May 22nd, 2010
“We Grill While You Chill.” That is their motto. The Charcoal Deli made its debut, here at the Delaware Beaches, last year.
They are located at 20200 Coastal Highway, in Rehoboth Beach, (Rt. 1 South just past Jungle Jim’s) Tel. is 302-260-9615. E-mail is charcoaldeli@comcast.net. The owners are Wendy Adams and Tracy Winstead.
Months ago, I was walking my dog, Addy, in my neighborhood and you know how it is when you have a dog, we all walk at the same time; morning and evening. One of my neighbors mentioned that they have been getting delivery from The Charcoal Deli and how their impossing dog is at the door the moment she smells the barbecue. She told me where they were located, etc. etc. Word of mouth is really one of the best advertisements for any establishment; more so if it has to do with food.
This is the perfect time to talk about The Charcoal Deli because we are about to enter one of the best seasons here at the beaches. It is that season when we have that laissez faire attitude about everything.
In my case people drop by; I never know what I want to eat, I don’t even know at what time I want to eat. It is so light out. No schedule; it’s what I love.
Cooking outdoors, it is to me, the greatest. And, charcoal is what I prefer.
You cannot fake good barbecue; you have to cook it with love and nurture it. It should not be drowned in the sauce. Barbecue sauce should only enhance the flavor of the meat; a condiment, really. It is best served on the side.
Wendy and Tracy told me that they cook everything in-house, except the hot dogs. All their meats are slow cooked over a charcoal grill, therefore, producing a great flavor.
Since their opening last year they are now having a good following. There is plenty of parking available and if the weather is good, you can sit out on their front deck.
If you would like to see their menu, please visit www.rehoboth.com/charcoaldeli. They have Sandwiches and Wraps, Char-Burgers/Hot Dogs, Baby Back Ribs served wet or dry, Chicken, Dinners to Go, Platters, Sides like onion rings, fries, chili cheese fries, gravy fries, cole slaw, macaroni salad, potato salad and their deviled eggs are very popular.
Please note that Sno-Balls will be available from June through September and since these are Baltimore ladies I am sure they will be putting that Marshmallow topping on the Sno-Balls that is indigenous only to Baltimore.
Note: The Charcoal Deli has gift certificates available for purchase.
Talk to you later….
May 21st, 2010
After 13 years not being in the Isla del Encanto, I find myself going there again after 6 weeks. Is it the calling of the Island, or the reunion of the “Igualitos”? You are wondering what in the world are the “Igualitos”. Well, these are the friends I grew up with in Humacao, on the eastern side of the Island. They are truly the core of my friendships so long ago. I have not seen a lot of them in probably 35+ years.
The word “Igualito” means the same. I doubt it very much if we are the same; so many of us have gone through a lifetime of experiences. And, regarding appearances, well I am sure we have changed a lot, as well. It will be interesting.
What I have been finding out since I reunited last year with some of these friends, is how easily we have picked up again. It is like we saw each other just yesterday. Someone said, some time ago, well if I have not seen them in all those years, why bother? I don’t agree. The connection is always there. I don’t know if it is nostalgic or not, but I am really looking forward to it.
One of my favorite fruits in Puerto Rico is the local mango. I like the round ones; no fibers, just very meaty. Mangoes are one of the most extensively exploited fruits for food, juice, flavor, fragrance and color.
There is a very good recipe called Coconut French Toast with Mango. The recipe comes from a cookbook called Isabel’s Cantina and here it goes:
1 cup canned coconut milk
2 tablespoons sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened dried coconut
6 thick slices of crusty bread
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Maple Syrup
1 mango, peeled and sliced
1/2 pint raspberries
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, sugar and eggs.
Spread out the coconut on a plate. Dip the pieces of bread in the egg mixture and then dip in the coconut, amply coating the bread.
Melt the butter on a griddle or in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the slices of bread on the griddle and cook until the coconut is golden brown, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until the other side is golden and the middle isn’t soft or soggy, about 4 minutes.
Serve hot, topped with Maple Syrup, mango slices and raspberries.
Serves 4 to 6 people.
Another Island favorite is the Plantain. They are used as a staple food. Plantains are very tropical and are firmer and lower in sugar content than dessert bananas.
They require cooking. Usually they are used either when green and therefore more starchy or overripe and sweet.
The following is another simple recipe from the same book above mentioned. This can be served as a side dish with any kind of meat.
