I have had over the years traveled to Spain. It has been some time, though. I love it for many reasons. My family has its origins in Spain, later coming to Puerto Rico. I am laughing as I am writing this post because I keep saying in my mind “The Rain in Spain stays Mainly in the Plains”. Don’t ask my why. Just silly.
Ocean City, Maryland, is not far from Rehoboth Beach. During the summer it can take you some time to get there. The traffic nowadays is unreal. But off we went to meet Bob, and Michael, who have been dying to introduce me to Spain Wine Bar & Restaurant located on the 8th floor of the Cambria Hotel, 13 St. Louis Ave. It is Bayfront and the restaurant has the whole top floor. Incredible views and gorgeous sunsets.
This is the first anniversary of its opening and it has been received so well. There is nothing like Spain in OC. I knew that I was going to have tapas and I think our group also wanted to eat that way. You get to taste plenty of small plates; some offerings you may like more than others. We had a great seat by the veranda.
Reservations are a must at Spain. Maybe later in the Second Season in our beaches you may be able to get a table without a reservation but I think you should make it.
That gorgeous looking drink you see above was Mar Azul (Blue Ocean)…Vodka, coconut rum, Blue Curacao, pineapple, lime and coconut cream. Super refreshing.
The first tasting was the Gazpacho. Yellow tomato, cucumber, onion and Sherry vinegar. I really love Gazpacho. It is prepared differently in many regions in Spain. Spain’s rendition with the yellow tomatoes was delicious and one of my favorite dishes of the evening.
The next dish is also a favorite of mine. In Spain the Boquerones are very popular. They are white fresh anchovies marinated in olive oil and vinegar. You don’t find them often here, except maybe just plain on top of a Caesar Salad. Of course I had to order them and introduce my fellow diners to them.
Another very typical dish eaten in tapas and often made at homes for guests, as well is the Tortilla Espanola (potatoes). I liked the one served at Spain. A little different to the ones I have had before but nevertheless very good.
We all were tasting the dishes ordered and having a great time along the way.
The croquettes came in made with Jamon Serrano, a creamy bechamel sauce, garlic aioli and pimenton. The combination of all those ingredients was perfect. A little salty, the sauce, the everything.
You have to agree that the Charcuterie ordered was just awesome. The Jamon Serrano was from Sierra, dry-cured….black Iberian pig.
Mixed Marinated Olives served warm.
I order Pulpo or Octopus every time I see it on a menu. The pulpo served at Spain was not a favorite. I think it lacked flavor, and was a little tough. Served with too many potatoes.
Loved the Roasted Heirloom Carrots. Idiazabal Cheese, red pepper aioli and crumbled marcona almonds. Worth trying, for sure.
The 18 Hour Pork Belly was so tasty and full of flavor. Cranberries, sherry reduction and pickled finger chilies. Another awesome tapa.
The Scallop Risotto is a signature dish. I was so interested in the other dishes that only had a little taste. I thought the risotto was a little dry. My opinion.
Have you ever heard that if you are eating at a good restaurant and you see hamburger on the menu, you should order it? I have plenty of times. Bob is a Burger Connoisseur and a Mustard Lover. So here is his Burger which he loved. I guess we did not have enough to eat. Mind you, that was all to himself.
The Olive Oil Cake was our dessert, served with vanilla ice cream. Olive oils are also used for desserts. Imagine that? It has become more popular in recent months. It is moist and so delicious. Next time you see it, please give it try.
As you can see we tried a little bit here or there but there is so much more to try still. I saw the Paella coming out. It looked great. It takes a bit of time to cook but there is also plenty to drink.
Until next time remember that AboutMyBeaches has a FaceBook page and is on Instagram, as well.
Good Food, Will Travel. Don’t let a bit of distance hold you back.
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Up until a few minutes ago I had not realized that the blog I started in 2009 is celebrating 13 years of sharing my thoughts on finding out about events, restaurants, reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner today. http://www.aboutmybeaches.com
No photos at the beginning until I caught on how important photos are to all of us. We are so visual.
The first post was about McCabes Gourmet Market in Bethany Beach. No longer McCabes, times have changed. Great store that we all loved for many years. Their Queso (Mexican Cheese Dip) Recipe is on the website. Click on it and put it on the Search.
My second post was Agave. The ever present Margaritas, the Avocado Martini, music, best chili, guacamole and so on.
At the time blogs were beginning to take place in our society. But, people would still smiled like saying: really? Blah, Blah, and Blah. The point of my blog was that I could put my two cents in about places that I have been to, my beloved beaches in Southern Delaware and beyond. Food, recipes and reviews. We all have different tastes, likes and dislikes but it was my diary sort of speak of. I can write when I want to and other times I just take a break and put tidbits on My Facebook page.
Since the beginning I have spoken of how good the corn is in Southern Delaware. I just took this photo the other day. White corn, but they have yellow and a mix kernel ones, as well. Freeman’s on Robinsonville Rd. in Lewes is the best. Every day it is picked and it is so fresh that you can eat it raw. I usually eat one or two ears like that. Amazing.
Lewes’ Lighthouses are something to see.
Strolling the Boardwalk day or night.
I have lived here for so many years. I am a foodie and love to eat and experience different cultures.
My blog continues and one of the best things that have happened since opening AboutMyBeaches is that I have learned so much about our area. It is not just the beaches, so much more depth. It has given my family a very nice life. I don’t take it for granted. I appreciate it.
Until then check my Facebook Page, and Instagram and stop here for recipes and information. It’s all good.
Love Crabs….these ones from Suicide Bridge.
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In the area for vacation? Or, are you one of the many that have moved to Southern Delaware to enjoy low property taxes, no sales tax, great beaches and pretty good weather too? And, I almost forgot to tell you that there are so many restaurants for the foodies and for the ones that love the Boardwalk Grub.
I have plenty of favorite restaurants in the area. This time of the year you may have to plan a bit more. Traffic is a pain, meters too?
Nectar, I do love. I can take a seat at the bar. It is located at 111 Neils Alley in Historic Lewes. Breakfast and lunch. It closes at 3.
We sat at the bar. Lunch was ongoing. Look at the menu.
The Vedge Sandwich was ordered. Zucchini squash, portobello mushroom, roasted red peppers, sauteed onions, spinach, mozzarella, pesto and balsamic glaze. It came with a salad. A Bloody Mary accompanied this sandwich. TC thought it was delicious and for those staying with veggies as a choice it was great.
I loved my choice. First the Quinoa Salad was outstanding. Some of you may turn your noses at this grain but maybe you need to go to Nectar and try it. It had mixed tomatoes, Kalamata o,ives, cucumber, red onion and Feta cheese on a bed of mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette. I decided to order a side of their chicken salad. My plate was huge. I love chicken salad in the summer. This particular one is the best I have had. I kid you not. See for yourself. It had green grapes, granny smith apples, toasted pecans, gouda cheese and a hint of red onion. Cannot wait to have it again.
Fresh juices are a specialty of Nectar. I seem to always order the Lean Green Machine. It is on the above photo. Green Apple, Cucumber, Basil, Spinach, lime and jalapeño. A bit of a kick but very healthy it makes me feel.
Now that the Fourth of July holiday is over summer will roll over.
So many restaurants to try and so little time.
Enjoy and relax. AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Instagram. Check it Out?
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June 21st officially opened the Summer Season. It is at this time when Southern Delaware gets bombarded with visitors. For those that live here is a time to plan where to eat and when to shop. A lot of restaurants have reservations or you may wing it and try bar seating.
In Historic Lewes I love Harbour located at 134 W Market Street. Tel. 302-200-9522. .http://Harbourlewes.com
You may request to be seated indoors or by the bar where you can still see what’s going on the canal. If you can sit outdoors that would be my choice. There are not too many restaurants that offer outdoor dining but it is great to take advantage if they do.
My brother and his wife were visiting and we did have a full weekend. At Harbour some adult beverages were ordered. This particular cocktail was called Honey, I’m Home. Sipsmith Gin, Grapefruit, Lemon, Honey Lavender Infusion, Bee Pollen Salt Rim, finishing with a wildflower. It was very well received ?
