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!!
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I stumbled upon a restaurant, a skip and a jump away from the award winning Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk more than a few years ago. It is very special to uncover a great dining spot whether seating at the bar, at a table or coming for small plates.
To me I find it whimsical. I am talking about Shorebreak Lodge Restaurant located at 10 Wilmington Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, DE. Tel. 302-227-1007. Website? http://www.shorebreaklodge.com
Shorebreak has charm and understated sophistication. The food is simple, and delicious. At the bar suggestions for wine pairings were a big help.
At this time of the year the restaurant is open from Wednesday through Sunday.
Over the past couple of months I have visited Shorebreak, and, obviously, I like it since I keep coming back.
So let me tell you what we have had. If they offer Shishito peppers, please have them. They are not hot, they are actually sweet, and served charred they are best.
I can roast my own beets. Love them and theirs were perfectly roasted and with an appealing preasentation.
Soup of the Day? The winter squash on a cold night hit the spot.
I think they have the best Grilled Octopus around. It is perfectly seasoned and cooked; not tough. Just try it. I have it every time and it is always on the menu.
There are plenty of restaurants in Rehoboth Beach. You just have to find the ones that serve good food, at good prices in a comfortable setting.
Enjoy the Christmas Season. Check my FB Page AboutMyBeaches for more information on where to shop, what to do, and what to cook for dinner.
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Food serves as a way for people to come together. That is exactly what happened on this past Saturday, November 16th, when 12 strangers, all foodies with three goals in mind….cooking, wining, and dining. We met at Paul’s Kitchen & Cullen-ary Company located at 32882 Cedar Grove Rd., Lewes, DE. Tel. 302-228-9772. Website? http://www.paulcullen.rocks
If you are a resident of Southern Delaware, at some point or another you would have heard of Paul Cullen. Better yet, you would have heard him playing his guitar and singing at different venues, private homes, charity concerts. He has worn many hats in his life and continues to evolve. He will be the first one to tell you this.
Paul’s Kitchen & Cullen-ary Company is on Facebook. You might want to check it out and Like it. He will have the Chef’s Table Demos and Dinners posted as they come available. You will be pleasantly surprised how nice an evening like this one can turn out.
His kitchen is cozy and accessible. He is a great host who will show you around and is open to any questions. Nina will be there, as well, since she oversees that everything runs in a timely manner.
The guests arrived promptly and introductions were extended. Wine and hor’ordeuvres were already set up.
Coming out of the Paul’s Kitchen was the Bruschette alla Robiola, pere e noci. Translation? Cheese and pear crostini. Warm and delicious.
The Chef’s Table was so nicely presented. By now we were all friends.
Crema di Cannellini or White Bean Soup. Perfectly seasoned and paired with wine with an explanation of what we were about to taste from Paul. He was animated and throughout the evening you could see how engaging he was with his guests.
“The measure of a good dish is that it makes you want to take another bite.” This quote from Chef Paul Prudhomme was perfect because after having the soup we really wanted not just to take another bite, it was already gone, but wanted to see what else was in stored for us foodies.
The main entree was the Risotto Ai Porrie Salsicia or as we would say in plain English, Sausage and Leek Risotto. The sausage was homemade and complimented the risotto very well. Those grapes were amazing.
A sweet ending was a Torta di Nocciole or Hazelnut Cake and it was paired with such a good dessert wine. Contact Paul for the wines, please.
Laughter throughout the evening continued with stories from some of the guests. How they got here, how they got together and so on. A few were turning 60 now.
An invitation by Paul to listen to him play was the icing on the cake. Finishing a great dinner with new friends with music was priceless!
Our evening came to an end. One more thing though On Sundays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. stop by Paul Cullen-ary Company for music, food and to shop for cheeses, nuts and other goodies that could be for yourself or someone on your list.
Until next time have a Happy Thanksgiving. Check AboutMyBeaches on Facebook.
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“There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” Nothing beats sitting around with friends and family and having meaningful conversations over a delicious meal.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is a dining destination. You can find almost anything, from the Boardwalk Grub to fine dining.
Outdoor dining is something you do not find in all the restaurants but The Blue Hen located at 33 Wilmington Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth has the outdoor atmosphere, and the food to boot. Their new hours are from Thursday through Monday. Their phone is 302-278-7842. Website? http://www.thebluehenrehoboth.com
Meet me at the Fire Pit is what I just told my friends. In the past few weeks I have visited The Blue Hen twice. Love being able to sit outdoor, whether is to have cocktails or even decide to eat dinner by the fire pit. Great atmosphere.
The Beet Salad was a starter and it is a shareable dish. Golden beets (I love them), pomegrate seeds, pickled onion, red beet yogurt, toasted spiced nuts and herbs. Great way to start a dining experience.
