June 24th, 2011
Peruvian and Cantonese fusion found in Peru; Latin and Asian influences.
“Chifa is the phonetic pronunciation of the Chinese character that represents this shared cuisine. It also refers to the restaurants that serve it.”
Some months ago I visited a restaurant by the name of Amada in Philadelphia. All tapas and very Spanish. I really enjoyed it, so much so that I wrote a post on AboutMyBeaches on 3/7/11. All you have to do is click on the month of March 2011 and scroll down to the date. I wanted to try some of the other restaurants owned by the Garces Group.
Jose Garces is the main event; Ecuadorian heritage, winner of the most recent The Next Iron Chef. Not too many chefs hold that title; only 6 chefs in the country.
Philadelphia is really not that far from the Delaware beaches; about 2 hours and 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Michael and I decided to have a late dinner. I thought that the restaurant was going to be closed by the time we got there. Let’s say we closed Chifa.
Chifa is located at 707 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel. 215-925-5555. Website? http://www.chifarestaurant.com.
Latin and Asian; the decoration reflected those influences. As you entered Latin is the style; tiles, woods, pottery. The bar is located in this room.
Next room? Asian; reds and oranges. Long tables ready for Dim Sum.
Kristin was our server and she had been with Chifa since it opened a couple of years ago. Her knowledge and expertise helped us make the best choices.
She brought us bread to the table. This bread is called Pandebono. It is made out of Yuca flour and Manchego cheese. A little dipping sauce on the side; a hint of sweetness. Very good.
Chifa serves most of their food as “tapas” and “family” style. Sharing is a key word. Tapas are small plates. A taste here or there; a teasing. You want more.
Our first choice was the Ceviche, cooked Peruvian style. The fish? Kingfish.
The most likely origin of “ceviche” lies in the area of present-day Peru and it is part of its national heritage.
This ceviche was probably one of the best I have tasted. So fresh. The marinade is Leche de Tigre, which is composed of key lime or bitter orange juice, sliced pickled onions, chili, salt and pepper and served with small slices of cooked sweet potato. Roasted corn or “mote” on the side. Excellent combination of flavors.
Kristin told us the Duck Tacos were so popular. After trying different recipes, finally the winner was the one on the menu. Duck confit, house kimchi, sliced radish, cracklins on flour tortillas. Remember when I said that tapas are a teaser? This is a good example. Could have had more; too bad I had to share them. He was thinking the same thing.
I love octupus, or pulpo in Spanish. I see them on the menu and I don’t even have to think. They were rock octupus, garlic-ginger, purple potatoes, ginger gastrique. Roasted and perfectly seasoned.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the Thai sausage but it was served with an aromatic rice, tamarind chile sauce and papaya salad. The sauce was excellent; a little thick; the tamarind was a predominant flavor in the sauce.
The Red Curry had jumbo lump crab, coconut, jasmin rice, tofu and eggplant. Not too spicy. We actually enjoyed it so much.
We even had dessert, but no picture. It was a mango mousse with mango sherbert. This is the time of the year for this much loved fruit in tropical climates. So many shapes and flavors, as well.
Thank you Kristin for the service you gave us. The combination of unusual and unique ingredients was tops.
Note: Chifa is open for lunch Mondays through Fridays 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. It is open for dinner Sundays through Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays it opens from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Have a great day!!…Food trucks are next!!
June 23rd, 2011
I had heard it before; Philadelphia has a reputation for culinary excellence; the immigrant population having contributed to a large mixture of tastes.
I read a paragraph by Mark Glickman who wrote The Foods of Philadelphia and he described it best. You can find representations of these foods (soft pretzel, Philly Cheese Steak), elsewhere. But, only in Philadelphia and its environs can you find the real thing. You might get a soft pretzel at a mall in Cincinnati, or a Philly Cheese Steak at a cafe in California and wonder “What’s the big deal? Come to Philadelphia, and you will find out.
It is definitely different and I am enjoying learning about it.
In my last post I told you that there was more walking to be done. Leaving Parc located at Rittenhouse Square we kept on a good pace but something caught my attention when a door opened. I was not even paying attention, but the produce looked beautiful. Of course, we had to go in. What a surprise!! What a market!! Thank God I had just eaten, and thank God I was walking and could not carry anything else with me. Otherwise, watch out!!
This was Di Bruno Bros., located at 1730 Chestnut St., Tel. 215-665-9220. Website? www.dibruno.com/locations/rittenhousesquare.
Yes, in Center City, in the heart of Philadelphia. The original Italian market opened in 1939 at 930 S. 9th St. and it is still standing there.