An order of Maine Lobster Stuffed Beignets. I would rename them Lobster Fritters. They looked more like conch fritters than beignets. They were very good though.
Bouillabaise is a wonderful dish full of fresh fish, shrimp, clams, mussels in a saffron tomato broth. The addition of a grilled sourdough is a must because you cannot leave any broth behind. That’s exactly what my brother did.
Two orders of the Pan Roasted Rockfish received thumbs up. This is our local fish and it is delicious ? It had fava beans, shallot, bell peppers, smoked bacon, on a leak tarragon cream.
The Pan Roasted Duck I do order it most of the time. Cooked medium rare with a honey glaze and hemp seed crust, coconut lime risotto, sugar snap peas and chimichurri. What’s not to like?
Desserts? A Traditional Creme Brûlée…sooo good.
Rhubarb Pie? Tommy loves it but I have never had it. Will take his word.
AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Instagram. Check us out.
And the weekend ended in a blink of our eyes.
Happy Summer.?
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Patsy’s has been a fixture in the resort town of Bethany Beach for many years. If you have never tasted her inspired Key West cuisine and her southern influence cuisine maybe this post will entice you to make that reservation.
Great atmosphere, more so because it is casual and has an island atmosphere. You may request to dine on the porch or inside. The porch is covered. Patsy’s is located at 121 Campbell Place. It opens at 5:30 p.m. until 10. They close on Tuesday and Wednesday. Check the website for information and updates. To make a reservation call the night before you want the reservation after 9 p.m. 302-858-1203. Website is: http://Www.patsysgourmet.com
I prefer to eat late so we arrived at 7:45. Lisa, our server, I have to give a shout. She was perfect; so attentive.
Drinks were ordered and then this Key West Salad arrived. Doesn’t that look amazing? TC thought it tasted delicious. Mixed greens, avocado, hearts of palm, mango, queso fresco with their honey/lime/mustard dressing
My roasted Corn & Sweet Crab Chowder smelled so good and tasted even better. Just a cup will do because my entree was the Softshell Crabs. It was all about crabs.
These softshells were lightly fried with grilled corn/black bean salad, red cabbage slaw and cilantro aioli. The red cabbage was a little spicy.
TC ordered the scallops. Toasted coconut, jasmin rice, mango/pineapple salsa and Thai Curry coconut sauce. Tasted some of them and they were perfectly cooked.
The beaches are crowded this weekend. It’s the official opening of Summer 2022. Happy Memorial Weekend.
Plan your stay and relax, after all you are at the beach.
AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Instagram. Check me out?
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Opening a restaurant during the pandemic must have been daunting but Alina and her husband who have both worked in the industry have done it. The restaurant is called Eggcellent located at 109 W Market Street in Historic Lewes, Delaware.
Eggcellent has been remodeled and has such a nice fresh look. You can sit indoors or in their covered patio.
The restaurant was originally started with breakfast and lunch but Alina’s husband who is the chef decided to open for dinner, as well.
Last Sunday just a week or so after this decision we went for dinner. We had the restaurant to ourselves because the word is slowly getting out. We loved it?? We were able to talk to Alina in a very casual; not in a rush way.
Complimentary to the table the Hummus was incredible. Not exaggerating. It really was so good and all homemade. The bread was toasted and drizzled with olive oil.
I love Rockfish. It is local so I know it is fresh. My Rockfish was served on a bed of Mediterranean veggies with creamy crab sauce and rice pilaf.
TC decided on the Salmon Oscar served over rice with asparagus, lump crabmeat and hollandaise sauce.
The portions are very generous so you may even take some leftovers home.
No dessert was necessary. We had eaten enough but the desserts for that evening looked pretty tempting.
It is great to see these young restauranteurs taking risks and following their dreams.
AboutMyBeaches has a Facebook Page and it is also on Instagram. Drop me a line will you?
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Seems we go to Downtown Rehoboth Beach on Wednesdays. Middle of the week, not too many people, praying for that. Weekends are impossible. So many restaurants to try and to go back. Have not been to all. The meters drive me insane.
