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.
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 16th, 2015
“Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” hank rosso
With that in mind I headed south from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to meet my friends, Cindi and Ross, for a night of fundraising in Ocean City, Maryland.
It is so interesting to see this town at this time of the year. It is so quiet, but not for long. Beachgoers will be here soon enough and they will be creating their memories at the beach. This most southern part of Downtown Ocean City is where Trimper Rides is located. It was just featured in Strange Inheritances. Trimper Rides is a family owned and operated business located in prime real estate in O.C. Not to see the lights and the laughing and screaming visitors is a sight to be seen.
For a few years…I will call them, the movers and shakers in Ocean City, Maryland, have been diligently fundraising for a much needed hospice facility in the area. Together they are building the funds in order for construction to begin. They need $5,000,000. Already they have $3,000,000 thanks to the generosity of all in the communities.
“Hospice patients most often choose to remain at home. However, a growing number find that at the end of life they are unable to manage alone or need more than a frail spouse can provide. Suddenly, home is no longer the safest place to receive hospice care.” Coastal Hospice at the Ocean will serve the Lower Shore region. For more information, please visit http://www.coastalhospice.org. Or, please call Maureen McNeill, the Director of Development at 410-641-5481.
Unreal to see the award winning Boardwalk this quiet!! Inside Harrison’s Harbor Watch the mood was anything but quiet. It was a festive event with about 225 in attendance.
Harrison’s Habor Watch is located at 806 S. Atlantic Ave., overlooking the Inlet and Assateague Island. This is the southern end of the Boardwalk.
Having fun while raising funds…the main focus of the evening. Blindly choosing a bottle of wine…$20. Raffles!
The live entertainment was by Lauren Glick and Mike Armstrong.
Seventeen of Ocean City’s restaurants brought their “A” dishes to this event. Each station was paired with a unique wine complementing the food.
Oysters to start with were from Harrison’s Harbor Watch. Plump, salty and cold!! We are by the water so having them to start our evening was a no brainer.
Sushi from OC Wasabi. This was a popular station, to say the least.
My love affair with Fried Green Tomatoes continues. Having these ones from Sunset Grille, topped with Crab Remoulade, well, what can I say….awesome!!
They had just brought out the warm crab dip from Crabs to Go…paired with a light Prosecco.
One of my favorite tapas of the evening….Embers/Blu Tuna Tartare Tacos, and, Smoked Salmon Napoleon. The tuna, the lime, the cilantro and the presentation…great.
Touch of Italy has been in Ocean City for the past year. Love that they always take their time to teach their customers about what they offer.
Hooked offered a terrific combination of Basil Scented Tuna.
Barn 34…what a great job!! Two complete different offerings. The stuffed dates…the combination of salt and sweetness. Never fails. Can’t wait to have them again. The shrimp stuffed with cheese were also awesome!!
Spring Lamb from the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin. I like mint sauce vs. mint jelly, though. Very good indeed.
I usually do not eat eggs for breakfast, but deviled eggs are a different thing altogether. These were Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs!! The Cucumber Cups with Spicy Crab Dip….can’t wait for summer. This was presented by Seacrets!
My last tasting was of Crab Guacamole served with Fresh Tortilla Chips from the Captain’s Table.
Sweet Ending Desserts!!
Sweet Dispositions offered: Pecan Diamonds, Key Lime Tartlettes, and White Chocolate, Macademia Nut Cookies!!
Desserts by Rita had assorted Cupcakes!!
Wockenfuss Candies….Now, take a look at the elegant Chocolate Covered Strawberries!!
Tasting, sipping continued for a few hours. It was a total success!!
Cindi, Ross, and I decided that it was time to hit the road…..but not before Cindi showed us that Wine is a Girl’s best friend!!
Note: It was about 9:30 p.m….look at the Boardwalk!! Not one person.
Waiting for Summer 2015!!
March 29th, 2015
Always look forward to visiting churches on my travels. Not necessarily on a time when religious services are taking place. I like them when they are totally quiet. For me is a time for reflection; to pray for my family and friends. I usually stop at churches of all denominations, even though I am Catholic. I thank for our religious freedom. Historic churches and chapels…I am in awe of their beauty and of their strength.
Here are some of my favorite churches and the list is getting longer.
NEW YORK
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a New York Landmark. In 1785 there were only 200 Catholics and one priest in New York City. The doors opened in 1879. The newspapers hailed the New Cathedral as “the noblest temple ever raised in any land to the memory of Saint Patrick, and as the glory to Catholic America”. When I have visited New York with my friend, Shelley, who is Jewish…she always makes a point to stop at St. Patrick’s. So beautiful.
St. Paul’s Chapel was built in 1766. It is the oldest public building in continuous use in Manhattan. It survived the Great Fire of 1776 and the attacks on 9/11. George Washington prayed here after his inauguration in 1789. It is located at 209 Broadway, between Fulton St. and Vesey St. Still standing against all odds, this church has been a place not only for spiritual healing but for physical refuge, as well.
PUERTO RICO
I grew up in the Island of Puerto Rico. When you see my posts from there is because that’s where my formative years took place. Old San Juan is the Capital and it is over 500 years old. La Catedral de San Juan is formally known as the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, named after the Puerto Rican Patron Saint, San Juan Bautista or Saint John the Baptist. It is located on Cristo St. between Luna St. and San Francisco St. It was built in 1540 and it is the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. The Cathedral contains the tomb of Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon. And, the mummified remains of Roman Christian Martyr, Saint Pio.
Capilla del Cristo or Christ’s Chapel is located at the end of Calle del Cristo, which is also where the Cathedral is located. The Chapel was built to commemorate a miracle. Local lore has it that as a young man lost control of his horse and galloped down Calle del Cristo over the cliff at the end of the road, he prayed to a Catholic saint and his prayers were answered.
Parroquia San Francisco de Asis is located at San Francisco Street #301 in Old San Juan. The Crypt – As in old colonial churches, the remains of Christians were buried in catacombs. This can also be seen at the entrance of the Parish. They are called catacombs similar to the Roman catacombs but they are crypts. In the crypt are the remains of personalities of Puerto Rico. They are considered of important historical heritage.
Iglesia Dulce Nombre de Jesus is located in the town plaza of Humacao. This is where I grew up. It is on the eastern side of the island. I went to primary school at Academia San Jose which was across the street. My family went to church here, my parents were married in this church, and I also made my First Communion there. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally, it was a single structure built in 1769. A second church was built from 1825-1826. The present church was built in 1868-1877. It was designed by Don Evaristo de Churruca in the Gothic Revival style. Further renovations have taken place since then.
Parroquia Nuestra Senora del Carmen is located at 33 Marina, in Punta Santiago near my hometown, Humacao. Punta Santiago is a fishing village. Nuestra Senora del Carmen is the patron saint of Fishermen. The official Feast Day is July 16th. I have fond memories of this church. It is always kept in pristine condition. My late husband, John, and I got married here. We chose this church because it was on the beach and it really is pretty, small and cozy. It was the second wedding….first one in Orlean, Virginia and then this one in 2 complete different years. One was not enough!!
SHOWELL, MARYLAND, EASTERN SHORE
Saint Martin’s Historic Church and the importance of historic preservation. For so many years it stood neglected, just waiting for those who would take over the mission of its restoration. It is considered by many historians “to be the finest preserved, most significant piece of American history on the Lower Eastern Shore”. It is an Architectural gem, built in 1756, and a museum located at 11413 Worcester Highway in Showell, Maryland. For more info., please visit http://www.historicstmartinschurg.org.
LEWES, DELAWARE
St. Peter’s Church is located at 2nd & Market Streets in Historic Lewes, Delaware. Lewes is the First Town in the First State. Since 1680 this church has served this community. The early settlers who were members of the Church of England formed its first congregation. The graveyard which surrounds the Church has stones dating back to 1707. Stop by while strolling Lewes.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
 
The Baltimore Basilica’s is America’s First Cathedral. I have a deep connection to Baltimore. My late husband was from Baltimore and many years ago, I lived and worked in Baltimore. Love the City. The Basilica’s construction started in 1806. George Weigel, the biographer for Pope John Paul II said “No other Catholic edifice in America can claim to have seen so much history inside its walls”. At least 15 saints or potential saints have prayed in this Basilica. The Crypt inside the Basilica holds the tombs of Archbishop John Carroll, the first Bishop of the United States of America, Archbishop Martin John Spalding, and James Cardinal Gibbons.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia has 4 Catholic shrines: St John Neumann, St. Katherine Drexel, Miraculous Medal and St. Rita of Cascia. Philadelphia is considered a city where the foundations for our right to freedom and religion were laid. The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia is located at 1166 S. Broad St. and it was built in 1907. I came to know it during my stay in Philadelphia the summer of 2013.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
St. Michael’s Catholic Church is located at 71 Broad St. in Historic Charleston. A National Historic Landmark. Pewes are made of native cedar and remain the same as they have always been. The altar is Victorian. The chancel rail is made of wrought iron. It dates to 1772. George Washington worshipped at Governor’s Pew #43. This church is gorgeous and the docent was so amazingly inspiring.
St. Philip’s Protestan Episcopal Church is located at 142 Church St. in Historic Charleston. The original building was completed in 1724, destroyed by fire in 1835 and finished the rebuilding in 1838. Porticos and columns remind visitors of Roman porticos. This church is also a National Historic Landmark and has the tallest steeple in Historic Charleston. The docent was so nice and proud of her church.
I am looking forward to this list getting longer. These churches welcome us all. Many of them are so simple. Some are architectural wonders. You don’t really have to look for them, some times they find you.
Another magical Sunday….but waiting for summer is what I am doing.
November 3rd, 2014
I have tons of cookbooks. Not enough years to read them. Some I like better than others. This Meatless Monday recipe is not my own, but I treat it like it is. It was Giada’s mother’s recipe. It is good; perfect for company. A little tricky getting out of the loaf pan, though.
Veggie Loaf gives you an opportunity to leave meats on the side. Just by itself, it is plenty. Serve it with a fruit salad would be my choice.
VEGGIE LOAF
LOAF:
Cooking Spray
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small white onion, chopped (finely, please)
1 shredded carrot
1 celery stalk, sliced (thinly, please)
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 15 ounce canned cooked lentils, drained
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup low fat shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup canned corn
1/3 cup chopped basil leaves (If not available use basil paste by the vegetables in the grocery store. Use about 2 tablespoons.)
2 large eggs, beaten lightly
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
1 tsp. kosher salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. freshly black pepper
2 medium tomatoes, sliced (You can use smaller tomatoes, as well.)
SAUCE:
1 box (pint) cherry tomatoes, halved
3 scallions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped (optional)
8 fresh basil leaves (Use basil paste, if fresh basil leaves are unavailable.)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tsp. Kosher salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Make the sauce first and just put it aside. In a blender or food processor chopped the ingredients. Do not puree, you want them a little coarse. I used a blender.
Proceed with the loaf:
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a skillet, over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, carrot, onion, celery….cook for about 5 minutes or so stirring frequently. Put in a large bowl to cool.
In the same skillet, cook spinach until it wilts, which does not take long. Drain and let cool slightly. Squeeze the excess liquid. On a cutting board coarsely chop it. Add to the onion mixture.
Add the lentils, brown rice, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella, the corn, basil, eggs, egg white, salt, pepper and 3/4 cup of the sauce to the already cooled veggie mixture.
Fill the loaf pan with this mixture. Arrange the tomatoes in a couple of rows, depending on their size, covering the mixture.
Sprinkle the remining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Bake until loaf is heated through and the topping has melted and starts to brown. It might take 35 minutes or a bit more. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
Slicing this loaf is tricky. Do so while the loaf is still in the pan. Do not attempt to take it out. Otherwise, you will have to do some rearranging.
I think 1 inch slices will be a good portion. Arrange on plates and top with sauce. Enjoy your Meatless…..whatever day you want it to be.
Note: This recipe was gluten free. Please check the labels for canned goods, grate your own mozzarella cheese or read the label on the bag. If using basil paste instead of fresh basil, Gourmet Garden, Basil Paste is gluten free and usually available by the produce in the local grocery stores.
October 8th, 2014
I have a friend that every time I put a recipe for “Meatless Monday” she always comments on my Facebook Page “I rather eat a hamburger.” She rarely comments, but on that day she does. This recipe is for her because Stuffed Pork is what’s for dinner.
On this recipe I measured everything with 1/4 cup. As usual, you can make your recipes your own…..add a little bit of this or a little bit of that.
YUMMY STUFFED PORK
1 1/2 lbs. pork loin (This one was already seasoned…that’s does not matter with this recipe. That’s all the grocery store had that day.)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried figs
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained with juice reserved
pepper to taste
1 tsp. rosemary
1/4 cup whole cranberry sauce
1/4 cup of fig preserves
1/4 cup 100% Pomegranate Juice
Kitchen twine
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
The pork loin had a meat thermometer so I took it out and proceeded to make a slit on top not all the way to the bottom and not all the way (almost) to the sides. This is done to create a pocket for the filling.
In a bowl, mix the cranberries, raisins, figs, pepper, rosemary, and crushed pineapple. This is your filling…packed that loin up. Your fingers are the best tool for this.
Cut the twine in order to wrap the pork loin so that the filling stays put while cooking. Place in a baking dish. I inserted the meat thermometer on the side.
Bake for about 20 minutes. While it is cooking, make the sauce.
In a bowl mix the Pomegranate juice, the cranberry sauce, fig preserves, and reserved pineapple juice. Take the pork loin out of the oven and spoon the sauce on. Put back in the oven for another 25 minutes or so or until the meat thermomether pops.
Take it out and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and taking the twine and thermometer out.
Slice and enjoy. This dish can go well with mashers, corn pudding or corn bread, green beans, a salad….Leftovers? Sandwich would be my suggestion…with some mustard, as well.
Note: When slicing just do it carefully. You might have to arrange it a bit if filling falls off somewhat. If you want more sauce just mix the ingredients on a small saucepan, heat and pour over.
Have a great day….gorgeous out there!!
September 10th, 2014
Kyler Taustin, pictured above is one of our own… an Ocean City, Maryland, native. He founded Brown Bowx Theatre Project in 2010. The goal? To enliven the region’s theatre scene by bringing the performing arts to audiences who ordinarily lack access to live theatre.
Until Sunday, September 21st, Brown Box Theatre Project will be performing through Delmarva bringing Free Shakespeare to the beaches. The tour will travel to bring an outdoor presentation of this Shakespeare’s classic tragedy to area schools and local communities free of charge.
Shakespeare’s spellbinding vision of ambition, treachery, mystery, and magic…..In these free outdoor performances, theatre newcomers and Shakespeare devotees alike will witness the rise and fall of Macbeth, the renowned war hero who murders and usurps his rightful king after a fateful encounter with a trio of internal witches.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 9/10 – Teackle Mansion, Mansion St., Princess Anne, Maryland
Thursday, 9/11 – 142 N. Harrison St., Easton, Maryland
FRIDAY, 9/12 – LEWES PUBLIC LIBRARY, LEWES, DELAWARE
Sunday, 9/14 – Pemberton Hall, Salisbury, Maryland
Monday, 9/15 – Matapeake Beach & Clubhouse, Queen Anne’s Maryland
THURSDAY, 9/18 – INDIAN RIVER LIVE-SAVING STATION, COASTAL HIGHWAY, REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE
Friday, 9/20 – Northside Park, Ocean City, Maryland
Sunday, 9/21 – Pell Gardens Park, Chesapeake City, Maryland
For more info. about MACBETH, Shakespeare at the Beach, and Brown Box Theatre Project, please visit http://www.brownboxtheatre.org. For production photos, please visit http://www.brownboxtheatre.org/macbeth.html.
Have a great day!!
 
|
Comments Off on Destination? The Grove Market, Bishopville, Maryland, Smokehouse, Restaurant, Review, Good Food? Will Travel!!