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Archive for April, 2012

April 19th, 2012

Eating in…Milton, Delaware, The Vintage Cafe, Breakfast, Lunch, Open Tuesday through Saturday, Restaurant, Review

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This post came about because 2 Facebook friends decided to meet face to face.  The town of Milton, Delaware, was our choice.  Just in case you do not know, the historic town of Milton is about 20 to 25 minutes north of Rehoboth Beach.

Small businesses and historic homes is what you will find in Milton.  It is located at the head of the Broadkill River, which feeds into the Delaware Bay.  Because of its location, it was an ideal place for shipbuilding in the old days.

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Historic Milton is, really, set in a rural setting.  The pace?  Well, I think you would find it to be quiet and leisurely; definitely, small town America.

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Are you a history buff?  “Milton is the birthplace of 5 governors, a town divided in allegiance during the Civil War, house to many officers who participated in the War of 1812, and rich in agricultural and political facts.”

Button making?  Large mother of pearl shells were once shipped to Milton from the South Pacific.  The button blanks were cut and polished and then shipped to the northeast for more decoration and use on garments of all kinds.

If you like ice cream, Milton is the home of King’s Ice Cream with locations in Milton and Lewes.

You can find these facts and more at www.historicmilton.com.

When Kathy told me that The Vintage Cafe would be a good spot for our meeting, I was excited to check another place.  The Vintage Cafe is located at 113 Union Street, Milton DE 19968.  Tel. 302-684-3480.  Email vintagecafemilton@gmail.com.  The owner is Ami Rae.

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The Cafe opens Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.  If you are coming for breakfast you will find delectable offerings, including muffins, scones, and croissants.  Of course, coffees, teas, espresso, capuccinos and lattes.

The baked goods are fresh and the soups are homemade.  You can eat in, take out, and if you have an event, they can event cater.

The Cafe also carries gluten free baked goods, but it would be best to call them and see what’s available.

A PopStand! CakePop is a cake dipped in candy coating on a stick.  Please call Ami Rae, who is the CakePop Pro at 302-684-3480.  These can make the perfect gift, fun for parties, and a conversation piece for weddings.  Flavors and colors can be customized, as well.

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Kathy and I greeted each other and proceeded to sit down and take a look at the menu.  There is a board with the daily specials.

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And, this is what we had:

Kathy had Beans in the Garden, which was spinach, tomato, black beans, cheddar and brown rice, with red pepper aioli in a tortilla.  She thought it was delicious.  Kathy stops frequently at the Cafe when coming through Milton.

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I decided on The Farmer.  I thought the combination of country ham with cheddar, green apple and sweet hot mustard on a ciabatta roll made an interesting combination.  It did not disappoint; it was perfect.

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We decided that our sandwiches were enough.  The portions were a good size so we took half of them home.  By the way, the prices are very reasonable, the service was good and offered with a friendly smile.

Lunch with a new friend, in a historic town, at The Vintage Cafe, made for a great afternoon.

Talk to you later…

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April 18th, 2012

Earth Day Events, Delaware Beaches

Delaware-Small Wonder, Taken 2011

Delaware-Small Wonder, Taken 2011

My first Earth Day Event was a couple of years ago when I went to Bethany Blues, Lewes, located at 18385 Coastal Highway.  I thought it was just a shredding event.  There was so much info. regarding green initiatives and this year they will be there once again.  Check what’s going on.

The first Earth Day was on April 11, 1970.  The website that can give you the most information is http://www.earthday.org.

Friday, 4/20 – A Shredding Event at Bethany Blues Lewes, whose partner on this Earth Day Event is the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce.  Bring all your used paper to Bethany Blues Lewes, located at 18385 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Rain or shine.  It is free but donations for the Benefit of the Destination Station Project are welcomed.  More info?  Then, please call the Chamber at 302-227-6446.

Saturday, 4/21 – The Bethany Beach Nature Center First Earth Day celebration will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Location?  807 Garfield Parkways in Bethany Beach.  This route is also called Rt. 26.  The celebration will include local business demonstration tables, activities, crafts, food, games and fun for all.  More info?  Please call 302-537-7680.

Sunday, 4/22 – Coastal Kayak located in Fenwick Island, Delaware is organizing a wetland clean up in honor of Earth Day, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.  Volunteers on land and in the water are needed; no experience necessary.  They welcome any and all volunteers to arrive at Savages Ditch Rd. on Rehoboth Bay.  Savages Ditch Rd. is off Coastal Highway, or Rt. 1, just north of the Indian River Inlet.

