June 13th, 2010
For the past few days I have been in Delray Beach, but I am now at the Delaware beaches and as I sit down to write this post, I just have to give thanks for being fortunate enough to experience “life along the coast”.
I was not going to start with that paragraph but last night as I sat together with friends for a fantastic meal, along the beach, I asked one of my friends how he was. His answer? Wonderful, life is good. My statement? Aren’t we so lucky to live where we live?
And, that brought my thoughts to Delray Beach. It is one of those towns that grabs you once you experience it.
This Village by the Sea has maintained its charm through history. Its residents are making sure it stays that way. That is the main attraction to this coastal town in Palm Beach County.
Among other attractions are the festivals and fairs that are held during the year in Delray’s historic downtown streets. The restaurants are the best, with most of them having outdoor seating. And, saving the best for last is the beach. Totally unobstructed and pristine.
One feature this town offers is the availability to walk everywhere. It is heaven for runners and bikers.
It was hot, that its the truth but no hotter than here in Delaware in the summer, or in Puerto Rico where I just also visited.
The Second Season in Delray is what the locals and residents wait for. During the day is quiet but at night the restaurants are crowded and the town is alive.
Blue sky, humid, plenty of sunshine all day, but in the early morning, along A1A, which is the road parallel to the beach, you will find everyone exercising. This is a beautiful long walk. The view is just amazing since the ocean is right there and as you walk you hear the small waves hitting the shore.
So, this is Delray Beach, definitely, A Village by The Sea during the early morning:
I smile when I see these pictures because, how could you not fall in love with it? Talk to you later….
June 11th, 2010
It is the second season in this Village by the Sea and by no means this little town is going to shut down. Restaurants are open and the beaches look wonderful. I should know because I have been here for a few days.
This is what this town is offering:
Friday, June 11th – Gallery Walk – Stroll in the Delray Art Gallery District along Atlantic Avenue. Enjoy art, music and light refreshments from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Each gallery will be displaying the latest artists on the scene. In Delray Beach there are approximately 20 galleries showing art work by prominent and emerging artists from all over the world.
June 1, 2010 until September 25, 2010 – Crest Theatre Galleries – Old School Square – Exhibits: Stuff II: The Joy of Collecting!! Created because Stuff I was so popular this exhibit celebrates the pure joy of collecting…from any era! Approximately 50 collectors from the area have loaned their treasured items to this exhibit.
A special collection of 1975 photographs of Julia Child is on loaned from photographer, Albie Walton. The photos were shot for her book “From Julia Child’s Kitchen”.
In the upstairs Gallery:
Masterworks: Photography by Jeremiah Jenner. His style is defined by crisp colors, bold shapes and sophisticated composition. His sleek and minimalistic limited editions have endeared the media as well as the serious art collectors.
The Masterworks Series offers a unique view of Jenner’s post contemporary phtographic works from 2000 – 2010. Please visit his website www.jeremiahjenner.com.
The Crest Theatre Galleries – Old School Square is located on 51 North Swinton, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. 561-243-7922 and the website is www.oldschool.org.
Have a great week-end….
June 10th, 2010
If you are visiting us at the Delaware Beaches, these are a few of the events going on this coming week-end.
Saturday, June 12th – Second Saturdays Destination Art Walk. Visit downtown Art Galleries from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. This is presented by MOSAIC, www.mosaicrehoboth.com. The event takes place the second Saturday of each month. MOSAIC is the new Gallery Collective for downtown Rehoboth Beach. Check out the art galleries, the fabulous art, the receptions and much more.
Saturday, June 12th – Earrings and More Earrings. It is Earrings Galore. A group show at Heidi Lowe Gallery located at 328 Rehoboth Avenue. It will showcase dozens of artists this year. Last year it was a big success. The Gallery will host an opening reception in conjuction with the Art Walk. It will be open from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. More info? Please call 302-227-9203.
Saturday, June 12th – It is Best of the Beach – Art Auction, Dinner and Dance. It is a benefit for Beebe Medical Foundation and the Rehoboth Art League. It will start at 6:00 p.m. at the Rehoboth Art League, 12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres. For information and tickets please call 302-644-2900 or visit the website www.rehobothartleague.org.
Sunday, June 13th – Race: 2nd Outlet Liquors 5K at North Beach Restaurant in Dewey Beach. It is Part 2 of the Seven Sisters Two Brothers RunningWalking Series. Details? Please visit www.sevensistersdeweybeach.com
Have a great time at the beach. Please remember to enjoy and kick back. That’s why you come here!!!
June 8th, 2010
This past week I had the opportunity to taste some of the specialties prepared by Nourish. I could not believe how good and fresh everything tasted. I had heard about Nourish and made a mental note to stop by at some point and see what they were offering to the Rehoboth Beach community. Today was the day.
Nourish is located at 37385 Henlopen Junction #10, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. is 302-227-6282. The website is www.anourishingidea.com. Fax # is 302-260-9127. The owners? Deberah Sutter and Lois Pellegrino.
The person that greeted me upon entering Nourish was Jane. She gave me a tour of the store and introduced me to Deberah and Lois.
These ladies are telling all of us here at the Beaches to Live….Relax….and Let Them Cook…. Great!! Let’s see what they have.
 Fromagerie (cheeses)  Charcuterie (ham, sausages, pates) I personally came home with some of their prepared foods:
White Anchovies. The first time I had them was in Spain and they are so mild and delicious. If you are not a fan of anchovies these ones might change your mind.
Chicken Apple Salad, Curry Chicken Salad, Edamame Salad, Quinoa Salad, Indonesian Rice Salad, Indian Dahl and Yingling Smoked Salmon. All of these salads were home made. The spices and herbs used to give them their unique flavors are individually defined as you tasted one bite after another.
 Prepared Foods Deberah told me she is from San Francisco. When she was young her family had 6 “Taquerias”. We were saying how people are enjoying the foods with Latin influences and considering them healthy, which they are, when prepared correctly.
Nourish has party platters, sandwiches to order, wraps, beach food, artisanal cheeses, housemade soups, and salads.
All salsas are made in-house. The hottest is Seriously Sassy, then there is Some Like it Hot, among others. The fig and olive tapenade was to die for. I might have to barter with her since I have a fig tree.
Chips? Also home made. Nourish is aware of individuals with celiac disease and gluten intolerances and gluten free products are available. All of the salads I bought today were gluten free.
 Seasonings, Sauces, Spices Nourish has the availability to hold a “dinner party” in their location. The maximum amount of people would probably be 20. If you are interested please give them a call for further information.
Nourish can cater a party for 2 or a party for many. Just give them a call.
Please note that on Saturday, June 12th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. there will be a Breasta Fiesta! to support team M&M in their commitment to walk the Susan G. Komen 3-Day For The Cure.
Nourish has united with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery for this event so you will get to savor Chef Deberah’s Delicious Mexican Food and taste Dogfish Head Off-Centered Ales!!
Wear pink and get a free what at their Big C Pinata.
The location will be Nourish Parking Lot (rain or shine) at 715 Rehoboth Avenue Extension.
Tickets are available at Nourish and Camp Rehoboth. Contact info. at Camp Rehoboth 302-227-5620. E-mail: BreastaFiesta@gmail.com or call Kathy Wiz at 302-226-0795.
Minimum donation $25. Proceeds go to Susan G. Komen 3-Day For the Cure.
I hope you have a great rest of the week…..
June 7th, 2010
Everything about this restaurant was so unexpected for me. First the evening, the setting, and most of all the food.
Venus on the Half Shell has been in Dewey Beach, Delaware for about 6 years now. I, actually, had never been. Crazy isn’t it? It is just a mile down the road from my house.
I know that the downtown Rehoboth restaurants were having their week, but tonight I really wanted to try Venus. It had been on my mind for a few weeks.
Venus On The Half Shell is located on Dagsworthy Street & The Bay, Dewey Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-9292. Website is www.deweybeachlife.com.
The new Chef is Peter A. McMahon.
When I have written about Dewey Beach in the past, I have mentioned that this is a beach town that really knows how to party. Restaurants, music, beach sports and young people is what Dewey Beach is all about.
On Monday, after a beautiful, hot week-end, Venus was quiet and so was Dewey Beach. The weather had cooled off and it was just a fantastic early evening.
I was so surprised as I entered Venus to find that my first impression was that I was in Marrakech, Morocco. I have been to Morocco and that is just what came to mind.
It was so early but perfect because I could then take pictures. I was given the go ahead and so my evening started; taking pictures of this unique restaurant, right on Rehoboth Bay.
Venus has several seating arrangements; inside, under the tent which is in the sand or right by the water. Then, just one table under the Gazebo.
