May 22nd, 2010
“We Grill While You Chill.” That is their motto. The Charcoal Deli made its debut, here at the Delaware Beaches, last year.
They are located at 20200 Coastal Highway, in Rehoboth Beach, (Rt. 1 South just past Jungle Jim’s) Tel. is 302-260-9615. E-mail is charcoaldeli@comcast.net. The owners are Wendy Adams and Tracy Winstead.
Months ago, I was walking my dog, Addy, in my neighborhood and you know how it is when you have a dog, we all walk at the same time; morning and evening. One of my neighbors mentioned that they have been getting delivery from The Charcoal Deli and how their impossing dog is at the door the moment she smells the barbecue. She told me where they were located, etc. etc. Word of mouth is really one of the best advertisements for any establishment; more so if it has to do with food.
This is the perfect time to talk about The Charcoal Deli because we are about to enter one of the best seasons here at the beaches. It is that season when we have that laissez faire attitude about everything.
In my case people drop by; I never know what I want to eat, I don’t even know at what time I want to eat. It is so light out. No schedule; it’s what I love.
Cooking outdoors, it is to me, the greatest. And, charcoal is what I prefer.
You cannot fake good barbecue; you have to cook it with love and nurture it. It should not be drowned in the sauce. Barbecue sauce should only enhance the flavor of the meat; a condiment, really. It is best served on the side.
Wendy and Tracy told me that they cook everything in-house, except the hot dogs. All their meats are slow cooked over a charcoal grill, therefore, producing a great flavor.
Since their opening last year they are now having a good following. There is plenty of parking available and if the weather is good, you can sit out on their front deck.
If you would like to see their menu, please visit www.rehoboth.com/charcoaldeli. They have Sandwiches and Wraps, Char-Burgers/Hot Dogs, Baby Back Ribs served wet or dry, Chicken, Dinners to Go, Platters, Sides like onion rings, fries, chili cheese fries, gravy fries, cole slaw, macaroni salad, potato salad and their deviled eggs are very popular.
Please note that Sno-Balls will be available from June through September and since these are Baltimore ladies I am sure they will be putting that Marshmallow topping on the Sno-Balls that is indigenous only to Baltimore.
Note: The Charcoal Deli has gift certificates available for purchase.
Talk to you later….
April 5th, 2010
No, my friend, Shelley, will never be accused of not having too much food. Yesterday’s get together in the name of Easter was no different.
It was not traditional Easter fare and definitely not a brunch. We arrived at her farm as the stillness and beauty of the early evening descended upon us.
Barbecue on, oysters and clams steamed, cheeses and drinks and off to settle ourselves on her open porch and verandas and witness the beauty of a Delmarva sunset. We did not need music; the frogs were serenading us with their sounds and as the skies grew darker, they got louder.
Roasts on the barbie, seasonal veggies, salads and sorbet. Ahh…so good, and better yet, enjoyed with family and friends.
Talk to you later….
January 2nd, 2010
On December 22nd I got that craving for barbecue. It must be that it has been so cold that I just wanted to remember how it tasted when you barbecued outdoors. You have to admit that those lazy summer days are something to look forward in about 5 months. Yeah, that long.
I love to barbecue any time of the year. Charcoal is what I use. And, I enjoy the whole process. No need to rush it. I wait patiently for the coals to be just right. You cannot rush cooking or its method. It just does not come out the right way.
So, since I had not barbecued in some time this was a good night to try Bethany Blues.
This restaurant is not new to the beaches. The first restaurant is in Bethany Beach. Also, Bethany Blues is owned by the same owner of Starboard in Dewey Beach. Needless to say, they know how to run an establishment that services a lot of customers every night.
Bethany Blues, Lewes, opened late spring of 2009. Immediately, it was a success; crowded every night. To tell you the truth, not until I went there just before Christmas, I could not have told you it it was good, bad, or mediocre. Boy, was I surprised. If you are in the mood for ribs, smoked ribs, chicken, steaks and the works, it really is going to satisfy your craving.
Since I am reviewing the one in Lewes I want to tell you that they are located on 618285 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. is 302-644-2500 and the website is www.bethanyblues.com.
My husband called Bethany Blues before going there because we wanted to find out how they would deal with someone with a gluten allergy.
Bethany Blues if perfectly capable of handling this allergy or any other food allergy. They told my husband what sauces he could eat and also what foods he could choose. There were plenty of choices. They also mentioned that about 3 times per night they get a gluten question.
It has plenty of parking and the restaurant itself is pretty big. There is a bar with a fireplace and very cozy, indeed. Choosing to eat there looks like it could be very casual, comfortable and toasty this time of the year but I just wanted one of their booths.
Britney was our waitress and she was very knowledgeable about the gluten food allergy. The manager did come to speak to us and reiterated the sauces and foods he could eat.
We both wanted the “all you can eat” barbecued meats. They had a special that night. Britney suggested I start with the brisket and it was the perfect choice because it melted in your mouth. My husband started with the baby back ribs and he thought they were great.
We had these other ribs that were cooked in a buffalo wing sauce so when you bit into them you had that taste. They were so tangy and tasty. I really loved them. It did not take long to get full but it was worth it.
It is so true when they say that their barbecue is authentic because you have to have patience and 100% wood smoke. Bethany Blues uses hickory as their primary wood. No need for gas or electricity.
The restaurant is able to handle private parties, large or small, as well as catering. They welcome families in the restaurant; just be considerate of others and keep those little rascals in check.
Bethany Blues uses locals and natives in providing them with milk and cream like the famous and delicious Lewes Dairy. The sausage is made daily from Milton Sausage on 113 Union Street, Milton, their produce from Always in Bloom Producer’s View, and the beer and Blue Hen Vodka from Dogfish Head Brewery.
So, when I tell you that I have had my fill of meat in December, I am not kidding. I hope you read my blog on 12/26 regarding Hickman’s Meats, which provides meats for Bethany Blues. Well, needless to say, I have been having sashimi, both from the Cultured Pearl and Saketumi in the past few days.
Soon enough that barbecue craving will start creeping up again and I now know where to go.
Note: some of the info. was taken from Bethany Blues’ website. The address for the restaurant in Bethany is: 6 North Pennsylvania Ave., Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Tel. 302-537-1500
I cannot believe that this is my first blog for 2010. Again, Best Wishes…
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