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Archive for December, 2011

December 7th, 2011

Having Trouble with WordPress….talk to you later…In the meantime, check AboutMyBeaches on Facebook

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December 4th, 2011

Lupo di Mare, Italian Cuisine, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Restaurant, Review, Delaware Beaches

 

The coastal town of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, was founded in 1873.  It is only 1.6 square miles and the name Rehoboth means “place (or space) for all”.  The town has done such a great job in keeping its visitors coming year round, practically.  Restaurants stay open; some might close for a couple of months only.  Beach eateries, cafes, bars, bistros, all serving a variety of good food for all tastes.

So….on Friday evening, with a couple of friends, we decided on Lupo di Mare located at 247 C Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.  Tel. 302-226-2240.  Website? www.lupodimarerehoboth.com. The restaurant offers take-out.  And, if you are staying at Hotel Rehoboth, then, you can even order room service.

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Lupo di Mare has been in the community for more than several years.  It is known for its fresh cuisine; pastas and sauces are prepared daily.

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Lupo di Mare serves Italian cuisine, has a very good selection of wines, including small boutique Italian wines. 

A small bar is located to the right as you enter the restaurant; a full menu is available there, as well.

The room opens up; tables comfortably assembled and a little nook here or there conducive to lingering chatter.  We lingered so much, we closed the restaurant.  What can I say?  It was relaxing!!

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Sheila was our server.  She was also our server back on June 13th when right before the season got crazy we went to check Lupo.  She is attentive; not intrusive and her suggestions have been the best.

The first thing arriving at the table was Lupo’s focaccia bread accompanied with Virgin Olive Oil.  Herbs, a tad sweet; so good.

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Two starters were ordered:

The Grilled Artichokes with Sea Salt, Fresh Herbs, Lemon and Virgin Olive Oil.  I have had them before and they were still so very good.

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The Shaved Brussels Sprouts came just like the picture shows it.  A mixture of Truffle Oil and Pecorino Cheese made this a favorite.  It is also one of those “raw” foods.  Please do order this starter.  It is amazing.

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A Fall Farm Vegetable & Mixed Green Salad was full of color and gorgeous vegetables.  This was a new salad for the season.

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An Arugula Salad was what I ordered and again that Pecorino Cheese, Radish, Red Wine Vinegar and Virgin Olive Oil made this salad a light and refreshing dish.

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We were full of expectations for some of the entrees to arrive; new for the season were the scallops and the lamb shank.

The Pan Roasted Scallops with a cauliflower puree, shaved brussels, gold raisins and pine nuts got raved reviews.  They were gorgeous and perfectly cooked and the dish looked beautiful.  This dish was gluten free so my husband was delighted.

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The Braised Lamb Shank, had creamy polenta, rosemary, and a winter veal fennel ragu.  It was pretty chilly on Friday and this dish fit the description of “comfort food”. 

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I had the Pan Seared Sea Bass before.  Once again I ordered it since it was so good the last time.  It came with a butternut squash risotto, pancetta and spinach.  It did not disappoint.

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Dessert was ordered for all to share.  We chose their Panna Cotta.  It was glutten free and we all decided we liked custards.   This Northern Italian dessert is made by simmering cream, milk and sugar together and letting it cool to form the custard.  Usually, it is served with berries, caramel or chocolate.  At Lupo di Mare it is served with berries.  I confess; we ordered two.

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I think it was time to go but not before I asked Sheila if I could take the lamb shank bone for Addy (my rescue).  She had never tasted anything like it.  Her review?  Bring me more!!

Note:  Lupo di Mare is now serving 3 courses for $19 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Check www.lupodimarerehoboth.com to check the menu.  It opens daily at 5 p.m.

Have a good one!!  Talk to you later….

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December 3rd, 2011

Scents, Jo Malone, Fresh, Warm, Floral, Fruity or Spicy, Hourglass, Cosmetics, Luminous Makeup, Paraben Free, Gluten Free, Mercury Free, No Animal Testing, This Post is for Women Only

 

Even though I just posted a few days ago how I am not fond of big malls….well, guess what?  There I was on Wednesday going to the Christiana Mall near Wilmington, Delaware.  Going to the Apple store I was, accompanied by my 2 sons. 

The moment I saw the Apple store, there was no way I was going in.  There were, practically, 400 people there.  I decided they could stay and I would be doing my own thing.  We were not staying too long.

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As I entered Nordstrom I saw the big sign for Jo Malone.  I really love this company.  I have only bought their fragrances; they do have other products.  This company is from London, England and the website is www.jomalone.com.

I wear cologne every single day.  I love it.  I think that scents can define who you are; fun, serious, or adventurous.  Haven’t you been somewhere and they say “you smell good”.  No inuendo whatsoever, just the fact that it was an attractive scent.  Even though women are known to be the ones using more fragrances, men do have their favorites too.  At times when a company makes fragrances for men and women, I buy the men’s because they are usually lighter.

I have also been in an elevator when someone has been a little heavy handed with their fragrance.  Not good.

The great thing about Jo Malone fragrances is that you can combine one or two and make your own statement.  I wear fresh scents; you know… citrus, light, and fresh.

I love the ones I got; French Lime Blossom and Lime Basil & Mandarin.  Both of them can be used by themselves or combined.

They are pricey, but pretty much all fragrances are.  Tax free shopping in Delaware helps, though.  Jo Malone products do last a long time.  It is a matter of an individual preference.  Next time you see them, try them and let me know how you like them.  They usually give plenty of samples, as well.

 

Right across the Apple store was Sephora.  Oh, what the heck…I went in.  Up and down the isles I was checking a lipstick here, mascara there…I was wondering if there was something new.  One of the ladies came and I asked her what was her favorite makeup; they had so many.  She said Hourglass.  She also said their makeup consultant was there. 

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That’s how I came to know Sibel.  I decided to try it.  Sibel said it would not take long; it did not.  Hourglass has been in existence since 2004 and the makeup is known for its innovative technology.  It was started by a woman, Carisa Jones. The makeup has sun filtering ingredients; defying gravity.  Interesting…

First she cleaned my face and put a primer, explaining how the primer lets your makeup really glide…and then the word gluten free.  What?  Yes, some of their products are gluten free; Calligraphy Liquid Liner, Film Noir Mascara, Illusion Tinted Moisturizer, Script Liquid Liner, Superficial Waterproof Bronzer, Trace Lip Liner, Veil Mineral Primer, Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo, and Vol. 6 Eye Palette.

On an on we kept talking and she then put the Veil Fluid Foundation; just a tiny bit with a brush that was made of Takelon bristles.  Takelon bristles are high grade synthetic fibers, perfect for customers with allergic reactions to animal fur.  PETA friendly too.

Hourglass has an ingredient matrix.  All their products have not been tested on animals, are mercury free, and phthalate free.  The majority are sulfate free, synthetic dye free, synthetic fragrance free, talc free and paraben free.  Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics.  Others are vegan, and oil free.  To check the ingredients just visit http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com  and click on the individual products.  A description of the ingredients will be available.

Once she was finished I thought I looked pretty good. The makeup was luminous; light, just enhancing my look.  Sibel took my picture, but I don’t dare to put it here.

The cream to powder duo was great.  The lip gloss felt good on my lips and the eyeliner looked nice. 

Kids are kids, especially your own….I don’t think they even noticed.  What did they think I was doing sitting on that chair?

Try the makeup; how far we have come….

 

Have a good one…talk to you later….

December 2nd, 2011

Wu’s Kitchen, Chinese & Japanese Restaurant, Rehoboth Beach, Review, Delaware Beaches

 

I woke up this morning and said “I am not sure if I liked that Chinese food last night”.  The answer came back from the peanut gallery “Well, you sure ate enough of it.”  Do I dare tell you who this came from?  Of course; my husband, you know the picky one, who actually did not have any because of his gluten allergy.  I wished him a very good morning, if you get my drift.

About 2 months ago Wu’s Kitchen opened at 19324 Lighthouse Plaza Blvd., in the Lighthouse Shopping Center, where one of my favorite grocery stores, Giant, is located.  Also  Jay’s Wayback Burgers and Casapulla’s are in that shopping center, as well.  Their telephone:  302-226-1788 and 302-226-1778.  They open 7 days a week.  Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

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Right after they opened 3 of us went.  I was having trouble communicating regarding the gluten allergy so I just ordered something that I thought would be gluten free.  I did one of those when your voice gets a little louder thinking that they might be able to understand you.  It was crazy.

Fast forward another month.  Last night I made chiles rellenos for my husband.  I just did not feel like eating that so decided to take a trip to Wu’s Kitchen.  It was late so nobody was there at that time.  I ordered more than I needed to in order to write a post. Yeah, sure.

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An order of Fried Wonton – Very crispy and I liked them.

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Number 66 was Double Cooked Pork – I, actually, did not like this one too much.  I thought I was ordering something else.  The pork was a little dry even though it was mixed with the vegetables and sauce.

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Number 16 was part of their Szechuan & Hunan Dishes – Orange Chicken.  It was good and the orange rind and flavor was distinctive.

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My fortune cookies did not say anything exciting.  No number combinations or anything like that.  Just “Declare Peace Every Day”. I do that all the time, anyway.  Maybe that was it!!

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Wu’s Kitchen was immaculate.  The restaurant has booths and single tables.  Or, like most people, you can take out.

They have specials too.  Mondays through Saturdays, until 3 p.m., for $6 you can have 3 choices from their buffet, a soda, and a choice of white rice, brown rice, or fried rice.  Pretty good deal.

Please note that when I write about a restaurant, you have to take into consideration that this is my personal experience.  We all have different tastes and expectations….I visit the same restaurants often…small restaurants, dives, a hot dog stand, or a “cuchifrin” as they would say in Puerto Rico….looking for that exceptional bite…have a great day!!

Why don’t you try it and let me know?

December 1st, 2011

Christmas Spirit, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Ocean City, Maryland, Christmas Shop, Ornaments, Tree Skirts, Lights, Garlands, Christmas Parades, Holiday House Tours

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It is that time of the year, and now that it is December 1st I can get into the holiday spirit. I, actually, did just that on Tuesday. Remember how nasty and rainy it was? Well, around 4 p.m. I took off for downtown Rehoboth for some holiday spirit lifting at Christmas Spirit. The store in Rehoboth Beach is an institution, having been at the Beach for 33 years. The one is Ocean City? Not that far behind with 22 years.

In Ocean City, Maryland you will find Christmas Spirit at 3400 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-289-6101. The one in Rehoboth Beach is at 161 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-6872.

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I thought as I came in that the store looked great. Jill Hudson, the Manager, told me they had a great week-end. So many people in town were here for the Thanksgiving Holiday, shopping, and enjoying such a gorgeous time in November.

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The shop has many themes, ornaments, decorations, garlands, tree skirts, and lights. There are those ornaments that are keepsakes; then, the ones that are so much fun to give to friends or to attach to a present.

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Jill thought that the store, on that day, was picked over. I did not find it so. It was full to capacity, I thought.

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I always gravitate to the coastal ornaments. I find them so pretty. Jill told me that even though she has lived here all her life, these were also her favorites.

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Strolling through the store; some caught my eye more than others.

For example, there were handpainted Christmas balls by Ruth Culver from Berlin, Maryland. 25% of the proceeds will be donated for Breast Cancer Awareness.

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Ne’ Qwa Art? I had never seen these ornaments. They come in a very impressive box with a certificated of authenticity, as well.

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This art originated in China and it is the reverse handpaiting on the inside of mouth blown glass. It is only practiced by a few. If you would like to know more, the website is www.neqwa.com.

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Many towns and cities hold their Annual Christmas Parades in the first week of December. So, here we are, and our coastal towns are ready!!

Thursday, 12/1 – Berlin, Maryland will hold its parade at 7:00 p.m. – Christmas floats, marching bands, fire trucks, Santa Claus and more.

Thursday, 12/1 – Christmas Balloon Parade in Georgetown, Delaware at 7 p.m. A Vintage Christmas Parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, marching bands, floats, and fire trucks. More info? visit www.georgetowncoc.com. Please note that on Monday, 12/5 there will be Caroling in the Circle at 7 p.m.

Friday, 12/2 – It is the 51st Annual Selbyville Christmas Parade at 7 p.m. Food, fun, floats, marching bands, beauty queens, classic cars and fire trucks, of course!!

Saturday, 12/3 – The Christmas Parade in Historic Lewes, Delaware – 5 p.m. Then, tree lighting ceremony and caroling in Zwaanendael Park. Refreshments will be served in the Fisher-Martin House. More info? Please call 302-645-8073 or visit www.leweschamber.com.

Saturday, 12/3 – Christmas Parade in downtown Millsboro – 10 a.m. Santa’s Pak Shopping Spree – shopping, gifts, craft vendors, at the Millsboro Civic Center on Wilson Highway and Mitchell St. 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mrs. Claus will be there and lunch will be available. More info? 302-934-6777.

Saturday, 12/3 – Ocean City, Maryland will be holding its Christmas Parade begining 11 a.m. at 100th St. North to 115 St. to the Gold Coast Mall. Check inside the Mall because they will be having lots of fun stuff. More info? Call Elaine Jarvis at 410-524-9000.

Monday, 12/5 – Christmas Parade in downtown Rehoboth Beach at 6:30 p.m. More info? www.downtownrehoboth.com.

Wednesday, 12/7 – It is the Christmas Parade in the town of Milton, Delaware at 7 p.m.. More info? Call 302-684-8500 or visit www.historicmilton.com.

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Holiday House Tours:

Lewes, Delaware, 12/3 – It is the Christmas Tour of Lewes from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the tour. More info? Call 302-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.

Milton, Delaware, 12/10 – Holiday House Tour and Holly Festival – 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the house tour, are $12 in advance and $15 the day of. They can be purchased at Antiques in Milton on 109 Union St. and at the Holly Festival in the Milton Fire House from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. More info? Call 302-684-5544.

Fala la la and more la…..have a good one!!

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