Sweet Plantains
3 large ripe plantains
About 1 1/2 cups canola or peanut oil, for frying
Kosher Salt
This recipe calls for the ripest plantains on the market; yellow with black spots. They do not need to be soaked before cooking.
To peel the plantain, just cut off the ends of each one and then use a paring knife to peel the skin off in strips from top to bottom. Cut each plantain on the diagonal into 1/2 inch thick slices.
Por enough oil into a large deep-sided saute pan to come 1/2 inch up the sides, and heat over medium-high heat until small bubbles begin to form on the bottom of the pan.
Place half of the plantain slices in the hot oil and fry for about 1 minute before turning the slices over with tongs or a slotted sppon. Cook for about 1 1/2 minutes more, or until golden brown.
Transfer to a paper-towel-lined tray to drain.
Sprinkle with salt.
Repeat with the remaining plantain slices. Serve hot.
This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people.
Remember to be creative and make it your own.
Talk to you later…..
May 19th, 2010
Thursday, May 20th – Sunday, May 23rd – It is Cruisin’ Ocean City at the Convention Center and Inlet Parking Lot, 4001 Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-798-6304. Website is www.cruisinoceancity.com. Admission will be $10.00 per person and children under 14 are free.
It is a popular car show featuring 3,000 hot rods, customs, classics, street machines, muscle cars and more. Live entertainment, celebrity guests, special attractions, boardwalk parades, manufacturers, vendors and so much more.
Thursday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Be on the look-out for T.V. cameras and T.V. Hosts for the Mother’s Car show Series and the Lokar Car Show Series gathering Cruisin’ highlights at various locations for their upcoming show series.
Other National Media activities include the Street Rodder Tour, The Street Rodder Top 100 and Street Rodder Magazine event coverage.
Boardwalk Parades are at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Friday, May 21st – Live Music/Concert – The Four Tops at 8:00 p.m. at the Ocean City Convention Center located at 40th St. & Bay.
For tickets please call the Convention Center Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., tel. 800-551-7328 or go through ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.
Have a great time!!! Talk to you later…
May 18th, 2010
“My advice to you is not inquire why or whither, but just enjoy the ice cream while it’s on your plate.” by Thorton Wilder
Tyler has been telling me to visit Hopkins Creamery; I should have gone sooner. What a treat!!
Many years ago I visited this farm, way before they probably even thought of having an on-farm creamery. I visited with my youngest son’s class for a field trip. I have driven on this road many times and always thought of that day so long ago. Now there is another reason to visit. You will become a fan, as well.
Hopkins Creamery is in the Green Acres Farm, located at 16186 Dairy Farm Rd., Lewes, Delaware, 19958. From Lewes, DE 5-Point Intersection on Rt. 1 drive 3 miles straight West on Lewes Georgetown Highway, to traffic light intersection at Dairy Farm Rd….far left corner at cow crossing.
Today was not a day that ice cream would come to your mind. Cold and rainy; but for the ice cream lover that I am there is always a yearning for ice cream.
So there I was, talking to the 2 lovely ladies that were selling ice cream at Hopkins Creamery. I had to ask them if their ice cream was gluten free; but sadly, it is not. They were not sure if their Italian ice was.
This farm has been owned and operated by the same family for four generations. Hopkins Farm Creamery opened in 2007.
All the ice creams are made less that 48 hours before you actually purchase them. They have 20 unique flavors. Need a special order? Just give them a couple of days notice and your custom-order batches will be ready for pick-up.
How about those Classics that you remember as a child? Yes, they have them; milkshakes, banana splits, sundaes and root beer floats.
Hopkins Creamery also has seasonal flavors available like Pumpkin Pie, Delaware Fruit or Christmas Cake.
I decided to get about 4 of their ice creams and asked the ladies to choose them, having in mind that I had never been there. I wanted an ice-cream tasting in the privacy of my own home.
I was like a kid. I could not wait to finish my dinner so that I could taste them.
The Ice Cream Tasting:
Peanut Butter Ripple – Creamy, just enough chunks of peanut butter and not overly sweet.
Chocolate Banana Walnut – I like bananas just as a fruit only so I was a little hesitant about trying this one. The banana is incorporated into the chocolate ice cream and the hints of walnuts give it just a slight crunch. Very good.
Coconut – I had heard about this one. Definitely coconut. Delicious, creamy and again just the right sweetness.
