May 14th, 2014
When my husband, John, was first diagnosed 6 years ago with celiac disease, eating gluten free became a way of life. It is the only treatment for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. It is an allergy to wheat and its derivatives. It does not stop just by not eating gluten, but also, you have to watch out for products that contain gluten and cross-contamination. Believe me, there are many, including prescription drugs.
Needless to say, we learned quickly and just like anything, you adapt. He really would have preferred to have had chicken fried steak, sweet breads, or anything traditionally cooked, but all in all he was pretty good about it. He had to.
In 2008 people would say, how lucky we were because prior to that year, not much was on the market. Nowadays, I say, how lucky everyone is because restaurants, grocery stores, and gourmet shops have jumped on the band wagon….oh yes, it is definitely a business. There is still more to do but if you have a gluten allergy, then, Welcome to the Beach!
The Birch Tree Cafe is Delaware’s 100% Gluten Free restaurant. It is also an espresso bar and a bake shoppe. It is located in Clarksville, which is about 4 miles west of Bethany Beach on Rt. 26. The actual address is 31826 Good Earth Lane. Tel. 302-539-2468. You can find The Birch Tree Cafe on Facebook and Twitter.
I stopped by to get a few things for a friend in Rehoboth Beach. Some special treats. It was late in the day, but Cathy Berzins, Co-Owner, and Chef, was there like always. She opens every day. And, this is what I got.
Muffins: 2 cinnamon, 2, blueberry, 2 chocolate chip….my friend has a sweet tooth. These muffins, besides being gluten free were also dairy free and nut free.
Everything is baked by Cathy from scratch, so I also got Multi Grain with Flax bread; 6 whole grains plus flaxeed.
Could not resist the Pecan Brownies….a classic made also dairy free.
 
Living Gluten Free in Delaware….is all about food. Every 2nd Tuesday of every month, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. the public is invited to join The Birch Tree Cafe and discuss the Gluten Feree Lifestyle. Share recipes, stores, and dining advice….we all have something to say about that, cooking/baking how-to’s and product information. Cathy will also have samplins. Any questions, pease call 302-539-2468.
The Birch Tree Cafe features its own pizza crust. To me, that was the hardest thing to achieve. Cathy also offers quiche, sandwiches, salads and soups. Her cream of crab soup is her signature dish. If you have been coming to Bethany Beach, you might remember that Cathy owned South Bethany Seafood Market. The soup is made with organic cream, organic milk and touched with a finish of sherry.
Her breads and muffins can be ordered in quatities, just give her a call. Any other dietary restrictions or allergies….she can handle that, as well.
The Birch Tree Cafe sits inside Good Earth Market & Organic Farm, http://www.goodearthmarket.com. You walk through the market and pick up natural products, groceries, and then step outside to see the actual farm.
Now you know that if you have celiac disease or gluten allergy, even a sensitivity…..the Delaware Beaches have it all. You don’t have to arrive carrying tons of groceries. Relax, you are at the Beach!
Have a great day!
May 11th, 2014
I wish all my friends and readers a beautiful day. I remember when I became a Mother, I was totally complete.
For those of you you who Mother someone in your life….Happy Mother’s Day!
Note: The photo was taken in Bethany Beach the other day. It is not unusual to see families like this throughout the Delaware Beaches in the Spring. I never get tired of looking at them.
April 25th, 2014
A “killer” comedy classic. Two charming sisters with a sinister secret. Directed by Rusty Hesse. Dickens Parlour Theater is located west of Bethany Beach, on Rt. 26. Just a few miles from Bethany. The address is 35715 Atlantic Avenue, Millville, DE 19970.
The parlour opens at 7 p.m. for cocktails…showtime is 7:30 p.m. Coffee and dessert are served at intermission.
If you would like to have dinner, there is only one seating at 6 p.m. Parlour opens at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required. You can check http://www.dptmagic.com. Click on One Stop Dining & Entertainment for more info., including the menu. When making the dinner reservations you will need to give them your Menu Selections, as well. Tel. 302-829-1071.
Dickens Parlour Theater opens year-round. The website shows the complete schedule, including the magic acts for the young ones and the young at heart. Great to keep in mind on rainy days at the beach.
Have a gorgeous day!!
February 19th, 2014
The Cottages are open year-round….stay in a warm and cozy waterfront cottage right on the Indian River Inlet in the Delaware Seashore State Park.
New vacation packages have been added: The relaxing Spa Getaway, which is perfect for couples or a girls’ week-end at the beach. Or, the Golf Retreat Package, which is perfect for the group that will enjoy championship golf and other amenities. Great for couples or for a “guys only” trip.
You will be at 39415 Inlet Rd. This is on the North Shore of the Indian River Inlet inside the Park.
This could be a relaxing vacation where you will take in the gorgeous views, read a book, or cook outdoors. It can be a last minute gift for someone or for an indulgence for yourself and friends. After the winter we have been having, getting away might be the thing to do.
If you want to know more about these packages, what they include, and how to make the reservations, please visit http://www.destaetparks.com/spa, or http://www.destateparks.com/golf.
The Spa Getaway Package ends April 17th. The Golf Retreat Package ends March 31st.
Are you ready to Visit Southern Delaware?
January 29th, 2014
I am looking forward to Groundhog Day just as much as to the Super Bowl. Super Bowl Sunday is not the only the only event going on. Phil will come out of his burrow and, hopefully, will not see its shadow. Could not handle 6 more weeks of winter. Lots of events happening while waiting for Phil to come out. Please visit http://www.groundhog.org.
Federal Donuts, from Philadelphia, came to my house this past week-end and they were so good. My favorite? The Cookies & Cream. Federal Donuts offer Coffee, Donuts, and Chicken…people line up for hot donuts right out of the oven…your choice if you want chicken or not. Please check them out at http://www.federaldonuts.com.
We have balmy winters in Southern Delaware. The beaches is a great place to enjoy a snow event. Fresh snow….the surroundings are quiet. This morning was such a day.
So, my “rescued” Heinz 57, Addy, decided it was time to go outside…..Oh, I don’t thik so.
This is more like it…I think so.
Waiting patiently for spring!! Talk to you later.
 
November 29th, 2013
The artists in Southeastern Delaware are opening their doors to their studios once again, as they have been doing for 19 years. This is a free, self-guided tour of the studios of 13 of Delaware’s most talented artists and artisans, all located in Southeastern Sussex County. You can talk to them, ask questions, see them work, buy some of their pieces of art, but most of all, get to know them personally.
The event takes place on Friday, 11/29 and Saturday, 11/30 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Remember to buy local and buy tax free in Delaware. More info? Please visit http://www.artstudiotour.com. Open the website and click on the map to see where all the studios are located.
Each artist has donated a piece of art for “Art in the Hat Raffle”. 100% of the proceeds from this raffle will benefit art programs throughout the local community. Raffle tickets are $4.99 each or 5 for $20. You can get them at each studio. To see what each artist has donated, please visit http://www.artstudiotour.com/raffle.htm.
One of my favorite artists is Tom Frey, who is located in Dagsboro. He is a woodturner. Mr. Frey uses mostly local woods that are stressed by nature.
His miniatures are beautiful and if you are lucky enough he might be working on some of them as you visit his studio.
Note: Damon Pla will not be on the tour this year.
Have a great time!!
October 21st, 2013
As The Second Season continues at the Delaware Beaches….the restaurants and area chefs are sharing their culinary expertise by holding cooking classes and events. Some of these events are held with fundraising in mind; it is also a great opportunity to get out and meet some of the people lucky enough to live on the coast and learn about a little bit of this, and a little bit of that.
TUESDAY, 10/22 – WOMEN & WINE – at Lupo di Mare located at 247 C Rehoboth Ave. inside the Hotel Rehoboth. The evening will be a fundraising event for United Way Delaware whose mission is to maximize the community’s resources to improve the quality of life for all Delawareans.
This event is limited to 65 guests. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 7:00 p.m. $39/person. Gratuity is not included. Please RSVP Mike Dickinson at 302-226-2240.
Pairing Wines with delicious food. An Aperitif of Lake Chalice “Cracklin Savie”. First course of fresh mozzarella, roasted beets, olive tapenade, sea salt, paired with with Old Coach Road Sauvignon Blanc. Second course of local apple salad, fennel, baby kale, crispy soprasata, asiago, grilled lemon vinaigrette, paired with Seifried Riesling. Third Course of pork meatballs, white corn polenta, rosemary, tomatoes, pecorino, paired with Forrest Pino Noir. Final course of house made ricotta cheesecake, honeyed walnuts, paired with Forrest “Doctors” Riesling…..
WEDNESDAY, 10/23 – NEW ENGLAND COOKING DEMO from 6 – 7 p.m. at Northeast Seafood Kitchen in Ocean View, Delaware, just a couple of miles west of Bethany Beach. The cocktail hour will begin at 4:45 p.m. until 6 p.m. The deomonstrations of Autumn Sangria, Warm Baby Kale & Apple Salad, Lobster & Sweet Potato Piegories, and Pumpkin Maple Bread Pudding. For tickets and information, please call 302-537-1785 or email colby@sodelconcepts.com.
SATURDAY, 10/26 – A NIGHT IN NORTHERN ITALY – Tune Your Palate with Paul Cullen at the Bellmoor Inn & Spa located at 6 Christian St. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. His demonstrations bring his passions for food and music. The cost is $55 and they include everything he will make and wine. You must 21 to attend. You can purchase tickets, by visiting http://www.paulcullen.net, or call 302-228-9775.
SATURDAY, 10/26 – ABRACADINNER COOKING CLASSES with Chef Kris. On Saturday the class will be A Season for Soup. It’s that time of the year and Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup, Raunchy Red Lentil Soup, and Asian Dumpling Soup will be on the menu. Besides this class, Chef Kris holds classes throughout the season. The schedule is as follows: 11/9 Pumpkin Palooza!, 11/30 Comfort Foods, 12/14 Gifts from Your Kitchen.
The classes are held on Saturdays at 10 a.m. The fee for each class is $55. Please call Chef Kris at 302-228-6125 for further information. Check http://www.abracadinner.com.
FRIDAY, 11/1 – BEER DINNER, DAY OF THE DEAD BREWERY, at Papa Grande’s located on Rt. 54 in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Growing up in Puerto Rico “El Dia de Los Muertos” was a day of usual torrential rain, and floods. The evening begins at Papa Grande’s with a reception of duck tostada paired with Day of the Dead Blonde Ale. First Course will offer hangover seafood cocktail, fresh seafood, spicy tomato salsa, and avocado, paired with Day of the Dead Amber Ale. The second course will bring honey crisp apple salad, baby kale, jicama, pickled onion, cajita, pumpkin seed lime vinaigrette, paired with Day of the Daed Hefeweizen. The third course will have adobo marinated pork loin, spicy rainbow chard, potatoes, grilled green onion, crema, paired with Day of thye Dead IPA. Dessert will be a house-made cinnamos churros (love churros), coffee infused Mexican chocolate dip, paired with Day of the Dead Porter. Please RSVP to Jim Affeldt at 302-436-papa, or jim@sodelconcepts.com.
SATURDAY, 11/2 – COOKING CLASS WITH CHEF HARI CAMERON of a(muse.), located at 44 Baltimore Ave., in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Noon until 2:30 p.m. He will be putting his distinctive twist on a collection of Classic American Recipes. Learn the basic of iconic American dishes and learn to put your own signature twist…in other words….make it your own. On Saturday, 12/14 from Noon until 2:30 p.m. the class will be centering on the holiday foods that come to mind. Chef Hari will be taking a look at those favorite holiday dishes; putting his own spin on them.
These classes are informal and are followed immediately by a special lunch with Chef Hari. Please call 302-227-7107 or visit http://www.amuse-rehoboth.com and click under menus. The classes are $60.00.
MONDAY, 11/11 – MURDER MYSTERY – A FOWL FEAST at The Buttery on the corner of Savannah Rd. and Second Street in the heart of Historic Lewes, Delaware. 6:30 p.m. For reservations and info., please call 302-645-7755.
TUESDAY, 11/12 – LIVING GLUTEN FREE IN DELAWARE at The Birch Tree Cafe located inside Good Earth Market, 4 miles west of Bethany Beach in Clarksville, Delaware. Join the group to discuss and share the gluten free lifestyle, cooking and dining habits. They will be offering cooking/baking advice, new product information and much more. Each month they will taste different products. This meetings will take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
SATURDAY, 11/16 – HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING at Nage, located at 19730 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Classes are 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. If you cannot make it, then on Saturday, 12/7 Nage is offering a Holiday Dessert Cooking Class. More info? and registration? Please call 302-226-2037. Or, visit http://www.nagerb.com/special-events.html#cookingclasses.
SATURDAY, 11/23 – BIG FISH GRILL COOKING CLASSES at 4117 Highway One in Rehoboth Beach. The cost per class is $75 and you must register in advance by calling 302-227-9007. The classes are held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Menu items from the Big Fish Grill and Summerhouse will be featured. Hands-on participation in the pereparation of festured menu items is part of the fun. The classes will include a tour of the restaurant, a whole fish cutting demonstration, which I happened to volunteer when I participated some time ago, and tips about purchasing and preparing fresh seafood.
Other dates: December 7th and 21st, January 4th and 18th, February 1st and 15th, March 1st, 15th and 29th, April 12th and 26th and May 3rd.
On the day of the class the doors will open at 9:45 a.m. Go hungry!!
Have a great time!!
October 16th, 2013
From time to time I would stop by Good Earth Market in Clarksville, Delaware. When writing a post I would always say that it was about 4 miles west of Bethany Beach. I am happy to say now that Good Earth Market Rehoboth Beach is pretty much around the corner from my house. The new market opened this summer to great expectations from the community. It has not disappointed. It is fully stocked. Location? 38131 Terrace Rd., Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, 19971. Tel. 302-226-3276 On Facebook, find it under Good Earth Market Rehoboth Beach.
The owners are Susan and David Ryan. They can be found mostly at the Clarksville Market. In Rehoboth Beach, Annette is their Manager. Good Earth Market is bringing to the community healthy foods. Our health is something not to be compromised. Eating well is part of the solution to many health problems.
And for all of you locals, the location is on the Forgotten Mile; that stretch of Highway 1 (Coastal Highway) between Bayard Ave. Traffic Light in Dewey and the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Bridge. Now you know…
Gem Java Coffee Bar inside the Market opens at 7 a.m. until Noon. At present, coffee and fresh muffins are served. The menu might be expanding later on. There are plenty of tables and chairs, besides the bar, to sit and gather with friends. It can sit about 25 people. Have it in mind if you need to have a meeting or just a fun gathering. Annette is the Manager and you can call her at 302-226-3276.
The sign of a good Manager is the knowledge of his or her products offered. Annette was great and it was so nice meeting her. She was enthusiastic about the Market and gave me a tour showing that this Market is a must stop shop in Rehoboth Beach when looking for fresh, healthy, gluten free, vegan goods and home and wellness products, as well.
Gluten Free!! For years I have kept a gluten free kitchen in my home. The shops at the Delaware Beaches have all been pretty good in keeping up with a demand for gluten free products. Good Earth Market in Rehoboth Beach has so many products. If you are looking for gluten free, please stop by.
A freezer is always filled to capacity.
 
That was just the frozen foods…throughout the store you will find many other products like flours, cereals, chips, sauces, etc. etc. that will make cooking gluten free so much easier.
Paleo Bread is an allergy friendly bread that, at times, is hard to get. It is gluten free, grain free, and low calorie, as well. They have it in the frozen section at Good Earth, but if you want to know more about it, please visit http://www.paleobread.com.
Frozen meats…turkey, bison, etc. free of any chemicals and dyes.
The Birch Tree Cafe is the only 100% gluten free restaurant in Southern Delaware. It is located at the Clarksville location, but on a daily basis salads, breads and other great foods come to the Rehoboth Beach. You just have to stop by and check it out, or request a favortie…they’ll bring it to you.
Raw Cheese is also hard to find….ask Annette; they have it.
Jams and Coconut Sugars!!
The Iced Coffee on this photo, has been a hit, flying out of the store as soon as it gets in.
Wellness for body, mind, and soul!!
And, plenty of products have a story behind it. Driftwood Candles. These candles are made my a woman that years ago became a young widow. The first time you light your candle, it may extinguish itself before it reaches the wax…this is normal. Just re-light until you get a steady burn!!
EVENTS:
Wednesday, 10/16 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Dr. Herb Joiner-Bey, a primary care Naturopathic Physician will be speaking regarding Lyme Disease.
Saturday, 11/2 from Noon until 1 p.m. “Meatless Holidays”. Speaker? Patricia Haddock will be giving tips, recipes and tastings!!
Saturday, 11/6 from 11 a.m. until Noon…”Ingredients friend or foe?” by speaker Bob Wisgirda, teaching how to read your ingredient labels.
Saturday, 12/14 from Noon until 1 p.m., Sue Ryan will be speaking about “Taste of the Holidays”. She is the owner of Good Earth Market, http://www.goodearthmarket.com, and will be presenting samples of holiday items they sell.
STAY TUNED:
Coming up!! Vegan Cookie Exchange, Weight Loss Group, Cooking Demos, and Paleo Group.
Have a great day!!
 
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