Hello there. It is Saturday, January 9th. Life continues as it should and here in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, we continue to experience great food even through a pandemic.
The Rehoboth Foodie, our local celebrity when it comes to restaurant reviews has a weekly radio show on 92.7 FM where he invites guests and have a one on one chat. I was honored to have been invited for today’s show. It will take place at 2 p.m. If you are a local then you can tune in but you can also stream it on http://www.wgmd.com.
My talk with Bob included the traditions of my Puertorican heritage. It was Three Kings Day or the Epiphany when we taped so I was able to bring him some pasteles, fried plantains, mojito, arroz con gandules (pigeon peas) and Puertorican famous Coquito which the eggnog.
It was a lot of fun and I got to know Bob better and experience his sense of humor.
Also on the radio show you will hear from SoDel Concepts’ Corporate Pastry Chef Dru Tevis and Baywood’s Head Pastry Chef Ellie Keck for a behind-the scenes peek at how they keep 12 restaurants in fresh, new desserts.
Have a beautiful day. It is chilly in Southern Delaware but the sun is out!!
Remember AboutMyBeaches has a Facebook Page where you can read what’s going on and leave me some comments.
Comments Off on AboutMyBeaches, The Talk of Delmarva, WGMD, Bob Yesbek, Rehoboth Foodie, Food, Radio Talk Show, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware
Taking advantage of one glorious Sunday, probably the nicest day in the next coming week, as rain, and even some snow are in the forecast.
Lewes is totally decorated for the holidays. Being that it is a balmy weekend, so many people are visiting the Delaware Beaches taking also advantage of outlet shopping with tax free shopping as well.
Me? I have been enjoying those blue skies and thanking that living at the beaches is not to be taken for granted.
Harbour opened at 134 West Market Street in Lewes, DE year. They are now serving lunch from 11:30 until 2:00 p.m. with Happy Hour, Food and Drink Specials from 3 until 5 p.m. Dinner takes place from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Opens from Wednesday until Sunday. Reservations are required by phone at this time by calling 302-200-9522. Check out their website at http://www.harbourlewes.com
We arrived with no reservations at around 1:30 p.m. and were lucky to see that a couple was leaving the perfect table under the awning with beautiful view of the canal.
The restaurant is quaint. Has a private room for your special events, a nice bar and two indoor dining rooms.
A couple of Bloody Marys on this pretty Sunday. Checking out the menu. More than a few specials, as well.
I ordered their Farmers Market Salad to be topped with salmon. It is a simple salad, dressed lightly but the salmon is what makes it special. It is so delicious. Try it next time. Very much recommended.
Do you like Fish & Chips? A very good one it is served here at Harbour. It is craft beer battered Virginia Founder. Lightly fried and full of flavor too. Fries, coleslaw and a remoulade sauce on the side.
You love sitting outside even when chilly? Harbour also has heaters even though today was just perfect weather.
Hope your weekend was awesome. And, please continue to read my posts. Thanks.
Until then, I remain….
Comments Off on Harbour, Historic Lewes, Delaware, Restaurant, Review, Waterfront Dining, Canal Square, Mid Atlantic and Global Inspired Cuisine, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches.
Some of us that like to cook say that the best restaurant is usually your home. It is even better when you have friends over.
The idea of having a few over for Brunch and then off to check out Mill Pond Garden in Lewes, was a no brainer. Mimosas, Bloodys, what would be better? The weather? Of course, and it did hold off.
My previous post is about Mill Pond Garden. Check their website for upcoming events. They open to the public once a month and I cannot say enough about how beautiful this garden is. http://www.millpondgarden.com
The primary purpose for brunch was to shake off headaches and give a rest to gurgling stomachs. An Englishman by the name of Guy Beringer supposedly invented the brunch. It was really to pacify his own hangover. He wrote an essay; Brunch: A Plea, in 1895. This was written to help those who nursed hangovers every Sunday morning from the night before.
And, no, we were not nursing any hangovers last Sunday. We just wanted an excuse to get together with a few and for a couple of hours enjoy their company, chatter, and good food.
The ham cooking, the breakfast casserole almost ready and the aroma filling the house on Sunday was priceless.
The following 2 recipes are keepers. They are easy to assemble and cook and you still can enjoy your company.
Ham with Maple Syrup Glaze
The ham went perfectly with the casserole. This ham was approximately 11 lbs. It was hard to find a spiral this time of the year. Not yet holiday season.
Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees. Place ham in a roasting pan and pour about 1 cup of good apple cider in the pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 40 minutes.
While cooking, make the glaze. It takes no time. 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, 2 tbsps of grain Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg. Mix all ingredients in a saucepan over low to medium heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Set aside.
When ham is heated through, remove the aluminum foil and brush all the glaze between the spiral layers. You want the ham covered with glaze. Raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees and cook uncovered until the glaze is caramelized. Let it rest for 10 minutes if you are eating it that day. I cooked mine on Friday evening and covered it well without slicing it. On Sunday the ham was taken out in the morning so as to get it to room temperature and I made another batch of the glaze so as to drizzle it over the ham.
The Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is made the night before. Then, place in refrigerator.
24 ounces frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
salt and pepper
12 eggs
2 cups half and half
1 tsp season salt (or just salt)
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese grated
1 1/2 cups pepper jack cheese grated
2 cups of chopped ham or your prefer meat. I used sausage with sage.
Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan. Add the frozen and shredded hash brown potatoes at the bottom of the pan. Pat them down. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs together. Add half and half, season salt, cheddar cheese, pepper jack and chopped meat. Please note that if you are using sausage, it should be cooked and crumbled beforehand.
Pour over the top of the frozen potatoes. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 90 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
I did take it out before the 90 minutes because it was ready. This casserole cuts very easily. It will not crumble. Perfect for a crowd.
We had gorgeous tomatoes with mozzarella and basil drizzled with a high grade balsamic. And for dessert a floating island topped with berries including my own figs. As it happens I forgot to take those photos. Take it from me…..delicious.
We all had an egg-cellent time!!
Comments Off on Brunch, Breakfast Casserole, Ham, Mill Pond Garden, Recipes, Homemade, Tried and True, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Recipes, Begged, Borrowed and Stolen
Mill Pond Garden was a total surprise to me. No idea something this pretty was in close proximity to my own home in Rehoboth Beach.
It is located on Red Mill Pond in Lewes. It is the private home of Michael Zajic and his wife, who bought the property 10 years ago and the garden opened to the public about 4 years ago. You have to love flowers and gardening and landscape design. Mr. Zajic has a long history in all those things. Currently he is working on the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro.
Mill Pond Garden opens to the public once a month and later during holidays they have different events to show off during that special time of the year. For more information please visit http://www.millpondgarden.com.
On the link above mentioned you will be able to buy tickets, as well. It is $12 per car and you can have up to 6 people in your car. Once you get to the property you will park in the cul de sac and enjoy this special place.
I went to the September opening. And will be going again with friends this coming Sunday the 11th. In case of rain then Wednesday the 14th will be the other date. Keeping my fingers crossed. The photos on this post were taken in September. On this next trip the garden will showcase Mums, Asters, and Mist Flowers who they call “Gems of the Autumn Garden”.
I cannot imagine waking up every morning to experience nature’s beauty It has been hard work and everything has been designed and done my them and helpers. Even the walkways.
I thought he had planted the water lilies but he said those were indigenous to Delaware and no he did not.
The garden is soothing and full of surprises in every corner.
I wanted to be his neighbor because across the street the garden continues to display a koi pond, ferns and many perennials as well as annuals.
When clicking on the gallery, if it is shaded just click on each individual photo.
The garden is open from 10 until 12:30 p.m. It is best to buy tickets from the website above mentioned because you have to choose the time you would like to visit.
Hope you do visit on Sunday and if not, then you will have to check my next post. Until then have a beautiful Fall Season.
Comments Off on Mill Pond Garden, Lewes, Delaware, NonProfit Native Plants, Michael Zajic, Horticulturist, Garden in Southern Delaware, October Opening, Sunday, October 11th
You see that photo above? That was my dog Addy. She was a rescue and one of those dogs that you will remember always. She was in my life during happy times but also on sad times, as well. Such a great comfort to have. Rescues give back so much.
At some point a friend must have been in my house and took a different photo from her and for Christmas she gave me the following Christmas ornament, handpainted. I love it and every year it takes a special place on my Christmas tree, which by the way, as I write this post, it is still up. Coming down today for sure.
What do you give someone for Christmas or any other ocassion that is meaningful? If you have a pet maybe something relating to them would be perfect. They would love it.
I don’t give a gift just for the sake of it. I want that person to know that I was thinking of them when a decision for giftgiving was made.
I was in Dallas this past Thanksgiving and taking photos, as usual, I took a photo of Ragnard (Raggie) as they all know him. Did not think anything of it until I got back to Rehoboth Beach and saw on Facebook a post from Lisa Lorelli Miller. In it she was showing that she was back into painting pet portraits. A lightbulb went on. I private messaged her asking her to see if she could do Raggie. She paints in oil now. Wait until you see what kind of work she can do. The first photo you will see is the one I took in Dallas and the second photo is her painting. You be the judge.
I am sure you are impressed. Look at those eyebrows!! Lisa can frame the paintings, as well. I had her do that too and off to Dallas it went. They loved it.
My next commission to Lisa was for her to do 3 pets. I sent the photos. She also came to the house to take photos of one of them so that she could capture what she wanted. If you are local this works great, but if not I am sure you and her can work it out somehow.
The first one is Karma.
His name is TC. He has beautiful features. It has been some time since Lisa had done a cat. She told me the whiskers are usually the hardest. But following you will see my photo and her painting.
Her third subject was Lucky. He is spunky, loves to chase and at times even wonders around his neck of the woods. For him, Lisa came to the house to take a better photo.
First impression was that Lisa truly captured the soul of these pets. The eyes are the windows to the heart and soul and she was able to embodied such a feeling that when you see them you know it is them.
Word of mouth is the best advertising. You can Private Message Lisa Lorelli Miller on Facebook. She is working on a website.
You may also leave a message on my AboutMyBeaches Facebook page as well.
She is very talented and whoever you decide to give this personal gift would love it and treasure it forever.
Have a great day!!
Comments Off on Painting, Pet Portraits, Handpainting, Oil Portraits, Lisa Miller, Artist, Lewes, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware
Food serves as a way for people to come together. That is exactly what happened on this past Saturday, November 16th, when 12 strangers, all foodies with three goals in mind….cooking, wining, and dining. We met at Paul’s Kitchen & Cullen-ary Company located at 32882 Cedar Grove Rd., Lewes, DE. Tel. 302-228-9772. Website? http://www.paulcullen.rocks
If you are a resident of Southern Delaware, at some point or another you would have heard of Paul Cullen. Better yet, you would have heard him playing his guitar and singing at different venues, private homes, charity concerts. He has worn many hats in his life and continues to evolve. He will be the first one to tell you this.
Paul’s Kitchen & Cullen-ary Company is on Facebook. You might want to check it out and Like it. He will have the Chef’s Table Demos and Dinners posted as they come available. You will be pleasantly surprised how nice an evening like this one can turn out.
His kitchen is cozy and accessible. He is a great host who will show you around and is open to any questions. Nina will be there, as well, since she oversees that everything runs in a timely manner.
The guests arrived promptly and introductions were extended. Wine and hor’ordeuvres were already set up.
Coming out of the Paul’s Kitchen was the Bruschette alla Robiola, pere e noci. Translation? Cheese and pear crostini. Warm and delicious.
The Chef’s Table was so nicely presented. By now we were all friends.
Crema di Cannellini or White Bean Soup. Perfectly seasoned and paired with wine with an explanation of what we were about to taste from Paul. He was animated and throughout the evening you could see how engaging he was with his guests.
“The measure of a good dish is that it makes you want to take another bite.” This quote from Chef Paul Prudhomme was perfect because after having the soup we really wanted not just to take another bite, it was already gone, but wanted to see what else was in stored for us foodies.
The main entree was the Risotto Ai Porrie Salsicia or as we would say in plain English, Sausage and Leek Risotto. The sausage was homemade and complimented the risotto very well. Those grapes were amazing.
A sweet ending was a Torta di Nocciole or Hazelnut Cake and it was paired with such a good dessert wine. Contact Paul for the wines, please.
Laughter throughout the evening continued with stories from some of the guests. How they got here, how they got together and so on. A few were turning 60 now.
An invitation by Paul to listen to him play was the icing on the cake. Finishing a great dinner with new friends with music was priceless!
Our evening came to an end. One more thing though On Sundays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. stop by Paul Cullen-ary Company for music, food and to shop for cheeses, nuts and other goodies that could be for yourself or someone on your list.
Until next time have a Happy Thanksgiving. Check AboutMyBeaches on Facebook.
Comments Off on Paul’s Kitchen & Cullen-ary Company, Chef’s Table Demo, Dinner, Paul Cullen, Musician, Chef, Sommelier, Sunday Market, Lewes, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, The Art of Cooking, Wining and Dining
In 1997 my children went to Worcester Country School in Berlin, MD. Since then the school is now known as Worcester Preparatory School.
Over the years a lot of parents were involved in the school and I was one of them. Book fairs, galas, Christmas Programs, Reading Programs, Teacher Appreciation Luncheons, etc. etc.
Years before my time the school had published a cookbook called A Collection of Recipes. It was as I mentioned above 1997 and the Parents Association decided to do another cookbook called A Collection of Recipes II.
As you can see the book has been used over the years. I was the Chairperson on this journey that took many months with parents giving us their best recipes. It took a school not a village to complete this project.
I don’t think the book is available anymore. Parents supported this book and it was a great success. The book is probably in your cabinet, but I keep my handy because the recipes are really good. I still feel strong about those words in the dedication that said “But food not only nourishes our minds and bodies. Food serves as a way for people to come together — sharing ideas, experiences and cultures”.
Tonight I made a recipe from this book called Pickled Shrimp. I was invited to a friend’s house. Pickled Shrimp is an easy recipe and it is usually liked by everyone. You can serve it year-round.
1 pound medium shrimp, uncooked
1 tablespoon pickling spices
1 tablespoon Dijon style mustard
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 white wine vinegar
2 green onions sliced, including the greens
Pull shrimp from shells. Discard shells. I bought shrimp already peeled and I just pulled the tails out. Make sure if you buy frozen shrimp to defrost them.
In a 2-quart saucepan, cover shrimp and pickling spices with water. Bring to a boil; simmer over medium heat about 2 minutes. Strain water leaving spices on shrimp. Set aside.
In a small bowl combine mustard, horseradish, oil, salt, celery salt, vinegar and onions. Pour over drained shrimp. Cover and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. The longer you marinate it the better they taste. Pour in a pretty bowl with the sauce and enjoy. Serve cold.
This recipe could easily be doubled, as well.
Comments Off on Pickled Shrimp, Recipe, Easy, A Collection of Recipes II, The Art of Wining and Dining, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches
On July 27, 2009 I wrote my first post on Agave. I was new at this thing called posting. Creating a blog that is pretty much a diary. I did not include any photos. Did not know the importance of photographs due to the fact that we are such visual individuals.
I said Hola Amigos. Why not? Spanish is my first language. As it was then today’s Agave still has Latin music in the background. The huge and delicious margaritas are still served on colorful glasses. The menu does not change much, but for some reason patrons don’t get tired of it. From 2009 I have written posts on Agave. From being particularly upset that you cannot get in because it is so popular. I changed that quickly. I go for late lunches. It works great.
Agave is located at 137 2nd St., Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-1232. Website? http://www.agavelewes.com
A favorite drink of mine is the Avocado Martini. First thing to know is that it is not on the menu. It takes more than a few minutes to make. Specially customized for you. The other day Alec made this delicious one.
Friends that have tried it have loved this Avocado Martini. It is smooth, has cilantro and not a salted rim….caramelized sugar instead.
Agave has a beautiful and large Watermelon Salad. Worth ordering and share it with a friend.
The Guacamole is excellent too.
Mango and Avocado Salad is a favorite. Top it with your favorite meat, or have it by itself. Never enough avocados.
The Puffy Tacos are fish tacos but the tortilla is puffy. Grilled Mahi Mahi, jicama slaw, pico de gallo and Mexican lime crema. Rice and black beans as a side dish.
The Corn on the Cob is truly amazing. During the summer at the Delaware Beaches the sweetest corn can be found. Agave’s Corn on the Cob is covered in Chipotle Mayo, Queso Fresco and Lime. Messy, but Oh So Good!!
No dessert was necessary unless you thought about having a Mango Frozen Margarita!!
A great dinner can change your day around. More so if enjoyed with friends.
Saludos y Hasta Luego.
Please remember to check my Facebook Page and leave me some comments. It is good to hear from you. Thanks.
Comments Off on Agave, Restaurant, Tequila Bar, Mexican Food, Review, Lewes, Delaware, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches, The Art of Wining & Dining
Comments Off on AboutMyBeaches, The Talk of Delmarva, WGMD, Bob Yesbek, Rehoboth Foodie, Food, Radio Talk Show, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware