July 13th, 2010
Two Coasts, One Community, One Cause….
On Wednesday, July 14th an Educational Event and Benefit Concert for the Louisiana Gulf Coast will take place at Dagsworthy Avenue in Dewey Beach, Delaware, from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy live music, great food from local restaurants and fun on the beach as our coastal community comes together to help another coastal community in need.
The following groups will be entertaining:
Love Seed Mama Jump, Laura Lee and Tripp Fabulous, The Doug Segree Band, Lower Case Blues, Alfie Moss and more local talent.
The kids’ activities will be provided by Kids Cottage.
A special appearance by Governor Jack Markell.
Free parking!!!!
$25 for 21 and over
$10 for under 21 and free for kids under 12
Delaware Coast Gulf Aid is the creation of a coalition of Delaware people and businesses, shocked and saddened by the horrific devastation caused by the devastation of the oil spill.
Home to the Inland Bays, one of 28 national estuary systems that provide critical habitat for coastal marine life, our community is inextricably linked to our neighbors in the Gulf.
100% of the funds raised will go to assist in the response, recovery and restoration of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program in Louisiana by going through our local National Estuary Program, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays (www.inlandbays.org and www.BTNEP.org.
To make a tax-deductible donation to the cause, or to obtain more information, please visit www.DECoastGulfAid.org.
Please, try to attend…..talk to you later…Thanks for your contributions!!!
July 12th, 2010
An invitation to spend the afternoon on the bay is something that is always appreciated. You forget how beautiful the Delmarva Peninsula truly is.
On that water, on that gorgeous day, Shelley, Michael, Erica and I took off to enjoy what this area is known for; nature, marshes, birds, fishing, Assateague Island, the ponies, and of course, the restaurants and bars on the bay.
The bay that we were navigating is called Assawoman Bay and it is really defined as a lagoon that is found between Ocean City, Maryland and mainland Delaware. It is huge, gorgeous and the playground for everyone that enjoys water sports.
We decided to make it all the way past Ocean City and see if we could see some of the famous ponies on Assateague Island. It takes a while to get there but nobody minded.
Our Captain, Shelley, was doing very well. We have had some crazy trips in the past so Michael and Erica were not sure how this one was going to turn out. But, they were surprised and pleased.
Assateague Island has about 37 miles of beach. It is a barrier island off the coast of Maryland (Ocean City) and Virginia. Already the day trippers were there.
I was not sure if were going to be able to spot the ponies; finally, at a distance, we did. They were so beautiful. Assateague Island National Seashore has about 300 ponies in Maryland and Virginia.
Those ponies we saw were really enjoying the solitude the island has to offer. The ponies have been there for about 300 years. The earlier ones had solid coloring; a good number now have brown and white patches due to interbreeding with new ponies in the last 100 years. For more information, please visit www.assateagueisland.com/wildlife/pony.htm.
We did have a target on your sights; that being Seacrets. If you have been coming to Ocean City, I am sure that, at some point, you have visited this entertainment complex.
I remember when it first opened up so many years ago. Then the expansions started and today the place has over 25 plus bars and restaurants. Music and entertainment are their specialty.
Seacrets is located on 117 West 49th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410524-4900. Website is www.seacrets.com. On Facebook, Twitter, Myspace.
We were coming by boat. You have the choice to dock your boat or anchor out and the Tipsy Water Taxi could pick you up. That’s exactly what we did. The Tipsy Water Taxi works until very late in the evening. It was so easy and they were great.
The beach bar is well, the place to be. Tables inside the water and drinks brought to your table or to the floaters.
The idea is to feel like you are on an island. They have Jamaica on their minds but it really could be any island on the Caribbean.
On Sunday, it was crowded by anyone’s standards but after the big holiday week-end, it was more toned down.
I was surprised that our food was very good. Seacrets is so big that I wondered how they could handle such big crowds.
The Jerk Chicken, was delicious. That was a starter but I could have put those pieces of chicken on top of one of the salads, as well. The Mediterranean Bruschetta was very tasty and the pita bread was warm. Greek Salads for all of us but I had skirt steak on mine and the steak was cooked to perfection.
We went to talk to the “Hat Mon”. He has been with Seacrets since 1991. His specialty? The art of palm weaving. In the summer he is here, at Seacrets, and in the winter he is in Florida, at Capt. Hiram’s Restaurant & Marina and Key West Inn at 1601 Indian River Drive, Sebastian, FL 32958.
Hat Mon weaves hats, bowls/baskets, purses, marlins, sharks, you name it. Another location where you might find him is at the Green Turtle Club in Abaco, Bahamas, www.greenturtleclub.com.
His new website is www.hatmon.com. His telephone is 410-251-9650.
One of the drinks ordered; the house specialty, was Pain In De Ass. This drink has multiple layers of frozen Rum Runner, which is blackberry and banana liqueurs with a kick of gold rum, and Pina Colada. It was well received.
It was time to listen to some music and I have to admit it; once you are there, it is contagious and when that music started you could not help but move your feet to that rythm and feel the sand between your toes.
Seacrets is patroled by the Peace Police. They make sure that while you are in their property you behave and look decent. No hats backwards while you are walking through the restaurants and bars. Only at the beach bar you can then turn the brim towards the back.
In the bathrooms, at least in the ladies room, once the door is closed, you will see signs asking you “Where is your drink?” And, what to do if you have left your drink at the table. With everything happening in our societies they are giving you the warning that you should never leave your drink unattended.
I thought Seacrets was a lot of fun on Sunday. I was impressed on how well organized everything was. The only thing I would suggest is to have someone attend to the bathrooms. Some needed care.
We left Seacrets after 7:00 p.m. and the ride back home was amazing. Gliding through the water was so peaceful; we were happy and as I looked at our faces, I notice that we were smiling.
Talk to you later…you know I will…
July 11th, 2010
I have been attending a few weddings. Yes, some of my friends’ children are getting married. Time really flies by. It was only yesterday when a lot of us would be running to Epworth Pre-school or Giant Step, here in Rehoboth Beach, where those children grew up.
But wait a minute, I do have more than a few friends with grandchildren too. I had not thought about that, but it is true.
How do I envision what a grandparent should look like? No, no, the image of grandparents today is so completely different; far from the rocking chair of yesterday. Active, fun and energetic; they are the ones buying for the children. So, maybe this post is for them.
I found myself walking through the Village by the Sea complex in downtown Rehoboth on Friday and I saw Gayle. She was just coming out from a children’s boutique called The Lilypad. I was wondering what she was doing there. Well, she works there and has been for the past 3 years. She has 2 grandchildren and you know where her paycheck is going; working in a children’s store. I could not help but to come in and check it out since this information will be valuable to those new grandparents.
The Lilypad is located at 149 Rehoboth Ave., Village by the Sea, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-4464. The website is www.lilypadchildrensboutique.com. You can also find them on Facebook. Please note that you are not able to order yet from the website. Lilypad will special order and ship.
The owner of the store is Lily Gosnear. On most days, you can find Gayle there, as well.
As you come in, you cannot help but smile; colorful and full of children’s apparel, blankets, shoes, toys, boots, Vineyard Vines for Children and gifts.
Lilypad is well known for their Christening gowns. This store carries a large inventory of the gowns for that special day.
One item that caught my attention was these Snap Caps, started by 2 girls who have revolutionized the bottle cap and the magnet. They took bottle caps and placed artistic impressions inside; glitter, rhinestones, magnet on the back and a craze started. They also have slides and chokers. Sold in over 700 stores nationwide!!
They are targeting the “tween” market. Tweens are “in between” the traditional child and teenage stages of development.
Ayway, the store is very cute and now you know where to go to buy that special gift for that child in your life.
Have a great Sunday!! The beaches are crowded….and we love it!!
July 10th, 2010
I have bought corn everywhere, here, at the beaches, and don’t get me wrong, it has all been pretty good. But, it is only when I buy it from Freeman’s that I really fall in love with it, time and time again.
Last summer I mentioned that I have even sent this corn to Puerto Rico; a small fortune but worth it since they do not have this type of corn there.
