In the winter there is nothing like a warming bowl of soup. It was cold on Sunday. But, today at the Delaware Beaches the temperatures will rise to the upper 40’s. I’ll take that.
Over the years I have bought tons of magazines. A lot of them have been food oriented. I go through them many times and then I start cutting recipes out and putting them in folders. With a morning coffee I go through them and if something catches my eye, I take it out.
I picked an Onion Soup Recipe that got my attention back in 2013 in a Food & Wine Magazine. It is a healthier version of the traditional French Onion Soup. Traditional soups are fantastic but making them healthier while conserving flavor it’s the trick. That hunk of bread and thick layer of melting cheese makes it high in calories and sodium. Sorry, but it is true.
For Meatless Monday and being that it is a cloudy day this onion soup might be just what you need. I made it yesterday and it is a keeper.
Meatless Monday is a worldwide organization trying to have folks like us eat meatless at least one day per week.
The Recipe
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 large onions, (sweet or regular) halved and thinly sliced
Kosher Salt
1/4 cup of dry white wine
1 tablespoon soy sauce
6 cups of beef stock or low sodium broth
Baguettes (either cut your own or buy prepared ones) I used small ones for my large bowl.
Gruyere shredded cheese. I packed that cheese on the baguettes.
In a large pot heat oil until shimmering. Add the onions and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and just starting to brown. Maybe about 7 minutes or so. Taste the broth and add a bit of salt and continue to cook over moderate low heat, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and golden. I would say 20 minutes?
Add the wine and soy sauce to the pot. Cook for a few more minutes.
Add the stock and bring to a boil. Then, simmer over low to moderate heat, again stirring occasionally until the onion broth is well flavored and slightly reduced. Taste again and if needed add more salt.
You can make the soup ahead of time until this point.
Then pre-heat the broiler and arrange the baguettes on a baking sheet and top with the Gruyere cheese. Broil until melted.
To serve this onion soup, ladle it into bowls and top with the cheese toasts. You may sprinkle a little bit of cheese all over the soup prior to placing the cheese toasts, as well.
Hope this will be a keeper for you too. Remember AboutMyBeaches has a FB page just in case you want to chime in.
This blog started in 2009 with the idea of offering the readers who want to be in the know about events, restaurants, reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.
Comments Off on Meatless Monday! French Onion Soup, Easy, Flavorful Soup, Winter Winner Soup
It was a short getaway, but getaways are usually short. What makes them memorable is when all the chips fall into place. The trip, the accommodations, the weather, and most of all, the restaurants.
I asked the Delamar Hotel, where we were staying, to send me a list of Italian restaurants. The one that spoke to me was Polpo. First the name because it means octopus and I love octopus or squid. An extensive menu it was so 4 of us were there a week ago. Still remember it and definitely would visit again on another trip.
What are some of the characteristics of a good Italian restaurant? What do you actually look for? A lot of food, you really don’t serve a dot on a plate. Oh no. Great ambiance, and good service. Please don’t rush us. Last but not least is food quality. Best ingredients are a must.
Polpo delivered. Our servers were a team. The accents were deep, rivaling my own. There was music in the bar area. People were chatting and for a moment in time we forgot that a pandemic is still with us.
At Polpo they have matchstick fried zucchini and it was ordered for the table. At first I thought well I am not sure. Why order this when there is so much more of that. Guess what? Crispy, and guilt free eating.
A few salads were ordered. All through our ordering the restaurant was alive, waiters coming and going. Boy, I have missed the noise and the people.
Just a reminder that at Polpo everything is homemade. A salad of homemade mozzarella with roasted peppers and white anchovies (Boquerones) was not mine but I got to have a few of the anchovies, which I loved.
Too far for me to taste it but look at the Burratta Caprese with Prosciutto. It got very good reviews.
I love Branzino. This Mediterranean fish is full of flavor and I usually order it whenever I see it. At Polpo they had a fillet. I asked if they had a whole fish. That’s what I wanted. Signora anything you want we can do. Do you want us to debone it? Of course not!! How could you say such a thing. That is where the flavor is. They loved saying that eating it whole was the way to go. They just did not know I knew how to pick crabs, that I can eat a lobster all throughout. This Branzino was no challenge. I ate everything with gusto. It was the best Branzino and thank God it was because the whole fish was pricey.
The Branzino al Forno was served with a rosemary and garlic sauce. You can see it right on this next photo, next to the Cacio e Pepe dish that was also ordered. The dish was delicious but they cautioned that it was very peppery.
The Mediterranean cuisine has introduced us to Rapini or Broccoli Rab. Full of flavor and loved the garlic.
