March 23rd, 2016
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” plato
No, Patti Grimes, Executive Director, was not getting her hair done by no other than Drexel Davison, owner of Bad Hair Day in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Actually, Patti was very well coiffed. The Freeman Stage came to have a little wine, beer, hor d’ouvres, and to chat about what is very dear to their hearts….the Arts at The Freeman Stage at Bayside.
I thought that The Freeman Stage needed no introduction. Everyone knows by now that this outdoor entertainment venue has been giving Southern Delaware memorable performances. It is like Patti was saying….the first time you hear opera, the first time you see a ballet, the first time you see a live concert, it transforms you. The legendary Bob Marley so well stated “One Good Thing about Music, when it Hits you, you feel no pain”.
Have you attended any of the peformances at The Freeman Stage? It is located about 4 miles west of Fenwick Island. The actual address is 31556 Winterberry Parkway, Selbyville, DE 19975. Tel. 302-436-3015 Website? http://www.freemanstage.org.
The Big Reveal for what is coming up to The Freeman Stage Summer 2016 will be Thursday, March 24th. Check out the website above mentioned or visit their Facebook Page.
Summer nights at the beach are unforgettable, more so if you attend one of the concerts at The Freeman Stage. The Stage is quiet at times during the day, but at dusk it takes a life of its own. People dance and how could they not?
This summer seeing Melissa Etheridge who is such a Superstar. Blondie, and icon from the 70’s. And, The Wailers, entertaining us with Reggae, the music, which is influenced by mento, which is Jamaican folk music, calypso, and American Jazz.
Summer 2016 promises to be an exceptional year, so please check the website to see who is coming to perform on this amazing stage. You will see the performers up close and personal.
Bad Hair Day is located at 20 Lake Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-4247. It is a full service salon and barber shop. Website? http://www.badhairday.biz
I want to thank Virgina and Jose Somalo who invited my friend, Jody and I. On the photo you will see Virginia Esteban on the left, Jody, on the center and Jose on the right. Virginia Esteban is the Editor, and Jose is the Publisher of Hoy en Delaware. This is a completely Spanish newspaper, sold throughout the state of Delaware.
Great to have met Leah Reynolds, right, Development Director, and Denise Allen on the left.
It was a very nice time to be able to mingle and meet new faces. Drexel, chatting with his guests.
 Debbie Killeen, Leah Reynolds, Virginia Esteban Somalo Have you been to Bad Hair Day? Let me show you a bit of it while there are no customers. Have in mind that this is an award winning spa. They moved this past year to this new location across the street from the previous one. They are also open 7 days a week….no excuse for not looking your best!!
 Drexel's Dad's Bike 
It was getting time for a presentation by Patti Grimes. She has a soft voice that commands attention.
The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It was established in 2007 to honor Josh Freeman after his passing on 2006. Even though in Southern Delaware there is a lot of entertainment, this company set the tone for what is happening in the area. Last year visitors to The Freeman Stage were in excess of 50,000.
Many sponsorships are available. Please visit http://www.freemanstage.org, and http://www.freemanfoundation.org.
The Freeman Stage is helping the community enjoy national class acts as well as regional and local ones.
In the meantime……
March 21st, 2016
It has been a while since I have posted a recipe for Meatless Monday. This is a “global movement, created in 2003 by Sid Lerner in association with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health”. It is a way to eat just one day a week free of meat….go vegetarian for just that one day will help in our overall health. For more information, and recipes, as well, please visit http://www.meatlessmonday.com.
I had a couple of good size eggplants and decided that today, being Monday, I would use them to make Eggplant Parm. I have made this dish so many times, and every time I either add something or delete something. I always make recipes my own. So should you, it is fun to experiment.
2 medium to large eggplants
3 eggs
Oil for frying
Italian Breadcrumbs (If manking it gluten free, please make sure you buy some of the many available breadcrumbs that are gluten free.)
Spaghetti Sauce (I tried Mia’s Kitchen Bistro Marinara from Safeway and it is all natural and gluten free, made in Sonoma, California.)
Mozzarella Cheese (I used the already shredded cheese, but you can shred your own if you are eating gluten free. Make sure to read the labels.
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese. I grated it myself, which is great if you are eating gluten free. The packaged cheeses already grated might have an additive that contains gluten.
Basil
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees
Slightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Put about a cup of the spaghetti sauce and spread.
Cut the eggplant in round slices. I do not peel the eggplant. I think the skin looks great and it is where your vitamins are, as well.
