July 9th, 2013
“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces; just good food from fresh ingredients.” julia child
Word of mouth was that the place to be on Monday, July 8th, was going to be at the Waystead Inn, located at 15 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 443-856-4755. Berlin’s own Burley Oak Brewery, located at 10016 Old Ocean City Blvd., partnered with Chef Eric from Waystead Inn, and Chef Toby Gilbert from the Grove Market. It was going to be a casual evening, where friends would get together to catch up and some new friends would be made, as well.
Waystead Inn is a Bed & Breakfast that offers 5 guest rooms with private bathrooms. All modern facilities…restored with 21st century amenities, and a wrap-around porch. Their Wednesday Dinners prepared by Chef and Innkeeper, Eric, are selling out quickly. Please visit their website, http://www.waysteadinn.com, to find out what other events are on the schedule, including future dinners.
I have to tell you that one of the reasons that I was looking forward to this dinner was because I had heard that Chef Toby was creating some unique dishes. He, apparently, is also fearless in his kitchen. Picking up my friend, Debbie, was a no brainer, she was game.
Waystead Inn is very pretty in its simplicity…a quiet and peaceful retreat after the hectic 4th of July.
A round of beers from Burley Oak Brewery…Made in Maryland. Website? http://www.burleyoak.com.
Chef Eric welcomed us all and explained that some dishes were going to be served family style. Toby and him would be sharing the kitchen.
As dishes arrived at the table…everyone waited for the person taking the photos…me. So, let me tell you about the menu.
Charcuterie Board by Chef Toby – Soft Stout Ricotta, Harder Wheat Beer Ricotta, IPA Spicy Pickles, Honey Wheat Sweet Pickles, Hop Cured Duck Prosciutto, and local pig and rude boy headcheese. I love this presentation with a favorite of the Hop Cured Duck Prosciutto and the rude boy headcheese. Toby stopped by the table to describe his creation.
Ruder Shrimp Pizza by Chef Eric – Just the Tip in the dough and Rude Boy beer cooked Shrimp with Roasted Peppers, Caramelized Onions and Dry-Aged Wisconsin Cheddar.
We had a chatty group at our table. We all put our 2 cents in. And, some of us got into staging our meals.
Bryan, from Burley Oak was making the rounds…and a stop at a our table to see how we were doing. Exciting things happening at Burley Oak Brewery. They offer Brewery tours on Saturday, and Sunday at 3 p.m. Please visit the website above mentioned to check them out.
I really liked the Fish and Chips by Chef Toby – The Truffle Chips were so good and….at this point my low fat diet was slowly in decline after this dish. The fish was beer battered cod, with a vinegar gel sheet.
By the time the Beef Sausage, by Chef Eric, came along we were completely satisfied, but we managed a few bites. It was a homemade beef sausage with garlic and apples. Served with a Pale Ryder Stone Ground Mustard.
We were really looking forward to dessert. A Sweet Corn Ice Cream by Chef Toby – Local sweet corn and beer soft-serve, chocolate ganache, beer caramel, honeydew and cantaloupe spheres, lemon zest!! Awesome combination!
And, more spheres for our table!!! The End; until next time. Thanks Toby.
Notes: Waystead Inn – No Children under 12, and no pets. No smoking inside. Two guests per room. Find them on Facebook.
Burley Oak Brewery can be found on Facebook and Twitter.
June 1st, 2013
 Florida Mangoes Hot weather, blue skies….the beach. This one is for the diet concious!
In Rehoboth Beach, Giant is my source for mangoes, 4 for $5…in Florida, they are plentiful, and most of the time free for me. And, when I was growing up in Puerto Rico, practically every house had mango tree and I would, literally, sit with a bag of mangoes in front of me and start eating them. No knife needed, either.
 Giant in Rehoboth Beach Mangoes Mangoes are native of India. They are the most cultivated fruit of the tropical world.
Local Delaware strawberries are small, sweet and delicious…..so why not a little Mango Mania and Strawberries?
MANGO MANIA SMOOTHIE
1 cup fresh mango chunks, chilled
3 tsps. lime juice, unstrained and chilled
1 1/2 cups strawberries, fresh sliced and chilled
12 oz. diet gingerale, chilled
Put mango, lime juice, and strawberries in the blender and whirl until smooth.
Tilt the blender and gradually pour gingerale downside to avoid too much fizz.
Pour into a neat, tropical looking glass and serve.
 Hand painted glass from TaDa in Historic Berlin, Maryland
May 9th, 2013
Only a few miles from Ocean City, Maryland, Berlin is a town full of history, with eateries that are making it a dining destination. So, are all the quaint shops that surround Historic Berlin. Free parking!!
On Friday, May 10th, Berlin celebrates its 2nd Friday Art Stroll….every month this is a day when stores stay open late; music, food and fun!! Stroll the art galeries, the artists have their own receptions. You can shop early, then stay for dinner.
NEST is a must stop shop, located at 11 South Main St. Tel. 410-629-1030. You can find NEST of Facebook, as well.
The shopkeeper is Dee and with her is assistant shopkeeper, Mr. Petey. Mr. Petey is always at your service from the moment customers enter NEST. He does not miss a thing. He is a fixture in Historic Berlin. A good worker, he puts full hours. But, don’t get me wrong….he can chill too!!
I have known Dee for a long time. So has Cindi, who was my partner in crime during that day when we ate at The Globe and then walked over to say hi to Dee. There is always something new; something for everyone. And every piece has a story. It is great to see how she has taken the time to get merchandise that has a meaning.
Dee is also an artist herself. There is nothing she can’t do. She is an accomplished seamstress; her aprons are gorgeous and her Boppyowl handmade bags are full of color and interesting contrasting materials.
Her merchandise changes frequently…Take a peek at her store!!
You do remember that Sunday is Mother’s Day!! I thought so.
 
This pillow caught my attention. Take a closer look….real feathers!!
Mr. Petey got comfortable again….”Thank God they are finally gone”. Talk to you later.
May 8th, 2013
 
Up and down the coastal towns of Delmarva, residents and merchants are making sure that the historic towns they have chosen to live, work and play are preserved with respect and dignity. Historic Berlin, Maryland is one of such towns just a few miles west of Ocean City, Maryland, in Worcester County. Every time I visit Berlin, it brings back memories of many years driving my kids to and from Berlin, when they went to school. The Globe was a place I probably stopped more than a few times a week. So, when Cindi and I decided a few weeks ago to stop by…lunch at The Globe was a must. We were the first ones there. Perfect for those photo opportunities.
The Globe is located at 12 Broad St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-0784. Website? http://www.globetheater.com. The Proprietor & General Manager is Jennifer Dawicki.
We were able to walk around at our own pace since we were early. The first thing you will notice is their Coppertop Bar. Plenty of stools available with happy hour from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Upstairs, in the Balcony Art Gallery & Lounge, as well as throughout the Globe you will see works of local and regional artists on display. On Thursday, May 9th….a Murder Mystery Dinner will be taking place at the Balcony Art Gallery & Lounge. Once a month this event attracts many customers for a night of dining and mystery. Please call for tickets. 410-641-0784. $25/person. 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
On the first floor, there are different areas for dining. The Globe was a theater, so you might end up eating on a balcony.
By the Coppertop Bar.
Or, across from the stage, which is where Cindi and I decided to sit.
The Globe is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner and Sunday Brunch. It has Wi-Fi, offers a kids’ menu and it is also handicapped accessible.
It is funny how I love going out to lunch and dinner with friends…and then I start wondering what can I eat that is low fat, low carb, low sodium…crazy, isn’t it? Why bother?
Cindi and I decided to be very good and this is what we had:
Black Bean Burger Wrap, made in-house, tucked away with spinach, avocado and an order of their most delicious fresh fried tortilla chips and a pickle.
Mine was the Jerk Chicken Wrap….grilled jerk chicken, spinach, pineapple, red onion, mozzarella cheese, and honey mustard dressing. It was also served with their tortillas and a pickle. That’s all we ate!! I think we did well.
To see what else is on the menu, please visit http://www.globetheater.com/menu. And, to check the specials, please visit http://www.globetheater.com/specials.
 
So, what’s going on at The Globe besides the Murder Mystery Dinner?
Friday, 5/10, is the monthly 2nd Friday Art Stroll throughout Historic Berlin from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Saturday, 5/11, Hot Butter Nuggets on Stage at 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Sunday, 5/12, Happy Mother’s Day!! Brunch with $2 George’s Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas. Reservations are recommended!!
Have a Good One!!
February 1st, 2013
Once again, we come back from a “heat” wave in February to a beautiful snowy day. It is quiet and the snow is a bit wet. It is about 34 degrees and it is so pretty.
I remember how much I carried on about my fig tree this past summer. Some are waiting for the 2013 crop!! Look at it then.
Look at it now….cold and bare.
Against the snow the green looks fantastic and someone told me that the “in” or “it” color for the season is green. Blair, owner of Tada, located at 18 North Main Street in Downtown Berlin, Maryland has a shop where you can find gifts for all occasions. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website? http://www.berlintada.com.
In a corner of the shop you will see Blair’s artistic talent come to life. She makes one of a kind necklaces…her imagination taker her to mix and match beautiful stones. Thought I let you know in case you are looking for something for Valentine’s.
December 31st, 2012
People around the world will welcome the New Year with noisemakers, kissing and screams….and grapes too!!
All of the following towns are in the Delmarva Peninsula. Some of them have been ringing the New Year in unique ways. Check them out.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia – It is the only resort island in Virginia. Tonight they celebrate with a Pony Island Horseshoe Drop and Costume Parade. This year’s theme is Cowboys & Aliens.
Plenty of costumes and a lighted horseshoe. It is not Swarovski Crystal; they say it does sparkle quite a bit.
On New Year’s Day, take The Polar Pony Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean for a cause. More info? Check http://www.chincoteaguechristmas.com.
Princess Anne, Maryland – The Midnight Muskrat Dive will take place at Midnight. This rodent has provided a living for trappers since settlers arrived in Somerset County. Somerset County is the southernmost county of Maryland on the Eastern Shore. Marshall P. Muskrat, a stuffed muskrat sporting a black top hat and bow tie is the Master of Ceremonies for this event. More info. and photo? Check http://www.marylandlife.com/blogs/around-maryland/midnight-muskrat-dive
Berlin, Maryland – Only 10 miles west from Ocean City, Maryland, Berlin is a historic and quaint town. Full of shops, restaurants and cafes. The Atlantic Hotel is the center of the town.
On New Year’s Eve a handmade ball, covered in holiday lights will be lowered from the rooftop of the apartment building, above Towne Center Antiques.
It is a free event, but there will be food and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for purchase. The event will be taking place from 8 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.
Note: Horse and carriage rides will be available for a tour of holiday decorations.
Ocean City, Maryland – As part of their Winterfest celebration, Ocean City will ring their New Year with a fireworks display at Northside Park, located at125 St. & Bay, at midnight.
Winterfest will stay open extended hours tonight.
On Tuesday, January 1st the 19th Annual Penguin Swim 2013 will be taking place at the Princess Royale Hotel, located at 91st St. & the Ocean in Ocean City, MD. This is a benefit for Atlantic General Hospital. Register at 11:30 a.m. Swim at 1:00 p.m. More info? http://www.penguinswim.atlanticgeneral.org.
Lewes, Delaware – Toot the Horn and Drop the Anchor at Lightship Overfalls. Festivities will start at 11:30 p.m. Refreshments and fire pits to keep you warm. The music will keep you hopping!!
Lightship Overfalls is the only National Historic Landmark that does a ball drop on New Year’s Eve.
Happy New Year’s!!!!!!
December 19th, 2012
My friend, Trish, and I had to stop and check out Cupcakes in Bloom. The last time I was at this gourmet bake shop was back in May. As the seasons change, Shawnee’s creations do as well. She is the main event; a celebrity. Shawnee won the second place in the Cupcake Wars.
Cupcakes in Bloom is located at 120 N. Main St. in Historic Berlin, Maryland. Tel. 410-641-9020. You can also find Cupcakes in Bloom on Facebook. Website? http://www.berlincupcakes.com
I don’t know about you but don’t you think cupcakes have such a perfect size? You really do not have to share. And, you should not feel guilty, either. I can see why they are so popular…..so much fun to eat.
Shawnee was explaining her cupcakes to some of her customers. She has a loyal customer base. I can see why; she is just so friendly, and her cupcakes speak for themselves.
I knew I would find interesting cupcakes for the holidays. She has great prices too. $2.50 each. Buy 5 and get 1 free.
A specialty of Cupcakes in Bloom is their Bloomin’ Cupcake Bouquets. They look so real. Shawnee needs a couple of days notice. You can call an discuss the order with her. Tel. 410-641-9020.
Take a closer look…you might even find The Grinch.
 
Merry, Merry…talk to you later.
December 15th, 2012
Up and down the Delmarva Peninsula historic towns are being preserved by residents and merchants. The Historic Town of Berlin is one example. On any given day, this town, which by the way, looks like a movie set, is bustling with visitors. If it is not one thing is another….but, they always have a concert, a festival, merchants’ stroll, you name it. The shopkeepers are young and interesting, new restaurants have opened this summer; making Historic Berlin a shopping and dining destination.
From Rehoboth Beach and other Delaware Beaches, it takes about 45 minutes. If you live on the Delaware and Maryland coast, then you are probably used to driving. I really don’t mind it one bit. A road trip? I look forward to it!!
My friend, Susan, and I stopped at Jeffrey Auxer Designs. The building is unique and it dates back to 1897. It is located at 19 Jefferson St. in Berlin, Maryland. It is behind the Atlantic Hotel, which is located on Main Street. Can’t miss it. It is the center of the town. Jeffrey Auxer Designs closes on Monday, but it is open the rest of the week. At this time of the year it was the perfect place to pick up a few Christmas presents. His Tel. is 443-513-4210. His website? http://www.jeffreyauxer.com.
The ring holders were so cute. Jeffrey also makes rings and earrings.
The art of blown glass. The deep colors of the glass. The amazing shapes. All this you will find at Jeffrey’s shop. A person who blows glass is called a glassblower, a glassmith, or a gaffer.
 
Jeffrey offers classes, either individually or in a group setting. You can also bring your party to the studio. He has room for 8; kids or adults. You can find more info. if you visit the above mentioned website.
I bought one of the ornaments and I also bought a couple of bowls.
The studio is so colorful and Jeffrey is very friendly and easy to talk to.
Berlin is beautiful this time of the year. This is, definitely, a must stop shop while visiting this Historic Town.
 
Note: Jeffrey also exhibits at Gallery One, located at 32 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, Delaware. It is a few miles west of Bethany Beach.
Talk to you later…
 
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