Indian River Inlet, Delaware

Indian River Inlet, Delaware

Monday, 4/23 – 6th Annual Earth Day Beach Clean-Up at Fenwick Island State Park from 9 a.m. until Noon.  Celebrate Earth Day by helping with a pre-season clean-up at Delaware State Parks’ “Quiet Beach”.  Meet at the main beach Bath House parking lot at the south end of Fenwick Island State Park, (just north of the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce building).  All needed materials will be supplied.  Please dress for the weather.  The clean-up is open to all, but groups of 10 or more should call 302-227-6991 ahead of time to make sure they are enough supplies to go around.  While you are there, please check the beautiful new sign for the Chamber.

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Have Fun!!

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April 16th, 2012

What’s Going On? Rehoboth Beach, Activities, Events, Entertainment, Delaware Beaches

 

 

WW II Towers

WW II Towers

I cannot believe I have my air condition on!! Unreal…in the 80s at this time of the year? My grass already looks burned. Oh, well. Guess what? People are on the beach. Not swimming, but definitely, cathing those rays.

If you are in Rehoboth Beach check what’s going on…

 

Friday, 4/20 – Grand Opening of Merle Norman Cosmetics located at 19470 Coastal Highway, Suite 2, Rehoboth Beach, DE.  Tel. 302-226-8100.  Join the celebration and receive a free gift with purchase.  Register to win a free cosmetics shopping spree, April 20 – May 5th.

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The Grand Opening will be on Friday at 1:00 p.m.  Try the latest in skin care and color essentials.  Bring a friend!!

 

Until April 22nd – Delaware’s Governor Jack Markell has proclaimed this week as the 5th Annual Delaware Week for the Animals. A list of events can be found at www.delawareanimals.com.  You can also call 877-454-0807. Events are being added daily.

 

April 20-22, April 27-29, and May 4-6 – Designer Showhouse. Sponsored by The Village Improvement Association of Rehoboth Beach, DE. A 1920s vintage Rehoboth Beach House will be transformed into an updated and smart home for the modern family. The House is located at #10 Fourth St., behind the Cultured Pearl. Hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 to 4 p.m.

For tickets and info., please call 302-227-2598 or 302-227-1466. Or, visit www.rehobothbeachvia.org.

 

Sunday, 4/22 – Artist Reception at MIXX Restaurant, 26 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach.  Tel. 302-226-8700.  From 4 until 6 p.m.  Geri Dibiase Photography.  All work will be 20% off.  For more info., please visit www.geridibiase.com.

 

From The Rehoboth Art League – Location 12 Dodds Lane, Rehoboth Beach, DE.  Website? www.rehobothartleague.org.   Gallery Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Sunday – Noon until 4 p.m.

Until Sunday, 4/22 – Fred Comegys: Through the Lens, A Photographic Journey.  Selections from the Delaware Art Museum Collection. 

Friday, 4/27 – Opening Reception for Exhibits on View from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.  Alan B. Tuttle:  For The Sake of Art at the Cockran and Tubbs Galleries

Heather Siple:  ORBS at the Homestead

These exhibits will be at the Rehoboth Art League until May 27th.

 

Have a good one!!  Talk to you later.

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April 16th, 2012

Shopping..in Rehoboth Beach, Jane and Georgie, Dresses, Tops, Shoes, Bags, Jewelry, Accessories, Delaware Beaches, Sorry Guys, This Post is For Women Only

 

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I am one of those women that is drawn to small boutiques whose clothes could be more interesting and unique than those mall variety stores.

It has been about a year and a half, that a women’s apparel shop opened in Rehoboth Beach called Jane and Georgie.  They are located at 1119 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.  This is in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, by the roundabout.   Tel. 302-245-7187.  Website?  http://www.janeandgeorgie.com.  You can also find it on Facebook and Twitter.

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The shopkeeper is Kate Chambers. Even though she had, previously, been in the retail business, this was something different.  She was the owner. 

Throughout the year I have stopped to check what new things she has gotten in.   And, yes, at times I have rewarded myself with something; other times I have stopped by to get a present for a girlfriend. 

The other day I stopped again.  Kate has really come into her own as a shopkeeper.  She is really good with the customers, showing them this or that; making a simple suggestion.  She is confident and she knows she has good quality in her store.