We chose to seat under the tent. The view was spectacular. To our right, high up, there was an osprey with its mate building their nest.
The osprey is also known as the sea hawk or fish eagle. It is a large raptor, whose diet is fish and mates for life. They are found in tropical and temperate regions. And, they winter from southern U.S. to Argentina.
A couple of appetizers were ordered. I had the pan roasted clams, zesty Chardonnay Butter Broth and Grilled Baguette. I had to ask Paige, who was our waitress, to bring me a spoon. There was no way I was leaving the broth behind. The clams were delicious with a nice kick to them.
The next appetizer was “Russian Oysters”, 6 Beau Soleil oysters, spritzed tableside with Iced Stoli. Good and salty.
Beau Soleil oysters are caraquets which are the famous oysters of the Maritimes, a staple among fishermen and loggers forever. These oysters are formed in 3 bays of Northern New Brunswick and they never touch the sea floor; they are called suspended caraquets.
I felt that the restaurant was just mine for the evening. Paige, our waitress was so attentive and her suggestions were a hit.
I had the baked salmon, stuffed with grilled asparagus, peppered tomato basil coulis, and roasted garlic rissotto cakes. Truly loved it and salmon is a dish I usually order and if it is recommended, then more so.
The Rock Shrimp & Langostino, sauteed with smoked tomatoes, tossed in a light Chive Cream Sauce over Jasmin Rice. I want to let you know that this dish is usually served over pasta, but because of the gluten allergy, it was over rice, instead. The Chef sent 2 types of rice to see which one would be the preferred rice; the bamboo or jasmin rice. Jasmin won. I liked them both.
Venus has a full bar and the wine chosen was very good.
If you were to ask me tonight what has been the best place to eat at the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland, I would have to say Venus. The unplanned evening had great food, amazing service by Paige, the setting, well you are looking at the pictures; I hope, the light breeze and the sunset over Rehoboth Bay. Priceless!!
 Best Spot Talk to you later….
June 7th, 2010
Living at the beach means that in the summer you are definitely going to have guests at any given moment. It’s just the way it is.
So, entertaining with casual elegance and never losing your mind is something I am trying to master.
The following recipe is one that I think you are going to really like. I have not thought about it in some time but it is one of those that you can keep in the freezer and have it ready when friends arrive.
Spinach Balls
2 10 oz. pkgs. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cups herb stuffing mix
1 cup firmly packed freshly grated Parmesan cheese (5 oz. wedge)
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 small green onions, finely chopped
3 eggs
dash of nutmeg
mustard sauce – (recipe follows)
Combine all ingredients, except sauce, in a large bowl and mix well. Shape into 1″ balls. Cover and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Set balls on ungreased baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Serve with mustard sauce.
Mustard Sauce
1/2 cup dry mustard
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
Combine mustard and vinegar in small bown. Cover and let stand 4 hours at room temperature.
And, with a nice glass of wine…..hmm great!!
Note: The painted glass is from TaDa, 18 North Main St., Berlin, Maryland, 21811, Tel. 410-641-4430. I wrote about TaDa on 10/27/09. If you would like to see it, please click on the month of October, on the left hand side of this blog and scroll down to the date.
June 5th, 2010
It is that time of the year when everything has opened in Rehoboth Beach. This town is only one square mile, but, believe me you will find entertainment for everyone.
Starting Sunday, June 6th, the downtown restaurants will be offering their best culinary specialties for all of us to sample at very reasonable prices.
We have exceptional chefs in Rehoboth, innovative cuisine and international fare.
For one week there will be 3-course dinners, $20 or $30 prix-fixe.
