September 22nd, 2010
I have to laugh. Many years ago people would ask me; what do you do at the beach? All of us residents, locals and natives cannot complain because the coastal towns have done a tremendous job in keeping the beaches busy. Yes, all those people that asked me those questions so long ago, come to the beaches because there is so much variety in entertainment from week to week; festivals, music, restaurants, the weather, the beach, walks, nature, the bay and friends.
If you are in Rehoboth Beach this week-end then you will be celebrating Oktoberfest. Yes it is Dowtown Rehoboth Oktoberfest!! Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 24th through September 26th.
Oktoberfest is celebrated in Germany beginning at the end of September with a 2-week beer bash, dancing, and oom-pah bands. So, this week-end in Rehoboth you will find Sauerbraten, Bratwurst, weinerschnitzel and other creative cuisine based on German traditions.
The restaurants that will be participating will bring you special menus and a salute to well-brewed beer. This event is presented by the Rehoboth Beach Main Street.
German Cuisine coupled with a great party atmosphere. Music and the raising of a beer stein or 3 or 4 within the participating restaurants.
For more information please call 302-227-2772. This event takes place inside the individual restaurants that are participating. Please contact the restaurants regarding menu specifics and reservations. For the Oktoberfest venue information, please visit www.downtownrehoboth.com/Oktoberfest_2008.htm.
Tuesday, 9/28 – It is the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market from Noon until 4 p.m., rain or shine.
Location? Behind the Chamber of Commerce in Grove Park.
The Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market was voted #11 in the USA for its size.
Website is http://rbfarmersmarket.com.
Have a good one!!….talk to you later…
September 22nd, 2010
I had a few things to do in Lewes. This historic town is just north of Rehoboth Beach and a few minutes from my house. Gorgeous as it was; always a treat to stroll around Lewes.
I went to take some pictures by the City Dock; not too many boats but nevertheless the scene was picturesque. There was a group talking and, since I have never met a stranger, I got into the conversation. I want to mention that they were roommates from Massachusetts. They apparently get together once every couple of years. They had never been to Lewes or the Delaware Beaches, for that matter. Yes, they were having a good time. I put my two cents in and business card and wish them a great time.
I was thinking about the Cape Henlopen State Park, remembering how many programs they had last summer and throughout the fall and winter, as well.
Following are a few of the activities that you can enjoy in the days to come. Please note that all programs meet at the Seaside Nature Center at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, unless otherwise specified.
Thursday, 9/23 at 7:00 p.m. is Fall Moon Hike – Watch the moon rise and take a guided walk through the moonlit landscape of Cape Henlopen to discover the nocturnal life of the Park, including deer and night birds. Limited to 20 people. $2/person. Pre-registration is required by calling 302-645-6852.
Saturday, 9/25 – Nocturnal Connections – People and Nature Performance Series at 6:00 p.m., at the Campground Amphitheatre. Ages 5 and up. Enjoy live musicians singing campfire songs about the outdoors. A listing of the evening’s events can be found on the Park’s bulletin boards or call 302-645-6852.
Saturday, 9/25 – Delaware Breakwater Kayak Trip 10:00 a.m. until Noon. Paddle a sit-on-top kayak inside the Delaware Breakwater. Participants will be led by informed and experienced naturalists who will provide basic instruction before heading out.
Beginner paddlers are welcomed, but these trips can be strenuous depending on wind and water conditions. All equipment is provided.
Bring water and sunscreen. Closed-toe shoes are required. Limited to 10. Call 302-645-6852 since registration is required. Solo paddlers must be 13 years or older. Paddlers 8 – 12 years old must be in tandem kayak with parent. $25 per solo-kayaker, $35 per tandem.
Note: The Delaware Breakwater is a set of breakwaters east of Lewes, on Cape Henlopen that form Lewes Harbor. They were listed on the National Register of Historic Places on 12/12/76.
The breakwaters were the first structures of their kind to be build in the Western Hemisphere.
