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Archive for October, 2012

October 8th, 2012

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

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The Second Season in Rehoboth Beach is way underway.  Rehoboth Beach has something going on every week.  At times I almost forget that summer is over.  If you are here, this week-end, then check what’s going on.

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Until October 30th at the Rehoboth Art League, located at 12 Dodds Lane – Members Fall Theme Show – Collage – at the Corkran & Tubbs Galleries.  The Gallery Hours: Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Sunday from Noon until 4 p.m.  Website?  http://www.rehobothartleague.org.

Tuesday, 10/9 – Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market located at Grove Park on 501 Rehoboth Avenue, right behind the Rehoboth Beach Visitor’s Center.  Noon until 4 p.m.  Rain or shine.  Check http://www.rbfarmersmarket.com.

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Thursday, 10/11 – Sunday, 10/14 – The 23rd Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival.  Venues?  Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes.  Epworth United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, and Timothy’s all in Rehoboth Beach.  Restaurants will also be having live jazz entertainment.  For more info., please visit http://www.rehobothjazz.com.

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Saturday, 10/13 – Rehoboth Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Official Sponsors?  Doggies at The Beach.  The walk will take place at Grove Park located at 501 Rehoboth Avenue.  Registration will be at 8:30 a.m.  The walk will begin at 10:00 a.m.  Dogs are welcomed and will receive a bandana from Doggies at the Beach, http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.  Doggies at The Beach will have a Pooch Table. Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.  It is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide.  It unites communities, families and friends for one cause.  For more info., please call 1-800-272-3900 or visit http://www.alz.org/walk.

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Note:  From Doggies at The Beach.  They now have 4 Master Groomers:  Emily, Michelle, Nicole & Katy, working 7 days a week; morning, afternoon, and evenings.  Please call 302-644-8200 for an appt.  Visit the website, http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.

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Saturday, 10/13 – From the Rehoboth Beach Film Society – On Screen/In Person.  The goal of the program is to bring the vision of some of the country’s best independent filmmakers to a broad audience throughout the mid-Atlantic region, especially in communities with limited access to their work.   Runaway will be featured at the Upstairs Screening Room, at Movies at Midway located on Coastal Highway.  Admission is $4 for Rehoboth Beach Film Society members and $5 for future members.  You can purchase the tickets on line through Noon, on Friday, 10/12.  Please visit http://www.rehobothfilm.com/film_events_on_screen_in_person.html.  You can also buy tickets at the RBFS office, or by phone at 302-645-9095.  Tickets may also be purchased at the door.  By visiting the above mentioned website you can check the trailer and more information on Runaway.

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Saturday, 10/13 – From Heidi Lowe Gallery – Art in the Yard.  An art show in front of Heidi Lowe Gallery from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Artists will display their work; an annual multidisciplinary art show that takes place on the grounds in front of the Gallery.  Free!!  The show will include painters, sculptors, and jewelry artists.  New jewelry will be featured inside the Gallery by one of their customers’ favorites, Ashley Buchanan.  Please visit http://www.heidilowejewelry.com. Please note that Heidi Lowe is offering Jewelry making classes.  Check the website for more info., or call 302-227-9203.

Saturday, 10/13 – MOSAIC – Second Saturday ArtWalk. From 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Stroll Rehoboth Beach and visit the Art Galleries.  MOSAIC was founded in 2008.  “It is an association of art galleries whose mission is to promote art awareness in the Rehoboth Beach area.”  More info? Please visit http://www.mosaicrehoboth.com.

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Saturday, 10/23 – Get Jazzed!! At Anita Peghini-Raber – Gallery located at 49 Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach.  Visit the gallery during the ArtWalk from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.  Website?  http://www.rehobothart.com.

Have a great week!!

