beach, another of Matt Haley Companies, they are amazing. I wanted to taste these ones, as well. They were so different that I can’t tell you which I like better. The Papa Grande’s brussels sprouts have a roasted corn vinaigrette, red onion, pepita, and cotija. Pepita is pumpkin seed, and cotija is a hard, crumbly white cheese made from cow’s milk; more pungent than queso blanco. I thought the brussels sprouts were very refreshing and both Cindi and I agreed that it will be a great summer starter.
Ordering my Scrapple Apple Tacos….they came just like I ordered them….well done, meaning crispy. A side order of rice. The combination was great. I just don’t know why I have not thought about this myself in my own home. If you like scrapple, then order them!
Cindi’s soup was a Mexican Crab Crema Soup. It was on the special that day and she thought it was rich, creamy with the right amount of heat. It is still chilly at the Delaware Beaches, so it was perfect.
We did not have dessert even though they were offered. Another time, perhaps. Cindi and I just sat there…it was almost time for happy hour. The customers were arriving. We just chatted away.
So, please remember….Papa Grande’s is coming to Downtown Rehoboth Beach!! Nos Vemos y Buen Provecho!
Not Matt’s self-portrait, I believe…these are for sale at Papa Grande’s!
January 18th, 2014
Always very grateful when a friends delivers a present. It really was not for me…I might be able to use it too. It is so pretty.
Root Carving….that’s something I had not heard. It is a traditional Chinese art. When cutting a tree down, depending on the size, it could only take about 30 minutes. Removing the root is another story. First of all it takes time and it’s a little expensive. But, you have to do it if you are replacing the tree you just cut down.
Roots are free for anyone that wants to dig them out. Of course, you have to ask the landowner; don’t just show up with your shovel.
The type of soild and conditions in which the root grows determines the color and shape. Baskets, bowls, and plates and numerous other items can be carved. Each piece is unique, as the natural form of the root is maintained. They are like fingerprints the shape, texture, or grain is its own.
Our root bowl came from a store in Fenwick Island, Delaware, called Fenwick Float-ors located at Lighthouse Rd. on Rt. 54.
Shelley was horrified when my son said….”Oh, I can put my sweet potatoes in it”. Don’t worry Shelley, we will take care of it, also applying mineral oil and spraying it with water to keep the wood moist.
Every day we learn something new. Have a good one!!
October 1st, 2013
The partners in The Flying Fish had only opened the restaurant 2 weeks ago when Shelley and I stepped into Fenwick Island’s newest dining adventure.
 
The location? The Village of Fenwick, 300 Coastal Highway, Unit #7. Tel. 302-581-0217. The website will be up soon. Dinner is served every night from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Lunch is served on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Noon until 3 p.m. Carry-out is available.
This spot at The Village has been transformed into a very neat restaurant, where customers chat with each other at ease.
So, here we were, Shelley and I ready to eat sushi, except Shelley does not eat sushi; she really does not eat anyhting raw…if you are like her, do not despair. Before you even go inside the restaurant, the menu is outside. Check it out.
A House Salad of organic field greens with cucumber, yellow pepper, radish, tomato, and carrot. It was finished with Lisa’s (partner) homemade miso honey sesame dressing and their wasabi croutons.
Then, Shelley ordered the Filet of Beef Negimaki….thin sliced beef wrapped around fresh spring onions and marinated in their homemade ginger hoisin sauce and flashed seared.
And, this is what I had, which by the way was their recommendation. Great choice!!
The Bangkok Dangerous – Flash fried tuna and salmon roll topped with a unique muddled pepper blend, lump crab, spicy mayo and their special sweet and spicy Bangkok sauce. On the photo, it is the middle roll.
The Mobster Lobster Roll – A spicy tuna, jalapeno, and tempura bits roll, draped in thin sliced avocado and topped with chunks of lobster salad. The rolls were served on the same plate. Yum!!
Shelley wanted dessert…a muffin with coconut, ginger and oranges hit the spot.
The food was so good, the prices were very reasonable….and the service was great!!
The Village of Fenwick was quiet when we left…quaint, as usual.
May 12th, 2013
Happy Mother’s Day to all that in many ways “mother” and offer love, play, respect, encouragement, understanding, acceptance, comfort, reliability, guidance, and the importance of empathy!! Cheers to you!
Sorry the weather is not cooperating if you are visiting the Delaware Beaches. It has been having a mind of its own. What a summer teaser we have had! Still the beaches are open and brunch is on the menu on this most important day of the year, when we celebrate those who mother and are the strongest.
Plenty of places to have coffee, baked goods, and something simple. Others offer brunch. Great way to eat, not having to get up too early.
Here are some that come to mind…..if I have missed any, I apologize.
THE BACK PORCH, on 59 Rehoboth Rehoboth in Downtown Rehoboth Beach…Tel. 302-227-3674. Website? http://www.backporchcafe.com
BLUE MOON, on 35 Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach…Tel. 302-227-6515. Website? http://www.bluemoonrehoboth.com. 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
JUST IN THYME, on Highway 1 (Coastal Highway) and Robinson Drive in Rehoboth Beach…Tel. 302-227-3100. Website? http://www.justinthymerestaurant.com.
TABLE & TAPROOM, formerly the Captain’s Table on 20859 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach…Tel. 302-227-6203. Website? http://www.captainstablerehoboth.com
BIG FISH GRILL, on 20298 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1)…Tel. Website? http://www.bigfishgrill.com. Brunch & Lunch 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. No reservations necessary.
SUMMER HOUSE, on Rehoboth Avenue…Tel. 302-227-3895. Website? http://www.summerhousesaloon.com. 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Family Style Brunch.
SALT AIR, on 50 Wilmington Avenue in Rehoboth Beach…Tel. 302-227-3744. Website? http://www.saltairrestaurant.com
CONFUCIUS, on 57 Wilmington Avenue in Rehoboth Beach…Tel.302-227-3848. Website? http://www.confuciusrehobothbeach.com. 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
CATCH 54, at 38931 Madison Ave., at Shark’s Cove Marina, in Fenwick Island…Tel. 302-436-8600. Website? http://www.sodelconcepts.com. Reservations accepted.
IRISH EYES PUB & RESTAURANT, located at 213 Angler’s Rd. in Lewes…Tel. 302-645-6888. Website? http://www.irisheyespub.com. All you can Eat Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
IRISH EYES PUB & RESTAURANT, located at in downtown Milton, Delaware…Tel. 302-684-8889. Website? http://www.irisheyespub.com. Mom’s eat for FREE with the purchase of one adult entree or Irish Favorite.
RUSTY RUDDER, located at 113 Dickinson St. in Dewey Beach…Tel.302-227-3888. Website? http://www.deweybeachlife.com.
Have a great Day!!
May 8th, 2013
El sabor de la comida latina no tiene limites. Las combinaciones de especies e ingredientes…el aji, ya sea dulce o picante, hace una fiesta por si sola en el paladar. Oh wait a minute, I am supposed to be writing in English. I guess I got caught up in the moment.
Papa Grande’s is the new sister restaurant brought to Southern Delaware by Matt Haley, Owner/Executive Chef of SoDel Concepts Restaurant Group. It is scheduled to open before Memorial Day. This marks the first Latin inspired concept within the group’s brand profile and the 7th restaurant in total.
“Papa Grande’s brought a cultural swing to our family of restaurants. It offers the same clean design style, authentic food and excellent experience that we have become known for with our customers,” stated Matt Haley, Owner/Executive Chef.
Inspired by the spirit and flavors of the Hispanic culture, Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria provides an authentic version of Latino cooking and cuisine. The menu offerings will be 80 percent hardcore authentic coastal taqueria with main dishes like Whole Fish Veracruz or Chicken Mole served with rice, beans and zucchini, ranging in price from $14 – $21 per entree. The remaining 20 percent of the menu offerings is fun, with Scrapple Apple, Belly clams or SPAM tacos. The generous taco menu selection has 15 – 18 options and the Starters range from Jicama sticks to roasted pardon peppers and Chorizo empanadas. Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria menu will be consistent with the rest of the SoDel Concepts’ restaurants by offering affordable and locally grown plates and tastes. To take a peek at the menu, please visit http://www. papagrandes.com/menu.
On the bar side, Papa Grande’s will be topping off the Latin cuisine with an expansive, authentic Tequila selection complimented by Tequila and Rum tasting menus. To sweeten the pot even further, the bar features a fresh sucar cane machine offering a little crushed-to-order food theater experience for guests. Check the website http://www.papagrandes.com.
 Trapiche for sugar cane. For back-of-the-house news at Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria, Matt Haley brought SoDel Concepts’ Corporate Chef, Doug Ruley, in as a partner on this venture. The two worked with renowned chefs at the Texas branch of the Culinary Institute of America to create a menu reflective of the traditions and home-style roots of the Latin American people.
In partnership with the Global Delaware Fund, http://www.globaldelawarefund.com, SoDel Concepts has pledged that a percentage of all profits from Papa Grandes will be donated to a scholarship program that will benefit underpriviledged Hispanic children.
Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria is located at 38929 Madison Avenue in Fenwick Island, Delaware by the Route 54 bridge, across the parking lot from Catch 54, one of its sister restaurants. It was reconstructed out of an antique barn that sat on the site, using reclaimed wood and glass from the former structure. There are 2 stories, with wrap around decks and unique, functional, glass garage doors that open up to offer guests the complete outdoor dining experience. Boats are welcome, just pull up to the dock, tie up and pop in. More info? Papa Grande’s does have catering and private dining, as well. Call 302-436-7272.
Buen provecho!!
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