Freeman’s corn is located on the road that is parallel to Rt. 1. That road is 1D but it is also called Plantations Rd. He is at the corner of Robinsonville and Plantations Rds.
You cannot miss Freeman’s Corn since you will see plenty of cars stopping starting at about 11:00 a.m. It is a family operated business. The orange bins will be filled with other produce, as well.
But, their haywagon truck holds the most important bins; that beautiful corn; clean, kept cool, and no blemishes.
Friendly and cordial making chit chat with their customers; that’s what I like so much. The older man that has been there for years asked me if I was sending corn this year to PR. Not sure yet, was my answer, since the person that loved it the most is no longer there.
One vegetable that attracted my attention yesterday was the white eggplant. I had never seen it. It was beautiful.
Apparently eggplants got their name because they used to come in only one color; white. Hanging from the plant they looked like eggs.
The original white eggplant is now very trendy; smaller than the purple, supposedly, more tender. The skin is tougher and must be peeled. They are available seasonally.
Freeman’s corn is also at the Farmers Markets every week in Lewes at the Lewes Historical Society Complex on 110 Shipcarpenters St., on Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon and on Tuesdays at the Rehoboth Farmers Market located at Grove Park by the round about, behind the Chamber of Commerce, from noon until 4 p.m. These markets are held rain or shine.
So what can I say about Freeman’s corn that I have not said? Well boil, bake it, grill it and really enjoy it this summer. It looks like a great crop.
Talk to you later…
July 9th, 2010
What’s Going On at the Beaches? A lot. You can pick and choose and here are a few things that might be of interest to you, whether, a resident or a visitor.
Please note that Betty’s is now open for lunch, from Noon until 4:00 p.m. so if you are shopping at the outlets or going to see a movie; just remember that this restaurant has been received very well. Betty’s is located at 8585 Coastal Highway #23, right there at Midway Shopping Center. For more information, please call 302-645-6160 or visit www.bettypureandsimple.com. On 3/17 I posted a blog on this restaurant. All you have to do to see it is go on the left hand side of this blog and click on the month of March and scroll down to the date.
Saturday, 7/10 – Addiction and Subtraction. A jewelry show opening at Heidi Lowe Gallery on 328 Rehoboth Ave. in Rehoboth Beach. For info. please go to www.heidilowegallery.com or call 302-227-9203.
This is a very innovative jewelry studio and I wrote a post on 9/20. If you are interested in seeing it please click on the month of September on the left hand side of this blog and scroll down.
Saturday, 7/10 – Good For You Market Cheese Class. What goes around becomes a rind. We know what’s inside; let’s explore the outer edges. $35/person. The location is on Rt. 9 West., Lewes. Call 302-684-8330 and class stars at 1:00 p.m. On June 22nd I wrote a post on Good for You Market so all you have to do to see it is click on the month of June and scroll down to the date.
Saturday, 7/10 – Second Saturdays Destination Art Walk. Check out downtown galleries from 6 – 9 p.m. as part of Second Saturdays Art Walks presented by Mosaic, a gallery collective for downtown Rehoboth Beach. Need more info? Please visit www.mosaicrehoboth.com.
Saturday, 7/10 – Delaware Seashore Sandcastle Contest at the Delaware Seashore State Park, South of Dewey Beach. Free but daily entrance fee to the park applies. 9:30 a. with prizes awarded at 2:00 p.m. Rain date 7/17.
Saturday, 7/10 – Touch-A-Truck – A benefit for the March of Dimes at Rehoboth K-Mart on Rt. 1 from 10:00 until 2:00 p.m. Trucks for kids to explore as well as entertainment, raffles and refreshments. $5 for children 2 – 12 and free for everyone else. Info. at www.touchatruckde.com.
Saturday, 7/10 – The 14th Annual Running of the Bull, Noon, at the Starboard Restaurant in Dewey Beach. More info? Please visit www.thestarboard.com.
