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Archive for August, 2012

August 31st, 2012

What’s Going On? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Vacationing in the Nation’s Summer Capital, Activities, Events, Delaware Beaches

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Where has the summer gone?  Way too fast for many.  Someone put on facebook a comment regarding the summer coming to an end.  I am saying….not so fast.  The Second Season in Rehoboth Beach is just beginning and when you might think that the 2012 Summer is a thing of the past, well, think again because Rehoboth Beach has so many festivals and events that it might be worth taking a trip back.

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So, What’s Going On?

Saturday and Sunday, 9/1 and 9/2 – A 2-Night event for CAMP Rehoboth.  It is the 25th Sundance Celebration to take place at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, located at 229 Rehoboth Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  On Saturday there will be silent and live auctions and cocktail buffet, open bar.  On Sunday, 9/2 is The Sundance.  The party begins at 8 p.m.  Dancing until 2 a.m.  Open bar; music all night long.  $80 for both events or $45 for one.  Tickets are available in advance at http://www.camprehoboth.com.  Or, by calling 302-227-5620.  Cash/Check/American Express/VISA/Master Card/Discover.

Until September 30th – Exhibits opening at the Rehoboth Art League – 4th Regional Juried Show, Delaware and New Mexico Paintings, New Works by Denise Dumont.  The Rehoboth Art League is located at 12 Dodds Lane.  Tel. 302-227-8408.  Website? http://www.rehobothartleague.org.  Hours:  Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Sunday from Noon until 4 p.m.

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Looking for some venues to listen to music?  Plenty of them at all the Delaware Beaches.  On July 23rd I posted Links to Music Venues at the Delaware Beaches.  All you have to do is click on July 23, 2012 and enter any of the sites to see if you like whose playing.

Speaking of which.  We all have favorites.  Check the following:

Friday, 8/31 – Rehoboth Beach Bandstand – The Diamonds. Saturday, 9/1, the entertainer will be Mario Rocco.  Both sows will begin at 8 p.m.  For more info., please visit http://www.rehobothbandstand.com.

Bethany Blues – Friday (tonight) is Lionel Young Band.  He was trained as a classical violinist, but he plays the blues and a distinctive brand of blues it is.  He plays on the electric violin.  Should be a good one.  On Saturday, 9/1 The Divas of One Love will be taking the stage.  2 women that play a bit of everything; from Soul, R & B, Reggae, to Motown.  Both, will start at 9 p.m.  The website? http://www.bethanyblues.com

At the Cove in Dewey – Saturday, 9/1,  Jimmy Smooth and on Sunday, 9/2, John Eddie will take the stage.  These 2 entertainers have big followers at the Beaches.  More info?  http://www.ruddertowneusa.com. Both shows are supposed to start at 9 p.m.

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Don’t want to cook?  I don’t blame you.  It is a holiday week-end, afterall.  Earl is cooking again, all week-end long at Rustic Acres Farm.

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This is also the home of Rehoboth Dairy.  He will have chicken and ribs, while they last.  He told me they are the best and that the meat falls off the bones.  You be the judge.  Stop by and check them out.  They are located on Holland Glad Rd.  If you are coming from Rehoboth and Dewey, just turn right after Tomato Sunshine.  That’s Holland Glade Rd.  Then, go almost all the way to the end of the road.  They will be on the left.  If you are coming from the Lewes areas and points north, then you will have to turn around at the intersection of Rt. 1 and Shuttle Rd., then turn right after Tomato Sunshine.

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They have local produce, like green tomatoes, red tomatoes, and melons.  Earl told me his corn is the best and he gets it from Greenwood.  By the way their milk is awesome!!  I rave about it all the time.  But, Earl also told me that his cream is unbelievable….if you like cream soups he said you won’t taste a better soup if it is made with his cream.  Cows are in the back.  Fresh!!  I almost forgot, they serve ice cream too.

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As I sat on the beach in Rehoboth on Thursday, I was watching this little boy.  It reminded me of my kids.  They loved the beach.  This little guy was with his father.  It looked like it was his first time of the beach.  He was adorable.

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How about the guy swimming with the dolphins right by him?

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From Lewes to Fenwick Island, there are 24 miles of beach.  Yours to pick and choose.  The bay on the other side.  The best of both worlds.

