September 18th, 2015
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” booker t. washington
With that quote I begin my post by reminding you that Delaware is a Small Wonder with a Big Heart. Fundraising events happen all year round, but it seems that as the Second Season takes hold of all of us living in Southern Delaware, we set records for fundraising. It is incredible the amount of money raised to help others.
I got an invite to a Kick Off Party for the Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival which will take place on Saturday, October 17th (noon until 4:30 p.m.) at Independence Hall located at 23767 Samuel Adams Circle in Millsboro, Delawared. Even though the address is Millsboro, it is, actually, closer to the beaches.
 
The Kick Off Party took place at (a)Muse on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, on Thursday, 9/17. My friend, Susan DiMondi came with me to see what all the commotion was all about.
Let me tell you a little about What is Going On…
This event is being billed as the “ultimate wine, food and music event on DelMarVa”. It will be hosted by former Bad Company bassist, now food, wine and music aficionado, Paul Cullen. It will be a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up.
This is a benefit for Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels.
This is an inaugural SoDelFest. The culinary Theater will host the chef showcases/demos, where you will find Neil Fuentes, The Singing Chef and Food Rewrapped Champion and 5 of our top local chefs including: Hari Cameron, Lion Gardner, Doug Ruley, Ronnie Burkle and Sean Correa.
The festival will also offer wine and food pairings with 13 local restaurants including; Abbot’s Grille, Bluecoast, Seafood Grill, Bramble and Brine, Cultured Pearl, Grandpa 9Mac), JD Shuckers, Lupo’s Italian Kitchen, Michy’s Relaxed Dining, Nage, Palate, Semra’s, Summerhouse and Touch of Italy.
You will be able to experience the Man Cave….don’t worry we are all welcome for cocktails, a raw bar and Cigars! Join Rob Bagle from Bramble & Brine and representatives from Wigle Whiskey, Dad’s Hat, Benromach Scotch, George’s Bloody Mary Mix (a new local favorite from Berline, Maryland) and 16 Mile Brewery. There may just be oyster shooters there!
30 wines will be offered by Teller Wines and the distributors for pairing and additional tastes. Dogfish Head and Mispillion Breweries will be pouring their fall favorites at the bar!
There will be 2 special wine education seminars in the Wine University; Mike Zygmonski (Level II Sommelier, Sodel Concepts) will present a blind tasting and John McDonald (Wine Columnist, Cape Gazette) will present Wine 101 for anyone who wants to learn about the art of Wine Tasting.
General Admission tickets are $75 and there is a VIP upgrade that includes two special tastings at 95+ point wines and exclusive cheeses and a seat on-stage during one of the chef showcases. The press is invited at no charge with advance notice. Please visit http://www.sodelfest.com
Presenting Sponsor: Ocean Atlantic Companies
Major Sponsors: Schell Brothers, Sysco, SoDel Concepts, Coastal Style
Sponsors: Good Clean Fun Life, Sposato Family Vineyards, Active Adult Realty
Event Chair is Stacy LaMotta
Event Coordinator is Carlene Roche
Volunteer Coordinator is Meg Gardner
Arriving at (a)Muse Susan and I were invited to taste some of the wines offered by Sposato. For 6 years the Sposato Family researched, studied and visited South America. In 2012 the family purchased their farm in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, Mendoza.
Based on their 23 years of experience in working with land, soil irrigation and plants, by running their top rated landscape company, Sposato Landscape Co., they saw this as a great opportunity to further their experience in the agriculture industry. The farm was purchased as virgin ground. A new irrigation system, electric and other improvements have been installed with more to come.
The farm is 250 acreas located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, 3,000 ft. above sea level. Sposato Family Vineyard has some of the best and most popular wineries in Argentina as neighbors. The farm is located between two notable wineries, Bodega Septima and Vina Cobos by Paul Hobbs with more just around the corner.
We tasted 2015 Chardonnay. This fruit focused Chardonnay has an attractive color with aromas of tropical fruit, apples and peaches. Also a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, from their prize winning high elevation vineyards has aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, herbs, species and orange blossom notes that are persistent through the finish. The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has intense red with blue shades. Another one was their 2013 Reserve Malbec…intense violet color, typical of Argentine Malbec. And the 2014 Malbec had deep purple color, with high intensity of black fruits, raspberries and violets. Please note that you can get the wines in the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area.
A presentation was given by all of those that are involved and making sure that this will be an unforgettable event.
 Stacy LaMotta, Event Chair  Paul Culen, Host  Lion & Meghan Gardner, Blue Moon  Hari Cameron, (a)Amuse Paul Cullen entertained us while we tasted delicious offerings by Blue Moon, Nage, and (a)Muse.
So what are you waiting for? Call your friends, pass the word, share in social media and get ready to have some fun!!
 