Participating restaurants are:
Adriatico Ristorante & Cafe, 1st St. and Baltimore Ave., Tel. 302-227-9255, www.rehoboth.com/adriatico
Back Porch Cafe, 59 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-3674, www.backporchcafe.com
Blue, 122A Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-226-1000, www.bluerehoboth.com
Blue Moon, 35 Baltimore Ave., Tel. 302-227-6515, www.bluemoonrehoboth.com
Cafe Sole, 44 Baltimore Ave., Tel. 302-227-7107, www.rehoboth.com/cafesole
Catcher’s, 249 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-1808, www.catcherscatering.com
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-226-2739, www.dogfish.com
Dos Locos Fajita & Stonegrill, 208 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-3353, www.doslocos.com
Eden Restaurant, 23 Baltimore Ave., Tel. 302-227-3330, www.edenrestaurant.com
Espuma, 28 Wilmington Ave., Tel. 302-227-4199, www.espumarestaurant.com
Hobo’s Restaurant and Bar, 56 Baltimore Ave., Tel. 302-226-2226, www.myhobos.com
Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant, 52 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-5758, www.irisheyespub.com
Jakes Seafood House, 29 Baltimore Ave., Tel. 302-227-6237, www.jakesseafoodhouse.com
Lupo di Mare, 247-C Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-226-2240, www.lupodimarerehoboth.com
Mariachi Restaurant, 14 Wilmington Ave., Tel. 302-227-0115, www.mariachirehobothde.com
Pig + Fish Restaurant Company, 236 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-7770, www.thepigandfish.com
Porcini House, 210 Second St., Tel. 302-227-6494, www.espumarestaurant.com
Rehoboth Ale House, 15 Wilmington Ave., Tel. 302-227-2337, www.rehobothalehouse.com
Rigby’s Bar & Grill, 404 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-6080, www.rigbysbarandgrill.com
Ristorante Zebra, 32 Lake Ave., Tel. 302-226-1160
Salt Air, 50 Wilmington Ave., Tel. 302-227-2444, www.saltairkitchen.com
Stingray Sushi Bar + Asian Latino Grill, 59 Lake Ave., Tel. 302-227-6476, www.stingrayrestaurant.com
Stoney Lonen, 208 Second St., Tel. 302-227-2664, www.stoneylonen.com
Summer House, 228 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-3895, www.summerhousesaloon.com
Victoria’s Restaurant, Olive Ave. & Boardwalk, Tel. 302-227-0615, www.victoriasrestaurant.com
Note: All the above restaurants are within walking distance of each other, in Downtown, Rehoboth Beach. Please click on their websites to check their menus.
Have a great week!!!
June 5th, 2010
All I can tell you is that I really do hope that the people that vacation in Puerto Rico during winter, take the opportunity to learn about this Island. I had a great time doing so, revisiting so many places long ago forgotten and discovering new ones that took my breath away.
The heart and center of Puerto Rico is the town of Orocovis. And, yes, you guessed it; there was probably a place that we needed to stop for lunch. The specialty? Longaniza. Oh, no, what is it? Not again!! Well, wait a minute, let me tell you about it.
First of all as we entered the town of Orocovis the first thing you saw was the town Plaza. All towns in Latin countries have their churches in the center of the town. This church was very small when you consider all the other towns in Puerto Rico that have cathedral size churches as their town anchor. Puerto Rico is predominantly Catholic.
Orocovis is a crowded little town, typical of all towns in Puerto Rico. There was a coolness in the air, compared to the weather in San Juan that day.
We went by a cemetery that was so high up I could not imagine how all those people got there for the burial.
A bit of trivia? During the Bad Boys II movie, which was supposed to have taken place in Cuba, but partially filmed in Puerto Rico, there is a scene of the Hummer going through the curvy town; yes, that is Orocovis.
We knew we were stopping at Bar Restaurante La Sombra. If you are in the area of Orocovis this is were you will go for longaniza.
Longaniza is a sausage or embutido. Not a chorizo. Seasoned meat, and in the case of La Sombra, pork, chicken or red snapper, is stuffed into pork intestines and is formed very long by hand. I know some of my friends reading this might be gagging, but hey, that is the way sausages are made. They should be happy I am not explaining how blood sausages (morcillas) are made during the Christmas holidays.
Once the longaniza is formed then it is hung to air-dry. The longaniza can be fried in oil or cooked with rice and beans.
Our order consisted of chicken longaniza, rice with pork longaniza and you cannot miss the ever present red beans, and tostones (plantains). It needs to be noted that everything is grown and freshly made at La Sombra, and therefore, you do not have a sense of fullness; the longaniza was not greasy, it was just perfect.
La Sombra is located on Rd. 156, Km 2.8 on the road from Orocovis to Barranquitas. Tel. 787-375-6846. The restaurant is typically open, overlooking the back hills and banana trees.
They are proud to tell you that they are the developers of the original red snapper, chicken and pork longanizas. There is a full bar. We did not have dessert but they do have them all; flan, tres leches, etc. etc.
And the bill? Three of us with drinks and lunch, $35.00.
It really was an unforgettable day with my friends. Talk to you later…yes, from Delaware…
 
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