July 24th, 2015
“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ruth reichl
The Grove Market never changes, which is a good thing. That’s why we love it!! Located at 12402 St. Martins Neck Rd., Bishopville, Maryland, 21813 Tel. 410352-5055 The Grove Market is funky, small and you will not find another restaurant like it in Delmarva. In the summer, it opens every day at 5 p.m. Leslie is the owner. Her brother, Patrick helps. But, tonight Lisa was taking care of us. Please note that there are no credit cards accepted so bring cash or a check.
How to make a reservation. It can be tricky. That’s for sure. When you call to make a reservation make sure you have a few dates available and times. If you have to leave a message do so and be specific. Leslie will call you back and either she will say yes or you might have to pick another day or another time.
The Grove Market is small. I think about 7 tables and maybe a couple of stools at the bar. This restaurant is very popular.
At the helm of the tiny kitchen is John McDonald. John is from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and he is a well known chef and wine connoisseur. He makes his ingredients come alive and your taste buds will immediately start dancing.
There is an extensive wine list. No written menu; everything is recited from memory. Their menu changes practically every day.
Seated in the back porch with only 3 tables we were chatty with our fellow diners. Not enough time to write the description of our dishes…but take a look at the photos.
Drinks and the appetizers followed:
I only wanted a small wine cup. That’s what I got.
Crabmeat Remick
Fried Green Tomatoes topped with shrimp. I have a thing for this dish. I will order Fried Green Tomatoes in every restaurant that serves them. These were superb.
Our table full of Roasted Ducks. This is the most amazing entree. One of their most popular. It is a Delaware duck, roasted to perfection with a semi sweet sauce, accompanied with chutney.
Our Roasted Duck came with the side dish of the Grove Market’s Mash Potatoes and their famous breadstick, which is made out of the dough that was in the pizza recipe when many years ago pizza was served.
Well, I needed more photos of the entrees that Lisa had so perfectly recited. Here is where our fellow diners come into play. Could I take photos of your food? I have a blog with photos. They were great and immediately caught on to the fact that they could not touch their food until I had taken the pictures. Thanks so much for being so gracious. This is what our Maryland diners had for dinner. By the way, they are repeat customers.
The Tuna
The Stuffed Flouder with Smith Island Crab Meat.
The Scallops.
The Crab Cakes…Smith Island Crab Meat.
“We must have a pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.” david mamet
The Bumble Berry is a pie of a mix of berries.
And, if you like chocolate….then, the Chocolate Silk Pie should be ordered.
Sharing a meal with friends is always priceless…the chat, the laughs and the friendship. Cannot wait to go back!
Note: The Grove Market is also a smoke house so when there is smoked fish for an appetizer you might want to order it.
June 17th, 2015
A few weeks ago two of my usual suspects and I took a day trip to Oxford, St. Michaels, and Easton….Maryland’s Eastern Shore!! Today’s weather reminded me of that trip. At times it is better not to plan. Our trip was unexpected and we had the most fun. These women are interesting, exciting, and always ready for a road trip.
We had lunch at the Robert Morris Inn, ice cream at the Highland Creamery and then stopped at a very cute shop called The Treasure Chest, located at 214 N. Morris St. Tel. 410-924-8817 They are on Facebook.
The shop opens Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Skipper Bags, Stained Glass, Pottery, Tervis, Joan’s Gems, Port of Oxford merchandise and much more is what Joan Nubie-Miscall offers to her customers, along with plenty of friendly conversation.
The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry is America’s oldest privately owned ferry. It was established in 1683. The 2 Debbies and I were taking it, crossing the Tred Avon River. The ferry runs 7 days a week. Please note that in November, it only runs Saturday and Sunday. There are continuous crossings every 15-20 minutes. It closes at sunset. Tel. 410-745-9023. Website? http://www.oxfordbellevueferry.com. On Facebook find it as Oxford Bellevue Ferry. Fares are subject to change. You can take your bikes, motorcycle, car or just be a walk-on passenger.
It takes no time to cross the Tred Avon River. The ferry is very small….on that day only my car and two other passengers with their bikes were on board.
The mail to St. Michaels was coming with us, as well. Oxford is a small town.
Meet my two friends. Debbie and Debbie.
Arriving at Bellevue Landing….The scenic route between Oxford and St. Michaels is one of the top 25 bicycle routes in the U.S.A.
We went directly to The Inn at Perry Cabin. This Manor Home Resort & Spa is owned by the Belmond Group. It is located at 308 Watkins Lane in St. Michaels, MD 21663. Tel. 410-745-2200. Website? http://www.belmond.com/innatperrycabin It is pet friendly.
Manicured gardens and cozy corners to take a seat and relax.
The Inn at Perry Cabin is a destination for weddings, sailing, spa relaxing treatments, and other celebrations. We decided to make ourselves at home. So much so, that we did not even take a walk in downtown St. Michaels.
Sipping Cucumber Water, we sat for the longest time enjoying one beautiful scenery and the best company.
Our day was not over….our next destination? Easton, Maryland…Stay tuned.
“Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs.” susan sontag……Guilty!!
June 14th, 2015
Miles of beach, up and down the Delaware Coast, the surfmen were the keepers of our shores. They patrolled the desolate and dangerous beaches, looking for shipwrecks and warning vessels of the imminent dangers along the coastline.
The years were 1876 – 1915.
The Indian River Life Saving Station is located south of Dewey Beach, Delaware, and a mile north of the Indian River Inlet.
Built in 1876, it is the only station in Delaware still standing in its original location.
The U.S. Flag flew over the station and this particular flag has 38 stars and was the official Flag of the U.S. from 1877 – 1890.
Today is Flag Day, dedicated to celebrating the adoption of the American Flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
It is believed Flag Day originated in 1885. More info.? Please visit http://www.usflag.org/flag.day.html.
The Indian River Lifesaving Station has many fun and educational programs throughout the year. When visiting us, here, in Southern Delaware, it is definitely a must stop. More info? Please visit http://www.destateparks.org.
Have a great day!!
June 1st, 2015
I scream for Ice Cream!! I love ice cream. It is my donwfall. I really don’t keep it in the freezer, no way!! My problem is that I usually do not discriminate. I can have a Frosty or I can have the best homemade ice cream in the world. Which is why I am writing this post today….and passing the info. to you.
A couple of posts back I wrote about the Robert Morris Inn in Oxford, Maryland. No dessert was needed after our fab. lunch….we were walking towards the Scottish Highland Creamery located at 314 Tilghman St., Tel. 410-924-6298. Website? http://www.scottishhighlandcreamery.com. If you are on Facebook, check them out there, as well.
Oxford is usually pretty quiet in the middle of the week. The Creamery always has a line. I have to admit it; this is the best ice cream ever!! It is so good. Fresh ingredients with flavorings imported from Italy. They also have sugar free and gluten free ice cream. Note: They do cater parties!!
My usual suspects, the 2 Debbies and I had the following….Please do remember that only cash or checks are accepted. From left to right….2 scoops each. Italian Lemon Cookie with Coffee Hazelnut Crunch on the bottom. Both had very distinct flavors with bits and pieces of cookie and hazelnut crunch. Next was strawberry on top of vanilla. And last was Coffee Hazelnut Crunch on top of Pomegranate!! And, you know how ice cream prices take you to the poor house? The Creamery is very affordable!! Voted “Best of the Eastern Shore.”
We sat down to enjoy our delish sweet ending, overlooking one beautiful scenic town.
Oxford’s Picket Fences are Up!!
This is a fundraising event…Since 2009 picket fences have been painted by local artists. The fences are displayed around the town of Oxford; smaller ones are usually inside businesses and the larger ones are outdoors scattered through downtown. You can vote for them, but you will have to wait until the end of the summer when they will be auctioned off. Residents that have bought them in the past display them with pride.
Artists paint them and offer proceeds to a charity chosen by them. Please visit http://www.portofoxford.com, then click on Special Events. You will be able to see the picket fences for 2015. Here a few of them:
No Dogs Allowed – By Maggii Sarfati. Charity: Talbot Humane Society. You can find this fence at the Scottish Highland Creamery.
The next one is Forward and AFT by Sean Wells. Charity: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. You can find this beautiful one at the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry Dock.
Land of Pleasant Living is a smaller picket fence painted by Bible Praire and Prayers Painters. Charity: Character Counts Mid Shore, Inc. You will find this one inside Benson & Mangold’s Window.
Have a great day!!
May 28th, 2015
Oxford is one of Maryland’s oldest towns. It was the first and only port-of-entry on the Eastern Shore mandated by the Maryland legislation back in 1694.
Oxford is such a charming town. Sailors, cyclists, kayakers enjoy the scenery and the peace emanating from this quaint town. It is picture perfect and streets are lined with beautifully manicured, elegant and historic homes, framing the banks of the Tred Avon River.
On the road for the day with my friends, the two Debbies, it only took us about an hour and a half from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Our destination was the historic Robert Morris Inn. It is 300 years old!! Located at 314 North Morris Street (Main St.). Tel. 410-226-5111. Websiste? http://www.robertmorrisinn.com. The Inn serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas (by reservation) and dinner. It is open year-round.
There are 14 historic bedrooms located on the second and third floors. Adjacent to the Inn they have the Bottle Cottage…..two modern, waterfront rooms.
On this day the temperatures were a little warm but the cool breezes kept us very comfortable. Oxford is very walkable. Park your car, cycles and just walk and enjoy the beautiful town.
 
Robert Morris was known as the “Financier of The Revolution”. He arrived in Oxford in 1738. President George Washington was a friend. A part of Robert Morris’ residence is incorporated in the Robert Morris Inn.
A little trivia? James Michener outlined his famous novel, Chesapeake, at the Inn.
The Robert Morris Inn has been enlarged several times since its time as a private home. The murals in the dining room were made from wallpaper samples used by manufacturers salesmen, 140 years ago.
The Tavern has a slate floor that came from Vermont. Timber beams, panelled walls and open fires.
This fireplace is from the 1800s and the spot for many to have their photos taken.
It was great to see my friend, Susan Campbell. She joined our small group for an outdoor lunch. Her family owns Campbell Boatyards with 3 locations in Oxford. They are a full service, high quality marine and boat building facility. Please visit http://www.campbellsboatyards.com.
We were looking forward to the offerings of Celebrity Chef, Mark Salter, of Scottish descent.
 
Spring Pea & Mint Soup with Crispy Shallots was served warm. It had the perfect consistency. The peas paired with mint…a pretty good combination of flavors. I think this soup could also be served chilled in the heat of summer.
The Grilled Asparagus Salad with Panko Crusted Goat Cheese, organic greens, toasted walnuts, dried fig chutney and a blackberry balsamic vinaigrette was a signature salad dish. Perfect for summer and for those trying hard to keep their girlie figures.
Chef Salter is Scottish…so, Fish n’ Chips is another signature dish offered at this time of the year. Battered Cod, buttered peas, remoulade and shoestring fries. It was awesome!! Not in the least greasy!! Light and perfectly seasoned.
An order of the Chicken Salad Sandwich….except no bread, so it became a Chicken Salad entree with lettuce, tomato, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds. Homemade chips!!
Thanks for such great service and suggestions!!
Friends are the best, and sharing a meal with them is always priceless!! No dessert…..heading towards the Scottish Highland Creamery on Tilghman St.
Note: Some info. was taken from the Robert Morris Inn’s brochure.
May 23rd, 2015
 Rehoboth Beach Gates have opened and visitors have been arriving since Thursday evening. A beautiful day in Delmarva with blue skies, slightly cool temperatures, and no humidity….So perfect and hard to believe that there is no rain in the forecast for Memorial Day!!
Boardwalks are the center of the coastal towns of Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Ocean City, Maryland. Early in the a.m. joggers, bikers, walkers….pooches too, are seen enjoying glorious days at the beach.
Hard to believe that the 3 mile long Ocean City Boardwalk, was once rolled up and stored under porches during high tide. Please visit http://www.ococean.com.
 Ocean City Stop by Dolles for some amazing Sea Salt fudge…love it…among other sweet sensations. Every morsel is made in-house.
Summer in Bethany Beach, Delaware, revolves around the Boardwalk. This boardwalk is not as long as the other two, but offers so much to its visitors….entertainment or just the fact that you can take a seat on those iconic benches and look out to the Atlantic Ocean. Please visit http://www.townofbethanybeach.com.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is also known as The Nation’s Summer Capital. The award-winning Boardwalk is a mile long. Just make sure that when you get to the end on both sides of the boardwalk you touch the railing….it’s a local’s thing. The entertainment begins on the Boardwalk every week. Check http://www.rehobothbandstand.com
Lucky for the coastal towns that do have boardwalks. They are successful commercial districts and tourist attractions for the whole family.
May 12th, 2015
“Fund-Racing” in Historic Berlin, Maryland….In 2014 Berlin was named America’s Coolest Small Town. It is in the heart of Worcester County, near Ocean City, and Assateague Island National Park. It is quaint, full of restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
The Worcester County Arts Council is excited to announce the inaugural 5K Race/Walk For The Arts to be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 in Historic Downtown Berlin. This healthful, family friendly, and positively focused event is a fundraiser to increase the awareness and importance of Arts in our Communities!! Runners of all ages are encouraged to sign up.
Race fee is $25, even on the day of the event.
For details, schedule and registration go to: http://www.octrirunning.com. OC Tri-Running Sport, Inc., is an endurance and multi-sport event management company. It was founded by friends, and locals to the OC MD area that have participated in many triathlons, running, and cycling events.
A FREE, 1 year membership to the Worcester County Arts Council is included with your registration for this event!! The Arts Council thanks T-Shirt Sponsors, Event Sponsors, and Mile Marker Sponsors. Please visit http://www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org for information on other events, summer arts camps, exhibits and programs.
Summer Arts Programs are designed to help area children improve themselves while having fun engaging in art activities. The camp will start on June 22nd until June 26th from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Please check the above mentioned website or give them a call to 410-641-0809.
Note: Paint Berlin – 6th Annual Plein Air – Artists Registration is Open!!
This competition will be held September 17 – 19, 2015. It will feature talented artists from across the region who will pain the beauty of Berlin and surrounding areas to capture and preserve the best aspects of the community.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later!
April 17th, 2015
 At The Water's Edge “The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach-waiting for a gift from the sea.” anne morrow lindbegh
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is a vibrant community, offering its visitors and residents gorgeous beaches, an award-winning Boardwalk, where plenty of memories are made each year. It is a foodies destination…from the Boardwalk grub to restaurants whose unique chefs are bringing us more innovative cooking than ever before. Downtown Rehoboth Beach is one square mile….tax free shopping, theatre, and low property taxes. It is also known as The Nation’s Summer Capital.
Living at the beach…I love it and do not take it for granted. Rehoboth Beach has evolved over the years. If you love vacationing here…stop by the Rehoboth Beach Museum, which is also the home of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society. Its mission is to preserve and showcase artifacts that illustrate the development of this coastal beach town.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue near the traffic Circle and the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. Tel. 302-227-7310 Website? http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
WHAT’S GOING ON?
Sunday, April 19th – Children ages 5 to 8 are invited to join the Rehoboth Beach Museum from 2 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. to learn about Sea Folklore and create a friendly sea creature out of inexpensive materials. Please call 302-227-7310 to save a spot for your little seafarer.
Saturday, May 2nd – My Doll and Me Tea party for girls 6-12 years of age. Young ladies are invited for an afternoon to share with others their favorite dolls on Saturday, May 2nd, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Ice tea, lemonade and sweet treats will be served.
Girls will play and learn old-fashioned games such as hop scotch, marbles, cat’s cradle and hula hoop. Each girl will be invited to tell a special story about her doll. Girls are encouraged to dress up and to dress their dolls in their best outfits.
The cost of the tea party is $10 and includes admission to the museum, refreshments and games. The event is limited to 15 girls with one doll each. Please call 302-227-7310 to make a reservation. I was one of those girls that played with dolls all the time. I loved them. Here is my own Brownie Doll, circa….I don’t remember.
I had the opportunity to help out on one of the tea parties…so much fun!!
Thursday, May 7th – Join the Rehoboth Beach Museum for an evening of great memories at 7 p.m.. They will be pulling some photos out of their collection, featuring folks who are not identified. Help them identify who is on those photos. Bring along a few of your own and get help finding out just who is featured in your family pictures. Reservations are required. Please call 302-227-7310.
Saturday, May 23rd – Opening of the new exhibit that celebrates who made Rehoboth Beach great!! 11 a.m.
Check this out!!! The Rehoboth Beach Museum has partnered with Discover Bank and the local Boy and Girls Club to help build futures one Lego piece at a time. Dicscover Bank provided funds so that Rehoboth Beach local, Lydia Hastings, graduate of the University of Maryland Civil Engineering program, could create a great environment for future engineers to learn about Lego NXT Mindstorm Robotics. The Museum seeks to link the kinds of engineering tasks that it took to cut, move and store ice in the old ice house, which the museum now occupies, with today’s engineering tasks completed by robot.
Recently, Lydia held a Lego Robotics course at the Boys and Girls Club of America Epworth United Methodist Church location, and it was a resounding success. The first class learned about the different Lego robotic sensors and even how to program their robots to accomplish different tasks. They had a ton of fun!! Next one will be in May….stay tuned.
Hope you have a great week-end TGIF!! At the Beach? Hope so.
 
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