April 16th, 2015
“Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” hank rosso
With that in mind I headed south from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to meet my friends, Cindi and Ross, for a night of fundraising in Ocean City, Maryland.
It is so interesting to see this town at this time of the year. It is so quiet, but not for long. Beachgoers will be here soon enough and they will be creating their memories at the beach. This most southern part of Downtown Ocean City is where Trimper Rides is located. It was just featured in Strange Inheritances. Trimper Rides is a family owned and operated business located in prime real estate in O.C. Not to see the lights and the laughing and screaming visitors is a sight to be seen.
For a few years…I will call them, the movers and shakers in Ocean City, Maryland, have been diligently fundraising for a much needed hospice facility in the area. Together they are building the funds in order for construction to begin. They need $5,000,000. Already they have $3,000,000 thanks to the generosity of all in the communities.
“Hospice patients most often choose to remain at home. However, a growing number find that at the end of life they are unable to manage alone or need more than a frail spouse can provide. Suddenly, home is no longer the safest place to receive hospice care.” Coastal Hospice at the Ocean will serve the Lower Shore region. For more information, please visit http://www.coastalhospice.org. Or, please call Maureen McNeill, the Director of Development at 410-641-5481.
Unreal to see the award winning Boardwalk this quiet!! Inside Harrison’s Harbor Watch the mood was anything but quiet. It was a festive event with about 225 in attendance.
Harrison’s Habor Watch is located at 806 S. Atlantic Ave., overlooking the Inlet and Assateague Island. This is the southern end of the Boardwalk.
Having fun while raising funds…the main focus of the evening. Blindly choosing a bottle of wine…$20. Raffles!
The live entertainment was by Lauren Glick and Mike Armstrong.
Seventeen of Ocean City’s restaurants brought their “A” dishes to this event. Each station was paired with a unique wine complementing the food.
Oysters to start with were from Harrison’s Harbor Watch. Plump, salty and cold!! We are by the water so having them to start our evening was a no brainer.
Sushi from OC Wasabi. This was a popular station, to say the least.
My love affair with Fried Green Tomatoes continues. Having these ones from Sunset Grille, topped with Crab Remoulade, well, what can I say….awesome!!
They had just brought out the warm crab dip from Crabs to Go…paired with a light Prosecco.
One of my favorite tapas of the evening….Embers/Blu Tuna Tartare Tacos, and, Smoked Salmon Napoleon. The tuna, the lime, the cilantro and the presentation…great.
Touch of Italy has been in Ocean City for the past year. Love that they always take their time to teach their customers about what they offer.
Hooked offered a terrific combination of Basil Scented Tuna.
Barn 34…what a great job!! Two complete different offerings. The stuffed dates…the combination of salt and sweetness. Never fails. Can’t wait to have them again. The shrimp stuffed with cheese were also awesome!!
Spring Lamb from the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin. I like mint sauce vs. mint jelly, though. Very good indeed.
I usually do not eat eggs for breakfast, but deviled eggs are a different thing altogether. These were Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs!! The Cucumber Cups with Spicy Crab Dip….can’t wait for summer. This was presented by Seacrets!
My last tasting was of Crab Guacamole served with Fresh Tortilla Chips from the Captain’s Table.
Sweet Ending Desserts!!
Sweet Dispositions offered: Pecan Diamonds, Key Lime Tartlettes, and White Chocolate, Macademia Nut Cookies!!
Desserts by Rita had assorted Cupcakes!!
Wockenfuss Candies….Now, take a look at the elegant Chocolate Covered Strawberries!!
Tasting, sipping continued for a few hours. It was a total success!!
Cindi, Ross, and I decided that it was time to hit the road…..but not before Cindi showed us that Wine is a Girl’s best friend!!
Note: It was about 9:30 p.m….look at the Boardwalk!! Not one person.
Waiting for Summer 2015!!
May 30th, 2012
My car had not forgotten where to go. For so many years I had traveled up and down Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) from, Bethany Beach, where I first lived, and later from Rehoboth Beach. The back roads have always been my favorite. It is where you can really enjoy the beauty of the area I call home.
Friends from out of town. Great opportunity to show them here or there. Today was a road trip from Rehoboth Beach to Berlin, Maryland, in Worcester County. Jim and Basil had already hit the Farmers’ Market in Rehoboth. Please don’t eat there I told them. I am taking you to a special place.
Em-ing’s!! If you have been there, then you know I am talking about great barbecue. Homemade desserts and breads. They are located on the corner of Rt. 113 and 610 in Bishopville, MD, just after you leave the town of Selbyville, Delaware if you are going south. The tel. is 410-352-5711. Website? www.em-ings.com.
It was great seeing Robin. We have only talked by e-mail. I wrote a post on Em-ing’s back on January 22, 2011. If you want to see it just click on the month of January, 2011 on the left hand side of this website, and scroll down to the 22nd.
I think Jim and Basil were very happy with their choices. This is what we all had.
Jim ordered the Country Rib with a side of Mac, salad, bread and butter. It also included a homemade pie. He chose the peanut butter. I have to tell you that he ate it all.
Then, Basil had the pulled barbecue chicken sandwich with cole slaw and baked beans. I know he, definitely, enjoyed it.
I decided to have the beef barbecue sandwich. At Robin’s suggestion, with a side of cole slaw and potato salad. Perfect suggestions, Robin. It was delicious, as usual.
Soooo satisfied, it was time to move to the town of Berlin, Maryland, but not before you see the latest addition to their menu.
We decided to stop at the Berlin chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center located at 14 South Main St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-4775. Website? www.berlinchamber.org.
Berlin is a Historic Village. An influx of shops, arts, entertainment, and restaurants is making this town a favorite destination for many. Only about 6 or 7 miles from Ocean City, Maryland, it takes no time to get there. Even though from the Delaware Beaches it takes longer, believe me, it is worth it.
Pleasantly surprised at how large the Chamber was. Local artists have studios in this particular building, where you can see them at work. They were not there when we visited but we could still look into their studios.
From the Berlin Chamber we crossed the street to see if my friend, Dee, was working, NEST, her store. Dee is one of those shopkeepers that you upon meeting her, you think you have known her forever. Introduction were made and a few pictures taken.
NEST is a boutique, and a gallery, with local art, village treasures, and handmade collectibles. It is located at 11 South Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-629-1030. You can also find NEST on Facebook.
The store looked great and Dee has wonderful things for everyone.
Her colorful bags were hanging, displaying unique contrasting fabrics. These bags are made by Dee.
We continued with our sightseeing by stopping at the Atlantic Hotel. Built in 1895, the Atlantic Hotel is located at 2 North Main St. in downtown Historic Berlin. Tel. 410-641-3589. Website? www.atlantichotel.com.
Some of the early guests were called “Drummers”, traveling salesmen that crisscrossed the area during the turn of the century.
The Hotel plays an integral part in this town. Events, parades, pretty much are centered around it. It is open for lunch, dinner, and for special events.
I wrote a post on November 5, 2011 on this historic hotel. Just check my archives.
We then continued on our exploration of Berlin even though it was somewhat hot today. When I first visited Jeffrey Auxer Designs, I was so impressed by this young artist. His craft? Blown Glass.
Jeffrey Auxer Designs is located at 19 Jefferson St. (behind the Atlantic Hotel). Tel. 443-513-4210. Website? www.jeffreyauxer.com.
For information on Glass Blowing Classes, please call 443-513-4210. You can find Jeffrey Auxer Designs on Facebook.
Our next stop was Cupcakes in Bloom. This bakery is located at 120 N. Main St. in Downtown Historic Berlin. Tel. 410-641-9020. You can find Cupcakes in Bloom on Facebook.
Shawnee is the owner and self taught baker. She is the 2nd place winner of Cupcake Wars. Talented, created and soooo friendly.
Talking to Shawnee was fun. You can tell she loves what she is doing. We decided on a carrot and red velvet for me, one that was like a strawberry pretzel salad all in one for Jim, and Basil got I believe one with peanut butter and chocolate, I think.
We sat outside and enjoyed every single bite. I wrote a post on this bakery on November 2, 2011. Check my Archives. On that post you can see Shawnee’s specialty; the blooming bouquets.
A quick stop at the Globe Theater. I did not take any pictures. It is locally owned and operated. Please check their website www.globetheater.com. Their new schedule of events is coming out this week. They serve lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. And, on their stage thy feature local, regional and national live music.
The Globe Theater is located at 12 Broad St. in Downtown Historic Berlin. Tel. 410-641-0784.
We took off from Berlin, making our way back through Ocean City, Maryland. Then, one last stop for my friends to check out Seacrets. It is located at 117 West 49th St., Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-524-4900. Website? www.seacrets.com. It can be found on Facebook, Twitter and probably any other social media.
Seacrets is one of those places that you have to see for yourself. It is located on the Bay. Restaurants, Bars, Beach Bar, and plenty of music and partying. This past week-end the lines to get in were unreal. So, here it is.
Now what? There was not way I would be cooking. Hungry hombres at home? You bet!! A friend to join us for dinner? Possibly. So off we went to Saketumi located at 18814 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-645-2818.
Kim was there, as usual. Friendly and glad to see us. Tanaka? He was there too and he is amazing. To see him work behind the sushi bar is like watching an artist at work.
We had our usuals. I decided to have the seared white tuna tataki with yuzu citrus vinaigrette, accompanied with fresh wasabi. Delicious and light.
Then, a lettuce wrap followed. I am hooked on these. Ground seasoned chicken so easy to eat and refreshing on a summer day.
I think the show is over….I am tired. Talk to you later.
November 5th, 2011
They say you have to see the town that Hollywood fell in love with….Remember? Runaway Bride? Or, Tuck Everlasting? These movies were filmed in the town of Berlin. And, even though it has been years since the streets were turned into a movie set, I always refer to both of those movies to see if people have a recollection.
The funny part is that when you do visit Berlin, it does remind you of the perfect movie set. One thing, for sure, is the fact that this Historic Village is vibrant with an influx of shops, arts, entertainment and restaurants. The shopkeepers? Friendly!!
You cannot miss in the center of Berlin, the beautiful and historic Atlantic Hotel. It is located at 2 North Main Street. Tel. 410-641-3589. Website? www.atlantichotel.com.
The Atlantic Hotel was built in 1895 by Horace F. Harmonson and his wife, Virginia Lingo Harmonson. “Drummers” were traveling salesmen that crisscrossed the area during the turn of the century and they stayed at the hotel.
In those early times there was a livery stable in the back. Here the sales of mules and horses took place. Livestock would arrive in Berlin by rail, then it would be driven up through the town to the Atlantic Stable.
Mr. Harmonson had a horse-drawn bus. He met incoming trains. The bus would carry passengers directly to the Hotel. “Drummers” would check into the Hotel and order up a horse and buggy from the stable to make their rounds.
Other frequent guests at the Hotel were those on their way to the ocean, those interested in hunting and fishing; guides were readily available, and those who simply loved good food.
Move forward many years and in 1986 the Atlantic Hotel was purchased by 10 local businessmen who were interested in preserving this gem. The Hotel now looks like it should have looked in its early days.
The Drummer’s Cafe opens daily with delicious food. The staff is more than happy to take you through a tour of the hotel and even show you some of the rooms, as long as there are no guests.
During the filming of the Runaway Bride, The Atlantic Hotel was used for many of the scenes in the movie.
The Hotel stands by itsel, but on Jefferson St., next to the Hotel, there is a Gardener’s Cottage. This cottage is also part of the Hotel and available for rent. It is so cute.
The Historic Village of Downtown Berlin is perfect for strolling. Just park your car; no meters, by the way, and take off exploring. So many new things coming to this town; it is becoming a destination.
It is just 10 minutes West of Ocean City, Maryland, 7 minutes West of Assateague Island, 25 minutes East of Salisbury and 45 minutes South of Rehoboth Beach.
Note: Some info. for this post was taken from The Atlantic Hotel.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
May 7th, 2011
I have visited Berlin in the past weeks a few times. I cannot get over how good it looks. Streets and buildings are pristine. This historic town is ready to give its visitors a good time.
Today, Saturday, 5/7 – Is the 4th Annual Berlin Jazz & Blues Bash from 12 Noon until 8:00 p.m. It will take place on 2 outdoor stages. It is a celebration of music and art. Live jazz and blues artists will be around town. Art and food vendors will be there, as well. It goes with the territory.
For the Main Line-Up and event schedule please visit www.berlinchamber.org. The Berlin Chamber is located at 103 N. Main St. and is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. In the website you will be able to find information on Berlin, visitors info., upcoming events and a Business Directory. Berlin has great shops!!
Berlin is very close to Ocean City and Assateague National Park. From Rehoboth Beach, the drive is about 45 minutes give or take a few. I used to do this drive a few times a day for about 10 years and believe me, it is very doable. So, a road trip could be on your schedule.
On my last visit I met with Cindi and Sherrie. Our choice for lunch on that day was at the historic Atlantic Hotel. We sat outside and the day was beautiful. Berlin is like no other town. To me, at times, it does not look real.
The Alantic Hotel is located at 2 N. Main St., Their Tel. is 410-641-3589 and the website is www.atlantichotel.com.
This hotel was built in 1895. It has 18 Victorian period guest rooms. For more info., please do visit the website.
The view from our table was towards Main Street. The porch was great and so relaxing.
Cindi and I had the Seasonal Field Greens with Grilled Wild Salmon. I had this same salad the last time. Delicious.
Sherrie’s Bistro Steak Salad looked wonderful.
And, then, for a sweet ending which I almost could not take a picture since we dove into it immediately was their Lemon Lust. Tangy; not overly sweet.
I hope you have a great day!!…Talk to you later….
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