What is the original advice about eating oysters? Only eat them in the 8 months of the year that contain the letter “R”, which means September through April. I, actually, do not follow that advice and nothing has ever happened.
Cold and salty, that’s how I like my oysters.
The scallops at the Blue Hen are delicious. They are a very popular dish. They are served with trumpet mushrooms, braised fennel, sea beans, green apple dashi, and chives. Dashi is a class of soup and cooking stock used in Japanese cuisine.
Eating by the Fire Pit is perfect at this time of the year. Eating outdoors is first come first served regarding to seating arrangements. The Blue Hen accepts reservations for indoor seating.
If you are in Rehoboth visiting and decide to eat at The Blue Hen the Smith Island crab cakes are very good and the fresh Maryland crab will probably only be availabe for another week or so. These are no fillers crab cakes, roasted red bliss potatoes, ham pickle slaw, and tartar sauce.
The Pan Seared King Salmon with baby kale, roasted grapes, celery root puree, pine nuts and brown butter while it was very good, my friend thought it should have been cooked a little bit more.
Dessert…just one will do. Please bring us a few spoons. The chocolate dense cake and mint ice cream hit the right spot.
Rehoboth nights continue in the Second Season. Beautiful nights in the fall is the best time of the year at the beach.
Sitting with my friends enjoying a nice meal reminds me of my own family dinners when t.v. was off and it was time to learn about each other and what everyone had done that day.
A generous spread of delicious food is the universal unifier. Food can be dressed up or down. You can’t rush it, you have to cook from the heart.
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“There is a difference betweent dining and eating. Dining is an art. When you eat to get most out your meal, to please the palate, just as well as to satiate the appetite, that, my friend, is dining.” yuan mei
I have to give a shout to our amazing, knowledgeable, and friendly server, Victoria. She was awesome. She knew the menu well.
Meeting friends in Ocean View, Delaware, at Northeast Seafood Kitchen was my destination. It was half price entrees. They have daily specials.
Northeast Seafood Kitchen is located at 29 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, DE. Ocean View is a few miles west of Bethany Beach. Just in case you did not know.
It was very busy. A lot of restaurants in the area are closed on Tuesdays. No big deal, we waited at the bar. It is not the end of the world.
We ordered 2 salads for sharing.
The first one was a traditional Caesar Salad. Loved those boquerones (white anchovies) on top. Pecorino cheese, house made croutons, Caesar dressing. Simple.
The Baby Spinach was a suggestion from Victoria….tomatoes, sweet shallots, Gorgonzola cheese, roasted pistachos, and a wild berry vinaigrette. Just perfect.
Before I share the rest of the photos I will have to say that the four of us had a very good dinner. Everything was cooked and seasoned just the way it should be. Nothing was overpowering.
The Chef’s Fish Board is where we chose the Catfish and Tuna. Those 2 entrees came with a butternut puree, mushrooms, potatoes, zucchini, squash, cabbage, and a lemon butter sauce.
The Tuna OC Maryland was spiced encrusted and my friend said she had not had a meal like that in months.
Two of us had the Crab Imperial Catfish Chesapeake Bay. It was pan seared and super delicious.
The Farm Style Seafood Stew was also a winner. It had fish, shellfish, calamari, bay leaf, celery, corn on the cob, and a white wine tomato broth.
And did we even have room for dessert. Just one please. So we ordered the upside down blueberry cake. It was pretty good too. Ice cream, nuts…shareable indeed.
I always say that you can review a restaurant all you want, but sharing a meal with old friends is what makes it priceless.
Remember to check my FB page of AboutMyBeaches.
I know it is feels like summer but we are already in the first few days of fall.
Relax, you are At The Beach.
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I was out and about with a friend on Second Street in Lewes, Delaware. The Fall is the time for us “locals” to get out and see what is new. A relaxed way of discovering the town. No parking, which makes a big difference. My friend, Madelon, and I loved the storefront of this boutique that we had not noticed in the past. It is called The Bungalow on 2nd. Second Street is really Main Street in Lewes.
I am sure some of you will disagree but I find boutique shopping the most comfortable way to shop. These shops in small towns all over the United States give clients the opportunity to get to know the store owners. You get a one on one service.
The young woman behind the counter I had to engage in conversation. If you were in a big mall that usually does not happen. No time for small talk, really. Her name is Kaitlin and she has been opened for just about 6 weeks or so. The shop is adorable; so very well appointed. The store is not crowded and she has done a great job in redoing the shop. Before starting this new venture she was a 9th grade teacher. It would be great for you to stop by and welcome her to the community. The Bungalow on 2nd is located at 142 2nd St., Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-644-1544
You can find clothing, presents for friends and family and, of course, a little indulgence for yourself, as well.
