February 6th, 2013
Did I forget to say, that everything is homemade? The mozzarella, the ciabatta bread, and cannoli. The prices are so reasonable, the friendly atmosphere, smiles, and music are free!!
Word of mouth…don’t you love it? Andrew took Brenda, who back in October told me. Now I am passing the word on to you. Plenty of places to eat in South Florida. Everyone knows that. Some of them, stand out. And, this is one of them.
Talia’s Tuscan Table is located at 4070 N. Dixie Hwy., Boca Raton, Florida. Tel. 561-362-0874. Website? http://www.taliastable.com. You can also check it on Facebook, where you can see other commentaries and check what specials they are offering. Talia’s opens at 11:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
I drove south from Delray on Federal Highway, took a right on Spanish River and then a right on Dixie. The restaurant is in a small strip shopping center, right as you make the right turn. You cannot miss it.
Like I was saying…the music was playing and you could tell the customers were regulars; the usual suspects. I decided to talk to some of them and you could tell they meant it when they said the food was delicious.
Frankie said…have a menu, you don’t have to look at the walls. There were menus on the walls. Frankie is a part owner, Danny is the other owner.
I asked Frankie…if this is a customer’s first time…what would you recommend? What would be the dish that will hook you? No hesitation there. The Bronx Bomber and the Michelanglo he said. Bring it on, that’s what I want, I said.
Talia’s is a restaurant that is very casual, you can dine in, sit on either table outside, or take out, like I did.
The music got a little louder and Frankie was smiling…Nice!
OMG, a sandwich was coming out of the kitchen. It was called the Galileo Cheese Steak with roast beef, cheddar, onion, lettuce, tomato and Russian dressing. If mine were that huge I was going to be in trouble. Calories out the window, for sure.
Have some bread, Frankie said as he place a place full of garlic ciabatta bread with a wonderful smell and so warm.
How about some mozzarella? They make their own. Put it on the bread. I obliged.
Next sandwich coming out of the kitchen was the Fermi. Portabella, roasted peppers, tuscan beans and organic lettuce. It was the only sandwich on the menu that said it contained 195 calories. I was not counting calories, that’s for sure.
The customers let me take the pictures. You could tell they really loved Talia’s. Some of them were known by their first names.
A Citrus Seafood Salad came out of the kitchen…looked very nice!!
Frankie said…do you like cannolis….is the Pope Catholic? Two cannolis to go on the house. Drink on the house, as well.
My bag carrying the sandwiches was heavy with 2 hefty sandwiches. They said “adios” and off I went.
Each of the sandwiches could have, definitely, fed 2 people. They were truly amazing. Here is what they were:
The Michelanglo with herb chicken cutlet, eggplant, mozzarella and roasted peppers. The chicken cutlet was thin and perfectly breaded, a perfect pair to the rest of the ingredients.
Frankie had asked me if I liked hot peppers….bring it on. The next one was the Bronx Bomber. This one had salami, capicolla, mortadella, ham, provolone and hot peppers. Another winner!! Very very Nice!!
Please note that wine and beer are available at Talia’s.
Thanks to Frankie for his suggestions and to Brenda for showing me the way.
Have a good one!!
November 21st, 2011
“The first true supermarket in the U.S. was opened by Michael J. Cullen on August 4, 1930, in a 6,000 sq.ft. former garage in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y.” wikipedia
I knew I was home when I first saw how covered with leaves my yard was; then I heard the geese. I love their sound and how low they usually fly. They were migrating south as I had just migrated north. Hmmm….
It is that time of the year when I usually decide if this is another Turducken Thanksgiving or would a regular bird will do this time. I wanted a regular turkey; have not even decided what trimmings I will make this year.
I think it has been about 3 years since we started eating gluten free. Not by choice; by the diagnosis of celiac disease. No wheat or derivatives, please. Just like we have learned to navigate, grocery stores, restaurants, and going to friends for dinner, our friends have learned just as much. They are always on the look out for gluten free products for us.
