May 22nd, 2016
I could not believe it!! No rain! Can you imagine? We have been so inundated with rain that I was not sure how this event was going to turn out. But, as it happens, on Thursday, May 19th, the skies were clear, the moon and the stars were out and the location was mesmerizing.
It was going to be a celebration of the 23rd year anniversary of Atlantic General Hospital located at 9733 Healthway Dr., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-1100. Website? http://www.atlanticgeneral.org.
We were meeting at the “Speakeasy”, where the event was taking place. This is the farm of the Host and Hostess, Mr. & Mrs. Buddy Jenkins. Atlantic General has been celebrating its anniversaries with an annual event. Fun and Fundraising for the hospital. This year’s theme was the Roaring 20’s and with 500 people of their supporters, family and friends in attendance it was certainly a memorable evening.
Most of the attendees wore 1920’s dress code…..long pearls, fringes…it was a time of excess. Games and crafted cocktails. You picked your own glass at the entrance and fill it to your hearts desires. The tent was huge and it was very well appointed. The center pieces were gorgeous, as well. No detail was left out.
LA Catering from Liquid Assets located at 94th & Coastal Highway in Ocean City, Maryland did a spectacular job with their catering. Besides their restaurant in Ocean City their catering side of it can work magic for any of your events, small or large. As you can see they fed 500 and there was no shortage of food throughout the evening. Tel. 410-524-7037 Website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com.
We are located on the eastern shore so seafood is regarded as a main staple at events. Surrounding the Speakeasy there were stations where attendees could fill their plates and come back for more.
Oysters on the half shell, shrimp, smoke scallop salad, smoked salmon, crab claws!!
Softshells!! My favorites!
Cheeses and Charcuterie!!
 Lisa & Cindi checking it out! Seafood Paella.
Sushi!!
Dessert!! That sweet ending that completes a meal….Have you had the doughnuts made in house at Liquid Assets? They are to die for. At the event they gave them a little twist. You could customize them. They were warm, perfect to hold in one hand or on your plate and then the sweet condiments on top.
I took a look at the cakes….could they possibly be the cakes that have been the talk of the town? Yes!! I could not believe it. I am going to learn more about the two guys that are from Brooklyn and call themselves the Brooklyn Baking Barons. The cakes featured the other night were Honey Whiskey Cakes, accompanied by local strawberries. They were so good that at the table we all went back for seconds. They are the perfect size…guilt free shall we say? They will be opening a store front in Berlin, I believe on or around Memorial Week-End. Check them on Facebook. From their website they ship nationwide. http://www.bkbarons.com.
Cannot wait to taste a new flavor….the Limoncello Cake with homemade Limoncello….Justin Noble, a friend of theirs said this new cake is out of this world.
It is that time of the year to fund raise at the Maryland and Delaware Beaches. People have big hearts here. Lucky to call it home!!
January 10th, 2016
It just opened about one month ago, but already some of my friends are becoming habitual frequenters to this new place to eat in West Ocean Cit, Maryland at 12611 Ocean Gateway. It is right next to West O Bottle Shop. Tel. 410-213-7020. Website? http://www.hornandshelloc.com.
It is a casual place. Come as you are. It is serving Small Plates, Crafted Signature Sandwiches, Daily Soups, Greens, Oyster Shooters…a Shell Bar!! Desserts!!
Arriving for a quick lunch, Cindi and I ordered oysters. Salty and cold!!
We decided to eat Tapas stye; choosing from their Shares & Tasters Small Plates. An order of Beer Brined Wings…Brined and grilled and then dunked in the fyer to finish. We wanted them well done! We chose the Mojito Glaze.
Black Skillet Corn Bread was dense, rich and warmed on the Pit. It was served with 3 housemade spreads on the side…savory butter, sun-dried tomato pesto, and cheddar cheese spread.
Our third taster was K.H. Beef Plank…Paper thin, super rare Pit Beef, pickled red onion, greens, shaved parmesan, chimichurri, and crisp bread.
Thanks Nikki for your suggestions and for taking care of us so well.
Talk to you later.
October 29th, 2015
It was warm, it was sunny, we probably could have eaten outside. Arriving with my partner in crime, Cindi, to Fat Fish OC located at 12703 Sunset Avenue, Unit 7, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-390-5006. Website? http://www.fatfishoc.com.
You can find it on Facebook as Fat Fish OCMD….please Like the page because Fat Fish is very active on FB and also they are opening other restaurants….you might not want to miss out on all the specials coming up as the Second Season continues at the beaches. Hey guess what? They do deliver. Fat Fish opens at 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
The restaurant is not big. It is so cute and very local, indeed.
Meet Joe, the owner, as he was getting ready to chow on the daily special…Today’s Bruschetta Burger. I saw with my own eyes. 1/2 lb burger, pesto, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil on a brioche bun.
But, get a little closer…you want to get a good look at it, don’t you? Here it is. Yum!!
Cindi ordered the Blue Crab Tacos. Their tacos are well known and one of the most ordered items, as well.
And I ordered the Fat Fish Sandwich…Tempura battered tuna and shrimp, wasabi, mayo, red onion, lettuce, tomato and cilantro crema. Look how beautiful it looks. First I ate the shrimp and then followed with the sandwich. Awesome indeed!
Would you like to check the menu? Please visit http://www.fatfishoc.com/menu/
So now you know about this great local place. Worth the trip.
September 25th, 2015
Opening Day for Sunfest in Ocean City, Maryland was Thursday, September 24, 2015. It is ranked the number one arts and crafts festival in the nation!! It was filled with crafts, arts, food and entertainment. Everything for the whole family to enjoy.
Walking on the award-winning boardwalk the visitors were enjoying a beautiful day at the beach.
Passing the ever popular Thrasher’s French Fries, already the line was so long. To tell you the truth I am not such a big fan of them because I like my fries crispy.
Hundreds and hundreds of people were checking out this first day of Sunfest. Apparently, the weather might be a little crazy on Saturday evening, so if you get a change today and tomorrow, please stop by.
The tent we were looking for was the Food Tent and we immediately found it.
One food vendor after another. If you have been at Sunfest before you probably have your favorites.
You can sit down in the many tables available or just stand and use the tall tables as well.
Funnel Cakes anyone?
We decided on some Seafood Bisque with Lace chips!! Perfect combination. They were so light.
Ross decided on pulled chicken and regular just made chips.
Sunfest will be opening Friday and Saturday from 10 1.m. until 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 .am. until 6 p.m. During the day you can enjoy the live entertainment completely free, either in their open air venue or inside the tent. In the evening the live entertainment is by ticket holder. Depending on the entertainer you tickets could be as low as $15 to $60. Please visit http://www.ococean.com
 
Stop Mr. Elvis himself, local color in Ocean City for many years. Known to all the residents. Take a photo. He loves it!!
Some of the crafts that caught our attention:
Wire Sculpture by Devin Mack of Drawn Metal Studios.
 
The lady that works with clay. She has been at the festival for years. You can see her working the clay with such minute detail.
The driftwood sailboats and ships were really cute. The company is Art Sea., from Pasadena, Maryland.
The painted ostrich eggs were very detailed. Loved Starry Nights.
This next company’s baking is not your usual. It looked so real, you could taste it…The Fake Baker.
The beautiful Adirondack Chairs, Hinkleys Chair Art….whatever you want, they will paint it.
Grabbing beers and on our way to listen to Skinny Leg Pete. Definitely a party band. Their genre? soul, funk, blues and rock. And, yes, people were dancing.
And then followed by Teenage Rust on the outdoor stage.
Thanks Cindi for inviting me…It was a great time with a BFF.
Have a great week-end!!
September 22nd, 2015
Discovering Reykjavik was a highlight of this summer of 2015. Was not even in my bucket list. That was even better. So surprising to find myself on my way to Iceland. Make sure you take a waterproof jacket because the Icelandic weather is very unpredictable.
The capital city of Reykjavik is so easy to maneuver. You will learn it in not time. You can bike, jog, or stroll. Some years ago Iceland was in financial trouble. They have been recuperating quickly and there is plenty of new buildings going up in this quite modern city.
The Sun Voyayer is a sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula close to the Reykjavik center. It symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun.
The Harpa is at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour. It is Iceland’s biggest concert hall. It is also used for other cultural events, as well. It opened in 2011. If you get a chance please visit and view the 360 degree Cinematic Experience. That stranger on my photo…no idea who he was.
The Old Harbor. It is the first lasting harbor in Reykjavik. You can find shops and galleries on the eastern pier. Whale watching tours will be leaving for this harbor, as well.
The Einar Jonsson Museum located at Eiriksgata and Freyjugata. Website? http://www.lej.is
Einar Jonsson was Iceland’s first sculptor. His home is part of the museum and is preserved in its original condition. No photos inside were allowed. The museum has about 300 art works spanning a 60 year career. The garden outdoors has about 26 bronze casts. This location is the highest point in Reykjavik.
He drew inspiration from the Icelandic folklore heritage for “Outlaws”. He also used mythological and religious motifs.
I have more to tell you but for now I think this is enough. Maybe some Fish & Chips on the next post from Iceland.
NOTE: From September 24th until October 4th the Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) will be taking place. It will be showing a wide range of dramas and non-fiction films from over 40 countries and is becomming bigger and bigger every year. Please visit http://www.iceland.is.
Talk to you later…Have a good one.
August 25th, 2015
After a very satisfying dinner at Sello’s in Ocean City, Maryland, we took off for Ocean Downs Racetrack & Casino. This has been a racetrack for 66 years. We were looking forward to a nice evening of harness racing and a little gambling, as well. Don’t worry our bets were very conservative. Address 10218 Racetrack Rd. Tel. 410641-0600
Casino at Ocean Downs has 800 slot machines and electronic table games, like Crabs, Blackjack, Roulette and Poker. For more information please visit http://www.oceandowns.com.
At the game tables you will play against a virtual croupier. You have to be 21 years old and please play responsibly.
A Trotter or a Pacer? The Trotter moves a right leg and a left leg forward at the same time; his right front and left rear, then his left front and right rear. The Pacer moves both legs on the same side of his body forward at the same time.
Running horses gallop, moving both front legs forward and then both rear legs forward.
At the racetrack children are allowed to come in if accompanied by an adult. You must be 18 or older to place a wager (bet). Four wagers are available: Win, Place, Show Exacta, and Big Triple.
When you wager (bet), you are not betting against the track, but against everyone who is making that type of wager in that race. Post time is 7:20 p.m.
All of us won some money on that beautiful evening. We laughed…we were there to have fun. First I started picking the horses traditionally….by their starts. Then, I said the heck with this, it is going to be by the names. Their names were just too good to pass.
Here are some of the names: What I say Goes, Girlfriend Bash, Givetheladyabeer, Fashion Villager, Gimmesomeroom, Feelingmightygood, A Wild Impulse, Big Is Better, Howsaboutakiss, Shessoserene, Well Maid.
There were 11 races on Sunday evening. You can watch these races every Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday through September 4th.
Please visit the website http://www.oceandowns.com/racing.php for other events going on. On August 27th The Clydesdale Horses will appear.
Certainly a lot of fun with great friends…priceless!!
August 24th, 2015
“Dinner is where magic happens in the kitchen.” kris carr
Stopping for a very early dinner on Sunday, with friends, en route to the Harness Races at Ocean Downs Casino…our choice? Sello’s, located at 9802 Gold Course Rd., Tel. 410-390-3543 Website? http://www.sellosoc.com
Sello’s does not accept reservations, but you may call ahead of time to tell them you are coming. The restaurant’s decor and logo is based on the following fabric. I have no idea why, but all I can tell you is that the pants I was wearing had a similar pattern.
The restaurant is comfortable and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Throughout the restaurant you will see photographs taken by the owners in Italy.
The bar is cozy, another very welcoming area to wait or just enjoy a few drinks.
After an order of drinks we got down to the business of appetizers:
Carpaccio di Manzo…Thinly sliced tenderloin of beef garnished with capers, chopped onions, shaved parmigiano reggiano cheese and arugula.
Barbabietola e Finocchio…Roasted Beets & Fennel with black olives, grilled asparagus, gorgonzola cheese in a citrus vinaigrette. Love beets and these were delish.
Pomodoro Caprese…Nothing like fresh tomatoes this time of the year with fresh mozzarella, as well…Fresh Burata Mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil with a touch of EVO and balsamic vinegar.
Catching up with friends is also a plus, but when you get together with this O.C. crowd I think laughter gets contagious.
Time for Dinner, Shall We?
Two of us ordered the Catch of The Day….Grouper, olives, sauce so perfectly seasoned. As a side dish eggplant stuffed with risotto.
A Pasta Bolognese…please note the pastas are made in-house.
Involtini di Melanzane…Thinly sliced grilled eggplant rolled and stuffed with angel hair pasta with Marinara sauce and fresh parmigiano reggiano. This is Kathlene’s favorite and once again she decided to order it.
Ross’s Pizza….It was a personal pizza but it was quite large. Perfectly cooked…thin and crispy.
No dessert was necessary; we were totally satisfied…plus we needed to take off for Ocean Downs Racetrack and Casino where we were hoping to make some money, and enjoy more laughter and good times as Summer 2015 is coming to an end.
Have a good one!!
August 6th, 2015
They say that during summer week-ends Ocean City, Maryland hosts between 320,000 and 345,000 vacationers. Up to 8 million visitors annually. Businessman Isaac Coffin built the first beach-front cottage in 1869 in order to receive paying guests. Guests would arrive by stage coach and ferry. The idea was to fish off the shore, and to enjoy the beautiful and long strip of sandy beach. As it happens, soon after, others followed his lead and built houses on the strip of sand. Then the development came as businessmen were attracted to the area. Two hundred and fifty lots were cut into it; a corporation was formed to help with the development of the land. And, the corporation stock of 4,000 shares were sold for $25 each. The rest is history.
There is plenty to do in Ocean City. The beach is so wide and very clean. Early in the a.m. already visitors choose their spots. Umbrellas up and they are all good to go.
I was spending 24 hours in O.C. with my friend, Cindi. She and I were going to enjoy some of the activities that visitors love in this coastal resort. We were staying at the Sahara Motel. Oceanfront at the Boardwalk’s edge. The Sahara Motel is located at 19th St. and Boardwalk. It does have a very popular Cafe open for breakfast and lunch. Tels. 410-289-8101, 1-800-638-1600. Website? http://www.saharamotel.com.
The Sahara Motel is a sister motel to: Beachmark Motel, Tides Motel, Executive Motel, and Empress Motel & Apartments. You can choose oceanfront, oceanview, poolside, west or tower building. To see the other motels, please visit http://www.bestmotels.com.
The Ocean City Boardwalk is 2 1/4 miles. Early in the a.m. walkers, bikers, and joggers take the opportunity to exercise while having the best view in town.
 Sand Sculpting in OC Just remember to touch at the end of the boardwalk to make sure your walk counts.
Turning around we went off for another 2 1/4 miles. The Boardwalk was waking up.
You can still find some of those cottages that make you say Oh, So Cute!! On the Boardwalk!
If you get tired of walking the Boardwalk, hop on the tram. $3/person one way, but there are other deals available if you are spending the week. Please visit http://www/ocbound.com/boardwalk-tram.
The 42nd Annual White Marlin Open takes place this time of the year. August 3 – 7. It is the World’s Largest Billfish Tournament with a purse of about $3.8 million dollars. This year there were 370 boasts registered. One of the activities for spectators is to go every afternoon to the Harbourside Marina to attend the weigh-in from 4 p.m. until 9:15 p.m. Balancing the tip of the scale can make you a winner of lots of money. Harbourside Marina is at 14th St and the Bay. It gets crowded. You can shop because there are plenty of vendors and you can also have something to eat and a few drinks, as well.
I bought the 2015 T-shirts but then we found a gentleman wearing one from 1988 when the purse was only $50,000.
It was a beautiful evening with plenty of boats in the marina and some were already getting ready for the next day of fishing.
The waiting was over. Only 5 boats went out on Tuesday because of the 10 foot seas. Finally, one of the boats, The Mahi, came in with a tuna. The weight was 19 1/2 lbs. If it had been 20 lbs. it would have won $12,000.
 
Friday, August 7th, is the last day. If you want more info., please visit http://www.whitemarlinopen.com/info/for-spectators.
Late night dinner at Longboard Cafe located at 6701 Coastal Highway was a good choice. They are open for lunch and dinner. A casual atmosphere, you may eat outdoors on their deck or inside. Tel. 443-664-5639. Website? http://www.longboardcafe.net.
We sat at the better where we were able to see a very fast and busy bartender doing his best to keep everyone very well hydrated.
Chris Button was entertaining the patrons and he was excellent.
A Grilled Caesar for Cindi and I…it was good and plenty for sharing.
Halibut Mediterranean style for me with tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, lemon, wine and garlic pan sauce. Nice white fish with a mild flavor. Fish comes in fresh every day.
Cindi’s Wild Caught Salmon Filet was also very good…teriyaki sriracha lacquer, field greens, avocado, roasted corn, grape tomato, and a balsamic drizzle.
No need for dessert…
Getting up at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday to go to the inlet and wish all those boats good luck was tough. But we did it. Hundreds of boats went out on Wednesday.
Walking the OC Boardwalk to get energy for breakfast at Barn 34 located at 3400 Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-289-5376. Website? http://www.barn34oc.com.
 
Mary Anne, Mike, and Michael….The Lawsons!! Great to chat with them and to see them doing so well. Barn 34 is open year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is casual…with a very friendly staff.
Cindi had The Beach Babe…Scramble eggs with sauteed onions, potato, red peppers, chorizo, stuffed into a flour tortilla, and topped with salsa and cheese. Yum!!
I was sold the moment I heard that one of their specials was the Fried Green Tomatoes Benedict…..So delicious, the tomatoes perfectly cooked and seasoned. Grits!!
It was time to head back to Rehoboth Beach….24 Hours in OC went by so quickly but that happens when you are in good company and having fun. Until next time!! Thanks Cindi!
 
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