March 20th, 2015
Happy 2nd Year Anniversary!! When The Spice & Tea Exchange opened in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, at 10 Rehoboth Avenue, this was going to be the first franchise opened in our small state. Great location, ocean block!! Since then, I have seen visitors and locals, like myself, stop and shop in a store that for those that like to cook is a must stop shop. Tel. 302-227-3327. Website? http://www.spiceandtea.com/rehoboth. They open every day, but at this time of the year, they close on Wednesdays.
 
This winter they started the Taste & Learn Series with demonstrations by local chefs. Only two more of those series are left. Taking place on Mondays….March 30th with Chef Betty Burleigh of Dinner is Served, and April 20th with Chef Hari Cameron of a(MUSE). Starter, entree, and dessert!! $35/person or $60/couple 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Call them up and make a reservation!
Cooking should be from the heart; it should not be rushed. The right amount of spice adding flavor to the recipes should be such that it will not overpower your creation. Your meal should not be ordinary, or boring….it should be extraordinary. And, when my brother gets his birthday present next week he will be getting tons of spices, salts, sugars and rubs… he will be spicing things up in Florida!! He loves to cook!!
Love their rice too. Different and eye catching.
I am not a hot tea drinker but they do have an excellent variety of loose teas for those that love a hot cup of tea….like my friend, Debbie.
I first stepped into The Spice & Tea Exchange on Mizner Park in Boca Raton, Florida. I was impressed then. Happy to have it in Rehoboth Beach….just visited one in Charleston, South Carolina. Even though it is a franchise, each has their own individuality. The staff is friendly and very helpful. They blend spices and herbs to customize. They are very knowledgeable of the products they sell. The Black Lava salt is so different. They told me that is a good finisher salt. Great on steaks. It contains sea salt and activated charcoal. The salt is dried in lava beds. On the second photo you can see it on the top shelf.
 
In ancient times salt was valuable. Roman soldiers were paid in salt. The payments were called “salarium”. Salt was and still is a preservative.
The Himalayan Salt Stones intrigue me. I have never cooked with them, but always look at them when shopping at their store. They can be heated, or chilled to any extreme temperature. Wash it after each use; not need for detergent. Awesome conversation piece for a party.
My “Pilon” is what is known as a mortar. I come from Puerto Rico and the pilon used for almost everything is made out of wood. But, apparently there is a difference…if you use a marble one, that’s very good for crushing whole spices. The one made out of wood, like I use, is mainly for crushing sauces…garlic too, well, that’s what I do. The ceramic one is mostly used in Europe. Perfect for crushing fresh spices. The Mexican favorite is the molcajete….avocados!!
 
I found out the website has recipes that look pretty good. Please visit http://www.spiceandtea.com/recipes-c-54.html.
So, as you stroll, and enjoy your time in Downtown Rehoboth Beach…..stop by and say hello.
March 19th, 2015
A culinary event that will link Rehoboth Beach’s past to modern cuisine!! No better place than to host it than at the Rehoboth Beach Museum, located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. By the roundabout and the Rehoboth Beach Visitor Center. Can’t miss it. This museum is very active offering residents and visitors exhibits and events such as this one. I always recommend a visi to Rehoboth Beach Museum, whether you have been a long time visitor to Rehoboth Beach, or you are discovering it for the first time. From a small coastal resort to a destination….Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is also known as the Nation’s Summer Capital. More info? Visit http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org
The Past Meets Paleo! will take place on Saturday, March 28th from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the museum. Reservations are required and admission is a canned or boxed food item that will be donated to the Community Resource Center, a charity supported by All Saints Church. The Shelter carries on the work done by the members of FISH Anonymous. Please call 302-227-7310 to make a reservation.
So, this is what’s going on…
Long-time locals may remember the remarkable Helen Tikiob and her generous efforts on behalf of those in need. Mrs. Tikiob formed a group of individuals at All Saints Church that provided help to those in need, including food and rides to doctor’s appointments. The group was named Fish Anonymous, referring to the primitive symbol for Jesus, which is a fish. The group produced a cookbook to sell, with proceeds supporting their charitable efforts. The cookbook was called The Last Resort, a tongue-in-cheek reference to our resort area and the way a busy cook might view the daunting task of selecting a meal to make on a busy day by turning, at last, to the recipes in the book.
Fast forward…..to today’s eclectic tastes in food preparation, and one might look to the Paleo food movement. Paleo food is what some believe is based on food humans’ ancient ancestors might likely have eaten, such as lean meat, nuts and berries.
Another local woman, Denise Vansant, has taken up the Paleo food lifestyle and created a business known as Cave Girl at the Beach. Vansant prepares food for local markets and caters some events. Her father was involved in the food industry, and her childhood was filled with the foods of Armenia and Turkey prepared by her grandparents. She is no stranger to meals made with fruits and vegetables.
The connection where the two women’s lives connect? Denise, a Baltimore girl, married into the local Vansant Family, which is related to the Tikiob Family. Helen Tikiob is her husband’s maternal grandmother…got that?
Upon learning of the cookbook and Denise’s Paleo food business from Denise Vansant, Nancy Alexander, Director of the Rehoboth Beach Museum, followed up on Denise’s wish to blend the two generations of cooks and proposed an event combining recipes from the book updated for today’s tastes.
The result is the event “The Past Meets Paleo”. Denise, the Cave Girl cook, will present food prepared for Paleo palates based on recipes from The Last Resort Cookbook. Member of the Tikiob and Vansant families will be in attendance, a s well as others who helped make the cookbook a reality, including Punx and Jay Wingate.
Call 302-227-7310, make a reservation….take a moment to set aside that canned or boxed food item that you will bring with you as your admission ticket!!
Have a great day in Rehoboth Beach!!
March 17th, 2015
“Oh starry night, with moonlit sky, take me away, and tell me why….” It was a true beautiful night in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and while many were celebrating St. Patty’s Day, we were enjoying some sweet ending at Eden. Arriving fashionably late; just for dessert….plenty of photo ops.
Eden is located at 23 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-3330. Website? http://www.edenrestaurant.com. This restaurant is one of my favorites in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. The food is excellent, the service is impeccable and the ambiance is warm and comfortable.
Just for a sweet ending and a bit of conversation with friends we ordered the Dark Chocolate Truffle Cake with Caramel Ice Cream and Caramel Krispies….well received.
The Pastel Nata….if you like almonds you will love this dessert. Almond and orange scented egg custart tart.
A warm Pineapple Coconut Cake with Coconut Ice Cream and Toasted Coconut….Delish!!
Try one of the “booths”….so much fun.
Eden has plenty of events on the schedule, including the monthly Wine Dinners. The next one will be Friday, April 24th. Check http://www.edenrestaurant.com. They should be putting the menu up on their website, probably by Saturday.
A shout to our server, Cullen, who took care of us in such a friendly and professional manner.
Have a good one!!
March 15th, 2015
I am crushed that Fried Green Tomatoes…..not a Southern dish. That they, apparently, entered the American culinary scene in the Northeast and Midwest, with a link to Jewish immigrants. I love them and when I see them on menus, I do order them. Having been in Charleston, I tasted them everywhere I could. But, let me tell you that, here, at the Delaware Beaches, we have some pretty awesome ones served at our local restaurants.
Looking forward to my fig tree this year. Not just to eat figs off the tree but to also prepare my Fried Green Tomato, Fig, Bacon, Corn Stack….It is my own recipe; not begged, borrowed, or stolen. You can get the recipe by clicking on the month of August of 2013 on the archives of AboutMyBeaches and scrolling down to the 11th.
In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware:
FINS ALE HOUSE & RAW BAR on Coastal Highway. I just had these the other day. They were delicious and hopefully, they will keep them on the menu.
BLUE MOON located on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. This is a signature appetizer. The fried green tomatoes are served with herbed sheep’s cheese, onion, compote, pesto and a balsamic drizzle. Definitely, a blending of flavors.
In Bethany Beach, Delaware:
PATSY’S RESTAURANT in Downtown Bethany Beach. Her fried green tomatoes are topped with roasted red pepper/Vermont cheddar cheese spread with fresh basil pesto and balsamic reduction.
Cape Charles, Virginia’s Eastern Shore:
AQUA AT KINGS CREEK MARINA in Cape Charles serves a Fried Green Tomato BLT Salad…smoked bacon and mixed greens, tossed with a roasted tomato vinaigrette.
Historic Charleston, South Carolina:
TBONZ in Historic Charleston had these great fried green tomatoes….they went in my burger.
SOUTHEND BREWERY & SMOKE HOUSE, located in Downtown Charleston had never had anyone topped their pizza with fried green tomatoes. Of course, pimento cheese was included. The pizza did not wow me here. But, the combination of pizza and fried green tomatoes was pretty good.
LOWCOUNTRY BISTRO, located in Historic Charleston has a great Ambrose Farms Spinach Salad….an addition of Fried Green Tomatoes made it just perfect.
A.W. SHUCK’S – We stopped here with our Culinary Tour (post in the making)….the praline butter on the fried green tomatoes was delish.
TOAST, located on Meeting St. had their fried green tomatoes with sweet pepper relish.
The following recipe is soooooo good. You can serve it with roast beef, chicken, or even in a sandwich. It takes some time to make but once in the jars you can store them for a long time. Give it as presents to special friends.
MERRYMAN’S GREEN TOMATO PICKLE
1 peck (8 quarts or approx. 20 lbs of small green tomatoes
6 red peppers
12 large onions
5 tablespoons celery seed
5 tablespoons mustard seed
1/2 gal. cider vinegar
3 lbs. light brown sugar
1 cup salt
Slice the tomatoes and onions very thin. Cut peppers into thin strips. Place alternatively (some tomato, some onion, some peppers) in layers in a large bowl, sprinkling salt over each layer.
Let mixture sit for several hours or overnight to draw out liquid.
Squeeze the pickle dry and place in a large kettle. Pour vinegar, sugar, mustard seed and celery seed over pickle.
Cook slowly until onion is clear and tomato is almost transparent. One to two hours. Check and stir often.
Place in sterilized jars and seal.
Note: It is usually served in my house during the Holiday Season. It is an old Merryman recipe.
Have a good one!!
March 15th, 2015
 
It’s Sunday morning. It is quiet at home. I like it that way. The rain stopped last night. It is warm at the Delaware Beaches. It feels like Spring. I am almost out of coffee; not a good thing.
Sundays are just one of those days to put your feet up, read a book, or do nothing at all. Magical Sundays, I call them.
Visiting Historic Charleston, I still have a few posts to write. There are so many churches in Historic Charleston, close to each other, as well. Architecturally, they are wonders and have been able to withstand the test of time.
It does not matter what religious denomination you are. If you are visiting Historic Charleston stop by. They are sanctuaries and not just for Sundays. St Philip’s is a National Historic Landmark.
I stopped at St. Philip’s, located at 142 Church St., one block east of Meeting Street. Website? http://www.stphilipschurchsc.org. This church is considered the Mother Church of the Diocese of S.C. Est. 1670. It first was located where St. Michael’s Catholic Church stands today. The present building was built from 1835-1838, after the original building was completed in 1724 and a fire destroyed it in 1835.
This church distinguishes itself from others…porticos and columns reminiscing of Roman porticos. I believe its steeple is the tallest one in Historic Charleston.
Resting in peace in the Churchyard you will find the graves of John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War and V.P. of the U.S., Edward Rutledge, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Charles Pinckney, signer of the Constitution, among other notables.
The docent on that particular day was so nice. She was like a grandmother. Softspoken, she spoke of the church so proudly. We talked for some time. And, not just about the church. Her personal life had taken her to Historic Charleston. Her kids behind her after she had been divorced….You see, everyone has a journey. A positive attitude is half the battle.
Have a great day!!
March 14th, 2015
“Filled with mingled cream and amber I will drink that glass again. Such hilarious visions clamber Through the chambers of my brain–Quaintest thoughts queerest fancies Come to life and fade away; Who Cares how time advances? I am drinking ale today.” edgar allan poe
Those thoughts in mind brought my friend, Cindi, and I to Dogfish Head located at 320 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-226-BREW. Website? http://www.dogfish.com. What in the world? A line to get in? It was noon on Friday, the 13th of March. Rehoboth Beach is crowded. Spring Break, and a destination to Rehoboth Beach.
 
An unveiling of Sick Cider…only 100 growlers….numbered, as well. The Cider was strong. Oh yes, we bought one….$20.
Growlers carry fresh beer from a brewery to one’s house. In the late 1800s and 1900s beer was carried from the local pub to one’s home by means of a small galvanized pail. Local lore has it that when the beer sloshed around the pail, it created a rumbling sound as the CO2 escaped through the lid, thus the term “growler” started. Growlers are filled straight from the tap and are sealed with a twist-cap.
Dogfish Head has a list of growlers….the restaurant was crowded, the Weekend of Compelling Ales and Whatnot was a sold out event as it is every year. This group was definitely ready. We were having lunch on the second floor. It was loud and lively!
 
The first floor is usually set up with tables, but for this week-end events the tables were taken out. On Friday the local brewers were going to get up close and personal with the guests. Later in the evening live entertainment until closing time.
This restaurant is a must stop when visiting Rehoboth Beach…..first, because the starting of the brewery has been a huge success. From humble beginnings to being nationally recognized. The food is good too!! The retail shop has souveniers for all those beer aficionados on your list.
You can tour the Dogfish Head in Milton, just up the road. Visit the website for the tour schedules.
Growler on our table….Namaste for Cindi. Namaste is a Belgian style white beer. It is made with dried organic orange slices, fresh cut lemongrass and a bit of coriander. A refreshing and thirst quenching beer!!
An order of the Pub Salad topped with woodgrilled salmon…and their “Midas Touch” vinaigrette. Very good!!
Cindi’s Woodgrilled Salmon sandwhich was also very well received.
A sweet ending of Ancho Chili Churro Bites…with dipping sauces of Mexican Chocolate, Nutmeg Creme Anglaise, and an Ancho Chili Honey with just the right amount of kick.
EVENT
Monday, March 30th is the Annual Benevolence Day, when Dogfish Head closes for the day and all employees help Habitat for Humanity!! Please visit http://www.dogfish.com in case you would like to sign up and help. Helping Habitat for Humanity at 621 and 625 Washington Avenue in Ellendale, DE 19941 at 9:00 a.m.
Rain has stopped and the beaches are warm tonight.
March 13th, 2015
Everyone loves to come to the Beach. The Delaware Beaches have become a destination for fundraising events. Who doesn’t want to get out of town for a few days? Spring is in the air and so are the events that help others in need.
Once a month a fundraising event takes place at Lupo di Mare located at 247 C Rehoboth Ave., in the Hotel Rehoboth, Downtown Rehoboth Beach. It is called Women & Wine. The March dinner will be raising funds for the Delaware Chapter of PKD Foundation. $5.00 from every guest in attendance will go to DE Chapter of PKD!!
Polycystic Kidney disease, as it is known, is an inherited disease in which fluid-filled cysts develop and enlarge in both kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure. At present, there is no treatment or cure. Dialysis or a kidney transplant is the only lifesaving option. Approximately 1 in 500 or 1,900 Delawareans may be affected. Funds raised through charitable events go to research to find a cure. PKD is one of the most common life-threatening genetic disorders.
Even though it says that is Women & Wine….guys, you are invited too. The dinner will take place on Thursday, March 19th from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Cost? $39 plus gratuity.
I got the menu!!
FIRST COURSE: Roasted Beet Caprese paired with Ruffino Prosecco
SECOND COURSE: Seared Day Boat Scallop, prosciutto, poached pear and white grape, paired with Robert Mondavi Chardonnay
THIRD COURSE: Filthy Risotto, sunny egg, paired with Saved Red Blend
DESSERT: Blood Orange Flan, paired with Jackson-Triggs Vidal Ice Pearl
For reservations, please contact Alexis Schreiber at 302-226-2240 or email alexis@sodelconcepts.com
Hotel Rehoboth, where Lupo di Mare is located, has reserved a block of rooms for persons attending this fundraiser event at a 15% discount off the regular room rate for double occupancy. There’s an additional fee for each extra person-max 4 people. The 15% discount will be extended beyond the March 19th date for those wishing an extended stay…..it’s beautiful in Rehoboth Beach at this time of the year. NOTE: To receive the discount reservations must be made directly with the hotel by calling 302-227-4300. Reservations booked on the hotel website are not eligible for the 15% discount. Rates include on-site, off-street parking for one vehicle per room, full breakfast, a complimentary wine & cheese reception from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and nightly turn down service.
Thursday, March 19th will be an evening filled with fun and laughter…bring your friends or meet new ones. Raffle tickets for great prizes will be available. These items have been donated by local business and friends.
Some of those items are:
Themed baskets: Coffee by Java Divas in MD with Bleo Coyle’s Once Upon a Grind, gourmet, wine, pet care, beach
Framed poster of People & Places in DE featured in DE Today Dec ’14 competition
BIN 66 Wine & Spirits
Browseabout Books
Cape Water Taxi
Clear Space Theatre Company
Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Doggies at the Beach
Harry & David Seaside Outlet
Thirty One products
Made Ya Look Salon & Day Spa
Mary Kay
1776 Steakhouse
Living in HOPE…Let’s fill those 65 seats!!
March 12th, 2015
I don’t know what possessed me to even talk my poor cousins into this tour. They live in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, which is over 500 years old. Lol!! The thing is they went along with it. It was at 10:00 p.m. It was cold in Charleston that evening.
First clue was that our tour guide had been doing these tours for 6 years and had not seen or felt anything. Hmmmm. The second thing is that even though most of the structures are intact, inside there are too many reproductions. Hmmmm.
 
Our tour guide closes every night by herself with not a care in the world. Okay.
The stairs are original and they looked that they were not going anywhere.
The American College of the Building Arts acquired this building so this is also a school doing research and historic preservation.
The jail was in operation from 1802 until 1939. Infamous criminals of Charleston called this home. Federal prisoners during the Civil War were also housed here. The building has massive walls. Interesting to imagine being a prisoner in those times. The tour guide explained that well.
Some of the more famous inmates were John and Lavinia Fisher, convicted of robbery and murder. They said that Ghost Adventures crew got something on an EVP of her saying the last 2 words of her message before she was hanged…The Devil. I really don’t know. Another was Denmark Vessey who was accused of planning a slave revolt. High sea pirates were also inmates here.
 
I think there is too much commotion for entities to be hanging around. The Old City Jail is basically a lab.
Charleston has more than 1,400 historically significant buildings within the Charleston Old and Historic District, and this is one of them.
Well, to tell you the truth, it was scarier walking back to our hotel at that time of the night….churches, buildings, little alleys…Yikes, I am going to sleep.
I just remembered that Carrie, my favorite Concierge in Charleston said she was scared to death. That she felt something. Really?
Note: Bulldog Tours, located at 18 Anson Street. Tel. 843-722-8687 Website? http://www.bulldogtours.com
 
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