October 31st, 2010

“It’s all About the Taste…!!
There is barbecue and then there is Bar-B-Q. I found it on Exit 87, again on I-95, in Georgia. I don’t like it saucey. I like to see the meat; sauces on the side.
There was a sign on a billboard and we went to see what this place was all about. Oh, no, it was Monday and the Smokin Pig was closed.
You see, this Bar-B-Q Joint is next to Chu’s Amoco on 3986 Highway 17 (Exit 87), Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324. Tel. 912-756-7850. Hours of operation are: Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Mondays, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can dine in or carry out. Website is www.smokinpigbbqjoint.com and you can find them on Facebook, as well.
There was a man sitting on a bench who proceeded to tell us that the Smokin Pig was the best place around. That people line up; that there was another barbecue place 5 miles up the road but could not compare to this one. In the meantime, we are looking at the “closed” sign on the door and salivating at the same time.
We would have to catch them on the way back. I was now curious to find out how good it could be.
This past Friday we had the opportunity to check the Smokin Pig out. It did not dissapoint and it was worth the stop. Already it was crowded.
Even though it is located next to a gas station, the place was colorful inside and tables and benches are available if you want to dine in. A board spells out what they have to offer.

That man that we encountered before was so right; it was the best Bar-B-Q that I had ever tasted.
The best barbecue comes from the South and the meat used is pork, primarily ribs, shoulders and hams. For true Georgia barbecue, the meat should be cooked over wood, charcoal or wood pellets.
I ordered the baby backs with potato salad and cole slaw. The smoking was superb and not an ounce of grease was found. The meat fell off the bones; tender and juicy.

My husband ordered the combination with the baby backs and shredded pork with 2 sides; baked beans (to die for) and buttery green beans that were delicious, as well.

Sauces were on the table and I tried them all. My favorite? The Spicy Vinegar.

Then for the sweet ending I had the banana “puddin”. I had to order it, afterall, I was in Georgia. Not overly sweet, right amount of bread and right amount of “puddin”.

Even though we had the platters, the Smokin Pig offers sandwiches, sides, extras, and barbecue by the pound. They also have catering available.
If you want Boston Butts by the pound then you would have to give them 24 hours notice.
The owners of the Smokin Pig are Clyde and Kevin. They were not there but his staff was very friendly. It is a family operated business and another location is in Pooler, Georgia.
Note: If you decide to stop and believe me, you should, then upon taking that Exit 87 in Georgia whether going North or South ,just turn right and it will be on your left a little bit up the road.
Talk to you later….

October 30th, 2010

This, actually, could have been for me a very boring dinner, except for the fact that….okay, I will tell you.
It was another road trip; to Florida this time. I was prepared mentally for the drive. Every time I have made this trip I am never prepared for the kind of food on this corridor.
My cooler was filled up with sandwiches, fruit, yogurt and everything, gluten free, of course. Is bad enough trying to find edible food when you are driving south on I-95 but it is even worse when you have to take into consideration a food allergy.
We were near Lumberton, North Carolina when my husband decided that eating Japanese would be a great idea. There was an ad in one of the many billboards that we passed by, suggesting a Japanese restaurant in Lumberton.
Mind you that I had been driving for many hours and the time was around 7:30 p.m. on a Sunday night. I had seen plenty of cotton fields, peanuts for sale, Virginia hams for sale, as well as so many firework stores.
I had never been to Lumberton and probably was not even in Lumberton since this was an exit only. Lumberton is in Robeson County, North Carolina. This city is located on the Lumber River; part of the NC National and Scenic River System. Canoeing, boating, fishing and hunting are among the many fun things to do, including fossil and artifact hunting.
The Lumbee indians are from this area. They are a Native American tribe recognized by the State of North Carolina but not fully Federally recognized as of yet. Lumbee indians are known to work the high steel structures.
The Japanese restaurant was advertised on the billboard as sushi, take out or dine in with hibachi cooking.
The term hibachi cooking needs to be revised because in reality it is Japanese teppanyaki cooking; gas heated hotplates integrated into tables where many people can sit and eat at once.

Mikoto was closing at 8:00 p.m. but we went in anyway and there were a few people still there. To tell you the truth it did not look bad at all; friendly wait staff.
Our chef came to the table and started to prepare the hotplate. We told him about the gluten allergy and offered him our gluten free soy sauce.
I proceeded to tell him that I did not want too much rice. He proceeded with his cooking and was very gracious.
This type of cooking is a bit theatrical but not so much on this particular evening.

Steak and scallops for my husband. I was surprised; the meat was very tender.

Chicken over vegetables for me. Very good, as well.

We looked around and we were the only people there and already everything was cleaned up. So, we paid and thanked the wait staff who was waiting by the entry door for us to leave.
I found myself by the car looking around in this desolate parking lot. Should I take a picture of the outside? Maybe not; there were letters missing.
Then 2 police cars were right next to me. The wait staff got in the cars and they took off with one of the cars flashing its lights.
I ran into my car, looked at my husband who was as baffled as I was. And, high tailed out of there.
I had never been in a restaurant where the wait staff was escorted by the police. I felt like I was in a Seinfeld episode; still don’t know what happened….My husband suggested that I did not have to encourage you to go there…and on the road again we went….
But, I had to tell you…talk to you later…
October 28th, 2010

I have been visiting this small and quaint town named Atlantic Beach. It is also known as part of the First Coast. I was here a few months ago when the town was still very crowded with the summer visitors enjoying the beaches.
Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra have wide and beautiful beaches. Very popular with surfers and windsurfers as the swells seem to be ever present in these waters.
When I arrived here I thought it was pretty quiet but this is progressively changing as the Florida vs. Georgia game takes place this coming Saturday at the Everbank Field in Jacksonville. For years this game has been held in Jacksonville and residents will tell you that college football is definitely more popular here than the NFL.
There are a lot of activities at the Sports Complex; they started on Wednesday. This celebration attracts fans from all over. For more information on the schedule of events, please visit http://www.makeascenedowntown.com/Events/Georgia-vs–Florida-Weekend-Festivities.aspx.
They say that “Anyone who says it’s just a game, has never been!!”
In the meantime, Atlantic Beach is open. Tonight the town was hopping and music was in the air. What a difference a few days make!
Have a great time and talk to you later…..
October 27th, 2010

One of the most awaited festivals is around the corner in Rehoboth Beach; The Sea Witch Festival, bringing also to the celebration The Fiddler’s Festival, as well. The festivals will take place this coming week-end.
For complete information and schedule of all the activities around town, please visit www.beach-fun.com/Sea-Witch-Halloween-Fiddlers-Festival/
But let me clue you in on a few things:
The Fiddler’s Festival has been billed as “top string!” Fiddler’s and banjo players alike provide a full day of foot stompin’ entertainment.
Best Costumed Pet Parade will be on Sunday 10/31. Pet owners will parade down the Boardwalk. Line up starts at 12 p.m. and judging will start at 12:30 p.m.
Registration? Lake View Avenue, next to the Henlopen Hotel on the north side of the Boardwalk. Fee? $1.00.
Doggies at the Beach – Doggies at the Beach is a cage free day care, spa grooming; regular baths, obedience training, education and overnight care with 24-hour supervision.
They are located at 18806 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24), Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-644-8200. Website is www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
I can recommend Doggies at the Beach with complete confidence. I have used the overnight care for my dog, Addy, so many times.
Doggies at the Beach will have a FLOAT on Saturday. All are welcomed to walk right along the FLOAT with your doggie and have a “Bow Wow” time. Just let Jim know by calling the above mentioned telephone number.
On Sunday, 10/31 is the Best Costumed Pet Parade. Again, I want to remind you that pet owners and pets will parade down the Boardwalk. Line-up starts at 12 p.m. and judging starts at 12:30 p.m.
Please feel free to walk with the Doggies at the Beach crowd.
Have a great time…..talk to you later….
October 26th, 2010

Consignment is the act of consigning; placing things in the hand of another, but retaining ownership until the goods are sold.
Well, what a surprise!! I did not know that Seaquels had opened in Ocean View , Delaware. Ocean View is west of Bethany Beach, by just a few miles, if that.

Seaquels motto? Resale! Replace!! Renew!!!
Seaquels is at 9 Atlantic Ave. (Rt. 26), Ocean View, DE, 19970. Tel. 302-829-8636. E-mail is seaquels@gmail.com. The website is under construction, at the moment, but will be up and running soon. The owners of this store are Cindy Davis and Kathy Green; friends from Philadelphia and Baltimore who decided, a year ago, that it was now or never to open Seaquels.

My friend, Debbie, was the one that suggested I visit this well received store.

The smile on someone’s face and the courtesy extended to me is something that I value highly. It’s almost like an instant connection. Cindy and Kathy were like that. Immediately the conversation started; they were so happy to show their store. I was not the only one there but they were very at ease in handling all of us.

You cannot miss the store on Rt. 26. It is colorful and will put a smile on your face, as well. They are open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Everything is on consignment. The furniture looked like brand new. Cindy and Kathy said that they move things around a lot. Customers were stopping and asking them to be on the look out for that special chair, table, sofa, or lamp.



Cindy and Kathy also said that they get a lot of local artists that will place their work on consignment, as well.


Each room is arranged to show off all the items in a very unique way; paying attention to details.


Even though it is a consignment store, they reserve the right to accept or not to accept items.


I took so many pictures so I hope you can get an idea of the store. Go check them out because you are going to be very impressed. Really, you will!!


The Quieter Season at the beaches is great….take advantage of it….talk to you later….
October 24th, 2010

A few events just before the 2010 Independent Film Festival is something that you might want to experience. Rehoboth Beach has done an excellent job in making sure that people know that this town does not close its doors on Labor Day; the Second Season is just as hot.
The Rehoboth Beach Film Society offers something for everyone.
Friday, October 29th – The Stone House at 7:00 p.m. – Movies at Midway at the Midway Shopping Center located on Highway One – Upstairs Screening Room. Tickets are $5.00
A suspense thriller for the Halloween season. Shot completely in and around Milton, Delaware with a cast and a crew all from the First State, The Stone House is a chilling story of a small town hiding secrets. Having mysteriously burned down in the late 70’s, local legend declares that The Stone House Asylum left the unaccounted patients behind to haunt the woods around it.
Now, 20 years later, Rick Berlinger and his wife Joslin, move from their hectic urban life to this town to pursue their dream of raising a family. Their arrival stirs a cauldron of events which raises this hidden secret back from the dead.
As the mystery of their new town unfolds before them, Rick and Joslin discover what hides deep within their backyard woods: The Stone House (2006, US, Runtime: 100 minutes, Rating: strong language and mature subject mater).
The Director, John Wattenbarger will introduce the film and conduct a post-screening question and answer session. Other crew members will be in attendance, as well.
Rehoboth Beach 36-Hour Film Challenge – November 5th (8:00 p.m.) through November 7 (8:00 a.m.) – Entry Fee: $50
Have you always wanted to make a film but thought you couldn’t write a script or didn’t have enough time?
The 36-hour Film Challenge is your dream answer. Get ready by forming a crew, selecting your cast, and getting plenty of sleep now!!
Here is the description: The Challenge begins at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5th at the west end (Peebles inside entrance) of the Rehoboth Mall, located on Hwy. 1 in Rehoboth Beach.
Your team will be given a theme and possibly a prop, location, and/or line of dialogue that must be included in the film.
Each team will have 36 hours to script, shoot, edit, and submit a completed film (5 minutes or less in length).
All films, along with all applicable release forms, must be submitted at the Rehoboth Mall location, noted above, no earlier than 7:45 a.m. and no later than 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 7th.
Entry Fee is $50.00 per team due with registration. Maximum of 20 teams may register.
Registration Deadline is 5:00 p.m. on October 29, 2010. No exceptions.
Please visit http://www.rehobothfilm.com/film_events_special_screenings_events.html in order to register and get more information.
Note: Information for this post was sent to me by the Rehoboth Beach Film Society.
Good luck and have a great time!!! Talk to you later….
October 23rd, 2010

I found myself in the town of Centreville, Maryland. Incorporated in 1794, this town is in Queen Anne’s County.
It has the oldest Courthouse in continuous use. It also was home to 3 franchises during the existence of the Eastern Shore Baseball League; The Colts, Red Sox and Orioles.
I was a little hungry and did not know where to go. The center of the town is very small and it is a square. I also wanted to sit down at a restaurant. They suggested I visit Doc’s Riverside Grille, 511 Chesterfield Ave., tel. 410-758-1701.
It is a casual place. I chose to sit at the bar area. There were more patrons on that side. This restaurant will be very lively on Sunday. It is football season and these are Ravens’ fans. So am I. Could not help to take the pictures of my son’s favorite team.

The service was great and Lana told me that they make their own potato chips everyday.
I chose the Surf & Turf Burger and the Messy Burger was ordered as well, but without a bun. No way you would find a gluten free bun here.
My Surf & Turf was very good. Underneath all the cheese, the burger had shrimp and crab.

The messy burger was good too but I think it would have been better if eaten with the bun.

Later on as I walked around the square in the center of town I did see other cafes and small restaurants, but Doc’s seemed the preferred locals’ hangout.
Please note that every Wednesday night they have Prime Rib Night for $10.95!!

Note: Some info. for this post was taken from Wikipedia.
Talk to you later….Go Ravens!!!!…

October 23rd, 2010

Back on April 23rd I wrote a post on Avery’s Rest, John & Sarah Avery, a 17th Century Family in Delaware’s Frontier. If you would like to see that post please click on the month of April, under Archives, on the left hand side of my site and scroll down to the 23rd.

I am reminding you of this post because this week-end, the Clear Space Theatre Company joins forces with the Rehoboth Beach Museum to bring one of its exhibits to life.
“Captain John and Sarah Avery: A 17th Century Family on Delaware’s Frontier”. The actors will take on the roles of this real-life family.

Using artifacts as a point of reference, the exhibit examines the shifting economic and cultural traditions of English and Dutch colonists, and their interation with Native American communites, illuminating the joys and hardships of daily life in Sussex County in the late 1600s and early 1700s.
The actors will take on the responsibility of guiding visitors through this colonial experience, with character monologues. These performers will be stationed throughout the museum and will perform for each group of visitors as they are led through the exhibit.
Admission is by donation only. Times? Both days from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Location? Rehoboth Beach Museum located at 511 Rehoboth Ave., by the roundabout. For more information, please call 302-227-7310.
For more information of Clear Space and their current season schedule, visit www.clearspacetheatre.org.
Have a great week-end….Talk to you later…..
Note: Information for this post was taken from the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society.
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