December 9th, 2010
“If you are ever at a loss of converstion, introduce the subject of eating.” leigh hunt
That was not our problem tonight. Actually, that does not happen too often. But, the subject of eating is always there. I have mentioned before that I do like interesting food; not afraid to try many types of cuisines.
It has been pretty cold in South Florida. Mentally, you are prepared for the sun, the swaying palm trees, the beach. But sweaters? I don’t think so. Too early.
Atlantic Avenue, on this Village by the Sea was quiet tonight; the perfect night to visit Lemongrass. This Asian Bistro is right in the heart of Delray Beach. Only one couple was brave enough to dine “al fresco” tonight. The rest of us, inside was our preference. Before I forget Lemongrass is located at 420 E. Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-278-5050. Website is www.lemongrassasianbistro.com. Besides the location in Delray Beach, Lemongrass is also in Boca, Boyton Beach and Ft. Lauderdale.
I have only been to the one here in Delray and I was so pleasantly surprised as I came in and saw the new dining section. All remodeled, clean lines and a very comfortable bar for either eating or drinking. It was definitely needed.
The sets of tables are arranged at closed proximity. It does not bother me. People usually check what is arriving at the table. I do the same thing.
An appetizer of sashimi was ordered; but it came with a hot stone. You were to sear the fish. A hit with everyone passing by. I don’t think people realize that this dish gets the table going and sets the mood for the evening.
We laughed and we joke in Spanish and English. It was time to get down to the serious business of ordering entrees and the 3 of them were different, interesting and delicious.
I ordered the Holly Snapper. I have ordered this dish more than a few times. It is one of my favorites and tonight it was just as good. This fish is whole, boneless and fried; topped with a garlic sweet chili sauce.
Another dish ordered, a most popular one, was the Lobster Monster Roll. It had crispy lobster, cucumbers, scallions, asparagus, masago, spicy mayo and sesame seeds. Amazing looking and tasting.
A new addition to the Lemongrass menu was Grilled Shrimp with a Red Curry served in a young coconut. Great presentation because the coconut was filled with the red curry and the grilled shimp surrounded the coconut. It was served with a spoon, as well. As you ate the broth and put the shrimp in it you could also scrape the side of the coconut and get the pulp, which, if you really like coconuts, I don’t have to tell you that the pulp of a young coconut or “tela” is the best part.
Of course, we wanted to find out how the coconut was prepared. It looked perfectly peeled and smooth. Well, they are bought that way and all that needs to be done is to cut the top and fill it with the food, in this case the Red Curry.
Even though we did not exchange names our neighbors on one side of the table were so friendly and gave us tips about the area. They are locals. The other young couple on the other side was so nice, as well.
I have mentioned before that part of what makes this Village by the Sea so unique and special is the people; and in this case a smiling face is half the meal.
Note: Lemongrass was very gracious to make us a special sauce since my husband has to eat gluten free, and the sauce that accompanied the appetizer had soy sauce, which has wheat. Organic Tamari, gluten free soy sauce is readily available in many supermarkets and specialty foods shops. It would be a great to have it available to their customers with gluten allergies.
A little blog from Delray, another one from Delaware….the best of both worlds….talk to you later….
December 7th, 2010
I met John years ago, when his was the Sous Chef at The Cultured Pearl, then located on Wilmington Avenue. I always like to sit at the sushi bar; that’s how our conversations started. Him always willing to listen; me, well, always willing to talk. Questions about sushi, his life and what got him to Rehoboth Beach ensued. Over the years my family got to know him; we always sat at the same corner of the bar; making sure he was on that spot.
I actually did not know he was an artist, as well. John A. Cmar came to Rehoboth Beach about 16 years ago, just on a 2 week vacation. But, he never left. We was a Navy brat who ended going to the Air Force Academy in Colorado. His original paintings reflect that side of him.
1,500 of this one but the first one was given to President Bush; Desert Heroes.
John’s company is called Works in Progress – eternally. He is constantly evolving as an artist, just like his Works in Progress. As he works on different pieces of art, he never signs his canvasses, displayed around his tiny studio; they are really his works in progress. Only when he is sure of their completion, will he then sign the pieces.
John’s studio is at The Shops at the Pearl located at 301 Rehoboth Ave. He is across the Pineapple Princess shop, in the back. His telephone is 302-752-5100 and his e-mail is cmarjohn@hotmail.com.
He has been working on gold leaf. It looks very detailed. Touching the gold; fragile and so difficult to handle.
And, you might ask why not use gold paint? I guess it is because gold paint is not really gold; it can tarnish after a few years. There are products on the market that might look to you and I, the untrained eye, like gold but to the artist, like John, the resemblance to the real gold is so remote. Therefore, 23 and 24 carat gold is used.
His customers have been finding him through word of mouth; friends are buying his pieces of art, as well. If you would like to find out more about his new “works in progress”, give him a call of pay him a visit.
John is at Works in Progress every day. And, in the evenings you will see him also at the Cultured Pearl; he is, afterall, the General Manager.
Have a good one…talk to you later….
December 6th, 2010
“Photographers are intrigued by the way the nature of light changes the nature of seeing.” hilary marckx
Yes, photographers have, definitely, a unique way of seeing. Is it magical? Or, mysterious, perhaps?
All you have to do is take a look at the photography in all of Kevin Fleming’s books. His latest being Wild Delmarva. Hot off the press. My friends that have seen it, just loved it. Perfect for gift giving at this time of the year.
I gave Kevin’s books to someone that was special in my family’s life. His name was Dr. Nicholas Fortuin. He was an avid photographer who after seeing Kevin’s first book said “I can only dream and aspire to be as good of a photographer as Kevin is.” Unfortunately, Dr. Fortuin passed away this spring, never to be lucky enough to enjoy Kevin’s latest book.
Kevin is a Delaware native and his photography has taken him around the globe. He really does not need an introduction anymore. He is well known, having worked with National Geographic and named America’s Best Observer by Readers Digest.
“On the Sinai Peninsula in 1981, Kevin came under the assassins’ gunfire that killed Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat. The Newsweek’s front cover, was his, taken at that time in history.
Kevin’s website is www.kevinfleming.com. You can also check the Wild Delmarva website, www.wilddelmarva.com, where you can buy the book on-line. All local bookstores in the Delaware Beaches have it.
The website for the book The Heart of America is www.americabook.com. The website for the book Wild Delaware is www.wilddelaware.com.
Note: Kevin’s son Jay Fleming is following on his Dad’s footsteps and is also turning out to be a very talented photographer.
Have a good one!!…..talk to you later…..Enjoy this amazing book….
December 5th, 2010
The town of Rehoboth Beach is dressed for the Holidays. And, of course, it is going to be very cold for some of the outdoor events going on this week. It feels good, though; it is that time of the year and even though I grew up in the Island of Puerto Rico, I don’t know but I really do enjoy the cold weather during the Season. Later on, well, it starts getting old. Anyway, these are some of the upcoming activities and events. Hope you are at the beaches for some of them.
Monday, December 6th – It is the Downtown Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade. It will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the line up will start at 4 p.m. Christmas party will follow at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. For more information please call 302-441-8615 or visit www.downtownrehoboth.com.
Tuesday, December 7th – In the town of Millsboro, about 1/2 hour away, East Coast Garden Center will have a Wreath Making Class. It will begin at 10 a.m. East Coast Garden Center is located at 30366 Cordrey Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966. It is off Rt. 24. Turn North at the traffic light at Mt. Joy Rd (Rd. 297) by the Nanticoke Indian Museum. Go about 3/4 of a mile and turn left on Cordrey Rd. (Rd. 302). East Coast Garden Center is a 1/2 mile on the left. For registration, please call 302-945-3489.
Thursday, December 9th – Longwood Gardens Bus Trip sponsored by Save Haven, a No-Kill Sanctuary. It will leave from the K-Mart parking lot on Rt. 1 in Rehoboth Beach at 11 a.m. and will be returning at 9 p.m. The cost? $55, which includes admission but not lunch and dinner. For more information, please call 302-519-4317 or visit www.safehavende.org.
