I call it the Art of Wining and Dining. There are 5 elements that are key to food presentation. There is color, shape, texture, arrangement, and garnish. Using the best local ingredients is a must.
First time this summer, just last week, we went to Our Harvest located at 1106 Coastal Highway in Fenwick Island, Delaware. They are open 7 days per week. There is parking and they accept reservations. Awesome!!
Even though we decided to eat inside, the outdoor seating on these trying times was very cute and complemented the restaurant’s aura. Inside the restaurant is very spacious and tables are placed according to the new regulations.
I knew what I was going to eat. They have a chicken that is to die for. It is a shareable dish but think about it, you can take the leftovers home. We had enough for 2 extra dinners.
Doesn’t it look amazing? Believe me, it is. Usually people don’t go to a restaurant to eat chicken but at Our Harvest this is a very popular dish. Even a signature dish I would dare to say.
This chicken is called the Whole Amish Air Chilled Chicken. It is Arnold Palmer brined, and wood fired with lemon and rosemary. An explosion of flavors.
Baywater Blistered Shishitos, sambal butter and sesame salt. I have always been told that in a group of Shishitos there is usually a hot one. I have yet to found it. Also a shareable Small Plate.
Baywater Farms Stuffed Squash Blossoms. Got great reviews and the squash blossoms were crispy and stuffed with ricotta, local crab meat, and creamless cream corn.
This is the Grilled Calamari with charred bead, and warm tomato bagna cauda. To tell you the truth, they were not the favorites. A little overdone and probably I would have preferred olive oil, capers and garlic.
This was another winner. The Crispy Rice Flour Soft Shell, paprika aioli, pea shoot salad, and a celery seed vinaigrette. Nice size soft shell and delicious combination of flavors.
Our service was perfect. We had enough time to talk and there was no rushing us.
If you have the opportunity to go to the restaurants that are in all our beaches, please do so. It is not a long drive. My motto? Good Food, Will Travel.
Have a great week. Enjoy the Season!!
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“That’s My job, to lift people up with great food.” paul prudhomme
The opening of the restaurants in Southern Delaware I could not wait for. Don’t get me wrong, when you like to cook it does not matter. But what matter is the ambiance of a restaurant full of people, having fun and enjoying beautifully prepared food using local products. This part of the country is full of amazing chefs….it is a foodie’s destination in case you did not know.
I am enjoying the fact that so many people have taken cooking during the lockdown. There is nothing better when you put food in your mouth that has been cooked with love and not rushed.
It has been some time since I visited Good Earth Market located at 31806 Good Earth Lane on Rt. 26 in Ocean View, DE. Depending where you are coming from you turn on Rt. 26 in Bethany Beach, west, and go about 3 or miles and after you pass the Rt. 17 intersection continue a bit longer and it will be on your left hand side. Tel 302-537-7100 Website? http://www.goodearthmarket.com
It was the perfect evening. A full moon, low humidity. Al Fresco dining does taste better. At Good Earth Market dining outdoors is taken to a different level. You are among nature. If the weather does not cooperate, they do have an enclosed screened in porch where you can dine and still get a good view of the gardens.
Get your drinks and walk around the property. In making the reservation I called the restaurant and they gave me Sue Ryan’s number. She is the owner and so nice and friendly. At this time of limited reservations she is taking such calls.
A new menu but also their traditional menu was offered. Good wine list and attentive service.
For a first course their Crab & Avocado Salad with a side of corn tortillas was plentiful and delicious.
I had the Shrimp & Scallop Ceviche…chiles, coconut, citrus, Baywater Bibb Lettuce Roll ’em Ups. Spicy!! But I like that heat.
For our second course we had their Good Earth Wedge. Romaine, Heirloom cherry tomatoes, smoky Benton’s Bacon (so crispy), pickled shallots and creamy blue cheese. As you can see a photo says a thousand words and at Good Earth their presentation climbed up to a different level.
I love beets and can roast my own. So choosing their Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad with toasted walnut and hemp seed granola, whipped feta and a lemon vinaigrette gave it a light summery taste.
A dining experience for sure with the Strawberry Moon watching.
What to choose for our third course. Scallops I enjoy so much. This particular offering of Good Earth was awesome. Look at this photo. Pan Roasted Dayboat Scallops with smoky bacon asparagus and black garlic vinaigrette.
Shrimp & Grits…. I do have a weakness for this dish. Having it in Charleston gives it a different meaning but here in Southern Delaware they can really also prepare it well. Full of flavor and spice, Good Earth’s was delicious and enough to take a doggie bag; not really. Sadie would not like it. Haha. It had aged chorizo, tomato broth and creamy corn grits.
We did not have dessert. I think we were very satisfied. But their desserts looked very good. A sweet ending definitely.
This was such an enjoyable evening. I hope you do visit them while you are at the beach. And if you are a resident, please go.
So until next time remember “one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well”…
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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!!
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I stumbled upon a restaurant, a skip and a jump away from the award winning Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk more than a few years ago. It is very special to uncover a great dining spot whether seating at the bar, at a table or coming for small plates.
To me I find it whimsical. I am talking about Shorebreak Lodge Restaurant located at 10 Wilmington Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, DE. Tel. 302-227-1007. Website? http://www.shorebreaklodge.com
Shorebreak has charm and understated sophistication. The food is simple, and delicious. At the bar suggestions for wine pairings were a big help.
At this time of the year the restaurant is open from Wednesday through Sunday.
Over the past couple of months I have visited Shorebreak, and, obviously, I like it since I keep coming back.
So let me tell you what we have had. If they offer Shishito peppers, please have them. They are not hot, they are actually sweet, and served charred they are best.
I can roast my own beets. Love them and theirs were perfectly roasted and with an appealing preasentation.
Soup of the Day? The winter squash on a cold night hit the spot.
I think they have the best Grilled Octopus around. It is perfectly seasoned and cooked; not tough. Just try it. I have it every time and it is always on the menu.
There are plenty of restaurants in Rehoboth Beach. You just have to find the ones that serve good food, at good prices in a comfortable setting.
Enjoy the Christmas Season. Check my FB Page AboutMyBeaches for more information on where to shop, what to do, and what to cook for dinner.
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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.
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“There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” Nothing beats sitting around with friends and family and having meaningful conversations over a delicious meal.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is a dining destination. You can find almost anything, from the Boardwalk Grub to fine dining.
Outdoor dining is something you do not find in all the restaurants but The Blue Hen located at 33 Wilmington Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth has the outdoor atmosphere, and the food to boot. Their new hours are from Thursday through Monday. Their phone is 302-278-7842. Website? http://www.thebluehenrehoboth.com
Meet me at the Fire Pit is what I just told my friends. In the past few weeks I have visited The Blue Hen twice. Love being able to sit outdoor, whether is to have cocktails or even decide to eat dinner by the fire pit. Great atmosphere.
The Beet Salad was a starter and it is a shareable dish. Golden beets (I love them), pomegrate seeds, pickled onion, red beet yogurt, toasted spiced nuts and herbs. Great way to start a dining experience.
What is the original advice about eating oysters? Only eat them in the 8 months of the year that contain the letter “R”, which means September through April. I, actually, do not follow that advice and nothing has ever happened.
Cold and salty, that’s how I like my oysters.
The scallops at the Blue Hen are delicious. They are a very popular dish. They are served with trumpet mushrooms, braised fennel, sea beans, green apple dashi, and chives. Dashi is a class of soup and cooking stock used in Japanese cuisine.
Eating by the Fire Pit is perfect at this time of the year. Eating outdoors is first come first served regarding to seating arrangements. The Blue Hen accepts reservations for indoor seating.
If you are in Rehoboth visiting and decide to eat at The Blue Hen the Smith Island crab cakes are very good and the fresh Maryland crab will probably only be availabe for another week or so. These are no fillers crab cakes, roasted red bliss potatoes, ham pickle slaw, and tartar sauce.
The Pan Seared King Salmon with baby kale, roasted grapes, celery root puree, pine nuts and brown butter while it was very good, my friend thought it should have been cooked a little bit more.
Dessert…just one will do. Please bring us a few spoons. The chocolate dense cake and mint ice cream hit the right spot.
Rehoboth nights continue in the Second Season. Beautiful nights in the fall is the best time of the year at the beach.
Sitting with my friends enjoying a nice meal reminds me of my own family dinners when t.v. was off and it was time to learn about each other and what everyone had done that day.
A generous spread of delicious food is the universal unifier. Food can be dressed up or down. You can’t rush it, you have to cook from the heart.
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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.
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“There is a difference betweent dining and eating. Dining is an art. When you eat to get most out your meal, to please the palate, just as well as to satiate the appetite, that, my friend, is dining.” yuan mei
I have to give a shout to our amazing, knowledgeable, and friendly server, Victoria. She was awesome. She knew the menu well.
Meeting friends in Ocean View, Delaware, at Northeast Seafood Kitchen was my destination. It was half price entrees. They have daily specials.
Northeast Seafood Kitchen is located at 29 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, DE. Ocean View is a few miles west of Bethany Beach. Just in case you did not know.
It was very busy. A lot of restaurants in the area are closed on Tuesdays. No big deal, we waited at the bar. It is not the end of the world.
We ordered 2 salads for sharing.
The first one was a traditional Caesar Salad. Loved those boquerones (white anchovies) on top. Pecorino cheese, house made croutons, Caesar dressing. Simple.
The Baby Spinach was a suggestion from Victoria….tomatoes, sweet shallots, Gorgonzola cheese, roasted pistachos, and a wild berry vinaigrette. Just perfect.
Before I share the rest of the photos I will have to say that the four of us had a very good dinner. Everything was cooked and seasoned just the way it should be. Nothing was overpowering.
The Chef’s Fish Board is where we chose the Catfish and Tuna. Those 2 entrees came with a butternut puree, mushrooms, potatoes, zucchini, squash, cabbage, and a lemon butter sauce.
The Tuna OC Maryland was spiced encrusted and my friend said she had not had a meal like that in months.
Two of us had the Crab Imperial Catfish Chesapeake Bay. It was pan seared and super delicious.
The Farm Style Seafood Stew was also a winner. It had fish, shellfish, calamari, bay leaf, celery, corn on the cob, and a white wine tomato broth.
And did we even have room for dessert. Just one please. So we ordered the upside down blueberry cake. It was pretty good too. Ice cream, nuts…shareable indeed.
I always say that you can review a restaurant all you want, but sharing a meal with old friends is what makes it priceless.
Remember to check my FB page of AboutMyBeaches.
I know it is feels like summer but we are already in the first few days of fall.
Relax, you are At The Beach.
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