Check her website because you can see all the different designers and brands Jane and Georgie is offering. Shopping on-line? Yes, she has that available for you, as well.  But, if you buy here, in Rehoboth Beach, please, realize that there is no sales tax in Delaware.

Jane and Georgie is pretty much ready for the season.  It has all the apparel needed for any occasion; dressy or sport, which is our lifestyle, here at the Beach.  Here is what I found out.

Bags

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Jewelry

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Dresses

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Bathing Suits

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Jeans

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Shoes

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Stop by and say hello to Kate.  She is really friendly and more than happy to help you find that special dress or accessory.  She’ll help you stand out and achieve that fantastic look.

 

Talk to you later…have a good one!!

April 14th, 2012

Eating…in Delray Beach, 50 Ocean, Restaurant, Review, Village by The Sea, Palm Beach County, South Florida

 

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Ten years ago when I first laid eyes on Delray Beach, and not knowing anything else about this coastal town, what attracted me the most was the beach.  Unobstructed views.  You could, and still can, sit on the beach without having to move your chair here or there because buildings were shading the beach, you could also look up and down the coast.

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Atlantic Avenue is full of restaurants, but right by the beach, on A1A, are the beach restaurants; cross A1A and you find yourself at the beach or at one of the beach eateries. 

Some of those restaurants have been there for so many years.  Take Boston’s on The Beach, for example.  Anyone that has been in Delray has stopped there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or to have cocktails and listen to music.

Up above Boston’s, for years The Upperdeck was another eatery.  I remember that they had great hot dogs.  Well, surprise, surprise, The Upperdeck does not exist anymore.  Instead, an extreme makeover has lead to the new restaurant called 50 Ocean, a sister restaurant to Boston’s.  The menus are different and so is the atmosphere. 

50 Ocean is located at 40 South Ocean Blvd., A1A, Delray Beach, FL 33483.  Tel. 561-278-3364.  Website?  http://www.50ocean.com.  

When my friend, Anita, who lives in Delray, suggested we went there I was ready because I did not even know this had all taken place.  There was a Tiki area being built.  Not sure if they have finished it yet as of this writing.  Will have to check that out later.

When we arrived it was crowded.  I was not sure if I was going to be able to take pictures.  But once everyone left there was enough room to take a few.

I think the makeover will please a lot of the visitors.  There is a little bit for everyone.  First of all, as you come in there is a corner just to have some drinks. 

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On the other side there are tables right against floor to ceiling windows; those tables are the most sought after.  Because this is the view you will get.

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On the other side, they were able to keep outdoor dining for all of us that love to eat al fresco.

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The high top tables for drinks or dining.

There is a private room for business or pleasure, you know, parties, gatherings, and meetings.

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But, we chose the Bar.  It was a beautiful backlit quartz bar.  You could peak at the ocean, from this viewpoint, as well.

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Our bartender was Sue Anne.  She was great and knew the menu well.

Anita knew exactly what she wanted.  She was hooked on their Fish Tacos.  Flour tortillas, tempura local fish, crispy slaw, jack cheese, tomato salsa, and chipotle cream.  She has had them several times and still thought they were her favorites.

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I really did not know what to eat.  But, when I saw the Turkey Avocado Club, I knew that would be it.  Plus, it was our one of our bartender’s favorite.  Anita was surprised.  You mean a club? Yeap.

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It hit the spot.  Thin sliced oven reasted turkey breast, lettuce, tomato, applewood bacon, cheddar cheese, avocado, roasted garlic aioli on wheat berry bread. 

But don’t worry, there are things that I checked out that would be great to try like the conch ceviche, the crispy lobster and crab cake.  Salads like the lobster trap, the warm gorgonzola steak salad.  Linguini Pomodoro.  Desserts like creme brulee tastings, chocolate Nutella mouse bombe, or a banana taste tartin.

Dinner menu had very mouthwatering offerings, as well.  All menus are on their website.

50 Ocean opens for Lunch every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  A happy hour Mondays through Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Dinner is served every day from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.  There is also a Saturday and Sunday Brunch.

I loved going during the day to see the ocean views.  I am sure in the evenings, a different ambiance would, definitely, take place.  It would be amazing during a full moon.

Try it and let me know how you like it….talk to you later.

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April 12th, 2012

What’s Going On? Delray Beach, Florida, Activities, Events, Arts & Entertainment, The Village by the Sea is a Destination, South Florida, Palm Beach County

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It really does become a destination; so many things going on in downtown Delray Beach.  So let’s not waste any time and get on with the show.

Thursday, 4/12 – By the time you read this you will probably know that Delray Beach has welcomed its new restauranteur, Zach Erdem.  75 Main Delray has opened and its location is 270 East Atlantic Ave.  The new restaurant will be serving brunch from 10:30 – 4:30 p.m. and dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. until 11 p.m., daily.  Tel. 561-243-7975.  Website? www.75main.com.

Delray Beach was chosen by Mr. Erdem for his second restaurant because this Village by The Sea is a vibrant coastal community and a destination in itself.  The sister restaurant, 75 Main is located in Southampton, NY.

75 Main Delray is a restaurant and a lounge.  The cuisine? Contemporary American Cuisine with Mediterranean accents.  The “sleek lounge with a sexy vibe” will feature European DJs spinning a blend of house music from 10:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.  And…the signature drink?  The 75 Maintini, which will change with the season…Spring brings Stoli Elite and Passion Fruit Juice.

I know Delray Beach has discriminating palates; the town is known for its restaurants.  Can’t wait to try it.

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Friday, 4/13 through Sunday, 4/15 – The Delray Affair.  This is the 50th Anniversary for the greatest and most popular Arts & Crafts Show in South Florida.  It is also one of the oldest.  Along Atlantic Ave., over 10 city blocks and side streets, all within walking distance will have vendors, exhibitors, food, and entertainment.

Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.  Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Free Admission.  Please visit http://www.delrayaffair.com for all the details, like directions, maps, vendors, exhibitors, rules, etc. etc.

Fridays, Saturdays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – Live Entertainment at The Atlantic Grille located at the Seagate Hotel, at 1000 East Atlantic Avenue.  Tel. 561-665-4900.  Website?  http://www.theseagatehotel.com.

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Fridays and Saturdays the entertainment begins at 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 p.m.  Singer and piano player, Orson Whitfield, entertains the crowds.

Tuesday is Doo Wop, which begins at 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Wednesday is called Tropical Wednesdays with Steel Drum Band from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.  Then, Orson Whitfield will be entertaining from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Thursday’s entertainment will begin at 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. with Orson Whitfield and/or Brooke Eden.

Don’t forget that their Happy Hour starts at 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

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The Atlantic Grille, of course, is open for dinner, as well.

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Saturday, 4/14 – Every Saturday morning the Delray GreenMarket opens at 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  It is located South of Atlantic Ave. on SE 4th Ave.  Local produce, baked goods, flowers and music fill the air so early on Saturdays.  April is National Florida Tomato Month, so please check them out…there should be plenty of them.

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Saturday, 4/14, Sunday, 4/15, and Saturday, 4/21  –  “Arts Garage is a multi-disciplinary cultural hub for visual artists, musicians, performers, film presenters and arts educators”.  It is located at 180 NE First St.  It is in the ground level parking garage on NE 1st & NE 2nd Sts.  Tel. 561-450-6357.  Website?  www.artsgarage.org.  You can find them of Facebook and Twitter.

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On Saturday, 4/14 at 8 p.m., Grammy nominated Othello Molineaux’s powerhouse performances blend Afro-Caribbean sounds with funky steel drum beats.

On Sunday, 4/15 at 7 p.m. Mad Romance, “one of the most exciting jazz vocal groups in America”!!

On Saturday, 4/21 at 8 p.m. is Jesse Jones, Jr., the Father of  ‘Scat-Hop’ and Miami Jazz Hall of Fame inductee, saxophonist extraordinaire.

Please check their website, www.artsgarage.com for more info. and schedule of events.

Wednesday, 4/18 – Event at Bostons located at 40 South Ocean Blvd. from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.  Suzanne Boyd of CBS12 Candidate for Woman of the Year by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) South Palm Beach County Chapter, will be the Celebrity Bartender.

She will be raising funds in honor of 4 year old, Ryan Alarcon, from Boca Raton, a leukemia survivor.  His doctors say that without the research done by the LLS, Ryan would not be in remission today.

You can attend the event, you can make a donation by visiting http://www.pbf.mwoyspb.llsevent.org/supportsuze.

Suzanne is welcoming your comments at www.facebook.com/SuzanneBoyd.

Cocktails and great auction prizes!!  Live Music by Amber Leigh Band.

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Friday, 4/20 – Murder on the Beach is located at 273 Pineapple Grove.  It is a mystery book and entertainment store.  I thought this booksigning event looked interesting and worth saving the date.  Michael Lester, who was the former North Florida Chaplain turned noir novelist will be signing his latest book, Burnt Offerings, at 7 p.m.

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For more info. and schedule of events, please call 561-279-7790 or visit www.murderonthebeach.com.

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Saturday, 4/21 – Beer Fest at the Old School Square Pavilion and Park.  4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Live Music and Gourmet Food Trucks.

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Advance ticket purchase – $30 or $75 for VIP

Tickets at the Gate – $40 or $85 for VIP

VIP includes complimentary food, beer, wine and signature cocktails…other perks, as well.

Please check www.oldschoolbeerfest.com.  Please remember that this is a 21 year old and over event.

And….if you think this is just too much excitement for you and there is no way….then, please, by all means, if it is one of those beautiful South Florida days, head towards the beach.

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And relax and watch the Florida lizards.  Cute isn’t it?

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Have a great time!!

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April 11th, 2012

What’s Going On?, Lewes, Events, Activities, Entertainment, Lewes is Open for Business, Delaware Beaches

 

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Where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet at Cape Henlopen, that’s where you will find the charming coastal town of Lewes.  It is no ordinary town; it is the First town in the First State.

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If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches you will be surprised to see so many events and activities.  To tell you the truth, this has been such an unusual year.  The weather, the towns, the residents and all of you visitors have made the Second Season a lot of fun.  It went by so quickly. 

Let’s get on with what’s going on in Lewes, Delaware.

 

Thursday, 4/12 through Sunday, 4/15 – 3rd Annual Lewes Tulip Festival.  Lewes in Bloom and other volunteers have planted more than 10,000 bulbs in the City’s parks and public places in the past 3 years. 

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Originally, the colors selected were red and white and blue, colors of both, the Dutch and American flags.

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The Lewes Historical Society is hosting a new event this year, associated with the Preservations Awared.  It is called Restoration Destination; a Restoration and Home Builder’s Expo to be held at the Lewes Presbyterian Church, located at 133 Kings Highway, on Friday and Saturday.  More info? www.historiclewes.org.

Please visit http://www.leweschamber.com, for details on this most awaited festival.  Just click on News and Events.  There will be Tulip Trolley Tours, Photography Contest, Quilt Exhibit.  Call 302-645-8073.  Stop by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce located at 120 Kings Highway.

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On The Rocks Bar & Grill – Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  On the Boardwalk at the Lewes Ferry Terminal you will find On The Rocks Bar & Grill.  Right where the Cape May-Lewes Ferry is also located, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive.  The views are unparalleled. 

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I wrote a post on this popular Bar & Grill on August 17, 2011.  All you have to do is click on the month of August and scroll down to the date.  I had to go and try their hamburgers, which by they way, are sooo good.  Their website is www.ontherocksde.com.  You can also find them on Facebook.

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Friday, 4/13 and Saturday 4/14 – Sydney’s Music Revival at Bethany Blues Lewes, located at 18385 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1).  Website?  http://www.bethanyblues.com.   The entertainment will start at 8 p.m.

On Friday, 4/13 – Big Hat, No Cattle

On Saturday, 4/14 – Elwood Bishop

 

Saturday, 4/14 – Flea Market at the Seaside Nature Center from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.  The Flea Market is hosted by The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park.  The Seaside Nature Center is inside the Park located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr.  For purposes of GPS you might need to put in the old address, 42 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958.

Clean items may be donated by dropping them off on Friday, 4/13, at the Nature Center Auditorium from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.  If it rains, the flea market will be held in the Auditorium.  More info?  Please visit www.friendsofcapehenlopen.org.

 

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At the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 3rd St. and Savannah Rd., you will find on Saturday, 4/14:

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The Zwaanendael Women’s Club sponsors “Get Ready for Earth Day”.  There will be Conservation Exhibits and information throughout the whole day.

The Museum will also be presenting on Saturday “Savory Sussex” from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.  Charlie Smith, 4th generation farmer and co-owner of T.S. Smith & Sons farm in Bridgeville, DE will be the speaker at the final installment of “Savory Sussex”.  This is a Free event.  Call to reserve a seat since there is limited space.  Tel. 302-645-1148. 

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Charlie Smith will talk about his farm’s 105 year history, its sustainable approach to agriculture and the public’s opportunity to visit and tour the farm.  Samples of cream of asparagus soup made by Charlie’s sister, Susan, will be shared along with the family recipe.

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I had the opportunity to visit and tour this magnificent farm.  You can check my post written on September 29, 2011.  Just click on the month of September and scroll down to the date.

 

Have a great week-end in Lewes!!  Talk to you later…

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April 10th, 2012

Aroma Kitchen & Wine Bar, Italian Cuisine, 36 East 4th St., NoHo, Restaurant, Review, New York City

 

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New York City was a little cold and windy when I visited at the end of March.  That did not stop us from walking and enjoying some of the many attractions that this international city has to offer.

Eating in New York is an experience and everyone has an opinion to which restaurant to try.

I was visiting New York to catch up with my cousins who were traveling back to Puerto Rico from Spain.  The three of us were going to also get together with a childhood friend.  I cannot believe we had not seen him in probably 38 to 40 years. 

When I was talking to him on the phone and were trying to figure out where to go, I told him I wanted an intimate restaurant, where we could catch up after so many years.

Luigi delivered a neat restaurant called Aroma Kitchen & Wine Bar.  It is in the Historic District of NoHo, at 36 East 4th St., between Lafayette & Bowery.  Tel. 212-375-0100.  Website? http://www.aromanyc.com.  Aroma opens 7 days a week.

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In the 1970s and 80s artists started to occupy the area’s loft buildings, calling it NoHo to distinguish it from SoHo.  NoHo was previously known as “warehouse district”.  The Historic District of NoHo extends from north of Houston St. to East 9th St., and east from Broadway and Mercer to Lafayette St., and west of Cooper Square.  This district remains intact.  If you want to know more, please visit http://www.nohony.org.

Aroma opened in 2005 and already is the recipient of several accolades:  Michelin 2012 Bib Gourmand Pick, 2012 Top 10 Wine Bars in NYC, and 2012 Top Value Restaurant in NYC, and New York Sexiest Wine Lists, among others.

The bar was at the front of the restaurant, right as you stepped in.  There were different dining areas at Aroma; Main Dining Room, Farmhouse Room and La Tavernetta Room.  We were escorted down through very narrow stairs to the Farmhouse Room, which gave me the feel of a wine cellar in a country side home.  It was so cozy with a communal table, lit with candles and chandeliers. Very intimate, indeed. 

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Luigi came in looking “igualito”; just as we remembered him.  Same smile.  Quickly put us up to date on his life, as we waited for Aroma’s sommelier to come to our table to help us with the wine selections.  They do have an extensive wine list.

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Bread, olives and olive oil were immediately brought to the table.  It is worth mentioning most everything is made in-house.

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So, we wanted to start with a few appetizers.

An order of Arancini.  Arancinis are fried; sometimes baked rice balls coated with breadcrums.  Different fillings could be used.  To tell you the truth, I had never had them and immediately knew I would like to try making them.  It is a very old recipe and the word comes from Arancia which means orange in Italian.  It is just the look; nothing to do with oranges. 

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We also ordered the meatballs.  Neapolitan ragu, and smoked mozzarella.  They were very good.  One order for dinner, as well.

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An order of grilled baby octopus with corona beans, potatoes, paprika and mint oil. 

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For dinner, an order of potato gnocchi gratin, porcini, truffle bechamel and fontina.  My cousin commented that they were very good and perfect portion, as well.

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I decided to have the strascinati pasta dish.  Wild mushroom sofrito, spicy lamb sausage, roasted peppers, moliterno.  The strascinati pasta is a simple pasta; only flour, semolina and water.  It looks like an orecchiette pasta.  It had a nice kick to it and loved it.

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Luigi, who comes to Aroma often, ordered Leidy’s pork short ribs with smoked paprika, shiitake, and Anson Mills polenta.  They looked beautiful and he said they were delicious, as well.

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Even with everything we had eaten so far, we still had room for dessert.  Too good to pass.

For me the chamomile panna cotta, moscato, poached figs and mascarpone what the dessert to get.  I love figs; I do have my own tree in Rehoboth Beach.  The panna cotta is the simmering together of cream, milk and sugar.  Then, mixing all of this with gelating and letting it cool.

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Some other ones preferred the molten chocolate cake, vanilla gelato and nutella cream.

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And, Luigi decided on Di Palo ricotta cheese cake, berries, orange curd and grapefruit.

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Coffee and more laughter ended one very nice evening…

 

Margie & Sonia (cousins) and the stairs.

Margie & Sonia (cousins) and the stairs.

Note:  Aroma has space to hold special events for large parties and private events.  Check the website and give them a call.

By the way, how could I forget?  Our service was excellent!!

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