September 9th, 2014

Blue Crab Bay Co., Melfa, Virginia, Nuts, Mixers, Soup, Seafood Appetizers, Stoneware, Apparel, Jewelry, Blue Crab Bay Co’s Oyster & Wine Fest, Saturday, November 15, 2014, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Virginia’s Eastern Shore

I would have to say that any time you visit a gourmet shop at the Delaware Beaches….and shops that don’t really have anything to do with food, but do represent the best of our beaches, you will find products by the Blue Crab Bay Co.  But, wait, not only do they sell nationally, they also sell internationally.

The Blue Crab Bay Co. is located at 29368 Atlantic Avenue in Melfa, Virginia 23410.  It is at the Accomack Airport Industrial Park, off Lankford Highway.  Tels. toll free 800-221-2722, local 757-787-3602.  Website?  http://www.bluecrabbay.com.  You can also find it on Facebook.

This company started in 1985 by Pam Barefoot.  When you visit the website above mentioned check the history.  It is very interesting.  Blue Crab Bay Co. offers different types of nuts and when Cindi and I found out that we were passing through it was a no brainer to stop at the actual plant.

We got good tips.  The Skipjacks, which are honey roasted. Mix them with The Surf Doggies, which are honey mustard roasted, making sure you put one of each in your mouth.  It is a totally great combination of tastes.

Hooked on the Crab House Crunch…very easy to do.  They are sweet and salty.  Peanut squares with Chesapeake Bay Seasoning.

Make sure you also check the recipes given on the website.  You will not believe how many and how good they sound.  Website is http://www.bluecrabbay.com.

The stoneware collection sold at the store and online is exclusively produced and hand painted for the company…designed by Eastern Shore artisan, Jose Dovis, who also designed the logo for Blue Crab Bay Co. in 1985.

You will also find Pam’s Pantry and Home Essentials at the Blue Crab Bay Co.  These products are from other companies that are used and recommended by them.

The mixers are to be used as part of your favorite beverages but also there are very good recipes using them, as well.

EVENT:  FIRST OYSTER & WINE FEST – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2014 – 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.  They will be serving Oysters on the Half Shell from Shooting Point Oyster Co., Oyster Shooters by the Great Machipongo Clam Shack, Oyster & Clam Chowder by Blue Crab Bay Co……Wines by Chatham Vineyards, which I visited with friends, and a post can be found on this website on 9/4/14.

Food tickets available at the door, while supplies last.  Parking along the side streets and in the rear of the building.  Please note that 10% of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

So, again, I say…..while traveling up and down Eastern Shore of Virginia, make sure you stop and absorb it all.  You don’t find too many places like this anymore.

See you…talk to you later.

September 4th, 2014

Destination? Chatham Vineyards Paddle, Southeast Expeditions, Machipongo, Virginia, Chatham Winery, Church Creek Wines, A Virginia’s Eastern Shore Get-Away Kayaking Experience

It started a few months ago, when Debbie contacted friends to see who wanted to embarc on a kayaking expedition to Chatham Vineyards in Machipongo, Virginia.  This is Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

We were going to go with Southeast Expeditions.  This kayaking experience can be enjoyed by all, from beginners to advance.  The cost was $89 per person.  This included kayaking, tour, and tasting at the winery, and a bottle of Church Creek for two.  You may find more info. by visiting http://www.southeastexpeditions.net.  Please call them at 757-331-2680.  You can find them on Facebook.

We have all been saying what a nice summer this has been.  Low humidity….not hot.  But guess what?  When the temperatures reached 92 degrees on Tuesday I was ready to start whining…..all the way to the winery.  Ben was our guide.  So nice and friendly and shall I say with plenty of patience.

Once we were on the water, it was great.  Not too hot, just concentrating on Cindi and I not tipping over.  This was a relaxing kayaking experience so our determination was to enjoy it to the fullest…..and hoping our arms would keep up!!!

We made it to the winery and were eager to explore.

Chatham Vineyards overlook Church Creek.  Their label?  Church Creek Wines.  The land where the Chatham Farm is located was patented in 1640.  The Federal period home was built in 1818.

Chatham Vineyars is owned and operated by the Wehner family on this historic Chatham Farm, which as been a working farm for 4 centuries.  Jon Wehner is a second generation Virginia winegrower.  They are open daily from April to December and then from January to March they close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Address?  9232 Chatham Rd., Machipongo, VA 23405.  Website?  http://www.chathamvineyards.com.  Tel. 757-678-5588.

The location is ideal for this vineyard…between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, benefitting from a moderate climate.  The vineyards are high density in a European style.  They contain 32,000 Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot vines.

The winery has state of the art equipment and French and American oak cooperage.

Our tasting began with a 2013 Church Creek Chardonnay, steel-fermented.  Then, a 2013 Church Creek Chardonnay, oak-aged.  Followed by a 2013 Church Creek Rose, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  A 2012 Merlot, a Lot 12 Cabernet Franc, a 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2010 Late Harvest Dessert Wine.

Thanks so much to our Somelier….she was awesome!!

We relaxed outside, sipping some more wine.  But, then, it was time to go….we needed to paddle our wine off!  It was late in the day and it looked beautiful outside.

We paddled against the current but we made it back.  So much fun!!

Until next post….the Second Season has begun!!

Note:  Some info. for this post was taken from Chatham Vineyards.