June 24th, 2015
Eating Gluten Free at the Delaware Beaches has been getting easier and easier as the years go by. Restaurants have decided that offering gluten free dishes is in their best interest. So many people are being diagnosed with celiac disease and the only treatment at the moment is to follow a gluten free lifestyle.
Having followed a gluten free regimen in my household for many years, I know how wonderful it is to find restaurants where you can completely feel at ease when ordering a meal. Not to be afraid of contamination. Hey, it does happen.
Don’t get me wrong, I think the restaurants at the Delaware Beaches are doing an amazing job in creating dishes for those that have to eat gluten free.
Last night, friends got together to try The Cafe on 26, located at 84 Atlantic Avenue (Rt. 26) in Ocean View, Delaware. Tel. 302-539-2233. Website? http://www.thecafeon26.com. Find it on Facebook and Twitter. This restaurant is 99% gluten free. Please mention that you have the allergy and they will tell you what Not to order. Probably just a couple of things, really.
Ocean View is located a couple of miles west of Bethany Beach.
We decided to try it yesterday. I was also giving Allyson some info. regarding my experiences eating gluten free. What to do? Hidden glutens, etc. etc.
What a pleasant surprise! First, Christie, our Server was so good. And funny too. We arrived super early. Yes, it was going to be an early dinner for all.
The Cafe on 26 has a full bar. They open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday: Lunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. On Sunday they are only open for dinner from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m.
After a few drinks we ordered salads: Everything that we ordered was Gluten Free!! Note: Menu changes daily.
On the left, a Classic Caesar Salad with Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, garlic crouton and a Caesar Dressing. On the right, a Summer Salad with spring greens, mandarin oranges, dried bing cherries, seasonal local berries, red onion, cucumber, apples and candied walnuts with a citrus basil vinaigrette.
 
My Spinach Salad was delicious. I had them take out the Queso Fresco….not eating cheese at the moment. Baby spinach, bacon, mandarin oranges, red onion, almonds slivers and a bacon vinaigrette dressing.
Our entrees:
Stuffed Flounder…Fresh flaky flounder filet stuffed with all lump crab imperial and topped with their imperial sauce. Side dishes of mashed sweet potatoes and broccolini.
Their signature dish was the Potato-Romano Encrusted Salmon. Scottish Faroe Island Farm Raised Salmon, encrusted with potato, Romano and Parmesan Cheese, then topped with Lump Crab, and a dill and cream reduction. Side dishes of sauteed zucchini and squash and a Tabouli salad.
My Duck Breast was awesome. Tender and juicy. Pan seared then finished in the oven and complimented with a dried cherry port reduction. Side dishes of mashed sweet potatoes and grilled asparagus.
Another order of the Potato-Romano Encrusted Salmon, but with side dishes of sauteed green beans with carrots and toasted almonds and a Quinoa Salad.
For dessert an order of their Chocolate Cheesecake. Love chocolate? This is the one and Gluten Free!! Dense and rich just like a cheesecake should be.
Relax and enjoy. TTYL
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.
April 6th, 2015
I don’t even know when I decided to put recipes for Meatless Monday. Some Mondays I do not follow this global movement. But others, like tonight, made me want to construct a Bean Burger….The recipe is stolen, adding my own twist.
Meatless Monday started in 2003, launched in association with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It has been catching on. The movement is active in about 36 countries. Every nation brings its uniqueness…culture, customs, and cuisine to the table in meat free dishes. To learn more, please visit http://www.meatlessmonday.com.
Monday is the chosen day because we see it as the beginning of the week. I get it, I get it….I always start my diets on Monday. It is a fresh start. Yeah, and at times is downhill from Monday on.
This recipe is so easy. A little bit of this and a little bit of that. I am sure you can make it your own, as well.
A BLACK BEAN BURGER FOR MEATLESS MONDAY
2 cans black beans, divided, rinsed and drained (I bought low sodium beans)
1 small chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 minced garlic clove
2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (optional)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons oil for frying pan (your preferred oil)
3/4 bag of frozen peas and carrots
1 cup panko (I bought Chipotle Panko)
2 eggs
Puree 1 can beans, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Mine looks a little chunky because I do not own a food processor. The blender was a pain, but I did it, somewhat.
