August 9th, 2010
One of my friends was complaining about me wanting to go to Rehoboth for dinner on Friday night. Are you crazy, we are never going to find parking and on and on he went.
Oh, he said, I cannot believe you went into Rehoboth this way, you know under the bridge, etc. etc. Well, I never go this way, he continued, hmm, it seems easier, he kept on talking. Oh my gosh, look at the traffic on Rehoboth Ave. I knew it. Good luck finding parking. I just told him to stop complaining. I was even driving him. The other 2 in the car were quiet.
Our target restaurant was the new Cafe Azafran that had just opened on 18 Baltimore Ave. The original restaurant is in Lewes on109 Market St. and this new location was going to be following the same cuisine. The tel. is 302-227-8100. Website is www.cafeazafran.com.
The person that was complaining got a little happier when he saw the parking lot across from Cafe Azafran. Not bad, afterall. He treated for the parking and dinner. But, that’s the kind of friend he is.
Cafe Azafran is known for its authentic Mediterranean Cuisine. They also have Tapas for sharing, entrees, desserts and a full bar.
The restaurant is not just opened for dinner; it is also opened daily from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. offering breakfast, along with a very extensive Cafe Drink Menu.
Scones, croissants, yogurt loaf, baked oatmeal with milk or yogurt, Azafran Breakfast Sandwich, Frittata with Roll and bagels with toppings are among their morning offerings.
I was so surprise to the Dawn there. She was going to be taking care of us. She is the best.
We were hungry so immediately we started with:
Bistro Salad – This salad has French goat cheese, crisp jamon, baby romaine, croutons, tomato, with a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. I really enjoyed it.
The special salad had beautiful tomatoes and also French goat cheese. Also very well received.
And, the Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Peppers and Olives Salad was also very well liked.
For entrees we had:
Seafood Tarragona which was a bouillabaisse of shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamares, fish, hazelnut and almond Romesco in a saffron shellfish broth. I love soups and this was perfectly seasoned and just the right amount.
Rave reviews from the person that got the Flat Iron Steak. He said it was the best he had had. It had roasted mushrooms, fresh garlic-chive mashed potatoes, bleu cheese butter, and a fresh vegetable demiglace.
The friend that got the Azafran Jumbo Lump Crab Cake also thought her dish was delicious. Cafe Azafran is known for its crab cakes so I was not surprised. It had Catalan spinach, white beans, polenta and an avocado aioli.
The halibut entree was another success. It was accompanied by ratatouille.
We actually did not try any of the desserts but I know that they do have Tiramisu, Lemon Ricotta Napoleon and Crema Catalana which is a Spanish creme brulee, among others.
Anyway, as usual I have to mention that having dinner with friends, good friends, by the way, is the best. Really, it’s true, and you know it.
And that parking space? Right on the ocean block of trendy Baltimore Street, $15 until 2 a.m.
I will talk to you later…..
August 8th, 2010
Salads are perfect for this time of the year. I think this one is a winner but I do love Feta cheese, so maybe that’s why.
Summer Feta Salad
1 head romain lettuce, torn
1 large bunch parsley, stems removed
1 cucumber, sliced
1 (4.5 ounce) can pitted black olives, drained
1 tomato, quartered
4 ounces feta cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/8 cup lemon juice
pepper to taste
Toss together lettuce, parsley, cucumber, olives and tomatoes. Crumble feta cheese and add to lettuce; set aside.
Mix olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice together; toss, to taste, with the salad. You might not want to use it all, but I usually do.
Add fresh ground pepper to season and serve.
Serves 4.
As usual, with any recipe, just make it your own and enjoy….talk to you later…
August 7th, 2010
You can tell that people are taking advantage of the last weeks before children have to go back to school. Rt. 1 or Ocean Highway was crazy today. My goodness, traffic was at a stand-still!!
Anyway, this town has interesting events happening this week. Check them out:
Sunday, 8/8, Saturday, 8/14 and Sunday 8/15 – It’s the 37th Annual Rehoboth Art League Outdoor Fine Art & Craft Show at the Rehoboth Art League located at 12 Dodds Lane in Henlopen Acres. 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Please call 302-227-8404 or visit the website www.rehobothartleague.org. $5.00 for adults and children are free.
Sunday, 8/8 – Race: 8th Classic Catering 5K. Details are at www.sevensistersdeweybeach.com. It starts at 8 a.m. at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach. A post race party will be held on the deck of the Rusty Rudder, sponsored by Michelob Ultra.
Sponsored by the Rehoboth Film Society are the following events:
Monday, 8/9, Wednesday, 8/11, and Friday, 8/13 is Fun with Filmmaking at the Milton Library in Milton, Delaware. The address is 121 Union Street.
This is an introduction to the art of filmmaking for kids 6 – 9 years of age. Please call 302-684-8856 to register or for more info. you can also contact 302-645-9095 or visit the website www.rehobothfilm.com/film_events_fun_with_film_making.html.
