November 10th, 2010
It is the night before the begining of a frenzy of movie enthusiasts descend on our beaches. On Wednesday, November 10th until Sunday, November 14th the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival will be taking place.
This year, it will be the 13th year in which American and Independent films, including shorts, documentaries and features will be here in Rehoboth Beach.
All films will be presented at the Movies at Midway. For all information pertaining to the festival please visit www.rehobothfilm.com.
Already there are so many sell-outs, but even though a film might be listed as sold-out, there are many tickets that come back to the Box Office throughout the Festival so visit the Box Office in the Big Tent to check screening status.
It has been suggested that Sunday afternoon is a wonderful time to purchase tickets as many movie marathoners end early and return tickets.
The Big Tent was getting ready this afternoon. It is located behind the theater and it is where you will go to check the status of screenings, eat, buy posters, t-shirts, etc. etc.
I have to tell you about Anita Peghini-Raber. She is an artist and has been active in the local art scene for many years.
She sent me an e-mail yesterday and told me that she hoped to see me at the festival and that she was a sponsor of one of the films: Alamar.
Alamar – “Filmmaker Pedro Gonzalez- Rubio treats the eyes and soul to a breathtaking vision of life at tropical waters’ edge through the bonding of a father and his young son.
Jorge grew up in Mexico and has been separated from his wife Roberta for several years. She longs to return to her roots in Rome and is taking their 5 year old son with her. Intent upon imparting his Mayan heritage to his son, Jorge is given several weeks to take Natan to the Chinchorro reef on the Mexican coast.
At first, the boy finds this new way of life uncomfortable, getting seasick on the boat and working constantly, but his father eventually eases him into the rhythms of a fisherman’s life.
As day to day existence carries on, the relationship between man and nature is subtly revealed and the boy learns to live in harmony with the natural world.
While Alamar is a fictional narrative, the film effectively blurs documentary and fiction as the main actors play themselves and the director delicately captures the serenity of life at a realistic pace. Natan’s emotional journey leaves him and the audience with an experience that will remain long after the film comes to a close.”
Alamar is the recipient of many awards and Pedro Gonzalez Rubio is making his filmmaker’s debut.
The movie is going to be shown on:
Friday, 11/12 at 12:40 p.m.
Saturday, 11/13 at 9:40 p.m. sponsored by Anita Peghini-Raber
Sunday, 11/14 at 3:00 p.m.
The movie is in Spanish and Italian with English subtitles and you may visit www.filmovement.com for more information.
Anita has been inspired by the story and it reflects in her new creations; images of ocean scenes and parents with their children.
She tries to create a mood with her paintings and mostly loves to capture her subjects deep in thought.
Anita is exhibiting during the festival at Preshy’s Restaurant. Preshy’s is right there at the Midway Shopping Center on Rt. 1 where the Movies at Midway is located. Perfect place to catch lunch or dinner and then head to your films.
Preshy’s location is 14 Midway Shopping Center. Tel. 302-645-8300.
I went to check out Preshy’s today. Looks are deceiving, you know that. The restaurant was nice inside. Just in case you were wondering. I knew what you were thinking.
I wanted to take some pictures of Anita’s paintings. I will have to tell you that I have not eaten there but the people there were having a great meal.
The special today was a lamb shank and the aroma was so good. Preshy’s specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. Italian is spoken in the restaurant.
Some of the pastas were, Rigatoni Calabrose, Penne Ortolano, Penne Firenze, Penne Arrabiata among others.
Dinner entrees are served with soup or salad and some of them were: Salmon Livornaise, Gamberi Toscani, Chicken Scarpariello, Chicken Francese, Veal Piccata, Marsala or Parmigiana, Salmon Fantasia and other specials.
For dessert they had Tiramisu, Profiterols, Tartufo and others.
Anita’s paintings are exhibited throughout the restaurant. The owner of the restaurant, Roberto, was gracious enough to let me take the pictures.
Note: For more information on Anita Peghini-Raber, please visit her website www.rehobothart.com.