This market is unreal and so is the service. I noticed the regular customers were known by name. I was just absorbing it all.
Here are some of the pictures I took.
Prepared Foods
Beef Department
The biggest cheese section I have ever seen with cheeses from all over the world.
 
Olive Oils to pick and choose.
Did not know that there were so many bitters.
Smoked Salmon
Hams and sausages
Breads
The Bakery? Cookies, Tarts, Cakes and Pies
Are you hungry yet? You know, on this particular post, it was best to be somewhat quiet and let the pictures do the talking. No way I could have explained all of this in simple words.
P.S. They also do catering.
Have a good one….got to go to my daily trip to Giant in Rehoboth Beach…. talk to you later….Chifa and the Food Trucks are still to come….
June 22nd, 2011
Away from the Beaches for 24 hours. Back already. A road trip. I am getting to know Philadelphia, but I still have a long ways to go. Having worked and lived in Baltimore, Maryland, I really never went much to Phildelphia. Now, I am going full steam ahead; way into walking the streets, checking the neighborhoods and experiencing its restaurants….all the way to the food trucks.
After driving for a couple of hours it was time for a walk. Just like I enjoy seeing the roadhouses in Baltimore, Philadelphia has beautiful ones, as well. At this time of the year some looked so amazing.
It was around 2 p.m. and not having eaten, Michael and I decided to walk in the direction of Rittenhouse Square.
Rittenhouse Square was named for astronomer/clockmaker, David Rittenhouse. He was a descendant of William Rittenhouse, who built the first paper mill in America in Germantown. He was also the President of the American Philosophical Society and the first Director of the United States Mint.
Rittenhouse Square has always denoted quality. And, to have lived near or on the Square was a mark of prestige.
Fountains, trees, and benches for people to sit and relax. At that time of the day, the heat was getting up there and just to be under the canopy of those trees was instant relief.
The Parc Brasserie, a Bistro and Cafe. Usually, I would sit outside, if available, but after walking so much; air condition was what I wanted.
The Parc Brasserie is located at 227 South 18th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. Tel. 215-646-2262. Website? www.parc-restaurant.com. Parc is part of the famility of restaurants owned by Starr Restaurants.
Ornate ceilings, the restaurant pays hommage to the French Cafe culture. We had a perfect seat; looking over Rittenhouse Square and checking the passersby; some walking their four legged friends and others just enjoying a beautiful day in the city.
The bread was to die for; baguettes are made in-house daily.
We shared an appetizer of Chicken Liver Mousse with pickled shallots and grain mustard. Again, this bread was thick, warm and oh, so good. Perfect appetizer for a hot day.
Then Michael ordered the Lamb Sandwich, with Harissa aioli and arugula. Pomme frites? Of course, how could you not? Took a bite; very good.
Just in case you did not know what Harissa is; I did not know either. It is a condiment from North Africa and the Middle East. It is made from chiles, oil, garlic and cilantro, pounded with cumin or ground coriander and sometimes dried mint or verbena leaves.
I ordered the Nicoise Salad with seared tuna, shaved vegetables and lemon vinaigrette. It had been some time since I had a Nicoise Salad; fresh and light. The tuna, the white anchovies and the combination of the veggies with the lemon vinaigrette, made it so special. The lettuce? Buttery comes to mind.
A leisure afternoon with great food, great service, and the perfect view, as well.
No sweet ending at this time of the day. But an espresso we did have. We still had dinner in mind and some more walking to do.
Note: Some info. for my post was taken from www.ushistory.org.
Talk to you later….
June 22nd, 2011
Just in case you are tired of sitting at the beach, walking the Boardwalk, eating too much, relaxing too much; you know all those exhausting activities that go with the territory when you are on vacation, then maybe the following might be an alternative. Check out what Rehoboth Beach has in the schedule this week.
Clear Space Theatre is located on 20 Baltimore Ave. They have kicked off their summer repertoire with a season-long series of shows through Labor Day week-end. Choose from “Chicago”, “Words and Music”, by Gershwin, and “100 Years of Broadway”. All shows start at 7 p.m. $25, $20 for senior citizens, $15 for high school and college students and $5 or children, 12 and younger. Info? 302-227-2270 or better yet visit www.clearspacetheatre.org.
My post on 5/30/11 has further info. If you would like to see it just click on the month of May, 2011 and scroll down to the date.
Friday, Saturday, 6/24, 6/25 – Trunk Show of Artisan Jewelry. Handcrafted by Meredith of Moonrise Jewelry. Location? Josephine’s Daughter at Rehoboth Mews, 129 Rehoboth Ave, Site D.
