Up until a few minutes ago I had not realized that the blog I started in 2009 is celebrating 13 years of sharing my thoughts on finding out about events, restaurants, reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner today. http://www.aboutmybeaches.com
No photos at the beginning until I caught on how important photos are to all of us. We are so visual.
The first post was about McCabes Gourmet Market in Bethany Beach. No longer McCabes, times have changed. Great store that we all loved for many years. Their Queso (Mexican Cheese Dip) Recipe is on the website. Click on it and put it on the Search.
My second post was Agave. The ever present Margaritas, the Avocado Martini, music, best chili, guacamole and so on.
At the time blogs were beginning to take place in our society. But, people would still smiled like saying: really? Blah, Blah, and Blah. The point of my blog was that I could put my two cents in about places that I have been to, my beloved beaches in Southern Delaware and beyond. Food, recipes and reviews. We all have different tastes, likes and dislikes but it was my diary sort of speak of. I can write when I want to and other times I just take a break and put tidbits on My Facebook page.
Since the beginning I have spoken of how good the corn is in Southern Delaware. I just took this photo the other day. White corn, but they have yellow and a mix kernel ones, as well. Freeman’s on Robinsonville Rd. in Lewes is the best. Every day it is picked and it is so fresh that you can eat it raw. I usually eat one or two ears like that. Amazing.
Lewes’ Lighthouses are something to see.
Strolling the Boardwalk day or night.
I have lived here for so many years. I am a foodie and love to eat and experience different cultures.
My blog continues and one of the best things that have happened since opening AboutMyBeaches is that I have learned so much about our area. It is not just the beaches, so much more depth. It has given my family a very nice life. I don’t take it for granted. I appreciate it.
Until then check my Facebook Page, and Instagram and stop here for recipes and information. It’s all good.
Love Crabs….these ones from Suicide Bridge.
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Charleston, South Carolina is known for its Lowcountry cuisine. This type of cooking has influences from the coast and from soul food. Classics like the she-crab soup and the shrimp and grits are some of the offerings I taste as I go from one restaurant to another. Which one is best? As you know that is so personal but so is a blog. My personal experiences!!
Lunch at 82 Queen in Charleston in early March was memorable because of those 2 dishes I mentioned above.
It opened in 1982 and it is considered one of Charleston’s oldest restaurants.
March is a great time of the year in Charleston. Cooler evenings and days are warm, perfect for enjoying an outdoor lunch.
Starting with the French 75. Love this cocktail. I wanted made with Courvoisier because it makes such a difference. Very refreshing.
I was recommended to have the Queen’s Salad which was a mixture of lettuce, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, sweet corn, field peas, apple wood bacon, hard boiled egg, with a cheddar, buttermilk herb dressing. Starting with a salad and a cocktail, it is perfect for me.
They have been serving the She Crab Soup probably since the restaurant opened so there is perfection in its taste. Here, in Delaware, I don’t see this soup in restaurants. You use the female crab for this tasty soup.
Best of the several ones tasted I decided to look for their recipe. I think I found it and here it goes.
1 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped carrots
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 stick plus 2 tablespoons butter divided
1/2 cup of flour
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fish stock or water and fish base
1/4 lb. crab roe
1 lb. white crabmeat
1/4 sherry
1 tablespoon Tabasco or your preferred hot sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
Lightly saute celery, carrots and onion in 2 tablespoons of butter. In a separate pot, melt remaining 1 stick of butter; stir in the flour to make a roux. Whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Bring to a boil. Add sauteed veggies and remaining ingredients. Simmer 20 minutes. Serve and garnish with sherry.
This soup has the consistency of a bisque. The recipe came from Great American Publishers.
The other dish we had was one that has also been made in this restaurant forever. Their Barbeque Shrimp & Grits. Shrimp, stone ground grits, a bourbon-barbeque sauce, applewood baon, cheddar, and scallions.
On this particular trip the Fried Green Tomatoes were offered as starters but I can tell you that if you like to share this one is a nice big portion. I ate it all. It was my total favorite.
Pimento cheese, a must, stone ground-grits the best partner, and tomato bacon jam. The best.
So if you decide to take a trip to Charleston check these restaurants here on AboutMyBeaches. You can put Charleston on the search and see if some of them catch your interest.
AboutMyBeaches has a FB page.
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Traveling to Charleston in the Spring after a cold winter was soooo nice. The weather, the restaurants, and our accommodations all worked in unison. When that happens your vacation is great.
We chose the Zero George located on 0 George Street because of its reputation. Conde Nast names it as one of the top 5 Foodie Hotels in the world. Besides choosing it for our stay we also had the opportunity to enjoy a dinner in-house at their restaurant which was a foodie experience. More on that later.
There are 4 buildings in the property. Originally only 2 dating to 1804. The above photo shows where our suite was. This is one of those building with wide plank beautiful floors. It was like an apartment.
The property is beautifully maintained. Cozy and quaint you can find plenty of places to enjoy a drink during happy hour in the gardens or in their verandas.
Complimentary wine and cheese in the early evening.
You can walk from the Zero George to the center of town. But if you get tired or if you want to go to restaurants in the evening then calling the Bike Taxi or the Charleston Pedicab is the best way to go. The Zero George has valet parking available too. Plus, at night you practically get a tour of the city while these guys take you from one destination to another. At the time of our stay it was $12 for the ride. Charleston does not have a lot of Uber and I never saw a taxi. This is a very popular way to travel within town.
Charleston is so pretty. Walk, take a tour, enjoy their food and their music.
Plan A was to take the Cape May Lewes Ferry from Lewes towards Cape May, on our way to the Borgata. A 24 hour get-a-way. A change of scenery.
Plan B came into the picture when gale force winds were not going to be conducive to traveling inside the ferry. So driving was the way to go. To tell you the truth it was not bad at all. We stopped for lunch in Wilmington at Buckley’s Tavern which post is already up.
If you are a frequent visitor to Atlantic City you will certainly notice that it is very quiet. Upon entering the Borgata the first thing, before you could even take another step, was the taking of your temperature. The hotel was immaculate and during our stay of 24 hours we felt very safe.
There were families with children and other people like us that wanted a change from the same thing.
Our view was amazing. We were on the 36th floor.
There are several restaurants at the Borgata, but if you want to eat steaks then the Old Homestead should be your choice. Reservations are required by calling 609-317-1000. Or you can also do it online http://www.m.theborgata.com The Old Homestead has been in existence for about 150 years in New York. It is considered an institution.
We had great service with our server knowing the menu well. A Coppola wine with oysters. The bread was amazing. And asking him which salad to pick he suggested the Oh Salad. You see that on the plate it looks like a regular old salad, but it was a memorable salad. Romaine, radicchio, tomatoes, gherkins, chopped egg, apple wood bacon, shaved reggiano and onion crunch. It had a Thousand Island Dressing. Not sure what they did to that dressing but it was very good.
I knew the specialty was steak but still asked our server what was the entree that customers just cannot stop talking about. Without hesitation he said the Chilean Bass. He said it is just that good. I love seafood, so that was my entree and it did not disappoint. Probably the best I have ever had. Placed on top of long beans, raisins, cashews, it had a fried potato bundle. Then a sauce made of soy sauce, cilantro, butter, lime, and honey.
Asparagus with Hollandaise for the table.
The Veal Chop was the other entree ordered and it was the special of the day. It got rave reviews, as well.
And guess what else we ordered? Onion Rings…made in house. Not greasy and the perfect size. Dipping them in Ketchup, oh what a treat!!
No dessert was necessary. I think we had eaten enough.
The Casino had players but, again, not like the usual. There were partitions between the dealer and players and between the players too. The moment someone would get up the whole area was cleaned.
If you want to get out of the house, I recommend it.
The next day off we went to Philly to the Reading Terminal….That will be the next post.
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By the seat of my pants I got a reservation at The Inn at Pound Ridge. A getaway to Greenwich and Bedford with only 2 nights to try restaurants that would leave me wanting to go back.
I called the day prior to our trip for a reservation. There were none available. I called again and left a message. I could not believe that they called me back asking me what time I wanted the reservation for. Don’t know if anyone canceled but a reservation I indeed had.
The Inn at Pound Ridge started as a residence back in 1833. Then, an inn, and now renowned International Chef Jean-Georges has it as a farm to table restaurant. It has an understated elegance that is palpable the moment you step in.
You can check the credentials of Jean-Georges. A Michelin Star winner, a businessman, a restauranteur, and a book publisher. Restaurant patrons all over the world appreciate his cooking style. http://www.jean-georges.com
“Soup to Nuts” comes to mind as I write this post. It means from beginning to end. Every aspect covered. The term can be attributed to many things and not just cooking.
Fireplaces were roaring, it was a cold night. The Inn at Pound Ridge is located at 258 Westchester Ave. http://www.theinnatpoundridge.com
They were taking us downstairs and I thought maybe our table was not going to be a prime table. Well, surprise, surprise, it certainly was. In an alcove next to the fire. Very private and cozy. Jess, our server, promptly came over. A shout to him. He was very attentive throughout our dining experience.
Drinks were ordered. Then, the soup. Butternut Squash Soup with Wild Mushrooms. A delicate soup, full of color and flavor.
The Kale Salad with a Parmesan Dressing, Croutons, and Mint. I tasted this salad. It was not my own. I would say that it was very good but not the best I have tasted before.
Look at that Steamed Black Seabass. It was the evening’s special and got a thumbs up review.
Every good restaurant offers beef. How it is prepared can make for a memorable experience. This Beef Tenderloin reflected that. It was eaten slowly because he did not want it to end. Those are smooth parsnips, with roasted Brussels sprouts and a Miso mustard.
My Faroe Island Salmon was amazing. That’s my description. It is a favorite entree at the restaurant and it came with mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts and a truffle vinaigrette.
A few after dinner drinks, a little coffee, and more conversation. No dessert was necessary even though for the purpose of a food post I should have had one.
What’s a memorable dining experience? Those chips, again, have to fall into place. The atmosphere, the food, and the company. Yes, the company makes it priceless!!
Until next time, I remain. AboutMyBeaches has its own FB Page if you would like to leave a message. Finding out about what’s going on, what events, what restaurants…reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.
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A change of scenery is a welcome change. Nothing beats just a couple of days away from the usual to rejuvenate our mental health.
Staying at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor was that type of change. Just 2 nights is all we needed. The hotel is on the water. Located at 500 Steamboat Rd., Greenwich, CT 06830
Covid 19 tests negative we had just in case anyone asked. No valet parking at the moment because of the virus but the property has parking so that was not a big deal.
Easy check in. Guests were asked not to congregate in the lobby.
In the mornings, fruit, yogurt, juices were placed on that table. Towards the back on the left there was a very nice coffee bar.
The property is located on the water. I can imagine sitting outdoors during warmer months.
The room was very comfortable. A great bed, by the way. The balcony, again would have been perfect appreciating the waterfront.
Delamar has a restaurant called L’Escale. The menu looked great but we only had drinks.
To me the hotel was Art Deco. That design period is captivating and nostalgic. The restaurant was founded in 2003.
Definitely, will stay there again. Everyone was very cordial and the restaurant is so close to Greenwich Ave. where fabulous stores, spas, and restaurants are found.
The Delamar has a spa but because of Covid the spaces were limited and being that it was a holiday weekend they suggested Posh Spa located at 195 Greenwich Ave., next to Saks Fifth Ave…how convenient. It was great and after a 1 1/2 massage we felt like new people. And, ready to experience a few of the restaurants that the area offered.
Even though traveling through a pandemic has been challenging, there is still ways to enjoy a couple of days away from the norm. The trip from Rehoboth Beach to Greenwich took 4 hours and that included stopping a few times. Very doable.
Next post? Restaurant #1
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Looking for a change of scenery from the beautiful Maryland and Delaware Beaches…..oh yes, it was time to see what was happening in South Florida at this time of the year; Summer 2017. As you know the State of Florida does not empty out in the summer against popular belief. And guess what? Those 9 days in Palm Beach County were cooler than home. While Southern Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland were taking in 100 degree weather, we were enjoying low 90’s and upper 80’s. Less traffic, restaurants were open without long lines….Yes, traveling during the summer to that part of Florida was certainly very enjoyable.
Did I tell you that we did not plan much? Winging it and seeing what adventures we could experience on a daily basis was part of the fun.
I have experienced going on an airboat through the Everglades but traveling with Dennis Smith on Gatorhunt Airboat Rides took it to a different level.
An Airboat is a flat bottom boat propelled by an aircraft-type propeller and it is powered by either an auto engine or aircraft engine. Perfect for traveling in marshy and/or shallow waters. We actually found Dennis online. He is located in Okeechobee and from Singer Island, Florida it took us about an hour. You have to travel west. His tours are very private and affordable; 2 to 6 people. At that time of the year it was $25 and we did leave him a tip because he delivered a great airboat tour for us. He does have a fun personality, as well. His telephone number is 863-763-7433. You can check his website http://www.gatorhuntairboatrides.com.
As you can see from the photo the airboat was small. But what a personality Dennis had!! The first he said that the previous days he had been out and had not seen and gator sightings!! Oh, that should be our luck not to see any. It was so quiet traveling through the marshes and so beautiful. The actual boat is noisy. You could use the headgear provided or just get used to the noise.
Then all of a sudden a sighting….a big one!!
He was checking out a small male coming into his territory. Dennis was amazed that so quickly we were able to see one. When it is hot, and it was, at times it is hard for them to come to the surface.
We continue looking for more creatures and we did find more.
There are plenty of airboat tours taking you through the marshes of South Florida, but this particular one was not commercialized whatsoever. Dennis has been doing this for so many years. The water was like glass.
This next scene had me mesmerized. It was like out of Africa. The cattle crossing the river. I was worried that the alligators would get them, but Dennis said that alligators know that they are too big for them. I believe Florida runs 12th in the nation in beef cow. There are about 18,433 beef cattle ranches. It is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. After Texas, it is the South’s main source of beef.
We continued on our journey and Dennis was going to so fast, then would slow down to give us more insight on this beautiful place.
Our tour was almost over when we noticed a little something taking a ride with us.
Totally worth it and totally unexpected. Thanks to Dennis for making our last day in South Florida a memorable one.
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