August 30th, 2015
This was going to be the first time I was going to IVY even though they have been in business for a few years. IVY is part of the family of Dewey Beach Life. These are: Rusty Rudder, Bottle & Cork, Jimmy’s Grille Dewey, Northbeach, Outlet Liquors, and Dewey Beach Liquors. Both IVY and Northbeach are wedding venues, as well. More info? Please visit http://www.deweybeachlife.com.
IVY is located at Dagsworthy St. & The Bay in the heart of Dewey Beach. Tel. 302-227-9292. The Manager is Brooke Sterling and the Executive Chef is Aileen Delario. Reservations are accepted and there is parking, as well. So far so good, right?
To tell you the truth, I had forgotten what a fantastic view of the Bay this restaurant has. We arrived for a 7:30 p.m. reservation. There would be 6 of us for dinner.
The views from the inside are towards the Bay. The bar is indoors and there are plenty of tables and seating available. Later in the evening the music and dancing would begin.
Al fresco dining with friends…there was talk, laughter and merriment. And of course, photo opportunities as the sun started to set.
Does food relly have more flavor when eating it in the open air? Oh, I definitely think so. At IVY the setting is beautiful and the sunsets are spectacular.
All you have to do is take a seat, then take a sip of a luxurious cocktail, and finally take a taste of their unique offerings.
If you decide to eat al fresco remember that you will be on their beach, so wear your comfortable shoes or sandals.
The menu was divided into Little Bites, Cool and Leafy, Big Bites….And then…dessert. The Little Bites are great for trying different things tapas style.
Our table ordered a little bit of eveything.
From the Little Bites:
The Portabella Pate with truffles, cherry, and ginger.
The Godzilla Shrimp…colossal tempura’d shrimp with seaweed, wasabi and ginger.
The Hamburger Slider….even though it was a slider it was a generous portion.
The Herb Crepe was presented beautifully. It had crab and shrimp and lemon aioli. This was a cold dish. My fellow diners that ordered it liked it but would have preferred it warm. Just a suggestion.
From the Cool and Leafy, a Bib Lettuce Salad with bell, tomato, pickled red onion, pine nuts with an Old Bay vinaigrette. It was light and it was also large enough for sharing.
Big Bites…these were traditional size entrees.
Crab Cake…Jumbo lump, fresh lemon herb tarter, corn and tomato saute.
Ratatouille…for those vegetarian ones and perfect at this time of the year with so many veggies available….tomato, squash, eggplant, zucchini, thyme and chevre polenta.
The Halibut with cauliflower, Madras broth, coconut lime, and microgreens. Very light and mild.
The Scottish Salmon had a spicy jamaican jerk, tamarind glaze over rum flamed pilaf. Loved it!!
No dessert was ordered because we were perfectly satisfied…another time.
Talk to you later…and in the meantime enjoy the sunset!!
July 29th, 2015
It was in the bucket list. But, a friend said to feel the rush. It was going to be peaceful and so much fun. It was all of that and more. Friends like Debbie, Sharon, and Cindi….those women that like to enjoy life to its fullest.
Dewey Beach offers a playground for adults and children, as well. Water sports are a must when in Dewey. The Atlantic Ocean on one side and Rehoboth Bay on the other. In between? Restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
Our destination was Dewey Beach Parasail, located at the Rusty Rudder on Coastal Highway and Dickinson St. Tel. 302-227-9507 Website? http://www.flydewey.com
After filling a form we were ready for our parasailing adventure. The boat had already some passangers. We were the last to get in but the first ones to go parasailing.
Meet Justin, the Captain, and Dylan, the Crew. This company is very experienced and has a perfect safety record.
 
After going through some pertinent information it was time to get the parasail up in the air.
It was so easy to take off and also an easy and gentle landing. They have tandem and triple rides available. We were going tandem. This activity is fun for all ages, young to matured ones. There is a photo package and t-shirts available, as well.
So here we are..first Sharon and I.
Then, Cindi and Debbie:
It really was great fun. Getting a birds eye view of the coast was priceless!!
Then off to Woddy’s for the best crab cakes in town.!!
Woody’s is located at 1904 Coastal Highway in Dewey Beach. Tel. 302-260-9945 Website? http://www.deweybeachbar.com
For years Woody’s has been considered as the place to go to get the best crab cakes at the Delaware Beaches. Colossal Lump Crab!
We all had the crab cakes and loved them. Just huge chunks of crab meat with no fillers!!
ABOUTMYBEACHES HAS TURNED 6 TODAY….And what a great way to celebrate with some of my good friends. A few of the usual suspects were missing, but they know who they are. Up to date I have 1,926 posts with 1,960 comments. I do have advertising available. Let me now if you are interested. $500/year for the banner. Just send me an email to info@aboutmybeaches.com.
Our day came to an end but not before I let the Dewey Police Dept. know that those meters at the Rusty Rudder need to be checked out. They are always a problem. And, Cindi was not happy.
Have a Good One!! TTYL!!
July 16th, 2015
What can I say….searching is half the fun! The tradition continues when Lindy Promotions & Miller Lite team up once again to bring back the most exciting summer tradition; The 5th Annual Dewey Beach Scavenger Hunt.
This is the Wildest Scavenger Hunt in the Craziest Beach Town!! Dewey is the playground of the Delaware Beaches!!
It will take place on Saturday, August 1st from Noon until 8:00 p.m., during which teams will attempt to earn as many points possible by collecting random items, taking pictures at different landmarks, visiting bars and answering trivia in the wildest scavenger hunt ever seen.
Pre and post-parties are held around the Hunt itself. The regisration/pre-party will be held from Noon until 2:00 p.m. at The Starboard for the post-party, where they will be judged and awarded prizes from 6 until 8 p.m.
Prizes this year include Maryland Football tickets, Six Flags America Tickets, Medieval Times Tickets, gift certificates and much more!! All participants will also receive a special event koozie!!
What are you waiting for? Get your teams together. They can consist of between 4 and 8 people (all must be 21+). Team themes and constumes are greatly encouraged. Registration is currently just $50/team.
In previous years the event has had over 400 participants and this year is expected to be even bigger and better. Participating bars include The Starboard, Gary’s DBG, Woody’s, Port, Scully’s, The Lighthouse, Nalu, Whiskey Beach BBQ, Que Pasa, Grotto’s, McShea’s & Hammerheads.
For full details and to register a team, go to http://www.lindypromo.com.
More info? Contact Lindy Promotions at 301-652-7712.
Lindy Promotions has spent over 20 years successfully planning events in numerous cities throughout the country. Each event provides an excellent chance to bring people together for a great time while enjoying discount specials at participating bars.
Have a Good One!!
June 20th, 2015
It has been a week since our 16 Miles or BUST team participated in a 16 Mile Walk to raise money for the Cancer Support Community Delaware. We are all still talking about it because it was so much fun. Everyone survived the heat….I think there were more like 17 1/2 miles, going through the Circle in Georgetown.
Our team was comprised of 10 amazing women…and one guy, who is pretty awesome himself. These women and Jamin (our guy) have a thirst for life. They have had their ups and downs like everyone else. They have faced those curve balls that life throws to you when you least expect it, and they have handled them with courage. 3 of them were breast cancer survivors. They are fit, they laugh, and they can also let their hair down. They are professionals, mothers, grandmothers, well traveled and well read, as well. The following photo makes me laugh…with Jamin. He wore the pink hat that said “Women Who Behave Rarely Make History”!!
Before starting our walk, Jamin brought us all together in an uplifting prayer giving thanks, and praying for peace, hope and health for those afflicted with cancer.
Police escort…our route was a little dangerous, more so, at this time of the year. Every mile we had water, and every 2 miles we had fruit and granola bars.
We walked in groups of two or three, and then, we would change and formed other groups, which made it easier.
Everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another and being that June is Cancer Survivors Month, cars passing by kept honking their horns all through our journey. All services provided by Cancer Support Community Delaware are free of charge. For more information, please call them at 302-645-9150. Or, visit their website…http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
It was so darn hot…but at least there was a breeze, and the Sussex County Corvette Club was transporting anyone that had had enough.
At the Lewes-Rehoboth Moose Lodge, the Sussex Tech Band received us. I believe that was mile 7.
Dreaming about a cold beer….16 Mile Brewery’s was hosting the Cancer Survivors Rock After Party.
Music and Bethany Blues Lewes….Food Truck!! Games, massages for the walkers, as well.
16 Mile Brewery….air condition, please. And, a cold Beer. It is located at 413 S Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947. Website? http://www.16milebrewery.com. Tel. 302-253-8816
 
The tasting room is open Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday from Noon until 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday from Noon until 5 p.m.
Crisp and clean…Blues’ Golden was just delicious. For the event a little twist to this favorite beer, adding ginger, coconut and mango. Very good!!
 
The Tours are Friday and Saturday from Noon until 3p.m. on the hour. Please call ahead for private tours and tastings. Tel. 302-253-8816.
Events: Wednesday…Farmers’ Market. Friday…Live Music (you may bring food into the Brewery). Every week-end…Food Trucks.
If you are planning on having a party, please call them at the above mentioned telephone.
Visiting the Delaware Beaches…don’t want to drive? Let the Jolly Trolley do all the driving from Dewey to the Brewery. Round trip is $40 per person on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up and drop off is at Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill. You will get a private tour and tasting. Also, specials at Gary’s before and after. To make a reservation, please visit http://www.jollytrolley.com. Or, email reservations@jollytrolley.com. Tel. 302-227-1197
Meet some of our 16 Miles or BUST walkers as they arrived at 16 Mile Brewery:
 
Note: Thanks to Ann Raskauskas of Bethany Area Realty in Bethany Beach for the T-Shirts she offered us from her annual event, Bethany Beach Breast Cancer Fun/Walk. It happens on the Saturday of Mother’s Day Week-End. For more information, please visit http://www.bethanybeachbreastcancer.com
 
Have a good one!!
June 14th, 2015
Miles of beach, up and down the Delaware Coast, the surfmen were the keepers of our shores. They patrolled the desolate and dangerous beaches, looking for shipwrecks and warning vessels of the imminent dangers along the coastline.
The years were 1876 – 1915.
The Indian River Life Saving Station is located south of Dewey Beach, Delaware, and a mile north of the Indian River Inlet.
Built in 1876, it is the only station in Delaware still standing in its original location.
The U.S. Flag flew over the station and this particular flag has 38 stars and was the official Flag of the U.S. from 1877 – 1890.
Today is Flag Day, dedicated to celebrating the adoption of the American Flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
It is believed Flag Day originated in 1885. More info.? Please visit http://www.usflag.org/flag.day.html.
The Indian River Lifesaving Station has many fun and educational programs throughout the year. When visiting us, here, in Southern Delaware, it is definitely a must stop. More info? Please visit http://www.destateparks.org.
Have a great day!!
June 6th, 2015
“The ocean is a central image. It is the symbolism of a great journey.” enya
 
Eleven families, 10 states, 32 children, volunteers…all in all, about 73 people. When they arrived in Bethany Beach, they were complete strangers. In no time they became a united front with a common bond…Breast Cancer.
All women were, presently, being treated for breast cancer. Almost all were in their 40s. One was 60 years old.
Little Pink Houses of Hope provides week long beach retreats for breast cancer families. They have been coming to Bethany Beach for several years, but you can also find them in other parts of the country. Home is North Carolina. The Founder & President is Jeanine Patten-Coble. For more information, please visit http://www.littlepink.org. Find them on Facebook, as well. Once they arrive…everything is free of charge.
Breast cancer does not only affect the person, it impacts the whole family in many ways. To be able to spend a week at the beach, relaxing and rejuvenating is always….priceless!! The outpour of donations from the Delaware Beaches; residents, commercial establishments…awesome!
Organizing it all were Stacy Shepps and Ann Raskauskas.
Every day, they had plenty of activities and also time to chill out. We live at the beach and enjoying the outdoors is always a must. Mother Nature, of course, did not cooperate. Don’t get me wrong, it did not “dampen” anyone’s spirits.
Lunching at Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association, after a morning of sailing….Well…the setting at RBSA is gorgeous. This sailing association has been in existence since 1963. The first photo would have been the ideal situation, but the second shows the reality of how the weather was; windy, rainy, chilly.
 