Apple Pie – It tasted just like one with tiny pieces of crust incorporated into the creamy ice cream. I loved that it was not overly sweet also.
Hopkins Farm is open every day from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Telephone is 302-645-7163. Their website is great; check it out http://www.hopkinsfarmcreamery.com.
I got some of the info. for this post from their website. On the website, it said: Recommend Us!! That won’t be a problem, I just did!!!
Talk to you later….
May 18th, 2010
I don’t know if you are like me but when a new movie comes out at the Midway Movies in Lewes, I keep thinking I am going to go see it. Then, it is gone. That’st where the Milton Theatre in Milton, in Delaware, comes in.
Missed it at Midway? Them Movies at The Milton is your answer.
This historic Theatre, which I fell in love with this year, continues to feature recently released films on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons in May. The 2010 season of plays will begin in June, therefore fewer films will be featured during the summer. They will resume again twice weekly in the fall.
This is what’s happening at the Milton Theatre:
Wednesday, May 19th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 23rd at 2:00 p.m. – NINE – This movie tells the story of Guido Contini (Danie Day Lewes), a world famous film director as he confronts an epic mid-life crisis with both creative and personal problems. It was directed by Rob Marshall and stars Danie Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard and Penelope Cruz.
Tickets are: $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.
Friday, May 21st at 8:00 p.m. – ROOM FOR ALL – It is a concert performed by the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus.
The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus is polishing up a reprise of ROOM FOR ALL, a musical show of show tunes and choral classics, for one night only at the Historic Milton Theatre.
Tickets are $15 per person.
Saturday, May 29th at 8:00 p.m. – Lou Rotondo’s DEL-RAYS will bring a powerhouse of nostalgia and contemporary music to the Milton Theatre stage. The group all got their start “back in the day” with such groups as The Passions and The Chaperones. Their incredible sound doesn’t copy or recycle any group – they are DEL-RAYS and their music and vocal harmony magic brings audiences of all ages to their feet wherever they go.
Tickets: $20 per person.
The Milton Theatre is located on 110 Union Street, Milton, Delaware 19968. For more info. please call 302-684-3400 or visit the website www.miltontheatre.org.
Have a great time. You will definitely love this Theatre as much as I do. Talk to you later….
May 16th, 2010
Even though Delray Beach is coming into its quieter season, this Village by the Sea keeps bringing events to all its residents.
The art fairs, the first class restaurants, the unobstructed beaches, the swaying palm trees, the hottest new artists to downtown galleries, Delray’s art scene is truly a feast for the eyes!!
 Sunrise in Delray Beach Old School Square Cultural Arts Center and National Historic Site is a nationally recognized historic preservation project and a testament to the role of the arts in downtown revitalization.
It is located on the corner of Atlantic and Swinton Avenues right on downtown Delray. Their mission is to enrich the lives of all people in the community by presenting diverse experiences in visual and performing arts, education, and entertainment.
This Cultural Center wants to know if you are a collector in South Florida. They want to exhibit your “stuff” during STUFF II: The Joy of Collecting from June 1st until September 25th. Please visit http://www.oldschool.org and download the STUFF II Submission Form for information on how to have your collection considered for the exhibit.
During the month of May, in the Ethel Sterling Williams History Learning Center, 111N. Swinton Ave., there will be an exhibit on Samuel Ogren, Sr.
Mr. Samuel Ogren, Sr. was Delray Beach’s first registered architect. The exhibit will feature his drawings. Mr. Ogren worked in Delray from 1925 until 1950 and some of his outstanding designs still exist in the City such as the Sandoway House, Arcade Building, Old School Square’s Gymnasium and High School. The exhibits were created from a collection of architectural drawings donated by the Ogren family to the Historical Society’s archives.
On Thursday, May 20th at 6:30 p.m. there will be a panel discussion on Mr. Ogren at the Ethel Sterling William Learning Center, 111 N. Swinton Ave. Admission is free to the public. Architects Dan Sloan and David Hawke, preservation consultan Bonnie Dearborn, architectural historian and interior designer Donna Sloan and DBHS Archivist Dorothy Patterson will discuss Ogren Designs-Green Themes-What We Can Learn. Need more info.? Please call 561-274-9578.
Friday, May 21st – Every Friday night, the Downtown Delray Beach Gallery District holds a Gallery Walk from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. There are about 18 galleries participating. On Friday nights these galleries open their doors for the walk with wine and cheese served. Friday, the 21st will be the next one. The location is Atlantic Ave. and NE 2nd Ave.
Friday, May 21st – Murder on the Beach is a mystery book and entertainment store located on 273 Pineapple Grove Way (NE 2nd Ave.). Tel. 561-279-7790. Website is www.murderonthebeach.com.
Les Standiford and Lynne Barrett Signing. They will be talking about and signing Delta Blues, a newly published collection of short stories set in the Delta.
Delta Blues – “This collection of short fiction captures both the art of the tale and power of the blues, and is a nod at the human condition that often inspires musicians to write and sing the blues. These stories tell about bad men and bad women who sometimes do good-or sometimes follow their true nature.” from the introduction by Morgan Freeman
Friday, May 21st – The Coolest Outdoor Lounge Party Comes to Delray Beach!! From 6:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. It is called CHILLOUNGE NIGHT. Location: Old School Square, Park Site, between NE 1 Ave. and NE 2nd Ave., one block north of Atlantic Avenue. Entrance is on NE 2nd Ave.
Chillounge Night provides a great night of entertainment and takes an active role in benefiting the community and a local charity. This year’s event will benefit the Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc.
Downtown Delray Beach will transform into a magnificent outdoor lounge. With six truckloads of chic, South Beach style lounge furniture (daybeds), artistically arranged, the party will have the feel of a glamorous mix and mingle for the hip and social crowd…they are licensed to chill!!
Tickets: You may buy them on line by visiting www.chilloungenight.com. $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. Limited VIP tickets are $75. This will give you open liquor bar, complimentary food, a nice reusable gift bag by Whole Foods Market and a cigar from the cigar lounge area.
If you are in Delray Beach this week, this is one party you do not want to miss!!
Note: Event will take place, rain or shine. No ticket refunds or exchanges.
Saturday, May 22nd – The Boca Raton Singers present Happy Together. Performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $15 matinee and $20 for the evening performance. Call the Crest Theatre Box Office 561-243-7922, ext. 1. This is the 5th Anniversary Concert. It has something for everyone; Broadway favorites, to a toe-tapping, hand-clapping 60’s medley. For info. on the Boca Raton Singers, please call 6=561-866-1868 or visit www.bocaraonsingers.org. Tickets are available for purchase on line at www.oldschool.org/performances.asp.
Boyton Beach, Florida…Next town north of Delray Beach
Art-Sea Living Boutique Gallery & Studio, located at 1628 South Federal Highway.
Classes, Camps & Upcoming Events – Camp will start very soon. For information please call 561-737-2600.
This is their 4th year of summer art camp. Each year they concentrate on the camps from June through August. A lot of single classes and workshops for Tweens (preteens), Teens and Adults. The descriptions are on their calendar at www.art-sealiving.com. Please look at their Thursday evening classes and events as well. New late hours have been added.
Art-Sea will be open for Paint Your Own Pottery daily as well as shopping and of course, Classes & Art Camp. It will also be a great place to host your next Art Party. To check their Party Menu please go to www.artseapartymenu.com.
 The Beach in Delray
“I have always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, the gentle roar of the waves all combine to create a sense of peace and calm.”
Have a great week!!
Note: The pictures were courtesy of my father.
May 16th, 2010
It is that time of the year when I am getting into the spirit of the summer. Rehoboth and all the beaches are getting more crowded as the opening summer season will be arriving in the next couple of weeks.
I also start thinking of the casualness that makes living on the coast such a treat. The food, the attires, the overall frame of mind.
I am thinking of recipes that can be assembled in no time. The next ones, I think you will like:
Tarragon Chicken Salad
3 lbs. boneless chicken breasts
1 cup creme fraiche or heavy cream
1/2 cup dairy sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 celery ribs cut in 1″ pencil strips
1/2 cup shelled walnut pieces
1 tbsp. dried tarragon
sald and fresh ground pepper
Place chicken in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Spread evenly with creme fraiche or heavy cream and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.
Shred meat into bite size pieces and place in a bowl.
Whisk sour cream and mayonnaise together and pour over chicken.
Add celery, walnuts, tarragon, salt and pepper to taste. Toss well.
Refrigerate, covered, at least 4 hours. Taste and correct seasonings before serving.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Note: You may use 2 cups leftover chicken and halve rest of ingredients. Skip the first step, of course. I do prefer to bake the chicken for this recipe but I have been known to buy a rotisserie chicken in order to save time.
