The Delaware Beaches have been crowded this Holiday Season. Why not? The weather has been somewhat “warm”, the beach is an inspiration for many, shopping could be a therapy for most. A change of scenery which feels soooo good.
This area is a foodie’s paradise. You really find a wide variety of foods and establishments. I have felt very safe in the restaurants. They are really doing a good job.
Having lived here for a long time I have my favorite restaurants. My blog was started in 2009 to promote the area. And, I think I have.
One of such restaurants that I use like a neighborhood restaurant is Shorebreak Lodge, located at 10 Wilmington Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. They will be open for lunch and dinner Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon until 10 p.m. http://www.shorebreaklodge.com
You can reserve online or you can call them at 302-227-1007.
Shorebreak also has Bar Seating. Great when there are only two of you. Good music and great wines.
If you would like a French 75 Cocktail this will be a good restaurant to try one. Ask to be made with Courvoisier instead of Gin.
I can tell you that I have loved everything I have tried at Shorebreak. But I always, for the most part, order the Grilled Octopus. It is the most tender octopus you will ever try. You can ask my brother, Miguel.
The Char Grilled Octopus is placed over Kohlrabi garbanzo slaw, harissa aioli.
The Seared Duck Breast melts in your mouth. Served with fingerling potatoes, beet greens and a butternut squash puree.
The Day Boat Scallops are huge. Most of all offerings can be served as appetizers or entrees.
The Shrimp N Grits are so well seasoned including a chorizo sauce.
The Deviled Eggs are very popular. A House Chimmi sauce and house cured bacon. What’s not to like?
You see that Hummus photo? Someone in the group said I don’t want any. I will tell you that it is outstanding. Pepita pesto, pickled red onion, garbanzo beans and toasted naan.
Brie N Naan was another choice for the table. Great for a crowd.
Coming to the desserts which are usually ordered when there is a group. Carrot Cake, a Key Lime Cake and a Chocolate Cake were sweet endings with everyone taking a bite here or there.
Enjoying a dinner with friends, good conversation, tasty food….all priceless!!
Shorebreak Lodge has a Facebook Page. AboutMyBeaches has a Facebook Page, as well where you can read little teasers of what’s to come to the blog or just leave a comment there. Until then, Have a Great Week.
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I don’t know about you but I think we are becoming better cooks nowadays. I wish I could say the same about baking. It is not my forte but I can make a few things too.
I always say that Thanksgiving is a time for an overabundance of food, but, Christmas I like a more simple meal. If you saw my last post a prime rib roast is nothing simple. It makes an amazing presentation, more so if cooked right.
As New Year approached I think I had my fill of beef. Time for some lobster. It looks so pretty at a table and it is delicious. I decided to make a Lobster Newburg. I usually make recipes my own because I add a little bit of this and a little bit of that. At times a secret ingredient of saffron can make it taste out of this world. A few sweet peas….not sure if that’s even on a Lobster Newburg. Some make toast points…..Oh no, we had it over pasta. Pair it with a French 75 cocktail using Courvoisier instead of gin, believe me it is to die for.
The broth had so much taste because using the shells it is the way to go when making a seafood broth.
Save the rest of the broth. You can freeze it for another time.
New Year’s Day is a new beginning. Starting up with a decadent breakfast is always a must. Eggs Benedict, my own style too. Did not want any bread so on top of the grilled asparagus and Surry ham from Surry, Virginia, poached eggs and homemade Hollandaise Sauce.
And then came the Apple Toddy. This recipe has winesap apples which are hard to get around here, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, sugar, grated orange rind, rum, peach brandy, apple brandy, bourbon and lemon juice. You need to start this by cooking the apples then everything goes in a crok in a stoneware crock for 16 weeks. So start way before the holidays and place it in your garage in a cool place.
To drink it pour in your desired glasses and you can cut the apples up in bite size pieces. I never used to enjoy it years ago but I have acquired a liking for this old family recipe.
So in order to finish the day I wanted to get some black eyed peas. Nowhere to be found. Yeap, I went a little too late to some of the stores. I wanted that good luck everyone says they bring you. Black beans will have to do. I decided to make a black bean soup which if I say so myself was pretty good for not planning anything in advance. A little garnish here or there and it turn out as good as the photo shows.
And so another year begins. I did not make any resolutions. I will take one step at a time, enjoying every moment, every day.
Wishing you the best for 2021.
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One thing this pandemic did not take from us was that we still were able to get together. Some had a small gathering like I did while others were Zooming or Face Timing. We all had smiles on our faces. There were so many decorations, lights and all.
In Southern Delaware homes had beautiful Christmas lights. Whites, blues, and combinations thereof. I have been driving after sunset and checking the neighborhoods.
Cooking has become a passion of many. There are so many photos being passed around of the food at everyone’s table.
Some years ago I would celebrate dinner on Christmas Eve but lately I enjoy it more on Christmas Day with my guests coming around 6 p.m.
I made my Puertorican Coquito which is the traditional eggnog of Puerto Rico. It is not thick but it is truly delicious. It is usually made this time of the year and given to family and friends.
Most years I have a standing rib roast. I have also had a whole filet, as well. This year another gorgeous rib roast from Hickmans located on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach was a winner. So much so I fogot to take photos of the side dishes. They were simple but complemented this gorgeous prime rib. Starting with a Caesar Salad made by TC who makes the best. A spinach gratin, mashed potatoes adding Crema, and broiled grape tomatoes with a hint of homemade pesto.
Lucky that we all liked our meat rare.
Rib roasts look intimidating but they are really not hard to cook. If you have someone like TC who knows his way around the kitchen then what’s to worry. Me? I have not had an oven since October so him cooking was perfect. These were 5 ribs which left us with leftovers which is exactly what we wanted.