To the burger mixture, add the other can of beans, the peas and carrots, the panko and the eggs. Mix to combine.
Heat a skillet to medium heat.
In the meantime form the burger patties.
Place them in two batches in the skillet and cook until browned. About 4 minutes on each side.
Serve on rolls….I chose this Pretzel Roll. Add lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard and avocado.
Or serve on a salad if you are not eating carbs.
Enjoy!!
April 5th, 2015
 
“Eating is so intimate. It’s very sensual. When you invite someone to sit at your table and you want to cook for them, you’re inviting a person into your life.” maya angelou
The Delaware Beaches are dining destinations for many. Plenty of events revolve around food and the enjoyment of what has become a pastime for many. It’s all About Food & Spirits!! So, What’s Going On?
Thursday, April 9th – BOGLE VINEYARDS WINE DINNER AT PAPA GRANDE’S REHOBOTH BEACH – 6:30 P.M. Location? 210 Second St. Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-212-2409. This Coastal Taqueria is offering 4 courses, including dessert. $40, gratuity is not included. All courses will be paired with appropriate Bogle Wines. Offerings like Tropical Tuna Cocktail, Roasted Beet Salad, Lamb Enchilada….and sweet ending of delicious Churros. Please call Mike Zygmonski at 302-212-2409 or email him at Mikez@sodelconcepts.com.
Thursday, April, 9th – FORDHAM & DOMINION BEER DINNER – Hosted by Summer House in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. 7:00 p.m., $30/person, gratuity not included. 4 Courses, all paired with Double D Duoble IPA honey drizzle, Candi Belgium Tripe IPA, Oak Barrel Stout, and a sweet ending of Morning Glory Espresso Stout Float…More info? Please call 302-227-3895. Summer House is located at 227 Rehoboth Avenue. Website? http://www.summerhousesaloon.com.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April, 10th, 11th, 12th – DEWEY BEACH & REHOBOTH BEACH BACON FEST – Spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sampling bacon delicacies in Rehoboth and Dewey Beach!! Best information for this upcoming event can be found at http://www.idewey.com. 22 locations of Bacon Pleasure!! For the competitors there will be prizes for 1st Best Bacon on the Beach, 1st Dewey Beach Bacon Fest, and 1st Rehoboth Beach Bacon Fest. Restaurants, Caterers or Bacon Artisans, are all welcome. Competitors must have their Best Bacon on The Beach sample ready by Noon on Saturday, April 11th and by 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 4/12. Lol!! There will be no vegan options!! There will be vendors and breweries…some showing off some bacon inspired creations. Best….is to check the website and Facebook Page.
 
Sunday, April 12th – FASHION, FUN 7 PHILANTHROPY WITH SUSSEX COUNTY FUND FOR WOMEN – $30, $35 at the door if seating is available. Reservations are required. Register on or before April 10th by contacting Lynn Kokjohn at 302-841-4333. There will be raffles, coupons, hors d’oeuvres, wine and shopping!! Location will be Independence Hall Clubhouse located at 29762 Oliver Wolcott Dr. in Millsboro, DE 19966. The mission of this organization is to provide funding to enhance the worth and potential of women and girls in Delaware by bringing together the collective philanthrophic power of women. More info? Please visit http://www.delcf.org/ffw
 Kari & Marcie Tuesday, April 21st – CHICKS FOR CHARITY DINNER WILL BENEFIT: THE REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE. Location? Fish On! at the Villages of Five Point in Lewes. 6:30 p.m. $30 includes gratuity. Cash or Check only. Cash bar available. There will be raffle items and a 50/50. Please RSVP to Chicksdinner@gmail.com. No calls to the restaurant, please. Chicks for Charity is always in need of raffle items and volunteers. Please send them an email if you would like to help or have a raffle donation. These dinners take place once a month and support a local charity. More info? Please visit http://www.chicksforcharity.us. The Rehoboth Art League was founded in 1938. It is a membership-based teaching and exhibiting non-profit arts organization dedicated to encouraging and preserving the arts in Southern Delaware. It is located in Rehoboth Beach.