Debbie Dyer, who is one of my partners in crime “volunteered” to help me organize the lunch at Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association. RBSA is located south of Dewey Beach at 38767 Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association Lane. Tel. 302-227-9008. Website? http://www.rbsa.org. This sailing club is for beginners to racing enthusiasts. In the summer they offer a Junior Sailing School and Adult/Junior Clinics. Those are starting next week. If interested, please give them a call. Those programs are open to the public. Also, please note that the 2015 Sunfish Women’s North American Championships will be September 19th and 20th.
We had food to feed an army. Leftovers were sent with the Little Pinks to enjoy the next day.
And a big thank to Carol Cairo for her delicious cookies….Yum!!
 
Just before serving lunch, prayers of thanks!!
Now they could eat. The Water Cooler Ladies were serving drinks…the rest were serving lunch.
One of the volunteers was telling me that he first went to a Little Pink retreat about 6 years ago. He had lost spirituality when his wife had been diagnosed. It was so good for him that he has been volunteering ever since. His wife is doing well, by the way.
Another volunteer, she is right there on the photo with the stripe sweater….she has been a survivor for 3 years. She had cancer in her family left and right. She said she would have been shocked not to have cancer.
Some started to play games, enjoying the company of new friends.
Last year I spent a day with Little Pink Houses of Hope. Heartwarming and Uplifting? You bet!
It was time to gather the troops. Volunteers were getting their assignments. Each volunteer has a family assigned to him or her. Some of these volunteers have been participants in previous beach retreats.
Regardless of the weather, Debbie and I had a great day. It also brought memories of years past when preparing food for lax games….you take this, I take that. Who brings the water? How about the snacks? Don’t forget the paper towels. And, the many Teacher Appreciation Lunches…Susan Lynch, you were a pro, just as Shelley Martelo was a pro with her electric knife. The good old days, right?
Until next time…have a good one.
 
May 15th, 2015
The gates are beginning to open…..Summer 2015 officially opens next week. Yikes….a new way of trying to figure out when to go here or there. Welcome to the Delaware Beaches!!
“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking, you’ve got to have a what-the-hell-attitude.” julia child
Even though my recipes can, at any time, be begged, borrowed, or stolen….this recipe was given to me as a gift by my friend, Jody. It is totally delish and you can serve it by itself for any meatless day; with a salad for a complete veggie meal. Or, just let it sit by the side of beef, chicken or fish.
The main ingredient is a butternut squash. This fruit/vegetable is full of Vitamin C, A, & E. It is also a good source of manganese, magnesium and potassium.
Butternut squash can be roasted, toasted, pureed for soups, or mashed and used in casseroles, breads and muffins.
2 new sauces for this recipe, and they are easily found at Peppers on 176 Coastal Hwy. #1 in Lewes, Delaware. The Garlic Pepper Sauce made out of aged red peppers and garlic and the Peri Peri Pepper Sauce which is a blend of Moroccan flavors.
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH CORN, RED ONIONS & CRANBERRIES
1 2 lb. butternut squash, peeled with a veggie peeler
1 large red onion, chopped into bite size pieces, not diced
4 Tbsps. Olive Oil
2 Tsps. Garlic Pepper Sauce (Mountain Man) Taste it and add more….I did.
2 Tsps. Peri Peri Pepper Sauce (Warrior’s Potion) Taste it and add more…I did.
1 Tsp. Sea or Pink Himalayan Salt
1.5 Cups Frozen Corn or steamer bag of “honey roasted corn”
1/8 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper
1/2 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup chopped cilantro
Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees.
Chop the peeled butternut squash into circular disc pieces then cut in cubes from the discs. Lightly toss the pieces in olive oil or in coconut oil and a bit of salt. The smaller the pieces are, the faster they will roast in the oven.
Put on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in batches for about 10 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy.
Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and saute onion. Add corn, hot sauces, salt, and cayenne to the onions and stir for a minute or so. Then add cranberries.
Add the roasted squash cubes to the mixture and stir for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Then add the chopped cilantro.
This recipe has a very good combination of flavors….a little heat, the sweetness of cranberries, and cilantro. As usual, make it your own.
Enjoy. Talk to you later.
 
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Comments Off on Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival, October 17, 2015, 12:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M., Independence Hall, Food, Wine, Music, A Singing Chef, Local Chefs, Food Pairings, 13 Local Restaurants, A Man Cave? Do not Miss this Event!! Raising Funds for Rotary’s Global Eradication of Polio, Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches