September 25th, 2015
Opening Day for Sunfest in Ocean City, Maryland was Thursday, September 24, 2015. It is ranked the number one arts and crafts festival in the nation!! It was filled with crafts, arts, food and entertainment. Everything for the whole family to enjoy.
Walking on the award-winning boardwalk the visitors were enjoying a beautiful day at the beach.
Passing the ever popular Thrasher’s French Fries, already the line was so long. To tell you the truth I am not such a big fan of them because I like my fries crispy.
Hundreds and hundreds of people were checking out this first day of Sunfest. Apparently, the weather might be a little crazy on Saturday evening, so if you get a change today and tomorrow, please stop by.
The tent we were looking for was the Food Tent and we immediately found it.
One food vendor after another. If you have been at Sunfest before you probably have your favorites.
You can sit down in the many tables available or just stand and use the tall tables as well.
Funnel Cakes anyone?
We decided on some Seafood Bisque with Lace chips!! Perfect combination. They were so light.
Ross decided on pulled chicken and regular just made chips.
Sunfest will be opening Friday and Saturday from 10 1.m. until 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 .am. until 6 p.m. During the day you can enjoy the live entertainment completely free, either in their open air venue or inside the tent. In the evening the live entertainment is by ticket holder. Depending on the entertainer you tickets could be as low as $15 to $60. Please visit http://www.ococean.com
 
Stop Mr. Elvis himself, local color in Ocean City for many years. Known to all the residents. Take a photo. He loves it!!
Some of the crafts that caught our attention:
Wire Sculpture by Devin Mack of Drawn Metal Studios.
 
The lady that works with clay. She has been at the festival for years. You can see her working the clay with such minute detail.
The driftwood sailboats and ships were really cute. The company is Art Sea., from Pasadena, Maryland.
The painted ostrich eggs were very detailed. Loved Starry Nights.
This next company’s baking is not your usual. It looked so real, you could taste it…The Fake Baker.
The beautiful Adirondack Chairs, Hinkleys Chair Art….whatever you want, they will paint it.
Grabbing beers and on our way to listen to Skinny Leg Pete. Definitely a party band. Their genre? soul, funk, blues and rock. And, yes, people were dancing.
And then followed by Teenage Rust on the outdoor stage.
Thanks Cindi for inviting me…It was a great time with a BFF.
Have a great week-end!!
September 22nd, 2015
Discovering Reykjavik was a highlight of this summer of 2015. Was not even in my bucket list. That was even better. So surprising to find myself on my way to Iceland. Make sure you take a waterproof jacket because the Icelandic weather is very unpredictable.
The capital city of Reykjavik is so easy to maneuver. You will learn it in not time. You can bike, jog, or stroll. Some years ago Iceland was in financial trouble. They have been recuperating quickly and there is plenty of new buildings going up in this quite modern city.
The Sun Voyayer is a sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula close to the Reykjavik center. It symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun.
The Harpa is at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour. It is Iceland’s biggest concert hall. It is also used for other cultural events, as well. It opened in 2011. If you get a chance please visit and view the 360 degree Cinematic Experience. That stranger on my photo…no idea who he was.
The Old Harbor. It is the first lasting harbor in Reykjavik. You can find shops and galleries on the eastern pier. Whale watching tours will be leaving for this harbor, as well.
The Einar Jonsson Museum located at Eiriksgata and Freyjugata. Website? http://www.lej.is
Einar Jonsson was Iceland’s first sculptor. His home is part of the museum and is preserved in its original condition. No photos inside were allowed. The museum has about 300 art works spanning a 60 year career. The garden outdoors has about 26 bronze casts. This location is the highest point in Reykjavik.
He drew inspiration from the Icelandic folklore heritage for “Outlaws”. He also used mythological and religious motifs.
I have more to tell you but for now I think this is enough. Maybe some Fish & Chips on the next post from Iceland.
NOTE: From September 24th until October 4th the Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) will be taking place. It will be showing a wide range of dramas and non-fiction films from over 40 countries and is becomming bigger and bigger every year. Please visit http://www.iceland.is.
Talk to you later…Have a good one.
September 18th, 2015
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” booker t. washington
With that quote I begin my post by reminding you that Delaware is a Small Wonder with a Big Heart. Fundraising events happen all year round, but it seems that as the Second Season takes hold of all of us living in Southern Delaware, we set records for fundraising. It is incredible the amount of money raised to help others.
I got an invite to a Kick Off Party for the Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival which will take place on Saturday, October 17th (noon until 4:30 p.m.) at Independence Hall located at 23767 Samuel Adams Circle in Millsboro, Delawared. Even though the address is Millsboro, it is, actually, closer to the beaches.
 
The Kick Off Party took place at (a)Muse on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, on Thursday, 9/17. My friend, Susan DiMondi came with me to see what all the commotion was all about.
Let me tell you a little about What is Going On…
This event is being billed as the “ultimate wine, food and music event on DelMarVa”. It will be hosted by former Bad Company bassist, now food, wine and music aficionado, Paul Cullen. It will be a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up.
This is a benefit for Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels.
This is an inaugural SoDelFest. The culinary Theater will host the chef showcases/demos, where you will find Neil Fuentes, The Singing Chef and Food Rewrapped Champion and 5 of our top local chefs including: Hari Cameron, Lion Gardner, Doug Ruley, Ronnie Burkle and Sean Correa.
The festival will also offer wine and food pairings with 13 local restaurants including; Abbot’s Grille, Bluecoast, Seafood Grill, Bramble and Brine, Cultured Pearl, Grandpa 9Mac), JD Shuckers, Lupo’s Italian Kitchen, Michy’s Relaxed Dining, Nage, Palate, Semra’s, Summerhouse and Touch of Italy.
You will be able to experience the Man Cave….don’t worry we are all welcome for cocktails, a raw bar and Cigars! Join Rob Bagle from Bramble & Brine and representatives from Wigle Whiskey, Dad’s Hat, Benromach Scotch, George’s Bloody Mary Mix (a new local favorite from Berline, Maryland) and 16 Mile Brewery. There may just be oyster shooters there!
30 wines will be offered by Teller Wines and the distributors for pairing and additional tastes. Dogfish Head and Mispillion Breweries will be pouring their fall favorites at the bar!
There will be 2 special wine education seminars in the Wine University; Mike Zygmonski (Level II Sommelier, Sodel Concepts) will present a blind tasting and John McDonald (Wine Columnist, Cape Gazette) will present Wine 101 for anyone who wants to learn about the art of Wine Tasting.
General Admission tickets are $75 and there is a VIP upgrade that includes two special tastings at 95+ point wines and exclusive cheeses and a seat on-stage during one of the chef showcases. The press is invited at no charge with advance notice. Please visit http://www.sodelfest.com
Presenting Sponsor: Ocean Atlantic Companies
Major Sponsors: Schell Brothers, Sysco, SoDel Concepts, Coastal Style
Sponsors: Good Clean Fun Life, Sposato Family Vineyards, Active Adult Realty
Event Chair is Stacy LaMotta
Event Coordinator is Carlene Roche
Volunteer Coordinator is Meg Gardner
Arriving at (a)Muse Susan and I were invited to taste some of the wines offered by Sposato. For 6 years the Sposato Family researched, studied and visited South America. In 2012 the family purchased their farm in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, Mendoza.
Based on their 23 years of experience in working with land, soil irrigation and plants, by running their top rated landscape company, Sposato Landscape Co., they saw this as a great opportunity to further their experience in the agriculture industry. The farm was purchased as virgin ground. A new irrigation system, electric and other improvements have been installed with more to come.
The farm is 250 acreas located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, 3,000 ft. above sea level. Sposato Family Vineyard has some of the best and most popular wineries in Argentina as neighbors. The farm is located between two notable wineries, Bodega Septima and Vina Cobos by Paul Hobbs with more just around the corner.
We tasted 2015 Chardonnay. This fruit focused Chardonnay has an attractive color with aromas of tropical fruit, apples and peaches. Also a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, from their prize winning high elevation vineyards has aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, herbs, species and orange blossom notes that are persistent through the finish. The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has intense red with blue shades. Another one was their 2013 Reserve Malbec…intense violet color, typical of Argentine Malbec. And the 2014 Malbec had deep purple color, with high intensity of black fruits, raspberries and violets. Please note that you can get the wines in the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area.
A presentation was given by all of those that are involved and making sure that this will be an unforgettable event.
 Stacy LaMotta, Event Chair  Paul Culen, Host  Lion & Meghan Gardner, Blue Moon  Hari Cameron, (a)Amuse Paul Cullen entertained us while we tasted delicious offerings by Blue Moon, Nage, and (a)Muse.
So what are you waiting for? Call your friends, pass the word, share in social media and get ready to have some fun!!
 
August 30th, 2015
This was going to be the first time I was going to IVY even though they have been in business for a few years. IVY is part of the family of Dewey Beach Life. These are: Rusty Rudder, Bottle & Cork, Jimmy’s Grille Dewey, Northbeach, Outlet Liquors, and Dewey Beach Liquors. Both IVY and Northbeach are wedding venues, as well. More info? Please visit http://www.deweybeachlife.com.
IVY is located at Dagsworthy St. & The Bay in the heart of Dewey Beach. Tel. 302-227-9292. The Manager is Brooke Sterling and the Executive Chef is Aileen Delario. Reservations are accepted and there is parking, as well. So far so good, right?
To tell you the truth, I had forgotten what a fantastic view of the Bay this restaurant has. We arrived for a 7:30 p.m. reservation. There would be 6 of us for dinner.
The views from the inside are towards the Bay. The bar is indoors and there are plenty of tables and seating available. Later in the evening the music and dancing would begin.
Al fresco dining with friends…there was talk, laughter and merriment. And of course, photo opportunities as the sun started to set.
Does food relly have more flavor when eating it in the open air? Oh, I definitely think so. At IVY the setting is beautiful and the sunsets are spectacular.
All you have to do is take a seat, then take a sip of a luxurious cocktail, and finally take a taste of their unique offerings.
If you decide to eat al fresco remember that you will be on their beach, so wear your comfortable shoes or sandals.
The menu was divided into Little Bites, Cool and Leafy, Big Bites….And then…dessert. The Little Bites are great for trying different things tapas style.
Our table ordered a little bit of eveything.
From the Little Bites:
The Portabella Pate with truffles, cherry, and ginger.
The Godzilla Shrimp…colossal tempura’d shrimp with seaweed, wasabi and ginger.
The Hamburger Slider….even though it was a slider it was a generous portion.
The Herb Crepe was presented beautifully. It had crab and shrimp and lemon aioli. This was a cold dish. My fellow diners that ordered it liked it but would have preferred it warm. Just a suggestion.
From the Cool and Leafy, a Bib Lettuce Salad with bell, tomato, pickled red onion, pine nuts with an Old Bay vinaigrette. It was light and it was also large enough for sharing.
Big Bites…these were traditional size entrees.
Crab Cake…Jumbo lump, fresh lemon herb tarter, corn and tomato saute.
Ratatouille…for those vegetarian ones and perfect at this time of the year with so many veggies available….tomato, squash, eggplant, zucchini, thyme and chevre polenta.
The Halibut with cauliflower, Madras broth, coconut lime, and microgreens. Very light and mild.
The Scottish Salmon had a spicy jamaican jerk, tamarind glaze over rum flamed pilaf. Loved it!!
No dessert was ordered because we were perfectly satisfied…another time.
Talk to you later…and in the meantime enjoy the sunset!!
August 28th, 2015
In 2006, the city of Lewes was selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations”, and was named a “Preserve America Community”. Founded in 1631, by the Dutch, Lewes is Delaware’s oldest settlement, earning it the nickname of “The First Town in The First State”.
So, What’s Going on this week-end?
Saturday, 8/29 – Historic Lewes Farmers Market…Location? The Lewes Historical Society Complex at 110 Shipcarpenter St. Love this market. Demonstrations during the morning…9 a.m. Maurice Catlett, Executive Chef at Fish On! in Lewes will prepare fried green tomatoes with spicy shrimp salad and blue cheese. Love fried green tomatoes! http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org
Saturday, 8/29 – Brews by The Bay 2015…This is the second year for this event. Experience the only Bi-State Beer Festival in the Country. Live music, 20+ breweries, local food, and yard games on each side. Taste the best new craft beers from both Delaware and New Jersey. Where? The Cape May Terminal from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and the Lewes Terminal from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Better yet, buy a discounted combo ticket and take the ferry to both fests and decide which state has the best new brew for you. Prices: $48.25 for NJ only and Delaware only. $74.50 for both Plus a roundtrip ferry ride!! Special reduced rates for designated drivers. Please note that no alcohol or samples can be carried on the ferry. Beverages are available for sale on the ferry. More info? Please visit http://www.capemaylewesferry.com.
Saturday, 8/29 – Free Deck Tour of the Kalmar Nyckel. Join the crew. Kids can ring the ship’s bell. Please call 302-645-2791 or visit http://www.kalmarnyckel.org.
Saturday, 8/29 – Live Music at Bethany Blues, Lewes at 18385 Coastal Highway, http://www.bethanyblues.com/lewes Entertainment begins at 8:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Stop by and listen to Captain Blue’s Bluegrass Band. CJ and the Band lead the way with Americana/Folk Bluegrass! Check them out at http://www.reverberation.com/captainbluemusic
Sunday, 8/30 – Yoga in the Park at Lewes Canalfront Park on Front Street from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. Every Sunday until September 6th. Sessions are by Dimitra Yoga. Tel. 302-645-2795 or visit http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org
Sunday, 8/30 – A Pirate Sail on the Kalmar Nyckel from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Sail the Tall Ship of Delaware. Join the captain and the crew of salty pirates for a festive experience on the high seas. $60 for adults and $40 for children 7 years of age and under. Meet at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal Public Pier. http://www.kalmarnyckel.org
August 25th, 2015
After a very satisfying dinner at Sello’s in Ocean City, Maryland, we took off for Ocean Downs Racetrack & Casino. This has been a racetrack for 66 years. We were looking forward to a nice evening of harness racing and a little gambling, as well. Don’t worry our bets were very conservative. Address 10218 Racetrack Rd. Tel. 410641-0600
Casino at Ocean Downs has 800 slot machines and electronic table games, like Crabs, Blackjack, Roulette and Poker. For more information please visit http://www.oceandowns.com.
At the game tables you will play against a virtual croupier. You have to be 21 years old and please play responsibly.
A Trotter or a Pacer? The Trotter moves a right leg and a left leg forward at the same time; his right front and left rear, then his left front and right rear. The Pacer moves both legs on the same side of his body forward at the same time.
Running horses gallop, moving both front legs forward and then both rear legs forward.
At the racetrack children are allowed to come in if accompanied by an adult. You must be 18 or older to place a wager (bet). Four wagers are available: Win, Place, Show Exacta, and Big Triple.
When you wager (bet), you are not betting against the track, but against everyone who is making that type of wager in that race. Post time is 7:20 p.m.
All of us won some money on that beautiful evening. We laughed…we were there to have fun. First I started picking the horses traditionally….by their starts. Then, I said the heck with this, it is going to be by the names. Their names were just too good to pass.
Here are some of the names: What I say Goes, Girlfriend Bash, Givetheladyabeer, Fashion Villager, Gimmesomeroom, Feelingmightygood, A Wild Impulse, Big Is Better, Howsaboutakiss, Shessoserene, Well Maid.
There were 11 races on Sunday evening. You can watch these races every Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday through September 4th.
Please visit the website http://www.oceandowns.com/racing.php for other events going on. On August 27th The Clydesdale Horses will appear.
Certainly a lot of fun with great friends…priceless!!
August 23rd, 2015
The perfect summer day….Temperatures in the 70s, low humidity, blue skies and a morning to race or walk. The Inaugural RBVFC Fire Fightin’ 5k Run/Walk was early this morning as many as 300 plus participants were getting ready to walk or run in order to raise funds for the Rehoboth Beach Fire Department – Station 86 Capital Campaign Building Fund. More info? Please visit http://www.rehobothbeachfire.com.
This event was produced by Seashore Strider Event Production, Inc. Please visit their website for upcoming events. http://www.seashorestriders.com.
Refreshments and Post Race Party and awards took place at Lula Brazil at 234 Rehoboth Avenue.
Have a great Sunday!!
August 11th, 2015
“Summer is kind of like the ultimate One Night Stand: Hot as Hell, Totally Thrilling, and Gone Before You Know It….Yes, Summer 2015 is flying by. Rehoboth Beach will continue just as busy in the Second Season, so make plans to come back to the Beach.
The day started with rain, then sun, then rain again, but the beach was crowded.
Spending a few hours in town with my friend, Jody, we noticed that The Ice Cream Store, located at 6 Rehoboth Avenue had a line. It always does. Flavors like Bacon, Beer Ice Cream. Blood Orange Mango, Dirt, Motor Oil, and Booger!! Check the other flavors by visiting http://www.rehobothbeachicecreamstore.com/flavors.htm.
They have over 100 flavors and you can customize your cone and cup. They also give samples, which is great to make sure those crazy flavors are what you are looking for. Pretty much endless possibilities. And, I have not tried them. Ice cream is my weakness and don’t want to start anything I might not be able to stop. Lol.
The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and The Boardwalk are the meeting places in Rehoboth Beach. Free Summer Concerts take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. During the day it is quiet, just the visitors taking photos, beaching, or sampling the Boardwalk Grub, on one beautiful coastal beach town. But, during the evenings when concerts are taking place, it is crowded, noisy, and you might be able to kick your shoes and start dancing.
This coming week-end check who the entertainers will be: Music begins at 8:00 p.m. More info? Please visit http://www.rehobothbandstand.com
Friday, 8/14 – Lower Case Blues – Genre? Hard Rockin Blues to New Orleans Funk with a mix of Jazz & Soul.
Saturday, 8/15 – Vinyl Shockley – Genre? This band reflects the influences that Rhythm & Blues & Hillbilly Music have.
Sunday, 8/16 – Phillip Fox Band – Genre? Southern Rock
There are so many place to eat in Rehoboth Beach, but our choice for lunch today was Dogfish Head located at 320 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-226-2739. It was so crowded that we had to wait for half hour.
You might think that that visitors come for just the beer. Maybe so, but their food is constantly good, as well. Check the website at http://www.dogfish.com.
Two orders of the Pub Salad…Seasonal lettuces, grape tomato, carrot, cukes, red onion and Midas Touch vinaigrette, topped with woodgrilled salmon. So delicious, especially when you want something light.
Jody ordered the same salad but topped it with woodgrilled chicken.
This evening, a rainbow over Rehoboth Beach!
Have a good one!!
 
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