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October 7th, 2012

Shopping, Tiger Lili, Rehoboth Beach, Handbags, Clothing, Jewelry, Accessories, Delaware Beaches

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I was walking around in Downtown Rehoboth Beach when I decided to stop at Tiger Lili to find a present for one of my best friends.  There were a couple of celebrations going her way and I knew I would find something different at Tiger Lili, located at 18 Rehoboth Avenue.  Tiger Lili has another location at the Tanger Outlets on Coastal Highway, as well.

I guess this post is for women only.  Tiger Lili specializes in unique handbags, clothing, jewelry, and accessories at very affordable prices.  You can find Tiger Lili on Facebook.  Tel. 302-226-0731.  It opens year-round.

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No outfit is complete without accessories.  You will find plenty at Tiger Lili.  Plus, you will get personal service.  I have mentioned many times that the shopkeepers and the staff that work the shops in Downtown Rehoboth Beach are very personable.  They become friends.  That’s what I love about shopping in town.  You can’t beat that one on one interaction; no rush, either.

Meet Lili Kohr.  She is the owner of Tiger Lili.  She is originally from Panama so we were able to practice our Spanish.  Her clothing and accessories are more cutting edge; different from the rest.  And, by the way, she was Mrs. Delaware 2008.

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So…let’s not snooze and lose.  What are we waiting for?  There are sales going on Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  Let’s stop writing and start shopping!!  This is Tiger Lili.

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Sweaters, scarves and handbags.

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The weather has turned cooler…it’s that time of the year!!

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Have a great time in Rehoboth today….not so fast, just a bit more shopping!!

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Talk to you later…

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October 6th, 2012

Dewey Goes Pink, 2nd Annual Dewey Goes Pink, 5K, Walk, Pink Party, Breast Cancer Awareness, The Starboard Restaurant, Saturday, October 6th, Delaware Beaches

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It was 7 a.m. on Saturday when I went to see how The Starboard looked in Dewey Beach…it was quiet but they were completely set up.

Go the distance this morning as a 3.1 mile run/walk or 1.5 mile non-competitive walk gets underway at The Starboard Restaurant, on Highway One, Dewey Beach, Delaware.

This is an all day party, benefiting the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, and honoring the memory of Barbara “Gugie” Montgomery and all those that have fought Breast Cancer.

So many sponsors on board for this event.

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Registering today? $30.00  Checks can be made to Dewey Goest Pink 5K

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Timing?  NOVA Timing Systems will chip time using the MyLaps bib tags.

Amenities?  In a town that knows how to throw a party the amenities will be plenty.  Performance tech tees, goodie bag, post race refreshments, live music, Pig Roast BBQ, beer and more.

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Awards?  They are courtesy of The Starboard.  Overall male and female winner plus top 3 in 5 year age groups; 9 and under to 75 and over.

Top fundraising team will win the Dewey Cup.

Yes, Dewey will be painted pink, including……..the portables.

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Have a great day!!

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October 5th, 2012

What’s Cooking? Pickled Shrimp, Recipe, Easy, Versatile, Gluten Free!!

It’s a holiday week-end and this recipe is one of those that it is so easy to prepare.  Perfect for guests.  Once made, just let it sit for some time so the marinade takes hold and then voila!  Use it just as an appetizer, on a salad, accompanying meats.  You’ll see how good it, actually, is.

Pickled Shrimp

2 lbs large shrimp, (easy peel are the best)

2 tablespoons pickling spices

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (Emeril’s has a gluten free one)

2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1 cup white wine vinegar

10 green onions (chopped)

Pull shrimp from shells; discard shells.  In a good size  saucepan, place shrimp and sprinkle with the pickling spices.

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Cover the shrimp with water.  Bring to a boil; simmer over medium heat for about 2 or 3 minutes.  Strain water, leaving spices on shrimp; set aside.

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In a small bowl, combine mustard, horseradish, oil, salt, celery salt, vinegar and onions.  Pour over drained shrimp.  Cover and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.

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Serve cold, as an appetizer.

Or, like I above mentioned, accompanying meats.  If you like shrimp, it will be a winner.

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October 3rd, 2012

Cafe Martorano, Restaurant, Review, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Bold Italian-American Food, South Philly Style

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Strip malls in Florida are a dime a dozen.  Except, there is one strip mall that has had an edge on all others in South Florida….it has been the home of Cafe Martorano for 20 years.  When you create a presence in one spot for that long, it has to be good.  Location?  3343 E. Oakland Park Blvd. (Corner of Oakland Park Blvd. & A1A), Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308.  Tel. 954-561-2554.  It opens every day at 5:30 p.m.  No reservations.  Website? http://www.cafemartorano.com.

And, I do, actually know the difference between “gravy” and “sauce”.  These are the terms that you better know when you visit Cafe Martorano, because in this establishment you will not get just a simple tomato sauce.  You will get “gravy” as in “Sunday gravy”, made with different meats; a process that takes a bit of time but the results are incredibly good and tasty.

I have been to restaurants, eaten my dinner, and left hungry.  Not here….not just a dot on your plate.  This is a hefty serving of flavorful food; the way it has always meant to be.  Food to be eaten by real people.  Guess what?  My dinner tonight will be “Martorano’s Leftovers”.

Cafe Martorano has just opened this week after renovations.  We knew Steve Martorano was going to be behind the kitchen.  That’s what you want to see.  Watch him in action.  He does have a nice smile, even though not on this picture.

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The restaurant is known to be excellent.  I had visited a couple of years ago.  I had great expectations.

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When I first came in my first thought was that is was sleek with elegant lines.  With dim lights, the restaurant already had customers.  Therefore, not too many pictures, just enough to give you an idea.  Plenty photos of the food, though.

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Televisions played scenes of Steve Martorano’s favorites.  A little background music.  It was early in the evening, but if you happen to come a few hours later, there might be a party going on; music a little louder… you know what I mean; a slightly different atmosphere.

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Steve said:  “Yo Cuz!”  It is Steve’s trademark and also his brand name.  It can mean family, a term of endearment, but I think I’ll take Steve’s suggestion; if you do not remember the person’s name, just say “Yo Cuz!” That will do it.  Steve grew up in South Philly.  He is self taught.  18th and 19th centuries = South Philly = Italian American Community.  His cooking reflects that robust type of cooking; homestyle.  In the Italian American Community in South Philly the same great dishes have been prepared for years.  A lot of the recipes have been passed down. And, the portions are big.

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Steve told me “Tell the Truth”.  I am obliging.

When visiting Cafe Martorano, come hungry because you will be taken into a culinary expedition.  So let’s begin.

Our servers knew the menu inside and out.  Gustavo’s heritage was Brazilian/Italian.  He told me it was the best combination.  I am not sure where Kyle was from but I have to thank both for taking care of us so well.

Cards were presented. Fill them out.  Only at this location, you could be the winner of Steve Martorano’s Ultimate Italian-American Experience.   Yes, he will cook in your home for 8 people anywhere in the country!!

Gustavo sat at the table with his electronic notebook to show us the specials of the day.  First time I have seen that done in a restaurant and I liked it.

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It showed also that in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month they were offering a Pink Drink:  Chambord, Limoncello, Vodka with Sugar rim.

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We decided we were going to let Steve cook for us whatever he wanted.  I had done that before and loved the idea of being surprised.

If you would like to see the menu, please visit http://www.cafemartorano/dining.html

The first thing that was sent to our table, just to wet our appetites, was macaroni with peas and onions.  The macaroni perfectly cooked and that broth was light; the perfect dish to start our Martorano Expedition.

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Bread was brought to the table; warm, olive oil for dipping.

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The condiments never left the table.

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The next dish that appeared at our table was one that I could have for a meal.  It was Martorano’s Famous Meatball and Salad.  Why is it that I cannot make a meatball like this?  It was so flavorful.  It was served with Sunday gravy, ricotta cheese, and Martorano salad.

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As he laid the next dish, I could not believe how pretty it looked.  The photo does not do justice.  Homemade warm mozzarella with EVOO.  Homemade was the key word.

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The Tuna Carpaccio presented to us as the next dish was delicate.  Thin slices of Blue Eye Tuna, coarse sea salt, EVOO, and light meyer lemon. Again sooo good; the tuna melted in your mouth.

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The rice balls were the first things I saw when arriving at Cafe Martorano.  The one at our table was warm, cut in half with a little surprise of mozzarella inside.  I could make a trip just for that rice ball.

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We were way into the Martorano Expedition when our main entrees arrived.

Chicken on The Bone.  It is one of Steve’s favorites.  Chicken with hot and sweet sausages, sweet peppers, fresh mushrooms, onions, Jersey tomatoes, which I think Steve loves…all baked to order.  The chicken fell off the bone and just look at the rest of the ingredients, then add a Steve Martorano sauce and wine.  Flavors went through the roof!!

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The next entree, actually paired well with the Chicken on The Bone.  It was Linguine Seafood – South Jersey Style.  Shrimp, jumbo lump crab, claws, Italian herbs, chili flakes, garlic and EVOO, all cooked in natural juices.  Those chili flakes gave it that extra kick to this dish.

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I cannot believe I had the nerve to have dessert.  But, I had to finish my Martorano Expedition with a sweet ending.  How about the cannoli?  How big could that be?  Oh, well….I have not had a cannoli in such a long time.  The writing above?  Yo Cuz, of course!!

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A decaf espresso really did end the Martorano Expedition.

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Cafe Martorano has two other locations:

In Hollywood, Florida at 5751 Seminole Way.  This location closes on Mondays.

In Las Vegas, Nevada at The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino at 3700 West Flamingo Rd.  It opens at 6 p.m. every day and this location does accept reservations.

If you visit the website you will find the upcoming events.  Wine Tasting and Book Signing in October at Laurenzo Italian Market in North Miami Beach.  Then, the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show, and in December the Cooking Demo and Photo ops with customers.  You can also find in the website how Cafe Martorano is giving back to the community.

Want to do a little shopping, then, check http://www.cafemartorano.com/retailer.html.

You know what I found so interesting about Steve?  How accessible and friendly he was.  There he was cooking away for a full restaurant and I was welcomed inside his kitchen for my own photo opportunity and signing of his book Yo Cuz! My Life My Food My Way.  Can’t wait to read it and try some of those recipes.

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Thanks Steve, Gustavo, and Kyle.  Hope to be back soon.  And thanks for giving my taste buds a run for their money!!

October 2nd, 2012

Outstanding In The Field, Farm Dinner, Guest Chef, Matt Haley, SoDel Concepts, Plate Catering, Host Fisherman, Tim Sughrue, Congressional Seafood, Good Earth Market Farm, Nassau Valley Vineyards, Fenwick Wine Cellars, Indian River Inlet, Southern Delaware, “A Roving Culinary Adventure” from Beginning to End

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Arriving at the Indian River, my friend, Debbie and I followed the signs.  We were full of expectations.  Phrases like a roving culinary adventure, a restaurant without walls; on the menu, were fresh caught fish, oysters,  just picked apples, lettuce…wait and see.

Why on earth did I worry about what food we were going to be served? As the SoDel Concepts’ chefs started to arrive, I could not help to notice how relaxed they were.  Not a trace of stress showed on their faces. Cool as a cucumber!!

Check Jen Blakeman, she looked ready.

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So did Doug Ruley and Jesse Howell.

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The list of ingredients for this “family farm” dinner were:

The venue was the Indian River Inlet & Marina in Southern Delaware.

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The Guest Chef was Matt Haley of SoDel Concepts.  Matt Haley is a restauranteur with many years of experience and plenty of restaurants to attest to his culinary expertise.  Plate Catering is his catering company.  Websites?  http://www.sodelconcepts.com and http://www.plate-catering.com.  This is the second time that Matt Haley has been chosen to be the Guest Chef.

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The Host Fisherman was Tim Sughrue from Congressional Seafood, also with many years in the seafood business.  Website? http://www.congressionalseafood.com

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Good Earth Market Farm in Ocean View (http://www.goodearthmarket.com), Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes (http://www.nassauvalley.com), and Fenwick Wine Cellars in West Fenwick (http://www.fenwickwinecellars.com).

Outstanding In The Field….and its crew!!

Outstanding In The Field’s mission is to “reconnect diners to the land and the origins of their food”.  Website?  http://www.outstandinginthefield.com.

And, last but not least….us, our “family” of diners that came from Philadelphia, Washington, Dover, Virginia and Southern Delaware.  I think we were all foodies at heart.

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The reception was being held right by the inlet.  Views from the new bridge and the boats passing by.

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Outstanding In The Fields has a tradition.  Guest can bring their plates to the farm dinner.  They will be returned to you, cleaned, after dinner.  As you arrived you were to set your plates down.

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A wine bar was serving  2011 Cape Rose by Nassau Valley Vineyards.

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The SoDel Concepts’ chefs were busy preparing our hors d’oeuvres.

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Smoked Indian River Inlet Bluefish, bacon, horseradish, shaved green onion and pickled mustard seeds.

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Grilled Popped Oysters, heirloom tomato marmalade.  The oysters were so easy to eat..toss the shells into the inlet.

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We were a friendly bunch.  Plenty of mingling…no strangers in this group.

Chef Matt Haley chats with guests.

Chef Matt Haley chats with guests.

A brief introduction from Outstanding In The Field’s founder, Chef and artist, Jim Denevan, who started this movement in the late 90’s.

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And a few words from Leah Scafe of Outstanding In The Field, who wears many hats.

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Off we went to the northern side of the marina.  A brief stop to hear our host fisherman, Tim Sughrue, give us interesting information regarding aquaculture.  Information about some of the fish that once seemed threatened but now are thriving, for example, rockfish.  And for all of us that love crabs…a great season ahead for next year.

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From a distance I could see the table being set.  What a beautiful spot!  Right between the inland bays.  It would be perfect for all of us to get to know one another, even better.

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The SoDel Concepts’ chefs were ready for us; in the tent and cooking outdoors.

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The butter was from Good Earth Market.  Fresh herbs from the market; slightly sweet.

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And then, the table was filled…

Courtesy of Amanda Panko, SoDel Concepts

Courtesy of Amanda Panko, SoDel Concepts

We quickly became good friends.  Krisan, our server and fellow diners, Eric and Russ, kept us laughing along with the rest of our group and the ones next to us, as well; Cathy and Chris.

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Laughter was prevalent throughout the event.

The menu

First Course

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Paired with Fenwick Wine Cellars Pinot Grigio.

Second Course

Good Earth Market Rabe, White Bean & Sweet potato Hash, Bethany Beach Smoked Sea Salt and that garnish…oh, so delicious.  Garlic, thinly sliced and for the looks and taste of it, probably lightly fried.

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Paired with Nassau Valley Vineyards 2011 Pinot Grigio.

Third Course

Seared Fluke (summer flounder), lemon, Good Earth Market herb butter.

Courtesy of Amanda Panko, SoDel Concepts

Courtesy of Amanda Panko, SoDel Concepts

Paired with Nassau Valley Vineyards 2010 Estate Grown Chardonnay.

Our table was still having so much fun….it seemed like we had known each other forever.  The table looked good.  But there was one more course.

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Last Course…a Sweet Ending.

Fenwick Wine Cellars Poached Pears, sweet plum syrup, Maytag blue cheese, walnuts, herb, and sea salt.

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Paired with Fenwick Wine Cellars High Tide Port.

The sun was setting over Southern Delaware and there was a hush in the air.  The sky was so pretty.  It was getting dark. We were seizing the moment in this restaurant without walls.

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Outstanding In The Field, SoDel Concepts Chefs and Matt Haley celebrated the end of a beautiful meal with a walk around the table.

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Plate-Catering was closing shop and so were we….until next time.

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