February 26th, 2010
On Thursday, the cold weather kept everyone in sweaters in Delray. When it gets chilly, watch you. The sky was so blue, though; it really should have been warm.
So, what do people do on a day like that? After the usual daily routine of exercising, what better way, if you find yourself on vacation, than to have lunch at one of the restaurants on the very busy Atlantic Avenue in Delray.
Even though it was colder than I would have liked it to be, we sat outside at the very well known Tramonti. This restaurant can get very busy. It is not big. I like it that way. Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. Reservations are, definitely, a must during the height of the season.
Tramonti is located at 119 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. is 561-272-1944, Fax is 561-272-1704. The website is www.tramontidelray.com. The restaurant opens for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and then dinner starts at 5:00 p.m. Take out is available but only for pick-up.
If you have visited Tramonti and have liked their sauces, well, they are available for purchase on the premises. They are sold in 26 ounce jars for $8.00 each and the choices are: Marinara, Braciola, and Arrabbiata.
Marinara: It comes from the Italian word sailor; marinaro. The sauce does not contain seafood, as some people might think; it was made in Naples for the sailors when they returned from the sea.
Braciola: This sauce is simmered for hours to capture the flavor of pork, sauteed onions, wine and herbs. Perfect for pasta dishes or meats.
Arrabbiata: Is a light marinara or red Italian sauce that is given an extra spicy flavor by adding hot peppers to the sauce. Arrabbiata translates to “angry mood”, but it will be an angry sauce that will delight your taste buds.
It was sort of a late lunch, the one we had at Tramonti. Giorgio was our waiter and he was very outgoing and enthusiastic. He did not care if others joined our table after some time; sitting outdoors is the best.
My husband had one of the specials of the day which was Risotto al Forno, which was risotto with squid in its own ink. It was delicious. I know; I took a bite or two. It reminded me when my grandmother, Mamota, used to make rice with squid in its own ink and the color was so dark. Fantastic.
I had a salad. The Spinaci Gamberi which was a salad of baby spinach, pine nuts, grilled shrimp and oranges. The combination with the oranges was unique. No dressing was necessary. A little pepper and a little parmesan cheese complemented the dish so well.
Tramonti has an extensive menu. It is pricey, but the food is prepared so well. I have eaten there a few times and has always been very good.
Yesterday the restaurant staff was a little nervous because, since it was cold, everyone that had reservations for outdoor seating wanted to come inside. I don’t know what they ended up doing because there was no way everyone was going to fit inside. All I heard was that no more reservations were being accepted for yesterday’s evening.
A few of the dishes that caught my attention were: Profumi Mediteranei which is baby octopus with celery, fresh garlic, olives, extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juuice, Spaghetti in Cartoccio Areo Special which is baked spaghetti with shrimp, parma proscuitto in a cognac cream sauce, wrapped in foil, and the Coniglio Cacciatore Alla Polenta which is farm rabbit braised in lightly spiced madeira wine sauce with Tuscan Polenta. The Cernia Nera dish is a local black grouper Livornese style with olives, onions, capers, and tomato sauce. There are plenty more dishes to satisfy a variety of taste buds.
Tramonti has a Sunset Special that is available from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. The cost is $24.95 per person with no substitutions. There is a choice from several appetizers and a choice from several main courses, as well, for that price. A soft beverage and American coffee is included.
Even though I have tried a lot of the restaurants in Delray, now that I am reviewing them on my blog, I am paying a little bit more attention to my waiter, noise level of the restaurant, attitudes, and of course, the food.
Believe me, I like to cook so when I go out to dinner I want to relax. I don’t have to have a fancy dinner, I just want good food with the best ingredients; prepared for me like I am the only person at the restaurant. I want personal attention.
Tramonti has been here for some time and all you have to do is drive or walk past the restaurant to see a bustling restaurant in action. Italian is definitely spoken at Tramonti.
Go ahead, try it and let me know. I want to hear what other people think.
Note: The information for Arrabbiata Sauce was taken from www.wisegeek.com and the information for Marinara Sauce was taken from www.italianchef.com.
See you….company coming this week-end. Have not seen Maru and Lolo for a very long time. Looking forward to showing them Delray Beach.
Talk to you later…..
February 25th, 2010
“We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink, for dining alone is leading the life of a lion or wolf.” by a Greek Philosopher, BC 341-270
With that in mind 5 friends got together on Tuesday evening, in Palm Beach, and 4 elements were about to happen in equal manner; the service, the drinks, the cuisine and the overall ambiance.
When we visit Delray, a lot of times there are friends scattered around, visiting other towns in the area. Such was the case so in order to make it easier for everyone, to dine together, we decided on Palm Beach; equal distance to all.
A few years ago I went to Michael McCarty’s and thought that would be a fun place to have dinner. Michael R. MCcarty’s is located on 50 Coconut Row in the Royal Poinciana Plaza. The tel. is 561-659-1899. Website is www.michaelrmccartyspalmbeach.com. Reservations are not required, but I think you should, especially in the height of the season. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and brunch on Sundays. The attire is supposed to be business casual but I saw a wide range of attires. I think resort casual would be the word. Blazers are not required, as well. The way to describe the food would be American with other influences.
The owner of the restaurant is Michael R. McCarty’s, someone I do not know. He has been in the restaurant business since his 20’s. Originally, on this location, there was a watering hole called Dempsey’s. Michael R. McCarty’s opened his restaurant and has been doing very well ever since.
I love restaurants with open porches for gathering. This is the first thing you see at Michael McCarty’s. Those awnings amidst the trees and the green heavy wicker chairs make you just want to sit there all night. Cocktails are served on this porch, as well as lunch and dinner. On this particular night it seemed that it was mainly cocktails, people just waiting to go and eat inside.
The entry way and ambiance were definitely British Colonial. You could picture this restaurant in any of the Caribbean Islands; the West Indies. The dining area was large with plants breaking the seating arrangements. Green and tans were the colors. The bar was large, to the side, and seemed to be well attended on that evening.
It would not be Palm Beach if you did not find a splash of pink. Michael McCarty’s has Rory’s. It has pink patent leather banquets, aubergine walls and a bar. Usually, this room is for private parties and looked like a fun place. It is also used when the restaurant is crowded. On Tuesday, the restaurant was comfortably crowded and this room was not needed.
We had a round table in a cozy corner. We all took our readers out since the restaurant is very dimmed lit. I like it that way but if you need reading glasses, you better have them with you.
Blake was our waiter. Friendly and the spitting image of James Taylor. We were surprised that he did not know who James Taylor was or Carly Simon for that matter. Can you imagine that? Oh, well, I guess I am dating myself. Nevertheless, Ross mentioned a few tunes and he seemed to recognize some and told us he would check it out. Blake was very attentive throughout the evening and he was quietly funny, if there is such a description.
We started with cocktails and wines and some of us wanted appetizers. For my appetizer I started with a steamed artichoke. It was a very good size and the dipping sauce had a hint of vinegar. Another friend had the trouffled fries, perfectly cooked with trouffled oil.
For our entrees, I had the special which was grouper. I substituted the mashed potatoes for the sauteed spinach and asparagus. Another friend had my same dish but with the potatoes. Blake told us that the calf liver was thin and cut in-house. Two of our diners were calf liver aficionados so that is what they got. The next friend ordered the chicken Madeira.
The experience was that the portions were good. Not too big or small. But, actually the chicken Madeira was a pretty good size. The grouper was very tasty and flaky and well seasoned. The calf liver got a rating of good but some had had better in other parts of the country; good nevertheless. Cindi thought her chicken Madeira was very tasty; tender.
For dessert Blake suggested Graeter’s Ice Cream. This ice cream comes from Cincinnati and I had never heard about it. Loving ice cream the way I do, then that was the perfect choice. Mocha Chocolate Chip. The ice cream was very creamy but I think I really liked the chocolate chips best. Nice chunks of semi-sweet chocolate. I thought it was good but no different than some of the good ice creams on the market. We all have our favorites. Graeter’s was established in 1870, family operated, a French Pot process to create irresistible creaminess, 2 gallons at a time.
Our relaxed conversation and laughter continued, at the same time enjoying some decaf capuccino.
We parted ways after hugs and promises to see each other again. Dinner with friends; priceless!!
See you soon….
February 24th, 2010
Where to get a hair cut when you are not sure where to go? Word of mouth is usually the best advertisement so our son directed my husband to Avenue Haircutters right on Atlantic Ave. I hope the men reading this post pay attention because this barber shop is a true and reasonable one.
Avenue Haircutters is located on 777 East Atlantic Ave., Suite A-5 in Delray Beach. It is right across from the Blue Anchor Pub in the Atlantic Plaza. The shop is towards the back of the Plaza. They have 3 barbers available.
As I was waiting for my husband I had to take a few pictures. Then, I started wondering about the pole that shows that you are in a barber shop. You know, it has red, white and blue.
Apparently, barber shops were places where men gathered, relaxed, read magazines and enjoyed each other’s company while also engaging on gossip, sharing jokes, talking about sports and politics, and debating the events of the day. I think barber shops are older than women’s hair salons so really they started all this before us.
Originally, the trimming and shaving, which by the way was a bit messy and painful; before the invention of the razor, was done at home and probably by a servant. Later on in the mid 19th century as towns were increasing and with the invention of the razor blade, barber shops were found on the main street of about every small town.
It may be helpful to know that the barbers and surgeons were once the same profession. Barber-surgeons were authorized to perform like a phlebotomist, who is the person drawing blood for analysis.
The barber shops were distinguished from other businesses by the red, white and blue striped pole out in front. The red and white were symbols of the blood and bandages of surgeons and the blue was added to make the pole resemble the American flag.
My husband got a really nice hair cut. And, as we were walking around the plaza, a gentleman came out of the barber shop and asked us if we were from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. His name was Butch Bradley and he was the owner of Avenue Haircutters. He had lived in Rehoboth and his barber shop was at the Midway Shopping Center on Coastal Highway. He had just been at the Delaware beaches and loves the whole area. We talked and it was so nice of him to have approached us. This is what makes these small towns so unique; a friendly conversation in the middle of the Plaza with someone you just met.
Then, we talked to Butch about Bethany Beach, Delaware and he proceeded to inform us that the owner of La Cigale, Francis Touboul, has a house in Bethany.
Well, since it was around 1:30 we then decided to have lunch at La Cigale and this is my next post. Being that it was a little cloudy, a little cooler and we were a little hungry we marched ourselves to La Cigale.
La Cigale has been in Delray Beach for a long time. It used to be right on Atlantic Ave., in the same spot where the new Seagate Hotel is now located. As renovations kept going on Atlantic Ave., it was so nice to know that this restaurant had opened in another location with plenty of parking and more space.
La Cigale is located on 253 S.E. 5th Ave., in Delray Beach, and near Atlantic Ave. At night you can spot the torches outside. Tel. is 561-265-0600. The website is www.lacigaledelray.com.
And the e-mail address is lacigalle@bellsouth.net.
We have been to the restaurant in the past; lunch and dinner. The restaurant is known to locals and natives alike.
When we entered the restaurant, the first thing I noticed was color. Immediately I felt good.
The tables were covered with tablecloths, very unpretentious, European, and a friendly staff.
I love mussels and once I saw them on the menu I knew that I was having them. They were Prince Edward Island Mussels with garlic, olive oil, tomato, basil leaves, white wine and a side order of pomme frites. They were so tasty and sweet, with that lite broth and perfect for lunch. I was even happier when I saw that they had placed a spoon for the broth. No way was I leaving that behind.
The pomme frites (French for French Fries) were perfectly cooked; crispy. Just the right size, as well, and I did not feel any guilt eating them all. Definitely, worth it.
My husband had the Calamari and Escarole sauteed in a white wine, garlic, olive oil and hot cherry peppers. That came with their soup of the day which was a white bean soup. I tasted both dishes; the calamari was tender, and the bean soup was rich and perfectly seasoned.
Then, we started talking to Francis, the owner. Can you believe he has had a house in Bethany Beach, Delaware for 20 years? He came from France, his first job in Bethany was at Gigi’s. Only locals would remember that one. And, has lived in Washington, as well. He was friendly, energetic and just the perfect host.
La Cigale has the perfect blend of Mediterranean food and you will always find the Coq Au Vin, the Beef Bourguignon; you know all those French dishes that make our mouths water.
One of those dishes, a dessert one and a favorite is the Creme Brulee. It is French for “burnt cream”. It is considered to be French, but the English and Spanish claim credit, as well.
At La Cigale the creme brulee was just the way I like it. The original; creamy and no other flavors added.
La Cigale offers Happy Hour from Mondays through Fridays from 5 until 7 p.m. Two for one drinks with complimentary hors d’ouvres at the bar only. Half price appetizers from their regular menu at the bar, as well.
The restaurant has capabilites for private parties. Please visit their website, above mentioned, because you can read about the restaurant, check the pictures and most of all look through the different menu proposals and hors d’ouvres selections for any parties you might want to hold at La Cigale.
If you are visiting Delray, try it and let me know how you what you think.
Note: I did not know that Francis Touboul, the owner of La Cigale also owns, Atlantique Cafe located on 777 E. Atlantic Ave. in the Atlantic Plaza, 561-272-1170 where this post actually started. As soon as I try it, I will let you know.
Yesterday I visited 3 places. Avenue Haircutters and La Cigale in Delray and then in the evening Michael R. McCarty’s in Palm Beach, which will be tomorrow’s post.
Information on the barber shop pole was taken from www.fashionencyclopedia.com and from www.wisegeek.com.
Until then……talk to you later….
February 23rd, 2010
I found myself at the BWI Airport in Baltimore, Maryland. We all say it is Baltimore, but, really the right address for the airport is Linthicum, Maryland. We arrived with more than enough time, so now, what? Please, I don’t want to eat at the airport. Even though there are airports known to have very good eateries, I really have not found any.
So, it was nice to see that right by the Southwest ticket counters there was a new restaurant. It is actually called DuClaw Brewing Co. It looked lively and definitely a visual attraction. It had a good menu but, unfortunately, since my husband has to eat gluten free, most of the items had gluten. So, why bother? Did not try it but it is worth mentioning.
We went right through Security. I guess not too many people were flying on Sunday. BWI looked clean, bright and organized.
After going through Security we found ourselves on Concourse B so we kept walking and found out a colorful restaurant called Zona Mexicana. Zona Mexicana is very clean and modern. It has a full bar with flat screen t.v.s arround the restaurant and plenty of seating; bar tables or benches. The music was pretty good too.
If you are there early you can have their American Platter breakfast which is scrambled eggs, ranchero potatoes, bacon with fresh fruit and wheat toast but if you want to kick it up a notch you can have it Mexicana style, topping it with fresh salsa and queso fresco. Queso fresco is found in every Mexican restaurant recently. Breakfast is served from 6:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
My husband and I had the Border Burger. It was very good, made to order and a very large portion. You can see it on the picture. I ordered a side salad that came in a taco shell. Originally, my husband wanted to have the tacos. The shell is made out of corn so a person with a gluten allergy can have them. But, the problem was that Zona Mexicana makes their own shells and they are fried in the same oil in which other foods are fried in. This is what usually restaurants do, and it is something you have to have in mind when ordering.
 Border Burger Even though our Concourse was A, which was on the other side, I am glad we went and checked this new restaurant. I am passing it along to you since this is an international airport and you might find yourselves in it one of these days.
Our waiter, Dave was very nice and I asked him about the restaurant since I had never heard of it. Apparently there is a connection with DuClaw Brewing Co.; the owners are looking for another place within the airport to put another eatery, so stay tuned.
Who would have thought that maybe these restaurants could become as popular as restaurants in other airports throughout the U.S. as well as in major cities train stations?
Zona Mexicana has fast and friendly service while you wait anxiously to board. Kid-friendly, as well.
It is open from Sundays to Fridays from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. and on Saturdays from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. Their telephone is 410-850-4846.
A smooth flight and cooler weather in Florida. Nos vemos luego… Talk to you later…
February 22nd, 2010
Bored and don’t know what to make this week for dinner? Sometimes it is such a chore. Believe me, I like to cook but plenty of times I really don’t make up my mind until the last minute. Some people don’t give it another thought; they figure it is just another meal. But to me it is the experience of making something from scratch; not opening another package loaded with salt, fat and “seasonings”. I like to see what I am chopping. I like to smell my food cooking and the combinations of foods on my plate.
Keeping it simple is the best way to go about it. So, the following recipes are easy and I think you might like them.
Baked Chicken Breasts With Parmesan Garlic Crust
1 cup breadcrums, fresh are the best
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese (grate it yourself, it is better)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 6-7 oz. each
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1/4 mayonnaise
lemon wedges for serving
Adjust oven rack to upper middle position. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl.
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place in a 9″ x 13″ baking dish.
Combine mayonnaise and basil in a small bowl and spread evenly over chicken.
Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over mayonnaise, pressing lightly.
Bake for about 1/2 hour until the crust gets a nice brown color. Since you are cooking on a higher heat, please make sure you check them so they don’t burn.
Serve it with a nice salad. This recipe is good at any time of the year.
Shrimp and Tomato Chowder
2 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 13.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
8 ouces medium and peeled, cooked shrimp
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup water
ground pepper
slivered fresh basil
In a large saucepan, cook celery and onion in hot oil until just tender.
Stir in tomatoes; heat through.
Add shrimp, cream and water. Cook over medium heat until hot.
Season to taste with pepper.
Ladle chowder into bowls; garnish with basil.
Makes 2 to 4 four servings depending how hungry you are or if you are serving as a main meal. You can easily double this recipe.
Note: If you can get foccacia wedges from the grocery store or an Italian market, it would really complement the chowder.
Smithfield Ham and Potato Casserole
8 large potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8″ thick
1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup mayonnaise
2 cups diced Smithfield ham
1 small onion, minced
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Cook the potatoes in slightly salted (optional) water until barely tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and put in a large bowl.
Add remaining ingredients and mix together.
Place in a well greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Watch closely so the cheese does not burn. You may choose to cover the dish for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Makies 8 to 10 servings.
Again, this is one of those dishes you might want to adjust to your tasting. You may even substitute the Smithfield ham but that its up to you.
You can use this dish as a side dish or for breakfast with fresh fruit. It could be served at dinner time with fresh asparagus and a salad.
Make it your own and enjoy….See you soon…
February 21st, 2010
I have been thinking about Second Street Grille for a few days. I have been wondering why is it that I never, at least, in my circle of friends, hear anyone say “Let’s go to Second Street Grille”. Really, I never do. So, I decided to find out for myself. Believe me, Second Street Grille has been in the center of Historic Lewes for many years and I think the last time I might have been there was maybe 2 or 3 years ago.
Second Street Grille is located on 115 Second Street. The tel. is 302-644-4121. The website is www.secondstreetgrille.com. Please check the website because you will be able to see the menu on-line. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. During the rest of the week they have lunch from 11:30 until 3:00 p.m., lite fare from 3:00 until 10:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 until 10:00 p.m. The Sunday Brunch is from 11:00 until 2:00 p.m. The happy hour starts at Noon.
Lewes looked really pretty on Saturday. It was crowded too. I think people have cabin fever and are ready to just walk and enjoy a sunny day.
I came through the side door of Second Street Grille which is the entrance to the bar area. As I came in, there was a step-down and I did not see it, but I also did not see a sign warning patrons about it. Probably the locals already know that is there, though.
This corner of the restaurant where the bar is located also has about 7 tables, all of them with crisp white tablecloths. It is decorated with French posters and the walls are red and yellow so I imagine the look is more like a bistro. The music was good oldies.
It was lunch time and there were plenty of specials available. It seemed the waitress knew a lot of the people coming in so I figure that they must have been regulars; a mature crowd.
Second Street Grille is known for their crabcakes but I really was not in the mood for them so I decided to have the Second Street Grille Salad with fried oysters on top with their balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The salad was loaded with fresh veggies. I never think to put radishes in my salad, but these ones were very good; crunchy and sweet. The rest of the veggies were yellow squash, broccolini, cucumber and watercress. It had a very nice presentation.
In regards to the fried oysters, I will have to tell you that I was somewhat disappointed. I like the breading of fried oysters lite because when you bite into a fried oyster you want it to be moist and salty; you want to taste the oyster and not the breading. What I tasted the most was a thick breading that covered the oyster. There is no other way to say it.
I like a balsamic vinaigrette dressing with a bit more substance than the one I was served at Second Street Grille. There was something missing. More of an aged balsamic; a bolder taste. It was o.k. but not my favorite.
After paying my check I decided to walk to the main dining room. The way I feel about the restaurant is that, granted, they do not have the best view in town but also I found that there was a lack of atmosphere and not just today, but I remembered thinking about that years ago as well. I don’t know if it is the way the tables are placed on that long hall or that maybe the bar area needs to be more casual and lively.
Second Street Grille definitely has a following and I understand that Sunday Brunch is a favorite.
I had a decent lunch, but there is room for improvement. I will go back and check it again in the summer.
Until then….talk to you later…
February 20th, 2010
Short Notice, but if you don’t know what to do this week-end, following are a few events that might peak your interest:
Rehoboth Beach
Saturday, February 20th – Merchant’s Attic And Garage Sale. It is one of the beaches largest indoor garage sales which help local merchants clean out their inventories and people like you an I can clean out our attics. It is a free admission, but donations are appreciated. Location: Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, located right on Rehoboth Avenue.
Sunday, February 21st – Confucius is celebrating with their Annual Chinese New Year Buffet. Back on 12/21/09 I posted a blog on this Chinese restaurant that is located on 57 Wilmington Ave. E-mail xiongztat@comcast.net and website is www.confuciusrehobothbeach.com. If you would like to see my post just go to Archives on the left hand side of this blog and click on the month of December and scroll to the date.
The buffet will start at 12:00 Noon until 9:30 p.m. Price $30 and since it is a pretty popular event, reservations are recommended. There are so many things on the menu like the Crispy Alaskan Halibut, Salt and Pepper Shrimp, Cumin Beef, General Tso’s Chicken, Fried Dumplings, Singapore Curry Rice Noodles and many more.
Lewes – Next Saturday
Saturday, February 27th – 9th Annual Autism Ball & Auction For Hope sponsored by the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation, 1800 Bay Ave., Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-644-3410. Website is www.ldaf.com.
This event will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, right on Rehoboth Ave. and it will have a Mardi Gras Theme. It will be catered by Nage, there will be silent and live auctions and the music will be by Big City Band. $125.00 per ticket. For ticket information please call 302-644-3410. You are able to purchase tickets on-line, so please visit the above mentioned website.
Ocean City, Maryland
Saturday, February 20th and Sunday, February 21st – It is the 4th Annual Ocean City Car Show. Saturday’s previewing starts at 9 a.m. with live auction starting at 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Suday’s previewing starts at 10 a.m. and the auction starts at 12 Noon until 4 p.m.
This car show will be held at the Ocean City Convention Center located on 40th Street and Coastal Highway. For more information please call Meredith Hennen at 410-798-6304. Better yet, visit the website www.occollectorscars.com.
This year they will be bringing back again the Car Corral; direct selling between sellers and buyers. Check the info. on the website.
This is the premiere indoor collector’s car auction, featuring hot rods, classics, muscle cars and more, crossing the auction block.
There is a list of the cars available for auction on the website but here is a sample:
1934 Ford Coupe – 350 LT1, 9 inch Ford Rear
1971 Morris Minor Traveller – Very rare wood station wagon
1957 For Thunderbird
2000 Chevy Corvette Convertible
Have a great week-end!! Thank God the snow is melting slowly. Talk to you later…..
February 19th, 2010
I have been meaning to apply for membership to the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce (RBDBCC) for some time. Thursday would be the day. And, I decided to go in person. I think its better when introducing yourself, a person sees you face to face.
A Chamber of Commerce is also referred to as a Board of Trade. It is a form of business network. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community.
The first chambers were founded in 1599 in France and Belgium. But, the world’s oldest English speaking Chamber of Commerce is in N.Y. and was established in 1768.
The RBDBCC and the Visitor Center are right at the entrance of Rehoboth Avenue, just before the roundabout (lighthouse circle), depending which way you are coming or going. In the complex you will find the Visitor Center and on the corner of the property there is a separate building that houses the actual administrative offices. Also in this complex you will find the Rehoboth Beach Museum.
I met with Carol Everhart and she is the President/CEO of the RBDBCC. The Chamber’s address is P.O. Box 216, 501 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Email address is carol@beach-fun.com, and the website is www.beach-fun-com. Tels. are 302-227-2233, Ext. 13 or 800-441-1329, Ext. 13. Fax # 302-227-8351.
Carol was very nice in explaing everything the Chamber has to offer. I was at the right place at the right time because they were running a special; it was even a better deal as they are getting ready to finish all their directories for the upcoming season, as well. So, take notice, because it could be a good opportunity to join now and get your business on the books.
I did not know in what category my blog would fall into, but I found out that, pending my approval, I will be under services and computers. The majority of the members are in this category also.
So, with my membership application in place and my check made for the year, I felt good. Afterall, we are all trying to connect in some way and I feel that AboutMyBeaches is doing its job by informing visitors and residents alike about our beaches’ events, activities, restaurants, what to cook for dinner, where to find that good summer corn or the best crabs. Really, how lucky are we to experience “Life Along the Coast”.
I said my farewell and off I went next door to the Rehoboth Beach Museum. I am just telling you a bit about it because I really would like to go back and spend more time.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum is really worth it. You will be able to go back in time and if you are a long time visitor or resident you will really relish the memories of times gone by. It is also the home of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society.
The Museum is in the Old Ice House. In the late 19th century businesses and residents began to use ice to preserve the foods and to cool drinks. The ice was cut from Silver Lake. I wrote a post on Silver Lake on January 30th and if you would like to see it just go on the Archives on the left hand side of this blog and click on the month of January and scroll to the date. When the ice was cut from Silver Lake during winter then it was stored in small, wooden buildings that were heavily insulated with sawdust. The ice would be available from May through October. Later on it was shipped by railroad.
The Museum is just over a year old. Today, the Museum Docent was Pattie Gause and she was geat. She explained everything with detail. Pattie took me to see enlarged photographs of old Rehoboth Beach. They are available for purchase. Some showed the train coming through the middle of the Avenue. The Boardwalk looked so high.
The Rehoboth Museum is filled with memorabilia from residents and visitors. One section has old postcards and you can read what people are saying about Rehoboth Beach.
There is the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse Replica which was originally built for the Wyeth family who had a house in Rehoboth. N.C. Wyeth, famous illustrator and Andrew Wyeth, famous painter.
You will also find Commemorative Plates, milk bottles from the Rehoboth Dairy, and all kinds of information about Rehoboth Beach.
At present there is a Beach Pail Exhibit. There are so many, in all sizes, all catalogued and not one is made out of plastic. This is not a permanent exhibit, so if you are interested, take the opportunity and visit the museum soon.
The corner with the Bathing Suit Exhibit will make you realize that even in those times they were still looking for the right bathing suit. When it was all said and done the bathing suit was of about 10 yards of fabric; pantaloons, blouse, skirt made out of wool, black stockings, canvass slippers and the total weight was 30 lbs. No wonder they needed ropes to hang on to. Swimming was only permitted from 11 until 2 p.m.
The Museum is small but very well represented. Souvenirs are available for purchase.
For more information, please stop by and pay them a visit.
Nancy Alexander is the Director of the Museum.
In the Fall and Winter they are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The address is: 511 Rehoboth Ave., tel. is 302-227-7310 and the email is rbhistoricalsociety@verizon.net.
Note: Information on Chambers of Commerce was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamber_of_Commerce. Information on the History of the Old Ice House was taken from a brochure at the Museum.
So, I guess I will talk to you later…..
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