Up until a few minutes ago I had not realized that the blog I started in 2009 is celebrating 13 years of sharing my thoughts on finding out about events, restaurants, reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner today. http://www.aboutmybeaches.com
No photos at the beginning until I caught on how important photos are to all of us. We are so visual.
The first post was about McCabes Gourmet Market in Bethany Beach. No longer McCabes, times have changed. Great store that we all loved for many years. Their Queso (Mexican Cheese Dip) Recipe is on the website. Click on it and put it on the Search.
My second post was Agave. The ever present Margaritas, the Avocado Martini, music, best chili, guacamole and so on.
At the time blogs were beginning to take place in our society. But, people would still smiled like saying: really? Blah, Blah, and Blah. The point of my blog was that I could put my two cents in about places that I have been to, my beloved beaches in Southern Delaware and beyond. Food, recipes and reviews. We all have different tastes, likes and dislikes but it was my diary sort of speak of. I can write when I want to and other times I just take a break and put tidbits on My Facebook page.
Since the beginning I have spoken of how good the corn is in Southern Delaware. I just took this photo the other day. White corn, but they have yellow and a mix kernel ones, as well. Freeman’s on Robinsonville Rd. in Lewes is the best. Every day it is picked and it is so fresh that you can eat it raw. I usually eat one or two ears like that. Amazing.
Lewes’ Lighthouses are something to see.
Strolling the Boardwalk day or night.
I have lived here for so many years. I am a foodie and love to eat and experience different cultures.
My blog continues and one of the best things that have happened since opening AboutMyBeaches is that I have learned so much about our area. It is not just the beaches, so much more depth. It has given my family a very nice life. I don’t take it for granted. I appreciate it.
Until then check my Facebook Page, and Instagram and stop here for recipes and information. It’s all good.
Love Crabs….these ones from Suicide Bridge.
Comments Off on AboutMyBeaches turns 13 years old, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches
Rehoboth Beach is ready for the Fourth of July. The Boardwalk looks great and this past week the beaches have been amazing.
This town is know for its restaurants too besides the beaches. A wide variety of restaurants for sure. From upscale to the Boardwalk Grub as I usually call it.
Last night TC and I decided to graze instead of a full dinner. Bar seating to have drinks and a few small plates. Grazing is a way of eating that involves consuming multiple meals throughout the day. You know how it is, animals graze, stop and continue eating.?
Our first stop was the bar at Theo’s located at 44 Baltimore Ave. First time there. It was crowded but usually you can find a couple of seats at the bar.
Tuna Tartare for me with avocado, green tomato and wonton crisps. Delicious?
The Edamame were great…salty and with added spices.
Our next stop was Eden located at 23 Baltimore Ave. This is one of my favorites and knew already what we were going to order. Bar seating again. Plenty of customers inside and outside. Thought this was interesting ?
The French 75 was ordered but with Courvoisier instead of Gin. And their Grilled Caesar Salad which is the best in town. That tapenade is awesome.
Down to the Boardwalk we went for our last stop to Thrasher’s. These French Fries are loved by many and even though I usually complain because they are not crispy enough well, well, last night they were and I had my share.
Salt and vinegar are a must.
To a bench we went to enjoy and people watch.
Remember AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Instagram. Enjoy your time at the beach.
Comments Off on Theo’s, Eden, Restaurants, Thrasher’s, French Fries, Boardwalk Grub, Downtown, Grazing, Summer 2022, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware
All Summer long the Freeman Stage located in Selbyville about 4 miles west from Fenwick Island offers amazing shows for the whole family. Last night on a what I thought was going to be a rained out event, we were there to see Trombone Shorty. He is everything you can imagine a performer should be. The first thing he said was that it was so nice to be able to perform again.
It was so much fun and such a high energy performance. Trombone Shorty is best know as a trombone and trumpet player. He also plays drums, organ and tuba. He sings too, so a well rounded entertainer. A lot of fun and the perfect evening, as well.