Times: 10:30 until 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, 8/12 – Cinema by the Surf: Michael Jackson: This is It. At Dusk at the Rehoboth Beach Band Stand and it is free.
This film shows a privileged and private look at the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect and genius as he creates and perfects his final show.
Have a great one!!! Talk to you later…..
August 6th, 2010
No, I have not moved West. Maybe you have seen this farm if you are driving to and from the Delaware beaches.
The other day I had to go to Annapolis, Maryland and this farm is on Rt. 16. It is on the outskirts of Greenwood, which is in Southern Delaware. From Rehoboth Beach is probably 40 minutes give or take a few.
So, I was passing by the Bison farm and the calves were all near the fence but there was no way I could stop. I figured I could get them on my way back.
The name of the Bison farm is Colvine Bison Farm, 10685 Buffalo Rd., Greenwood, DE 19950. Tel. 302-349-5334 and the website is www.delawarebison.com.
These bison are happy on this serene, rural and grassy pasture paradise.
Bison are the largest living mammal in North America. They are also called buffalo. But, you knew that. They can run 30 per hour, are about 6 feet tall, and their weight can reach a ton. The calves are reddish brown.
Bison are no longer endangered. In North America there is an excess of 250,000. Herds are rapidly expanding because of the demand for this healthy natural meat. Please note that only excess animals are harvested.
The meat has more protein because it has less marble; lower in cholesterol than beef. Colvine Bison are raised natural, drug free with no growth hormones.
I am so glad I stopped because these animals certainly look so majestic. Check out their website above mentioned because there is a lot of information.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
August 5th, 2010
I have not been in Delray Beach since June and I miss it. Once you get to know this little Village by the Sea, you don’t want to let go of it. It is one of those coastal towns that are busy; restaurants are open, shops, fairs, festivals and the town is making sure that the residents have plenty to do.
If you are visiting Delray Beach this week-end, this is what you will find:
Friday and Saturday, 8/6/10 and 8/7/10 – Shark Feeding starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Sandoway House Nature Center located at 142 S. Ocean Blvd.
Friday, 8/6/10 – It is Gallery Walk from 7 – 11 p.m. – On Friday nights trendy Atlantic Avenue shows off its art scene by keeping the art galleries open extended hours for all art lovers to enjoy. Website http://delraybeachartdistrict.com.
Friday, 8/6/10 – Summer Nights in Delray Beach – Summertime Blues from 7 – 10 p.m. at SW 5th Ave. Plaza at Atlantic across from the Fire Dept.
Summertime Blues has free admission and Ike & Val Woods, a popular blues band from Miami will be one of the entertainers.
Summer evenings in Downtown Delray Beach are filled with great events. Dancing in the street, art projects for every age and skill level, live entertainment with music styles ranging from Latin and Reggae to the blues and country.
The CRA will continue its 25th anniversary celebration by providing cupcakes at the Plaza. The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum will be promoting its upcoming Living Heritage Festival and hosting a photo opportunity for children: instruments to mime playing with the band. A children’s art project will also be available.
Saturday, 8/7/10 – Village Arts Mart Summer Market from 8 – 1 p.m. at 115 NE 4th Ave. in Delray. This is an open air market featuring local artists, crafters, garden fresh/organic produce and gourmet foods.
Saturday, 8/7/10 – Grand Opening of Putt’n Around. 36 holes of exciting miniature golf in a waterfront setting.
Play 18 holes at “The Everglades” with its lush landscaping and sculptures. Or, 18 holes around the beach-inspired setting and crystal-blue water of “The Ocean”.
There is a concession area with snacks, ice cream and soft drinks and so much more. Open every day from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. $9.85/person for 18 holes including tax or $15 for 36 holes also including the tax.
Location? 350 NE 5th Ave. (Federal Highway), Delray Beach, FL 33483. E-mail address is info@puttnaround.net and website www.puttnaround.net/#/home.
Saturday, 8/7/10 – It is the 7th Annual Family Fun Day from 4 – 11 p.m. at Pompey Park, 1101 NW 2nd St.
Join the City of Delray Beach. Great family event with games, live entertainment, speakers, food, vendors and prizes.
Just bring your umbrella and lawn chair. That’s all you need.
If you are looking for a good book to read, and if mysteries are your thing, then visit Murder on the Beach Book Store. They are located on 273 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444. They are in the Pineapple Grove District. Tel. 561-279-7790 and the website is www.murderonthebeach.com.
On Tuesday, August 10th at 7 p.m. Ellen Crosby will be signing Viognier Vendetta. “When Lucie Montgomery visits Washington, D.C. during cherry blossom season she doesn’t expect that her reunion with old friend Rebecca Natale is a setup. But Rebecca disappears into thin air after running an errand for her boss, billionaire philanthropist and investment guru Sir Thomas Asher. Also missing: an antique silver wine cooler looted by British soldiers before they burned the White House during the War of 1812. The next morning Lucie identifies Rebecca’s neatly folded clothes found in a rowboat floating in the Potomac River. Is it suicide, murder, or an elaborate scheme to dissapear? Scribner 1st edition, signed: $24.00
Have a great week-end…and talk to you later….
August 5th, 2010
This is one of those recipes that is perfect for this time of the year. Dining al fresco? You bet. Just add a green salad, a glass of wine, atmosphere, a couple of friends and you have a winner.
Shrimp & Pasta Salad
1 lb. macaroni, cooked, drained and cooled
1 lb. medium shrimp, cooked and peeled
4 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup pitted black olives, sliced or chopped
Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise – regular or low fat
1/2 cup chopped dill pickle
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsps. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup ketchup
hot sauce – to taste
In a large bowl, combine first 6 ingredients. Mix well.
In another bowl, mix dressing ingredients. Pour over macaroni mixture, stir well and chill for several hours before serving.
Too easy right? It serves 8.
Note: This recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten free. Just replace the macaroni for gluten free ones and Emeril’s mustard is also gluten free.
Enjoy it and make it your own!!
Talk to you later…
August 4th, 2010
There is nothing better than good food, good wine, and a bunch of old friends getting together.
That’s exactly what 6 of us did the other night in Bethany Beach. We met there because it was a half way point between Ocean City, Maryland and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
We decided to try Kingston Grille, located at 14 Pennyslvania Ave., at Campbell Place (next to the Post Office). Tel. is 302-539-1588.
This little restaurant, and I mean it is small, is a hidden treasure. Just like Two Seas in Dewey Beach, you do not see a lot of advertisement. They have the best; word of mouth.
None of us had visited Kignston Grille but had heard about it and were looking forward to see if what we had heard was true.
Definitely, a reservation should be made because of the size of the restaurant. This particular week, at the beaches, is probably the busiest one. Bethany was packed and it looked very nice with all those flowers all over the place.
I am not sure how many tables Kignston Grille has but not more than a dozen. It is very cozy and I hope it stays that way.
Casey was our waiter and I have to say he was really quite good. He was attentive and very helpful with the dinner suggestions. We all wanted something different. I wanted pictures.
How Casey could get through to us was amazing; we were non-stop talking and laughing. It happens every time we get together. That laughter and the easy conversation just stays with me for a few days. Really, I love it and it is priceless!!
Drinks were ordered and bread was brought to the table. The bread was not your usual bread, but a rosemary focaccia. Warm and just perfect to wet our appetite.
Kingston Grille offers Tapas, Salads, Soups, Entrees and Desserts. Casey explained the Chef’s recommendations and specials of the day.
After the focaccia, we just went for the entrees. These were our choices:
The New York Strip was a 16 ounce of pure meat bliss pan seared and herbed butter topped with onion rings.
I chose the New Zealand Rack of Lamb and the chops were delicious. They were encrusted with panko crumbs, garlic and dijon mustard on a rosemary demi-glaze.
The Chicken Picatta was so nice. The broth lightly thickened and perfectly seasoned.
The friend that ordered the Salmon loved it as well. It was brick oven roasted with panko crumbs and warm dill cream.
One of the specials was a Veal Chop with beautiful mushrooms served on a lightly seasoned sauce.
All dishes were garnished with green beans that were breaded and flashed fried and were very tasty.
For our sweet ending we all shared a chocolate cake that some of us liked better than others. I liked it because it was light and after our meal it was perfect; the other friend usually likes a dense cake.
Our meal really was a success. We all loved the place because of the atmosphere and the food; but most of all it was a nice time to catch up on what has been going in our lives. What would we do without friends? Cannot imagine.
Talk to you later….and we found out that what people have been saying about Kingston Grille was true…it is worth it.
August 3rd, 2010
On Monday it was time to let my hair down a bit, put my dancing shoes and follow Paula and Nancy to the Bottle & Cork. These 2 friends are fans of The Greaseband.
The Greaseband has been performing in Dewey Beach for the past 25 plus years. The band has been around for 35 years.
This summer they are entertaining their fans at the Bottle & Cork, located in Dewey Beach, right on Rt. 1. On April 29th I wrote a post about this famous Rock & Roll Bar and if you would like to see it, just go to the month of April under Archives and scroll down to the date.
It was unexpected fun for a Monday. I had never seen their performance and it was great. The Bottle & Cork was packed. By the time we got there, people were already dancing and The Greaseband was playing.
I guess my last post was about what children can do in Dewey and tonight the post is for what the more matured crowd can do.
The age group was definitely a little older than what you would expect in Dewey; there were some in their 20’s but the majority was definitely older.
You know what was so nice to see? How much fun everyone was having. The members of The Greaseband know a lot of the people in attendance; they have been followed for years. The audience sings, dances, jumps up and down with big smiles on their faces.
The Greaseband plays music from the 50’s to the 90’s Rock ‘n’ Roll. They will be performing at 9:15 p.m. every Monday at the Bottle & Cork until August 23rd. More info? Please call 302-227-7272.
If you would like to know more about them including their schedules, story, bookings, etc., please visit their website www.greaseband.com.
The dancing was contagious; cannot wait to go again!!
Talk to you later….
 
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