July 22nd, 2015
It was that time of the year…for 24 years the Beach and Bay Cottage Tour has been taking place in July. It is a fundraising event for the Friends of the South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach, Delaware. It also has been probably that many years since a “true” cottage has been on the tour. There are still a few of those left in town reminding us that life was much simpler then, at the beach. The tour was today, July 22nd and tomorrow, July 23rd.
It is my second year joining this great group of women that only travel in style, thanks to our oganizer Sandy. She is a gracious hostess and lunch at her house in between the touring of 10 magnificent homes was fantastic.
We have been traveling by limo. Nothing but the best for the group. Atlantic Transportation Services was going to be taking care of us. Yes, we were the chicks in the limo!! And, Ellyne Gale, one of the owners of Atlantic Transportation Services was our driver. Please check http://www.atlanticlimode.com.
We arrived early, the tour was starting at 9:30 a.m. and we had 10 houses to visit. Here is our group. In the limo we had things to eat: champagne and wine!! It was going to be a long day!!
Sorry, but no photos were allowed in any of the houses. All the houses were interesting to say the least. The largest one was 7,000 square feet. The group of homes on this year’s tour had something that would appeal to every one that visited. Thanks to the 400 volunteers that worked so hard to make this year’s tour a sensational event. Great weather, as well!! And, we toured all 10 houses!!
Stopping at Rooster’s Nest is always a must stop. Rooster’s Nest is located west of Fenwick Island, Delaware, at the Bayville Shopping Center. It is open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day. Tel. 302-436-1848 This shop has home furnishings, home accessories, and so much more.
If you are a fan of Bossom Buddy Bags from Baltimore, Maryland, Rooster’s Nest has a nice collection of them. These handbags are beautifully made: “Handbags as extraordinary as the women who carry them.” bossom buddy bags
Summer at the beaches can be a tricky time when you have a large group of people that are ready for dinner….Not all restaurants can handle big groups. Thanks to Just Hooked because they made sure that all of us had a comfortable table with exceptional service. Just Hooked is located at 1500 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island, DE 19944. Tel. 302-581-0098 Website? http://www.justhookedfi.com.
An order of fried calamari to wet our appetites. Light and perfectly season, we passed them around the table.
There were a few specials….The Salmon was one of them. I almost got it. It had chutney, which I think adds so much to any dish.
Instead, I decided on the Softshell Crabs. I do love them and Just Hooked was supposed to have delicious ones. They did not disappointed. They were light, sweet and oh, so good.
Someone ordered a salad with a filet. Something light.
Fish n’ Chips…buttermilk battered cod, house fries, coleslaw and a remoulade.
Local Crab Cake with pickled carrot n’ peashoot salad, bacon fingerling frittes and classic remoulade.
Seared scallops, with pearl faro, spring peas, artichokes, chicory and pesto. They looked beautiful.
Shrimp n’ Grits…cheesy grits, fried green beans, chorizo vinaigrette and chili threads.
No dessert was necessary after all this delicious food accompanied by wine and other spirits like Orange Crush!!
It was time to go home…”The most valuable live thing for me is when people look like they’re having a good time.” grimes
We certainly did, ladies and until next time….I remain.
May 31st, 2015
 
I am celebrating everything outdoors. Gorgeous weather in Delmarva. To tell you the thruth, I do not mind picking weeds. I, actually, find it therapeutic!! Well, what can I say. For many, gardening is a hobby. It is peaceful and rewarding. You do not have to wait long to see the garden flourish.
We all need help from garden centers. Tomato Sunshine is located at 18791 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-226-9533. Website? http://www.tomatosunshine.com. They are a one stop does it all type of gardening center. Everything needed to make your garden prosper, as well. Ask questions, they are always happy to help.
Every year I say I am simplifying my garden. I don’t want to spend hours watering. A few trips to Tomato Sunshine and I am almost finished. This year I have bought ferns, hibiscus, soil, herbs. I will still be watering.
Tomato Sunshine is a happy place. And, next time you stop, just listen….their music is getting pretty good, too! You might event dance a few steps while picking out local produce. At the present time the tomatoes are coming from Florida. It won’t be long when everything is local!! Local means good, fresh, and delish!!
Fig trees have been hit hard in the past 2 years. They have plenty of fig trees in case you are trying to replace the ones that did not make it.
Vibrant pottery and yard ornamentals.
Tomato Sunshine is open 7 days a week. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Stop by energize and uplift yourselves with the power of flowers. Cozy corners show some of the patio furniture.
Have a great day!
April 29th, 2015
Simple pleasures, enjoying the moment, strolling Historic Lewes, Delaware…it is in Bloom! Each DE Beach has its own personality. Lewes Historic District is full of shops, restaurants….also, some of the oldest homes in the state. Afterall, Lewes is the First Town in the First State. Lewes is a gem…a town well treasured by its residents, and long-time visitors, as well.
On Front Street you will find the 1812 Memorial Park. On April 6 through April 8, 1813 Lewes sustained heavy cannon fire from the British ships, and was bombarded by Congreve rockets, the first use of this technology against the Americans.
Not knowing was Congreve rockets were…I was curious. These rockets were developed by Sir William Congreve in 1804. He registered 2 patents, and published 3 books on rocketry. It is a long story, but one interesting tidbit is the fact that: It was the use of ship launched Congreve rockets by the British in the bombardment of Fort McHenry in the U.S. in 1814 that inspired the fifth line of the first verse of the United States’ National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”: “and the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air”.
 
Along with the 1812 Memorial Park, on Front Street, you will find the City Dock. 200 feet long along Front Street, it can accommodate small and large vessels. For boat slip info., please call 302-644-9069.
I remember posting a few weeks ago that the tulips in Historic Lewes had a mind of their own….well, with the Tulip Festival over, the tulips are now in bloom. You can enjoy them throughout Lewes.
What’s Going On?
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays – Life in Lewes – A 90 minute walking tour of the Historic Town, sponsored by the Lewes Historical Society. It starts at 2 p.m. at the Ryves Holt House located at Second and Mulberry Streets. $10, free for members, students and children under 12. More info? Please call 302-645-7670. Website? http://www.historiclewes.org.
Friday, May 1st – Laff Yoga – Don’t you love to laugh? Out loud? Well, you can do just that by attenting Laff Yoga at the Lewes Library every Friday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. This is a free weekly event, unless the Library is closed. Everyone is welcome. Laughter is the best medicine!! Laff Yoga is led by certified Laugher Yoga leader, Michele Buckler. More info? Please visit http://www.laffyoga.com. Or, call 302-645-0576.
Friday, May 1st through Sunday, May 3rd – Lewes’ Merchants’ Spring Sidewalk Sale, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. I don’t I have to give you too much explanation….just bring your wallet and get ready for some great bargains.
Saturday, May 2nd through May 26th – “Terra Incognita” at Peninsula Gallery Fine Art and Framing located at 520 E. Savannah Rd. A series of atmospheric landscapes in pastel and oil by gallery artist John Davis Held. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. More info? Please call 302-645-0551 or visit http://www.peninsula-gallery.com.
Saturday, May 2nd – Lewes in Bloom’s Spring Plant Sale from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Funds raised from this event will help fund Lewes in Bloom’s horticulture efforts in the City of Lewes. They will be selling member-grown perennials, fresh herbs from East Coast Garden Center and Lewes in Bloom’s merchandise like T-shirts and caps. Location? Second Street in front of Citizens Bank. More info? Visit http://www.lewesinbloom.org
Saturday, May 2nd – 20th Annual British Motorcar Show from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Once again, Lewes welcomes this very well attended event, when a wide array of classic British vehicles make their appearance at Lewes Historical Society Complex located at Third and Shipcarpenter Streets. The Lewes Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring this event along with The British Car Club of Delaware. General admission ($3, free for children 12 and under) includes ballots on which to vote for the best cars.
Saturday, May 2nd – Full Moon Hike at Cape Henlopen State Park, near Lewes, at 8 p.m., starting at the Seaside Nature Center. For ages 7 and older, $2. For info. please call 302-645-6852. http://www.destateparks.com
Sunday, May 3rd – Blessing of the Fleet – This is an event held every year on the first Sunday of May. It is a passionate event that allows everyone to bless watermen and to honor those who have passed away in the past year. It takes place at Fisherman’s Wharf overlooking the Historical Lewes Rehoboth Canal on 7 Anglers Rd. Website? http://www.thewharflewes.com.
Have a great time!!
 
