November 30th, 2015
Not that long ago a friend said to me that we should all be traveling while we can. To discover the world that is getting much smaller and definitely more dangerous. But, you have to do it, otherwise, they win. So, the State Department has just issued in the past few days a Worldwide Travel Alert which will expire in mid February, 2016. I believe that not since 9/11 such an alert has been issued, worldwide. If you are traveling abroad you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is a way of staying connected through these uncertain times. They will send you travel alerts, weather surprises, uprisings in any particular country….so please visit https://step.state.gov/step.
The whole week in Berlin was grey and cold. We did manage to do everything including 4 and 5 hour walking tours. We arrived at WeihnachtsZauber Christmas market late afternoon. This is a classic market in one of the most beautiful settings in Berlin; the opulent architecture is breathtaking.
The Christmas Markets are the perfect place to escape the noisy city streets. This market lends a magical air to the event because of where it is located. Music floats from the stage where many other events take place throughout the month.
The organizers of the WeihnachtsZauber Christmas Market will be presenting a check to Berlin to support people in need and to promote cultural projects based in Berlin.
The market opened on November 23rd and you can visit from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. The 1 Euro entry free is for the charity collection which I mentioned above.
Visitors like us walked from booth to booth, discovering glass blowers, jewelry designers, painters and wood carvers. Did not buy anything just for the fact that I did not want to carry anything else on the plane.
There are heated tents with seating where you can have something to drink or eat…..kale and potatoes!!
I chose Currywurst and Beer. It might not look as good to you but believe me it was. The wurst is so crispy on the outside and perfectly moist inside. The sauce is a mixture of Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, and Curry. It is sold everywhere with the best one being Currywurst #36.
Apparently this square lights up on New Years Eve with a spectacular firework display that will set off from the roof of the Konzerthaus.
Stay tuned, I have one more Christmas Market post in the making. Now that Thanksgiving is over we can say Merry Christmas!!
November 29th, 2015
A week in Berlin, Germany, just as the Christmas Markets were ready to open. It is a German tradition called Weihaachtsmarkt or Christmas Market. Not only there are about 60 markets around the City, but Berlin itself has an obssession with Christmas decorations throughout. Buildings, shops, restaurants….all are decorated and for the most part all Christmas trees are real.
A main shopping street in West Berlin is Tauentzienstrasse…Shops are upscale and plenty of them are not shy about saying Merry Christmas!! One of such store, Hugo Boss.
This avenue will be completely lit up at night and they were still placing lights as we left on Thanksgiving Day.
With everything happening in this world, it was great to see all the decorations and hear Christmas music all throughout the city.
But nothing will get you more in the spirit of Christmas than Berlin’s Christmas Markets. All the markets are laden with traditional food, drinks, and crafts.
 
The market just opened this past week and will be opening throughout December. It is a lot of work as I watched some of the merchants putting the last minute details on their stalls.
One market in West Berlin, near my hotel, was called City Weihaachtsmarkt.
The markets open around 11 a.m. and continue until about 10 p.m. depending on the market. Also, some of them have rides for kids and others have heated restaurants within the market.
Plenty of food and no need to be on a diet in Berlin….you can’t.
I love roasted chestnuts so twice I went to this stall….the chestnuts were from Italy. I had them in the a.m. and then in the p.m. They told me that late in the day they were better….they tasted great to me both times.
They were perfectly roasted, easy to peel and best was eating them while walking around checking other stalls out…..did I tell you that Berlin does not have open container laws?
The Christmas Markets are a place to meet for drinks and dinner. Grab something up or just have a drink and enjoy. It was cold so make sure you bundle up.
Stay tuned….a few more posts from the markets in Berlin.
November 17th, 2015
My friend Debbie and I were spending the night at the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington, Delaware. You can see my post right before this current one. Hungry we were so off to the Chelsea Tavern we went. Arriving at the tavern so early…they told us they did not have tables available. All booked. But, they gave us a great table at the bar. One of those tall tables. We had a clear vision of the dining room. You see how that photo looks so empty, soon enough the whole restaurant was packed. At the bar…standing room only.
The Chelsea Tavern is located at 821 Market Street. Tel. 302-482-3333. Website? http://www.chelseatavern.com.
This tavern is another dining option if you are attending a play at The Playhouse or a concert at The Grand Opera House which is literally across the street.
