September 9th, 2010
I remember last year when my friend, Debbie, the one that is my partner in crime, told me that her best dinner had been at Eden. I had never been to Eden. I don’t know why because they have been there for more than a few years.
Monday was the perfect evening to try it out. There were 4 of us and it was a beautiful evening. Not crowded, it was the last day of the holiday week-end.
Eden is located at 23 Baltimore Ave. This is a very trendy street in Rehoboth Beach with lots of shops and restaurants. The tel. is 302-227-3330. The website is www.edenrestaurant.com and they open for dinner at 6:00 p.m.
I love the way the restaurant is decorated; open and comfortable with several choices for seating. Tables or booths; I chose the booth. There is a full bar with available seating, as well.
Eden’s motto? “Bold American Food”. Well, let’s see.
Jack was our waiter and he was excellent. I took all his suggestions.
Wine was ordered and Pellegrino water, as well. I like sparkling water.
For the table the appetizers ordered were the Maine Lobster/Local Crab Tower, mango salad, avocado puree and the Grilled Caesar Salad with a classic dressing sun dried tomato/kalamata olive tapenade.
Both delicious. The bold dish was the Grilled Caesar Salad it really had a great taste; the dressing was excellent, perfectly seasoned.
I told Jack that both were good but the Salad was the best of both appetizers.
The pan seared scallops “paella” chorizo rice, mussels, grilled artichokes, olives and pea shoots got rave reviews. Excellent taste.
Another dish was the herb roasted filet mignon, creamed spinach, ravioli, roasted grapes, braised walnuts, capers, red wine sauce. Very good and perfectly cooked.
The Crispy Scottish Salmon, browned butter whipped potatoes, bacon/sweet corn “chowder” seemed to satisfy him.
I had the Veal Chop and because I was talking so much I forgot to write what was my side dish. I think it had a been mash gratin and I remember thinking how good it was at the time. Sorry, I cannot recall; that’s what too much eating does to you. The Veal Chop was very moist and very big.
We almost did not get any dessert for the table but I am glad that Jack talked us into it. It was so pretty. It is called the Tribute to the Candy Bar!! Layered peanut crunch, dark chocolate and peanut butter mousses, ganache, and sea salt. Definitely, for the chocolate lover. Light, believe it or not; so smooth.
So, what can I say but that Eden has those qualities that make up a good restaurant: Quality of ingredients, culinary competence, service and ambiance.
Ingredients should be the best money can buy, a seasoned chef, service attentive; not intrusive, always anticipating what the customer needs. The ambiance; tranquil and relaxing.
Of course, the company makes up the rest of the evening. As usual there is nothing better than sharing a meal with friends.
Talk to you later….
September 8th, 2010
I have not visited this Village by the Sea that I like so much in a few months. Why am I leaving the beautiful September weather, here at the Delaware beaches? In the Spring there was a fire in my townhouse and renovations have been going on.
What’s happening in Delray this week-end? Delray is always full of activities and events; not just in the winter.
Here it goes:
Thursday, 9/9, Friday, 9/10 and Saturday, 9/11 – Shark Feeding at 10:30 a.m. at the Sandoway House Nature Center, located at 142 South Ocean Blvd., 2 blocks south from the corner of Atlantic Ave. and A1A.
Thursday, 9/9 – This is Shelley’s favorite one. Scott Ringersen’s tribute show called “The Elvis Experience”. Two shows at 7:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. The show takes place every Thursday at Johnnie Browns, located on 301- E. Atlantic Ave., Tel. 561-243-9911. This restaurant is known for burgers, wings, ribs and classic rock.
Scott Ringersen’s was a Delray Beach police officer. I am not sure if he still is, though. He attracts big crowds on Thursday evenings; a lot of regulars.
On Friday and Saturday it’s Rock’n Roll’n Ribs at Johnnie Browns. Friday Ryan & The Rockers will be performing and on Saturday The Flyers will be the performers. On both days the performances start at 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Friday, 9/10 – Gallery Walk, every Friday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The galleries of the downtown Delray Beach Gallery District open their doors for a Gallery Walk. Wine and cheese will be served at participating galleries. There are over 15 galleries opening their doors on Fridays.