Have a good one… talk to you later…
November 9th, 2010
I love mushrooms; sauteed, raw, and stuffed with creamed spinach. I had plenty of them in the refrigerator. Wild and button mushrooms. I decided to make the following recipe.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/4 cup butter
1 medium chopped white onion
4 minced garlic cloves
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons of fresh snipped rosemary
1 1/2 lb mushrooms, chopped (I used a combination of mushrooms)
2 14 ounce cans of chicken or vegetable broth (I used low sodium chicken)
2 cups whipping cream (I used 1 3/4 cups)
1 cup bottled roasted red peppers, drained. (I used 1/2 cup)
2 tablespoons olive oil
In a large sauce pan melt the butter. Then add onion, garlic, bay leaves, and rosemary. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the onion is tender.
Add mushrooms; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Then add broth and bring to a boiling point. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes more or until the mushrooms are tender.
Remove bay leaves and cool slightly.
In a food processor or blender (I used the blender), place some of the soup in and blend until almost smooth. Repeat until finished with the soup.
Return soup to pan and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boiling point again and whisk in the cream. Heat through.
Put pepper in a bowl and mash; stir in oil.
To serve, ladle soup in bowls, top it with the mashed peppers, and sprinkle some snipped rosemary for color.
This recipe serves about 10 people.
Note: I would sautee in a small frying pan some mushroom and add them for garnish, as well. I think the soup needed that.
But, you know how it is, make it your own and enjoy.
Talk to you later….
November 8th, 2010
Art is so subjective. You might not like what I like and vice versa. But, I do enjoy visiting art galleries and museums. I just did that, some weeks ago in New York. The MOMA, modern art, oh yes, did not understand a lot of it but interesting to say the least.
Sometimes something catches your eye. That’s exactly what happened on Saturday when I was walking on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach. I was going to take a picture of the location where the Clear Space Theatre Company is now located. They are at the old Epworth Church building, now renamed Celebration Mall.
Right on the courtyard and to the side, color caught my eye. There was a sign on the door, Juleez. It was an art studio. So here is what I found out.
Juleez is located on 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-3792. The website is www.juleez.com.
The artist? Julie Borden. She was not there but I spoke to Guy.
Juleez is a member of MOSAIC which is an association of privately owned commercial art galleries whose mission is to promote art awareness in the Rehoboth Beach area. If you would like to know about them, please visit www.mosaicrehoboth.com.
You could not help but smile; there was color everywhere. Whimsical, definitely not boring.
Her work is all custom, from her signature curvy piano and piano plates to giclees and hand painted bags. All conversation pieces and very unique.
 Her own national brand 
Her piano pieces are beautifully custom painted; some are music boxes and some are jewelry boxes.
The same goes for the painted musical instruments. At times, an instrument, dear to someone’s heart will be brought in for her to paint. Upon inspection, she will do that, as well.
At the present time a lot of her work is in Wilmington, Delaware at The Grand Opera House & Baby Grand, 818 N. Market St., Tel. 302-652-5577. Website www.grandopera.org.
Wilmington is hosting Art on the Town as part of the Delaware Valley Artist Exchange. For more information, please visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov/artloop.
Julie Borden attended the Rochester Institute of Technology and to date has completed more than 700 commisioned works of art.
Commissioned work is one of her strengths and does this year-round for clients all over the U.S.
 Painted Chocolate Frames Her mother does not stay behind either. At the gallery in Rehoboth you can see some of her work, under Mad Creations. She works with dichroic glass which is one of the most expensive glass products made today. It is used in jewelry, and in the laser industry for camera filters, by NASA and other commercial applications.
Each piece is as special. Some pieces are smooth to the touch; others have more texture.
I thought the gallery was so interesting and Guy was very friendly and helpful.
At the present time Juleez is open Wednesdays through Sundays. So, if you are in Rehoboth stop by. Remember, it is that time of the year; shopping for the upcoming holidays.
Have a great day….talk to you later….
November 7th, 2010
What a difference a few weeks make!! Took a walk around Rehoboth yesterday, Saturday, and by the looks of the Boardwalk and the beach you would have thought there were no visitors in town. It was pretty, though. I like it quiet once in a while.
Rehoboth Avenue was pretty crowded, though. Everything is still open, french fries, candy, popcorn and the stores have plenty of sales.
I decided to go to Baltimore Avenue. This has been the new home of the Clear Space Theatre Company. They also changed the name from Productions to Theatre Company, as well. They have had a great season.
I know this building well because many years ago this was the Epworth Church and in it was a great pre-school, which my youngest son and friends attended.