Our choice? Blue Moon. This restaurant has been in Rehoboth Beach for so many years. It is located at 35 Baltimore Ave. Tel. 302-227-6515. Website? http://www.bluemoonrehoboth.com
You can make a reservation for the dining room or you can do like we do and make a high top reservation for the bar. You can enjoy a full menu there, as well. From Sunday through Thursday Nate on the Keys is playing. He brings his guests too. Check their website as the second season has started.
The bar area is fun with a diverse group of customers. One thing we all have in common is eating good food, having good service and the enjoyment of live music.
Magnolia was in the house. She sang with Nate and they were so funny together. Her last show, Games with Magnolia was Thursday. Things change a little during the second season.
One appetizer I always ordered and at times that is my dinner is the Tuna Carpaccio. #1 tuna, garlic aioli, shallot, lemon, olive oil and chives. So good on a hot summer night at the beach.
I love octopus so an order for the table of the Crispy Octopus was a must. Shareable too. The octopus was crispy on the outside and very soft in the middle. The chorizo gave the fingerlings and white beans a tasty flavor. And, the chimichurri added even more flavor and color.
Usually we have drinks and appetizers and continue on to try other places to eat in Rehoboth, but Wednesday we decided to stay. The food coming out looked amazing.
The Duck Breast was an entree, ordered medium rare. It has those delicious fingerlings, french beans, and a blueberry compote. Definitely well received.
I have not had anything blackened in a long time. My choice was the Blackened Sea Bass, over Carolina grits, baby carrots and peas. I was between that and the swordfish but once I saw the grits on the menu, it was a done deal. I would suggest to them to have these grits as a side dish so they are always available. I could have had a bowl. If you are there, this is one dish I would suggest you order if you like seafood.
Life continues at the beach in spite of the fact that the world is going to pieces. Fires, storms, floods, world unrest. This is a special weekend remembering the time when our innocent as a country was lost.
We have a lot of venues that offer live music. Bob Marley quoted “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain”.
Have a nice weekend and remember AboutMyBeaches has its own page on Facebook. There and here the purpose is to promote our beaches, to find out about events, restaurants, reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.
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All Summer long the Freeman Stage located in Selbyville about 4 miles west from Fenwick Island offers amazing shows for the whole family. Last night on a what I thought was going to be a rained out event, we were there to see Trombone Shorty. He is everything you can imagine a performer should be. The first thing he said was that it was so nice to be able to perform again.
It was so much fun and such a high energy performance. Trombone Shorty is best know as a trombone and trumpet player. He also plays drums, organ and tuba. He sings too, so a well rounded entertainer. A lot of fun and the perfect evening, as well.
There are still plenty more at the Freeman Stage. For more info., tickets, etc. etc. you can check their Facebook Page or their website
In the evening the shows start at 7 p.m. for the most part. Since I am also interested in what are we going to eat, you will find food trucks and also a grill inside the grounds. If you check their FB page they will tell you what food trucks will be there for each performance.
Perfect for last night the food truck that attracted our attention was Old Shoal Food Truck. They also have a Facebook Page. A creole menu for this week was exactly what was called for.
Joe was cooking but we talked to Sara who took our order. If you Google them it will show that they are in Exmore, Virginia. They have relocated to Lewes. Joe has been a chef in the area in the past at various establishments. So, the experience is there. They offer their services for private events, fundraisers and you name it, they can do it. This Sunday, tomorrow, they will again be at the Freeman Stage. If you are going please try them. The food comes out hot, deliciously seasoned and served with a smile on their faces.
We had the Crawfish & Crab Etoufee…crawfish, crab, green peppers, tomatoes and onions, served over rice with maque choux (creamed corn and other veggies; a Cajun dish) and jalapeno corn bread. It had a kick to it and if you want more of a punch there is plenty of hot pepper sauce to help you achieve that level.
All in all Summer 2021 continues to fly by. Enjoy your weekend.
Remember AboutMyBeaches has its own page on FB.
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