Sunday, 7/11 – Race – 10th North Beach 5K. For more info. please go to www.sevensistersdeweybeach.com
Thursday, 7/15 – “The Way We Were” – Join the Rehoboth Historical Society in a lively discussion of immigration trade, and culture in 17th Century Delaware, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rehoboth Beach Museum located at 511 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.
Learn about who the early colonists were, where they came from and where they have gone; who traded with them and what was going on in the rest of the world while Delaware was coming into being.
This program is presented in conjuction with the exhibit “Captain John and Sarah Avery: A 17th Century Family on Delaware”s Frontier.
Please RSVP by calling 302-227-7310 for the presentation which will be free to members and non-members are asked to make a $3 donation.
Have a great week-end!!!
July 8th, 2010
Located in the middle of Dewey Beach, Delaware is Two Seas. On one side the Atlantic Ocean and on the other, the Rehoboth Bay.
The address? 1300 Coastal Highway, (Van Dyke Ave. and Coastal Highway), Dewey Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-2610.
No website and not a lot of advertising; but as usual, word of mouth is the best advertising. On Facebook? Well, of course, isn’t everybody? Well, almost, since I know a few that refuse to get into it.
I have been wanting to go to this restaurant for some time. I am almost embarrass to tell you that it has been 22 years since I have been there. Yes, 22 years ago I was coming out of my pre-natal class and had dinner there. Some things never change. Good food is always on my mind.
Two Seas opened 24 years ago and it has had a few renovations and additions since then. Same location, though.
It has parking which is a welcome relief at this time of the year. You have to climb a few steps; no elevator.
You are in for a treat if you decide to visit Two Seas.
This restaurant has those 5 key ingredients that make a restaurant. Quality, culinary competence, service, ambiance and price.
Ingredients should be the best money can buy. Culinary competence, well the chef should out do himself, the service should be very attentive but not intrusive, the ambiance should also be relaxing, and the price should be reasonable.
Two Seas has an extra ingredient; a view on the roof top, with a bar, tables for tapas, drinks, appetizers and happy hour.
The roof top menu is a little bit different from the main dining room menu, but not much.
The restaurant is attended by the Carr family and their staff. Friendly and again, very attentive to your needs.
Guess what? Gluten free menu for those on a gluten free diet.
The main dining room was crowded; but comfortable and the decoration throughout the restaurant was “coastal chic”.
After the drink order was taken I could not wait to taste some of their offerings.
My starter was a Crab Chowder. It was New England cream style with Maryland Crab. It had a hint of nutmeg. Very good.
An order of oysters is always a must, if available. Good review, as well.
The Baked Brie was warm with fresh basil pesto, vine ripe tomato and toast points. It was good for 3 or 4 people and very nice.
For the main event I had their signature dish: Sweet onion crusted Red Snapper, oven baked and served with Madeira sauce. The onions were caramelized and the sweetness complemented the fish.
Another entree ordered was the Pan seared Rockfish. Served over corn and bacon hash and finished with an avocado, cilantro sour cream. I had a taste of it and it really had such a good flavor. The mixture of the bacon hash and the avocado and cilantro gave it such a different taste. I love those types of combinations.
The next entree was the Crab crusted Halibut, which was finished with a lemon buerre blanc. Also different, being that it was crusted with crab.
No dessert was ordered because I had made Flan and it was waiting at home.
I still cannot believe I had not been to that restaurant in so long. But to tell you the truth, and in my defense, the building does not look like a restaurant.
Anyway, as usual I took a lot of pictures and you just have to try it yourself. Last night, the sunset was priceless!!
I am not kidding I cant’ wait to go back. It is great when the unexpected surprises you in such a pleasant way.
Note: Two Seas is available for private parties.
See you later…..relax…you are at the beach!!
July 7th, 2010
It is so funny that it is so late at night and I am writing about Flan. I came late from Two Seas (tomorrow’s blog) in Dewey Beach and my Flan was ready. I had made it this afternoon. It is the perfect dessert for balmy evenings.
A Flan is like a custard, but at the same time it isn’t. It is more than that; it is a dessert that can be adapted to any occasion.