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Have a great holiday week-end…..relax you are at the beach!!

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Comments Off on What’s Going On? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Vacationing in the Nation’s Summer Capital, Activities, Events, Delaware Beaches

August 30th, 2012

Figs, Figs, and More Figs, A Fried Green Tomato, Fig, Bacon, Corn Stack…I had to come up with something, Recipe, Easy

How can one tree produce that many figs?  Over 100 per day.  I have my whole neighborhood eating them.  I have given them to restaurants; they are never ending.  I have had this fig tree for about 11 or 12 years.  Believe me, every year it has been producing a consistently good crop.  But, this year, it went all out.  It has also been the year when I have not been that into them.  Let me tell you, I am fig-ed out, and my friends are too!!

So, tonight, as I picked another hundred, I decided I was going to do something with them.  Bear with me, this recipe is not going to be too organized, but it turned out to be quite easy.  And, it was delicious!! It really was.

Ingredients:

A reduction of balsamic vinegar.  A week or so ago, I made a balsamic reduction by emptying a bottle of balsamic vinegar in a saucepan; cooking on low for about 1 1/2 hours, until a thick consistency.  I keep it in the refrigerator.  For this recipe only a few dots here or there of this reduction.

Green tomatoes; some already were turning.

1 ear of corn

4 slices of bacon cut in half

corn starch

pepper

butter

honey

About a cup of figs cut in half

Okay.  Here it goes.

The first thing I did was cook the bacon in a large pan.  Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain.  Keep the dripping on the frying pan intact.   Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you that this recipe is not low in calories, by any means.

Peel the corn husk from the corn and cut the kernels off.  Set aside.

Use a gallon plastic bag and put about 1 cup of corn starch and about a teaspoon of pepper.  If you want more, you know what to do.

Cut the green tomatoes in slices.  Place in the plastic bag to coat with corn starch.

To the bacon drippings in the pan add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.  Heat to medium high.  Fry the green tomatoes. Turning them over once after about 4 minutes or so.  Just check that they have a nice color before turning them over.

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Once the tomatoes are done, then take them out of the frying pan and place on paper towels.

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Heat about 1 tablespoons of butter in a smaller frying pan and add the corn that you had set aside.  Quickly cook it for a few minutes.  Take it out and put on a plate.

Put another tablespoon of butter in that same smaller frying pan and add the figs.  They will cook quickly.  Add about 2 teaspoons of honey to the pan.  Turn it off.  Move from the heat.

Get ready to assemble the Stack.

On you dinner plate, first start with the corn, then put a fried green tomato, followed by a couple slices of bacon, adding a few figs and repeat again, ending with a fried green tomato.

The extra figs can be put around the stack with some of the butter/honey drippings.

A little drizzle of balsamic here or there will be a great addition to your dish.

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Then, all you have to do is enjoy!!   If I say so myself, it was really good.  It was also gluten free!!

Make it your own!!

Comments Off on Figs, Figs, and More Figs, A Fried Green Tomato, Fig, Bacon, Corn Stack…I had to come up with something, Recipe, Easy

August 29th, 2012

Shopping, Basic Concepts, Rehoboth Beach, Women’s Casual Apparel, Sweaters, Scarves, Accessories, Delaware Beaches

Today, was one of those awesome days in Rehoboth Beach.  After the crazy weather we have been having, we deserve these gorgeous days as the “official” summer season comes to an end. No humidity, 81 degrees….really pretty at the beach.

As I was walking in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, I saw a familiar face; one of those shopkeepers that make Rehoboth Beach a shopping destination.  The Downtown shops are personal and easygoing.  Meet Patty Watson.  Stop by and say hello.

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Basic Concepts has been in Rehoboth Beach for about 36 years.  Congratulations to Patty; the shopkeeper.  It is located at  the Village-by-The-Sea Shops at 149 Rehoboth Avenue.  Tel. 302-227-8688.

Our casual lifestyle at the beach is what a lot of visitors seek.  At this time of the year the merchandise has changed.  The fall season is upon us and you will find sweaters, scarves, pants, cover-us and accessories, as well.

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A customer was trying a few things on…of course, we had to give her advice…looks great…well, the black is dressier, I love the other one…and on and on.  Her husband was the perfect husband.  He was encouraging to get a couple of more things.  Here she is modeling one of her purchases.

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I know that it is still August, but there is a feel for September in the air.  Here are some of the other great finds you will find at Basic Concepts.

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The fall is one of the best times, here at the beach.  Rehoboth Beach has plenty to keep you busy.  Talk to you later…

August 28th, 2012

Freeman Stage at Bayside, Open Air Performing Arts Venue, Dance, Live Music, Theatre, Children’s Programs, The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, Last Performances of Summer 2012, Events, 5th Annual Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Golf Tournament, Arts by the Sea Party, Selbyville, Delaware

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The Freeman Stage at Bayside is an open air peforming arts venue, where you will find dance, live music, theatre, and children’s programs.  It is located at 31750 Lake View Drive, Selbyville, DE 19975.  Website? http://www.freemanstage.org.  Tel. 302-436-3015.

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I have friends that go every single week-end.  From Memorial Week-End through the Labor Day Week-end you can enjoy all kinds of outdoor musical programs.  Under the stars, this venue is so popular. All you need to bring, most of the time, is your chair, a blanket and your friends. This coming week-end, the performances come to an end.

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If you are visiting our Delaware Beaches, this might be your opportunity.  From Ocean City, Maryland it is just a short drive.  Just turn west on Rt. 54 and follow it for about 4 miles.  Entrance by Harris Teeter, which is the intersection of Rt. 54 and Rt. 20.  Drive into the community of Bayside, proceed on Americana Parkway, all the way to the back.  You won’t miss it.

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Check what’s going on!!

Friday, 8/31 – First State Ballet.  The First State Ballet Theatre is Delaware’s  professional ballet company.  Under the artistic direction of Pasha Kambalov.  Enjoy an enchanting performance by this professional company of bright young dancers.  It is free.  7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, 9/1 – The Bronx Wanderers – Doo-Wop Celebration.  This performance, is, apparently, SOLD OUT.  You might want to check the website, and telephone numbers above mentioned to see if anyone has cancelled.  $10, kids are free.  This group recreates the magic of the 50’s and 60’s music.  The liberating sound of doo-wop and rock and roll…you know toe-tapping, hand clapping and dancing.

Sunday, 9/2 – Great Big Faces with Paul Merklein (Kids) – His unique show combines art, comedy and audience participation.  His show is described as Amazing, A Huge Hit, and Funny & Cool, by people who have seen it; its fans!!  10:00 a.m. until Noon.

Sunday, 9/2 – MSO Fireworks Season Finale – 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. – A program of vocal instrumental favorites including selections from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.  The internationally recognized Morgan State University Choir and Opera Workshop, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony and Maestro Benichou will be entertaining you at Bayside on this last night of the Summer of 2012 Season.

Please, make sure to stay for the Fireworks Over The Freeman Stage.  This is a free event.

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But, it does not stop there.  The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation was established in 2007.  It is a 501(c) non-profit organization.  It was established to honor him, after having left his family too soon.  He was the former Chair of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation.   Website?  http://www.freemanfoundation.org.

There is fundraising to be accomplished.  Check what’s going on:

Saturday, 9/8 – The 5th Annual Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Golf Tournament will be held at the Bayside Resort Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.  While on the course, various stations will be available for lunch and beverages, as well as some of  Josh’s favorite traditions like cigars, scotch tasting, and music.  This will be a fun filled day.  A celebration of his legacy and the art of golf.  $3,000 per foursome.  Fee includes admittance to the Arts by the Sea Party, held after the tournament at The Cove at Bayside Resort Golf Club.  For more info., please contact Lucinda Williams, Development Director by phone at 302-436-6241 or e-mail at lucinda@freemanfoundation.org.  You can sign up by visiting the Freeman Foundation’s website. Just scroll down and click on The Freeman Stage at Bayside.  Otherwise, you can also sign up by visiting the Freeman Stage at Bayside’s website, also above mentioned.

Saturday, 9/8 – From 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. it is The Arts by the Sea Party.  A most exclusive event.  This annual Joshua M. Freeman Foundation fundraising party will be held at The Cove at Bayside Resort Golf Club.  It will feature music, entertainment, live auction, a Vegas style buffet, an open bar and memories not to be forgotten.  New for 2012:  Casino Games!  Roll the dice for a great cause.  $150 per person.  Limited tickets available. For more info., please contact Lucinda Williams, Development Director at lucinda@freemanfoundation.org or call 302-436-6241.