There are still plenty more at the Freeman Stage. For more info., tickets, etc. etc. you can check their Facebook Page or their website
In the evening the shows start at 7 p.m. for the most part. Since I am also interested in what are we going to eat, you will find food trucks and also a grill inside the grounds. If you check their FB page they will tell you what food trucks will be there for each performance.
Perfect for last night the food truck that attracted our attention was Old Shoal Food Truck. They also have a Facebook Page. A creole menu for this week was exactly what was called for.
Joe was cooking but we talked to Sara who took our order. If you Google them it will show that they are in Exmore, Virginia. They have relocated to Lewes. Joe has been a chef in the area in the past at various establishments. So, the experience is there. They offer their services for private events, fundraisers and you name it, they can do it. This Sunday, tomorrow, they will again be at the Freeman Stage. If you are going please try them. The food comes out hot, deliciously seasoned and served with a smile on their faces.
We had the Crawfish & Crab Etoufee…crawfish, crab, green peppers, tomatoes and onions, served over rice with maque choux (creamed corn and other veggies; a Cajun dish) and jalapeno corn bread. It had a kick to it and if you want more of a punch there is plenty of hot pepper sauce to help you achieve that level.
All in all Summer 2021 continues to fly by. Enjoy your weekend.
Remember AboutMyBeaches has its own page on FB.
Comments Off on Old Shoal Food Truck, Lewes, The Freeman Stage, Selbyville, Music Venue, Trombone Shorty, Outdoor Concerts, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware
If you have been watching how people are moving to Southern Delaware you can also see that there is no housing inventory. A house goes on the market and in a day it is sold. I have seen that most of the houses have awesome outdoor living areas. My deck and outdoor areas are not the most fancy ones but I have enjoyed them for a long time.
They say that eating outdoors actually makes food taste better. You are more relaxed. You pay attention what’s around you. Being outside is a mood booster. This particular week-end in Rehoboth Beach was so crowded and Memorial is not even here yet. People are ready to mingle and sit outside and continue to enjoy life as it should.
Let me get back to barbecuing. My favorite is cooking with charcoal. Chicken, I do like to marinade. Then put the homemade barbecue sauce afterwards. This chicken was from Lloyd’s in Lewes. It is the best chicken in the area.
I prefer the breast and others prefer the dark meat. Don’t mind eating it, don’t get me wrong. But I do like my chicken well done. I don’t want to see any red when I cut into it.
And cucumbers in vinegar, oil, and a little sugar or sugar substitute is it perfect. Looking forward to that summer corn we get here in Southern Delaware.
Grilling Shrimp is another favorite. These gigantic shrimp were from Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth Beach. Butterfly them, marinate them and takes no time to grill.
Veggies are great grilled as well. Love eggplant. These ones were from the Brush Factory in Lewes. All you do is peel it, cut lengthwise, brush with a lot of olive oil on both sides, sprinkle salt and pepper and both sides, and cover them with flat leaf parsley. The parsley even though it will mostly fall when turned over, it will still have that flavor all over the eggplant. So delicious.
Look how delicious it looks.
This whole meal is perfect for today since it is Meatless Monday. Just a day out of the week to forget about meat and eat something very healthy.
Enjoy your time here in Southern Delaware whether you are a resident or a visitor for a short while.
Comments Off on Summer 2021, Barbecuing, Outdoor Eating, Sunny Days, Cool Evenings, Southern Delaware, Entertaining Outdoors This Summer
What a gorgeous Easter Weekend here in Rehoboth Beach, DE. The main roads were heavy with traffic, and I was just thinking what will it look like this summer. I will have to plan to go to the grocery store either at midnight or at the crack of dawn. Not kidding.
On Monday temperatures were warm and my sister in law, Susie, and I took off to check Downtown Rehoboth. A lot of people had left and the boardwalk was just delightful for a power walk.
What to have for lunch? Indian, Pizza, Salad, or seafood? Our choice was Henlopen City Oyster House located on 50 Wilmington Ave. This restaurant I have posted before here or shared photos on my FB page. Fresh seafood, amazing salty oysters, and great Bloody Marys.
I call it the Oyster House and it is great that they are opened year round for lunch and dinner and carry out, as well. Their website? http://www.hcoysterhouse.com
An order of smelts to share. It has been some time since I have had those. Lightly fried with a lemony sauce.
