April 12th, 2015
Indeed it is a beautiful spring day through the Mid Atlantic. Manayunk in Philadelphia, PA, will be hosting the first of two STReat Festivals and Restaurant Weeks beginning today, Sunday, April 12th. Twice a year these events are capturing foodies throughout the Mid Atlantic because as we all know Philadelphia can Dish Delicious!!
Oh by the way, I would have been there just like I was in the fall but I have an HOA meeting…thanks to my neighbor Mark. Glad I can help.
Manayunk is located on the banks of the Schuykill River and in the northwest section of the City of Philadelphia. It has a long history. For many years it was not popular but just like the trend in many cities….some of these Main Sreets are being celebrated and renewed. Restaurants, shops, the river, sports and a hip place to live, are making Manayunk a destination. For more information, please visit http://www.manayunk.com.
Main Street will be closed off. Parking around town will be available. Info. on parking can be found on the above mentioned website. Like about 11 a.m. you will see visitors strolling Main Street looking for their favorite Philly Food Trucks….50 of them for the event. Food trucks are mobile restaurants and some traditional restaurants are a bit threatened by them. Usually reasonably priced, the food is cooked on the spot and very good
Mama’s Meatballs Truck will be there. This is a favorite and you will find a line to get these delicious meatballs.
Last year we tried: Mama’s Meatballs on the left hand side with beef, pork, veal mix, topped with arugula and Parmesan. On the right, the Apple Bomb made with 100% turkey mixed with sauteed spinach, Granny Smith, stuffed with roasted red pepper, Asiago, and topped with spicy Fresno Chili Apple Chutney. These meatball sliders were…Yummy! They are working on their website, but you can find Mama’s Meatballs on Facebook.
The only Mac ‘n Cheese food truck in Philly is MacMart. Just as popular as the meatball truck, you will find people waiting in line. If you do not make it to the festival, this food truck is usually parked by Drexel University. More info? http://www.macmartcart.com.
A Latin Food Truck called Delicias was a bit more expensive but it was worth having the arepas.
On the photo: The left arepa was filled with shredded chicken tossed in guacamole and mayo. On the right, was the shredded beef, sweet plantains, b lack beans, and Cotija cheese.
Up close to the Shreeded Beef Arepa…
I had never seen a Fashion Truck….all girly, glam and funky. It was called Smak Parlour. Just climb up and shop. More info? http://www.smakparlour.com.
Restaurant Week Begins Today, Sunday, April 12th through Friday, April 24th. Restaurants that you might not have tried before for one reason or another….try them at great prices! Check http://www.manayunk.com/signature-events/spring-streat-food-festival/restaurant-week-menus.html
I have been thinking about the Whipped Cauliflower that I had at Beast & Ale, located at 4161 Main St. in Manayunk. Tel. 267-437-3936. Website? http://beastandale.com Very casual restaurant. Not an extensive menu but what they have is soooo good. Plenty of craft beers and spirits. This is a brother restaurant to Cantina Feliz, La Calaca Feliz, and Taqueria Feliz.
The Whipped Cauliflower with black olive tapenade, parsley, and served with toasted bread. Something so simple and good…can’t wait to have it again.
Baby Beast Burger….The baby was plenty big. American cheese, pickles, avocado…the works on a Brioche. If you are looking for a good burger in Manayunk, this is the place.
Fried Bologna Sandwich? Oh yes!! Fried Egg on Top? Bring it On!! American Cheese, tomato and a dijonnaise sauce.
Enjoy this gorgeous day…we deserve having a day like today!!
April 11th, 2015
Kick back in style at the Delaware Beaches. Aquamarine has been recognized by “Elle” magazine as one of the 50 best boutiques across the 50 states. I can see why….all boutiques are shops but not all shops are boutiques. Personal attention at Aquamarine is what you will get. And, once you become a customer, Maureen and her Mom will remember your name.
Aquamarine is located at 114 Second Street, in the heart of Lewes Historic District. Tel. 302-644-4550. Website? http://www.aquamarineat114.com. You can also find Aquamarine on Market on Facebook.
 
What makes us, women, come back to this boutique? The inside is so pretty. The building dates to the 1900’s. It used to be the hardware store owned by the Vessel Family. Rich woods and cabinetry are beautifully preserved.
Aquamarine has something for everyone and the personal attention that customers receive is just that. Maureen has a great eye for what looks good on a woman. She is honest, friendly, and you’ll love her immediately because she makes you feel like you have known her forever.
 
Here, at the Delaware Beaches, our lifestyle is very casual…Beach Chic, Resort Attire….we love it! The dress code is sophisticated but understated, as well.
 
We are waiting for summer, the temperatures are rising, the flowers are starting to bloom. You can feel it in the air. There is something about it. By the time you read this post, hopefully, the tulips are blooming in Lewes. Aquamarine is full of colorful ladies apparel and Maureen mentioned that she has new lines in the store. For example, there is one line that she thinks is great. It is called Planet. This company utilizes top natural fabrics like Irish handkerchief linen, prima cotton, and washed silk organza. Palettes are of soft hues.
 
To see what lines Aquamarine carries, please visit http://www.aquamarineat114.com/index.html/lines-we-love.html. Then, click on Lines We Love.
Enjoy the week-end and sunny weather!!
April 10th, 2015
The timing of the tulip’s appearance is an inexact science and to that end, the committees in charge of the annual Tulip Festival in Lewes, Delaware, decided to expand the time frame of the event to enhance the chances that the tulips will be visible during the event. The event dates span two week-ends, April 9th to April 18th, with special events planned on the first week-end.
Having said that and having visited Lewes, yesterday, Thursday….it might be better to come to see the tulips next week. It is what it is, mother nature does it again. But, if you like to have fun at the beach, by no means come on down.
This is the 6th Annual Tulip Festival. The Lewes Chamber of Commerce continues to partnership with Lewes in Bloom, The Lewes Historical Society, Lewes Parks & Recreation, the Zwaanendael Museum and the Historic Lewes Farmers Market to present this annual celebration.
For a schedule of events, please visit http://www.leweschamber.com. The Lewes Chamber of Commerce is located at 120 Kings Highway, in Lewes. Tel. 302-645-8073 They also have a Facebook Page.
Have a great week-end!
April 8th, 2015
“A new way of thinking, a new way of living in concert with the sea, in consideration for those yet to come.”
Ocean Frontiers II is inviting the public to its premiere here in Delaware and then to a panel discussion. It will take place on Thursday, 4/9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Movies at Midway, located at 18585 Coastal Highway in their Upstairs Screening Room. The admission is free and snacks will be available. More info? Please visit http://www.ocean-frontiers.org/delaware.
 Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse and Cape May Lewes Ferry This film is hosted by Delaware Surfriders, Green Fire Productions, http://www.greenfireproductions.org with co hosts: Rehoboth Beach Film Society, http://www.rehobothfilm.com, Delaware Sea Grant, http://www.deseagrant.org, American Littoral Society, http://www.littoralsociety.org, and Delaware Chapter of Sierra Club.
In a region steeped in old maritime tradition, Ocean Frontiers II tells the story of a modern wave of big ships, energy industries and a changing climate, and how people are coming together to plan for a healthy ocean off their coast. After the film, plan to stay and join the interactive panel discussion about how we can protect wildlife, enhance recreational activities and manage commercial uses in our increasingly busy Delaware waters.
 Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse June 2013 was the day I walked in the steps of The Keeper. Visiting the Delaware Lighthouses was an experience and thank God I went when I did because the actual tours of the lighthouses have been discontinued for now. I wrote a post on my adventure that day on June 18, 2013. If you would like to see it (photos), please click on the date on the left hand side of the website; June of 2013 and scroll down to the 18th. The cancellation of these tours is due to lack of transportation funds which were provided in the past by the Delaware River & Bay Authority and the state of Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.
 Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse The Harbor of Refuge has been closed for some time for repairs made necessary by severe storm damage. This lighthouse was built in 1896. Both of the lighthouses are off Cape Henlopen where the ocean meets the Delaware Bay, providing refuge to ships battered by storms.
The Delaware Breakwaters are engineer marvels of the 19th century. They were the first structures of their kind to be built in the Western Hemisphere.
The Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation – 2015 Lighthouse Sunset Cruises. It is that time of the year again. Sunsets are beautiful, more so if you are cruising the Delaware Lighthouses. Profits of the cruises will go towards the restoration and new docking station and other projects at Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse. For info., please visit http://www.delawarebaylights.org.
Tours will be:
Saturday, June 13th from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 25th from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 13th from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m.
Meet at Anglers Fishing Center on 213 Anglers Rd. at Anglers Marina in Lewes. Go to the end of Anglers Rd., approximately 100 yards past Irish Eyes Restaurant in Lewes.
To reserve your space, book at least one week prior to cruise date. Call Red Moulinier, Home 302-226-3866, Cell 302-542-4432
You will be cruising up the canal, out to both Breakwater Light and Harbor of Refuge Light. Take your camera because on many of the cruises you can spot dolphins. This is a BYOB and snacks event. The cost is $35/person. Please note that registration and form of payment must be received prior to the cruise.
Making plans for Summer 2015….
April 6th, 2015
I don’t even know when I decided to put recipes for Meatless Monday. Some Mondays I do not follow this global movement. But others, like tonight, made me want to construct a Bean Burger….The recipe is stolen, adding my own twist.
Meatless Monday started in 2003, launched in association with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It has been catching on. The movement is active in about 36 countries. Every nation brings its uniqueness…culture, customs, and cuisine to the table in meat free dishes. To learn more, please visit http://www.meatlessmonday.com.
Monday is the chosen day because we see it as the beginning of the week. I get it, I get it….I always start my diets on Monday. It is a fresh start. Yeah, and at times is downhill from Monday on.
This recipe is so easy. A little bit of this and a little bit of that. I am sure you can make it your own, as well.
A BLACK BEAN BURGER FOR MEATLESS MONDAY
2 cans black beans, divided, rinsed and drained (I bought low sodium beans)
1 small chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 minced garlic clove
2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (optional)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons oil for frying pan (your preferred oil)
3/4 bag of frozen peas and carrots
1 cup panko (I bought Chipotle Panko)
2 eggs
Puree 1 can beans, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Mine looks a little chunky because I do not own a food processor. The blender was a pain, but I did it, somewhat.
To the burger mixture, add the other can of beans, the peas and carrots, the panko and the eggs. Mix to combine.
Heat a skillet to medium heat.
In the meantime form the burger patties.
Place them in two batches in the skillet and cook until browned. About 4 minutes on each side.
Serve on rolls….I chose this Pretzel Roll. Add lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard and avocado.
Or serve on a salad if you are not eating carbs.
Enjoy!!
April 5th, 2015
 
“Eating is so intimate. It’s very sensual. When you invite someone to sit at your table and you want to cook for them, you’re inviting a person into your life.” maya angelou
The Delaware Beaches are dining destinations for many. Plenty of events revolve around food and the enjoyment of what has become a pastime for many. It’s all About Food & Spirits!! So, What’s Going On?
Thursday, April 9th – BOGLE VINEYARDS WINE DINNER AT PAPA GRANDE’S REHOBOTH BEACH – 6:30 P.M. Location? 210 Second St. Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-212-2409. This Coastal Taqueria is offering 4 courses, including dessert. $40, gratuity is not included. All courses will be paired with appropriate Bogle Wines. Offerings like Tropical Tuna Cocktail, Roasted Beet Salad, Lamb Enchilada….and sweet ending of delicious Churros. Please call Mike Zygmonski at 302-212-2409 or email him at Mikez@sodelconcepts.com.
Thursday, April, 9th – FORDHAM & DOMINION BEER DINNER – Hosted by Summer House in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. 7:00 p.m., $30/person, gratuity not included. 4 Courses, all paired with Double D Duoble IPA honey drizzle, Candi Belgium Tripe IPA, Oak Barrel Stout, and a sweet ending of Morning Glory Espresso Stout Float…More info? Please call 302-227-3895. Summer House is located at 227 Rehoboth Avenue. Website? http://www.summerhousesaloon.com.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April, 10th, 11th, 12th – DEWEY BEACH & REHOBOTH BEACH BACON FEST – Spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sampling bacon delicacies in Rehoboth and Dewey Beach!! Best information for this upcoming event can be found at http://www.idewey.com. 22 locations of Bacon Pleasure!! For the competitors there will be prizes for 1st Best Bacon on the Beach, 1st Dewey Beach Bacon Fest, and 1st Rehoboth Beach Bacon Fest. Restaurants, Caterers or Bacon Artisans, are all welcome. Competitors must have their Best Bacon on The Beach sample ready by Noon on Saturday, April 11th and by 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 4/12. Lol!! There will be no vegan options!! There will be vendors and breweries…some showing off some bacon inspired creations. Best….is to check the website and Facebook Page.
 
Sunday, April 12th – FASHION, FUN 7 PHILANTHROPY WITH SUSSEX COUNTY FUND FOR WOMEN – $30, $35 at the door if seating is available. Reservations are required. Register on or before April 10th by contacting Lynn Kokjohn at 302-841-4333. There will be raffles, coupons, hors d’oeuvres, wine and shopping!! Location will be Independence Hall Clubhouse located at 29762 Oliver Wolcott Dr. in Millsboro, DE 19966. The mission of this organization is to provide funding to enhance the worth and potential of women and girls in Delaware by bringing together the collective philanthrophic power of women. More info? Please visit http://www.delcf.org/ffw
 Kari & Marcie Tuesday, April 21st – CHICKS FOR CHARITY DINNER WILL BENEFIT: THE REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE. Location? Fish On! at the Villages of Five Point in Lewes. 6:30 p.m. $30 includes gratuity. Cash or Check only. Cash bar available. There will be raffle items and a 50/50. Please RSVP to Chicksdinner@gmail.com. No calls to the restaurant, please. Chicks for Charity is always in need of raffle items and volunteers. Please send them an email if you would like to help or have a raffle donation. These dinners take place once a month and support a local charity. More info? Please visit http://www.chicksforcharity.us. The Rehoboth Art League was founded in 1938. It is a membership-based teaching and exhibiting non-profit arts organization dedicated to encouraging and preserving the arts in Southern Delaware. It is located in Rehoboth Beach.
Thursday, April 23rd – NANTUCKETS, FENWICK ISLAND, PRESENTS: DUCKHORN VINEYARD WINE DINNER – 5:30 p.m. $85/person. Enjoy wonderful foods paired with Duckhorn’s Finest Blends. Details and reservations, please call 302-539-2607 or visit http://www.nantucketsrestaurant.com
Sunday, April 26th – 7th ANNUAL WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – PERFECT PAIRINGS – BENEFITTING CHILDREN & FAMILIES FIRST, REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE, AND CHILDREN’S BEACH HOUSE. 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person or $78 per couple. Taste dozens of fine hand-picket wines from around the world. Artfully paired with their chef-driven unique food and pastry specialties. Great Silent Auction items, as well!! Please visit http://www.nagerb.com/wine—food-festival.html. Location? Nage Rehoboth Beach, 19730 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). Tel. 302-226-2037
Saturday, May 2nd – HISTORIC LEWES FARMERS MARKET PRESENTS: THREE HISTORIC HOMES, THE SUPERB CHEFS, THREE DELECTABLE MENUS….ONE MEMORABLE NIGHT. 10th year anniversary celebration!! For tickets, please visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org. More info? Please call 302-644-1436.
Wednesday, May 13th through Sunday, May 17th – 2015 MIDATLANTIC WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – Chefs and winemakers from all over the globe descend upon the East Coast to collaborate on 35 brunches, lunches, tastings and dinners. Tickets are on sale now. Please visit http://www.mawff.org. Southern Delaware will be hosting some of these events. Please visit the schedule at http://www.mawff.org/schedule. Click on the links to read about the 60 plus International, National, and MidAtlantic chefs, and 23 winemakers and wineries from around the world. There will be chefs and winemakers from 6 continents.
“Three things are needed for a good life; good friends, good food, and good songs.” jazon zebehazy Have a good One!!
April 3rd, 2015
 City Dock A little historical trivia never hurts….Since Lewes was the earliest settlement in the State, and Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, the town is known as The First Town in The First State. Lewes is named after the town of Lewes in England, located in Sussex, from which Sussex County, Delaware takes its name. Lewes, Sussex, England, also has the same seal.
The history of Lewes dates to 1631. Many of the houses in the Historical District and around Lewes have historical designation. One such house and one everyone should stop by is the Fisher-Martin House where the Lewes Chamber of Commerce is located. This house is circa 1730. Plenty of information can be found at the Chamber, so if you are just visiting, please stopy by. Location? 120 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958 Website? http://www.leweschamber.com Tel. 302-645-8412
 
It has been a long time since Lewes rolled up its streets after the summer season until the next year. This town is a vibrant community with plenty of restaurants, unique boutiques, museums….and so walkable. As you stroll Lewes check some of the homes with beautiful architecture.
What’s Going On?
Friday, April 3rd – 47th Annual Great Delaware Kite Festival. 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Cape Henlopen State Park. New this year is the Eastern Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. The Egg Toss will begin at 1:15 p.m. More info? Please visit http://www.leweschamber.com/event/great-delaware-kite-festival.
Friday, April 3rd – Gallery Espresso Coffee House Bistro located at 12001 Old Vine Blvd. in Lewes will be hosting the Yappy Hour!! 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Doggies at the Beach will be there. Please stop by say hello, mingle and meet others. For information on Doggies at The Beach, please visit http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
Saturday, April 4th – Lewes Canalfront Park is the perfect spot for an Easter Egg Hunt. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. You can also register online, http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org The Hunt will begin at 11 a.m. and the event will be until Noon. The Egg Hunt is Peanut Free and Allergy friendly. More info at the registration desk. There will be photos with the Easter Bunny, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting and Spring Time Music!!
Have a great Easter Week-End!!
April 1st, 2015
If you are a resident of Lewes, you will probably be using your bike as a way to get around the Historic District. Debbie and I did not do that….we were probably going to take some leftovers home. Our destination on this gorgeous evening in Lewes was Nectar. This is the second anniversary for Nectar and Sara McKewon, Proprietor, has done an outstanding job in keeping the restaurant fresh, delicious, and comfortable.
The location is 111 Neils Alley in Historic Lewes. Tel. 302-645-5842. It opens from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. It closes on Tuesdays. Nectar is known for its amazing juices. You can make a selection of available ones or you can customize your own.
Stepping into Nectar you feel immediately at home. That has not changed since Sara opened 2 years ago. Debbie and I arrived early in order to be able to take photos. Take a peek….look how pretty it is.
Just until a week or so ago, Nectar was only open for breakfast and lunch. The addition of dinner had us all excited. So, here is what Debbie and I had.
Starting with a Fresh Fruit Mimosa and Kale Chips. I have done my own kale chips at home. These were all crunchy, with beautiful color.
Continued on our grazing mood….PB & J Meatballs. The peanut sauce was awesome. Pick them up with your hands or just be prim and proper and use your fork and knife.
Our next dish was the Cauliflower “Steak” – This is a Vegan Entree. So good, I cannot wait to have it again. The cauliflower is both roasted in the oven and finished in the frying pan. Served over rice pilaf with romesco sauce and topped with olives, capers and roasted tomato. Romesco sauce is a nut and red pepper base sauce that originated in the area of Tarragona in northeastern Spain.
I love roasted/baked chicken. So far in my travels, I have found a great one in Delray Beach, Florida, another on Ashford Avenue in Condado, Puerto Rico, and this Dogfish 60Min Baked Chicken at Nectar is out of this world. It is a 1/2 chicken baked in Dogfish Head beer with honey mustard glaze. Served with mac n cheeese and coleslaw.
Catch of the Day in Parchment was Monkfish…Steamed in parchment with lemon, capers, and dill. Rice pilaf and vegetables on the side….moist, well seasoned and glad I ordered it.
So, which one did we choose for our sweet ending? The Lemon Meringue Cheesecake or the Banana Fosters Pie? All desserts are made in-house.
 
The Lemon Meringue Cheesecake won!! It was sweet but not overly so…..great lemon flavor.
Hope you stop by Nectar. Let me know what you think. I am writing this post a few hours after our dinner. I think everything we tried was so appealing because the dishes were so simple, colorful and tasted so fresh. Keep up the good work, Sara. You and your staff made our evening tonight.
The beaches are ready for the season and so are all of us that call Coastal Delaware home!! Talk to you later.
 
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