Have a great time!!

Comments Off on Freeman Stage at Bayside, Open Air Performing Arts Venue, Dance, Live Music, Theatre, Children’s Programs, The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, Last Performances of Summer 2012, Events, 5th Annual Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Golf Tournament, Arts by the Sea Party, Selbyville, Delaware

August 26th, 2012

Catch 54, Fenwick Island, Delaware, Restaurant, Review, Waterview Dining, Open 7 Days A Week, Lunch and Dinner, Happy Hour, Sodel Concepts, Matt Haley’s Restaurants, Awesome Views, Cool Atmosphere, Great Service, What Else? Good Food!!

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It was going to be my first time visiting Catch 54 after last year’s fire, when they had to completely rebuild the restaurant.  Since their opening, at the beginning of the summer, people kept telling me how cool it had turned out.  Well, it has taken me until last week to stop by with friends and enjoy a night of laughter, good food, awesome views and great service.

Catch 54 is part of the family of restaurants under SoDel Concepts, http://www.sodelconcepts.com. It is, also, one of Matt Haley’s restaurants.

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Catch 54 is located at 38931 Madison Ave., Fenwick Island, DE 19944.  Tel. 302-436-8600.  Website? http://www.catch54.com.  If you are traveling on Coastal Highway, please turn west at the intersection of Rt. 54 and Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), cross over the bridge.  You’ll see the restaurant on your right. Turn right, you will find plenty of parking available.  Catch 54 is also located on the same spot as Shark’s Cove Marina.  The restaurant opens 7 days a week at 11:30 a.m.  Happy hour, from 12 until 6 p.m.  They do not accept reservations.  You can find Catch 54 on Facebook and Twitter.

From Rehoboth Beach, it takes about half an hour, give or take, with the summer traffic.  I was rushing to get there before sunset.  Catch 54 has one of the most gorgeous views at our Delaware Beaches.  It sits right at Little Assawoman Bay; the salt marshes that line the bay are home of many species of waterfowl.  At that time of the evening is breathtaking, serene, and peaceful.

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Since I don’t like to wait at restaurants, I have started eating late during the height of the season at the Delaware Beaches.  So, we decided to meet at around 7:45 p.m., thinking that people would be almost on their way out.  Surprised surprise, there were people waiting.  No problem, I just went around to take pictures, some sat at the bar, waiting to be called.  No rush. Catch 54 has 2 floors with a bar on each one.

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At the upstairs bar, there are also booths available for dining, as well.

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It was a beautiful evening so the restaurant was showing off how pretty it looked at night.

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Indoors is light, and modern, exhibiting the casual atmosphere of our beaches.

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There are 2 decks with tables for dining al fresco.

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The outdoor dining tables were going to take some time, so we decided to eat indoors.  The restaurant has glass windows throughout so you have an excellent view if you are indoors.

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Our server came to get us.  His name was Michael.  As we are walking to our table, I proceeded to tell him that one person in our party had to eat gluten free.  His answer? No problem, I have had Celiac disease since I was young. I know exactly what your dietary requirements are.  Worry free eating!!  No questions!!  I bet Catch 54 does not know what an asset he, actually is.  It turned out that Michael was also a fantastic server.  Very attentive and his suggestions were perfect.

It goes without saying that when I have lunch or dinner with friends….they cannot touch their food until I take pictures.  A few try to dive into their entrees, but are usually stopped on their tracks.  I also want them to, honestly, tell me how their dinner was.

So, here is what we ordered.

Oysters on the half shell were ordered; the saltier, the better.  Chincoteague Salts came on ice and were delicious.

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A friend ordered the Heirloom Tomato Salad, on toast, with herbs, grilled red onion, blue cheese, and a Dijon garlic vinaigrette.  The tomatoes are still so tasty; green, red, and yellow.

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I went with the Crab & Clam Cakes.  I thought they sounded different.  They had bacon, Parmesan, spicy mayo, micro beets and lemon.  They were soooo good.  It really was a good combination.  Definitely, would order them again in a heart beat.

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For our entrees:

A couple decided to order the Fish Camp Stew.  It had fresh fin fish, shellfish, white wine, tomato butter broth, and toast.  One came without the toast because of the gluten allergy.  It had a well seasoned broth, very light and plenty of seafood.

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Another person decided to order the Day Boat Scallops on cheese grits, sweet corn, zucchini and PBR tomato jus.  She really enjoyed them, and thought they were very good; cooked to perfection.

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I loved my fish.  I really did.  I had the Pan Roasted Whole Trout, on roasted farm beans, Crimini mushrooms, almonds, and lemon butter.  The whole fish was so flavorful.  I would, definitely, order it again.

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Dessert:

We decided to order two desserts.

The Roasted Summer Peach Bread Pudding was served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel.  Comfort dessert!  Not overly sweet, either.

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A Lemon Icebox Pie with Blueberries was the second dessert.  Sort of like a key lime pie, except lemons were used.

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The person that had to eat gluten free is hoping that Catch 54 brings back a dessert called Flourless Chocolate Torte.  This dessert was so good whether you had to eat gluten free or not.

Our Delaware Beaches are full of wonderful restaurants.  It really is a dining destination for many.  We are so lucky!!

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Note:  Catch 54 also has a kid’s menu!!

Have a great week!  Talk to you later….you know I will.

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Comments Off on Catch 54, Fenwick Island, Delaware, Restaurant, Review, Waterview Dining, Open 7 Days A Week, Lunch and Dinner, Happy Hour, Sodel Concepts, Matt Haley’s Restaurants, Awesome Views, Cool Atmosphere, Great Service, What Else? Good Food!!

August 25th, 2012

Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Activities for a Rainy Week-End, Delaware Beaches

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Now that you have resigned yourselves that the week-end is going to be cloudy and rainy….what are you planning to do with the kids?  It would be so easy if you were by yourselves; shopping, eating, drinking.  Someday, right?

Downtown Rehoboth Beach is such a walkable town that, at least, you will not have to get back in the car and follow the masses to the outlets.

An easy one to entertain those young ones is that if it is just cloudy, let them run around on our award winning boardwalk and the beach!!  That’s an easy one. If it’s raining, then, check the following activities.  They might help.

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Sunday, August 26th – Browseabout Books, located at 133 Rehoboth Ave.  At 9 a.m. is an hour of activities, stories and crafts.  Llama Llama will be there to pose for photos.  Make sure you arrive by 9 a.m. to enjoy the whole hour.  The meters do not go into effect until 10 a.m. so you will be fine.

Then, if you are here during the week, you can also go to Browseabout Books Monday through Thursday until August 30th for A time for Storytime.

8:30 a.m. until 9:10 the age group is 5 through 8 years of age.

9:15 a.m. until 9:45 the age group is 2 to 4 years of age.

For more information, please visit http://www.browseaboutbooks.com.  They are open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.

They also have coffee and pastries and places to sit, catch your breath and check out the books.

Cake Break is a gourmet cupcake company located at 7 South First Street in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  It is a nut free facility with vegan and gluten free cupcakes.  You can bring your young ones to decorate cupcakes.  It is fun!!  I have seen the kids there having a great time.  You can have some coffee and enjoy some of the following:

The Blueberry muffins have been a hit.  They are gluten free, vegan, and nut free.  I have tried them myself.

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I have also had the pleasure of trying Miss Piggy.  This cupcake is the one with the bacon on top.  It is a struessel cupcake with maple bacon icing and bacon on top.   The other one on the tray is the Salty Dawg which has salted caramel.

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The Cookie Monster is chocolate chip cookies, baked on chocolate ship cupcakes with or without mocha icing.

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Cake Break opens at 6:30 a.m. daily.  Carries pastries, NY Bagels, Homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, coffee, espresso and smoothies.  http://www.cakebreakrehoboth.com

Crafts – Creatable Crafts is located at 146 Rehoboth Ave.  Paint your own pottery, beading, glass fusing, mosaics, paint me t-shirts.  Drop in basis.  Paint today, pick up tomorrow.  Tel. 302-227-1020.  Website? http://www.creatablecrafts.com

Arcades:

Coastal towns have many arcades available for the young and the matured crowd.  Rehoboth Beach has a 1 mile award-winning Boardwalk.  Of course, we have arcades!!

The Beach Arcade is next to Dolle’s at 5 North Boardwalk.  Tel. 302-227-1040.

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Playland Arcade is on the South side of the Boardwalk.

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Surfside Arcade is on the South side of the Boardwalk, as well.

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Funland is located on the South side of the Boardwalk and it is a whole amusement and arcade complex.  You will find rides and arcades for the whole family.  Website? http://www.funlandrehoboth.com

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If you are by yourselves, then, check the following:

The Rehoboth Art League is located at 12 Dodds Lane.  Tel. 302-227-8408.,  Website? http://www.rehobothartleague.org.  Until Sunday, August 26th the 74th Members Fine Art Exhibit is on display at the Corkran and Tubbs Galleries.  The Members Showcase: Print Makers is at the Homestead Gallery.

From August 31st until September 30th is the 4th Regional Juried Show at the Corkran and Tubbs Galleries.  Delaware and New Mexico Paintings-Color and Form: New work by Ray Petersen, Venture Gallery. By The Sea: New Works by Denise Dumont at the Homestead Gallery.

Opening Reception is on August 31st from 5 to 7 p.m.

Please keep your eyes open for Cinema & Art coming later on in October.  Mark your calendars for the November 3rd Holiday Fair and later on in December, on the 8th is the Art League Holiday Open House.

Heidi Lowe Gallery is having a Barbara Klar Trunk Show this Saturday, 8/25, and Sunday, 8/26.  The gallery is located at 328 Rehoboth Avenue.  Check http://www.heidilowegallery.com.  For more info. on Barbara Klar, please check http://www.clearmetals.com/bio.html.

The Rehoboth Beach Museum is the perfect place to get to know Rehoboth Beach better.  If you have been coming to the beach for years, this museum will show you how far this coastal town has come.  It is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue near the traffic circle.  The Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is in the same complex.  Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, college students, and military.  $2 for children 13 to 17 and the rest are free.

This museum used to be the town’s ice house and it is currently hosting two exhibits.  “Rehoboth Speaks: The Story Nation’s Summer Capital” tells the story of the founding and growth of Rehoboth Beach.  And, “World War II: Rehoboth Beach” tells the story of our beach town during the war.  Visitors will learn how local citizens helped with Civil Defense and of the local boys who were sent overseas.  Website? http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.

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Saturday – 8/25 – At the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, at 8 p.m. is Sounds of Society, a Tribute to Chicago

Sunday – 8/26 – At the Bandstand is She Said Sunday, Cover Band, at 8 p.m.

Have fun…relax!!  You are at the beach!!

Comments Off on Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Activities for a Rainy Week-End, Delaware Beaches

August 24th, 2012

Shopping in…Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Sole, Boutique, Clothing, Accessories…Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Beaches…For Women Only!!

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If you are spending time in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, you will find that everything is so accessible.  The beach, the award-winning Boardwalk, the Bandstand….those probably attract you to the Delaware Beaches.  But, Rehoboth Beach is a destination for dining, and shopping, as well.  Everything is within walking distance. The icing on the cake?  Tax free shopping!!!

Boutiques are, definitely, smaller than a departments store.  They do have a limited selection of merchandise.  But, if you are like I am, I do prefer them for several reasons.  First, boutiques fill a niche for us, the customers.

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Personal attention and the ambiance of these small shops is what attract me to them.  The interaction with their owners or managers is so personal.  Some of them even become friends.

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So, I decided to enter Sole, which is located at 110 Rehoboth Avenue.  Tel. 302-227-6500.  This boutique is open year-round.

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You can tell the season is changing.  Already a lot of the fall merchandise is on display.  Sole carries Diane Von Furstengberg, Trina Turk, Nanette Lepore, Lacoste, Paige Premium Jeans, Jack Rogers, Havaianas, sweaters, scarves and jewelry.

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Sole is well stocked and at present there are plenty of sales.  Check it out.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Diane Von Furstenberg

Trina Turk

Trina Turk

Trina Turk

Trina Turk

Trina Turk

Trina Turk

Pick up some flip flops and sandals for next year and great prices!!

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Have a great week-end!!

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August 22nd, 2012

Tapas Adela, A Flavor of Spain, Fells Point, Restaurant, Tapas Bar/Restaurant, Review, Baltimore, Maryland

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Before I moved to the Delaware Beaches, I called Baltimore, Maryland, my home.  I worked at First National Bank of Maryland in the International Department with Latin America.  It was an exciting time for the City of Baltimore….its Inner Harbor was taking shape; lost of building and great expectations.  I could see it all from our building which was at the corner of Light & Redwood Streets.  It put Baltimore on the map, once again, and a tourist destination began in earnest.  It has been 32 years since the inauguration of the Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

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So, when I visit Baltimore, I have to tell you that I feel right at home.  The City has wonderful neighborhoods; with those neighborhoods come great food, as well.

On Tuesday I found myself in Charm City.  After errands, a trip to Historic Fells Point was on my radar.  Fells Point was founded in 1730.  It became a shipbuilder and commercial center.

The USS Constellation was among the first vessels commissioned for the United States Navy; built in a Fells Point shipyard.

Fells Point was also a major point of entry for immigrants into the U.S.

The Historic District is full of art galleries, shops, bars and restaurants.  People were walking around and enjoying one beautiful day.

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The cobblestone streets add to the character of one of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore.

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A first time stop at Tapas Adela, which is located at 814 Broadway, Fells Point, Baltimore, MD 21231.  Tel. 410-534-6262.  Website? http://www.tapasadela.com.  This restaurant is part of the Kali’s Restaurant Group, located on 1606 Thames St., also in Historic Fells Point.  To see their other restaurants, please visit htt://www.kalisrestaurantgroup.com.

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Outdoor seating?  Of course.  It was a gorgeous day. 82 degrees with a light breeze; the harbor was a block away.

Tapas Adela also has indoor seating, at the bar.

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And, at a separate dining room.

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Jason came to greet us; it was going to be somewhat of a late lunch.  Jason knew his menu well and gave us just the right suggestions.

First things first…an order of drinks and refreshments.  Iced tea and a Cava Coctel: Poema Cava, blood orange bitters, agave nectar and lemon zest.  It looked so pretty that I had to take a picture.  It was well received.

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Tapas, small plates….the perfect portion.  Even before tapas became so popular in this country, I always have enjoyed them. So many dishes to taste.  Bread is always present with tapas.  Jason presented us with bread, olive oil and some mojo.  We were on our way for a few hours of tastings.

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An order of Charcuterie: Jamon Serrano, Chorizo Artesano, Salchichon, Lomo, and Fuet.  It also came with dates and peppers that were not too hot, but the perfect addition to some salty meats.

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An order of Boquerones (white anchovies) came through.  These are one of my favorites.  They used to be hard to find but I think they are more common at markets. They are mild with a pickled flavor.  They are so good on Caesar Salads too.

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I can make my own gazpacho, but I do order it when the weather is warm.  With tomatoes still so plentiful, it is just a great soup.  The Gazpacho a La Plancha had golden and red tomatoes, grilled shrimp and scallop.  The gazpacho was perfectly seasoned with just enough vinegar and olive oil.  I usually add crab meat to mine; but the grilled shrimp and scallop gave it a different angle.

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I had to order the Tortilla Espanola.  This is a tradition in Spanish tascas; a must.  This was a traditional egg tortilla, with an addition of seasonal veggies and lemon aioli.

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Jason told me I would like the Crispy Artichokes.  He was right.  I loved them.  They were the baby ones, with a tempranillo reduction.  Tempranillo is a diminutive of temprano or early.  A variety of black grapes that ripen early; used to make full bodied red wines in Spain.

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Love beets too.  I was just in Colorado and their beets there were unreal.   Still remembering them, I decided to order the Roasted Beets with Cava de Cabra, Baby Arugula, and an orange saffron vinaigrette.  All combinations were excellent.

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An order of Pan Seared Diver Scallops with pistachio and sage vinaigrette, accompanied by roasted cauliflower and garlic baby spinach.  Perfectly cooked and seasoned.

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I was not sure if I really was up for dessert.  I will blame AboutMyBeaches for this one.  Had to, therefore, I ordered the Crema Catalan, which was like a Creme Brule.  It had a citrus taste to it.

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And, only one.  I only had one….a churro.  The order comes with a few more, though.  This is also traditionally from Spain.  Great with coffee or hot chocolate.

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Coffee!!  Espresso…The end!!

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Tapas are great for generating conversation.  Lots of small plates, discussions, you know what I mean, don’t you….it was perfect!!

Talk to you later.  Have a good one.

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