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Archive for November, 2011

November 29th, 2011

Personal Attention?, Why Not Shop Local?, TaDa, Historic Berlin, Maryland, Accessories, Shoes, One of a Kind Jewelry, Kids’ Corner

 

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I have never been one to shop in big malls.  I know, I know, the majority of people do.  I don’t even go when there is not a holiday around the corner.  So, why would I go when at the holiday season all I will get is full parking lots, long lines at the cash register, attendants are busy and a little short? 

I like those small shops that you find in every single town, or city.  In these shops you get the personal attention you need.  My favorites are the local shops in the Delmarva Peninsula; the towns of Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Ocean City, and Berlin among them.

So, no hustle and bustle; peace and serenity is what I want.  One such shop is TaDa in the Historic town of Berlin, Maryland.  I have written about it before and I just wrote a post on its sister store, TaDa Home.  These are the shops that are worth visiting over and over again.  New merchandise gets updated all the time. 

TaDa is located at 18 N Main St., Berlin, MD 21811.  Tel. 410-641-4430.  Website?  http://www.blairelizabeth.com.  At any given time you will find Blair, Patty, Christine and even Brooke.  They are responsible for everything on the store to look just right.

Being that the Holidays are upon us I wanted to show you some of the items that make TaDa a must stop shop in Berlin.

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TaDa has a Children’s Corner with lots of cute presents for babies.  The store has tote bags, scarves, shoes, bags, personalized items and even fun presents for the bride to be.

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New colors had just come in – the flats

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TaDa carries jewelry but the one that attracted by attention is the one designed and handmade by Blair Elizabeth.  The stones and color combinations are, definitely, fun, casual with an understated elegance.

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TaDa and TaDa Home are part of the merchants that make the town of Historic Berlin special during the Christmas Season.  Please check out the following events when both shops will be involved.

December 1 through the 24th – Join them for refreshments, gourmet tastings, and free gift wrapping.  The stores will open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:30 a.m.  until 3 p.m.

Fridays in December – Sip and shop with TaDa at Burley Oak Brewery.  Stop by TaDa any time to fill out your wish list and send your Santa to Burley Oak located in a building originally built at the turn of the century at 10016 Old Ocean City Blvd.  5 – 7 p.m. shop and enjoy some delicious local brews.

Food Drive, December 3rd – Benefitting the Maryland Food Bank.  For every non-perishable food item donated, receive a coupon for $1 off your $5 purchase.  No limit on coupons – coupons must be redeemed that day.

Have a great day!!  Talk to you later…

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November 28th, 2011

Pickled Shrimp, Appetizer, So Easy, You’ll See…

 

Appetizers give us an excuse to enjoy special seafood treats; if you like seafood, and don’t have an allergy, that is. These pickled shrimp are so easy.  And, shrimp are most often associated with appetizers.  They are easily available, which is a good thing; different sizes, as well.

For appetizers is best to use the medium size shrimp.  Buy the easy to peel, as well.  The large or jumbo shrimp are difficult to pick up with your fingers or wooden picks.  Probably, not practical as appetizers.

The following recipe can be doubled easily.  You can play with it and make it your own.  On top of a chopped salad?  You bet.  Try it out and play with it.

 

Pickled Shrimp

1 lb. medium shrimp, raw

1 tablespoon pickling spices

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (I used Emeril’s/gluten free)

1 teaspoon prepared horseradish

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon celery salt

1/2 cup white wine vinegar

3 green onions, sliced

 

Pull shrimp from shells and discard shells.

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In a 2-quart saucepan, cover shrimp and pickling spices with water.  Bring to a boil; simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes.  Strain water, leaving spices on shrimp; set aside.

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In a small bowl, combine mustard, horseradish, oil, salt, celery salt, vinegar and onions.  Pour over drained shrimp.  Cover and refrigerate.  The ideal would be 6 hours or overnight.  But as long as they are nice and cold, they will be delicious.  It is just that the longer you leave the shrimp in the marinade the better they will absorb that taste.

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Enjoy!!  This recipe is gluten free!!  Just give your guests some wooden or plastic picks or small forks to pick up shrimp.

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Talk to you later….

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November 26th, 2011

A Builder Blacksmith, A Woodturner, A Painter, Touring The Artists Studios, Roxana, Dagsboro, Southeastern Sussex County…and a beautiful day to boot

 

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach

 

“A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who work with his hand and his mind is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.”   st. thomas aquina

The Delmarva Peninsula surprised us with a gorgeous Black Friday.  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  I love to spend it in Delaware, my home.  Black Friday brought lots of shoppers to the tax free shopping we offer in the State. 

Rehoboth was very crowded.  The weather?  68 degrees!!  No parking to be found.  My car was heading south on Rt. 1 to the town of Bethany Beach and then heading west for a few miles to start my own little tour of the 17th Annual Southeastern Artists Studio Tour.

Following are the 3 artists that I visited on Friday; all very different and all pursuing their passion.

 

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Keith Toms is a Builder Blacksmith, originally from England, he makes Sussex County his home.  He is located at 35160 Roxana Rd., Frankford, DE.  Tel. 302-519-3731  E-mail? keithtoms@verizon.net

Even though the address says Frankford, I really call that area Roxana.  To get to it from Rt. 26 in Millville, take Rt. 17 to Roxana, go through the traffic light which is the junction of Rt. 17 and Rt. 20 and you will find his studio about 100 yards on the right.  It is a garage next to a white house.

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“The ability to directly shape metal has held my fascination since 1993, using the energy and rhythm of hammer and anvil, hot metal is transformed into subtle forms and curves that are inspired by both nature and industry.  The techniques I use are much the same as they were hundreds of years ago, with a few modern twists that allow more contemporary design.”

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Sunflowers are a specialty of his.  You can see it in a lot of his work.  He really can build anything.  You can go through his portfolio and see some of his work. 

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I was looking at a piece to hang pots.  It was huge. You would need a large kitchen.  Keith told me that some of the bigger pieces do not take as long as the smaller ones.  The smaller ones can take up to 50 hours for just one piece.

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Keith is at his studio practically every afternoon.  You can call him or e-mail him at keithtoms@verizon.net.

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To be able to transform metal into such art was beautiful to see.

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The next artist on my list was Tom Frey.  He is a woodturner located at 30424 Marina Rd., Dagsboro, DE 19939.  Tel. 302-732-6172.  E-mail? tefpwf62@gmail.com.  His studio hours are by appointment.

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It is a little tricky to get there but  just follow these directions and you will find it.  Go west on Rt. 26.  This becomes Rt. 26/20 in Dagsboro.  Turn right at the stoplight to go into Dagsboro.  Go through the stoplight in the center of the town (now Rt. 20) and turn right onto Piney Neck Rd.  Go approx. 3 miles, take a right on Marina Rd. and his house is 3rd on the right.  Got it?

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“Tom has pursued a specialty of thin-walled, natural edge turnings using mostly local woods that are stressed by nature.  A soft matte finish has become a second hallmark of Tom’s work.  In 2009, Tom achieved Master designation in the Delaware By Hand organization.”

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We were received with big smiles from Tom and Pat, his wife.  She had hot cider, cheese balls, made by her and crackers.  Delicious.  I was hoping my kids would not eat the whole thing.

I am in awe of his work.  It is so delicate using the most unique pieces of wood.  He told me he has plenty of wood to work with.  He does get mesquite from a friend and supplier in Texas.  Mesquite is now being used for hardwood flooring.

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His minis were so cute and he told me they were so easy to make.  So, here he is at work.

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His works of art are, definitely, conversation pieces.  They are perfect for the person that has it all.  Here are some more pictures.

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Thanks Pat and Tom.  You were so gracious receiving us all into your home.

 

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The next artist is a self made painter; Damon Pla.  If you were in Rehoboth Beach for the Independent Film Festival you probably saw his work.  Every year artists submit their work, hoping to be chosen for what best describes the theme of the Festival.  He won!!

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I stopped by his Damon Pla Fine Arts Studio located at 119 South Newport Way, Dagsboro, DE 19939.  From Rt. 1 go west on Rt. 26, turn right onto White’s Neck Rd. (Millville Pet Shop on corner).  Travel 1.6 miles.  Turn slight right into Bethany Forest.  Take 1st left onto South Newport Way.  House is at the end of the street facing you.

“Through ambience, composition, movement and light, creating art will always be an instrument for me to interpret my perception of our surroundings.  To quietly converse with the viewer through my work, provoking thought and meditation, is my passion.”

His studio was comfortably crowded, people asking him questions.  I met his Mom, who was visiting from Ft. Lauderdale.  Damon is originally from Florida; home is here now.  His wife was there to help out, as well.

His paintings were amazing capturing the essence of his subjects.  You can contact Damon by calling him at 302-541-6057 (studio), 302-841-3790 (cell), or visit his website, www.DamonPla.com.   Just like everyone else, he is on Facebook; facebook.com/damonpla.

He offers original paintings, limited editions, commissions, trompe l’oeil/murals. 

It was great meeting you and your family, Damon.

 

Some were hungry, so, to finish a really nice day off to Nicola Pizza on Rehoboth Avenue we went.  I told you at the beginning that Rehoboth Beach was so crowded; like any summer day.  Finally, we found parking. 

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As usual, Nicola Pizza, hit the spot.

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A walk through the Boardwalk and looking out to sea in such a clear and warm day, we were able to see Cape May, New Jersey.

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Note:  Some of the Artists will be open on Sunday November 27th from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.  Please check www.artstudiotour.com.

 

Have a great day!!  Talk to you later…

November 25th, 2011

What’s Going On?, Events, Entertainment, Christmas Tree Lighting, Scrooge, Just Comfort Shoes, Joss II, White Orchid Interiors, Artists Studio Tour…Let the Holidays Begin

 

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I meant to write this post last night but after cooking, eating and cleaning…oh well, here it goes today.

Lots of happenings at this time of the year as the Beaches start the Holiday Season.  Late last night all the outlets opened….no way, I really did not need anything that badly.  But, if you are visiting, why not take advantage of the tax free shopping the State of Delaware offers?

In Rehoboth Beach

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Friday, 11/25 – Just Comfort Shoes located at 18756 Coastal Highway opened at 6:00 a.m. They are near the outlets on Rt. 1!  Sales and service with a smile with plenty of sales for this shopping season.  This year new lines like Alegria, Cushe, Sannibel by Dansko and Earthies…shopping in comfort.  The also have a downtown Rehoboth store located at 237 Rehoboth Ave.  Website?  www.justcomfortshoes.com.

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Friday, 11/25 – Tree Lighting ceremony in Rehoboth Beach at the Bandstand.  The actual lighting will be at 7 p.m., but if you come between 6 and 7 p.m., there will be plenty of singing.  This year’s tree was donated by a local resident.  It is beautiful.  More info?  www.downtownrehoboth.com.

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Friday, 11/25 and Saturday, 11/26 – Joss II located at 19470 Coastal Highway (Rt.1) in the Shops at Camelot Shopping Center, will be hosting an Open House.  There will be door prizes, gift wrapping….and plenty of Holiday Cheer from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.  On Friday WGMD will live Broadcast from 2 – 4 p.m.  Tel. 302-227-8373.  You can also find Joss II on Facebook.

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Friday, 11/25 – Opening of Clear space Theatre Company’s production of Scrooge from Friday the 25th until December 11th.  The Threatre is located at 20 Baltimore Ave.  Tickets for adults, $25, for seniors $20, for students $15 and for children $5.  You can purchase tickets online at www.clearspacetheatre.org, by phone 302-227-2270 or in person at the Box Office on 20 Baltimore St.

 

Ocean View (west of Bethany Beach)

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Friday, 11/25 and Saturday, 11/26 – Black Friday Event at White Orchid Interiors located at 83 Atlantic Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970.  Website?  www.whitehorchid@verizon.net.

White Orchid is inviting you to stop by through the week-end and enjoy complimentary refreshments while you shop.

White Orchid is a beautiful shop full of home accessories and accents.  Leslie is the proprietor and offers in home consultations including, custom window treatments and bedding, space planning, paint selection and much more.

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November 26th marks the second annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country.  American Express is giving a $25 statement credit offer for Cardmembers when they register their Card and spend $25 or more on Small Business Saturday at any qualifying small business that accepts the American Express Card.  Register your American Express and then use your registered card on Nov. 26th at a participating small business.  You can register www.americanexpress.com.

 

Southeastern Delaware – the towns of Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Roxana, Dagsboro, Frankford

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Friday, 11/25 and Saturday, 11/26 is the 17th Annual Southeastern Delaware Artists Studio Tour.  It is a free, self-guided tour of the studios of 16 of Southeastern Delaware’s most talented artists and artisans, right here in Sussex County.  10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  Please visit www.artstudiotour.com where you will be able to see and get directions to all the studios.

Water Media, Watercolor, oil and mural, painter, photographer, pen and ink, woodturner, ceramics and jewelry, glass artist, blacksmith are a few of the artists that will open on Friday and Saturday.  Not all of them will be opened on Saturday but you will be able to see from the map who these are.

Donation tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25 – Arts in the Hat Raffle – All proceeds from the raffle, will benefit art programs throughout the local community.

On facebook find them at www.facebook.com/sedasttour.

 

Have a great week-end!!

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November 23rd, 2011

TaDa Home, Historic Berlin, Maryland, Home Accents, Art, Gifts, Furniture…and Epicurian Delights

 

If there is a town that can bring the nostalgia of what the holidays should be is the historic town of Berlin, Maryland.  It is located west of Ocean City, Maryland, just by a few miles.  From Rehoboth Beach, it is a longer drive but only about 40 minutes, if that.  It is worth it and at this time of the year Berlin gets all decked out for the holidays, their windows are decorated and on Friday November 25th at 5:30 p.m. the Holiday Season will kick off with the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of of the Atlantic Hotel right on Main Street.

Berlin dates from the 1790s; historically charming with lots of shops and restaurants.  Their Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 1st at 7 p.m. is one not to be missed.  Out of a Norman Rockwell painting, it is.

The setting of Berlin is great but the people that reside, work and own businesses are making sure that this town offers its visitors a treat; wanting them to keep coming back again and again.

One of those shops that is celebrating the Season is TaDa Home.  It opened this year, but it does have a sister store; TaDa, that has been around for years.  If you are visiting Berlin on the Fridays in December; the 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd stop by because you will be able to enjoy home-made baked goods while you shop for one of a kind Christmas decor and gift items.

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TaDa Home is located at 27 N. Main Street, Berlin, Maryland.  Tel. 410-641-4430.  Website? http://www.blairelizabeth.com.

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When Patty Falck first opened TaDa, the store had her signature all over and it still does; simple and elegant. TaDa Home keeps constantly evolving, though.  The combined artistic talents of the Falck family is now shining through.   I love it; the two girls, the father and the mother. Yes, TaDa Home is a must stop shop in Berlin, Maryland.

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The shop is beautifully appointed.  Steve and Brooke have combed the area looking for special pieces; Patty then puts then her artistic touches.

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Rugs, paintings by Patty, pillows, coastal touches, epicurian books and delights are the many surprises you will find at TaDa. 

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It is easy shopping for the holidays, as well.  And, no, Tada is not opening at 12:01 a.m. on Friday.  The store hours will be Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

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These pictures reflect what a beautiful store it is.  Something will have to catch your interest, I am sure.

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If you happen to see the November issue of Coastal Style Magazine, www.coastalstylemag.com. you will get to meet the Falck family in depth.  A beautiful article on this family that for some years has been facing one of those curves that life throws at you. 

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TaDa supports The Stephen Falck Foundation for MSA Research.  Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is currently without treament and cure.  It is their hope that by funding research for this illness, they may help those currently suffering, and provide hope in the future for a cure.

Please note that portions of every sale from TaDa Home are donated to MSA.  Websites to learn more about what they are going through?  www.wemove.org/msa. and www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/multiple_system_atrophy.

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Happy Thanksgiving!!…talk to you later….TaDa is next….

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November 22nd, 2011

All Aboard!!, Delray Yacht Cruises, Free Parking, Holiday Cruises, Sightseeing Cruises, Cruise The Intracoastal, Delray Beach, South Florida, Escape for the Day

 

Monday was the perfect day to write this post.  First of all, I am back from Delray Beach, Florida.  And, second of all, because it was, actually, one of those misty, rainy, Fall days in Rehoboth Beach. Don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying it.  But, I am also remembering last Thursday when I had the day all to myself in Delray….yes, in that Village by the Sea.

Last Thursday was gorgeous.  I decided to go and sit on the beach for a few hours.  Knowing that I was coming back to the cold weather, I was trying to get the last bit of sun.  That was a good thing, since Friday was a stormy day in South Florida.

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I have told you before about the beach in Delray.  No buildings to block the sun.  All you see is the beach.  The water was so blue and crystal clear.  I had all my beach essentials; a chair, hat, sunscreen, and water.  Actually, I think my chair is too low.  I need a new one.  A little trivial… but that’s what you do when you are on vacation.

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I have been wanting to cruise the Intracoastal.  Right from Veterans Park on Atlantic Ave., by the bridge, you will find the Lady Atlantic and Lady Delray.  I wanted to go on one of those.  Departure? 1:30 p.m. for the 2 plus hours of sightseeing.

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Delray Yacht Cruises is located at 801 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483.  Tel. 561-243-0686.  Website? www.delrayyachtcruises.com.

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There is parking available so don’t worry about that.  Remember that this is now the holiday season and these cruises will book early.  

The other day, it was pretty easy since it was not that crowded.  The Lady Atlantic was our yacht and you can start boarding at 1:00 p.m.  Promptly they will leave at 1:30 p.m.  My cruise was what they called a Daily Two-Hour Narrated Sightseeing Cruise.  They have one at 10:30 a.m. and one at 1:30 p.m.

The cruises are Tuesdays through Sundays.  If you are visiting Delray this week and would like to book a cruise, please check the website above mentioned. 

Intracoastal looking North from Lady Atlantic.

Intracoastal looking North from Lady Atlantic.

They have special event cruises and you will need to make a reservation.  For example, Sunset Cruises, Brunch Cruises, Thanksgiving Day Cruises which will include a Turkey Feast, or a Twilight Cruise on Thanksgiving to relax after eating so much Turkey.

December will bring a whole new schedule of cruises with Holiday Lights Cruises, Boat Parades, (Boyton & Delray Beaches and Boca Raton),  Holiday Luncheon and Dinner Cruises, New Years Eve Cruises….call 561-243-0686 for details. 

The Lady Atlantic and Lady Delray are available for private charters, as well.  Please call for more info.

Lady Atlantic was ready and we were all aboard trying to get the best seats.  Some were already sitting on the first level.  I went inside to see how the boat looked.  Beautiful woods and understated decorations.

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The Lady Atlantic is fairly new.  This 105 foot yacht was delivered in 2008 and was designed for South Florida’s Intracoastal Waterways.

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The Intracoastal runs most of the length of the Eastern Seaboard.  Natural inlets, salt water rivers, bays and sounds; some are also artificial canals.

Some of us chose to sit outdoors on the upper deck.  On such a pretty day you had an advantage point.

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Breanna, my server, was great.  I ordered a blackened mahi mahi sandwich.  Just as we started the cruise it arrived and it was truly delicious. 

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This was a narrated cruise.  We were going south and we were about to cross 3 bridges; Atlantic Ave., Linton, and Spanish River en route to Boca.  The same on the way back.

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The narration started with the safety of the yacht and the history of the intracoastal.  We would not be going fast; there were manatees to worry about.  Some parts of the intracoastal are wide and very deep and others; so narrow and shallow.

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The narrations kept us all entertained.  Who lives on the intracoastal?  Which are the tear downs and who owned those magnificent houses along the intracoastal?  Some are specs; others gifts to someone special.  You will have to go on the tour and learn more and even see them decorated for the holidays.

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I met people from Ohio and from Chicago.  Just on vacation they were; taking a day off from the beach, shopping and restaurants.

The yacht was smooth and very relaxing.  Those 2 hours were gone in no time and pretty soon we were back in Delray.

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I totally recommend it.  I had a great time.

Have a great Holiday!!  Talk to you later….

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November 21st, 2011

Lloyd’s Market, Lewes, Delaware, Gluten Free Turkeys, Happy 40th!!, Historic Lewes’ Oldest Supermarket, Neighborhood Charm

 

“The first true supermarket in the U.S. was opened by Michael J. Cullen on August 4, 1930, in a 6,000 sq.ft. former garage in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y.”  wikipedia

 

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I knew I was home when I first saw how covered with leaves my yard was; then I heard the geese.  I love their sound and how low they usually fly.  They were migrating south as I had just migrated north.  Hmmm….

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It is that time of the year when I usually decide if this is another Turducken Thanksgiving or would a regular bird will do this time.  I wanted a regular turkey; have not even decided what trimmings I will make this year.

I think it has been about 3 years since we started eating gluten free.  Not by choice; by the diagnosis of celiac disease.  No wheat or derivatives, please.  Just like we have learned to navigate, grocery stores, restaurants, and going to friends for dinner, our friends have learned just as much.  They are always on the look out for gluten free products for us.

I got an e-mail from Richard…Hey, I was at the IGA in Lewes and they had gluten free turkeys.  You want one?  Of course, I did.  I told him to tell them to hold one for me until Sunday.  He did and then he said…by the way, you should write a post on this grocery store…it will be interesting to see what you think…

First let me tell you that when you mention to someone about a gluten free turkey, they are surprised.  They think all of them are.  Not, really.  People with gluten allergies and celiac have to stay away from words like, basted, marinated, injected, flavor enhanced and even rubs, unless you know exactly what the rub contained.  It is tricky but like anything else you get used to it.

So, there I was ready to pick my bird up and to also do the post.  When someone considers going to a grocery store a chore, I actually love it.  I go pretty much every day.  Ask anyone who knows me.  I also see everyone else there, as well.

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Lloyd’s Market is located at 611 Savannah Rd., Lewes, DE 19958.  Tel. 302-645-6589.  You can find Lloyd’s Market on Facebook.

Oyster stuffing?

Oyster stuffing?

I can see why Richard goes to this market all the time.  Lloyd’s has that neighbordhood charm.  If you are lucky to live nearby, then, you really can walk.  Otherwise, there is plenty of parking in the back.

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The first thing I experienced as I came into Lloyd’s was the smell of rotisserie chicken.  That was a good start.  Rotisserie chicken makes great chicken salad; add mayo, grapes or raisins and pepper and you are good to go.

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Lloyd’s is small in comparison to the new “mega supermarkets”.  But, really, what it had was that neighborhood charm.  That familiarity that is lost in big stores. 

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I introduced myself to Lenny.  He was the son in law and yes, he had my turkey.  He was so friendly.  I asked him about taking pictures and he gave me the go ahead.

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My gluten free turkey came from House of Raeford Farms in North Carolina.  You can check this company by visiting www.houseofraeford.com.

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Lloyd’s Market had just turned 40 years old on the 19th. My friend, Richard, told me he used to be a bag boy back in the day.  The store keeps in touch with past employees, as well.

Lloyd’s is very well stocked.  The store is impeccable and every item is perfectly in line.  Good lighting and employees are ready to help.

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They have local produce.  The cabbage and the sweet potatoes were huge.

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Of course, Lewes Dairy Egg Nog was in the refrigerator. It is the best, hands down.  Some drink it plain, sans alcohol; others spike it; while others freeze it and eat it as ice cream.

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I met Barbara.  She was the cashier.  She was from Pennsylvania and had been at Lloyd’s for 7 years.  She was a widow and loves meeting the customers.  Better than sitting at home by herself, she said.  Again, that familiarity of a neighborhood market.

I found these gluten free chips called Popchips.  Popped, never fried or baked.  Vegan too.  They were jalapeno potato popped and had quite a bite to it.  They were delicious.  The website was www.popchips.com.

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I was taking pictures and a young boy asked me why I was doing that.  I explained it to him and then he said, Oh, then more people would come, right?  It was funny they way he said it because as I am writing this post I am thinking that Lloyd’s really did not need an introduction. 

 

My cart.

My cart.

Thanks, Richard….talk to you later…

November 20th, 2011

The Dock, Waterfront Dining, Crayton Cove, Casual, Naples, Florida, Restaurant, Review

 

Three restaurants in 24 hours…not bad; all different too.  Still looking for the elusive stone crabs.  My husband had them on his mind.  The funny thing was that Everglades City, which is in Collier County, just like Naples and Marco Island, is, really, the capital of the universe for stone crabs.  They should be found at a lot of restaurants.  The season for stone crabs runs from October 15th until May 15th.

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Jay suggested The Dock.  For so many years this restaurant has been right at the City Dock overlooking Naples Bay.  It is located at 12th Avenue South.  Tel. 239-263-9940.  Website? http://www.dockcraytoncove.com.  It opens daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner.  On Sundays they offer brunch. On that location you will also find the Naples Yacht Club and other eateries and shops.

This is Crayton Cove which was Naples’ first sheltered mooring.

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The Dock offers open air dining in a very casual atmosphere.  Sandwiches, salads, pastas, ribs and raw bar are among some of their offerings.

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Finally, the stone crab claws were ordered; large ones, served cold.  They were good, he said.  To tell you the truth, I am not crazy about them.  I think I like the sauce better.  To me, there is nothing better than the taste of the Maryland crab.  There are different, I know, but they just don’t do anything for me.

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Our, Naples resident, Jay, had the Grouper Sandwich, grilled, on Cuban bread, creole remoulade sauce and cole slaw.  He was happy too.

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I had the Havana.  It was their “Cubano” sandwich; grill pressed Cuban bread filled with roasted pork, smoked han, Swiss cheese, and pickles with mustard sauce served with black bean and rice.

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I must admit that it was delicious.  I had not had one in some time and just like the bread of a lobster roll, the bread of a Cuban sandwich makes the sandwich.  Then, “a la plancha” to get all the extra ingredients nice an hot. 

The Dock has a full bar and is available for holiday parties and Christmas lunches.  Please check the website above mentioned.

So totally satisfied we headed back to the east coast of Florida and to the town of Delray Beach…talk to you later…oh, and thank you Jay…

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