Saturday, 9/11 – Village Arts Mart Summer Market from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on 115 NE 4th Ave., in Delray Beach. This is an open air market featuring lcoal artists, crafters, and garden fresh/organic produce and gourmet food.
At the Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture
Until September 25th – Stuff II: The Joy of Collecting. The first Stuff Exhibit was so popular that they decided to create Part II. Approximately 50 area collectors loaned their treasured items to this exhibit. Wonderful stories accompany many of the collections.
Additionally, they have a special collection of 1975 photographs of Julia Child on loan from the photographer, Albie Walton. The photos were shot for her book “From Julia Child’s Kitchen”.
Also until September 25th will be Masterworks: Photography by Jeremiah Jenner. His signature is defined by crisp colors, bold shapes and sophisticated composition. His sleek and minimalistic limited editions are popular with serious art collectors.
The Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture is located at the Old School Square on the NE corner of Atlantic Ave. & Swinton. Please check their website for more info. www.oldschool.org.
September 8th, 2010
When our visitors come to the Delaware beaches, of course, the ocean and those laid back days are what all of them look forward to experience. I think the women can sit on the beach up to a certain point. Shopping could be not too far from their minds.
Not counting the outlets, our beach towns have so many little boutiques. And, yes, some are better than others. Knowing the shopkeepers on a personal level is one of the many treats of living in a small town.
The historic town of Lewes is one example. Second Street is the Main Street, with streets and alleys to the side full of little shops and restaurants.
Lewes looks great; I have mentioned it before. Its residents make sure the town is pristine.
So, I stopped to see Maryanne. She is the owner of the Beach Jetty on Second Street, tel. 302-645-4606. This year she opened Beach Jetty on Market Street, behind King’s Ice Cream. Tel. 302-644-4608. These 2 stores are just 2 blocks from each other.
There is a slight difference in the merchandise on the new store on Market Street but not a lot and I think Maryanne is still working on how the 2 stores are going to differentiate from each other.
Our coastal living is very casual and that is represented in the clothing lines she carries. At this time of the year the merchandise is still summer with just a hint of the fall weather that will soon be arriving.
Maryanne also carries a line of note cards in the Market Street store. These are photographs and she will soon be carrying the prints.
Sales are on-going at this time of the year, not only at the 2 Beach Jettys, but everywhere. Great time to go shopping!!
Talk to you later…..
September 7th, 2010
Yes, all those grilled vegetables, sausages, and pineapple, that’s what I had for dinner. In my own home.
After all that eating yesterday, I needed to stay put. Remember? I had a donut (big one!), and then I went for a full dinner at Eden on Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth Beach. I will be writing a post on Eden soon.
There is something about outdoor cooking. Not just cooking but grilling. I think it is the ritual. My preference? Coals on a Weber Grill. The thrill of working over a live fire. I enjoy it. I watch the coals get that nice gray color and love to hear the sizzle upon placing the food on the hot grill. Definitely with charcoal the food cooks hotter.
I marinated the vegetables for some time in Gazebo Room, Lite Greek Salad Dressing & Marinade. I got it at my local Giant Supermarket. This dressing and marinade is delicious, and of course, the longer you marinade, the better it will taste.
I had 2 types of sausages; a fresh Spanish Chorizo (not gluten free) and a Weisswurst, German veal white sausage, which was gluten free. I basted them with Organic Ville Tangy BBQ Sauce, made with Agave and gluten free.
First on the grill were all the vegetables. I chose different peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash.
Then the sausages went on and the fire was pretty hot so they were not going to take long. I like them well done. Both, the vegetables and the sausages were basted often during the grilling period.
It was the pineapple’s turn to go on the grill. I basted it with the Gazebo Dressing and I decided that it got sweeter after grilling. Delicious.
No, I did not have dessert but gluten free chocolate cup cakes were available from Cake Break located at 7 South First St. in Rehoboth Beach.
The evening was balmy and I want that endless summer of ocean breezes and salty air to just stay put for awhile.
See you…talk to you later…kick back and relax….it’s September; best time at the Delaware and Maryland Beaches!!!
September 6th, 2010
Once again, Renee hits the nail on the head. It is so funny because when you hear Renee talk, and had never met her, you think this woman must be huge. Her appetite for Annie Banannies custard, and her obsession with cup cakes; eaten practically every day would make anyone gain weight just by thinking about it. Well, she is very thin. Really, I don’t know where she puts it. Her target this week is a Split Cream Donut.
She told me I needed to check the Split Cream Donuts at The Bake Shoppe, right on 222 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. The tel. is 302-226-0176. The owners are John & Joyce Michalek and they have been at this location for 12 years (right across from the Fire Hall).
Rushing I did; had to, thinking that by the time I got there all baked goods would be gone. I could not believe it, they were out of Split Cream Donuts. So, on an on I went about Renee; well, they made one for me just on the spot. Talking about freshly made.
 Split Cream Donut This is a full fledge baked shop and baked goods are all made fresh, from scratch. They have donuts, danish, cookies, cakes, beach cookie cut-outs, sticky buns, mini pastries, rustic breads and rolls, bagels, cupcakes and donuts. The bagels come every day from the Bagel Shop in Milton, up the road, north of Lewes.
 Cupcakes  Cupcakes  Cupcakes  Muffins 
Joyce told me that they are well known for their Polish Babkas. Babka comes from baba, a very tall, delicate yet rich yeast-risen cake from Western Russia and Eastern Poland. Traditional Babkas have a fruit filling; the more modern ones may be filled with a chocolate or a cheese filling.
 Polish Babkas Today at the Bake Shoppe the Babkas were made out with a cheese filling and a cherry filling. As the seasons change so do the fillings change, as well.
 Polish Babkas - Cheese on the Left and Cherry on the right Joyce and and John are very friendly and will answer all your questions about their baked goods. There is coffee available and you can even sit at a table or the bar and enjoy the treats.
I left with my Split Cream Donut and decided to have my own tasting at home. I can truly tell you that I have not had a donut in years. I try not to. They are just too fatenning period. I am not going there. But, gosh, I will tell you that I ate this one with great pleasure. I did take some of the filling out so as not to feel too guilty, though. It was very light and not dry. Actually, the filling was light too. Delicious!!
Thanks Renee.
Talk to you later…you know I will….
Note: The Bake Shoppe accepts custom orders.
September 5th, 2010
If you have been here, at the Delaware Beaches, this holiday week-end, there you know that you have had probably one of the prettiest week-ends of the season. Amazing, that Earl left us with such great weather; plenty of sunshine, low humidity, comfortable temperatures.
I ended up having to go to Bethany and Debbie met me for lunch. She is one of those friends that sometimes is a partner in crime.
We went to DiFebo’s located at 789 Garfield Parkway., Bethany Beach, 19930. Tel. 302-539-4550, website www.difebos.com.
I don’t think I have ever been to DiFebo’s for lunch. Last January I did go for dinner and a post was written. If you would like to see it please click under Archives on the month of January and scroll down to the 28th.
This restaurant has been in Bethany for a long time but to tell you the truth I don’t hear anyone urging me to go to it. So, we decided to meet there and see what it was all about on a gorgeous day.
Not too many people. We sat on their courtyard which was great. Outdoors with a nice breeze and pretty umbrellas.
Our waitress was Kathy and she brought us hummus and flat bread. It was very good. The hummus had a hint of lemon or lime and very smooth.
Debbie and I had the same thing; the salad topped with grilled red snapper. Again, it was well seasoned and very enjoyable.
I had a capuccino and that really completed my meal.
Food was good as well as the service.
At the Delaware Beaches, the outdoors is what people come here for. It is a playground for all.
Saturday, the Indian River Inlet, where a lot of surfing goes on, was very crowded and nice swells were coming in.
Driving back on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) north, towards Dewey Beach, I decided to stop at New Road on the Bay. I could see that the kiteboarders and windsurfers were out on Rehoboth Bay. It was windy and whitecaps were all over the water.
I begged the gentleman collecting the State Park’s fee to let me in for a few minutes. He did and that’s all I took to take a couple of pictures and enjoy the scenery.
Hope you are having a great time this week-end….I cannot believe this summer is almost over….but wait, remember that the Second Season is one of the best at the Delaware and Maryland Beaches….talk to you later….
