November 18th, 2011
It was so nice to let our friend, Jay, do the driving and talking. I just sat back and took it all in. It was a pretty day to be on the Gulf of Mexico; Historic Naples is certainly quaint.
I found a few facts from this Paradise Coast. The average temperature is 75 degrees. Collier County is the largest county in the State of Florida.
An estimate of 134 art galleries are in the Greater Naples area.
The western side of the Florida Everglades is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles are known to cohabitate.
Collier county is also the home of the endangered Florida panther.
A walk; a nap and pretty soon it was time to check out the restaurant that Jay had picked out for dinner. He said that it was unique, the chef was daring, to say the least. He made the reservation for 8:00 p.m., hoping that the patrons were heading home and we would have the place to ourselves. No such luck.
The chosen restaurant was USS NEMO, located at 3745 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34103. Tel. 239-261-6366. Website? http://www.ussnemorestaurant.com.
There were a few tables outside, but our preference was, definitely, inside. Upon entering USS NEMO there were the comings and goings of a busy restaurant. The room was open with booths, as well as single tables.
 
At first we thought it was bit dark. Maybe the reason was that the candle was out. Then the lights flickered some. Finally, we asked and they were having a problem with their lightning that evening.
Melania was our server. She was from Romania. She was friendly; a big smile. Bread was brought to our table. Hummus and condiments too.
The menu was a good one. I saw the Branzino and thought I had to have it. After talking to Melania she said that the signature dish was the Miso Broiled Sea Bass. Okay, say no more, that’s exactly what I did have after having a Seafood Ceviche which had white sea bass, shrimp, salmon, grilled pineapple and lime. Refreshing and very good.
Then, my sea bass had a citrus ginger butter sauce, steamed rice, asparagus, and a carrot tempura that was soooo good. Melania hit it right on. This sea bass melted in my mouth.
Jay decided on a salad, watermelon adding the extra touch.
Then, even though he had been at USS NEMO several times, the only dish he had tried was the Prime Tuna. A choice of cooking styles were East, West or Indian. Jay chose the West style. The blue tuna would be flash seared and rare. It had a peppercorn crust, exotic mushrooms, asparagus, fresh thyme potato gratin, sauteed garlic spinach and a cognac demi-glace. On this particular evening, Jay thought they cooked it a few seconds more than he would have wanted but it was delicious, anyway.
My husband was not that hungry but he had a very interesting appetizer. Bone Marrow; in the bone, a side of sea salt, and a condiment. The dish is a conversation piece. It is considered a delicacy and it was Julia Child’s favorite. Because of his gluten allergy he could not have the crostini. I tried it and it was good. Not gelatinous as you might think; marmalade would be a better term. And, a little tricky to get out of the bone. All I could think of was my dog, Addy. If he had not ordered it, I was going to. It was hard to resist.
Then he had a Black Truffle Risotto which was a side dish; he just had it as his entree. Very flavorful.
For our dessert we shared a flourless chocolate cake. It was fudgy, rich, delicious and believe it or not, jut a tad sweet. A perfect sweet ending.
We talked to Melania for a little bit and want to thank her for taking care of us in such a special way.
Talk to you later……lunch in Naples again….
November 17th, 2011
Since a good friend has made his home in Naples, I decided I needed to learn a little about this town that is known for its beaches, its simple elegance and its wonderful restaurants, relaxing cafes, fun bistros and shops.
Naples is also known as Paradise Coast. It is in Collier County and it was founded in the late 1880s. I did not know why it was called Naples bu,t apparently, when it was founded, stories telling of the mild climate in the area, as well as having abundant fish and game, likened it to the Italian peninsula. Then, the people promoting the area described it as “surpassing the bay in Naples, Italy”.
So, after driving a couple of hours from Delray we were a little hungry. Having someone with a gluten allergy, at times, it can be tricky as where you find a restaurant that can accommodate you. Of course, on my husband’s mind were stone crabs, having seen them at the Delray GreenMarket on Saturday. That might have to wait.
We arrived in the historic district of Naples; Historic Third St. South and we set our sights on a restaurant called Handsome Harry’s Third Street Bistro, located at 1205 Third Street South, Naples, FL 34102. Tel. 239-434-6400. Website? www.handsomeharrys.com.
Our friend, Jay, had never been, but the restaurant had been recommended some time ago. This was the perfect time to try it out.
The restaurant was not very crowded when we arrived. You could sit outdoors, or, in a dining room that opened on all sides, where you could still enjoy the warm weather, but sheltered from the direct sun.
Handsome Harry’s also has an indoor dining salon that is more sophisticated and reserved than the other casual and relaxing dining choices.
Thirsty; drinks were ordered. Looking through the menu; definitely American Cuisine. There was an extensive wine list, which by the way you can check on their website.
Following is what we ordered:
The “Lobster” Salad – Chilled Maine Lobster meat tossed in their unique dressing, and served over a nest of greens with sliced avocado and fresh mango; finished with a lemon chive aioli. A generous serving and my husband thought it was very good.
The Lobster Roll – It was the lobster salad served in a toasted hoagie roll New England style with sweet potato fries. Jay thought it was delicious.
When I opened the menu, my eyes went to their Char Grilled C.A.B. Cheese Burger – Cooked medium and served on a seeded Kaiser roll with aged cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle and French fries. This burger was big and, yes, I ate it all, including the fries. Very good.
We did not have dessert; just our own conversation was enough at this time. The day was still young, plenty of time for dessert later.
Handsome Harry’s has entertainment in the evenings. You can check the schedule on their website.
If you are an early diner, they have available a very good offering; a starter, entree and dessert at a reasonable price.
Note: It will be closed for Thanksgiving.
So far, so good, Jay….next…
November 16th, 2011
All these years in Florida and I had never visited Naples. Some of my friends are on the east coast of Florida, while others have opted for the gulf. So, after an invitation was extended to visit a friend, off we went, taking Alligator Alley and in a couple of hours we were there.
With only 24 hours to explore Jay took us around, introduced us to Historic Naples, fed us and housed us, as well.
I wanted to see the beach. I used to go to Venice, Florida, but it was so long ago. It really was a pretty day, so we stopped at the Naples Municipal Beach.
The sand on this particular beach was powdery white; quite different than the sand found on the east coast of Florida. I can see why it is such a big hit for those that love to sand sculpt.
At a distance the famous Naples Pier stood, just as it has stood since 1888 when it was built as a freight and passenger dock. It is a landmark and in the early 1900’s freight and baggage were transported by a narrow gauge train spanning the length of the pier.
On the Naples Pier you will find a concession stand, and a bait shop. No fishing license is required for fishing from the pier. The City of Naples has a bulk fishing license for the actual pier.
During the day you can also find a game of volley ball since there are nets on the beach; and if you want to stay to see the sun set, please do so because it is gorgeous and every day is an experience.
I found that there is a marked difference from the beaches on the west vs. the beaches on the east. It is a different sensation. The east has that salty smell and the sounds of the waves which are special. The gulf is quiet and pretty too, but I guess I am partial to the east coast. It is just something in the air; maybe the way the palm trees move or its ocean breezes…yes, I think that’s it!!
Have a great day!! Great restaurants in Naples…coming up next.
November 16th, 2011
Looking for something to do? There are a variety of activities and events throughout the Delaware Beaches. This is what’s in store for you if you are visiting us.
Lewes
Friday, 11/18 – Friday Night Hikes at 6:00 p.m. What comes out every night at Cape Henlopen? Explore the night in the Park. Join a Naturalist to learn about animals and other sights and sounds, that can only be experienced as the sun sets. This event is for children 7 years old to …..Children need to be accompanied by a paying adult. Only $2 per person. Please remember that pre-registration is necessary and you can do so by calling 302-645-6852. Meet at the Seaside Nature Center on 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive. Note that Park entrance fees are in effect until November 30th. Cape Henlopen State Park is located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive in Lewes, Delaware.
Saturday, 11/19 – Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park will be holding their Annual Christmas Boutique and Book Fair at the Biden Center from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Crafts, sweatshirts, t-shirts, food, and homemade baked goods. The Biden Center is located inside the Cape Henlopen State Park, which is located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive in Lewes. Park entrance fees are in effect until November 30th.
Saturday, 11/19 – TS Smith & Sons, Sussex County’s (Delaware) only apple orchard is joining Windsor’s Plant Outlet in Holiday Celebration. Location? At the corner of Savannah and Wescoats Rds. in Lewes, Delaware.
From Noon until 4:00 p.m. there will be refreshments to enjoy and recipes to use for holiday meal planning. The bins will be stacked full of seasonal produce for visitors to take home for holiday baking and cooking. Charlie Smith, owner and grower of TS Smith & Sons will be on hand to answer all your questions. I have met Charlie and he is so nice and very proud of his farm and hertitage.
Tastings will be available, as well, such as Cape Seasonings Snacks and Backyard Jams, which are made from TS Smith produce.
Windsor’s will have fresh greens and other floral items available for holiday decorating.
Note: Everyone who brings a non-perishable donation to TS Smith’s canned food drive can enter to win 2 tickets, valued at $50, to an upcoming 2012 Coastal Concerts event. Need more info? Please call Greer at 302-236-3675, or you can visit www.tssmithandsons.com.
Mark your calendars!! Saturday, 12/3 from 10 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. TS Smith & sons will be holding their Holiday Open House right at the Farm in Bridgeville. Christmas Carols, Santas, Samples, Hay Rides and much more. Check www.tssmithandsons.com.
Saturday, 11/19 – MERR stands for Marine Education Research and Rehabilitation Institute. It is “a non-profit stranding response and rehabilitation organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles”. They will be having on Saturday their “Fin” Raiser starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Lewes Yatch Club in Lewes, Delaware. Silent auction, music, wine tasting and heavy hor d’oeuvres. $40/person. For tickets call 302-228-5029. Or, you may also visit their website www.merrinstitute.org.
Milford (near the Delaware Beaches)
Saturday, 11/19 – Gaynell Rose, One Woman, One Voice, One Life….An Evening of Music and Great Food. “With her jazz band you will glide on the swing of a world-class rhythm section equally at home in juke joints and high roller lounges.” Music from Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Etta James and Smokey Robinson. An unforgettable evening of live music and entertainment with a special performance of high powered jazz and soulful rythm and blues. Please visit Gaynelle’s website www.gaynell.com.
Location? Abbott’s Grill, 249 Front St., Milford, DE. Abbott’s Grill is sophisticated and casual and just about 19 minutes from the Delaware Beaches. Please call for a reservation. Dinner and Show? $55 including gratuity and non-alcoholic drinks. See you at 6:00 p.m. Tel. 302-491-6736.
Dewey Beach
Saturday, 11/19 – Autism Gala – Illuminate!! Location? The Baycenter in Dewey Beach in Ruddertown. Attire? Blue Jeans and Plenty of Bling!! 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
This is a fundraising event including silent and live auctions. The perfect time to get started on some Christmas shopping. Proceeds will help Delaware families affected by autism. Tickets are $150/person. You can get tickets by calling 302-224-6020 in Newark, 302-644-3410 in Milton, or just by visiting www.delautism.org. Dinner and open bar included as well as entertainment by Love Seed Mama Jump.
Fenwick Island
Thursday, 11/2 – 4th Annual Fenwick Island Turkey Trot at 8:00 a.m., sponsored by hipAHA, Fenwick Island Boot Camp. Location? Lewes Street in Fenwick. It is free but donations are being accepted for “new” Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse.
2.2 milesFun Run/Walk, starting at Lewes St. to the Ocean city state line and back. Leashed pets are also welcomed.
There will be a limited supply of t-shirts sold on the day of the event for $20.
Post race refresments will be courtesy of Pottery Place in the Sunshine Plaza shopping center. Please bring a “new” pet item for Safe Haven Animal Shelter. More info? www.hiAHA.com, or visit hipAHA facebook page. You may also contact Lori Martin at hipAHA@hotmail.com or call her at 302-539-1290.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
November 15th, 2011
Contractors for a Cause is an organization of local contractors that give back to the community that supports them. It is based in the Bethany Beach and Ocean View, Delaware in Southern Delaware.
Mike Cummings from Miken Builders located at 32782 Cedar Drive, Millville, DE 19967, www.mikenbuilders.com, will be the Workshop Leader. This is a free event and it is only limited for the first 20 women that register. You can register by calling Andrea at 302-537-4444.
There will be babysitting provided on site during the workshop. Topics will be anything from fixing a loose toilet handle to caulking and drywall patch techniques. Also weather stripping and squeaky doors, as well.
It will be Saturday, 11/19 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. for coffee and pastries.
Location? Better Living Showroom located at 32442 Royal Blvd., Dagsboro, Delaware, at Clayton Crossing and next to Mediacom.
Give them a call and reserve your spot….talk to you later…
November 15th, 2011
Doggies at the Beach is a premier dog boarding facility located at 18806 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 26) in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It is where Addy, my rescue, stays when we are away from home. Jim and his staff are animal lovers and very involved in the community as a whole. Tel. 302-644-8200. Website? www.doggiesatthebeach.com. Like them on Facebook.
Your precious pooch or pooches will be housed in a cage free facility in a climate controlled environment with 24-hour human supervision. They will play with them and believe me they will be spoiled. If you want to check on your pooches, you can see them on their web cam.
Doggies at the Beach has grooming, training and special discount vaccination days. The next Discount Vaccination Day will be Saturday, 12/3, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. for both, dogs and cats.
Holidays are upon us. Please don’t delay calling them if you would like to make a reservation for the holidays. They do fill fast, either for overnight care or day care.
Local artist and employee of Doggies at the Beach, DJ, can draw your dog or kitties in 3 different art forms. They can make great gifts or keepsakes.
For example:
Pearly is digital art.
Roxy is charcoal.
Doberman is colored soft pastel.
Also, have you seen their new Award? Every week they are announcing a new Doggie of the Week. So far they have selected Roxy, Chica and Gracie. Besides being placed on Facebook, under Doggies at the Beach, they also receive a hand drawn charcoal picture by DJ.
Doggies at the Beach is busy, as usual. Check them out.
Talk to you later….
November 14th, 2011
Last March I was walking up and down Atlantic Avenue when a store caught my eye. I had not seen it before so I decided to stop and that’s how I met Michele Ramirez, the proprietor of Varietai. You will find Varietai at 812 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-455-2767. Website? www.varietai.com. Find Varietai Delray on Facebook.
Since I started my blog, I have, definitely, met a lot of people. Most of them have been so charming and friendly. But, others, stand out. Michele is one of them. We just hit it off. A friendship is developing; so nice to see her again.
It is almost a year since she opened Varietai. She has a following. But, Michele is not new to this business. Years ago she had a store in Delray called Durango’s Attic. You might have even met her then.
If you have not stop by Varietai, please do so. The shop is full of beautiful items; some are fine consignments. Others, are quirky; many have their own sophistication.
       
I guess is that time of the year to jazz the home. Varietai is full of color, exactly what you would have expected in South Florida.
Michele is also an artist. She loves to paint. Check the floor of the store. All painted by her. The theme? The Japanese Koi.
Ask any questions you want. Michele has an eye for color and design and pays great attention to details. Her shop really is one of those must stop shops in Delray.
Varietai offers jewelry from Bali; wonderful colors and very unique, as well.
 
Deliveries? On week-ends…talk to you later…By the way, Michele; my friend loved his housewarming gift. Thanks for your help!!
November 12th, 2011
One of the attractions in Delray Beach on a Saturday mornings is the Delray Beach GreenMarket. This GreenMarket is part of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). It is held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The location is right in the heart of this Village by the Sea, just south of Atlantic Ave. on SE 4th Ave.
The Manager is Lori Nolan and she can be contacted at 561-276-7511 if you have any questions.
   
It is so nice to stroll through the vendors. Their produce was amazing; the colors and sizes were unreal. Food and music are part of it all.
 
I had never seen eggplants as big as these ones. They said they were Sicilian Eggplants; mild and creamy to sweet and bitter.
On a sunny day like today with low humidity it was the perfect way to start the day.
This little dog was there enjoying herself, just like everyone else.
The Delray Art League’s purpose is “to advance the public interest in the visual arts and to promote the development of excellence in visual arts in the South Palm Beach area”. The Delray Art League is the sponsor of Artists in the Park. Just look for the white tents right on Veteran’s Park by the Intracoastal.
It is the longest running outdoor fine art show in South Florida. Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
The Art League’s website is www.delrayartleague.org. On Facebook you can find both, Artists in the Park and Delray Art League.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
 
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