January 28th, 2015
 
I was on the phone with someone from Delray Beach, Florida. I finally asked…how is the weather? Well, it is a little chilly today….76 degrees!! With that in mind and before I tell you a few of the events catching my attention in Delray Beach….it is still time to come to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and participate in the 2015 Polar Bear Plunge!! It really is a whole week-end festival…and we really did not get any snow. This event is for Special Olympics Delaware. There will be a 5K Run to The Plunge, a Pooch Plunge, Ice Sculpting Demo, Restaurant Chili Contest, Polar Ice Cream Throwdown and more for all ages…..so here is your opportunity to visit Rehoboth Beach in our Second Season. More info? Please visit http://www.plungede.org.
So, Delray Beach….What is Going On?
The beach in Delray is really neat. No buildings to create shadows. Once you park yourselves on this beach….chill out and relax!! The water is so clear. The beach is wide, with plenty of space for other activities.
DELRAY BEACH CENTER FOR THE ARTS – Located on the corner of Atlantic and Swinton Avenues, this campus includes the Cornell Museum of Art, the Crest Theatre, the Vintage Gymnasium, the Pavilion, and the School of Creative Arts. Plenty of events and exhibits throughout the year take place on this corner of Downtown Delray Beach. There are art classes on going and also about to start. If you are interested while you are snowflaking or snowbirding in Delray, please visit http://www.delrayarts.org. Please note that The School of Creative Arts is located on the 2nd floor of the Crest Theatre. Tel. 561-243-7922, ext. 317.
SATURDAYS – 19TH SEASON OF THE DELRAY GREEN MARKET. 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Location? 50 NE 2nd St. on the grounds of the Old School Square. Early in the a.m. locals and visitors arrive to get first picks of produce, flowers, fresh seafood….and to listen to local entertainment, as well. Please visit http://www.delraycra.org/market for more info., recipes, and to check their blog. During festivals, the Green Market usually relocates to SE 4th Avenue, around the corner of the Green Owl Restaurant. You won’t miss it.
 
SATURDAY, 1/31 and SUNDAY, 2/1 – ARTISTS IN THE PARK – This is the longest running outdoor show in South Florida. Sponsored by the Delray Art League, this year marks the 50th anniversary for DAL!! Artists in the Park will be taking place this week-end at Delray Beach Center for the Arts Old School Square on the corner of Atlantic and N. Swinton Aves. The other location is at Veterans Park on Atlantic Ave. by the Intracoastal. The outdoor show begins at 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more info. and to see the schedule, please visit http://www.delrayartleague.com/dal. Note: A celebration marking the 50th Anniversary for DAL!! Thursday, 2/26 Plein Air Festival. You can apply online and get more info. at http://www.pleinairpalmbeach.com. Friday, 2/27 through Sunday, 3/1 there will be a special 3 day art festival on the grounds of the Delray Center for the Arts on the corner of Atlantic & N. Swinton Aves., Saturday, 2/28 and Sunday, 3/1…Artist Within, and Sunday, 3/1, along with the Art Festival, there will be a Southern Dance, Magic Cards, Music by Steve Martel and the High School Art Contest. Make sure you check the websites above mentioned.
SATURDAY, 1/31 – SAVOR OUR CITY – CULINARY AND HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS . These tours are taking places in walkable neighborhoods in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens. On Saturday a Taste of Atlantic Ave will take place. Reservations are a must by calling 800-979-3370 or by visiting http://www.savorourcity.com. Tour begins at 11 1.m. and takes about 3 hours. You will walk and you will taste.
SATURDAY, 1/31 – DELRAY YACHT CRUISES – DINNER CRUISE. IT BEGINS AT 6 P.M. UNTIL 8 P.M. $60/person. Please call 561-243-0686. Touring the intracoastal northbound or southbound, Delray Beach Cruises are a great way to spend an afternoon or early evening and get to know The Village by the Sea. Please visit http://www.delraybeachcruises.com.
FRIDAY, 2/6, THROUGH SUNDAY, 2/8 – 16TH ANNUAL DELRAY BEACH GARLIC FEST – Gourmet food, entertainment, friendly cooking competition…the festival celebrates all things garlic. For tickets and more info., please visit http://www.dbgarlicfest.com.
SHOPPING AND DINING IN DELRAY BEACH
Plenty of shops up and down Atlantic Avenue and also in the Art District of Pineapple Grove which is 2nd Ave. If you like unique handbags, made in Delray Beach, you might want to visit FURST. It is located at 123 2nd Ave. Tel. 561-272-6422. Ronald Furst makes his handbags right in the shop, and he will be more than happy to explain his craft. Handmade jewelry, as well.
Delray Beach is a dining destination. The majority of the restaurants offer outdoor dining or “at sidewalk dining”, as well. So much fun to sit outside, and more so if you are arriving during the cold winter up north.
 
JOSEPH’S WINE BAR & CAFE – Located at 200 N.E. 2nd Avenue #107 at City Walk. Tel. 561-272-6100. Website? http://www.josephswinebar.com. Stopping at Joseph’s on my last visit and having to tell him that my husband, John, had passed away was hard. So many memories of sitting outside having something to eat…and John and Joseph smoking a cigar once in awhile. He could not believe it and pictured him sitting at his favorite chair. Inside, the restaurant is so pretty and elegant. It’s your choice, dining indoors or al fresco.
My friend, Cindi and I decided to have a little “happy hour” and the Mediterranean platter was our choice. Humus, eggplant dip, tabouli, and stuffed grape leaves, along with whole wheat pita. A little wine and a lot of friendly conversation.
Have a great time!!
January 26th, 2015
The aroma of Indian food; coriander, curries, dry red chillies, turmeric, fennel….sooo good. Only a few Indian restaurants in Delaware and one of them, Flavor of India, is located at 348 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Tel. 302-677-0121. Website? http://www.flavorofindiade.com. It is in the same building with a separate entrance from the Motel 8. Believe me, the restaurant is really good.
They are open 7 days a week. Dine in or take out.
Stopped to pick up some take-out and gave Tony the news that my husband, John, had passed away on August 31, 2013. He was truly shocked and could not believe it. John and I enjoyed eating at Flavor of India and also enjoyed talking to Tony.
I picked up Lamb Saagwala, which had lamb pieces and fresh spinach cooked in an Indian spicy herbal sauce. I also picked up some Lamb Pasanda, an authentic dish from northern India. In northern India the curries are thick and the gravies are very creamy. The basmati rice is awesome with a rich aroma…..you cannot find that rice in Rehoboth Beach…Flavor of India have their own connections.
In the past when dining in I have ordered the pappadom, which is like a flat bread. Sauces are brought to the table for dipping. You can also eat it by itself.
And dishes like the Goat Masala, which my husband loved. Most of the goat dishes have a bone.
And, Lamb Zafrani…one of my favorites.
I took home for dessert Gajar Halwa, which is mainly made with carrots….sweet and very interesting taste. Have had it before and still like it. Served warm.
The sense of taste is so acute and amazing….trying the foods from northern India with so many different spices, each hitting at the right time. So, if you have a craving for Indian food, or just want something different, go and visit Tony at Flavor of India. I keep telling him they should open a restaurant in Rehoboth Beach.
Note: Flavor of India continues to receive awards for being a true representation of Indian food with great service, delicious food, and reasonable prices. They are also aware of customers with gluten free allergies.
January 26th, 2015
Meatless recipe….but the day is perfect for a nice hot chili!!
This recipe is totally stolen. Cannot take any credit for it. It is a recipe from Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa. It comes out so good and it can be served by itself, or, as a side dish for meat, chicken or fish. I have served it with a Turducken and I just served it for Christmas Eve dinner with my small standing rib roast from Hickman’s in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Spinach Gratin and sliced tomatoes on the side…yummy! It is by no means a low fat, low cal recipe but some adjustments can be made….substitute the butter for something lighter. The heavy cream can be half and half, and the milk can be low fat, as well.
SPINACH GRATIN
4 tablsps. usalted butter
4 cups yellow onions, chopped
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp nutmeg, grated (I used ground)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups milk
5 10-ounce packages of frozen spinach, defrosted
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Kosher salt (optional)
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until translucent. About 10 minutes. Add the flour and nutmeg and cook stirring for a few more minutes, making a roux. Add the cream and milk and cook until thickened.
Squeeze as much liquid as you can from the defrosted spinach. Add the spinach to the sauce. Then, add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese and mix it well. Season with salt and pepper if you want to.
Transfer the spinach to a baking dish, 9 x 13, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 Parmesan and the Gruyere on top. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy!!
I made this recipe gluten free. Please grate your cheeses to make sure there are no additives containing gluten.
January 24th, 2015
All those cooking classes and dining for a cause…..but not before I tell you about my breakfast wrap. I had a customized breakfast wrap at Arena’s Cafe at 17314 N. Main Blvd., at The Villages of Five Points in Lewes, Delaware, 19958. Tel. 302-644-0370. Open for breakfast and lunch it, has breakfast fare, burgers, sandwiches, etc. etc…..and plenty of parking.
This wrap was really good. And, my most favorite ingredient was scrapple. I am not much of a breakfast person but, this particular customization really hit the spot.
My friend, Jody, decided for something a little healthier, I guess…..and boring, like the eggwhite omelette. She loved it!! I think it was called The Popeye!!
The Delaware Beaches are a dining destination, but also it has become the place to get away with friends and join a week-end cooking class. These cooking classes and dining events look like so much fun.
BLINDFOLD WINE DINNERS – NAGE, located at 19730 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-2276-2037. http://www.nagerb.com/blindfold-dinners.html. The Blindfolds go on just before each course, then, they come off for the Gastro Reveal after you’ve eaten each course!! Friday, February 20th at 6:30 p.m. Twenty diners in their Private Dining Room will have the opportunity to settle that if by losing one sense, another one becomes more acute. This particular dinner will have 4 succulent seafood courses paired with 4 hand picked wines. $89/person and gratuity is included. They have noted that if you do have a shellfish allergy not to register for this particular dinner. Friday, March 13th at 6:30 p.m. Food aficionados will again enjoy an evening at their Private Dining Room with the blindfolds on and then off. 4 French Courses with 4 French Wines. $89/person including gratuity.
NAGE COOKING CLASSES – 19730 Coastal Highway, Rt. 1, Rehoboth Beach. Individual classes are priced at $55. The only one left open will take place on Saturday, April 18th from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m….Cooking With Spring Vegetables. For all culinary levels. Please visit http://www.nagerb.com/cooking-classes.html.
BIG FISH GRILL – The classes will be held at Big Fish Grill located 20298 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-9007. The menu will feature items from the Big Fish Restaurant Group. The classes will also include a tour of the restaurant, a whole fish cleaning demo, which by the way I have participated….and it is not as easy as it looks. Tips about purchasing and preparing fresh seafood will be among the topics during the class. The doors will open at 9:45 a.m. and they want you to arrive hungry! It costs $85/class. Minimum 10 participants per class, as well. Please note that they do have group theme and private classes available. To see their schedule and more info., please visit http://www.bigfishgrill.com/classes-a-events.html.
ABRACADINNER COOKING CLASSES – Chef Kris Etze opens her own kitchen!! The classes are $55 oper class. Occasionally an extra add on charge for a special topic, as well. Driving directions and anything you need to bring along will be sent to you by email ahead of a class. Kris also offers pre-arranged topics for small groups in your own kitchen. Please contact her at 302-228-6125 or email her at chef@abracadinner.com. Please note that Kris is able to handle any food allergies.
You can purchase 4 classes and receive a complimentary 5th class, valid for use within 6 months, where space permits. Please visit http://www.abracadinner.com to see the upcoming schedule and for more info. Some of the upcoming classes are: It’s a Crock, Comfort Foods with a Twist, Mad for Mediterranean, Seafood-Quick and Easy!, Wok and Roll.
CHOWDOWN FOR CHARITY – Friday, February 6th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Location? Baywood Greens Golf Course at 32267 Clubhouse Way, Long Neck, DE 19966. $65/person in advance and $75/person at the door. This is going to be such a fun event with plenty of your favorite restaurants participating. It is a fundraising event for Next Generation of Southern Delaware. This group is a giving circle of the Delaware Community Foundation and is a philanthropic organization that was created and is directed by young professionals living and working in Sussex and Kent Counties. They are in their 3rd year and are raising lots of funds for a good cause.
You can expect food, drinks and a little friendly culinary competition. Enjoy beer and wine while local restaurant chefs will be preparing a gourmet signature dish for you to sample and vote for your favorite, selecting the “2015 Chowdown for Charity Chef Champion”. More info? Visit http://www.delcf.org. You can purchase tickets online!! Please visit the Facebook Page of 3rd Annual Chowdown for Charity.
Have a great day!!
January 23rd, 2015
 
“”Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” paul theroux
I think about this quote as I walked the award-winning Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, with my friend, Gail. Winter is a season of recovery for the beaches. A time to sit back and relax. With Spring and Summer just a few months away, not only does the town take a serene look, but the residents do so, as well.
Even though Gail and I were commenting how quiet it was on the Boardwalk, we agreed that listening to the sound of the waves was pretty awesome and….we are lucky to live here.
We decided to have lunch at Semra’s, located at 19 Rehoboth Avenue. As quiet as it looked on the Boardwalk, the Avenue was as crowded as it usually gets during winter. Semra’s only closes on Wednesdays. The rest of the week they are open. Tel. 302-226-4976. Website? http://www.semras.com. For the last minute events and dining specials you can visit them on Facebook.
Today, Friday, is Falafel Fridays. Falafel are fritters; balls or patties made, usually, with ground chickpeas, but also fava beans can be used, as well. Yum!
On Mondays their Musakka entree is only $10.95. And, on Tuesdays their Kabobs are 30% off.
I told Gail to order their Turkish Musakka. It is different from the traditional Greek one. It is not layered. Instead, it is prepared with aubergines, green peppers, tomatoes, and onions. Served with a well seasoned pilaf…pita bread. The side dish is cacik which is a strained yogurt served cold.
I decided to have Kofte. These are beef and lamb patties seasoned with Turkish herbs and spices, served with pilaf and cacik (yogurt sauce), and a cold bean salad.
Semra’s makes everything from scratch. Their dishes are full of flavor and exotic spices. Our dishes were light…..yes, they were!! And, the tea warmed us up on a damp winter day in Rehoboth Beach.
Once a month Semra’s has a dinner and belly dancing show. What started just to see if it would work out, now is a much waited event. Next one will be on February 28th!! They tell me the place turns itself into a big party with lots of customers participating and enjoying the fun. You can call them to 302-226-4976 for a reservation.
Note: Prices are good, with personal service!! They do have a liquor license. Carry-out available. You will love it!
January 20th, 2015
My tiny bag of pearled barley is part of my decor….does not fit in any cabinet. Barley has a low glycemic index. It is also the highest in fiber of all the whole grains.
Check this recipe out!! It is a Stolen Recipe…not my own, even though I usually try to make recipes my own…in this particular recipe the lettuce used was not the one suggested. It worked out just fine.
BARLEY WALDORF SALAD
3/4 cup pearled barley
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (I used non-fat yogurt, instead) Anything to help the battle of the bulge.
3 tablespoons light mayo
1/4 teaspoon of finely shredded lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest (This was an extra addition, it gave it a better lemony taste.)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sugar (I used Stevia.)
1/4 teaspoon of Sea Salt
1 1/2 cups seedless gred graves, halved (I bought the smaller seedless ones.)
2/3 cup corsely chopped red apple
1/2 cup finely sliced celery
lettuce….Any leaf lettuce will do. The recipe called for 8 leaves of butterhead, Boston or Bibb lettuce. I tore my lettuce leaves.
1/4 cup walnuts and walnut pieces….toasted
In a large saucepan toast pearled barley over medium to low heat for about 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring. Add 4 cups of water. You can also cook it in unsalted chicken broth, like I did. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 40 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse. Set aside to let it cool off.
The rest of the ingredients are just an easy assembly.
In a large bowl combine yogurt, mayo, lemmon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Stir in cooked barley, grapes, apple and celery.
Toast the walnuts in a medium heat over the stove, in a frying pan.
To serve, spoon barley mixture over your choice of lettuce. Sprinkle with walnuts and garnish with the shredded lemon peel.
I thought it was great….one of my sons thought it was okay!! You decide.
Have a good one!! Quiet day on Silver Lake in Rehoboth Beach.
January 18th, 2015
It is warm….it is also raining. I take it!! Old World Breads is located at 321 Nassau Rd., Unit 4 in Lewes, Delaware. Telo. 302-313-5191. Website? http://www.oldworldbreads.com.
 
The only day they are close is on Monday. Otherwise, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday they open at 7 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Today, Sunday, they will be open until 1 p.m.
Old World Breads is an artisan bread bakery. Their costumers? Farmers markets, local eateries. Their breads are made without preservatives or enhancers.
Grab a cup of coffee to go or to sip it while trying to figure out what to get. For a rainy day like today, you will be surprise to find out that they also offer homemade soups. The other day I bought their split pea soup and I totally recommend it.
Homemade rosemary ciabatta bread was another of my picks and toasting a few pieces, adding them to my soup….I had a meal! Nothing better on a cold or rainy day like warm soup and bread.
Their Pumpkin French Toast Muffins looked delicious.
And, I was introduced to their Toasted Pastries. Their version of a pastry commercially sold, this one was filled with cherries. From the photo they look sweet, but they had just the right amount of sweetness.
 
Directions:
Route 1 driving north make a right turn on Nassau Rd., right before you go over the Nassau Bridge. They are about 1/4 mile on the right.
Route 1 driving south make a left hand turn onto Nassau Rd. as soon as you go over the Nassau Bridge. Go about 1/4 of a mile on the right.
Have a great day!!
January 16th, 2015
Darling….You look Marvelous!! The Breakers Palm Beach, located at One South County Rd., Palm Beach, FL 33480 is turning 119 years old today!! This iconic hotel has so much history. It has gone through ups and downs…a life well lived and continues to do so, getting better as the years go by.
In November I stayed at The Breakers with my friend, Cindi, for a couple of days. Having a few posts left to be published on our amazing days, pampered with impeccable service, what better day than on its birthday to finish my posts? In Rehoboth Beach the sun is out and it looks like it should be 80 degrees. Oh, no. Thirty degrees, I think. That’s okay, the Delaware Beaches are year-round regardless of the weather. I am just visualizing, that’s all!!
Even though The Breakers has plenty of restaurants available to guests and the public, they also have a couple of restaurants that are only for their Guests and Club Members.
Poolside Dining? The Ocean Grill was our choice for lunch. Beautiful views, outdoor dining, watching the palm trees do their thing. By the way, The Ocean Grill has a Gluten Free Menu!!
We had an appetizer of Avocado Fries. Avocado spears lightly fried.
Maine Lobster Roll. Lobster on a butter toasted brioche bun. The Avocado Fries were so good…a side order of those, as well.
And, a Lobster Club Salad is what I wanted, with bacon, avocado, tomatoes, celery and a light vinaigrette dressing.
And what could something so simple be so good? Warm chocolate chips cookies and milk for dunking for our sweet ending.
For more information about The Breakers Palm Beach, please visit http://www.thebreakers.com.
Talk to you later!!
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