April 11th, 2015
Kick back in style at the Delaware Beaches. Aquamarine has been recognized by “Elle” magazine as one of the 50 best boutiques across the 50 states. I can see why….all boutiques are shops but not all shops are boutiques. Personal attention at Aquamarine is what you will get. And, once you become a customer, Maureen and her Mom will remember your name.
Aquamarine is located at 114 Second Street, in the heart of Lewes Historic District. Tel. 302-644-4550. Website? http://www.aquamarineat114.com. You can also find Aquamarine on Market on Facebook.
 
What makes us, women, come back to this boutique? The inside is so pretty. The building dates to the 1900’s. It used to be the hardware store owned by the Vessel Family. Rich woods and cabinetry are beautifully preserved.
Aquamarine has something for everyone and the personal attention that customers receive is just that. Maureen has a great eye for what looks good on a woman. She is honest, friendly, and you’ll love her immediately because she makes you feel like you have known her forever.
 
Here, at the Delaware Beaches, our lifestyle is very casual…Beach Chic, Resort Attire….we love it! The dress code is sophisticated but understated, as well.
 
We are waiting for summer, the temperatures are rising, the flowers are starting to bloom. You can feel it in the air. There is something about it. By the time you read this post, hopefully, the tulips are blooming in Lewes. Aquamarine is full of colorful ladies apparel and Maureen mentioned that she has new lines in the store. For example, there is one line that she thinks is great. It is called Planet. This company utilizes top natural fabrics like Irish handkerchief linen, prima cotton, and washed silk organza. Palettes are of soft hues.
 
To see what lines Aquamarine carries, please visit http://www.aquamarineat114.com/index.html/lines-we-love.html. Then, click on Lines We Love.
Enjoy the week-end and sunny weather!!
April 5th, 2015
 
“Eating is so intimate. It’s very sensual. When you invite someone to sit at your table and you want to cook for them, you’re inviting a person into your life.” maya angelou
The Delaware Beaches are dining destinations for many. Plenty of events revolve around food and the enjoyment of what has become a pastime for many. It’s all About Food & Spirits!! So, What’s Going On?
Thursday, April 9th – BOGLE VINEYARDS WINE DINNER AT PAPA GRANDE’S REHOBOTH BEACH – 6:30 P.M. Location? 210 Second St. Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-212-2409. This Coastal Taqueria is offering 4 courses, including dessert. $40, gratuity is not included. All courses will be paired with appropriate Bogle Wines. Offerings like Tropical Tuna Cocktail, Roasted Beet Salad, Lamb Enchilada….and sweet ending of delicious Churros. Please call Mike Zygmonski at 302-212-2409 or email him at Mikez@sodelconcepts.com.
Thursday, April, 9th – FORDHAM & DOMINION BEER DINNER – Hosted by Summer House in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. 7:00 p.m., $30/person, gratuity not included. 4 Courses, all paired with Double D Duoble IPA honey drizzle, Candi Belgium Tripe IPA, Oak Barrel Stout, and a sweet ending of Morning Glory Espresso Stout Float…More info? Please call 302-227-3895. Summer House is located at 227 Rehoboth Avenue. Website? http://www.summerhousesaloon.com.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April, 10th, 11th, 12th – DEWEY BEACH & REHOBOTH BEACH BACON FEST – Spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sampling bacon delicacies in Rehoboth and Dewey Beach!! Best information for this upcoming event can be found at http://www.idewey.com. 22 locations of Bacon Pleasure!! For the competitors there will be prizes for 1st Best Bacon on the Beach, 1st Dewey Beach Bacon Fest, and 1st Rehoboth Beach Bacon Fest. Restaurants, Caterers or Bacon Artisans, are all welcome. Competitors must have their Best Bacon on The Beach sample ready by Noon on Saturday, April 11th and by 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 4/12. Lol!! There will be no vegan options!! There will be vendors and breweries…some showing off some bacon inspired creations. Best….is to check the website and Facebook Page.
 
Sunday, April 12th – FASHION, FUN 7 PHILANTHROPY WITH SUSSEX COUNTY FUND FOR WOMEN – $30, $35 at the door if seating is available. Reservations are required. Register on or before April 10th by contacting Lynn Kokjohn at 302-841-4333. There will be raffles, coupons, hors d’oeuvres, wine and shopping!! Location will be Independence Hall Clubhouse located at 29762 Oliver Wolcott Dr. in Millsboro, DE 19966. The mission of this organization is to provide funding to enhance the worth and potential of women and girls in Delaware by bringing together the collective philanthrophic power of women. More info? Please visit http://www.delcf.org/ffw
 Kari & Marcie Tuesday, April 21st – CHICKS FOR CHARITY DINNER WILL BENEFIT: THE REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE. Location? Fish On! at the Villages of Five Point in Lewes. 6:30 p.m. $30 includes gratuity. Cash or Check only. Cash bar available. There will be raffle items and a 50/50. Please RSVP to Chicksdinner@gmail.com. No calls to the restaurant, please. Chicks for Charity is always in need of raffle items and volunteers. Please send them an email if you would like to help or have a raffle donation. These dinners take place once a month and support a local charity. More info? Please visit http://www.chicksforcharity.us. The Rehoboth Art League was founded in 1938. It is a membership-based teaching and exhibiting non-profit arts organization dedicated to encouraging and preserving the arts in Southern Delaware. It is located in Rehoboth Beach.
Thursday, April 23rd – NANTUCKETS, FENWICK ISLAND, PRESENTS: DUCKHORN VINEYARD WINE DINNER – 5:30 p.m. $85/person. Enjoy wonderful foods paired with Duckhorn’s Finest Blends. Details and reservations, please call 302-539-2607 or visit http://www.nantucketsrestaurant.com
Sunday, April 26th – 7th ANNUAL WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – PERFECT PAIRINGS – BENEFITTING CHILDREN & FAMILIES FIRST, REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE, AND CHILDREN’S BEACH HOUSE. 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person or $78 per couple. Taste dozens of fine hand-picket wines from around the world. Artfully paired with their chef-driven unique food and pastry specialties. Great Silent Auction items, as well!! Please visit http://www.nagerb.com/wine—food-festival.html. Location? Nage Rehoboth Beach, 19730 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). Tel. 302-226-2037
Saturday, May 2nd – HISTORIC LEWES FARMERS MARKET PRESENTS: THREE HISTORIC HOMES, THE SUPERB CHEFS, THREE DELECTABLE MENUS….ONE MEMORABLE NIGHT. 10th year anniversary celebration!! For tickets, please visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org. More info? Please call 302-644-1436.
Wednesday, May 13th through Sunday, May 17th – 2015 MIDATLANTIC WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – Chefs and winemakers from all over the globe descend upon the East Coast to collaborate on 35 brunches, lunches, tastings and dinners. Tickets are on sale now. Please visit http://www.mawff.org. Southern Delaware will be hosting some of these events. Please visit the schedule at http://www.mawff.org/schedule. Click on the links to read about the 60 plus International, National, and MidAtlantic chefs, and 23 winemakers and wineries from around the world. There will be chefs and winemakers from 6 continents.
“Three things are needed for a good life; good friends, good food, and good songs.” jazon zebehazy Have a good One!!
March 31st, 2015
 
Like a kid in a candy store…I always feel when I enter Edie Bees. It is a state of complete fascination…so many tempting confections all around me. Edie Bees is located at 115 Second Street, Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-245-2337. It opens 7 days a week.
 
Edie Bees fits like a glove in Historic Lewes, among quaint shops and restaurants. Lewes is the First Town in the First State. It is a year round resort. Visitors love coming to Lewes; it is just so pretty. The residents watch over Lewes protecting this historic gem.
 
Some of the candy will bring memories to those who are a bit matured. Other chocolates will mesmerize you….so gorgeous, like the hand painted truffle eggs from a company in New York called Chocolat Moderne. On the left, the Fauverge Eggs and on the right the speckled Eggs Naturel.
 
The Chocolate Easter Eggs from Souderton, Pennsylvania, are all filled with 5 different flavors….Coconut, Peanut Butter, Cutter Cream, Fruit & Nut, and Chocolate & Nut.
Edie Bees brings to Lewes uncured Bacon Chocolate Eggs from Vosges Haut-Chocolat from Chicago.
And, John Kelly chocolates from California.
Just in time for Easter, the Gluten Free, Vegan, and Nut Free chocolates have arrived.
Throughout Edie Bees there is plenty of candy for the holidays. But, candy and chocolates are for every occasion. Grab your bags and fill them with your choice of confections.
The shelves are full of candy. Very visible, just open the lids and help yourselves.
 
If you have any questions there is plenty of help and on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday you will find my friend, Jody, at Edie Bees. She knows her candy and can give you plenty of ideas if you have a gift for someone special in mind.
 
Walking around the candy shop I thought these pretzels looked amazing.
The Malt Balls…always have loved them. Easy shopping, they are already bagged.
The chocolates:
This box made all of chocolate containing chocolate truffles…is decadent.
So, if you are looking for something special, something out of the ordinary, something that will make someone happy…..stop by and take a few sweets home.
 
 
Have a good one!!
March 22nd, 2015
I have been in Rehoboth Beach….waiting for Spring. Finally, the sky is blue, but that chill in the air is most definitely still there. I don’t know what happened but my week in Historic Charleston, South Carolina, was grey, a bit rainy, and cool.
My friends asked me if I had bought one of the sweetgrass baskets. Not yet…another trip, perhaps. Could not make up my mind.
The baskets are made of sweetgrass, long leaf pine needles, bulrush and Palmetto tree leaves. This type of basket weaving is one of the oldest crafts of African origin in America. Each is an original piece, revealing the skill of the individual designer. With proper care sweetgrass baskets will last a lifetime.
If you follow my blog, you are well aware that I do take lots of photos. I think people are more visual, plus I like doing it. When taking pictures you have to be sensitive to others whether you are in a restaurant or other public place or taking the photos of the weavers, like I did. I asked for permission, and they did give it to me. On the next photo, he was only taking care of the booth at the City Market for his mother, Celestine Wilson.
This next sweetgrass basket weaver was right at the main entrance of the City Market. It takes her hours to finish a basket. They are labor intensive. It is getting harder to get the grasses. Some travel to Jacksonville to get them. Most basket weavers sign their work on the bottom. The ones I had the opportunity to speak to said that with them it started when they were very young. That they would take a seat in their home’s living room and one of them would start weaving, then pass it on to the next member of the family for inspection and so on and so on until the mother or grandmother would inspect it one last time. While weaving, all would talk about the day’s ongoings. One of them said that even to this day…when her children come to visit for the holidays or what not…this is a “pastime” that they all do together.
The care for the sweetgrass baskets is pretty simple and easy. Since the grasses used are found in swamp and marsh areas, the water will not hurt them. Use a soft brush or cloth, carefully washing them in soapy water. Rinse, then, air dry them completely. That’s all!
Charleston City Market is recognized as one of the oldest in the country. The land must remain in use as a market for perpetuity. It is located at 188 Meeting St. Many of the local vendors are displaying and selling their goods at the City Market. The Market opens every day. They only close on December 25th. Please visit http://www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com.
And when the sun came up on Monday, March 2nd and the temperatures climbed to 70 degrees….I had to take this photo!!
EVENT: The Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival will take place at the Memorial Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant, SC on Saturday, June 6, 2015. More info? http://www.sweetgrassfestival.org. Tel. 843-856-9732
Have an awesome day!!
March 20th, 2015
Happy 2nd Year Anniversary!! When The Spice & Tea Exchange opened in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, at 10 Rehoboth Avenue, this was going to be the first franchise opened in our small state. Great location, ocean block!! Since then, I have seen visitors and locals, like myself, stop and shop in a store that for those that like to cook is a must stop shop. Tel. 302-227-3327. Website? http://www.spiceandtea.com/rehoboth. They open every day, but at this time of the year, they close on Wednesdays.
 
This winter they started the Taste & Learn Series with demonstrations by local chefs. Only two more of those series are left. Taking place on Mondays….March 30th with Chef Betty Burleigh of Dinner is Served, and April 20th with Chef Hari Cameron of a(MUSE). Starter, entree, and dessert!! $35/person or $60/couple 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Call them up and make a reservation!
Cooking should be from the heart; it should not be rushed. The right amount of spice adding flavor to the recipes should be such that it will not overpower your creation. Your meal should not be ordinary, or boring….it should be extraordinary. And, when my brother gets his birthday present next week he will be getting tons of spices, salts, sugars and rubs… he will be spicing things up in Florida!! He loves to cook!!
Love their rice too. Different and eye catching.
I am not a hot tea drinker but they do have an excellent variety of loose teas for those that love a hot cup of tea….like my friend, Debbie.
I first stepped into The Spice & Tea Exchange on Mizner Park in Boca Raton, Florida. I was impressed then. Happy to have it in Rehoboth Beach….just visited one in Charleston, South Carolina. Even though it is a franchise, each has their own individuality. The staff is friendly and very helpful. They blend spices and herbs to customize. They are very knowledgeable of the products they sell. The Black Lava salt is so different. They told me that is a good finisher salt. Great on steaks. It contains sea salt and activated charcoal. The salt is dried in lava beds. On the second photo you can see it on the top shelf.
 
In ancient times salt was valuable. Roman soldiers were paid in salt. The payments were called “salarium”. Salt was and still is a preservative.
The Himalayan Salt Stones intrigue me. I have never cooked with them, but always look at them when shopping at their store. They can be heated, or chilled to any extreme temperature. Wash it after each use; not need for detergent. Awesome conversation piece for a party.
My “Pilon” is what is known as a mortar. I come from Puerto Rico and the pilon used for almost everything is made out of wood. But, apparently there is a difference…if you use a marble one, that’s very good for crushing whole spices. The one made out of wood, like I use, is mainly for crushing sauces…garlic too, well, that’s what I do. The ceramic one is mostly used in Europe. Perfect for crushing fresh spices. The Mexican favorite is the molcajete….avocados!!
 
I found out the website has recipes that look pretty good. Please visit http://www.spiceandtea.com/recipes-c-54.html.
So, as you stroll, and enjoy your time in Downtown Rehoboth Beach…..stop by and say hello.
 
|
Comments Off on Day Tripping, Bethany Beach, Delaware, Chicks in A Limo, Atlantic Transportation Services, Beach and Bay Cottage Tour, July 22nd & 23rd, Fundraising Event, Friends of the South Coastal Library, Roosters Nest, Just Hooked, Restaurant, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware