October 3rd, 2010

Cafe Papillon, Creperie, Patisserie, Rehoboth Beach, Restaurant, Review, Delaware Beaches

What a gorgeous day it was, yesterday, at the Delaware Beaches.  I decided to go to Rehoboth and check out Cafe Papillon.  Then, I encountered a multitude of people.  Yes, they will be there today too looking for bargains on the sidewalks of Rehoboth Beach. 

I had forgotten that this week-end was the sidewalk sale.  Downtown merchants in Rehoboth clean out their stores and everything pretty much goes on sale.

No, it is not my thing.  That’s probably why I did not give it too much thought.  Anyway, I had to park two streets over south of Rehoboth Avenue. 

Rehoboth is a small town so it was easy walking.  Lots of people walking the Boardwalk, as well.

Cafe Papillon is located at the Penny Lane Mall, 42 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-7568.  Website is www.cafepapillon.com. The Penny Lane Mall is a small alley full of shops that connects Rehoboth Ave. with Wilmington Ave.

Cafe Papillon is right in the middle of the mall.  It is an authentic French Cafe and if you speak French, well, you will be right at home. 

On one side you will find the patisserie where French baked goods are sold.  Salads and sandwiches are sold there as well.  Coffee and Beverages?  On that side also. Everything is made in-house.

I was gazing at the tropezienne, fruits tarts and eclairs, but just got coffee.  I was waiting for my crepe.

A tropezienne is a creme tart that takes a long time to prepare.  It was developed in St. Tropez using local ingredients.

The creperie is on the other side and it is strictly for the purpose of ordering and cooking the crepes right there in front of you.

Different crepes were ordered.  One was a ham, cheese and tomato and the other an egg, smoked salmon and tomato.  I was watching him make the crepes and at the same time I wondered what he thought I was doing.  Every time he added an ingredient I took a picture.  He really did not mind, he told me so.

I could not wait to eat it.  Outdoors at the cafe was perfect; a sunny, cool, autumn day it was.  Sitting al fresco, enjoying our breakfast made us feel we were somewhere else and not one block off the Atlantic Ocean.

Of course, we had to have a dessert crepe.  The suggestion was the Nutella and Banana Crepe.  Nutella is a hazelnut base spread very popular in Europe and I think fairly popular here in the States, as well.

The combination of the fruit and the spread was delicious. 

Just as we finished we took off for a long walk; had to.  I don’t need to explain why. 

Have a great day!!  Talk to you later….

Note:  Cafe Papillon is only open on week-ends now until October 17th and then is until next year.  Another thing to remember is that they only accept cash.

August 11th, 2010

Gelato Gal, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Coffee, Cappuccinos, Lattes, Mochas, Chai Lattes, Hot Chocolate, Review, Delaware Beaches

This is how the word of mouth started.  First Cindi called me from West Ocean City to let me know that someone that came to do work at her house had a client who had a daughter.  This daughter went to Italy to learn the whole process of gelato making.  She opened Gelato Gal in Rehoboth Beach and the other people she had told to had gone 3 times in one week.

Of course I had to check it out.  Just like when I was told about Annie’s Banannies also in Rehoboth.  I really do love ice cream, but try not to eat it too much.  You know how it is.

Anyway, gelato is not ice cream; it is a European style ice cream that has very little air whipped into it.  It is made from a lower butterfat cream than almost all super premium ice creams.

Gelato Gal is located on 20200 Costal Highway.  Telephone 302-227-1001.  Check out the website www.gelatogal.com because you will find out the “gelato’s story”.  Also in order to get your “Six-Pack” of free tastings you need to follow directions.  Gelato Gal is serving gelato, coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, chai lattes and hot chocolate 7 days a week from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.  Plenty of parking available.

I met Gelato Gal.  Her name is Amanda Randall.  After tasting gelatos in different cities she decided to perfect the process.  She learned from the best in Italy and just opened in June, here in Rehoboth Beach.

Well, how lucky I was that day.  It was so hot that I welcomed the 11 tastings I got.  Yes, can you believe?  Heaven on a spoon, just like Amanda advertises.

Amanda experiments with different flavors.  At this time of the year fresh fruit gelato is fantastic.  Of those 11 I really liked the After 5 Gelato.  This particular one had whiskey in it.  I did not know how I would like it but I certainly did a lot.  The Chocolate Hazelnut was delicious, as well.  The Smith Island Cake Gelato was excellent and by the way, Smith Island Cakes are sold at Gelato Gal.

If you like chocolate the plain chocolate was very good.  The pineapple was perfect on that steamy day. 

In her freezer you will find gelato pops, as well as gelato cakes;  perfect for those unexpected guests this summer.

I decided to buy 3 of them and just have my own tasting at home.  Chocolate, Pineapple and Blueberry were my choices.  Of those 3 I liked the pineapple the best, but the chocolate was a good second and then the blueberry.

I am so glad I went because it is great to see new places opening up in our area.  I wish Amanda the best and I will definitely be back.  Good luck!!

Talk to you later…