April 30th, 2014
When some of us got together at the end of 2013 for a dinner at the Waystead Inn, in Berlin, Maryland, we had no doubt that Toby Gilbert was on his way. On that evening some of Chef Toby’s offerings were:
Roasted Oyster Chowder…oyster cream, and roasted vegetables.
Roasted Duck…potato puree, jus reduction and herbs.
Winter Roots…carrot, sweet potato, purple potato, celery root, turnip, radish, beet, and herbs.
Venison Loin…rye risotto, berry sauce, chanterelle mushroom.
A sweet ending of “Apple Pie”…apple pate de fruit.
Spring 2014, Blacksmith opens in Historic Berlin, Maryland with Chef Toby Gilbert giving his customers food prepared in unexpectedly delicious ways.
Locals can walk or ride their bikes, but some of us that live further away do not mind the drive. It was great to see Paul again and his date early on Sunday….from Lewes, Delaware. So, you see, no big deal to drive, especially on a beautiful day.
Cindi and I arrived at 4 p.m. As the time passed it started to get comfortably crowded for a Sunday evening. You know what? As I took a look at the customers on that particular evening it was so much fun to see a wide range of ages….families with children, young adults, and the matured crowd, as well. The next thing I noticed was that everyone was having a good time.
Blacksmith is located at 104 Pitts Street, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-973-2102. On Facebook, find it as Blacksmith Berlin.
The sitting area is open with available sitting for about 70 customers. The kitchen is open, as well.
Meet Toby….So, how did you get into cooking? He said that he started cooking with his Mother. Now, that was a sweet thing to say. Giving credit to his mother was priceless!! Then, cooking in different restaurants and with amazing chefs, traveling and much appreciated training.
 
Toby feels very much at ease talking to his customers. He is particular about his food and presentation. Very engaging, treating his customers like they are the only ones in the restaurant.
The menu changes constantly and on Soul Food Sunday you had a choice of small plates, salads and soups, large plates and sandwiches. Some of the dishes passing by our table were Maryland style fried chicken, with Hanks duck fat hot sauce, Boneless short ribs with grits and pickled veggies….Cindi and I resisted those temptations and went for small plates instead.
We decided to share the Chicken Liver Pate, sealed with duck fat with homemade orange marmalade (Toby said they had so many oranges.), arugula and pumpernickle toast. Delicious.
The Soup of the Day was a cauliflower and carrot cream soup with roasted beets and creme fraiche. Just perfect for a chilly evening and the right amount of heat, as well.
Organic Arugula Salad with raw Blue Cheese, basil, vinaigrette, toasted almonds and red grapes.
Cold Smoked Oysters with beet mustard and carrot hot sauce.
Grilled Romaine lettuce leaves, Parmesan croutons and homemade Caesar dressing.
There were 3 desserts on the menu…tempting but we were satisfied…maybe next time.
Next time your destination becomes the Historic town of Berlin, Maryland….check Blacksmith!!
April 28th, 2014
This recipe is from the book called The End of Diabetes by Joel Fuhrman, MD. A very interesting book…I have it on my Kindle. Dr. Fuhrman says “When you eat a diet rich in healthy, natural foods from the earth, you give your body the nutrients it needs to heal and protect itself”.
It has started to rain. This soup is tasty, filling and vegetarian. The only thing I changed was that instead of water I used No Salt Vegetable Broth. It gave it even more flavor.
It is up to you if you wish to use organic vegetables.
GOLDEN AUSTRIAN CAULIFLOWER CREAM SOUP
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
3 carots, coarsely chopped (I bought the shredded carrots.)
1 cup coarsely chopped celery
2 leeks, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons of your favorite no-salt seasoning blend
1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash spice blend
2 cups carrot juice, fresh or bottled
4 cups of No Salt Vegetable Broth
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup raw cashews
5 cups chopped baby spinach
Place cauliflower, carrots, celery, leeks, 2 tablespoons seasoning blend, Mrs. Dash, carrot juice, No Salt Vegetable Broth, garlic, and nutmeg in a large soup pot. Cover, and simmer until cauliflower is soft; about 15 minutes.
Transfer 2/3 of the soup, (vegetables and stock) to a blender or food processor, add cashews, and blend until smooth and creamy. You might have to do this in batches.
Return blended mixture to the soup pot, stir in spinach, and simmer until spinach is wilted.
Serve and garnish with a few cashews.
Note: The cashews add thickening power, protein and fat to this delicious soup.
April 26th, 2014
Are you ready? Do you dare to Dance the Tango Milonga? Tonight is your opportunity to do so. Anita Peghini-Raber Gallery is the host of Tango de Arte Milonga. It happens the last Saturday of the month. Location? 49 Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
It is an evening of Social Dancing. Admission is $10.00
Don’t know how to even start dancing the Milonga? Don’t worry because Tango Lewes will be there to give a FREE intro lesson from 8:15 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. before the actual dancing begins. You can visit Lewes Tango’s website at http://www.tangolewes.com.
The Milonga is a fusion of many cultural dances. It is also a dancing style. It is fast paced, can either be danced with an open or close embrace. It incorporates many of the normal tango steps….if you want to learn, then you know what to do now.
Have a good one!!
April 26th, 2014
Plenty of activities and events going on this gorgeous week-end at the Delaware Beaches. Whether you attend any of them or decide that a week-end of dining, shopping and strolling is more your cup of tea….then go for it because when you are at the beach you need to relax and slow down.
MILFORD – A picturesque and historic town. Downtown Milford is hosting the Bug & Bud Festival from 9 a.m. until 4 p.nm. Join in the fun; this is the 11th year this event has been taking place along the Mispillion Riverwalk. This is a celebration of Arbor Day. The City of Miford’s designation as a Tree City, and Milford’s role in the ladybug’s designation as the State Bug of Delaware. There will be live entertainment, kids games, free giveaways, a ladybug costume parade, art shows and over 150 food and craft and community vendors., paddle boat rides, and plenty of more fun.
Take time to stop and visit the Milford Museum.
It is a beautiful building that used to be the Milford’s Post Office. Location 121 Walnut Street. Free admission! Call 302-424-1080, or, visit http://www.milforddemuseum.org.
LEWES – Walking Dunes Hike at Cape Henlopen State Park. It starts at 11 a.m. until Noon. It is a free program and the perfect day for a walk on the dunes. Ages 7 and up with an adult. Meet a the Seaside Nature Center and then go to other locations around the park. Call 302-645-6852 for more info.
The Seaside Nature Center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Borrow-a-Bike program is available from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Park entrance fees are in effect. More info? Please visit http://www.destateparks.com.
Saturday, 4/26 – 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. is Historic Lewes Farmers Market Hoedown – Party ‘Till the Cows come Home!! Tel. 302-644-1436. This is a rip roarin’ good time party at the Officer’s Club at Cape Henlopen State Park. It celebrates the community and the producer-only market that welcomed over 50,000 visitors last year. More info? Please visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.
DEWEY BEACH – In just about an hour, at 9:30 a.m. Doodles in Dewey will be starting. It is a fundraising event for Food & Friends. Location? Off Saulsbury Street entrance into Dewey. Until 3 p.m. but then after beach activities will also begin. Please call 301-467-5523 or visit http://www.doodlesindewey.com.
1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. – First Annual Dewey Beach Bacon Fest will begin. Tour participating retailers and taste amazing bacon concoctions. Leave your diet home for a few hours….bacon is in!! Please visit http://www.idewey.com for more info. or call 302-227-7796, 302-227-6779.
Have a Good One!!
April 25th, 2014
A “killer” comedy classic. Two charming sisters with a sinister secret. Directed by Rusty Hesse. Dickens Parlour Theater is located west of Bethany Beach, on Rt. 26. Just a few miles from Bethany. The address is 35715 Atlantic Avenue, Millville, DE 19970.
The parlour opens at 7 p.m. for cocktails…showtime is 7:30 p.m. Coffee and dessert are served at intermission.
If you would like to have dinner, there is only one seating at 6 p.m. Parlour opens at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required. You can check http://www.dptmagic.com. Click on One Stop Dining & Entertainment for more info., including the menu. When making the dinner reservations you will need to give them your Menu Selections, as well. Tel. 302-829-1071.
Dickens Parlour Theater opens year-round. The website shows the complete schedule, including the magic acts for the young ones and the young at heart. Great to keep in mind on rainy days at the beach.
Have a gorgeous day!!
April 24th, 2014
Many come year after year to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, which is also known as The Nation’s Summer Capital. This coastal town has grown so much. It used to be just a summer resort….not anymore. Rehoboth Beach is a vibrant year-round community, offering gorgeous beaches, an award winning boardwalk, tax free shopping, great restaurants….the boardwalk grub, entertainment, theater…The best place to start is with the Rehoboth Beach Museum. The Museum is also the home of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve and showcase artifacts that illustrate the development of Rehoboth Beach.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue, near the traffic circle and the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. Tel. 302-227-7310. Website? http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
So, what’s going on at the Museum?
Until the end of April – The Rehoboth Beach Museum partnered with The Cape Henlopen High School Photography Club and art teacher, Colleen Lowe, to create a window at the museum. The effect of the glass-like painted sea creatures is especially vivid at night. It pays homage to the art glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Through May 11th – The Rehoboth Beach Museum Hosts Fourth Annual Needlework Exhibit – This year’s exhibit will let stitchers choose to enter to be judged or just for fun. A nationally certified judge will award ribbons to those who wish to have their work judged, and a Best in Show across all categories will be awarded. All the entries will be eligible for the People’s Choice Award, voted on by visitors to the exhibit.
Saturday, May 3rd – My Doll and Me is a Tea Party hosted by the Rehoboth Beach Museum for girls ages 6 – 12. Young ladies are invited for an afternoon to share with others their favorite dolls on Saturday, May 3rd, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Ice tea, lemonade and sweet treats will be served. Girls will play and learn old-fashioned games such as hop scotch, marbles, cat’s cradle and hula hoop. Each girls will be invited to tell a special story about her doll. Girls are encouraged to dress up and, of course, to dress their dolls in their best outfits.
The cost of the tea party is $10 and includes admission to the Museum, refreshments and games. The event is limited to 15 girls with one doll each. Please call 302-227-7310 to make a pre-paid reservation.
This is such a fun event. I had the opportunity to help a few years ago and the girls were so sweet.
Have a good one!!
April 22nd, 2014
Have you been to Bethany Beach this week? The town is full of color with gorgeous flowers everywhere. Bethany is getting ready for Summer 2014 and so can you!
Whether you live in Bethany year-round or you arrive for a summer vacation, it is great to have your own time once in a while even if on vacation. Kristina Isom is the new owner of Mind, Body & Sole. This is a Wellness Center and Spa just blocks from Downtown Bethany Beach. Escape for a few hours or bring your friends to relax and get together after a day at the beach.
Kristina is so excited to own her business. She is a License Esthetician who has been in the Bethany area for years and was waiting for the opportunity to open her own spa. Ionic Detox, Manicures, Pedicures, Massage Therapy, Facials, and Make-Up are some of her services. She will also be offering onsite Spa parties, as well.
Mind, Body & Sole is located at 32892 Coastal Highway, at Starboard Center, Suite #4. Right on Coastal Highway between Garfield Parkway and Jefferson Bridge Road, on the west side of Coastal Highway.
Plenty of parking available with easy access north or south to any of the Delaware Beaches.
This week Kristina will be opening Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Next week she will be opening full time. Tel. 302-537-3668. Please check the website http://www.mind-body-and-sole.com. You can also follow Mind, Body & Sole on Facebook. Stop by and say hello.
It’s beautiful at the beach!! Have a great day.
April 20th, 2014
Happy Easter!! No better place than being in Rehoboth Beach. Church and a visit to Downtown Rehoboth was a must on this windy and chilly day!! Breathing the salty ocean air….definitely reinvigorating and a must!
It was early and a few were already walking their pooches and exercising. Michael and I decided that we needed to visit Mel at The Coffee Mill, located in the Rehoboth Mews on 127 Rehoboth Ave., Suite B. It is the oldest coffee shop in Rehoboth Beach and to tell you the truth, it is the best! Let’s say it is a daily addiction. Website? http://www.coffeemillrehoboth.com. You can follow The Coffee Mill on Facebook, as well.
 
My Breve was exactly what was needed. The Coffee Mill has available seating outside, as well. But, we took ours to go; not before a few photos were taken.
Meet Mell. He is the owner. A passion for photography, for his shop, and for coffee. Always a smile on his face; loves taking care of his customers.
You can enjoy more than coffee at The Coffee Mill. They serve tea, baked goods, and a light lunch.
Rehoboth Beach has been very crowded this week-end, and pretty soon the summer residents and visitors will be here….parking meters, crowds, etc. etc. So, I am loving walking, strolling, eating in Rehoboth Beach in the Spring.
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