Someone said that homemade pasta absorbs the flavor of a dish better than pasta bought at a grocery store. The Linguini on Vongole with White Clam Sauce was received as the best they have had.
Most of the time I do not order dessert. Not that I don’t want to. It is the fact that I like to practice some restraint.
This dense chocolate cake and ice cream, I had a bite and could have had more. A perfect ending to a memorable Italian dinner.
We ventured out the door. It had started raining. But it did not matter. We had full stomachs and smiles on our faces.
My regret? That my photos were not the best that night. Trying to capture everyone’s dishes before they dove into them. That was tricky.
Until another time, I remain. Check out my AboutMyBeaches Facebook Page to find out about events, restaurans, reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.
Comments Off on Polpo, Restaurant, Saloon, Italian Cuisine, Piano Bar, Review, Greenwich, Connecticut
The Delaware Beaches have been crowded this Holiday Season. Why not? The weather has been somewhat “warm”, the beach is an inspiration for many, shopping could be a therapy for most. A change of scenery which feels soooo good.
This area is a foodie’s paradise. You really find a wide variety of foods and establishments. I have felt very safe in the restaurants. They are really doing a good job.
Having lived here for a long time I have my favorite restaurants. My blog was started in 2009 to promote the area. And, I think I have.
One of such restaurants that I use like a neighborhood restaurant is Shorebreak Lodge, located at 10 Wilmington Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. They will be open for lunch and dinner Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon until 10 p.m. http://www.shorebreaklodge.com
You can reserve online or you can call them at 302-227-1007.
Shorebreak also has Bar Seating. Great when there are only two of you. Good music and great wines.
If you would like a French 75 Cocktail this will be a good restaurant to try one. Ask to be made with Courvoisier instead of Gin.
I can tell you that I have loved everything I have tried at Shorebreak. But I always, for the most part, order the Grilled Octopus. It is the most tender octopus you will ever try. You can ask my brother, Miguel.
The Char Grilled Octopus is placed over Kohlrabi garbanzo slaw, harissa aioli.
The Seared Duck Breast melts in your mouth. Served with fingerling potatoes, beet greens and a butternut squash puree.
The Day Boat Scallops are huge. Most of all offerings can be served as appetizers or entrees.
The Shrimp N Grits are so well seasoned including a chorizo sauce.
The Deviled Eggs are very popular. A House Chimmi sauce and house cured bacon. What’s not to like?
You see that Hummus photo? Someone in the group said I don’t want any. I will tell you that it is outstanding. Pepita pesto, pickled red onion, garbanzo beans and toasted naan.
Brie N Naan was another choice for the table. Great for a crowd.
Coming to the desserts which are usually ordered when there is a group. Carrot Cake, a Key Lime Cake and a Chocolate Cake were sweet endings with everyone taking a bite here or there.
Enjoying a dinner with friends, good conversation, tasty food….all priceless!!
Shorebreak Lodge has a Facebook Page. AboutMyBeaches has a Facebook Page, as well where you can read little teasers of what’s to come to the blog or just leave a comment there. Until then, Have a Great Week.
Comments Off on Shorebreak Lodge, Restaurant, Review, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Casual, American Food, Eclectic, Heated Patio, Southern Delaware, Open Year Round, Lunch and Dinner
Taking advantage of one glorious Sunday, probably the nicest day in the next coming week, as rain, and even some snow are in the forecast.
Lewes is totally decorated for the holidays. Being that it is a balmy weekend, so many people are visiting the Delaware Beaches taking also advantage of outlet shopping with tax free shopping as well.
Me? I have been enjoying those blue skies and thanking that living at the beaches is not to be taken for granted.
Harbour opened at 134 West Market Street in Lewes, DE year. They are now serving lunch from 11:30 until 2:00 p.m. with Happy Hour, Food and Drink Specials from 3 until 5 p.m. Dinner takes place from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Opens from Wednesday until Sunday. Reservations are required by phone at this time by calling 302-200-9522. Check out their website at http://www.harbourlewes.com
We arrived with no reservations at around 1:30 p.m. and were lucky to see that a couple was leaving the perfect table under the awning with beautiful view of the canal.
The restaurant is quaint. Has a private room for your special events, a nice bar and two indoor dining rooms.
A couple of Bloody Marys on this pretty Sunday. Checking out the menu. More than a few specials, as well.
I ordered their Farmers Market Salad to be topped with salmon. It is a simple salad, dressed lightly but the salmon is what makes it special. It is so delicious. Try it next time. Very much recommended.
Do you like Fish & Chips? A very good one it is served here at Harbour. It is craft beer battered Virginia Founder. Lightly fried and full of flavor too. Fries, coleslaw and a remoulade sauce on the side.
You love sitting outside even when chilly? Harbour also has heaters even though today was just perfect weather.