You can meet the artist as she debut Fin & Flower. Its her new collection of jewelry featuring “reel” fish leather. Also, as seen on the Today Show, she will have her signature pieces called Real Orchid Blossoms. Info? 302-226-9577, or visit www.josephinesdaughter.com.
Moonrise Jewelry is Eco-Stylish Jewelry; handmade in Virginia. If you would like to learn more about this company, please visit www.moonrisejewelry.com.
I wrote a post on Josephine’s Daughter on 5/24/11. All you have to do is click on the month of May, 2011 and scroll down to the date.
The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand – Summer Series is free to the public. Shows start at 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss this week-end’s performances.
Friday, 6/24 – Love Seed Mama Jump – They are locals and a feel good pop rock band.
Saturday, 6/25 – The Maryland Community Band will be performing. This band is part of the outreach program of the University of Maryland School of Music. On Friday evening they will also be performing at the Bandstand in Bethany Beach.
Sunday, 6/26 – Adrian Duke Project – Classic Rock & Soul.
Sunday, 6/26 – Bus Trip to New York City for the Annual Gay Pride March. Bus leaves the Rehoboth K-Mart parking lot at 6:30 a.m. The bus will leave the City at 6:00 p.m. for its return trip to Rehoboth. For more info., please call 302-227-5620 or visit www.camprehoboth.com.
Dog Days of Summer – This should be so much fun and brought to you by Doggies at the Beach and Pottery Place.
Doggies at the Beach is a cage free facility; boarding, grooming, training. I have used it exclusively since I rescued my dog, Addy. They are located at 18806 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24) in Rehoboth. Te.l is 302-644-8200. Website? www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
I wrote a post on Pottery Place on 5/9/2010. If you would like to see it just click on the month of May of 2010 and scroll down to the date. Pottery Place’s website is www.potteryplaceperks.com.
The Dog Days of Summer event will take place at the Pottery Place parking lot on 20717 Coastal Highway, right there on Rt. 1 (the forgotten mile).
From 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. – Best Doggie 4th of July Costume Contest, including “Cutest”, and “Precious”. Lots of Doggie Prizes will be awarded. Free hot dogs and refreshments!!
And, free Doggie Biscuits and water for the Human and Doggies.
Please RSVP 302-644-8200. Just give them a call and let them know if you are attending.
Have a great time…remember you are at the beach..relax
June 20th, 2011
If you know Dewey, then you know that the following 2 activities and events are not the only ones happening in this very active town. Dewey has the ocean on one side and the bay on the other. Perfect for every kind of water sport. Then, one restaurant/bar after another; and plenty of music venues.
Tuesday, 6/21 – The Restaurant Olympics in Dewey. This event is sponsored by The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce. It benefits Destination Station Center, Ltd.
The competition will be held from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. on the beach at Ruddertowne and Dickinson Street in Dewey.
Competitive games like kayak races, tug’ o war, relays, an obstacle course, tray carrying, and more.
Already registered are Bud Lite Girls, Cloud 9, Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill, Northbeach, and the Starboard. More info? Contact Carol Everhart at carol@destinationstationcenter.com, or Kelly Ranieri at kellydewey@comcast.net.
Wednesday, 6/22 – Dewey Kid’s Beach Party!! – Music, Mascots, and More!! It’s time for some summer family fun in Dewey Beach!! This will definitely be a Kid’s Beach Party. Families are invited to the beach from 6 to 8 p.m. for an evening of games, music and kid’s finger food.
Local mascots including smiley, the Starboard Shark and their friends will be on hand to greet everyone at the festivities.
First Wednesday Night Bonfire on the Beach of the 2011 Summer Season. It will burn from 7: 30 until 11:00 p.m. If you are at the Kid’s Beach Party, then stick around.
If you are coming just for the Bonfire then don’t forget your family, friends, and beach chairs. Could you bring some marshmallows, as well? For more info. visit www.beach-fun.com or call 302-227-2233.
Enjoy the beach!! Talk to you later…
June 20th, 2011
Bethany Beach is also known as the Quiet Resort. Well, this typical beach town will be packing some events this coming week. If you are in town check them out. It will not be that quiet.
Tuesday, 6/21 – Film Critics Needed!! Help review films for this year’s Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. Screen a documentary, or a feature, and a short, time permitting. Reviewers will be asked to complete a rating sheet and join a post film discussion.
Time and Place? 7:00 p.m. at the South Coastal Library at 43 Kent Ave. in Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-539-5231. Free!!
Tuesday, 6/21 and Wednesday, 6/22 – Gallery One, which represents local artists will be holding a workshop called “Basic Digital Photography”. 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. $75. Location? 32 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, a couple of miles west of Bethany Beach on Rt. 26.
It is a basic digital photography workshop with Robert Connelly (www.livecheapmakeart.com). Tel. 302-537-5055. Website? www.galleryonede.com.
Learn to use a digital camera and set up a photo to achieve optimum light, angle, and composition. You must bring your camera, with charged batteries and the camera manual to the class.
Bob is a professional fine arts photographer with a BA in Studio Art from Arizone State University.
Want to Keep Trim While on Vacation?
Yoga at Sunrise – 6 a.m. until 7 a.m. at the Bethany Beach Bandstand. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, including 4th of July and Labor Day. Bring mat and towel. Fee? $5 For more info. call 302-537-7838, or visit www.bethanybeachyoga.org.
Boardwalk Tai Chi – 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Labor Day. $5 drop in fee. Gentle exercises that help promote good health and well being.
Instructor? Jim Mace. Tel. 302-363-4509.
Friday, 6/24 – The Maryland Community Band will be performing at the Bethany Beach Bandstand at 7:30 p.m. Keep an eye on the weather and if you need an update, please call 302-539-5484. That’s the hot line!!
The Maryland Community Band is part of the outreach program of the University of Maryland School of Music. It provides an opportunity for university students, faculty, alumni, and community members to come together to continue learning in the musical arts.
Saturday, 6/25 – About 5 Miles West of Bethany Beach – Clarksville – You will find Good Earth Market & Organic Farm. Website? www.goodearthmarket.com. Two events will take place:
12 Noon – Mark Stoehr MAc, LAc, Licensed Acupuncturist, discusses the art and science of acupuncture and natural medicine. Learn how acupuncture can benefit you and your loved ones. This discussion will also include information on managing body weight, improving wellness and home remedies for common ailments.
Mark Stoehr is a licensed acupuncturist in Ocean City, MD. He specializes in pain management, weight loss and wellness promotion. He earned his masters degree in acupuncture from Tai Sophia Institute, where he is currently a faculty member. He has advanced training in herbal medicine and nutrition.
2:00 – Join Chef Inton from “Port” in Dewey Beach where he will present his first cooking demo at Good Earth Market. Port features “Fresh-Local-Food-Drink”. Check the website www.portdewey.com.
Saturday, 6/25 – Firecracker 5K Run & 3K Walk – Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. Race starts at 8:00 a.m. This is an Official Parade Fundraising Event. Entry forms are at the Town Hall and t-shirt sales table is located at the Boardwalk on week-ends and when there is entertainment. This year marks the 28th 4th of July Parade in Bethany Beach. For more info. please visit www.bethanybeach5K.wordpress.com.
The Committee is looking for help. If you would like to lend a hand, please call Philip Rossi at 303-539-8011, ext. 24.
In addition to getting the t-shirts on the Boardwalk on week-ends you can also purchase them by calling Mary Rossi at 302-539-2805.
Sunday 6/26 – Opening Day for the Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market – Always on Sundays from 8 a.m. until Noon at the PNC Parking Lot in Town.
The Bethany Beach Trolley – Please remember to use the Trolley when possible. Best deal in town and best way to get around. For a schedule, visit www.townofbethanybeach.com and click on Trolley on the left hand side.
Have a great week….talk to you later…if I find anything else, I will let you know…
June 20th, 2011
I remember when I started posting the activities and events at the Delaware Beaches, the list was so long. Then, I decided it would be better to divide them; each town with their own list. Please remember that the towns at the Delaware Beaches are so close to one another; get in the car and enjoy what the area has to offer. So much to pick and choose from. Stay busy or just lay back; it’s your choice.
The Rehoboth Beach Film Society – Enjoy a Delicious Meal and Support a Good Cause:
Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. and until 9:00 p.m. get a bite to eat at Cake Bar located at 115 Second Street, Lewes.
Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. you can enjoy a meal at Striper Bites located at 107 Savannah Rd., Lewes.
During these designated periods, 10% of your entire check will be donated to the Rehoboth Beach Film Society.
Make sure to request the “Give Back Slip” and circle the Film Society’s name before you leave the restaurant.
The Society needs Film Critics. If you have always wanted to do this, then you will have this opportunity tonight, Monday, June 20th.
Help review films for this year’s Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. The screening of a documentary or a feature, and a short, time permitting.
Reviewers will be asked to complete a rating form and join a post film discussion.
So, remember, Monday, 6/20 at 7:00 p.m. at The Movies at Midway – Upstairs Screening Room. Just $2.00 admission fee.
More info? Please visit http://www.rehobothfilm.com.
Monday, 6/20 – Thursday, 6/23 – Chautauqua – Dunes, Dancing and Dark Nights: Life on the Delaware Home Front During WWII. Crafts, lectures, and music throughout each day. Evening performances starting at 7 p.m. will feature actors portraying Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosie the Riveter. The last night will be a dance with a Big Band. Free.
Monday’s events will be at Zwaanendael Park on Savannah Rd. in Lewes. Tuesday’s events will be at Stango Park on Kings Highway in Lewes and Wednesday’s and Thursday’s events will be at the Lewes Historical Society Complex on Second St., Lewes.
More info? Please call 302-645-1148 or visit www.history.delaware.gov.
Tuesday, 6/21 – Two Friends, Ltd. in Lewes will be celebrating the Summer Solstice from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Free give aways for the first 20 customers through the doors. Drawings throughout the day. The Vera Bradley Rep will be joining them, as well.
More info? Please visit http://www.twofriendslewes.com. You can also find them on Facebook.
Is your dog vacationing with you, here, at the Delaware Beaches? In Lewes you will find a few restaurants where you can bring “Fido” with you. Bon Appetit!!
Bethany Blues, Lewes, Rt 1 – Now allows dogs on their outdoor patio. They are located at 18385 Coastal Highway. Tel. 302-644-2500. Website? http://www.bethanyblues.com.
Gilligan’s Waterfront Restaurant & Bar – Dogs are permitted on deck only as weather permits. They are located on 134 Market St. Tel. 302-644-7230. Website? www.gilliganswaterfront.com.
Cafe Azafran located at 109 Market St. is permitting dogs in their enclosed patio which is located on the side. Enter with your dog and then go inside to order. A dog treat will be brought to your pooch and a bowl of water too. Tel. 302-644-4446 and website http://www.cafeazafran.com. You can find them on Facebook, as well.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
June 18th, 2011
Rock Creek is a men’s shop in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Named for Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. For many years two stores were owned; one in our Nation’s Capital and the other in the Nation’s Summer Capital, here in Rehoboth. Then, only Rock Creek is now in Rehoboth Beach. Location? 212 Rehoboth Aven, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-226-3140. Fax # 302-226-3141. E-mail address is beachcreek@hotmail.com.
The proprietors are Joe and Gregg. I met Gregg the other day. I wanted to write a post just for men. It seems that there are not too many men’s quality shops at the Delaware Beaches. So there I was, at their door, just as Gregg was opening up.
Rock Creek has been in Rehoboth for many years; I am embarrassed to say that I had never been in. The first thing I saw as I came in was their official greeter, Kirby, a yellow lab. She was sprawled on the carpet; checking me out; her tail was wagging.
Gregg was so nice. First customer of the day and I was probably asking too many questions. I felt that the store had great lighting. The merchandise was displayed according to the individual designer. Not crowded; just perfect.
We live on the coast and the clothing reflected that relaxed atmosphere we all love here at the Beaches. The clothing was casual; at the same time exuding confidence and sophistication.
Some designers I knew and others Gregg introduced.
Vince is a New York based company. Casual clothing and summer basics.
Billy Reid was the winner of GQ’s Best New Designer Award for 2010. He is from Florence, Alabama.
Adriano Goldschmied, better known as AG was founded in 2000; The clothing has great quality, design, and state-of-the art washes.
Hugo Boss covers the main fashion areas for men and women.
Michael Kors designs are polished, sleek and considered sophisticated American sports wear.
Paul Smith catapulted into fashion by accident. He first opened a tiny shop in 1970. Today, he is still, both, designer and chairman. He has an interesting story. Visit http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/paul-smith-world/history/.
His name is Claudio Orciani. After making a belt for himself, he then decided to make them for everyone else. In 1979 his company was founded.
Rock Creek had very unique bracelets from Tateossian. It is a London based company who makes jewelry for men and women. The designs are contemporary and fashion forward.
Robert Tateossian is considered to be “King of Cuff Links”. He had an international upbringing; fluent in 7 languages.
Gant was founded in 1949 in New Haven, CT. It is the fusion of 2 cultures that makes it unique. The company is also owned by the same company that owns Chemise Lacoste.
Rock Creek also carries several lines of men’s shoes.
Thank you Gregg for taking the time to show me your beautiful shop. Wishing you and Joe a great summer season.
As I was leaving the store, Kirby looked up. I could almost hear her saying “Are you finished yet?”
P.S. Rock Creek is also carrying bathing suits this year.
Talk to you later……Happy Father’s Day to All of you that make a difference in someone’s life…
 
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