In a shallow bowl cracked the eggs and mix. In a plate put the Italian breadcrumbs.
In a large frying pan put enough vegetable oil in order to fry the eggplant. It does not have to be too deep.
Dip the eggplants in the eggs and then dip in the Italian breadcrumbs.
Fry them until lightly brown. I usually get them out and let them sit on paper towels, but you can just transfer them directly to the prepared baking dish, as well.
Arrange them on the baking dish as you wish. You will be making two layers.
Spread spaghetti sauce on them and also half of the mozzarella. Repeat the process and at this point you will also sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Sprinkle some Basil for color too. Then to the oven.
Bake for about 45 minutes or so until they look like this…….
This dish has so much color….it should also be the center of attention on your plate. A green salad or green veggie is all you need.
For dessert, well, it is that time of the year when you just have to think that summer is around the corner but if you feel like living dangerously, well, go ahead and maybe go visit Edie Bees on Second Street in Lewes, Delaware, and grab something sweet and sinfully delish.
December 20th, 2015
I big shout to Doggies at The Beach for taking such good care of my little Diva, Miss Addy. Doggies at the beach is a 3,500 square foot indoor, cage free doggie day care. It is Miss Addy’s home away from home. While visiting Doggies at the Beach she met Santa. I know what her expression is telling me, but I am glad she went along with the program. Doggies at The Beach is located at 18806 J. Williams Hwy. in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-644-8200. They have 24 hour human supervision and even web cams so that you can follow your precious pooch. Grooming is also available. They are on Facebook, as well. Check them out because they are always hosting events and very much involved in the community. Jim and his staff are very caring and obviously they love dogs!! Please visit http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
This would be a great stocking stuffer for your dog. Your pooch will love these Tail Bangers made with whole wheat flour, rolled oats, eggs, canola oil, fresh ground peanuts, honey, cinnamon, with a vanilla yogurt coating. Tail Bangers are made in Millsboro, Delaware, about 1/2 hour from Rehoboth Beach. The company has gone big, a success story. I have not visited but can’t wait to do so. You can find Tail Bangers at Doggies at The Beach, Candy Kitchen, Pet Stores in the area and even the UPS store at the Safeway Shopping Center. I took them as a gift to my friend’s dog, Dale, in Bluffton, South Carolina and they were a big hit. So, I decided to try them myself. They smell so good. I took a bite and they were not bad at all. After all they are made with all natural ingredients. Tail Bangers is located at 24546 Betts Pond Rd., Millsboro, DE 19956 You can find them on Facebook and Twitter. Website? www.tailbangers.com.
Another great stocking stuffer for those that love to cook and for your favorite foodies are these Sea Salts made right here on the coast by SoDel Concepts. There is the Bay Spice, the Summer Lemon Zest, and the Black Pepper Fennel. You can get these salts at any of SoDel Concepts Restaurants from Lewes to Fenwick Island. For the locations of the restaurants, please visit http://www.sodelconcepts.com.
Another perfect gift….a book, the perfect companion. Truddi Chase was from Maryland. Her story was made into a movie years ago, base on her first book When Rabbit Howls. The movie was called Voices Within: The Lives of Truddi Chase. It was an autobiography about her experiences after being diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. Truddi was interviewed by Oprah. Her story is a fascinating one of survival after been sexually abuse from age two. She coped by developing 92 personalities. She never integrated them so she lived with them all of her life until she died in 2010. Her second book has just come out thanks to her daughter, Kari, who lives in Lewes. This second book is more whimsical. All art work is by Truddi and the different personalities. The name of the book is The Creature of Habit. You can get it at http://www.truddichase.com
Or, you may also get it at http://www.amazon.com.
Have a good one!! TTYL
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!!
 
September 2nd, 2015
One Castal has just celebrated one year!! For my friend, Shelley, and I it was a new find. The restaurant is located at 101 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Fenwick Island, DE 19944. Tel. 302-537-4790. Website? http://www.onecoastal.com
We had heard a few people talking about it and everything they said was good. So, on Monday evening we decided to try it. One Coastal accepts reservations. It is good to make them because the restaurants has about 10 tables, plus you can also have dinner at the bar. It is casual, come as you are. Also, there is parking available.
The staff was so friendly we were immediately feeling very good about the place. It has an open kitchen so you can see the comings and goings of a busy eatery.