Let me tell you how I like it. First of all, just like with creme brulee, I want the original and most simple of the recipes. Forget flavors and enhancements. This dessert does not need all that.
The following recipe serves about 12 people. I cut it in half and it fit perfectly on my metal pie pan.
Flan de Leche ( Puerto Rican Baked Custard) Serves 12 (to adapt it just cut it in half; instead of 7 eggs, use 4). I also cut the sugar in half.
6 cups of milk (whole milk)
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
peel of fresh lime, rinsed
7 eggs
1 cup sugar (to caramelize the pan)
Combine the milk, sugar, salt and lime and bring rapidly to a boil. Reduce heat to moderate and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain and allow to cool.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Caramelize a round 9 x 3 1/2-inch aluminum pan without tube, by putting sugar in the pan; placing it in the oven until it turns to a light gold. Swirl the pan to coat bottom and sides with caramel. Set aside.
In a saucepan, blend egg yolks and whites with a rubber spatula. Mix milk gradually, and strain.
Pour strained mixture into the caramelized pan. Set pan in a large shallow baking pan containing about 1 inch or so of hot water. Bake 1 hour for the full recipe or a little bit over 1/2 hour for half of the recipe. It should be set and golden. You may insert a knife in the center and if it comes out clean, it definitely is ready. Then, remove pan from water bath.
Allow to cool and then cover and set in refrigerator. When ready to serve, turn custard onto a platter. This can get tricky so first run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it up.
As with any recipe, you do have, at times, to play with it and make it your own. Then, enjoy it.
If you want to make it more festive, you may add berries on the side.
Talk to you later….you know I will….
July 6th, 2010
I am writing this post with a little bit of sadness because this was probably my last visit to Boulder for some time. Yes, he did graduate and all packages have been mailed back east.
Nevertheless, Boulder is so unique; it is a people’s town. No high rises, just the mountains. Every time I have visited I could not help to notice how everyone is outdoors enjoying what nature has to offer. It is contagious and all of a sudden you want to go hicking, tubing, rock climbing (well, not me), walking or just sitting outside in one of the many outdoor cafes.
Boulder is known to have 300 sunny days per year. The town has about 1,000 businesses and the best part is that they are 85% locally owned.
“The community is a paradoxically mix of left-leaning politically-correct environmentalism and yuppiedom.”
Part of enjoying the outdoors in Boulder is walking around Pearl Street Mall, Pearl Street’s East End, The West End or anywhere in between.
Pearl Street is a 4 block pedestrian mall, right in the middle of Boulder; outdoors, of course. It is also the place to be at night. Restaurants, street performers, musicians, fountains, sculptures, and flowers are everywhere.
Last Wednesday, we were on our way to the Boulder Theater to see Jesse Cook. He is a Canadian guitarist whose music is a mixture of Rumba, Flamenco Music, Latin and a little bit of French and Moroccan. It was fantastic and if you get a chance check him out at www.jessecook.com.
The Boulder Theater has been an independent theater since 1935. It opened in 1906 and in 1927 the first talkie “The Jazz Singer” was presented.
At the present time, the theater is primarily an entertainment venue. The Boulder Theater is versatile, perfect for events ranging from meetings to conferences and live theater, private parties and concerts. In a way it reminded me a lot of the Milton Theater in Milton Delaware. They are gems.
Boulder Theater is located at 2032 14th St. Tel. 303-786-7030 and the website is www.bouldertheater.com. Please check the website for a complete schedule of events.
7/6 – A Movie: The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibet’s Struggle for Freedom
7/7 – An Evening with Hapa
7/9 – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
The hotel I chose to stay on this visit was the St. Julien. It is located on 900 Walnut St. telephones 720-406-9696 and 877-303-0900. Website www.stjulien.com.
I have been wanting to try the St. Julien because it was within walking distance to everywhere that interested me. The hotel is very service oriented. The valet guys were great. The staff wanted to make sure that your expectations were met.
The hotel was busy and at night the back terrace was crowded and music was in the air.
What else can I say? It was great!!
Yes, that was my last post for Boulder for the time being…..talk to you later…
 
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