Thursday, April 23rd – NANTUCKETS, FENWICK ISLAND, PRESENTS: DUCKHORN VINEYARD WINE DINNER – 5:30 p.m. $85/person. Enjoy wonderful foods paired with Duckhorn’s Finest Blends. Details and reservations, please call 302-539-2607 or visit http://www.nantucketsrestaurant.com
Sunday, April 26th – 7th ANNUAL WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – PERFECT PAIRINGS – BENEFITTING CHILDREN & FAMILIES FIRST, REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE, AND CHILDREN’S BEACH HOUSE. 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person or $78 per couple. Taste dozens of fine hand-picket wines from around the world. Artfully paired with their chef-driven unique food and pastry specialties. Great Silent Auction items, as well!! Please visit http://www.nagerb.com/wine—food-festival.html. Location? Nage Rehoboth Beach, 19730 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). Tel. 302-226-2037
Saturday, May 2nd – HISTORIC LEWES FARMERS MARKET PRESENTS: THREE HISTORIC HOMES, THE SUPERB CHEFS, THREE DELECTABLE MENUS….ONE MEMORABLE NIGHT. 10th year anniversary celebration!! For tickets, please visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org. More info? Please call 302-644-1436.
Wednesday, May 13th through Sunday, May 17th – 2015 MIDATLANTIC WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – Chefs and winemakers from all over the globe descend upon the East Coast to collaborate on 35 brunches, lunches, tastings and dinners. Tickets are on sale now. Please visit http://www.mawff.org. Southern Delaware will be hosting some of these events. Please visit the schedule at http://www.mawff.org/schedule. Click on the links to read about the 60 plus International, National, and MidAtlantic chefs, and 23 winemakers and wineries from around the world. There will be chefs and winemakers from 6 continents.
“Three things are needed for a good life; good friends, good food, and good songs.” jazon zebehazy Have a good One!!
March 24th, 2015
On March 19, 1891 it was first called Cape Henlopen City. In 1893, the name was formally changed to Rehoboth. Since then, Rehoboth Beach has been welcoming thousands of visitors not just in the summer, but year round. It is a destination for many, and for a lot of us, it is also home. Living at the beach is great, and, believe me, I do not take it for granted.
The beaches are stirring, businesses are sprucing up. So, What’s Going On?
Wednesday, March 25th – BENEVOLENCE DAY-Beer & Benevolence at Dogfish Head located at 320 Rehoboth Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Noon until 9 p.m. with Live Music at 6 p.m. This is a benefit for Habitat for Humanity. More info.? Please visit http://www.dogfish.com/benevolence.
Friday, March 27th – ART AND CRAFT – The Rehoboth Beach Film Society is presenting a fascinating glimpse, with this film, into the life of one of the most prolific art forgers in U.S. history. Location? Movies at Midway located on Coastal Highway at the Upstairs Screening Room. $4.00 for RBFS members and $6.00 for future members. More info.? Please visit http://www.rehobothfilm.com.
Theater in Downtown Rehoboth Beach!! – CLEARSPACE THEATRE CO. presents: Comedy, a musical comedy until April 5th. The Little Mermaid from April 17th until April 19th. Little Women from May 1st until May 17th. Clearspace Theatre Co. is located at 20 Baltimore Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. For tickets and info., please visit http://www.clearspacetheatre.org. You may also call 302-227-2270.
Friday, April 3rd – 47th ANNUAL GREAT DELAWARE KITE FESTIVAL – Location? Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. Registration opens at 10 a.m. EASTER EGG HUNT at 11 a.m. Kite flying events start at 11:30 a.m. and the Egg Toss Contest starts at 1:15 p.m.
Friday, April 3rd – LOCAL BUZZ HAPPY HOUR – 5 to 7 p.m. at Gallery Espresso located at 12001 Old Vine Blvd. in Lewes. Doggies at The Beach will be there displaying their stuff. http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com
Saturday, April 4th – REHOBOTH TOY & KITE’S 21st ANNUAL EASTER PLAY DAY to be taking place at Virginia Ave. and the Boardwalk in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Games and kite making, Egg Hunt at Noon. Pictures with the Easter Bunny. Free continental breakfast and snacks at 10 a.m. More info? Please call 302-227-6996
Wednesday, April 8th – READ A MOVIE – The Rehoboth Beach Film Society and the Rehoboth Beach Public Library invite film and/or literary enthusiasts to Read a Movie screening of “The Duellists” at 4 p.m. in the upstairs community room of the library. Based on the short story, “The Duel” by Polish-born writer Joseph Conrad, this film depicts a historically accurate account of early 1800s France. This screening is part of the monthly Read a Movie series in which members read a little-known short story in advance of the screening, then gather to watch the film and share their thoughts about how well or not so well the story was expanded to the big screen. To sign up and receive the stories in advance, email Denise Hoban at outreach@rehobothfilm.com.