September 4th, 2010
O.k., you already know that I grew up in the Island of Puerto Rico. Well, sometimes I like to cook some of the dishes that remind me of La Isla del Encanto.
These dishes might or might not look the part, but they usually do taste pretty good. That was the case tonight.
I had 3 ripe plantains on my counter. To tell you the truth the ripe plantains are not my favorite; green ones are.
My brother, Jose, who lives in Puerto Rico loves to cook. He also has a passion for the weather. If you are his friend on Facebook you will definitely know the weather patterns in the Caribbean. So, it’s great that the weather and recipes are at my disposal.
This morning I saw the recipe for “piononos”. I thought, why not?
Piononos
3 ripe plantains
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup of freshly grated Cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon water
Peel the plantains and cut them in 4 slices each. Easier said than done. I got 3 slices from each one. Maybe the plantains in Puerto Rico are bigger. I am not sure.
In a large frying pan heat oil and fry the plantains only until golden. That was not that bad.
Take out from oil and place on paper towels until they cool off and can be handled with your hands.
Form the plantain into a loose pinwheel and secure with a toothpick. That was tricky!! Either some were too ripe or some were not.
Stuff the cavity with the Cheddar Cheese. Please note that the recipe called for 2/3 of a cup of Cheddar Cheese but I ended using a cup and maybe even a bit more.
Whisk eggs with salt. Add water and flour and whisk a little bit more until it is all blended.
Pour over the stuffing and don’t worry I poured it all over the piononos.
Heat oil again and fry them, turning them once. They won’t fall apart because between the toothpicks and the egg mixture they are secured.
Take them out after a few minutes and place on paper towels to drain. Take the toothpick out.
Serve and enjoy.
 Piononos Made In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware To tell you the truth, they were really good.
Then, I started thinking, you know on the eastern side of the Island, by Luquillo Beach and also near El Yunque (rainforest) how could those women that work the “kioskos” make these piononos among all the other dishes they have to cook so fast? It took me longer than I thought.
Then, I have yet to hear any of my Puerto Rican friends say; Oh, I have been making piononos. Not one single one has ever told me they have made one. So, what am I doing here in Delaware making them for? I love to eat, that’s why and part of having a passion for cooking is not to complain about cooking. I will master the piononos and might even stuff them with crab meat. You will be the first to know.
My brother, Jose, is probably laughing his head off.
That’s my post tonight…..talk to you later….have a great evening….
September 3rd, 2010
Last week when I went to Bethany I could not believe the amount of people still in town. It has been a little different this week. Not as crowded, plenty of parking; a relief!!
Still this week-end is going to be a nice one with plenty of actitivities in town.
Saturday, 9/4 – The Bethany Beach Bandstand’s Grand Finale will be a rock ‘n’ roll one with the U.S. Army Volunteers. It is free and it’s starting at 7 p.m. For more info. please call 302-539-5484 or visit www.townofbethanybeach.com.
Sunday, 9/5 – The final day for the Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market in the PNC Bank parking lot at Garfield Parkway and Pennsylvania Ave. 8 a.m. until Noon. For info. please call 302-537-5243 or visit www.bbfm.us.
Sunday, 9/5 – The Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company will be hosting a breakfast on Hollywood St. from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 and older. Free for children under 5. For info., please call 302-537-7700 or visit www.bethanybeachfire.com.
Monday, 9/6 – A tradition for 25 years. How can I forget when Sharon and I would wait for the whole thing to start. The Friends of Summer started this tradition. The merchants could lay to rest the summer season on Labor Day.
It is a Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral – A gathering of mourners will follow the procession which will start at 5:30 p.m. at the north end of the Boardwalk; the casket being carried with a mannequin representing the Summer of 2010.
Some in costumes; some sobbing along the route to the Bandstand. The somber music, New Orleans style, will be playing ; then into a high gear upbeat jazz sound.
Around 6 p.m. or so the Lifeguards of Bethany Beach also bid farewell to the summer season with a celebratory swim. Many years ago that celebratory swim was taken, let’s say in a different way and I will leave it at that…
Have a great holiday week-end….talk to you later….
 
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