There is nothing like the right accessory to enhance an outfit. You can find necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for all tastes.
Clean looks, napkins, table runners, candles, home accents…..all very pretty and affordable.
November 24th it is called Small Business Saturday. Obviously, we live in small coastal towns and promoting the local businesses is something a lot of us find dear to our hearts. We wish Kaitlin much success and look forward to stopping by again.
Until then, have a good one!!
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Crushed red pepper directly from Turkey. Semra’s family sends her this sweet pepper. It does not look sweet but it is. Very good. Semra’s has it on all tables. I had a craving for Moussaka from Semra’s. In Turkey, which is where Semra is from, the Moussaka has a different appearance. I always thought Moussaka looked like and eggplant lasagna. At Semra’s it is prepared Turkish style. It is so aromatic and flavorful.
The Kofte I had for lunch today. The patties are char-grilled, again, seasoned with those delicious Turkish herbs and spices. It was served with rice, yogurt sauce and pita bread.
Semra’s is located at 19 Rehoboth Avenue on the ocean block. You can find them on Facebook. Their website is http://www.semras.com.
Semra’s also has take out and catering. During the winter they have belly dancing evenings, a complete fun show. It is very well attended. You can check their Facebook page or visit the above mentioned website.
It is interesting to find out other restauranteurs visiting their favorite restaurants in Rehoboth Beach.
Semra and her husband, John, are always at the restaurant. They are so friendly. Very nice couple. Their food is cooked inhouse and they consider themselves foodies. That is why their food taste so good. Their cooking reflect the love of delicious homemade food, beautifully spiced.
Until next time!!
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In June of 2013 I got curious about the 2 lighthouses located between Lewes, Delaware and Cape May, New Jersey. Writing a blog about the Delaware Beaches and beyond gives me so much information. Information that I can pass on to you. The Delaware Beaches are year round resorts and there is plenty to do if you choose to do so, or nothing at all if you just want to relax. I went on a tour this summer with the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation. This organization is dedicated to the preservation of the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse. When I first visited you could not step out off the boat and go inside the lighthouse. We actually then went inside the East End Lightouse. More about that one in another post. Since then there has been a lot of restoration to the Harbor of Refuge, and this summer they opened it for tours.
The Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation can be contacted by calling 302-644-7046. The website is http://www.delawarebaylights.org/
My friend, Sharon, who is a true local, and very proud of it, had never visited the lighthouses but always wanted to. We arrived at the Cape-May Lewes Ferry Terminal in Lewes. That’s is where we would be picked up. Arriving a little early we decided to have something to eat at the outdoor bar/restaurant called On the Rocks. Best view and great burgers, as well.
Finally, the boat arrived and Sharon and I were ready.
The Cape-May Lewes Ferry was just coming in but our main goal was to get to the historic and iconic Harbor of Refuge.
It was one of those beautiful days in Delmarva and Cape Henlopen looked awesome.
The keeper of this lonely offshore lighthouse. It was hard work. Storms were relentless and waves would reach all the way up the lighthouse. We first passed the East End Lighthouse. But, we had to continue to our destination.
The Delaware Breakwater along with the lighthouses are engineer marvels of the 19th century. They were the first strucures of the kind built in the Western Hemisphere. In 1976, the Delaware Breakwater, the East End Lighthouse and the Harbor of Refuge Light Station were inducted into the National Register of Historic Places as the Nation’s first offshore Historic District.
The imposing Harbor of Refuge was in front of us. We got off the boat and climbed the stairs to the different levels where the Keeper lived. Docents are able to give you all the information you need. The most important thing is the feeling you get of what would be like to “walk in the steps of the Lightkeeper”.
The Harbor of Refuge’s dock has been restored. So much work in raising funds to maintain this historic lighthouse. The dock has been dedicated to Red Moulinier, President of the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation for his time and efforts. The lighthouse still has more renovations on the way along with maintenance. It has been painted and it looks beautiful.
From the top of the lighthouse the views are unbelievable as you can imagine. At times, dolphins and mantas pass by.
By visiting the website above mentioned you will be able to see what tours they will have next year. Also check the sunset tours. You will not go inside the lighthouses but will circle around them for those Kodak moments. Tours book quickly and, of course, it also depends on the weather. This weekend they have tours on Saturday, but they are already sold out. For more info. you may call Red at 302-226-3866. There is also a button on the website for donations. Every little bit helps.
If you would like to see my other posts on these lighthouses, with photos, please visit my website at http://www.aboutmybeaches.com.
Have a great time this weekend. The beginning of Fall!!
By the way, lots of locals on this tour. We had fun!!
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