I got an e-mail from Richard…Hey, I was at the IGA in Lewes and they had gluten free turkeys. You want one? Of course, I did. I told him to tell them to hold one for me until Sunday. He did and then he said…by the way, you should write a post on this grocery store…it will be interesting to see what you think…
First let me tell you that when you mention to someone about a gluten free turkey, they are surprised. They think all of them are. Not, really. People with gluten allergies and celiac have to stay away from words like, basted, marinated, injected, flavor enhanced and even rubs, unless you know exactly what the rub contained. It is tricky but like anything else you get used to it.
So, there I was ready to pick my bird up and to also do the post. When someone considers going to a grocery store a chore, I actually love it. I go pretty much every day. Ask anyone who knows me. I also see everyone else there, as well.
Lloyd’s Market is located at 611 Savannah Rd., Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-6589. You can find Lloyd’s Market on Facebook.
 Oyster stuffing? I can see why Richard goes to this market all the time. Lloyd’s has that neighbordhood charm. If you are lucky to live nearby, then, you really can walk. Otherwise, there is plenty of parking in the back.
The first thing I experienced as I came into Lloyd’s was the smell of rotisserie chicken. That was a good start. Rotisserie chicken makes great chicken salad; add mayo, grapes or raisins and pepper and you are good to go.
Lloyd’s is small in comparison to the new “mega supermarkets”. But, really, what it had was that neighborhood charm. That familiarity that is lost in big stores.
I introduced myself to Lenny. He was the son in law and yes, he had my turkey. He was so friendly. I asked him about taking pictures and he gave me the go ahead.
   
My gluten free turkey came from House of Raeford Farms in North Carolina. You can check this company by visiting www.houseofraeford.com.
Lloyd’s Market had just turned 40 years old on the 19th. My friend, Richard, told me he used to be a bag boy back in the day. The store keeps in touch with past employees, as well.
Lloyd’s is very well stocked. The store is impeccable and every item is perfectly in line. Good lighting and employees are ready to help.
   
They have local produce. The cabbage and the sweet potatoes were huge.
 
Of course, Lewes Dairy Egg Nog was in the refrigerator. It is the best, hands down. Some drink it plain, sans alcohol; others spike it; while others freeze it and eat it as ice cream.
I met Barbara. She was the cashier. She was from Pennsylvania and had been at Lloyd’s for 7 years. She was a widow and loves meeting the customers. Better than sitting at home by herself, she said. Again, that familiarity of a neighborhood market.
I found these gluten free chips called Popchips. Popped, never fried or baked. Vegan too. They were jalapeno potato popped and had quite a bite to it. They were delicious. The website was www.popchips.com.
I was taking pictures and a young boy asked me why I was doing that. I explained it to him and then he said, Oh, then more people would come, right? It was funny they way he said it because as I am writing this post I am thinking that Lloyd’s really did not need an introduction.
 My cart. Thanks, Richard….talk to you later…
October 17th, 2011
I thought it would be hard to go and review an eatery that is owned by friends. You know how it is, you are a little apprehensive. You never know how service/food are going to be on a specific day. Except at Casapulla’s the service and the food have been consistent through the years. They have plenty of experience. In business since 1956.
Luigi Cassapulla was the Italian immigrant and patriarch of this family. His story so interesting; vision, hard work, supportive wife and plenty of kids.
Luigi was Paula’s grandfather. Paula and her husband, Mike, opened in Sussex County in 1984. But, they have been at Lighthouse Plaza on Rt. 1 in Rehoboth Beach since 1997. The tel. is 302-227-7827, or, if it is easier for you to remember then, 227-subs. Website? www.casapullassouth.com.
I was thinking that subs are so versatile. They travel well; perfect for gatherings and at this time of the year; Monday Night Football.
So, I found out that subs originated in Italian American communities in the northeast; around the late 19th to mid 20th century. In the U.S. the common denominator is the bread. In all types, it is an oblong bread roll as opposed to sliced bread.
In Europe this type of sandwich is served on a baguette or a ciabatta.
Some say that the sub or submarine originated in Groton, Connecticut, where there is the largest United States Submarine factory. The sandwich was commonly eaten by workers in the naval yard.
So many terms for this sandwich, depending where you are from. For example, the term hoagie came from Philadelphia. Hog Island was a shipyard where emergency shipping was produced for the war effort. It has been said that the Italians working there during WWI introduced the sandwich. At the time it was made out of a variety of meats, cheeses and lettuce between the bread. It became known as the “Hog Island”, the “Hoagie”.
All in all, subs, submarines, hoagies and other similar ones can now be found worldwide.
I came into Casapulla’s and I found a well lit place, super clean. Ordering is done on one side of the counter with plenty of boards showing what they have to offer.
I met Tiffany. I don’t know why but I always ask…if you are here eating for the first time what would you order? She knew her menu well. She mentioned the Italian, and one of her favorites, the Chicken Cheesesteak (with fried onions), and I wanted to also try the Turkey Stuffer.
So, I had all 3. The Italian with everything on it; the works. The chicken cheesesteak was a 6 inch but the other 2 were 10 inches each.
While I was waiting for my subs to be ready I checked the store even more. You can buy deli meats (Boar’s Head) by the pound. Available are a wide assortment of chips. And, they also had pastas, sauces, and pizzelles, as well.
There is a freezer in case you just don’ t feel like cooking. It has sausage and peppers and other goodies all homemade. Some of those pastas and sauces could certainly be a great addition to the prepared food. Easy or lazy cooking, whatever you want to call it.
There was a new item on the menu this summer. It is an Italian salad which has all the ingredients of the Italian sub, except the bread.
Their menu is extensive. You can check it out on the above mentioned website. They have party platters. They also deliver lunch to your office from Monday through Saturday. For the Georgetown and Millsboro area, please call them between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For Lewes and Rehoboth call between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Please remember that delivery charges are applicable. Again, their number is 302-227-subs.
Now to my tasting in the privacy of my own home. I would not have dared to sit at Casapulla’s with 3 subs. I could have encountered a friend or someone else that might have thought I was going nuts.
Sub #1 – The Turkey Stuffer – Juicy store-cooked turkey breast with creamy mayo, savory stuffing and whole berry cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving year-round.
I thought it was delicious. Who would not like this one? The combination of the cranberry, the turkey and the stuffing was perfect. I must tell you that I loved the size of their sub roll. It was not overpowering at all. You were able to take a full bite of the sub and experience everything there without spilling all over the place.
I had to open it so that you could see it better inside.
Sub #2 – The Italian – I like an Italian sub all the time. It is one of my favorites. Again, it was a good true Italian sub with all the trimmings. Genoa salami, capicola, pepered ham and provolone.
Sub #3 – Chicken Cheesesteak – Warm, cheese melting, fried onions. What can I say? Thanks Tiffany. It was definitely good.
Paula, Mike, their kids, and their entire staff are friendly….the staff saw me taking pictures and graciously smiled…probably wondering what the heck is she doing.
I almost forgot to tell you. You do believe me that I did not eat all that food. I was frantically calling my neighbors to pass on to them the other halves. Nobody was home until later. I did find takers; Bill and Sharon.
Talk to you later….if you are driving out of town….have them prepare some subs to go…easy.
P.S. Some of the information for this post was taken from Wikipedia.
July 31st, 2011
“Authentic New York Delicatessen (only better)” It is their motto; one that has been since 1915.
My son said last night “this is not AboutMyBeaches”. My husband said, he could not believe I did not have “The Original” which is the Cloak & Dagger; corned beef, cole slaw and Russian dressing.
My other son, said “hmm I am ready to go”. That’s more like it!!