SCROOGE – The Musical Version, presented by Clear Space Theatre Company at the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of the Arts located at 20 Baltimore Avenue. For more information please call 302-227-2270 or visit the website www.clearspacetheatre.org.
Performances: 12/9, 12/10 and 12/11 at 7 p.m., and on 12/12 the performance will be at 3 p.m.
Merry Christmas and Have a Safe Holiday Season….talk to you later….
December 4th, 2010
Two Rooms, Play by Lee Blessing; directed by Ocean City, Maryland’s own Kyler Taustin and presented by the Brown Box Theatre Project. The venue? The beautiful Globe Theatre at 12 Broad St., Berlin, Maryland.
Monday and Tuesday – matinee at 1:30 p.m. The evening performance will be at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35 per person. $50 per person will let you enjoy a prix fixed 3 course dinner at the Globe; seating is between 5 and 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.
“Two Rooms is a juxtaposition of three ethical, emotional and political perspectives to the on going crisis involving the Middle East. The story surrounds Lainie, the wife of a hostage in Beirut, and her struggle to cope with the media, the government, and their attempts to guide her through two opposing courses of action in regard to her husband’s situation. She has stripped the office in their home so that she can symbolically share in her husband’s ordeal. But in this battle between her own emotional connection and the media and government’s logical though opposing ideologies, Lainie is forced to realize that she lives in a world where action to either extreme has much risk but that inaction can make you a hostage as well.”
Need more details and tickets? Please visit www.brownboxtheatre.org. You can also purchase the tickets at The Globe.
Enjoy….talk to you later….
December 3rd, 2010
Yesterday, I said to Michael that I wanted to invite him to the new Touch of Italy in Lewes. It just opened up on the 26th. How could he not agree to this invitation? Irresistible, I know. He was going to be my guinea pig. I did not want to eat anything. I have been eating too much and with the Holidays upon us, I needed to restrain myself a bit.
The new Touch of Italy is located at 101 Second Street, Lewes, Delaware. Tel. 302-827-2730. The website for Touch of Italy is www.touchofitalyde.com.
The residents in Lewes must be thrilled. Second Street has so many varied restaurants; for all tastes. We have been watching that corner of Second St. and Savannah Rd. for months. Now I was about to enter this Salumeria, Pasticceria and Trattoria.
Salumi is Italian for meats that are cured. So, it is a “cured meat shop” carrying classic cured meats and sausages.
A Pasticceria is a pastry shop. And, a Trattoria is an eatery; less formal than a restaurant; no printed menus, therefore, casual.
Touch of Italy was busy. They are still moving things here or there but you can feel that it is going to be great. The first thing that happened was that we were welcomed with an almond macaroon, half covered in chocolate. I really did not want to eat it; then I did and I wanted more. Don’t worry I did not.
Then I started to look around and take in the atmosphere of the place. The hanging hams, cheeses and sausages reminded me when I was in Spain years ago and saw all the Serranos hams hanging from the ceilings.
Olives, white anchovies, roasted peppers, squid, and so much more on one section.
Sausages, cheeses, among other delicacies in the following section.
The cookies and pastries, some packaged and ready to go and others waiting for us, the customers.
Pastas, sauces and other Italian staples were ready for purchase, as well. These are perfect for unexpected guests.
I talked to Lou who is one of the owners and since they had just moved in they did not have a take-out menu yet. On the corner of the shop, in glass, for everyone to see, Michael will be making fresh mozzarella, practically every day. That room will hold instruction but that will be announced later, after they get more settled.
Tables will also be available soon so that you can eat comfortably.
Then Michael finally decided on what hero to order. A hero sandwich is called a Po’Boy in New Orleans, a sub in many other areas or a hoagie. The hero sandwiches are large sandwiches on baguettes that have a distinct Italian flavor.
The basic ingredients? 2 Italian meats, and provolone cheese; condiments are varied but only oil and vinegar will coat both sides of the bread.
There is a menu board at Touch of Italy and Michael chose the Rocky Marciano. This hero had hot sopressata, sharp provolone cheese imported from Italy, roasted peppers and extra virgin olive oil, in a homemade semolina Italian bread with sesame seeds.
The sopressata is an Italian cured dry salami. It is traditionally made out of pork; fresh hams or beef are also used and often include hot peppers. It also has a rustic look when sliced. It is a specialty of southern Italy.
After thanking them and offering our best wishes we ran to the car. When Michael first opened the hero sandwich he said that it just looked like a sub, which it was, basically. But, it was only when he bit into it that the words were; “Oh, this is so good, the best I have ever had. No, wait, maybe second best after the one I had in New York”. He kept on going on about the combination of the meat, the cheese and the roasted peppers all complementing each other. The bread was outstanding. I knew he was going to be my perfect guinea pig; he has had his share of heros/subs. Finally, he gave me a bite; ditto.
Please note that Touch of Italy has another location on 33A Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-226-1500. I wrote a post when they first opened. If you would like to see it, just go on the left hand side of this blog and click on October, 2009, under Archives and scroll down to the 16th.
Best wishes to Touch of Italy…..and talk to you later….
December 1st, 2010
Christmas in Historic Lewes. You have read some of my posts, I hope, on this beautiful town. The people, its preservation, its restaurants, and shops. I think that when you first visit Lewes you might think that this town probably rolls its streets by 5 p.m. It really isn’t so. Lewes is full of life any time of the day. All you have to do is visit and see for yourself.
There are so many events going on in Lewes this week-end. Here is some of the information that has come my way.
Thursday, December 2nd:
Benefit – Tree Lighting – Holiday of Lights, sponsored by the Beebe Medical Foundation at 424 Savannah Rd. from 5:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. For more info. please visit www.beebemedicalfoundation.org.
Lewes Merchants’ 24th Annual Hospitality Night from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in the historic commercial district surrounding Second Street.
Friday, December 3rd – The Children’s Beach House hosts their annual Art Exhibit & Sale Benefit Preview party on Friday, from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., at 1800 Bay Avenue in Lewes, with the sale continuing on Saturday and Sunday; open to the public. The Children’s Beach House supports children with special needs and their families. The website is www.cbhinc.org and the telephone is 302-645-9184.
Saturday, December 4th:
Holiday House Tour – 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., sponsored by The Lewes Historical Society. This Holiday House Tour takes place in and around Lewes. For more info., please visit www.historiclewes.org.
Zwaanendael Women’s Club – Stop in for refreshments like hot dogs, hot sausages, hot chocolate, water hot pretzels and cookies while strolling the streets on the Lewes Historical House Tour or during the old-fashioned Christmas Parade. 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The 79th Annual Lewes Christmas Parade will take place on this day at 5:00 p.m. Honorary Grand Marshal of the Christmas Parade will be the Lewes in Bloom Organization. This is in honor of their beautification efforts in Lewes since 2002, and to recognize their third, First Place finish in the national contest sponsored by America in Bloom.
Rain or Snow date for the parade will be Sunday, 12/5 at the same time.
The theme for this year’s parade is Mistletoe & Holly. The parade will begin on Savannah Rd. in front of the Ninth Grade Academy and will end in front of King’s Ice Cream Shop on Second Street.
The Christmas Tree in Zwaanendael Park will be illuminated after the Christmas parade, followed by candlelight caroling in the park. A reception with hot cider and cookies will follow in the Fisher Martin House.
Please note that the Lewes Chamber’s Visitor’s Center is open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and will be open on Saturday, December 4th from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The website is www.leweschamber.com.
Really, have a great week-end in Lewes. If you are visiting the Delaware beaches you will be surprised at how beautiful it will be. It always is….talk to you later….
December 1st, 2010
When having to travel on Rt. 50, over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, towards Baltimore, the airport, Washington, etc., 2 restaurants I hit all the time. It seems they are the only ones I do prefer to stop and relax. Remember, that this is my own personal opinion. Yes, my blog. There are more restaurants in the area but I just like these 2 the best.
So yesterday, Tuesday, I found myself traveling that corridor and it was already about 3 p.m. Not having had lunch I don’t know if my stopping at The Narrows qualified as late lunch or super early bird. Their happy hour had not even started.
There were a few customers and the restaurant was getting ready for a wine tasting. The Narrows is located at 3023 Kent Narrows Way South, Grasoville, MD 21638. Traveling West take exit 42 and traveling East take exit 41. Tel. 410-827-8113. Website is www.thenarrowsrestaurant.com. They are on Facebook and Twitter.
The Narrows was opened in 1983 and it sits on the foundation of an old oyster shucking house.
This restaurant is casual with beautiful views of the water at this time of the day. Yesterday, it was cloudy, but still beautiful.
You can sit indoors or on their porch, which is also enclosed but with windows that are open during the summer months. If you choose the porch then you are on top of the water. I like to see the boats slide by.
I had to give Harris Crab House a rest; lately I have had the craving for crabs and steamed clams. Harris Crab House is across the highway. Having that satisfied, my next craving was the best cream of crab soup, at The Narrows. I am not kidding you it is so delicious, thick, lumps of crab meat; I don’t even want to know the calories.
I started with just a cup of the cream of crab soup; could have had a bowl. It is presented with a cruet of sherry. You practically can put your spoon in and it will stand straight up. Then cut it with the sherry. Some of us put more sherry than others. My parents were in that group. They loved this restaurant and every time they visited; this was a must stop restaurant. Alissa, our waitress, told me that one time somebody asked for a short glass with ice and proceeded to also put that sherry on the glass. So, to each its own.
I told Alissa that I had been given their cream of crab soup recipe many years ago by my mother in law and when I made it; sorry but it was not the same. Could it had been that an ingredient was left out? She then gave me a copy and it is somewhat different from the one I had. I will give it to you in a little bit. You will love it. Well, if you don’t like cream soups, then this recipe might not be the one to try.
The other appetizer ordered was the grilled buffalo quail. Perfectly grilled and seasoned.
For my entree I chose the sliders. After my soup I wanted something lighter; no kidding. Three sliders; mini crab cake, bison, and ahi tuna, served on potato rolls and frizzled onions. I have to tell you that I have never ordered sliders anywhere, but I thought this was an interesting presentation and it hit the spot. I loved the 3 combinations.
I opened them up so that you can see how good they looked.
At this time of the year the crab meat at The Narrows is coming from Louisiana, the bison, I believe, from up the road on Rt. 16 in Delaware and the oysters from the Choptank River.
The Narrows also has a gluten free menu so the catfish was ordered from that menu even though he really wanted the one from the regular menu which was peanut encrusted. Nevertheless, he said that it was very good.
I promised you the crab recipe so here it goes:
Cream of Crab Soup
1 lb. jumbo lump crab meat
1 small carrot, grated
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half and half
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 tablespoon chicken base (I asked what this was and it is bouillon)
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Remove any cartilage from the crab meat and set the crab aside.
In a thick pot, warm cream, half & half, sherry, chicken base and seasoning to slow simmer.
In a separate pan toast the roux (flour and butter) for a few minutes until it smells of toasted nuts (do not burn). See note below.
Add roux to cream – bring back to a simmer – wisk until smooth.
Serve garnish with the chopped parsley and please pass a cruet of sherry.
Serves 4 to 6
Note: A roux is a cooked mixture of flour and butter. It is used as a thickener for gravy, other sauces, soups and stews. Warm butter, add flour and stir until mixture is thick and starts to turn slightly brown and has that nutty smell.
Now you know why I did not want to even check the amount of calories in this soup.
The Narrows is so well known for its crab cakes and soups that they ship anywhere in the United States. Catering is also available so please give them a call.
I want to thank Alissa for taking such good care of us.
Well, it was time to keep on trucking towards Delaware. I usually take the backroads and as I was driving; not too many cars on the road, I passed this house all decorated; it reminded me that I have yet to put one Christmas decoration on my house.
Talk to you later….have a great day….
|
Comments Off on Lemongrass Asian Bistro, Delray Beach, Florida, South Florida, Palm Beach County, Thai, Sushi, Asian, Vietnamese