June 10th, 2013
It might be a little quieter in the Village by the Sea, at this time of the year, but by no means is Delray Beach, Florida, and other towns in Palm Beach County rolling up their sidewalks!! This is the time of the year to enjoy these unique towns.
Delray Beach, Florida, is a dining and vacation destination all year round. It has been voted the Most Fun Small Town in America and just recently #1 on the list of best beaches in Florida, out of 10 beaches awarded this designation. The idea of eating outdoors is so enticing; it sets the mood for the evening. And, in Delray Beach, most restaurants have outdoor dining available. With that in mind, my post begins.
Vic & Angelo’s is a restaurant known in South Florida for serving delicious, rustic Italian cuisine. Two locations:
Palm Beach Gardens at 4520 PGA Blvd. in PGA Commons. Tel. 561-630-9899.
Delray Beach at 290 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-278-9570.
Both Vic & Angelo’s restaurants serve lunch and dinner daily. They also offer Happy Hour every day, as well, at the indoor and outdoor bars. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. Please visit http://www.vicandangelos.com.
 Delray Beach Vic & Angelo’s is all about enticing culinary options this summer. These “sister” restaurants are owned by talented restauranteur and entrepeneur John Rosatti. The Summer Tasting Menus allow diners to customize their choices.
These restaurants in South Florida are doing exactly what restaurants do at the Delaware Beaches in the “off-season”. They offer great values, delicious food, and amazing atmosphere at a time of the year when you can kick back and relax.
Through September 30, 2013, Sunday through Thursday, for lunch and dinner, both eateries are offering diners two, three-course Summer Tasting Menus, for $25 and $35, per person, excluding tax and gratuity.
These terrific menus allow diners to choose one appetizer, one entree, and one dessert, from either menu, which include salads, pizza, pasta, seafood, chicken, and veal dishes. Diners who opt for either prix fixe menu, may also add a bottle of Coastal Vines Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir, for $15, per bottle.
The $25, Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu: Diners can choose one appetizer (Angelo’s Salad, V & A Caesar, Fried Calamari); one entree (Pizza Orginale, Cappellini al Telefono, with fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes, Fusilli with crumbled sausage and broccoli rabe, Chicken Milanese; or Grilled Shrimp or Tuna Cobb Salad); and one dessert (gelato or sorbet).
The $35, Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu: Diners can choose one appetizer (PEI Mussels al Forno, Grilled Calamari, or Spinach Salad); one entree (Shrimp Penne alla Vodka, Chicken Piccata with artichoke hearts, Chicken Marsala with wild mushrooms and sweet pea risotto, Veal Milanese, Wild Salmon with mixed veggies, or Four-Cheese Pear Tortelloni with truffle cream sauce); and one dessert (house-made tiramisu or cannoli).
The restaurants will also be offering their traditional a la carte menus, for lunch and dinner, daily, along with their brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday.
So, what are you waiting for? Whichever menu you choose this season…..you will be feasting on refreshing salads, soul-satisfying house-made pastas, crispy thin-crust pizzas, fresh fish and seafood, and enticing veal and chicken dishes.
Vic & Angelo’s has a full bar, with indoor and outdoor seating, offering over 100 wines from all over the globe, as well as fifteen vintages by the glass, and nifty signature cocktails.
Bon Appetit!! Talk to you later.l
June 10th, 2013
Never say never, right? About 2 months ago I was being such a good mother and took off for Baltimore, Maryland, from the Delaware Beaches to gather a signature from Joe Flacco….a post was written on AboutMyBeaches on 4/21/13.
At the time I told my son that the talk was that Ray Lewis was probably going to be signing his last public signing on June 6th. I am not sure if that was correct. He is holding camps in Miami where he will also sign.
Guess what? Last Thursday, June 6th, I was driving to Northeast High School in Pasadena, Maryland, in my quest for Ray Lewis’ signature. I had a large canvas to be signed and I had even called to find out if I could upgrade my ticket from $169 to $189. Oh, yes. For signings, you have to buy a ticket ahead of time. It would secure your spot.
First thing that happened? No parking, so I had to park about 2 blocks away at a public library.
Then, there was a line coming out of the school. All I could think was…what in the world am I doing here at 6 p.m. And, get this, everyone was wearing purple. I, on the other hand, was wearing orange.
Apparently, people made a line, but you did not need to. You had a ticket with a number!! Mine was 104.
The first people to go in were the ones having only photos taken with Ray Lewis. Then, it was our turn. In the meantime, at these events you start making friends. Some even recognized me from the last one. I had to take their picture; the mother and son with the grandmother. We had become friends during Flacco’s signing. It was great to see them again.
I met several people who were waiting, as well.. Their number was 675. Then, there was the young woman who was there for her husband, who actually, was doing work in Rehoboth Beach. She had never been to a signing.
I had gone inside with the help of a seasoned signature seeker and they told me that I could not upgrade. All tickets were sold. I had cash….that did not matter.
Then, my next step was to buy a poster in order to get something signed. So, I said to the guy standing next to me….I just drove from Rehoboth Beach, which poster would you pick? He said he had just driven from Lewes. He graduated from University of Delaware and he would pick the one that showed Pittsburgh down. Me too!! Another $74 for the poster and signature.
People were so excited. The boys were a riot!!
Cake was being passed around while people were waiting.
Numbers were being called in increments of 50. Finally, my turn!!
Observing Mr. Lewis I noticed that he looked good. He is a consummate sport’s personality. He knows how to work his fans and gives them what they want. He signed everything that was put in front of him. He opened letters from little kids and took the time to read them. He smiled and made small talk.
So, I stood in front of him. I told him what I wanted on the poster and he started to look down to sign. Then, I said “Gosh, when this evening is over, you are going to wish you were back in Delray Beach”. A smile started to form. Ray Lewis does have a place near Delray Beach. I proceeded to tell him how I knew about it. He was totally surprised!
 
And, here is the signed poster!
Last stop was the authentication…..JSA Authentication. He said “how nice to see you again”. My answer was “Are you charging $5?” No way, with all these people here. It was all included. He then proceeded to tell me that I am in the “club”. Fans looking for signature…always the same group. I laughed.
Pouring rain. How was I going to walk with the poster, and the big canvas in the rain? Of course, nobody had a bag or anything to wrap it up. One of my new “friends” ran to her car and brought me a trash bag…..Thanks!
A “friend” yelled…don’t cause any problems in the parking lot!! See you next time And, off to the Delaware Beaches I went.
Talk to you later.
June 9th, 2013
In Southern Delaware all the coastal towns are pretty close to each other. Lewes is the First Town in The First State. The Historic District of Lewes consists of quaint shops, historic sites, and restaurants that are making names for themselves as dining destinations.
A few years back a restaurant by the name of Agave opened. Well, their success is attributed to consistently good food, great atmosphere, and affordable prices. It is located at 137 2nd St., which is their Main Street. Tel. 302-645-1232.
On any given night the atmosphere is casual with a vibrant Latin beat. The ever present Margaritas and the wide variety of tequilas will make you feel like you did not wait for your table at all. But, let me tell you, plan your visit because this restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants at the Delaware Beaches. You may leave your name and walk around Lewes, or just go upstairs and mingle with the rest of them.
Since I am always complaining about the wait, I discovered a new strategy….Lunch!!
A friend, Cathi, had not been to Agave so on our way there for lunch I was telling her all about it. We got there about 11:45 a.m. Our plan? To be the first to get in. Haha….there were already 4 people waiting. I told Cathi we were staying put. And, so we did.
It was great going in and seeing the restaurant empty, but that did not last long. Agave looked great and their expanded dining area has made it even better.
Their bar was well stocked and ready to receive customers.
The shells were being fried.
Cathi and I decided to order the Pine Nut & Goat Cheese Guacamole for an appetizer. Agave serves generous portions so this appetizer is perfect for sharing. Their guacamole is truly delicious with the avocado flavor being the main event.
New at Agave is the Gluten Free Menu. The chips served with the guacamole are made out of corn but they are fried with other foods, so, if you have a gluten allergy you should not eat them. If you like their guacamole, bring the chips from home.
Agave offers very nice salads and Cathi decided on the Mango & Avocado Salad… Topped with bacon and with the ever present queso fresco. Plenty of mango and lots of avocado!!
I have had in the past Agave’s tamal. I was totally impressed before so I decided to order it again. Consistently good, that’s the key. A tamal is made with a corn dough, filled with a savory filling, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. Then, Agave, tops it with Mole sauce. A side order of rice and black beans and corn bread accompanied the tamal.
This tamal reminded me of the Puertorican “pasteles” which are mostly served during the holidays. In Puerto Rico they are made with plantains and green bananas. You can also make them out of yuca (casava). A filling of pork, ham, raising, olives and the list goes on. Very labor intensive. Following is the photo so you can see how similar they look.
We had great service and no dessert was ordered since we were satisfied. Now, we could walk Historic Lewes!!
Talk to you later…have a good one!
Note: Gluten Free….Agave’s kitchen is small and they have mentioned on their gluten free menu that items may have been cross-contaminated. My husband has celiac disease and so far he has never had any problems. Talk to your server, ask questions and read the menu.
June 8th, 2013
The new eatery located at 111 Neil’s Alley in Historic Lewes, Delaware is Nectar. It is a Cafe & Juice Bar. Its friendly and charming owner is Sarah McKeown. And, Jody, Sue, and I found her very busy on a rainy day at the Delaware Beaches.
Nectar opens at 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day of the week. Tel. 302-645-5842. Email nectar302@gmail.com.
My first impression of Nectar was that I had a feeling of warmth. The restaurant embraces you as you step in. Like a hug…you know what I mean. The lighting is perfect; not too bright and not dim either. It flows very well.
The juice bar has plenty of seating at the bar and by the window. You can choose one of their specialty juices or be adventurous and develop your own signature juice.
There is an open living room, where you can relax, sip your drinks, or wait for your party to join you.
Plenty of tables have been arranged in the main dining room. Every chair is different. The plates on the wall are all beautiful. A lot of thought has gone into the decorating of Nectar. It shows as the restaurant has his own unique aura.
I wanted to try one of their juices. Afterall, it is also a juice bar. I chose the Lean Green Machine. It had green apple, cucumber, basil, spinach, lime, and jalapeno. Boost your metabolism with this fat-fighting tonic…..and those jalapenos were definitely doing a dance with my taste buds. Very good!
Nectar accommodates everyone. Breakfast is served all day, soups, salads, deli salads, sandwiches and dessert. We had made our choices.
We ordered 2 soups; a Carrot & Ginger Soup (left photo), and a Tomato Soup (right). Jody loved hers and my Tomato Soup was excellent. Well seasoned; tasty and just so you know, this soup is also served at Nectar with a grilled cheese sandwich…you can dunk.
 
Sue ordered the blueberry pancakes. They were fluffy topped with homemade blueberry maple syrup. The pancakes were crusty on the outside and soft inside. Also available gluten-free!! Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that the servings are very generous.
Jody went with the Quinoa Salad. That powerful grain is very versatile and was mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion and feta cheese on a bed of mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
My Salmon Citrus Salad was awesome! Pan seared salmon fillet served over butter lettuce, capers, fennel, grapefruit and orange slices with a citrus vinaigrette.
We were perfectly content, so no dessert was ordered. They do have lemon and mixed berry tart, strawberry shortcake, carrot cake, vegan chocolate avocado torde and the daily flavor ice cream.
Note: Nectar also serves Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s made with Gluten Free Tito’s Vodka, Beer & Wine!!
We wish Nectar the best for Summer of 2013!!
June 7th, 2013
After 3 seasons of bringing innovative theatre to the Eastern Shore, Brown Box Theatre Project is thrilled to be returning to Ocean City, Maryland, with its production of Steven Dietz’s The Nina Variations.
Director of Free Shakespeare at the Beach and local talent, and Ocean City’s own, Kyler Taustin, will take the helm to bring to life this relentless twist on Chekov’s modern classic, The Seagull. Brown Box Theatre Project extends you an invitation to join them at the New Ocean City Center for the Arts for a beautiful night celebrating the arts in all its forms.
The performances will start at 7:30 p.m. Location? 94th St. in Ocean City. To purchase tickets, please visit http://www.brownboxtheatre.org.
The Nina Variations explores a relationship cursed by unrequited and complicated love in 42 variations of how the love story of Nina and Treplev could have ended. Dietz pits these lovers’ vibrant and soaring passions against one another in a fast-paced tour de force of romantic entanglement.
Since its formation in 2009, Brown Box Theatre Project has been producing quality theatre up and down the East Coast, including venues in Boston, New York, Maryland, and Delaware. This season marks the expansion of the company’s presence on the shore. The Nina Variations will be the first of three productions touring the area followd by the 3rd Annual Free Shakespeare at the Beach: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and a new work, Ashes, by British playwright, Ali Muriel.
More info? Please visit http://www.brownboxtheatre.org, or call 443-880-4328.
June 7th, 2013
 
To be able to sit outdoors and enjoy dinner at this time of the year at the Delaware Beaches, is priceless. It is our time to shine in Southern Delaware; beautiful skies, balmy temperatures.
Matt Haley Companies invite you to enjoy a special evening at Good Earth Market & Organic Farm. It will be an outdoor event; a farm to table dinner. It will take place on Tuesday, June 18th at 6 p.m. Tickets are $95; limited seating. For tickets and information, please call 302-537-7100. Good Earth Market & Organic Farm is located 4 miles west of Bethany Beach on Rt. 26, at 31806 Good Earth Lane in Clarksville, DE 19970.
All proceeds will benefit The Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc. (DAPI) is a non-profit organization developed in 1969 in New Castle County, Delaware, to provide pregnant teens a way to continue their education and receive prenatal care. Please visit http://www.dapi.org.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour with appetizers being passed around the guests. Then, the main course will be family style. The dessert will be showcasing produce grown on site.
A farm to table dinner extends an invitation to converse at the dinner table….I have been to them and they are unique!
All food will be prepared by Plate Catering, a Division of The Matt Haley Companies.
Have a great time!!
Note: Photos were taken at Good Earth Market & Organic Farm.
June 6th, 2013
Get out of town and come to the beach. This is the best time before it gets too crowded. Plenty of parking, shops are fully stocked and the restaurants are looking soooo good.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June 7th, June 8th, June 9th – Love to walk, eat, sip, and meet new people? The new food tour experience in Downtown Rehoboth Beach is awesome. I just went on it myself. The restaurants you will visit will be a surprise…you need to book your tickets through http://www.eatingrehoboth.com, then you will either meet at Hotel Rehoboth or The Bellmoor in Downtown Rehoboth Beach for a 3 hour or so tour and lots of interesting tastings….meet the restauranteurs and chefs that have made Rehoboth Beach a dining destination. Tours begin at 1 p.m. and you can book them up to 11 a.m. on the day of the tour.
Until Saturday, June 8th – Restaurant Week continues in Rehoboth Beach, town-wide. Some restaurants are even serving special lunch menus. Please visit http://www.downtownrehoboth.com/downtown-happenings/restaurant-week/htm to check out the list of restaurants participating.
Saturday, June 8th – 10th Annual Miracle Mile Cancer Survivor’s Walk. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with the walk actually beginning at 8:00 a.m. Location? All Saints Episcopal Church, Olive Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Participants will return to the Church for a light breakfast.
Saturday, June 8th – Liquid Surf Shop’s 3rd Annual Swap Meet from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Do you want to sell surf and skateboard related items? This is your opportunity to do so with no fees charged. Please call 302-227-7130 for more info. or visit http://www.liquidboardshop.com. Location? 19406 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) Rehoboth Beach.
Saturday, June 8th – Doggy Happy Hour. It is Playtime at The Beach from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Rigby’s Bar & Grill on 404 Rehoboth Avenue. Dogs are welcomed but remember that they have to be on a leashed. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Delaware Humane Association. Playtime at the Beach is a series of Dog-Friendly Happy Hours in Rehoboth Beach to benefit the animals at Delaware Humane Association. Meet and mingle with other animal lovers at “doggy happy hours” hosted annually by local restaurants and bars in Rehoboth Beach from April through October. Please visit http://www.dehumane.org. Next on the schedule will be on Saturday, June 22nd at The Seafood Shack in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Josephine’s Daughter – Downtown Rehoboth Beach Women” Boutique Relocates to the Avenue – They have expanded their apparel, shoes and accessories. They are best known for their colorful, variety of fashions. New location on Rehoboth Avenue is 146 R (middle of the second block). Open House on June 12th, so if you are in town stop by. The store opens every day.
 
Tuesday, July 9th and Wednesday, July 10th – Save the Date – 64th Annual Cottage Tour of Art – 2-Day Tour, 7 exceptional private homes and cottages and the Homestead, a 1743 colonial home listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. This tour is much awaited every year in Rehoboth Beach. Please make your plans as this year the Rehoboth Art League celebrates it 75th anniversary!! The houses and cottages are all located in the Rehoboth Beach ara. The tour is self-paced. Transportation on the Jolly Trolley to each location is provided by the Art League. J. Conn Scott will convert the Homestead into a show house around the 75th Annniversary Events.
Each year the Rehoboth Art League chooses an artist to create paintings of the homes that will be showcased on the tour. This year Mr. William Dec was selected. He is known for his landscapes and seascapes. To see the houses and locations, including the purchasing of tickets for this event, please visit http://www.rehobothartleague.org, click on Events and select Annual Cottage Tour of Art.
Have a great day!!
June 5th, 2013
The 27th Annual Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run began tonight with a send-off at 7 p.m. from the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. In the 26 year history of Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics, more than $4.3 million has been raised.
I was so surprised to see cars bumper to bumper on Coastal Highway around 8 p.m. Then, I saw it. The “Flame of Hope”. The very front officer was carrying it. It will be carried by over 500 police officers 160 miles over 3 days across the state, leading up to the Opening Ceremonies of the 43rd Summer Games. Delaware is the only state in the country that runs a lit “Flame of Hope” the entire length of the state prior to its Summer Games.
Runners lead the “Flame of Torch” out of town with the first mile dedicated to Cpl. Chris Shea, DSP, who was tragically killed in a traffic accident. The flames stops for the night at the Delaware State Police Troop 7 in Lewes.
The Torch Run resumes on Thursday in 3 Sussex Country locations: Delmar, Lewes, and Georgetown. The 3 Sussex County legs of the Torch Run unite in Harrington, where the 3 torches will become one and the run will continue north through Kent County. Ceremonies will take place at Legislative Hall in Dover at 2 p.m., Wilmington Police Dept. on Friday, at 1:20 p.m. and the Summer Games Family Picnic on Friday, at 5 p.m. All times are approximate.
The “Flame of Hope” will then be carried into the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Games, which begin Friday at 7 p.m. at the Bob Carpenter Center. For more information, please visit http://www.sode.org, or http://www.sode.org/fundraisers/torch-run-for-special-olympics-delaware.
Special Olympics Delaware has been changing the lives of Delawareans for 40 years. “Over 3,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities have proven that, given the chance, no disability is too great to overcome.”
Have a great time!!
Note: Information for this post was taken from Special Olympics Delaware.
 
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