I laughed when I wrote Good Food, Will Travel. The traveling from Rehoboth Beach to Bethany Beach and then west to Millville takes no time. All the beaches are closed to each other. Well, in the summer it may take a bit longer during the week. You know how it is. This particular Memorial Weekend like the usual ones, the weather will not cooperate for the most part. So, what is there to do? Shop and Eat!!
I love going out on Wednesdays. It seems that it is a quieter day of the week to enjoy the local restaurants. I think at this time of the year you need to call and make a reservation for most restaurants. Also, because the lack of help some may be closed Monday and Tuesday.
Perucci’s is located at 3507 Atlantic Ave., Millville, DE. Tel. 302-829-8727. Website? http://www.peruccis.com
An old building reminiscing of a Trattoria somewhere else. I feel I have to have a Chianti every time I step into, this small and very quaint restaurant. It is a family restaurant that has been opened for many years and their family recipes are delicious.
It was crowded but we had a reservation. I like to eat late so the reservation was for 8 p.m.
A Malbec from Fableist was truly amazing. I probably could have had the wine and just the bread. OMG it was so good. Warm and accompanied with very good olive oil.
A order of Calamari Fritti for the table. Perfect portion for sharing. Flash fried, chipolte cocktail sauce, citrus aioli, and spicy chili aioli. Tender and truly lightly flash fried.
I liked their Caesar Salad and have had it before. Perfect way to get your palate cleansed if you would call it that way. To me salads prior to the entree cleanse your taste buds. They call it Knife & Fork Caesar. Pecorino and garlic croutons.
An entree of Gamberetti con Aglio e Vino. Shrimp, white wine sauce with garlic and olive. For true pasta eaters this dish was simple but impacted great flavor.
My order of Veal Scallopini al Piccata. I loved it for many reasons. The combination of lemon, capers and wine sauce was light and simple, as well. The amount of pasta was just right too. Not an over abundance but a perfect serving.
While it was storming in Rehoboth Beach on Wednesday our dinner was memorable and cannot wait to go again.
A shout to Daniel who took care of us so nicely.
Have a great week-end.
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I got into not eating meat on Monday. Following the Meatless Monday campaign if you want to know. This is an international campaign nonetheless. It is just a way of not eating meat one day of the week to improve your health. This organization was founded in 2003. There is also a Facebook Page called Meatless Monday. To know more about it, please visit http://www.meatlessmonday.com.
A few years ago I was visiting my cousins on the island of Culebra. Gorgeous beaches, beautiful scenery. On the photo a look at Luis Pena from their balconies. One of the recipes they prepared was a Spinach Pie. Not only was it good, but it was so easy with 5 ingredients. The chopped frozen spinach I was buying for this recipe had a lot of water but I found a few months ago a spinach that is steamable and to tell you the truth it is so much better. You can get it in all supermarkets.
I have shared this recipe on my website before so I decided to do it again as I remembered that this summer, here in Rehoboth Beach, Sharon, Amantha, Debbie and I would have impromptu dinners on the beach. This is one of the recipes I took. You can eat it hot, warm, room temperature or even cold.
Recipe – Spinach Pie
1 package or bag of spinach – 10 ounces
1 block cream cheese. You can use the less fat one or regular one.
1 onion (Cut in chunks.)
4 eggs
1 cup Parmesan cheese
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease lightly a pie dish. I use a glass one. Let spinach defrost and squeeze it to get all the water out. Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator and let it soften a bit.
In a blender put eggs, spinach, onion, and cream cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. I usually add just pepper since the cheese has plenty of salt. Blend. Pour into a pie dish.
Place in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top to cover. The cheese will make a crust and will add taste to the pie. Don’t be shy and sprinkle on.
It will take another half hour or so to be ready. Test it with a knife and if comes out clean then it is ready. It should have a nice rich crust.
You can really use this spinach pie for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And even for an appetizer. I would cut in squares instead of wedges if that is the case.
When I joined my friends this summer for our Rehoboth Beach dinners, I think they loved it. Don’t you think? They are smiling!
Remember that these recipes are begged, borrowed, and stolen…..please make them your own.
Until next time!
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Looking for a change of scenery from the beautiful Maryland and Delaware Beaches…..oh yes, it was time to see what was happening in South Florida at this time of the year; Summer 2017. As you know the State of Florida does not empty out in the summer against popular belief. And guess what? Those 9 days in Palm Beach County were cooler than home. While Southern Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland were taking in 100 degree weather, we were enjoying low 90’s and upper 80’s. Less traffic, restaurants were open without long lines….Yes, traveling during the summer to that part of Florida was certainly very enjoyable.
Did I tell you that we did not plan much? Winging it and seeing what adventures we could experience on a daily basis was part of the fun.
I have experienced going on an airboat through the Everglades but traveling with Dennis Smith on Gatorhunt Airboat Rides took it to a different level.
An Airboat is a flat bottom boat propelled by an aircraft-type propeller and it is powered by either an auto engine or aircraft engine. Perfect for traveling in marshy and/or shallow waters. We actually found Dennis online. He is located in Okeechobee and from Singer Island, Florida it took us about an hour. You have to travel west. His tours are very private and affordable; 2 to 6 people. At that time of the year it was $25 and we did leave him a tip because he delivered a great airboat tour for us. He does have a fun personality, as well. His telephone number is 863-763-7433. You can check his website http://www.gatorhuntairboatrides.com.
As you can see from the photo the airboat was small. But what a personality Dennis had!! The first he said that the previous days he had been out and had not seen and gator sightings!! Oh, that should be our luck not to see any. It was so quiet traveling through the marshes and so beautiful. The actual boat is noisy. You could use the headgear provided or just get used to the noise.
Then all of a sudden a sighting….a big one!!
He was checking out a small male coming into his territory. Dennis was amazed that so quickly we were able to see one. When it is hot, and it was, at times it is hard for them to come to the surface.
We continue looking for more creatures and we did find more.
There are plenty of airboat tours taking you through the marshes of South Florida, but this particular one was not commercialized whatsoever. Dennis has been doing this for so many years. The water was like glass.
This next scene had me mesmerized. It was like out of Africa. The cattle crossing the river. I was worried that the alligators would get them, but Dennis said that alligators know that they are too big for them. I believe Florida runs 12th in the nation in beef cow. There are about 18,433 beef cattle ranches. It is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. After Texas, it is the South’s main source of beef.
We continued on our journey and Dennis was going to so fast, then would slow down to give us more insight on this beautiful place.
Our tour was almost over when we noticed a little something taking a ride with us.
Totally worth it and totally unexpected. Thanks to Dennis for making our last day in South Florida a memorable one.
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“I have had a good life.” john merryman, III…Those were my late husband’s, John, words a few days before he passed away on August 31, 2013. I will keep this post short as he did not want his family to dwell on his passing. He wanted us to move forward and so we have, one foot in front of the other. I always say that 10% is what happens to you and the rest 90% is how you react. It does not matter how prepared we are for a loved one’s departure eternally from our side, it is still an adjustment.
Our friends mention him a lot. He was hard to forget. A dry sense of humor, quiet, and a true gentleman. My good friends are always at my side. Tomorrow they will be there, as well. We will have dinner and remember the good times we had with him. He was a foodie when the word was not even in the dictionary.
He loved Michael and John above all else. John is 33 and Michael is turning 30 on 9/4. Getting together with friends was priceless.
Our friends, Annie, Cathy, and Ron he would be so thankful for all the help they have given me.
One person that he would have enjoyed immensely would have been our granddaughter, Sophia. She is something else.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain….” So, life continues, as it should, one step at a time.
Note: Close to my heart is the research currently under way at Temple Health for Pulmonary Hypertension. If you have someone in need of help please contact Dr. Anjali Vaidya, MD, FACC, FASE, FACP, Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant 215-707-7636 or write anjali.vaidya@tuhs.temple.edu. If you would like to contribute, please contact Katie Beddis, Senior Director of Development, Medical Education and Research Building. 215-707-9459, or write Kbeddis@temple.edu. Ask for information and mention my name, Gloria Merryman.
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I was on the phone with someone from Delray Beach, Florida. I finally asked…how is the weather? Well, it is a little chilly today….76 degrees!! With that in mind and before I tell you a few of the events catching my attention in Delray Beach….it is still time to come to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and participate in the 2015 Polar Bear Plunge!! It really is a whole week-end festival…and we really did not get any snow. This event is for Special Olympics Delaware. There will be a 5K Run to The Plunge, a Pooch Plunge, Ice Sculpting Demo, Restaurant Chili Contest, Polar Ice Cream Throwdown and more for all ages…..so here is your opportunity to visit Rehoboth Beach in our Second Season. More info? Please visit http://www.plungede.org.
So, Delray Beach….What is Going On?
The beach in Delray is really neat. No buildings to create shadows. Once you park yourselves on this beach….chill out and relax!! The water is so clear. The beach is wide, with plenty of space for other activities.
DELRAY BEACH CENTER FOR THE ARTS – Located on the corner of Atlantic and Swinton Avenues, this campus includes the Cornell Museum of Art, the Crest Theatre, the Vintage Gymnasium, the Pavilion, and the School of Creative Arts. Plenty of events and exhibits throughout the year take place on this corner of Downtown Delray Beach. There are art classes on going and also about to start. If you are interested while you are snowflaking or snowbirding in Delray, please visit http://www.delrayarts.org. Please note that The School of Creative Arts is located on the 2nd floor of the Crest Theatre. Tel. 561-243-7922, ext. 317.
SATURDAYS – 19TH SEASON OF THE DELRAY GREEN MARKET. 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Location? 50 NE 2nd St. on the grounds of the Old School Square. Early in the a.m. locals and visitors arrive to get first picks of produce, flowers, fresh seafood….and to listen to local entertainment, as well. Please visit http://www.delraycra.org/market for more info., recipes, and to check their blog. During festivals, the Green Market usually relocates to SE 4th Avenue, around the corner of the Green Owl Restaurant. You won’t miss it.
SATURDAY, 1/31 and SUNDAY, 2/1 – ARTISTS IN THE PARK – This is the longest running outdoor show in South Florida. Sponsored by the Delray Art League, this year marks the 50th anniversary for DAL!! Artists in the Park will be taking place this week-end at Delray Beach Center for the Arts Old School Square on the corner of Atlantic and N. Swinton Aves. The other location is at Veterans Park on Atlantic Ave. by the Intracoastal. The outdoor show begins at 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more info. and to see the schedule, please visit http://www.delrayartleague.com/dal. Note: A celebration marking the 50th Anniversary for DAL!! Thursday, 2/26 Plein Air Festival. You can apply online and get more info. at http://www.pleinairpalmbeach.com. Friday, 2/27 through Sunday, 3/1 there will be a special 3 day art festival on the grounds of the Delray Center for the Arts on the corner of Atlantic & N. Swinton Aves., Saturday, 2/28 and Sunday, 3/1…Artist Within, and Sunday, 3/1, along with the Art Festival, there will be a Southern Dance, Magic Cards, Music by Steve Martel and the High School Art Contest. Make sure you check the websites above mentioned.
SATURDAY, 1/31 – SAVOR OUR CITY – CULINARY AND HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS . These tours are taking places in walkable neighborhoods in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens. On Saturday a Taste of Atlantic Ave will take place. Reservations are a must by calling 800-979-3370 or by visiting http://www.savorourcity.com. Tour begins at 11 1.m. and takes about 3 hours. You will walk and you will taste.
SATURDAY, 1/31 – DELRAY YACHT CRUISES – DINNER CRUISE. IT BEGINS AT 6 P.M. UNTIL 8 P.M. $60/person. Please call 561-243-0686. Touring the intracoastal northbound or southbound, Delray Beach Cruises are a great way to spend an afternoon or early evening and get to know The Village by the Sea. Please visit http://www.delraybeachcruises.com.
FRIDAY, 2/6, THROUGH SUNDAY, 2/8 – 16TH ANNUAL DELRAY BEACH GARLIC FEST – Gourmet food, entertainment, friendly cooking competition…the festival celebrates all things garlic. For tickets and more info., please visit http://www.dbgarlicfest.com.
SHOPPING AND DINING IN DELRAY BEACH
Plenty of shops up and down Atlantic Avenue and also in the Art District of Pineapple Grove which is 2nd Ave. If you like unique handbags, made in Delray Beach, you might want to visit FURST. It is located at 123 2nd Ave. Tel. 561-272-6422. Ronald Furst makes his handbags right in the shop, and he will be more than happy to explain his craft. Handmade jewelry, as well.
Delray Beach is a dining destination. The majority of the restaurants offer outdoor dining or “at sidewalk dining”, as well. So much fun to sit outside, and more so if you are arriving during the cold winter up north.
JOSEPH’S WINE BAR & CAFE – Located at 200 N.E. 2nd Avenue #107 at City Walk. Tel. 561-272-6100. Website? http://www.josephswinebar.com. Stopping at Joseph’s on my last visit and having to tell him that my husband, John, had passed away was hard. So many memories of sitting outside having something to eat…and John and Joseph smoking a cigar once in awhile. He could not believe it and pictured him sitting at his favorite chair. Inside, the restaurant is so pretty and elegant. It’s your choice, dining indoors or al fresco.
My friend, Cindi and I decided to have a little “happy hour” and the Mediterranean platter was our choice. Humus, eggplant dip, tabouli, and stuffed grape leaves, along with whole wheat pita. A little wine and a lot of friendly conversation.
Have a great time!!
Comments Off on Southbound? Delray Beach, Florida, Activities, Events, Dining & Shopping, The Village by The Sea, Palm Beach County, SoFlo, What’s Going On?
Over the years Delray Beach, Florida, has been a destination for my family. I might add that I visited Delray not only in the winter but throughout the year. Easy to get to from the Mid-Atlantic States. What first appealed to us was the fact that Delray Beach has unobstructed beaches. The water is crystal clear and the beach…..oh, soooo wide!!
You can tell my mind is wondering to warm places as winter begins today, Sunday, December 21st. It’s cold but I am not tired of it yet.
Delray Beach is quaint and charm. It is known as the Village by the Sea. It is not a manmade town, it always was there waiting for all of us to discover it. For many years it stayed dormant but not anymore. It is diverse, and it does have it all…great weather, shops, restaurants, artists, entertainment and history.
Delray can celebrate the holidays like no other town in South Florida. The 100 ft. Christmas Tree can be seen for miles. And, even the seagrape trees get decorated.
Out with the old and in with the new…..I still remember Santa’s House. The new one more modern to fit the times.
Santa will be visiting today from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Delray might be quiet early in the a.m. but give it time as people start strolling, jogging, and power walking ready for a day in town.
Collado’s Market is located at 3416 S. Federal Highway in Delray Beach. Tel. 561-276-1866. They are open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is a family owned market, and they do cater.
Driving south from Linton Blvd. on Federal they are 1.4 miles on the right just after Lindell Blvd. and Walgreens. And, if you are heading north on Federal they are 2 miles north of Yamato. Make a left turn just before Lindell Blvd. New super market have opened in Delray Beach, but Collado’s Market has that personal attention, and quick in and out access.
Gourmet platters, baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Lunch or dinner entrees are always ready to go. Specialty orders are welcomed…just give them a call. Boar’s Head…gluten free!!
In-house wine sommelier can direct you the a unique selection of imported organic wines.
Fresh vegetables and always freshly squeezed orange juice!
Have a great Stress Free Vacation!!
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The tomatoes are at the height of the season, the peaches are still sweet….this is pretty much a raw salad. Bursting with flavor, it has everything to offer for a perfect end of the summer 2014 meal.
When I made this salad I used gluten free bread. The recipe, actually calls for white bread with crusts removed. Your choice.
TOMATO, PEACH, CORN, AND FETA SALAD
2 slices white bread, crusts removed, cut or torn into small pieces
1/2 cup plus 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
2 ears fresh corn, shucked
4 ripe tomatoes, a variety of colors….or plain red will do. About 2 lbs.
4 large peaches (about 2 lbs. too)
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion or shallots (I used red onion.)
3/4 cups of sheep’s milk feta, crumbled
Pulse the bread in a blender or food processor until the bread breaks down into coarse crumbs.
In a medium skillet, over medium heat, warm 1/2 cup of oil. Once warm, add breadcrumbs and gently toast until golden and crispy. Transfer crumbs to a plate line with paper towels. Season with salt.
Using a sharp knife, slice corn kernels off the cob.
Cut tomatoes and peaches, preferably into wedges. Place in large bowl with onion slivers and corn kernels. Season with salt, optional.
Add the Feta cheese.
Add 6 tablespoons of oil and toss to combine. And then, sprinkle your favorite white balsamic vinegar. My choice was Cranberry Pear White Balsamic from the new store in Downtown Rehoboth Beach….The Olive Orchard.
Distribute salad among plates, then scatter breadcrumbs on top…..serve and enjoy!!
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Delray Beach, Florida is a destination….it has been for years. It is a “Village by The Sea”, where shops, beaches, recreational sports are at your fingertips…..Foodies take notice: Delray is your Destination, as well!! So many restaurants with the majority having outdoor seating. When in Delray having that perfect table outdoors is priceless. Conversation with friends, people watching, sipping and dining, this town is an expert on this.
The Office in Delray Beach has a strategic corner. Atlantic Avenue and 2nd Street, which is also the entrance to Pineapple Grove, the Arts District of Delray.
It used to be that Delray Beach was a snowbird’s paradise. It still is….but Delray Beach is more than that. It is a year-round resort. Just like any other resort area, the restaurants change their menus according to the seasons.
The Office is located at 201 East Atlantic Avenue. At this time of the year it is offering an inventive array of Summer Menu Specials through October 31, 2014, along with Sunday Brunch and expanded Happy Hours. It is the time to explore the restaurants in Delray…..so let me introduce you to The Office, once again.
The Office serves delectable gourmert comfort food. The setting is remniscent of a luxurious home library, for lunch and dinner daily.
Besides their summer specials, they will also have the regular a la carte menu available for lunch and dinner throughout this period.
Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Diners can opt for a soup and sandwich, or a soup and salad, for $12.95 per person. Over the years I have sampled soups, salads, and sandwiches and they have all been so yummy!!
Monday is BBQ Night from 5 p.m. until closing time. Check these offerings: Baby Back Ribs served with potato salad for $20.95. Half of a mango-BBQ Chicken with sweet mashed potatoes for $18.95. A Kosher Hot Dog, served with French fries and cole slaw for $9.95. Southern Comfort Pulled Port Sliders for $10. Catch of the Day Sandwich for market price, and BBQ Burger Sliders for $12.95.
House drinks on Monday afternoons and evenings, House Drinks and Craft Beers will be half price from 3 p.m. until closing.
Best Fish & Chips!
Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. until closing, diners can indulge in a Seafood Fiesta!! Daily Seafood Soup for $8.00; Seafood Paella, for $24.95; Cioppino, for $22.95. Seafood Salad Roll of lobster and shrimp, served with tomatoes, Bibb lettuce, and avocado, on a French baguette, for $20.95. Catch of the Day, served with fresh veggies at Market Price. And, Fancy Mc’n Cheese for $15.
On Tuesday evenings, when diners order an entree from the Seafood Fiesta menu, they can also enjoy half-price bottles of wine that are priced at $49 or less.
Wednesday evenings from 5 p.m. until closing, diners can revel in Burger and Craft Beer Madness! The Office Burger Challenge will truly appeal to hearty eaters. They will be serving a 4-pound dish, comprised of a variety of yummy menu items, and if a diner can finish this dish The Office will buy the diner’s dinner!! The dish will change slightly, over the summer, but one version of the dish will include 2 burger patties, one waffle, two fried eggs, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cheese, bacon, and French fries!!!
Besides, on Wednesday evenings, The Office will also be serving up a fabulous array of inventive burgers, including Salmon Burger, for $16, the Turkey Burger for $16, the Lamb Burger for $16 and the Juicy Lucy Burger, which is topped with lobster Mac ‘n Cheese and blue cheese for $20. All the burgers will be served with French fries. When customers order one of these burgers, as well as The Office Burger Challenge, they can enjoy half-off of all draft beers.
On Thursday evenings, also starting at 5 p.m., feast on Surf ‘n Turf. This divine dish features grilled Rib eye steak, half of a Maine lobster tail, and grilled veggies. Any diners, ordering Surf ‘ Turf, can also enjoy a delectable dessert for $5, plus half-off any bottle of wine for $49 or less.
Sunday Brunch is new for The Office, and it started on June 1st. It is served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The brunch menu will include lobster or crab Eggs Benedict for $26, as well as The Avenue Breakfast; 3 eggs, any style, hash browns, bacon, buttered toast, and 2 pancakes, for $16. The Atlantic Lox Sandwich with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and capers, served on a ciabatta bread for $16; Belgian waffles for $10, and blueberry pancakes for $10. Additionally, during Sunday Brunchy, diners can enjoy “Bottomless” Bellinis, Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Champagne, for $15 per person.
The Office Happy Hours have been expanded, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and from 10 p.m. until closing time, through October. Customers can enjoy 50% off a select array of libations and appetizers, at both the indoor and outdoor bars, throughout the dining room, from a summer Happy Hour Menu.
Last, but not least, patrons can enjoy a refreshing array of Summer Specialty Cocktails that have been created by GM Marcello Buruiana. The Orange Splash, the Strawberry Punch, Red or White Sangria, the Watermelon Gin Fizz, and The Office Pina Colada, are all $10 per cocktail, and will be available throughout the day and evening between June and October, 2014.
So, what else do you want to know?
The Office is open daily. The bar is open until midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. You may call for reservations and info. at 561-276-3600. Or, visit http://www.theofficedelray.com.
And, if the menu offers…..Deviled Eggs!! They are awesome!!
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