I, well..the t.v. was on early this morning and there was a person talking about the food waking up your senses, etc. etc. I tell you, what woke up my senses. Wait a minute, I should say what woke up my hunger. After being at the Baltimore Farmer’s Market last Sunday, Susie, my sister in law, said that instead of eating at the market we could go to “corned beef row”. That did it and it was great. Their reputation is unsurpassed.
Attman’s is located at 1019 East Lombard St., Baltimore, MD. 21202. Tel. 410-563-2666. Website? www.attmansdeli.com.
It was about 1:00 p.m. and there was a line. The place was bustling. Dishes coming out, pastrami here, mustard there. Don’t leave it too lean. My wife is waiting in the car. I was like, what the heck am I going to order?
I was also looking at the cases with some of their offerings including tongue, probably for their Tongue Fu sandwich which has beef tongue, pastrami, corned beef and Swiss, topped with spicy mustard.
I got some help. They do have a friendly staff. He told me to get the corned beef with mustard on rye. I was a novice. Or, the pastrami, same way. I just needed more time. Regulars knew what they were ordering.
Okay, okay; one corned beef, mustard on rye, one pastrami, mustard on rye, one cole slaw and 2 drinks.
Then, off to their Kibbitz Room for dining and chatting. Susie and I split our sandwiches so we could experience both meats.
She thought she loved the pastrami the best.
I thought mine was just as good.
My husband kept texting me that had I ordered the wrong thing. Haha, a good excuse to come back.
Through our lunch at Attman’s, there was never a line with less than 5 people. Attman’s is near the Inner Harbor.
My husband told me that when he was young. I should say younger; he is probably reading my blog, Attman’s was his “paycheck treat”.
He also remembers when Corned Beef Row was like an outdoor grocery store. Chickens, meats; all Kosher.
Attman’s is an old style Jewish deli. It does not need an introduction. It speaks for itself. If you want to know more about it, check out their website, www.attmansdeli.com. Or, you can also go on line and visit www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=6044. This article explains the good times and the hard times of this important street in Baltimore.
It has taken me all week to write about 24 hours in Baltimore. I still have 2 more posts. This City that has been knocked down in the news, even though it has so much to offer. A lot of tender loving care? Of course, and some of you are trying, I know.
In the meantime, I am looking forward to another visit. I already know what I am going to order, regardless of what my husband says. The Lombard Street sandwich has hot corned beef, hot patrami, chopped liver and Russian Dressing. Cannot wait!!
Note: Attman’s offers off-premise catering service throughout Maryland, Washington and Virginia. Ask them about their “Lombard St. Party” which for 50 people or more at your location.
Have a great day! Talk to you….later….
March 11th, 2011
My driver, Arturo, was being picked up by his own driver, Frankie. Going to Miami he was. I had one more place to show him this a.m. That was Way Beyond Bagels, located on 16850 Jog Rd., Delray Beach, FL 33446. Tel. 561-638-1320. Website? www.waybeyondbagels.com.
His comment was. We need to come back when it is not crowded so that I can take pictures. I answered; fat chance, it is always crowded. Still Way Beyond Bagels is able to serve very quickly.
I had to take the picture of the large whitefish. Among all the other delicacies, it looked very impressive. I wrote a post on Way Beyond Bagels on 2/9/11. If you would like to see it, just click on the month of February, 2011, on the left hand side of this website and scroll down to the date.
Our choices this morning were; my usua,l which is the chopped liver with the works. Never fails; delicious.
Arturo had his first taste of Nova with the works, as well. His comment? “Ese sandwichito me cayo bien. Muy bueno.” Yes, when we are together, we do speak Spanish.
We were happy and ready to face the day. Gorgeous; but is it going to ever get warm when I visit Delray?
See you…talk to you later….
February 9th, 2011
About 6 or 7 years ago I went with Shelley and Scott to this New York Style Deli Market called Way Beyond Bagels. It is located at the Shoppes at Addison Place. The address is 16850 Jog Rd., Delray Beach, FL 33446. Tel. 561-638-1320. The website is www.waybeyondbagels.com. This area is called “county club mile” because if you drive on this road, all you will pass is one country club/gated community after another.
I always used to get their chopped liver and their waldorf chicken salad; my mouth was just watering thinking about it. Since we were out and about it was the perfect place to stop and get a bite to eat. I have not been there in quite some time.
You do need a car since you have to go west from downtown Delray Beach. I took Atlantic Avenue to Jog. Then turned left and went about 1 mile. You will see it on the left hand side of the road.
It is always crowded; very popular. They open Mondays to Fridays from 6:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
When you step in all you see is beautiful food every where. It really is a New York Style Deli Market. Everything looks so fresh.
They carry Brooklyn’s finest smoked fish like nova, belly, sturgeon, sable, chopped nova, whitefish, scotch salmon and baked salmon.
They have about 2 dozen different bagel flavors, and hand whipped specialty cream cheeses.
They have salads and ready to go salads, soups like split pea and chicken noodle. The day I went they also had chicken pot pie, stuffed cabbage and wraps all ready to go.
I almost forgot to tell you that they have a great assortment of baked goods. For example, the cookies looked great but I did not get any. I cannot tempt myself that way. They had mini linzer tarts, and ruggalah, muffins, homemade chocolate flourless torte, homemade chocolate peanut butter flourless torte, just to name a few.
We ordered one croissant sandwich with waldorf chicken salad. It was delicious.
Mine was a plain bagel with chopped liver and the works. It was just like I expected it to be; fantastic. I even bought chopped liver to go.
It is one of those places that you can come for breakfast, lunch or even stop and get something for a light dinner.
There is a self serve dining room and also outdoor seating. The outdoor seating is so popular that it really was hard to find an empty table, therefore, we ate inside.
Way Beyond Bagels caters, but please call them or go on their website above mentioned for more information. They offer free delivery on all orders above $125.00.
It’s good to talk to you….I’ll do that later again. See you,
January 12th, 2011
This is a salumeria, a pasticeria and the Lewes location will soon be a trattoria, as well.
When A Touch of Italy opened in Rehoboth Beach back in October of 2009 I knew exactly what kind of product they were going to be delivering. Lou’s mother was well known in the Bethany Beach area with an amazing bakery.
I wrote about A Touch of Italy in Rehoboth on 10/16/09 and you can see that by clicking on that month and scrolling down to the date.
So, Michael was hungry today on a cold winter’s day. As we were doing errands in Rehoboth he remembered A Touch of Italy from when, in December, I took him after they had just opened in Lewes. A Touch of Italy in Rehoboth; you could have found us there at around 3:00 p.m. We were lucky because I thought maybe because of the weather, well, it could have been closed.
The Rehoboth location of A Touch of Italy is 33A Baltimore Ave., the tel. is 302-227-1500 and the website for both locations is www.touchofitalyde.com.
Lou was there. Once again, Michael decided to have the same hero as the one he had in Lewes. That’s the only one he has tried. Lou fixed him a beautiful Rocky Marciano with hot sopresata, sharp provolone cheese imported from Italy, roasted peppers and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, in a semolina bread with sesame seeds.
Then I wanted some Spanish Manchego cheese. It is one of my favorites. Lou took a piece and then sliced a fig; what a treat that was!!
We also left with some cookies, which I am sure his mother made.
Michael could not wait to get home. Of course, he had to wait until I took a picture. Took several, actually. Here is another one.
Again, no talking; just thumbs up enjoying what he said was the most delicious hero. I took a bite and I kid you not when I say that I could have eaten the whole thing. The meats, the combinations of roasted peppers and cheese, could not have been better. Another time he will have to try something else.
The Rehoboth location will have new winter hours as of next week. They will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The Lewes location opens every day and the address is 101 Second St. Tel. 302-827-2730.
I wrote about the Lewes location on 12/3/10. If you would like to see that post, just click on that month and scroll down to the date.
Have a great one…talk to you later….
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….
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