Saturdays, 9/25, 10/2 and 10/9 – Kayak Rentals at the Fishing Pier from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Rentals include PFD, seat and paddle. Renters must be experienced. Bring water and sunscreen. Cosed-toe shoes are required. Please call 302-645-6852 for reservations and information. Single and tandem sit-on-top; $15 per person per hour.
Saturday, 10/2 – Hike the Point (1.6 miles) starting at 11:00 a.m. You will join their naturalist on a guided hike. Not a true trail but still a great hike now that the Point is open. Look for treasures and learn how the Point is changing every year.
Call 302-645-6852 for directions and to pre-register. Meet at the Seaside Nature Center and then drive to the respective trailheads. It is free.
Wednesdays from 9/22 – 11/17 – Bird Walks at Cape Henlopen from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. Explore Cape Henlopen birding hot spots with a staff naturalist. Bring your binoculars and field guides. Beginners are welcomed.
Have a wonderful time…talk to you later…
September 20th, 2010
Back in January of this year I wrote a post on Big Fish Grill. If you would like to see it, just go to the left hand side of this blog and under Archives click on the month of January and scroll down to the 23rd.
I have also mentioned Big Fish on other blogs, as well. It is one of those restaurants that…for example, tonight someone in my household wanted scallops, well scallops were not on my menu tonight. My menu was more like leftovers; yes let’s clean up the refrigerator, shall we?
Well, about 1/2 hour later I was at Big Fish. The restaurant is located at 20298 Coastal Highway. Tel. 302-227-9007. Website is www.bigfishgrill.com.
Big Fish is crowded all the time. Popular, consistenly good food; simple and fresh.
This restaurant prides itself on being able to handle any food related allergy. They have the following menus: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Garlic Free, Nut Free, Shellfish Free. The Manager will come to your table and address your allergy. It is taken very seriously.
Tammi was our waitress and she also eats gluten free. We were definitely in good hands but the manager did come to talk to us.
Blackened scallops over roasted corn and tomatoes was actually a large appetizer that was ordered as a meal and turned out very good.
I really like the glazed salmon and I got it over a Greek Salad, which had romaine, feta, kalamata olives, onions, tomatoes, cukes and pepperoncinis.
It really was a quick dinner tonight so nothing else was ordered.
One thing that I want you to take notice is that Big Fish Grill will start their 2010-2011 Cooking Classes.
When I wrote the post last January, its content, is pretty much the cooking class taken with friends at Big Fish. It was a great one. I learned how to fillet a red snapper and to tell you the truth it was harder than it looked.
You can go on the website and get all the information about these classes but they do fill up quickly.
The cost is $75.00 per class and you must register in advance. The classes are from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.. Menu items will change for each class, special requests are accepted and group/theme/private classes are also available.
The dates are: October 9th, October 23rd, November 6, November 20th, December 4th, December 18th, January 8th, January 22nd, February 5th, February 19th, March 5th, March 19th, April 2nd, April 16th and April 30th.
You may sign up for the classes at the Big Fish Grill or call 302-227-FISH.
Talk to you later….beautiful weather….
September 19th, 2010
I have a good friend named Roberta and one of the organizations that is closest to her heart is the Read Aloud Program. I am so happy that she mentioned to me that they are in need of volunteers; that is how they can spread the word and also glad that she mentioned fundraising events that are around the corner.
So, tonight as I am writing this post I cannot help but reminisce on my own childhood. I was so lucky that my grandmother was a teacher and I was read all the time as a young girl. I love reading as an adult and always carry a book with me.
Some children are not as lucky; programs like Read Aloud Delaware is all they have in order to make a difference in their lives.
Read Aloud Delaware’s Executive Director is Mary Hirschbiel, tel. 302-656-5256 ext. 11. E-mail is mhirsch@readalouddelaware.org. The website is www.readalouddelaware.org.
Read Aloud has coordinators in Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
New Castle is Mary Hirschbiel, who is also the Executive Director and you may contact her at the above given telephone number.
Kent County Coordinator is Jennifer Bobel, tel. 302-674-4423, e-mail kent@readalouddelaware.org.
Sussex County Coordinator is Ann Gorrin, tel. 302-856-2527, e-mail sussex@readalouddelaware.org.
I live in Sussex County so therefore, I am concentrating on this county but remember that all Delaware needs help in order to fight illiteracy.
In 1984 Read Aloud Delaware was incorporated as the only statewide organization dedicated to the prevention of illiteracy.
Their mission is to ensure that each preschool child in Delaware is regularly read to one-on-one. And this is when we prospective volunteers come in.
The biggest part of the Read Aloud Delaware program is the volunteer reading program where volunteers go into headstarts, preschools, and day care centers around the State of Delaware and read, just like I mentioned before, one-on-one. Currently there are 34 sites in Delaware.
Over the years I have been asked what can I do if I retire or move to Sussex County? I always say that you can do as much or as little as you desire. This is an opportunity for someone that would like to make a difference in a child’s life.
Want to become a volunteer? Very little effort is required in order to become one; a criminal background check and one orientation session that lasts about an hour. If you are here in Sussex County call the coordinator if you are interested in becoming a volunteer. And, if you are reading this blog somewhere else in Delaware and have an interest, as well, then call the other coordinators. You are needed the most this time of the year. Your commitment is only one hour a week reading at assigned child care centers and clinics throughout the State.
Remember that Read Aloud Delaware is giving kids a reading start. In the past year 988 volunteers read almost 54,000 times to over 7,280 individual children.
This is a nonprofit corporation and funds are always in need.
Please check out the dates for the following fundraising events:
Poker at the Beach – Rt. 1 Lighthouse Shopping Center. They provide Sussex County nonprofit organizations a venue to raise money.
A charity has a designated night in the month where the money taken in is theirs to keep. Poker at the Beach charges a rental fee for the night and allows the group to take whatever else is earned.
The dates are:
September 22, 2010
October 20, 2010
November 17, 2010
The doors open at 6:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Nicola Pizza Fund Raiser – Nicola Pizza is located at 8 North 1st St. Read Aloud will receive a percentage of the cost of the dinner donated.
The date is October 13, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. This is also the first day of the Jazz Festival.
Sing Out Loud for Read Aloud at Bethany Blues, located at Rt. 1 (Ocean Highway) in Lewes. This is a concert featuring local bands, most notably, the Funsters.
The date is October 17, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
I hope the above information gets you interested. Remember all Read Aloud Delaware is trying to do is encourage the love of books; the desire to become a reader to the youngest of our citizens.
Talk to you later….
September 18th, 2010
It was late in the afternoon and I was at New Road on the Bay, right after the town of Dewey Beach. Wasn’t it gorgeous today? I could take this weather all the time. It puts me in the right frame of mind.
Not too many people; they were going home. I was taking the view in.
As usual, I never know what I want for dinner but I started thinking about Cajun cooking and Louisiana’s creole recipes. Back on February 16th I posted my recipe for Shrimp Creole adapted from the book of Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Louisiana Kitchen. It really is one of my favorites and if you would like to see it just go under the Archives on the left hand side of this blog and click on February then scroll down to the date.
The recipe that I was thinking for tonight’s dinner was Shrimp & Crab Etouffee. I am going to give you the recipe as I got it, but since I did not have any crabmeat I just made it with shrimp. The recipe called for 2 lbs. of medium shrimp and 1 lb. of lump crabmeat. I am sure the crabmeat would have added more to the dish but to tell you the truth using the 2 lbs of shrimp was very good too.
“When the taste changes with every bite and the last bite is as good as the first, that’s Cajun!” Paul Prudhomme
It is also Louisiana cooking. Their tradition? To always celebrate with food.
And what are the differences between Cajun and Creole cooking? They share many similarities, both born in Louisiana; with French roots. Cajun is very old, though. More French country cooking. Creole food began in New Orleans and it is a mixture of the traditions of many nations.
So my recipe is called Shrimp & Crab Etouffee. Traditionally an etouffee is a delicate, flavorful sauce filled with fresh seasonal seafood. In this particular recipe the etouffee is thickened with cornstarch, not a roux. Paul Prudhomme’s etouffee has a roux in the etouffee, though.
An Etouffee means smothered. In Louisiana it means covered with a liquid.
A Roux is a mixture of flour and oil. It takes a while to get the right consistency, but it can be made in advanced and stored in an air-tight jar for several days.
Finally, I get to the recipe.
Shrimp & Crab Etouffee
1/4 lb. butter
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
1 tbsp. peeled and minced garlic
1/2 tsp cayenne (or more)
2 lbs. medium shrimp (I bought the easy peel)
1 lb. lump crabmeat
1/4 cup scallions and 1/4 cup parsley finely chopped for garnish
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1 tsp. salt
2 cups hot fish stock – Did not have any so I put 2 cups of chicken broth in a sacucepan, then added the shrimp peels, 1/2 of an onion, 1 celery stalk and let it cook for about 15 minutes or so to get that good flavorful stock.
2 tbsps. cornstarch
Melt butter in large frying pan, add onion, green pepper, celery, garlic, salt and cayenne pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender
Add the shrimp and raised the heat. Cook for 3 minutes or until shrimp are pink.
Add 1 1/2 cups stock
Mix cornstarch with remaining stock and add to the pan
Bring to simmer and cook for 20 minutes or until slightly thickened
Add Crab – Please note that I did not use crab in the recipe, just the shrimp.
Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until warmed
Garnish with scallions and parsley
Serve over rice. It will serve 6 to 8 people if you follow the recipe.
With a nice salad and a glass of Cabernet it would be the perfect meal. Very easy to prepare, as well. It really is.
Enjoy it and make it your own….I just did….talk to you later….
September 17th, 2010
What a productive day!!! I had made an appointment for my rescued dog, Addy, at Doggies at the Beach, located on Rt. 24. Tel. 302-644-8200. The reason? My carpets were going to be cleaned by Coastal Chem-Dry. She needed to be out of the house; yes, doggie day care.
 Addy, the angel, the culprit Then, my next stop was at my dentist. It was a quick appointment, no big deal. I like going to the dentist. No kidding, I do.
I could not wait to get home and get the house ready for Chem-Dry. To tell you the truth I was a little apprehensive. I felt like I needed to have my house cleaned before Chem-Dry arrived. Oh well, I am sure he has seen it all.
Wait a minute, anyone that has pets has gone through this, you cannot escape it.
I was so embarrassed. I had 2 rooms with big time stains. I thought that this could be a test for Chem-Dry. I had never used them personally. They do advertise on my website, though. I wrote about them on 7/23/10. If you would like to see that post just go to the month of July under Archives and scroll down to the date.
Or, you can click on the banner with their name on the right hand side of my website. It will take you directly into their site.
Chem-Dry is the world’s largest carpet cleaning company. Coastal Chem-Dry of Sussex and New Castle Counties is independently owned and family operated.
The telephones are:
New Castle 302-234-0200
Sussex County 302-645-2800
Website is www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. Please check it out to learn about appointments, services, products, tips, services, specials and most of all, about the company itself. And, please note that they do offer free estimates.
This company uses products that are non-toxic; green certified. The carpets dried so quickly. I just experienced it and that is why I can really talk about it.
But what caught my attention was their revolutionary product that is specially formulated to eliminate urine stains and odors even in the most severe cases. I think mine fell into that category. As I am writing the post I am thinking how crazy I am to put the pictures of my own carpet on this post. I have to; that’s the only way to review it.
Yes, P.U.R.T. which means Pet Urine Removal Treatment was definitely going to be used.
Angie arrived at my house at 1:00 p.m. He had a beautiful smile. Perfect teeth. Since I had just been at the dentist I noticed them. He proceeded to get everything ready; hoses and vacuum out. He said once you get everything set up the rest goes quickly and it did. I just talked his ear out as he was cleaning up. He showed me how the machine really releases all dirt from the carpet. Then he goes over the carpet again.
He took a black light and went over the carpet looking for spots and there were plenty. The black light highlights them and then he can proceed with the treatment.
For the pet urine he mixed the solution with hot water and really soaked the spots. Then, plastic is placed over the spots and at least they should be left covered for about 24 hours. They looked better already. Then, after the 24 hours all you have to do is vacuum the areas.
There were a few other spots that needed a little bit of extra spot treatment and that was done, as well.
Then he packed up everything and I sent him home with fresh figs and Vita Coco, which is the coconut water I wrote about on my last post.
Angie is calling me on Monday to check if I am satisfied and he might stop by to see it for himself. That personal attention is what we all want.
Do you think I will use Chem-Dry again? You bet.
Talk to you later…have a great week-end!!…
September 16th, 2010
I don’t think that I have reviewed any products since I started posting on my blog. But I have to tell you about 2 products that I am hooked on. One is Vita Coco, 100% pure coconut water and the other is Honest Tea, the Moroccan Mint Green Tea and the Mango Acai White Tea.
I came upon these products in the past few weeks and I really like them but now I like them much more because of how good they can be for my health.
Vita Coco is 100% pure coconut water. Having been raised in the Island of Puerto Rico I can tell you that drinking coconut water is part of your daily life. You see the roadside stands full of coconuts. This summer, while I was visiting, that’s exactly what I did. Drinking coconut water on a hot day, it’s fantastic; it quenches your thirst quickly.
The benefits of drinking coconut water are many. The water is filled with immune boosting vitamins and nutrients; plenty of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Potassium regulates blood pressure and heart function.
Coconut water also contains vitamins that can help stop fatigue, and ease digestion problems, among other things. It will boost your immune system naturally.
I was not sure how Vita Coco was going to be. I was so surprised to taste true coconut water. It was so refreshing and just like I mentioned, I am hooked.
In Puerto Rico they serve you the whole coconut with a straw in it and if you close your eyes that’s exactly how it feels; same taste.
At Giant you may find it where the waters are sold.
The company’s website is www.vitacoco.com in case you want to learn more about them.
Honest Tea is another product that is perfect on a hot day. The tea is organic and you can find out more about them by visiting www.honesttea.com.
Honest Tea has about 13 flavors but the ones I personally like best are the Moroccan Mint Green Tea and the Mango Acai White Tea.
Moroccan Mint Green Tea – Studies have shown that green tea is packed with antioxidants.
Mango Acai White Tea – Acai is a fruit from the Amazon rainforest. Also high in antioxidants and in omegas.
At Giant you can find the Honest Teas at the Green Isle. These teas do not have any high fructose or corn syrup; just a bit of organic cane sugar is added.
Giant carries these 2 products; but you have to be so vigilant because upon stocking the shelves, my goodness, they do go quickly.
Let me know how you like them.
Talk to you later….
September 16th, 2010
As the Second Season starts to gear up Ocean City, Maryland has a very busy week-end coming up.
Thursday, 9/16 until Sunday, 9/19 – It’s the Delmarva Bike Week when thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy rides and activities throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. Bike related activities, displays, exhibits, entertainment, vendors, celebrities, manufacturers, etc. etc.
9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. but on Sunday is from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
For more information please visit their website at http://www.delmarvabikeweek.com.
Friday, 9/17 until Sunday 9/19 – It’s the Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show at 40th St. and the Bay. 14K gold, sterling, pearls, beads, loose stones, crystals and so much more. Classic and contemporary designs for show and sale. There will be an admission charge.
Friday – Noon until 7 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Sunday – 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Please contact Barbara Harvey at 804-746-7663 if you need more information.
Thursday, 9/23 and Friday 9/24 – It’s the Sandcastle Home Tour, sponsored by the Art League of Ocean City, Maryland. Unique Ocean City area homes will be on display in this very popular event. Tickets are required and you may visit www.artleagueofoceancity.org to purchase them and for more information, as well. Tel. 410-524-9433.
What a beautifu day it is! Please enjoy it because certainly the Delmarva Peninsula is showing how beautiful it can be this time of the year.
See you….
 
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