Hope your weekend was awesome. And, please continue to read my posts. Thanks.
Until then, I remain….
Comments Off on Harbour, Historic Lewes, Delaware, Restaurant, Review, Waterfront Dining, Canal Square, Mid Atlantic and Global Inspired Cuisine, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches.
Seaford, Delaware, is in West Sussex County. From Rehoboth Beach it is probably about 38 miles. It may be a little bit of a hike for some, but for me, “Good Food, Will Travel. And so my post begins with 4 of us taking off for Seaford. Mind you, even though 2 of them do not live there anymore, they do have strong ties to this town. Locals they are.
I apologize for the photo above. A bit blurry but at least you can see how pretty this brick building is.
These true locals tell me how wonderful it was to grow up in Seaford. It was a prosperous town located along the Nanticoke River. At one point it was voted to be the Best Small Town in America.
For many years DuPont was in this town. Seaford was also known as the Nylon Capital of the World.
Restaurants, Inns, golf courses, hospitals, Seaford had everything a small prosperous town would want. Unfortunately, a lot of that is now gone.
Hold it there, don’t discount this town as a lost cause. There is one restaurant that for 28 years has been and still is worth going. And, I just went to Bon Appetit for the first time last week. I remember people mentioning the restaurant, and how good it was. I just never visited.
Bon Appetit is located at 312 High St. You need to call for reservations to 302-629-3700. They open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until 9 .m. Website? http://www.bonappetitseaford.net
Husband and wife team. Chino from Peru and Karen from NY. Please read about them on their website above mentioned. Everything is prepared in-house.
There is Karen on the photo. The restaurant was about to close and we were saying our goodbyes. Bon Appetit has tablecloths, lace, French prints and a comfortable atmosphere.
They have a great menu with appetizers like corn fritters, poached mussels, country pate, pickled herring, smoked bluefish and so on. Soups and salads including the French onion soup, chilled Gazpacho, etc.
About 9 entrees are offered along with a couple of nightly specials.
Desserts which we did not have are Profiterole, Chocolate Mousse, Creme Caramel and so forth.
For a Wednesday night it was crowded.
I don’t think I have been in a restaurant in recent years where the butter served looked like this. So glad that this presentation has not gone by the wayside.
You almost hated to touch it. Small rolls for the table.
Some photos I did not take but the smoked fish ordered was delicious. I had a bite.
The Chilled Gazpacho I did have. I can make a Gazpacho, as well, and there are many ways of making this traditional Spanish soup. This particular one was excellent. Don’t miss it when you go.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms were delicious. Almost could not get that photo.
Sauteed File Mignon with Diane sauce was ordered. Perfectly cooked and seasoned.
I knew even before I got to the restaurant what I was going to have. Tommy said that they were known for their duck. I order duck everywhere I go and this was one I was hoping was going to be as good as it was described.
Tommy and I had it and it did not disappoint. It was roast half of duck with a honey pear sauce. Crispy and great combination of flavors.
Ever since they started the restaurant every dish is accompanied by a vegetable mousse. You can see it in these photos. It is so good and a detail that cannot be forgotten.
No photo of the soft shell crabs, but they were big. Got great reviews too.
All in all a very nice evening.
The Rehoboth Foodie has written about Bon Appetit. And, when I told him where I was he said “LOVE Bon Appetit! Now, THERE’S skill”.
All I have to say is that I cannot wait to go back. Remember that driving around Sussex County is pretty easy. Fall is here pretty much so go out and try something new. You won”t be disappointed.
Enjoy!!
Comments Off on Bon Appetit, Seaford, Delaware, Restaurant, Review, Western Sussex County, French Restaurant, Family Owned Restaurant, Good Food, Will Travel
They call it Stewman’s and it is located on the waterfront at 35 West St., Bar Harbor, Maine. Tel. 201-288-0346. Website? http://www.stewmanslobsterpound.com
From the West Street Hotel, and our balcony, we had an advantage view. Around 11:30 a.m. or so the line begins to form. It goes quickly and we were there on Labor Day. An ideal setting to be able to sit right on the water.
Early in the morning we took a walk around the area. Not open yet but you were able to get the idea of what they would be serving there. It has a full menu and of course many of the delicacies that you come to experience in Bar Harbor.
You can watch them make the lobster bisque and the clam chowder. Pounds and pounds of this delicious soups with an addition of Sherry.
It was quiet but not for long.
Then look at it as the afternoon progressed.
We stopped for a tasting of soup. Both completely different, but my bisque was truly delicious.
I’ll be honest, I thought, originally, that it was going to be a tourist trap. Yes, tourist do come in but, boy, was I wrong. It is definitely worth trying. It stays open until 9 p.m.