A successful dinner party is priceless when the food is as delicious as this. It is also successful when your dinner guests bring to the table laughter, good conversation and an acknowledgement that friendships are so important.
Not one pie but 3 pies. Once again since I did not have an oven my pies were courtesy of Pasqualini’s located at 375 Atlantic Ave. in Rehoboth Beach.
The first pie on the left was a mixed berry pie. Here is a close up.
The second pie was requested. It is a mincemeat pie. These pies were first served in the early middle ages, filled with a mixture of finely minced meat, chopped fruit and a preserving liquid. No meat is in the pie anymore. Lots of raisins and pretty good it was.
I like cherry pies so that is probably why the third pie was cherry.
Coffee, party crackers, Coquito and more laughter. I think we all had fun. The holidays come and go so quickly. With our smaller group this year we were able to spend quality time at the dinner table which to me is the center for family and friends.
From this post I will be sharing my food photos, as well on social media. Why not? It really was a delicious meal.
New Year’s? I have no idea what we will be fixing. I find that Thanksgiving is abundance, Christmas is more subdued and New Year’s could be a fun menu. Stay tuned.
Happy New Year. Wishing you the best for 2021. Health, Happiness, and Acceptance.
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Taking advantage of one glorious Sunday, probably the nicest day in the next coming week, as rain, and even some snow are in the forecast.
Lewes is totally decorated for the holidays. Being that it is a balmy weekend, so many people are visiting the Delaware Beaches taking also advantage of outlet shopping with tax free shopping as well.
Me? I have been enjoying those blue skies and thanking that living at the beaches is not to be taken for granted.
Harbour opened at 134 West Market Street in Lewes, DE year. They are now serving lunch from 11:30 until 2:00 p.m. with Happy Hour, Food and Drink Specials from 3 until 5 p.m. Dinner takes place from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Opens from Wednesday until Sunday. Reservations are required by phone at this time by calling 302-200-9522. Check out their website at http://www.harbourlewes.com
We arrived with no reservations at around 1:30 p.m. and were lucky to see that a couple was leaving the perfect table under the awning with beautiful view of the canal.
The restaurant is quaint. Has a private room for your special events, a nice bar and two indoor dining rooms.
A couple of Bloody Marys on this pretty Sunday. Checking out the menu. More than a few specials, as well.
I ordered their Farmers Market Salad to be topped with salmon. It is a simple salad, dressed lightly but the salmon is what makes it special. It is so delicious. Try it next time. Very much recommended.
Do you like Fish & Chips? A very good one it is served here at Harbour. It is craft beer battered Virginia Founder. Lightly fried and full of flavor too. Fries, coleslaw and a remoulade sauce on the side.
You love sitting outside even when chilly? Harbour also has heaters even though today was just perfect weather.
Hope your weekend was awesome. And, please continue to read my posts. Thanks.
Until then, I remain….
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Full of atmosphere, Eden is located in the trendy street called Baltimore Ave., in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. 23 Baltimore Ave. to be exact, in the beach block.
Last night this was a destination for us. How surprising to see Rehoboth Beach full of cars. It is a balmy weekend in Southern Delaware, and the beaches, tax free shopping and a foodie paradise are part of the charm of what many call the Nation’s Summer Capital. The town is fully decorated for the Christmas Holiday. It usually is but this year both, commercial businesses and homes have gone all out. Saying goodbye to 2020 in a big way.
Eden has Happy Hour every day, and specials too. Wine diners and professional service is always a plus. Their tel. is 302-227-3330 and their website is http://www.edenrestaurant.com.
Love their Grilled Caesar Salad with a sun dried tomato/olive tapenade and pecorino romano. I always order it and it never disappoints.
I don’t think you see Antelope in the many restaurants in Rehoboth Beach. It is always on their menu. Last night was my choice. I chose not to get the sweet potato mashers so only bacon roasted Brussels sprouts for me. The antelope tenderloin was cooked medium rare and topped with a berry/red wine reduction. Full of flavor and tender.
This meat comes Broken Arrow Ranch in Texas. They are milder tasting compared to the ones farther north. I found out that Texas antelope is more tender because they do not confront the same predatory threats on the ranch.
The daily fish special was the Rockfish on top of pasta and veggies. Well received. This is a local fish and it is also very mild. Looks amazing, don’t you think?
No dessert because watching what you eat at this time of the year is a must.
Have a beautiful weekend.
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To say that 2020 has been quite a year is an understatement. It has impacted so many, even our resort areas who in their second season a lot of the festivities have been canceled, including the Southeastern Delaware Artists Studio Tour right after Thanksgiving. It has been postponed until next year.
One of those artist is Master Potter Sabie Carey. 20 years ago I had commissioned her to make me oversized dinner plates. I still used the plates all the time and I don’t even have to get a salad plate because everything fits just right. My 12 inch plates also fit in my dishwasher.
I contacted Sabie to see if I could stop by her studio. It takes about 20 minutes from Rehoboth Beach. You should call her to make an appointment or just ask when she is going to be there. Next is her business card.
I am always in awe at the beautiful pieces a potter can make out of a lump of clay. Must be so rewarding and so full of accomplishment.
Her studio is small but that is all you need to appreciate her work.
It is that time of the year and even though I use my plates frequently, they really show off during holidays. Sabie has many things in her studio for you to pick and choose from. Following are some of the photos I took the other day.
There is still time to order something for the holidays.
Our talented artists in Southern Delaware make one of a kind pieces. I enjoy so very much every time I get the opportunity to engage in conversation with them. My Sabie plates I love and they are made to be used and enjoyed every single day.
Have a great week and remember that in the hands of a potter the clay becomes magical.
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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!!
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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.
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