Friday, April 10th – 5TH ANNUAL “GET DOWN IN TOWN” – Shop & Eat…all for a good cause!! 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. everyone is invited to downtown Rehoboth Beach for this event. Shoppers will enjoy special discounts in participating stores while noshing on local restaurants’ desserts, treats and drinks dispersed throughout stores. Food served from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Shopping until 8 p.m. There is a $10 admission fee to participate in this one night event, which also includes a chance to win a Grand Prize Drawing valued over $l,000. The Drawing will take place at 8 p.m. at First Street Station Courtyard and the recipient must be present to win. Tickets can be purchased the night of the event. Or, ahead of time at Azura Clothing, Heidi Lowe Gallery, Rehoboth Beach Main Street Office, Something Comfortable, South Moon Under and online at http://www.downtownrb.com. There is no better place where you can wine, dine, walk and shop than Downtown Rehoboth Beach!!
Sunday, April 12th – BROADWALK ON THE BOARDWALK! A fun event for a serious cause. Part of CAMP Rehoboth’s Women’s FEST 2015! All are welcome, including dogs. Put on your Pink or Lavender. They will be honoring survivors of ALL cancers. Lavender is the color for All Cancers. Meet at CAMP Rehoboth on 37 Baltimore Ave. at 9 a.m. Free registration. Check in, coffee, sweet treats and music. Walk begins at 10 a.m. All donations will benefit the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Cash or checks accepted. Matching donations up to $2,500 generously donated by Nancy Froome.
Sunday, April 19th – DOGGIES AT THE BEACH CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY COOK-OUT. Noon until 2 p.m. at Doggies at The Beach, located at 18806 John J. Williams Hwy. (Rt. 26) in Rehoboth Beach. This is a cage free dog boarding facility, where I leave my pooch, Miss Addy. 24 hour human supervision!! More info? http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com. Tel. 302-644-8200.
Friday, April 24th – REHOBOTH BEACH FILM SOCIETY APRIL’S MONTHLY SCREENING – RBFS presents this year’s Academy Award nominees for Best Animated Short Film. The screening will be held at the upstairs screening room at Movies at Midway on Coastal Highway. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A rare opportunity to enjoy one of the most entertaining categories at the Academy Awards-Best Animated Short Film. Me and My Moulton, Feast, The Bigger Picture, A Single Life and The Dam Keeper. Admission is $4 for members and $6 for future members. Tickets will be sold at the door to each screening on a first come, first serve basis.
Sunday, April 26th – 7TH ANNUAL WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – PERFECT PAIRINGS – A benefit for Children & Families First, Rehoboth Art League, and Children’s Beach House. Tickets are $45/person or $78/couple. 4 to 7 p.m. Taste dozens of fine handpicked wines from around the world, artfully paired with their chef-driven unique food and pastry specialties.
Sunday, April 26th – BIG FISH GRILL 5K TO BENEFIT LOCAL COMMUNITY – 3rd Annual event. Race start for runners and walkers is 8:30 a.m. in front of Big Fish Grill on Rt. 1. Big Fish Grill will be donating portion of the proceeds from this event to local nonprofits CHEF (Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation) and RBMS (Rehoboth Beach Main Street). In addition, all students (K-12) who participate are eligible to win a $1,000 savings bond. You must be present to win and have student ID. Pre-registration is $25, until 4/23 at noon. Registration from then through Race Day is $30. Student (18 and under) Pre-Registration is $20, until 4/23 at noon. Registration from then through Race Day is $25. Register online at http://www.races2run.com. For more info., please contact Barb@races2run.com.
Saturday, Sunday, May 2nd, May 3rd – COASTAL DELAWARE RUNNING FESTIVAL – Marathon, Half Marathon…Delaware’s Coolest Marathon – Dewey, Rehoboth, Lewes. It is a Boston Qualifier. Scenic, flat and fast course will encompass Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Cape Henlopen State Park, and the Town of Lewes, finishing at the Lighthouse Cove Waterfront Complex in Dewey Beach. Full post race buffet provided by The Lighthouse Cove Dewey Beach. Complimentary post race beer for those 21 years of age and older. To register visit http://www.codelrun.com.
Saturday, May 9th – TREASURE YOUR CHEST BREAST CANCER 5K RUN/3K WALK IN BETHANY BEACH…Rain or shine!! Fundraising for Little Pink Houses of Hope and Vance Kane Memorial Fund/Beebe Medical Foundation. Pre-registration $25, Kids $15 (under 10 years of age). Online registration closes April 10th. Prizes for Most Spirited Outfits…Dress in Your Best Pirate Gear. Team, Individual, Strollers, Wheelchairs, Dogs….T-Shirts Guaranteed only to those pre-registering. For registration and more info., please visit http://www.bethanybeachbreastcancer.com.
Saturday, May 9th – DEWEY BEACH ARTS FESTIVAL – Rain Date? Sunday, May 10th. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location? Dagsworthy Ave in Dewey Beach. For an application, please visit http://www.deweybusinesspartnership.com, or call 302- 228-3701.
Hey…I stand corrected, the Delaware Beaches are not stirring…..they just woke up!! Time to play! Have a good one.
February 10th, 2015
Here we were, the usual suspects….we do have a younger suspect, Jade!! We were ready to Chowdown for Charity, an event that took place on Friday, February 6th, at Baywood Greens Golf Course in Long Neck, Delaware. It was an evening of food tasting, voting and mingling. Much loved local chefs were cooking for a cause….Next Gen South of the Delaware Community Foundation, http://www.delcf.org. This is a non-profit board of young professionals from Kent & Sussex Counties that was founded in 2012.
Next Gen South selects an area of focus every 2 years based on what is needed in our communities. Presently, the focus is and has been for the past 2 years, Children’s Mental Health. This is one fundraising event that lets this organization award grants to local organizations on an annual basis. Next Gen South might be young but in 2014 they awarded $15,000 to: Delaware Guidance Services, Delaware State University, The Seaford House.
Chefs were ready for the guests….remember we were given 3 tickets to put on our favorites. A friendly competition would be taking place.
 
ABBOTT’S ON BROAD CREEK – This restaurant is located in Laurel; http://www.abbottsgrillde.com. It is a sister restaurant to Abbot’s Grill in Milford. Chef Ryan Cunningham was serving Smoked Strip Loin with a Scallop Vinaigrette & Coriander Popcorn.
Loved the addition of the popcorn to the tender beef. Ryan asked us to come to Laurel for a real treat this year.
a(MUSE.) – Located in Dowtown Rehoboth Beach, http://www.amuse-rehoboth.com. Hari was hard at work, but always explaining exactly what he is cooking. Pumpernickel Pasta? OMG!! This pasta tasted just like pumpernickel bread. You had to be there to experience it, but Hari said he has it at the restaurant, among other amazing tasting pasta flavors. It was served with Brussel Sprouts, Pastrami Beef Cheek, Charred Onion & Pickled Mustard Seed.
The pasta was cooked to perfection and the other flavors complemented already a winning central ingredient.
LUPO DI MARE – Located in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com. This restaurant is part of the family of SODEL Concepts restaurants and started by the late and much missed Matt Haley.
They were serving Rustic Meatballs, Parmesan Polenta with Tomato Gravy. I can’t make a good meatball, so always enjoy little morsels like these ones. They did tell us that this was not their signature meatball…prepared exclusively for this event.
PAPA GRANDE’S – Two locations: Downtown Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island. A Delaware coastal taqueria. http://www.papagrandes.com/rehoboth. Papa Grande’s is also part of the SODEL family of restaurants.
I love Scrapple!! And, this is what they were serving…House Scrapple Tostada, Hibiscus Jelly, Apple Radish Jimaca Salad, Corn Chip. Having had their scrapple taco last year….of course just by looking at these tostadas, I knew they were going to have an awesome taste.
They asked if we had had their Duck Scrapple….and that they were planning on a crab scrapple this summer….can’t wait.
THE BRICK HOTEL RESTAURANT & TAVERN – Located in Georgetown on The Circle, http://www.brickhotelrestaurant.com. The chefs were serving Black Cherry Braised Beef with a Root Vegetable Puree & Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
The black cherry flavored was detected on the braised beef. It was cooked in a 250 degree oven for 6 hours. It melted in your mouth. Totally delish!
THE WALL OF WINE – This has become very popular at events. Wine aficionados love it….more so if they get a prized bottle of wine. You pay $20 and then get to choose a wrapped bottle of wine from the wall. You might get the $10 bottle or a very expensive bottle. A ticket was also given for a raffle….a bottle of Dom Perignon at the end of the evening!!
BAYWOOD CLUBHOUSE RESTAURANT – Located in Long Neck, http://www.baywoodgreens.com/restaurant.
Stuffed Pork Pinwheel!! Pop them in your mouth. They would be perfect for a party.
NAGE BISTRO & WINE BAR – Located on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach, http://www.nagerb.com.
This pastrami was made out of tuna, on a pumpernickel crouton, caraway sauerkraut, spicy mustard….definitely one of my true favorites of the evening.
Next stop? BETHANY BLUES, LEWES…Located on Costal Highway (Rt. 1), http://www.bethanyblues.com/lewes.
I love St. Louis Ribs more than any other rib. That’s what they were serving. Smoked St. Louis Ribs, caramelized in a Habanero Apple Cider, served with a Jalapeno Slaw. Got those tastebuds dancing immediately!!
TOUCH OF ITALY – A trattoria, salumeria and pasticeria….http://www.touchofitaly.com. These restaurants can be found in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Ocean City, Maryland.
Making mozzarella…it looked time consuming, but also relaxing. Take a look.
 
Smaller mozzarella balls were served with rosemary and EVOO!!
ESPUMA RESTAURANT & MARTINI BAR – Located in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, http://www.espuma-restaurant.com Chef Jay Caputo was serving Spanish Style Clam Chowder topped with Potato Foam and Scallion Powder.
The biscuits were filled with the creamy, and well seasoned clam chowder. I liked it a lot.
Love this tapas eating style….grazing here or there!! We tried them all!! Next!!
FINS FISH HOUSE & RAW BAR – In Downtown Rehoboth Beach and with a sister restaurant on Coastal Highway, http://www.finsrawbar.com. Another time consuming dish is making risotto.
FINS did a great job with their Crab & Shrimp Risotto. It was delicious!!
LAST STOP!!
THE ROOKERY – Located in Milford…2 golf course locations, Milton and Milford, http://www.rookerygolf.com. We finished our Chowdown with a treat of Ahi Tuna with a Ginger Lime Soy, served over a Seaweed Salad, Cucumber & Wasabi Tobiko. Excellent ending!!
We then continued to listen to DJ Jimmy Young, who provided great entertaining throughout the evening. Plenty of items on the silent auction raising funds for a great cause.
Have a good one!!
THE WINNER? a(MUSE.) Congratulations!!
January 26th, 2015
Meatless recipe….but the day is perfect for a nice hot chili!!
This recipe is totally stolen. Cannot take any credit for it. It is a recipe from Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa. It comes out so good and it can be served by itself, or, as a side dish for meat, chicken or fish. I have served it with a Turducken and I just served it for Christmas Eve dinner with my small standing rib roast from Hickman’s in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Spinach Gratin and sliced tomatoes on the side…yummy! It is by no means a low fat, low cal recipe but some adjustments can be made….substitute the butter for something lighter. The heavy cream can be half and half, and the milk can be low fat, as well.
SPINACH GRATIN
4 tablsps. usalted butter
4 cups yellow onions, chopped
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp nutmeg, grated (I used ground)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups milk
5 10-ounce packages of frozen spinach, defrosted
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Kosher salt (optional)
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until translucent. About 10 minutes. Add the flour and nutmeg and cook stirring for a few more minutes, making a roux. Add the cream and milk and cook until thickened.
Squeeze as much liquid as you can from the defrosted spinach. Add the spinach to the sauce. Then, add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese and mix it well. Season with salt and pepper if you want to.
Transfer the spinach to a baking dish, 9 x 13, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 Parmesan and the Gruyere on top. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy!!
I made this recipe gluten free. Please grate your cheeses to make sure there are no additives containing gluten.
 
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