Debbie and I were taking our time at grazing. The football games were going on the t.v.s and the beer was flowing. If you would like to see their beer menu, please visit http://www.beermenus.com/places/5089-chelsea-tavern.
The first thing we ordered was their Loaded Brussels. These were crispy brussels sprouts, with applewood bacon, scallions, topped with a beer and cheddar cheese sauce.
Continuing enjoying ourselves and then talking to people from Chicago that were in Delaware because their children were playing lacrosse…..we ordered an entree salad called the Quinoa & Beet Salad. It had mixed greens, toasted almond, portobello mushrooms, pickled beets, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, and a sage-balsamic vinegar dressing. After the Brussels Sprouts it was a great cleansing palate salad.
Our server was spot on. His suggestions were all perfect. So, he suggested the Mediterranean Pizza. It had roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, baby spinach, artichokes, Kalamata olives, and a garlic oil and balsamic reduction. This pizza was outstanding. We ordered it well done. No guilt eating this whole pizza. The combination of toppings was delicious. The crust thin and crispy. Yum!
No dessert for us. It was time to cross the street and take our seats at The Grand Opera House where we met one of our other usual suspects, Paula…..she is my entertainment director. In concert Delbert McClinton. He is best know for his hit “Giving It Up For Your Love”. He is a Grammy Award winning recording artist and songwriter. His sax player was amazing.
The Grand Opera House is also known as The Grand Lady of Market Street. It opened in 1871 as a home for the Grand Lodge of the Masons. The Grand was designed by architect Thomas Dixon in the Second Empire style. Its facade is of cast iron adorned with Masonic images. In 1909, The Grand was for a short time converted into a regular stop on the vaudeville circuit, and then into a movie theater. In 1967 it closed its doors. In 1971 plans were unveiled to renovate the theatre to its former splendor. Today The Grand presents more than 75 shows each season. For more information, please visit http://www.thegrandwilmington.org.
That’s all folks!!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
November 17th, 2015
One of my usual suspects, Debbie, and I took off for Wilmington, Delaware…just a quick, ovenight, get-a-way trip. Tickets to see Delbert McClinton in concert were ordered by another suspect, Paula…who is my entertainment director. I have always loved this hotel. It encompasses timeless elegance and beauty. It is located at 11th and Market Sts., Wilmington, DE 19801 Tels. 302-594-3100, 800-441-9019. You can find it on Facebook, as well. Website? http://www.hoteldupont.com
The hotel is an Italian Renaissance building. It was commissioned by Pierre S. du Pont in 1913. It took 2 1/2 years to build. It has 12 stories with 217 rooms and suites. Almost all rooms have king size beds but if you would like a room with 2 beds, please give them a call. They do have some rooms with 2 beds. They are very large and comfortable rooms.
One of the most favorite ball rooms is the Gold Room. During weddings a signature from the hotel is when they bring their baked alaskas for each table all lit. It is something to see. The Gold Room was built in 1918 in the French Neoclassic & Louis XVI style. It can accommodate up to 500 guests. The chandeliers are gorgeous.
Another smaller room, more intimate is The du Barry Room. The chandelier was imported from Yugoslavia. It can accommodate up to 125 guests.
Every Sunday brunch is served in the Green Room. It is an iconic room with families coming here for this amazing brunch on a regular Sunday or just to celebrate a special holiday year after year. It serves as their main dining room, as well. The oak paneling is impressive and so is their impeccable service. There is live music from the gallery above the restaurant on Friday, Saturday, and during Brunch on Sundays. On Sunday, Crystal took care of us. She was great.
The brunch starts at 10 a.m. and reservations are a must. We were just having a regular breakfast but that did not keep us from staring at all the food that was being set up.
We started with a few baked goods…Crystal staged my plate.
My French Omelette had asparagus, Brie, and white truffle oil. I chose very well done scrapple and I have to say it did come out perfectly crispy on the outside, just like I like it. The fancy cut was something new since at Crystal in Rehoboth Beach…they do not go that far.
These are a few of the Brunch offerings that caught my attention.
The desserts looked well so incredibly delish.
Throughout the room there were other stations offering eggs, tenderloin, pastas, vegetables, breads, cheeses, and seafood.
I have to tell you that Debbie and I behaved well….we did not touch one dessert!!
If you would like to learn more about the history of this iconic hotel, please visit http://www.hoteldupont.com/about-en/html.
Inside the hotel you can find the The Playhouse. This theatre has been entertaining guests since 1913. Comming up is Annie, Chicago, Mamma Mia!, Blue Man Group, 42nd Street, and Jersey Boys. Please visit http://www.duponttheatre.com.
And last but not least, you have to get them for you or for a friend….Dick Bryan their Famous Pecan Macaroons. As you check in or out they are right their behind their counters. I am sure they are addictive!!
November 15th, 2015
This was new to me. Thanks to my friend, Dick Bryan, I went to the Oyster & Dumpling Dinner and annual event at the Felton Fire House, Station #48 in Felton, Delaware. This is Kent County and the heart of agrigulture in Southern Delaware. Deer season opened on Friday, but there were plenty attending this event….I could not wait to have the dumplings.
You can find the Delaware Auctioneers Association on Facebook.
There was a live auction, and also a silent auction. And, a gun raffle for a Benelli shotgun and a 357 Mag pistol. The Delaware Auctioneers Association focuses in preserving the auction industry.
Every auctioneer has its own technique…not so. Almost all auctioneers learn to end their bid calling in exactly the same way. The chant repeats numbers and filler words as the auctioneer conducts an auction.
The Chant denotes both the “have” and the “want”. The “have” is the amount that is a bid. The “want” is the amount the auctioneer wishes someone to bid. When the auctioneer is about to sell the item, he slightly inflects his or her voice, and say the “want”, almost as a question, “want?”. Then, if no bid comes in, the next word is “sold” and then the “have” and then the “buyer” which is usually a bid number.
There was a silent auction. You were to use your bid number to place your bids. Lots of interesting things from gadgets to wine.
In the Live auction there were larger items such as the following.
The dinner was going to be family style. Our table was so excited with the anticipation of oysters and dumplings. And the kitchen was ready for us, as well.
These ladies were fast….serving, green beans, chicken salad, cole slaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried oysters and dumplings….OMG so delish!!
Here is my plate….so good. Seconds and Thirds.
Money was raised, the bid calling competition took place…customers were happy and our table was so much fun!!
And until next year when the 6th Annual Delaware Auctioneers Association will take place. Stay tuned.
October 21st, 2015
Pumpkins, skeletons, tombstones, spiders and cobwebs. It is a Sea Witch Week End and the Delaware Beaches…Are there real ghosts and gobblins? The costumes tell a story. It will be a fun week-end at the beach!
So, what is going on?
Friday, October 23rd – A PINK AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, This is a fundraising event for Cancer Support Community Delaware and Delaware Hospice. Location? Rehoboth Beach Country Club on 221 West Side Drive in Rehoboth Beach. 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Luncheon, Fabulous Fashion Show, Chinese Auction and One-of-a-Kind Accessory Shop! Tickets are $40 per person. Lunch choices: Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken or Spinach Quiche with Side Salad.
No on line reservations at the moment, so please call 302-645-9150 to reserve a spot. To know about Cancer Support Community Delaware, please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 23rd, October 24th and October 25th – 27th CHILDRENS FANTASY TRAIL from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Cape Henlopen State Park. Wear your Halloween costume and trick-or-treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. $5 per person, adults and children.
Friday, October 23rd – 2nd ANNUAL ZOMBIE WALK AND APOCALYSE BALL – In Milton, Delaware. It is hosted by Po’ Boys and the Milton Theatre. The event will begin at 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. For tickets, please call 302-684-3038.
6 p.m. – Pig Roast at Po’ Boys.
8 p.m. – Zombie Walk from Po’ Boys to the Milton Theatre.
8 p.m. Apocalypse Ball at the Theatre
This event is a fundraising event for Casa San Francisco.
Saturday, October 24th – SPOOKY ON SATURDAY WALKING AND LANTERN TOUR – 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The area around the Lewes Ferry Terminal is reported to be one of the most haunted locations in Delaware with one of the largest unknown sailors’ and seaman’s burial grounds on the east coast. Travel on board the “spooky” shuttle to the heart of Historic Lewes to view Saint Peter’s Churchyard home to three centuries of burials.
 
An apparition or 2 may travel with you. Hear Captain James Drew’s tragic tale of a ship lost at sea. Supposedly filled with gold. Listen to the woeful tale of a “misprinted” gravestone.
A historic guide, aided by lantern light will accompany groups through the candlelit Burton Ingram House Circa 1785 where voices of the past may still echo.
Tickets must be purchased by Friday, October 23rd by 3:30 p.m. via Credit Card by calling the Lewes Historical Society’s Main Office at 302-645-7670. Or in person at the Hiram Rodney House Administrative Office at 110 Shipcarpenter Street in Lewes.
Cost is $20.00 per person.
This tour is not recommended for children below the age of 12. The spooky shuttle departs and returns from the Lewes Ferry Terminal.
27th ANNUAL SEA WITCH HALLOWEEN & FIDDLER’S FESTIVAL! – FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, 10/23, 10/24 AND 10/25 – For full schedule, please visit http://www.beach-fun.com/sea-witch-halloween-fiddlers-festival.html.
You really need to look at the schedule…it is too extensive to put here. But, one of my favorite parades will be taking place on Sunday at 3 p.m. on the Boardwalk. It is the Pets on Parade. It is so much fun and one of the most popular events of the whole week-end. Hope to see you there.
Have a good one!!
October 16th, 2015
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is open year-round. It has been a thing of the past when after Labor Day the streets were rolled up until next Summer. The Second Season at the Beach brings events and activities that keep all visitors very busy and having a good time. Charming shops, tax free shopping, art galleries, restaurants…and of course, the perfect time to stroll and catch your breath.
So what is going on this week-end?
Saturday, October 17th – DELAWARE SPCA-5TH ANNUAL BARK ON THE BOARDS – At Lake Gerar Park, in Rehoboth Beach 10:30 a.m. (registration). 11:30 a.m. Walk. Grand Marshal Celebrity Recording Artist, Pamela Stanley. Refreshments, Children’s Activities and Vendors. This Dog Walk on Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk will benefit Homeless Shelter Pets. Celebrate the off season when dogs are welcomed on the boards and beach in Rehoboth Beach. So break out the leash and your flip flops to take to the boards and help animals in need.
No dog? No problem! You don’t have to have a dog to participate. enjoy a leisurely stroll on the boardwak and participate in fun activities for the whole family. Please do not forget to dress up! This year’s theme is “Mardi Gras for Paws”.
Until Sunday, October 18th – GALLERY 50 ANNUAL CONSIGNMENT SALE – Art, china, sculpture, furnishings and much more from the gallery’s clients. Gallery 50 is located at 50 Wilmington Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-3227-2050 http://www.gallery50art.com
Saturday, October 17th – SODEL FEST-SOUTHERN DELAWARE WINE, FOOD 7 MUSIC FESTIVAL from Noon until 4:30 p.m. at Independence Hall & Grounds, 23767 Samuel Adams Circle, Millsboro, DE. It will be hosted by Paul Cullen, the event promises a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up. The Culinary Theater will feature Food TV’s Neil Fuentes, “The Singing Chef” and 5 local, award-winning restauranteurs. Special events include a 100-pt wine tasting, an exclusive cheese tasting, a blind tasting and Wine 101 for the wine newbie! General Admission Tickets are $75 per person. This event will be benefitting Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels. More info? http://www.sodelfest.com
Until Sunday, October 18th – REHOBOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL…Please visit http://www.rehobothjazz.com/index.php/shows/saturday
For Sunday’s shows please visit http://www.rehobothjazz.com/index.php/shows/sunday
Have a great week-end!!
October 15th, 2015
Have you eve spent Christmas in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware? For many is a tradition to attend the tree lighting ceremony. This year’s tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, November 27th …. practice your vocals because there will be a sing along, as well.
Rehoboth Beach Main Street commissioned local artist, Geri Dibiase, to design a commemorative ornament for the 2015 Rehoboth Beach Tree Lighting. Dibiase has paired her masterful photography with an ancient art for to design this beautiful unique glass ornament. This exquisitively crafted decoration is the perfect gift for loved ones and friends to adorn their tree for generations to come. Ornaments will be on sale starting November 1 through December 31 at Christmas Spirit located at 161 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Each ornament is priced at $20 and all proceeds benefit Rehoboth Beach Main Street. Have your ornament signed by the artist herself on November 6 from 5-7 p.m. at Christmas Spirit. For more info., please call 302-227-2772 or visit http://www.downtownrb.com.
Have a good one!!
 
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