As usual, make it your own. If you are on a diet buy light sour cream. I also like the creme fraiche vs. the heavy cream on this recipe.
Creme Fraiche is a soured cream. It is thicker and less sour than sour cream. You might be able to find it in the grocery store but if not add a tablespoon of buttermilk to a cup of whipping cream and heat gently. Le it sit at room temperature for about 6 hours covered with plastic. Every couple of hours stir and taste. It should get thick and have a nutty flavor. But, if this is too much to do then just use the heavy cream mentioned above as a substitution.
Warm Spinach Salad
12 oz. baby spinach leaves (8 cups)
1 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup water
1 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. canola oil
8 slices bacon, diced
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Place spinach and oinion in a large bowl and set aside. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt and pepper in a small bowl and stir until salt and sugar have completely dissolved. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring frequently until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in vinegar mixture and bring to a rapid boil.
Spoon the hot dressing over the spinach and onions in the large bowl. Toss for about 1 minute to slightly wilt the spinach.
To serve, spoon 2 cups of the salad onto each of 4 plates. Top each serving with half a shredded hard boiled egg.
Makes 4 servings.
Note: You may easily double this recipe. Add more bacon, more eggs, etc. Just make it your own. Enjoy!!
Talk to you later…
May 15th, 2010
That’s right, I think you guessed it. This post is for women only, maybe….
Along the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland you will find so many shops. Some of us have our favorites. What makes us go back to that particular one?
I like shopping in smaller shops vs. a big department store. That is just a matter of taste. A boutique for me is perfect. It is the French word for “shop”. Boutiques usually specialize in fashionable items such as clothing and jewelry.
Aqua Marine is a boutique located in Lewes, Delaware. The address is 114 Second St. Tel. 302-644-4550. The owner? Maureen Botti.
Second Street in Lewes is really the Main Street. It is the life of the town. From that street, other side streets branch out. Perfect shopping town since you can walk everywhere.
Maureen has been in business since 2006, but, a few months ago she moved to this location. Actually, this building dates from the early 1900’s and originally used to be the Hardware store owned by the Vessel family. How I know this? Well, when I talk about Lewes, I always say that the residents of this town know their history and preservation is always on their mind. After I left Aqua Marine, I saw one of those residents. During a cup of coffee he told me about the building. Great coffee at Notting Hill, by the way.
Aqua Marine is beautiful inside. Hardwood floors and cabinetry. Maureen was busy. Clothes were arriving just in time for the season and all of us, customers, were coming at the same time.
That did not matter because Maureen is the type of proprietor that is able to accommodate everyone with ease. Customers are so fastidious. I think more now than ever. Maureen has been able, since she started her business, to make a good impression and customers keep coming back.
You know what is great about Maureen? She remembers her customers’ names. It is like she has built a relationship; the feel of trust and comfort. There is an understanding between her and her customers. I saw her in action, while I was there. She listens to us and we get to know her personally. I met her mother, who was helping in the store. Maureen knows her designs well and encourages her customers to try new things.
Aqua Marine has stylish clothing, perfect for that casual atmosphere of the beaches. Yes, definitely, this store has year-round clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories to kick back in our resort towns.
Maureen told me that her devoted fashionistas range in ages from, as young as, 13 to 92. Sizes range from the very small (oh, well) to larger sizes. There is a wide range of prices, as well.
She has different lines that are well represented in the store, but two of them caught my attention:
Trina Turk – She is from California and her line is inspired by a multicultural mix. It combines the architecture and landscape of Los Angeles and California. Her designs are full of the season’s most casually sophisticated and “must have” silhouttes.
Beija-Flor – Jeans from Brasil. Always looking for that perfect bathing suit? Well, the same goes for jeans. This company says that the search for the perfect jeans is over.
This is a mother and daughter team that is targetting the “modern woman” whether she’s 22 or 52. The jeans are stylish, unique and fit great. I tried them and it is true. Maureen told me she cannot keep them in. The jeans have curve friendly patterns, colors, stitching and details.
Even though this is really a women’s boutique, men should not be intimidated to come in and buy something for that significant other. Trust me, Maureen will take care of you with ease.
I am sure I will be talking to you soon….It is really a gorgeous day in the Delmarva Peninsula…..Kick back and relax.
 
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