New on the menu is a King Crab Salad. Very well received by my sister in law. Having seafood and salads on this day after all our Easter delicacies.
It does not fail. I usually order one of their salads with scallops. Today they were grilled scallops. There is plenty on the menu and it is all good but this is a favorite.
While in Rehoboth, check them out. You will not be disappointed.
Want to leave a comment? Please visit my Facebook Page AboutMyBeaches and put your 2 cents in.
Have a great day!!
Comments Off on Out & About, Rehoboth Beach, Lunch, Henlopen City Oyster House, Review, Season 2021, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware
Plan A was to take the Cape May Lewes Ferry from Lewes towards Cape May, on our way to the Borgata. A 24 hour get-a-way. A change of scenery.
Plan B came into the picture when gale force winds were not going to be conducive to traveling inside the ferry. So driving was the way to go. To tell you the truth it was not bad at all. We stopped for lunch in Wilmington at Buckley’s Tavern which post is already up.
If you are a frequent visitor to Atlantic City you will certainly notice that it is very quiet. Upon entering the Borgata the first thing, before you could even take another step, was the taking of your temperature. The hotel was immaculate and during our stay of 24 hours we felt very safe.
There were families with children and other people like us that wanted a change from the same thing.
Our view was amazing. We were on the 36th floor.
There are several restaurants at the Borgata, but if you want to eat steaks then the Old Homestead should be your choice. Reservations are required by calling 609-317-1000. Or you can also do it online http://www.m.theborgata.com The Old Homestead has been in existence for about 150 years in New York. It is considered an institution.
We had great service with our server knowing the menu well. A Coppola wine with oysters. The bread was amazing. And asking him which salad to pick he suggested the Oh Salad. You see that on the plate it looks like a regular old salad, but it was a memorable salad. Romaine, radicchio, tomatoes, gherkins, chopped egg, apple wood bacon, shaved reggiano and onion crunch. It had a Thousand Island Dressing. Not sure what they did to that dressing but it was very good.
I knew the specialty was steak but still asked our server what was the entree that customers just cannot stop talking about. Without hesitation he said the Chilean Bass. He said it is just that good. I love seafood, so that was my entree and it did not disappoint. Probably the best I have ever had. Placed on top of long beans, raisins, cashews, it had a fried potato bundle. Then a sauce made of soy sauce, cilantro, butter, lime, and honey.
Asparagus with Hollandaise for the table.
The Veal Chop was the other entree ordered and it was the special of the day. It got rave reviews, as well.
And guess what else we ordered? Onion Rings…made in house. Not greasy and the perfect size. Dipping them in Ketchup, oh what a treat!!
No dessert was necessary. I think we had eaten enough.
The Casino had players but, again, not like the usual. There were partitions between the dealer and players and between the players too. The moment someone would get up the whole area was cleaned.
If you want to get out of the house, I recommend it.
The next day off we went to Philly to the Reading Terminal….That will be the next post.
Comments Off on Old Homestead, Steak House, Restaurant, Borgata, Casino, Atlantic City, NJ, Review, Good Food Will Travel
Some of us that like to cook say that the best restaurant is usually your home. It is even better when you have friends over.
The idea of having a few over for Brunch and then off to check out Mill Pond Garden in Lewes, was a no brainer. Mimosas, Bloodys, what would be better? The weather? Of course, and it did hold off.
My previous post is about Mill Pond Garden. Check their website for upcoming events. They open to the public once a month and I cannot say enough about how beautiful this garden is. http://www.millpondgarden.com
The primary purpose for brunch was to shake off headaches and give a rest to gurgling stomachs. An Englishman by the name of Guy Beringer supposedly invented the brunch. It was really to pacify his own hangover. He wrote an essay; Brunch: A Plea, in 1895. This was written to help those who nursed hangovers every Sunday morning from the night before.
And, no, we were not nursing any hangovers last Sunday. We just wanted an excuse to get together with a few and for a couple of hours enjoy their company, chatter, and good food.
The ham cooking, the breakfast casserole almost ready and the aroma filling the house on Sunday was priceless.
The following 2 recipes are keepers. They are easy to assemble and cook and you still can enjoy your company.
Ham with Maple Syrup Glaze
The ham went perfectly with the casserole. This ham was approximately 11 lbs. It was hard to find a spiral this time of the year. Not yet holiday season.
Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees. Place ham in a roasting pan and pour about 1 cup of good apple cider in the pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 40 minutes.
While cooking, make the glaze. It takes no time. 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, 2 tbsps of grain Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg. Mix all ingredients in a saucepan over low to medium heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Set aside.
When ham is heated through, remove the aluminum foil and brush all the glaze between the spiral layers. You want the ham covered with glaze. Raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees and cook uncovered until the glaze is caramelized. Let it rest for 10 minutes if you are eating it that day. I cooked mine on Friday evening and covered it well without slicing it. On Sunday the ham was taken out in the morning so as to get it to room temperature and I made another batch of the glaze so as to drizzle it over the ham.
The Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is made the night before. Then, place in refrigerator.
24 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
salt and pepper
12 eggs
2 cups half and half
1 tsp season salt (or just salt)
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese grated
1 1/2 cups pepper jack cheese grated
2 cups of chopped ham or your prefer meat. I used sausage with sage.
Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan. Add the frozen and shredded hash brown potatoes at the bottom of the pan. Pat them down. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs together. Add half and half, season salt, cheddar cheese, pepper jack and chopped meat. Please note that if you are using sausage, it should be cooked and crumbled beforehand.
Pour over the top of the frozen potatoes. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 90 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
I did take it out before the 90 minutes because it was ready. This casserole cuts very easily. It will not crumble. Perfect for a crowd.
We had gorgeous tomatoes with mozzarella and basil drizzled with a high grade balsamic. And for dessert a floating island topped with berries including my own figs. As it happens I forgot to take those photos. Take it from me…..delicious.
We all had an egg-cellent time!!
Comments Off on Brunch, Breakfast Casserole, Ham, Mill Pond Garden, Recipes, Homemade, Tried and True, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Recipes, Begged, Borrowed and Stolen
Mill Pond Garden was a total surprise to me. No idea something this pretty was in close proximity to my own home in Rehoboth Beach.
It is located on Red Mill Pond in Lewes. It is the private home of Michael Zajic and his wife, who bought the property 10 years ago and the garden opened to the public about 4 years ago. You have to love flowers and gardening and landscape design. Mr. Zajic has a long history in all those things. Currently he is working on the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro.
Mill Pond Garden opens to the public once a month and later during holidays they have different events to show off during that special time of the year. For more information please visit http://www.millpondgarden.com.
On the link above mentioned you will be able to buy tickets, as well. It is $12 per car and you can have up to 6 people in your car. Once you get to the property you will park in the cul de sac and enjoy this special place.
I went to the September opening. And will be going again with friends this coming Sunday the 11th. In case of rain then Wednesday the 14th will be the other date. Keeping my fingers crossed. The photos on this post were taken in September. On this next trip the garden will showcase Mums, Asters, and Mist Flowers who they call “Gems of the Autumn Garden”.
I cannot imagine waking up every morning to experience nature’s beauty It has been hard work and everything has been designed and done my them and helpers. Even the walkways.
I thought he had planted the water lilies but he said those were indigenous to Delaware and no he did not.
The garden is soothing and full of surprises in every corner.
I wanted to be his neighbor because across the street the garden continues to display a koi pond, ferns and many perennials as well as annuals.
When clicking on the gallery, if it is shaded just click on each individual photo.
The garden is open from 10 until 12:30 p.m. It is best to buy tickets from the website above mentioned because you have to choose the time you would like to visit.
Hope you do visit on Sunday and if not, then you will have to check my next post. Until then have a beautiful Fall Season.
Comments Off on Mill Pond Garden, Lewes, Delaware, NonProfit Native Plants, Michael Zajic, Horticulturist, Garden in Southern Delaware, October Opening, Sunday, October 11th
Comments Off on AboutMyBeaches turns 13 years old, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches