January 9th, 2013
Cruising through the t.v. channels I stopped at one that was interviewing a jewelry designer by the name of John Wind. If I remember correctly, it could have been MPT, but I am not 100% sure. I was looking at his story and not the channel, really.
The name of his company is Maximal Art. It is located at 200 Racoosin Drive, Suite 111, Aston, PA 19014. Tel. 800-573-3308. There is so much to know about this designer that has been in business for over 25 years. To know more about him and his designer jewelry pieces, please visit http://www.maximalart.com. You can also find John Wind-Maximal Art of Facebook.
Meet my “Gotta Have It” “Cotton Ball” Pearl Necklace.
The vintage necklace holding the cotton ball is made from materials that are plated and then antiqued. I have not worn my enough to enhance its vintage look, but I am getting there. I almost forgot to tell you…very affordable.
The “Cotton Ball” definitely caught my attention. Made from genuine cotton, lacquered and pearlized. It is a charm which I attached to my necklace. The cotton balls can be irregular. That’s how they are. They can dent if struck on a hard surface. And, they will “shrink” if wet. They also come in different sizes.
As with any jewelry, it is bet to be kept away from water, hairspray, or makeup.
Every time I wear this necklace I get so many compliments. So much so, that I decided that a post was needed….word of mouth, and I am not the only one doing this.
I am wearing and enjoying it!! Talk to you later.
Note: Please visit John Wind Maximal Art’s Facebook page to find out where to find them at the Atlanta Gift Show.
December 25th, 2012
‘Twas the night before Christmas and Santa’s a wreck…How to live in a world that’s politically correct?
His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;
Nothing fully acceptable was to be found
Something special was needed, a gift that he might give to all without angering the left or right
A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,
Each group of people, every religion;
Every ethnicity, every hue,
Everyone, everywhere…even you.
So here is that gift, it’s price beyond worth…
“May you and your loved ones enjoy Peach on Earth”
Note: This poem is just part of a poem written by Harvey Ehrlich in 1992. It still fits so well.
Merry Christmas y Feliz Navidad
December 10th, 2012
I was trying to come up with a heading that would be a little bit more attractive. The word “fried” turns some people off. Too much fat, too greasy….more calories.
No other way getting around it….the dish is fried fish. The batter is the center of attention on this particular post. It is gluten free!! Gluten free or not, this recipe is a winner for the ones that love a light crunchy batter, full of flavor. I have made the recipe a couple of times and it is still a winner.
Fried Fish Batter
1/2 cup gluten free flour (plenty of them at the grocery stores. I used a brown rice flour.)
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 tablespoon gluten free baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional (I did not use salt.)
Club Soda
Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl. Slowly, start adding club soda, whisking, until a coating consistency is obtained. You want to be able to dip the fish pieces and have a thorough coating.
I was looking for cod today, but could not find any. Instead, I got fresh rock fish. Cut it in bite size pieces. A nice coating of batter, fried for a few minutes and served.
Broccoli was the vegetable I chose. Two sauces were made. One with ketchup and horseradish to taste. The other, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and relish.
This was sooo easy. Guess what? Like a beer batter better? Several gluten free beers are on the market. Substitute the beer for the club soda.
Note: This recipe can be doubled.
Like it a bit spicier? You know what to do…add more cayenne. Make it your own!! Enjoy!!
November 28th, 2012
Moroccan food is a blend of cuisines from different nationalities. It is refined and it is very flavorful. I have had this recipe for a long time. And, every time I make it, I give a little twist. You know, a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
It calls for boneless chicken thighs. To tell you the truth, you could probably, make it with chicken breasts, but I think the dark meat gives it that extra flavor and moisture. So, here it goes.
Moroccan Boneless Chicken Thighs
4 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite size pieces
1/2 chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup figs, quartered (I used my frozen figs, but you can buy fresh ones at the supermarket. If all fails, then buy dried figs.)
1/2 cup chopped green olives
4 garlic cloves, chopped
6 tablespoons Madeira wine
3 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (I used Pompeian…it is gluten free.)
3/4 teaspoon coriander
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken; cook until browned; about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir frequently.
Stir in the chopped cilantro and remaining ingredients; reduce heat to medium, and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
I did not garnish it, but you can do so with a few sprigs of the cilantro.
It is supposed to be served over a bed of couscous, but due to gluten allergy, the choice for that evening was mashed potatoes.
It is so easy; takes no time to assemble and cook. The flavors of the honey and vinegar give it a unique taste.
Enjoy and make it your own!!
November 15th, 2012
Monday was the day…balmy temperatures, sunny skies; a beautiful fall day. Off we went to spend the afternoon in Philadelphia. To tell you the truth, just in the past year is when I have been discovering this city. Just a little bit at a time. Having lived in Baltimore, Maryland for about 5 years, I went more that way. Some friends are very protective of Philadelphia. All I have to say is that I like BWI better and they turn on me like crazy. Okay, okay. Let’s leave it at that.
 
The more I visit Philadelphia, the more I like it. That’s what I said the other day. Driving around the city; the different neighborhoods are so well defined.
I have been dying to visit the Reading Terminal Market. This market is an institution in Philadelphia. It is 120 years old. It has seen its ups and downs. It is also one of America’s largest and oldest public markets. The Reading Railroad opened the market in 1892, below the tracks of their train shed. In 1990, the building was sold to the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. They re-built the Market to strict historic preservation standards. Today, about 80 independently owned small businesses are thriving in the market. They represent a diversity of nationalities.
You will find fresh produce, imported fresh foods, seafood, and prepared meals. You can park at the Parkway Garage at 12th & Filbert Sts., then get your ticket validated with a purchase of $10 or more.
Cooking classes at La Cucina at The Market – State of the art demonstration kitchen offering classes. For info. and registration, please visit http://www.readingterminalmarket.org.
Market tours are held every Wednesday and Saturday. Stories about Philly’s food favorites. Reservations are required. Please call 215-545-8007.
I knew I was at the market when I saw the unloading of veggies. The carrots were gigantic.
 
As I stepped into the market I was stopped on my tracks by the huge collard greens. Never seen them that big and beautiful.
Even though we knew where we were going, I still had to stop and absorb it all.
The Reading Terminal Market wants you to shop, eat , and stay awhile. Plenty of tables, and chairs.
First stop was going to be Dinic’s, Roast Pork and Beef. In particular, we wanted the roasted pork. Usually, this is served in their bread, which I understand is delicious. Due to gluten allergies, no bread was ordered; we got it with hot peppers and cheese. It did not disappoint, at all. It is exactly as they had described it to me. Succulent, mouth watering and juicy. The wait was about 25 minutes. The line was wrapped around. Tommy Dinic’s has been around for many years. Last year it was featured on Man vs. Food and now their usual fans have to make the lines with the newly discovered fans.
The sign of gluten free food made me look and stop. Nanee’s Kitchen serves Indian and Pakistani food. All fresh made daily; a tasting available. The majority of the dishes are gluten free. The samosas are not. Tel. 267-918-0786.
We had our sights sets on Peking Duck. It has been said that the best Peking Duck can be found at Sang Kee Peking Duck. Besides having a restaurant in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, they also have one inside the Reading Terminal Market.
The ducks were hanging. Sorry about the picture, but that’s the best I could get.
I placed my order and I could hear…chop, chop, chop. The pouring of sauce and my take out was good to go.
We continued with our take-outs and we decided to stop at Pearl’s Oyster Bar. They serve broiled and fried fresh seafood platters, homemade snapper soup and oyster stew. Their telephone is 215-627-7250.
They did not mind that we were also bringing other food to their counter. A couple of orders of oyster stew were placed on our table. It was very good; plump oysters, milk, and for me, oyster crackers.
What a combination of foods; oyster stew, roasted pork, with hot peppers and cheese, and Peking Duck!! Right choices; loved them all.
Could have stayed at the Market but we on our way to visit other places in the city. Rittenhouse Square is so beautiful and as one of Philadelphia’s open space parks, it is a place to relax and enjoy a fantastic day.
Right at 18th & Locust St. is a restaurant called Parc. It is part of the Starr Restaurant Group. It opens 7 days a week. They say their Sunday Brunch is to die for. Tel. 215-545-2262. Website? http://www.parc-restaurant.com. Our server was Stephany and she made sure that what we ordered was gluten free.
Parc is reminiscent of a French brasserie, bistro, and cafe. Very open, large open windows overlooking the park, outdoor seating…great background music, as well.
 
We decided to have a little tasting of something…how could you not? An order of Chicken Liver Mousse with pickled shallots and grain mustard. I have had this appetizer before and can’t say enough about it. Really, very good.
An order of Charcuterie of artisanal meats, country pate, and chicken liver mousse, accompanied by an assortment of their homemade breads.
 
The afternoon was so nice….but, it was time to drive back to the beach. Another visit to Philadelphia soon; that, I am sure of. Talk to you later.
November 6th, 2012
This Flag of Honor was created from the name of those who perished in the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Now and forever it represents their immortality.
Today we get to vote. Citizens over 18 years of age are able to cast a vote. We take this vote for granted. But, don’t do that so quickly. It took years to get to this point.
Our right to vote in this country defines our Nation as a Democracy.
I have been told…well, our vote does not make a difference. So many people in other countries are fighting and dying for the right to vote and to an election. Don’t underestimate the power of your vote.
Four years ago, I was not able to vote on that election. After telling everyone to vote, I was out of the state of Delaware, where I vote, when my family had an emergency. I called and tried every which way to see how we could cast our vote. It was not to be.
Today, I am so ready….I cannot wait to vote. No hell or high water would keep me away from this one!!
Have a good day!!
October 9th, 2012
Once in a while I start piling up some of the services that I have used. Word of mouth is such an important marketing tool. I want to pass them on to you. You might need them.
AboutMyBeaches has a Services category on the left hand side of the website. In the past few years I have put them there for your use; from design services to collision services.
One day my garage door was stuck. It ended being something very simple but Precision Door Service, which I had used in the past, was at my house in no time. Telephones: In Delaware, please call 302-429-1992. In Maryland, please call 410-372-4852. Toll free? 800-New-Door. Website? http://www.mynewdoor.com.
The owners of KitchenTune-up are Ron Reichert and Bob DiToto. They have been in the kitchen cabinet business for many years. They specialize in custom refacing, custom cabinets, wood reconditioning and when they say they are going to be there; they are on time. They guarantee their estimates and their work. They are located at 37169 Rehoboth Ave., Henlopen Sq. in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-5544. Website? http://www.kitchentuneup.com.
Again, I had some minor repairs on my kitchen cabinets and drawers and they were able to fix them at a very reasonable cost.
Computers!! Tim Bixby has been in the computer business for quite some time. His new computer services company is called Shore Bytes. It is located at 26412 Broadkill Rd., Milton, DE 19968-2955. Tel. 302-448-4302. Website? http://www.shorebytes.com. You can also find him on Facebook. Email him to info@shorebytes.com.
For years I have used Tim for computer services. He specializes in tune-ups, installation, virus removal, or, you can do like I did and buy a computer through him. Tim looked at my needs and gave me several options. Installation was part of the cost of my new computer. Please note that Shore Bytes services from Ocean City, Maryland to Dover, Delaware.
Most of the time I use BWI airport in Baltimore, Maryland. But, when I use the Philadelphia Airport, then, an airport valet service makes it so much easier. Pacifico Valet takes you in your car and drops you off at the airport. Upon arrival all you have to do is call them and they will pick you up in your car.
Pacifico Valet is located at 6715 Essington Avenue at the Philadelphia Airport Auto Mall. Tel. 215-492-0990. Website? http://www.pacificovalet.com.
If you are driving north on I-95 you will get off on Exit 10….check the website above mentioned because directions are there. Very easy to get to. No reservations are necessary.
Please note that during the holidays you should give yourself some extra time.
Those are my tips for today…talk to you later.
October 3rd, 2012
Strip malls in Florida are a dime a dozen. Except, there is one strip mall that has had an edge on all others in South Florida….it has been the home of Cafe Martorano for 20 years. When you create a presence in one spot for that long, it has to be good. Location? 3343 E. Oakland Park Blvd. (Corner of Oakland Park Blvd. & A1A), Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Tel. 954-561-2554. It opens every day at 5:30 p.m. No reservations. Website? http://www.cafemartorano.com.
And, I do, actually know the difference between “gravy” and “sauce”. These are the terms that you better know when you visit Cafe Martorano, because in this establishment you will not get just a simple tomato sauce. You will get “gravy” as in “Sunday gravy”, made with different meats; a process that takes a bit of time but the results are incredibly good and tasty.
I have been to restaurants, eaten my dinner, and left hungry. Not here….not just a dot on your plate. This is a hefty serving of flavorful food; the way it has always meant to be. Food to be eaten by real people. Guess what? My dinner tonight will be “Martorano’s Leftovers”.
Cafe Martorano has just opened this week after renovations. We knew Steve Martorano was going to be behind the kitchen. That’s what you want to see. Watch him in action. He does have a nice smile, even though not on this picture.
The restaurant is known to be excellent. I had visited a couple of years ago. I had great expectations.
When I first came in my first thought was that is was sleek with elegant lines. With dim lights, the restaurant already had customers. Therefore, not too many pictures, just enough to give you an idea. Plenty photos of the food, though.
Televisions played scenes of Steve Martorano’s favorites. A little background music. It was early in the evening, but if you happen to come a few hours later, there might be a party going on; music a little louder… you know what I mean; a slightly different atmosphere.
Steve said: “Yo Cuz!” It is Steve’s trademark and also his brand name. It can mean family, a term of endearment, but I think I’ll take Steve’s suggestion; if you do not remember the person’s name, just say “Yo Cuz!” That will do it. Steve grew up in South Philly. He is self taught. 18th and 19th centuries = South Philly = Italian American Community. His cooking reflects that robust type of cooking; homestyle. In the Italian American Community in South Philly the same great dishes have been prepared for years. A lot of the recipes have been passed down. And, the portions are big.
Steve told me “Tell the Truth”. I am obliging.
When visiting Cafe Martorano, come hungry because you will be taken into a culinary expedition. So let’s begin.
Our servers knew the menu inside and out. Gustavo’s heritage was Brazilian/Italian. He told me it was the best combination. I am not sure where Kyle was from but I have to thank both for taking care of us so well.
Cards were presented. Fill them out. Only at this location, you could be the winner of Steve Martorano’s Ultimate Italian-American Experience. Yes, he will cook in your home for 8 people anywhere in the country!!
Gustavo sat at the table with his electronic notebook to show us the specials of the day. First time I have seen that done in a restaurant and I liked it.
It showed also that in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month they were offering a Pink Drink: Chambord, Limoncello, Vodka with Sugar rim.
We decided we were going to let Steve cook for us whatever he wanted. I had done that before and loved the idea of being surprised.
If you would like to see the menu, please visit http://www.cafemartorano/dining.html
The first thing that was sent to our table, just to wet our appetites, was macaroni with peas and onions. The macaroni perfectly cooked and that broth was light; the perfect dish to start our Martorano Expedition.
Bread was brought to the table; warm, olive oil for dipping.
The condiments never left the table.
The next dish that appeared at our table was one that I could have for a meal. It was Martorano’s Famous Meatball and Salad. Why is it that I cannot make a meatball like this? It was so flavorful. It was served with Sunday gravy, ricotta cheese, and Martorano salad.
As he laid the next dish, I could not believe how pretty it looked. The photo does not do justice. Homemade warm mozzarella with EVOO. Homemade was the key word.
The Tuna Carpaccio presented to us as the next dish was delicate. Thin slices of Blue Eye Tuna, coarse sea salt, EVOO, and light meyer lemon. Again sooo good; the tuna melted in your mouth.
The rice balls were the first things I saw when arriving at Cafe Martorano. The one at our table was warm, cut in half with a little surprise of mozzarella inside. I could make a trip just for that rice ball.
We were way into the Martorano Expedition when our main entrees arrived.
Chicken on The Bone. It is one of Steve’s favorites. Chicken with hot and sweet sausages, sweet peppers, fresh mushrooms, onions, Jersey tomatoes, which I think Steve loves…all baked to order. The chicken fell off the bone and just look at the rest of the ingredients, then add a Steve Martorano sauce and wine. Flavors went through the roof!!
The next entree, actually paired well with the Chicken on The Bone. It was Linguine Seafood – South Jersey Style. Shrimp, jumbo lump crab, claws, Italian herbs, chili flakes, garlic and EVOO, all cooked in natural juices. Those chili flakes gave it that extra kick to this dish.
I cannot believe I had the nerve to have dessert. But, I had to finish my Martorano Expedition with a sweet ending. How about the cannoli? How big could that be? Oh, well….I have not had a cannoli in such a long time. The writing above? Yo Cuz, of course!!
A decaf espresso really did end the Martorano Expedition.
Cafe Martorano has two other locations:
In Hollywood, Florida at 5751 Seminole Way. This location closes on Mondays.
In Las Vegas, Nevada at The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino at 3700 West Flamingo Rd. It opens at 6 p.m. every day and this location does accept reservations.
If you visit the website you will find the upcoming events. Wine Tasting and Book Signing in October at Laurenzo Italian Market in North Miami Beach. Then, the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show, and in December the Cooking Demo and Photo ops with customers. You can also find in the website how Cafe Martorano is giving back to the community.
Want to do a little shopping, then, check http://www.cafemartorano.com/retailer.html.
You know what I found so interesting about Steve? How accessible and friendly he was. There he was cooking away for a full restaurant and I was welcomed inside his kitchen for my own photo opportunity and signing of his book Yo Cuz! My Life My Food My Way. Can’t wait to read it and try some of those recipes.
Thanks Steve, Gustavo, and Kyle. Hope to be back soon. And thanks for giving my taste buds a run for their money!!
 
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