Clear Space Theatre Company is located at Celebration Mall on 20 Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth Beach. This street is also the home of many of our most popular restaurants. The Tel. is 302-227-2270 and the website is www.clearspacetheatre.org.
It has been a successful season, but it is not over yet. It is an on-going season to the delight of all of us, residents, locals, natives and visitors.
I am urging you to visit their website because you will find so much information; there is so much going on; upcoming events, purchasing of tickets and education.
The Clear Space Theatre Company’s mission is “to inspire audiences, artists, and students through high quality performances and educational experiences”.
Before I forget, this afternoon at 3 p.m. is the last performance of Thorton Wilder’s, Our Town. This Pulitzer-winning drama of a turn of a century New England town is arguably the most famous play in American Theatre.
But, if you are not able to catch this performance there are still so many other events in the near future.
Next Saturday, November 13th is the NYC Day Trip to see ELF! The Musical, based on the Will Ferrell Movie.
Bus will depart Rehoboth K-Mart at 7 a.m. to arrive in New York by 11 a.m. You will then have time to shop, eat, and explore before and after the show.
Meet at the Al Hirscfeld Theatre for ELF. Depart New York at 7 p.m. to return to Rehoboth by 11 p.m.
The cost? $150 per person. This includes transportation, tips and tolls, ticket to the show and breakfast. To register, please contact David Button, the Company Manager at 302-227-2270.
I was sent a press release and I think it is worth passing to you:
Clear space to Showcase their Rising Stars. Each semester, dozens of children get one step closer to their dream of performing on Broadway when they participate in the Clear Space Theatre Company’s Broadway Bound program.
Students in grades 1-8 meet once a week for a 10 week semester, focusing on 3 components of performance – acting, dance and voice.
The students also receive instruction in dance from Clear Space Executive Director Ken Skrzesz, who earned his MFA in dance and choreography from UNC-Greensboro, as well as vocal instruction from Artistic Director Doug Yetter, a graduate of New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program.
The students have been working, this semester, on numbers like “I Got Rhythm, Nice Work if You Can Get It, and California, Here I Come”.
On Tuesday, November 23rd at 5:30 p.m. they will have the opportunity to showcase their semester’s studies in acting, dance and voice. Tickets are $5.00 and will be available at the door on the evening of the performance.
Again, please check the website for more info. on this program.
Later on in December, starting on Thursday December 2nd, Scrooge, that Holiday tradition loved by many will be the performance until Sunday, December 12th. Check the website for more info.
Scrooge – this original musical version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, continues the family holiday tradition. A holiday adventure led by ghosts and a whole cast of merry-makers.
Have a great Day….talk to you later…..
November 6th, 2010
They say you either like to cook or bake. I definitely like to cook better than bake. I find that baking is too precise. My recipes never come out like the ones on the picture; they taste good, though.
When you cook you can add a little bit of this and a little bit of that; more adaptable than baking.
This recipe I found on a Southern Living Magazine. I thought to give it a try, making it gluten free, as well.
I substituted the flour and the vanilla extract for gluten free ones.
Blackberry-Apple Upside-Down Cake
3/4 cup butter, softened and divided
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 large Gala apples, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (or substitute for gluten free flour)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract (or substitute for gluten free vanilla)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a lightly greased 9 inch round cake pan (with sides that are at least 2 inches high) over low heat.
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with brown sugar; drizzle honey over brown sugar.
Arrange apple slices in concentric circles over brown sugar mixture, overlapping as needed; sprinkle with blackberries. I just place the apples all over the plate. I could not make them that perfect.
Beat granulated sugar and remaining 1/2 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.
Stir together the flour and baking powder. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Spoon batter over blackberries in pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
Carefully run a knife around edge of cake to loosen. Invert cake onto a serving plate, spooning any topping in pan over cake.
It tasted very good and I think that if you do not like berries then add an extra Gala apple or another kind of berry.
Perfect for this time of the year.
Enjoy and make it your own…
November 5th, 2010
If you are visiting our beaches this week-end, the town of Lewes, Delaware is offering on Saturday, 11/6/10:
Tails on the Trail 5K – Race at the Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. It starts at 9 a.m. and it is sponsored by the Seashore Striders to benefit Safe Haven Sanctuary. Information on this race can be obtained by visiting www.seashorestriders.com or by calling 302-644-8952.
This is a No Kill Sanctuary and I wrote a post on it on 10/22/10. If you would like to see it, just click on October under Archives and scroll down to the date.
Fort Miles Open House starting at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Cape Henlopen State Park. It will be an event for the whole family. For more information please call 302-645-0753 or visit www.fortmilesha.org.
Fort Miles was a key part of the nation’s coastal defense during and after World War II. Fort Miles is a member of the National Register of Historic Places.
On Saturday you will be able to see the latest efforts to restore this WWII battery. Food, beverages and merchandise will be on sale. It is a free admission but all sales and donations benefit the Fort Miles Historical Association and their efforts to help Delaware State Parks restore Battery 519.
At the Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway in Lewes you will find Lightship Overall Presentation. More info? Please call 302-645-1148.
The Zwaanendael Museum commemorates the founding of Delaware’s first European settlement by the Dutch in 1631.
MERR-Fin-Raiser at 6 p.m. at the Lewes Yacht Club. Live music from 33 and 1/3, hor d’oeuvres and wine tasting. Auction? You bet, with items like week-end getaways, spa days and outdoor adventures. $35 at the door. For more information, please call 302-228-5029.
Back on March 21st I wrote a post about a washed up whale in Fenwick Island, Delaware. If you would like to see it just click on the month of March under Archives, on the left hand side of this website and scroll down to the 21st.
For all of us that were there it was an amazing sight to see this giant whale. I had never seen anything like it. Thanks to MERR, we were able to understand more of what had happened.
MERR stands for The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. It responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles whether they are dead or alive. For more information, please visit www.merrinstitute.org.
Enjoy the week-end!!! Talk to you later…
November 5th, 2010
This past Wednesday, it was somewhat quiet at the Delaware beaches. And after writing about North Florida this week it was time to hit Delaware once again.
If you have been reading my blog, you already know that I live in Rehoboth Beach, but before that I lived in Bethany Beach. My children went to school in Berlin, Maryland, for their formative years. Needless to say, I have made so many good friends; some of them are closer than others. And, some I call my partners in crime.
Debbie is one of them. So on Wednesday we decided to meet Cindi in Lewes. Cindi has the potential to become a partner in crime. She has been very busy so it might take time.
When I think about the meaning of friendship I have to say that true friendships are difficult to find. Sometimes it takes years to actually feel a good friendship; it is a balance of give and take; the building of mutual trust.
These two women are examples of a true friendship. And, when we meet for dinner it takes us a while to even order because we are chatting up a storm. Such was the case the other night when we chose Striper Bites to eat.
Striper Bites is located at 107 Savannah Rd. in Lewes. Tel. 302-645-4657. Website is www.striperbites.com.
Whether you are a visitor at the Delaware beaches or a resident you must know that Striper Bites is a very popular restaurant and has been so for many years. It has 2 sister restaurants in Lewes; Kindle and Half Full, both popular, as well.
I have not been at Striper Bites in a long time and was certainly looking forward to the evening. In the summer it is very crowded and reservations are not accepted so the fall and winter are the perfect times to experience it.
We ate indoors but in warmer weather you have the availability to eat al fresco.
The atmosphere was welcoming. This restaurant is a neighborhood restaurant. Casual and comfortable.
It has an extensive menu but between all the catching up, the moment our waitress said that the special on Wednesdays was sirloin and strip steaks for half the price, Debbie and I went for it.
I cannot believe that I did not look at anything else. Apparently, their salads are excellent and you can make a meal out of them.
My 12 ounce strip steak was brie and horseradish herb encrusted. I chose to have it cooked medium, hold the potatoes, double order of green beans. It was very good and thoroughly enjoyed it because I had been eating so much fish lately.
Debbie chose hers plain and grilled, no potatoes and more beans, as well. She thought hers was delicious and hit the spot.
Cindi decided on the rockfish, which was sauteed with tomatoes, roasted garlic, mushrooms, red onions, lemon juice and sherry. It was served with sauteed spinach and pan roasted potatoes.
Even though Debbie and I were happy with our choices, Cindi’s dish had a wonderful aroma and looked amazing.
Striper Bites opens at 11:30 a.m. Mondays through Saturday. They are not open on Sundays.
From Mondays through Fridays, at the bar, there are specials on appetizers and drinks.
Mondays from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. is 1/2 price burgers.
Wednesdays from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Fish and Chips are $9. That night has also the sirloin and strip steaks half price, as well.
No desserts for us on that evening. We were comfortably full and happy to have had dinner together. It is the best; sharing a meal with friends; priceless.
Have a great day….talk to you later…
November 4th, 2010
No, I have not moved to these towns in North Florida. But, I certainly have enjoyed visiting them; checking out the beaches, restaurants and shops.
I must say that the residents and shopkeepers, wait staff, you name it, have been so nice, so gracious and helpful. It has been refreshing.
The town of Atlantic Beach is small. You can walk it in no time. Lots of little shops and restaurants come alive in the evenings with some of them offering entertainment.
The beach is amazing. I have said it before. Wide and perfect for walking, biking or just sitting. I love the beach houses that hide behind the dunes. People say that the beach houses here reflect Old Florida.
Residents are taking care of the towns of Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach. Everything is clean, brick walkways have been installed. These towns have character. That’s it!!
Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach are right next to each other. So much so that taking one step will place you in one or the other.
The name “Neptune Beach” came about in 1922 when one of the residents in the area built his own train station “Neptune” requiring the train to stop and take him to Mayport every day. Mayport is one of the oldest fishing villages in the U.S.
When I visited the last time I found a cluster of shoppes in Neptune Beach. They are called 200 First Street Courtyard Shoppes. The location of these shoppes is the old Ed Smith Lumber Company.
Now the shopkeepers are all local women; they own and operate these businesses.
Up until October there was music in the Courtyard, sponsored by the merchants at 200 First Street. That will pick again next year in April.
www.200FirstStreet.com is the website you can visit to find out what is going on.
Every Thursday of each month from 5 to 9 p.m. you will find the North Beaches Art Walk. Merchants work in tandem with artists providing a venue to show and sell original art work.
A lot of these artists are sponsored by the shoppes at 200 First Street, and you will find the courtyard all set up with musicians adding to a festive evening.
Some of the stores have the following events at the moment:
Deanne Dunlop Photography – Until tomorrow, November 5th – Spokesmama – 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon. Mom & Baby Photo Parties.
Then from November 6th until the 20th – Quick Takes – for Christmas Cards.
And, on November 18th there is a High School Open House for 2012 Ambassadors.
For more information please visit www.deannedunlop.com or call 904-610-5669.
Later, on November 26th there will be a celebration commemorating the 10th year anniversary of 200th First Street from 4 to 8 p.m. An invitation to share an afternoon of shopping, while enjoying music in the Courtyard, complimentary champagne and cake.
As the holidays approach, the BeachesTown Center will be holding their annual Holiday Celebration on December 4th.
Also in December you will find Santa on the Courtyard every Saturday.
The other shoppes at 200 First Street are:
First Street Gallery – www.firststreetgalleryart.com. Tel. 904-241-6928
Boutique Unique – Casual, fun clothing for women. 904-241-7109
Bali – Furniture, gifts and jewelry – www.balicargocompany.com 904-270-2254
Lillie’s Coffee Bar – Fresh coffee roasted daily opening at 7 a.m. Perkcussion gathering first saturday of the month. www.lilliescoffeebar.com 904-249-2922
Jaffi’s – “Is the go to store fore everything a girl wants”. Effortless styles, comfortable and wearable. 904-249-4030
First Street Gallery – Exhibit “At the Beach – Leigh Murphy” – Local watercolor artist, Leigh Murphy, has been the winner of over 100 awards. She is best known for her realistic and detailed rendering of shells. The artwork will be on display until January 6, 2011. 904-241-6928
One store that I really enjoyed visiting at 200 First Street was Red Daisy. I wrote a post on 8/15/10 and if you would like to see it just click on the month of August under Archives on the left hand side of this website.
Again, I stopped but did not have time to visit too much. The owner is Tracy Raymond. Red Daisy is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sundays from Noon until 5 p.m. Tel. 904-339-0137.
Red Daisy offers home furnishings, gifts, jewelry, soaps, candles, lotions and rugs. Tracy likes to combine the “old” with the “new”. She says that it is a contemporary antique shop, with a little funky jazz thrown in.
Red Daisy is ready for the holidays.
Have a great day!!!
 
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