Make sure to visit the website above mentioned to learn more about what One Coastal is all about. Hours of operation will be changing as of Monday September 7th. The second season begins in earnest at this time of the year at the Delaware beaches. They will close Monday and Wednesday. Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday 5-9 p.m. Saturday 8-Noon and then 5-9p.m. Sunday 8-Noon.
The menu is divided into Eat Your Greens, Little Snacks, and the Main Event.
I started with a cold cucumber, lemon basil soup. So light and so delicious. You could defintely taste the 3 main ingredients.
A Kale & Brussels Salad for Shelley…sunflower seeds, diced apples, avocado, and pomegranate seeds tossed lightly in a homemade white balsamic dressing.
A Main Event entree for Shelley of halibut which was seared with toasted coconut rice, fresh pineapple salsa and homemade lemon basil aioli. For her side she chose green beans.
I decided on 2 Little Snacks. Well, the portions were very generous to say the least. Look at my plates.
The Scallop App…blackened with mango cucumber salad and a mint apple cider reduction. Perfectly cooked and seasoned.
Fried Green Tomatoes topped with lump crab, hollandaise and a sprinkle of Old Bay. Loved them!
No dessert was necessary, we were perfectly satisfied.
One Coastal has had a geat season and are looking forward to meeting you soon. Let me know how you like it.
Talk to you later….have a good one!!
July 22nd, 2015
It was that time of the year…for 24 years the Beach and Bay Cottage Tour has been taking place in July. It is a fundraising event for the Friends of the South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach, Delaware. It also has been probably that many years since a “true” cottage has been on the tour. There are still a few of those left in town reminding us that life was much simpler then, at the beach. The tour was today, July 22nd and tomorrow, July 23rd.
It is my second year joining this great group of women that only travel in style, thanks to our oganizer Sandy. She is a gracious hostess and lunch at her house in between the touring of 10 magnificent homes was fantastic.
We have been traveling by limo. Nothing but the best for the group. Atlantic Transportation Services was going to be taking care of us. Yes, we were the chicks in the limo!! And, Ellyne Gale, one of the owners of Atlantic Transportation Services was our driver. Please check http://www.atlanticlimode.com.
We arrived early, the tour was starting at 9:30 a.m. and we had 10 houses to visit. Here is our group. In the limo we had things to eat: champagne and wine!! It was going to be a long day!!
Sorry, but no photos were allowed in any of the houses. All the houses were interesting to say the least. The largest one was 7,000 square feet. The group of homes on this year’s tour had something that would appeal to every one that visited. Thanks to the 400 volunteers that worked so hard to make this year’s tour a sensational event. Great weather, as well!! And, we toured all 10 houses!!
Stopping at Rooster’s Nest is always a must stop. Rooster’s Nest is located west of Fenwick Island, Delaware, at the Bayville Shopping Center. It is open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day. Tel. 302-436-1848 This shop has home furnishings, home accessories, and so much more.
If you are a fan of Bossom Buddy Bags from Baltimore, Maryland, Rooster’s Nest has a nice collection of them. These handbags are beautifully made: “Handbags as extraordinary as the women who carry them.” bossom buddy bags
Summer at the beaches can be a tricky time when you have a large group of people that are ready for dinner….Not all restaurants can handle big groups. Thanks to Just Hooked because they made sure that all of us had a comfortable table with exceptional service. Just Hooked is located at 1500 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island, DE 19944. Tel. 302-581-0098 Website? http://www.justhookedfi.com.
An order of fried calamari to wet our appetites. Light and perfectly season, we passed them around the table.
There were a few specials….The Salmon was one of them. I almost got it. It had chutney, which I think adds so much to any dish.
Instead, I decided on the Softshell Crabs. I do love them and Just Hooked was supposed to have delicious ones. They did not disappointed. They were light, sweet and oh, so good.
Someone ordered a salad with a filet. Something light.
Fish n’ Chips…buttermilk battered cod, house fries, coleslaw and a remoulade.
Local Crab Cake with pickled carrot n’ peashoot salad, bacon fingerling frittes and classic remoulade.
Seared scallops, with pearl faro, spring peas, artichokes, chicory and pesto. They looked beautiful.
Shrimp n’ Grits…cheesy grits, fried green beans, chorizo vinaigrette and chili threads.
No dessert was necessary after all this delicious food accompanied by wine and other spirits like Orange Crush!!
It was time to go home…”The most valuable live thing for me is when people look like they’re having a good time.” grimes
We certainly did, ladies and until next time….I remain.
July 13th, 2015
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” bob marley
During the day The Freeman’s Stage is quiet and peaceful. The stage is small and cozy. The laws are beautifully manicured.
Throughout the summer this venue offers live music for everyone. It is outdoors and listening to music under the stars is…..priceless. Top national performers as well as local ones come to The Stage. Is funny to hear the performers say that they feel like they are in someone’s yard. Well, they sort of are. Please check the schedule by visiting http://www.freemanstage.org.
Now, when Melissa Etheridge, and Blondie…ultimate classic rock stars arrived, and then followed a couple of days later by The Wailers…..this venue was everything but quiet.
Melissa Etheridge is a super star and an activist. Her voice continues to entertain so many of us that have known her for a long time. She is on tour at the moment and her time at The Freeman Stage is not going to be forgotten.
When she sang I’m the Only One, I Want to Come Over, and Come to My Window among others the audience went nuts. She gave it her all in every song. And, believe me, it was steamy that night.
Blondie, another icon form the late 1970’s. She had just turned 70!!! The Tide is High, Hanging on The Telephone and Rapture brought all of us to a good cheer, remembering those days long gone.
Last Friday night at The Freeman Stage it was a night of reggae with The Wailers coming to the Delaware Beaches to play some of the songs we have loved through the years.
Reggae…the music, is influenced by mento, which is Jamaican folk music, calypso, and believe or not….American jazz.
Red Stripe Beer, a place to sing and dance….young ones to the more matured crowd….they knew all the words to the songs!!
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” victor hugo
July 3rd, 2015
 
I like putting on the heading that Bethany Beach is The Quiet Resort. Maybe it was known to be that quiet many years ago, but no more!! This is a sought after coastal town in Southern Delaware….perfect for summer vacations, and to get away during the fall and winter.
Bethany was founded by members of the Christian Church; the Disciples of Christ. They came from Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. It was not supposed to be a town. They wanted it to be a permanent yearly seaside assembly for the Christian churches of the country.
But quite a little town it is. Families have been coming for so many years, creating many summertime memories.
The Fourth of July is celebrated big time in Bethany Beach. This is the 32nd year. There is usually a theme to every Fourth of July celebration. This year’s theme is Let Freedom Ring.
Please note that on Friday, July 3rd, the Beach will be closed between Oakwood Street and Hollywood Street beginning at 5 p.m. in order to get ready for the Town’s 4th of July fireworks displays. Make sure to pick all your beach items in this area. The beach will re-open on Sunday, July 5th.
Fourth of July: Registration
You may register your floats and bikes the day of the parade from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the registration desks as follows: Floats-Route 1 and Central Avenue; Bikes-Christian Church grounds.
Fourth of July: Schedule
Noon…The parade will begin at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Garfield Parkway and take its traditional 2 mile route through the town. It will feature 5 marching bands and 6 entertainment groups on trucks with marching units.
After the parade, enjoy the following activities:
2 p.m. Try your skill at the horseshoe-throwing contest at the southwest corner of the Christian Church grounds.
7:15 p.m. Award Ceremony
7:30 p.m. The Vigilantes band performs popular dance music on the Bandstand. The 2015 Summer Concert Series continue all summer long. On Sunday, July 5th the entertainment will be The Reagan Years, and 80’s Tribute. All concerts begin at 7:30 unless otherwise noted. These concerts are popular and perfect for summer evenings at the beach. For more info., please visit http://www.townofbethanybeach.com. Click on Activities and scroll down to Bandstand.
Dusk: FIREWORKS!! No July 4th event would be complete without them!!!
Around 40,000 people attend the celebrations all day long with the culmination of the Fireworks. As you can imagine traffic and parking can be a hassle. Best deal in town are the Trolleys. They run continuously between 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can flag down the trolley anywhere along the route for pick-up or discharge, except on Rt. 26 and Rt. 1. No pick-up or drop-off on Jefferson Bridge or Rt. 26. The fare is $.25. The driver does not make change Please note that the trolley no longer stops at the Lake Bethany entrance or the South Coastal Library. For more information, please call 302-539-1996, or visit http://www.townofbethanybeach.com. Click on Services and scroll down to Trolley.
Sunday, July 5th, is the Bethany Beach Farmers Market, from 8 a.m. until Noon at Garfield Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue. More info? Please visit http://www.bethanybeachfarmersmarket.com.
Have a great holiday week-end!!
 
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