So if you are thinking of a quick get away this Fall, Maine has captured my attention.
Posting from Maine’s trip, I remain.
Comments Off on Stewman’s Lobster Pound, Restaurant, Review, Dine-In, Take Out, Waterfront, Bar Harbor, Maine, Wheelchair Accessible, Casual Dining, Accepts Reservations
I call it the Art of Wining and Dining. There are 5 elements that are key to food presentation. There is color, shape, texture, arrangement, and garnish. Using the best local ingredients is a must.
First time this summer, just last week, we went to Our Harvest located at 1106 Coastal Highway in Fenwick Island, Delaware. They are open 7 days per week. There is parking and they accept reservations. Awesome!!
Even though we decided to eat inside, the outdoor seating on these trying times was very cute and complemented the restaurant’s aura. Inside the restaurant is very spacious and tables are placed according to the new regulations.
I knew what I was going to eat. They have a chicken that is to die for. It is a shareable dish but think about it, you can take the leftovers home. We had enough for 2 extra dinners.
Doesn’t it look amazing? Believe me, it is. Usually people don’t go to a restaurant to eat chicken but at Our Harvest this is a very popular dish. Even a signature dish I would dare to say.
This chicken is called the Whole Amish Air Chilled Chicken. It is Arnold Palmer brined, and wood fired with lemon and rosemary. An explosion of flavors.
Baywater Blistered Shishitos, sambal butter and sesame salt. I have always been told that in a group of Shishitos there is usually a hot one. I have yet to found it. Also a shareable Small Plate.
Baywater Farms Stuffed Squash Blossoms. Got great reviews and the squash blossoms were crispy and stuffed with ricotta, local crab meat, and creamless cream corn.
This is the Grilled Calamari with charred bead, and warm tomato bagna cauda. To tell you the truth, they were not the favorites. A little overdone and probably I would have preferred olive oil, capers and garlic.
This was another winner. The Crispy Rice Flour Soft Shell, paprika aioli, pea shoot salad, and a celery seed vinaigrette. Nice size soft shell and delicious combination of flavors.
Our service was perfect. We had enough time to talk and there was no rushing us.
If you have the opportunity to go to the restaurants that are in all our beaches, please do so. It is not a long drive. My motto? Good Food, Will Travel.
Have a great week. Enjoy the Season!!
Comments Off on Our Harvest, Fenwick Island, Delaware, Restaurant, Review, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, The Art of Wining and Dining, Delaware Beaches, Good Food, Will Travel
My Sister’s Fault a Puerto Rican “antojitos” delight. The 2 sisters are from Puerto Rico and have been in the area for some time. One bakes and that would be Rous and one cooks; that would be Angie.
Puerto Rican cooking is full of flavor and spices. And yes there is a lot of fried food, as well. As I am Puerto Rican myself, I can tell you that when I visit Puerto Rico I love eating the food…..fried plantains, pastelillos or turnovers made with meat, chicken or chapin which is a small fish.
The cooking can be very simple or it can be very exotic depending what local ingredients, fruits and veggies you use.
My friend Susan called me the other day to see if I wanted to visit My Sister’s Fault in Milford, Delaware. It is right in town on 10 SW NW Front St. Their telephone is 302-503-7446. And the website is http://www.mysistersfault-milford.com. Take Rt. 1 North and from Rehoboth Beach it is only about 25 minutes or so.
The menu is on the board and desserts are in cases. You can also order cakes for any special occasion.
We had 2 empanadas (turnovers) Puerto Rican style. The real deal. Flavorful, reminding me how good they truly are. We ate them there but you can take them to go and fry them in the comfort of your own kitchen.
We decided on a Cubano or Cuban Sandwich. The bread was warm but not pressed. The pork was delicious, homemade. This Cubano was very big so we had them cut it in half and as you can see it was definitely shareable.
Puerto Rican desserts like flan, pastelillos (pastry) de guayaba which is guava are also available.
It is a small place and the sisters are so friendly. They are open Wednesday through Saturday. They cook and bake on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday through Friday the hours are 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
We only had a tasting but they offer Puerto Rican rice dishes, slowly cooked pork, stuffed deep fried potatoes and so much more. Check their Face Book Page or give them a call to see what they are offering on a particular day.
Their custom cakes are amazing.
Who’s fault is it? It is My Sister’s Fault.
Comments Off on My Sister’s Fault, Bakery, Take Out, Milford, Delaware, Puerto Rican Bakery, Empanadas, Sandwiches, Cubanos, Pastries, Southern Delaware
Comments Off on Meatless Monday! French Onion Soup, Easy, Flavorful Soup, Winter Winner Soup