November 29th, 2014
 
I have written before about this restaurant that is all the rave in Coastal Delaware. It is located at The Village of Fenwick at 300 Coastal Highway, Unit #7. Tel. 302-581-0217. Website? http://www.flyingfishfenwick.com. It is open Wednesday through Sunday, at this time of the year, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. or so. Reservations are accepted and carryout is available. Check the website for more info. and details on their menu.
It was the perfect early evening to have something light to eat after the Thanksgiving dining etravaganza. It really did feel so good. Light, tasty, great atmosphere, fantastic service, small and intimate.
An order of sashimi black snapper. The sauce was a ponzu sauce that was awesome and different!! Craig, our server, suggested it and it really was that good.
An order of Avocado Roll, another order of The Bangkok Dangerous, which was flash fried tuna and salmon roll topped with a unique muddled pepper blend, lump crab, spicy mayo, and their sweet special and spicy Bangkok sauce, and an order of the Bermuda Roll…shrimp, toasted coconut, avocado, and pineapple roll with a miso drizzle.
My order consisted of the following: The Citrus Salmon Roll had shrimp, avocado, yuzu mayo, and bits rolled and draped with seared salmon toro, shiso, and tobiko. The other roll was The Eel Deal; flash fried avocado and tamago roll topped with spicy mayo, tobiko, and crispy BBBQ eel. Both delicious rolls and again, thanks to Craig for helping in the suggestions. Please note that the word shiso, which I did not know what it was, means an herb also known as Japanese basil. It has a mixture of flavors…hints of basil, mint and cumin.
An early evening, a carryout order and back to Rehoboth Beach….good food will travel!!
July 17th, 2014
Awesome day in Delmarva!! Low Humidity, blue skies….and it is Summer 2014! You might be at the beach, or gardening or just plain doing nothing at all. A couple of weeks ago the day was the same and my friend, Debbie K, called me and we wanted to play tourist. Enjoying the beautiful day we took off, unexpectedly, for the Lobster Shanty located on Rt. 54 in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Tel. 302-436-2305. Website? http://www.twiningshanty.com.
The Lobster Shanty opened its doors in 2010. It is owned by restauranteurs David and Janet Twinings. It really does have awesome views of the bay and marshes from most of the tables, including an open air sunset bar. Check the scenery because during different times of the day you may see herons, egrets and the creatures that make the bay marsh their own habitat.
The location is just a few miles west of Fenwick Island on Rt. 54…over the “bridge”. The Lobster Shanty can get pretty crowded, but on that particular day, at lunch time, we were lucky because it was quiet and had the perfect lunch…seafood was on our minds.
The bar is huge and also has that magnificent view. The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner and happy hour. You can make reservations by calling the above mentioned telephone number.
My friend, Debbie K, had the best salad….It was called the Lobster & Shrimp Salad. It was almost enough for 2 people. The salads were served over field greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion and seasonal fruits….dressed with their own maple vinaigrette dressing. It was so pretty!
My Lobster Salad Roll did not disappoint…it was, definitely, a perfect summer dish. It had knuckle and claw lobster, a little Helman’s, their own seasonings…..shhhhhh a secret, and an originial New England buttered grilled roll.
Debbie K and I caught up with each other lives and decided that we are lucky to live here at the Delaware Beaches….and, do not take it for granted.
Our lunch was very reasonable, our services was attentive, and we thoroughly enjoyed it!!
And as we drove on the ocean front road in Fenwick…..look at this! One lot back from being ocean front.
Have a good one…remember that you are at the beach; relax and kick back!
May 8th, 2013
El sabor de la comida latina no tiene limites. Las combinaciones de especies e ingredientes…el aji, ya sea dulce o picante, hace una fiesta por si sola en el paladar. Oh wait a minute, I am supposed to be writing in English. I guess I got caught up in the moment.
Papa Grande’s is the new sister restaurant brought to Southern Delaware by Matt Haley, Owner/Executive Chef of SoDel Concepts Restaurant Group. It is scheduled to open before Memorial Day. This marks the first Latin inspired concept within the group’s brand profile and the 7th restaurant in total.
“Papa Grande’s brought a cultural swing to our family of restaurants. It offers the same clean design style, authentic food and excellent experience that we have become known for with our customers,” stated Matt Haley, Owner/Executive Chef.
Inspired by the spirit and flavors of the Hispanic culture, Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria provides an authentic version of Latino cooking and cuisine. The menu offerings will be 80 percent hardcore authentic coastal taqueria with main dishes like Whole Fish Veracruz or Chicken Mole served with rice, beans and zucchini, ranging in price from $14 – $21 per entree. The remaining 20 percent of the menu offerings is fun, with Scrapple Apple, Belly clams or SPAM tacos. The generous taco menu selection has 15 – 18 options and the Starters range from Jicama sticks to roasted pardon peppers and Chorizo empanadas. Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria menu will be consistent with the rest of the SoDel Concepts’ restaurants by offering affordable and locally grown plates and tastes. To take a peek at the menu, please visit http://www. papagrandes.com/menu.
On the bar side, Papa Grande’s will be topping off the Latin cuisine with an expansive, authentic Tequila selection complimented by Tequila and Rum tasting menus. To sweeten the pot even further, the bar features a fresh sucar cane machine offering a little crushed-to-order food theater experience for guests. Check the website http://www.papagrandes.com.
 Trapiche for sugar cane. For back-of-the-house news at Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria, Matt Haley brought SoDel Concepts’ Corporate Chef, Doug Ruley, in as a partner on this venture. The two worked with renowned chefs at the Texas branch of the Culinary Institute of America to create a menu reflective of the traditions and home-style roots of the Latin American people.
In partnership with the Global Delaware Fund, http://www.globaldelawarefund.com, SoDel Concepts has pledged that a percentage of all profits from Papa Grandes will be donated to a scholarship program that will benefit underpriviledged Hispanic children.
Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria is located at 38929 Madison Avenue in Fenwick Island, Delaware by the Route 54 bridge, across the parking lot from Catch 54, one of its sister restaurants. It was reconstructed out of an antique barn that sat on the site, using reclaimed wood and glass from the former structure. There are 2 stories, with wrap around decks and unique, functional, glass garage doors that open up to offer guests the complete outdoor dining experience. Boats are welcome, just pull up to the dock, tie up and pop in. More info? Papa Grande’s does have catering and private dining, as well. Call 302-436-7272.
Buen provecho!!
March 19th, 2013
Yikes! I am not sure what she will say when she sees the heading of this post….well, I am sure I’ll hear about it. I was going to take advantage of this milestone in her life to celebrate; at the same review Nantucket’s. I had not been there in some time. And, we did close the restaurant…perfect for photo moments.
Nantucket’s is a restaurant that has a big following and has been located on Rt. 1 (Coastal Highway), Fenwick Island, Delaware for a long time. So close to Ocean City, Maryland too. It is classic American cuisine, offering something for everyone; seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, and a full bar. It’s a good place for a celebration! Tel. 302-539-2607. Website? http://www.nantucketsrestaurant.com You can find them on Facebook, as well. At present, they open Wednesday through Sunday. That will change once the season gets under way.
There are several choices for dining:
At the Tap Room (bar) you will find comfortable high tables. There are also a few regular tables, as well. You may also eat at the bar.
This party of 2 dining room was very nice.
A main dining room, which is where we ate.
And, another cozy, smaller, and more intimate dining room.
Our celebrating party arrived on The Black Pearl. This is a designated driver service; limo. You can hire it by the hour in Ocean City, Delaware Beaches, Sussex and Kent counties. Tel. 302-569-2273.
We met at the Tap Room and then proceeded to our table. At first, our group was a little subdued. Give them time…
There were some specials….I had to be fast with the camera. My dining companions were going to dive into their dishes fast.
For an appetizer, I had the Crab & Artichoke Melt. Five cheeses, sour cream, and tasty spices, golden and bubbly. It was delicious and once it was on the table, others asked for a second order.
The bay scallops on puff pastry also were very well received.
The Soup? Well, this is Nantucket’s Signature Soup; the Quahog & Scallop Chowdah. It is so good that they can ship it anywhere in the U.S.
I was torn between the N.Y. Strip Steak and the lamb. I went with the lamb and so did others. It was delicious; juicy, medium rare…great!
Someone did order the Black Angus N.Y. Strip. 16 ounce cut from the center of the loin. No well done allowed!! It did look beautiful.
The veal scallopini was also ordered. Tasty and delicious.
Encrusted Fillet Mignon was grilled to the customer’s liking and encrusted with Nantucket’s bleu cheese herb mix. Served over a black raspberry cabernet demi-glace.
Mike ordered the Jumbo Crab Cakes – Maryland lump crabmeat with their blend of seasonings and their garlic caper remoulade. The perfect coastal dish.
When Michael ordered the Lobster Shepherds Pie, I was not sure what to expect. Well, he got two 5 ounce Canadian tails, sauteed with wild mushrooms, fresh spinach and a splash of Chardonnay.
I loved the way Susan’s dish looked. It was Pan Roasted Breast of Duckling. Pan seared and finished with wild dried cherries in a port wine sauce.
More drinks, coffee, and then time to eat the cheesecake!!
By this time, we were getting a little louder and there was nobody else around us. Hanky Panky lingerie….
And even more laughs…the cousin obliged.
Susan….did too!!!
And, her Mother decided to act her age!!
And, just as we came in…..we left again in The Black Pearl!!
Note: Thanks to Nantucket’s for taking good care of us as Shelley crossed over to the next decade!!
August 26th, 2012
It was going to be my first time visiting Catch 54 after last year’s fire, when they had to completely rebuild the restaurant. Since their opening, at the beginning of the summer, people kept telling me how cool it had turned out. Well, it has taken me until last week to stop by with friends and enjoy a night of laughter, good food, awesome views and great service.
Catch 54 is part of the family of restaurants under SoDel Concepts, http://www.sodelconcepts.com. It is, also, one of Matt Haley’s restaurants.
Catch 54 is located at 38931 Madison Ave., Fenwick Island, DE 19944. Tel. 302-436-8600. Website? http://www.catch54.com. If you are traveling on Coastal Highway, please turn west at the intersection of Rt. 54 and Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), cross over the bridge. You’ll see the restaurant on your right. Turn right, you will find plenty of parking available. Catch 54 is also located on the same spot as Shark’s Cove Marina. The restaurant opens 7 days a week at 11:30 a.m. Happy hour, from 12 until 6 p.m. They do not accept reservations. You can find Catch 54 on Facebook and Twitter.
From Rehoboth Beach, it takes about half an hour, give or take, with the summer traffic. I was rushing to get there before sunset. Catch 54 has one of the most gorgeous views at our Delaware Beaches. It sits right at Little Assawoman Bay; the salt marshes that line the bay are home of many species of waterfowl. At that time of the evening is breathtaking, serene, and peaceful.
 
Since I don’t like to wait at restaurants, I have started eating late during the height of the season at the Delaware Beaches. So, we decided to meet at around 7:45 p.m., thinking that people would be almost on their way out. Surprised surprise, there were people waiting. No problem, I just went around to take pictures, some sat at the bar, waiting to be called. No rush. Catch 54 has 2 floors with a bar on each one.
At the upstairs bar, there are also booths available for dining, as well.
It was a beautiful evening so the restaurant was showing off how pretty it looked at night.
Indoors is light, and modern, exhibiting the casual atmosphere of our beaches.
There are 2 decks with tables for dining al fresco.
The outdoor dining tables were going to take some time, so we decided to eat indoors. The restaurant has glass windows throughout so you have an excellent view if you are indoors.
Our server came to get us. His name was Michael. As we are walking to our table, I proceeded to tell him that one person in our party had to eat gluten free. His answer? No problem, I have had Celiac disease since I was young. I know exactly what your dietary requirements are. Worry free eating!! No questions!! I bet Catch 54 does not know what an asset he, actually is. It turned out that Michael was also a fantastic server. Very attentive and his suggestions were perfect.
It goes without saying that when I have lunch or dinner with friends….they cannot touch their food until I take pictures. A few try to dive into their entrees, but are usually stopped on their tracks. I also want them to, honestly, tell me how their dinner was.
So, here is what we ordered.
Oysters on the half shell were ordered; the saltier, the better. Chincoteague Salts came on ice and were delicious.
A friend ordered the Heirloom Tomato Salad, on toast, with herbs, grilled red onion, blue cheese, and a Dijon garlic vinaigrette. The tomatoes are still so tasty; green, red, and yellow.
I went with the Crab & Clam Cakes. I thought they sounded different. They had bacon, Parmesan, spicy mayo, micro beets and lemon. They were soooo good. It really was a good combination. Definitely, would order them again in a heart beat.
For our entrees:
A couple decided to order the Fish Camp Stew. It had fresh fin fish, shellfish, white wine, tomato butter broth, and toast. One came without the toast because of the gluten allergy. It had a well seasoned broth, very light and plenty of seafood.
Another person decided to order the Day Boat Scallops on cheese grits, sweet corn, zucchini and PBR tomato jus. She really enjoyed them, and thought they were very good; cooked to perfection.
I loved my fish. I really did. I had the Pan Roasted Whole Trout, on roasted farm beans, Crimini mushrooms, almonds, and lemon butter. The whole fish was so flavorful. I would, definitely, order it again.
Dessert:
We decided to order two desserts.
The Roasted Summer Peach Bread Pudding was served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel. Comfort dessert! Not overly sweet, either.
A Lemon Icebox Pie with Blueberries was the second dessert. Sort of like a key lime pie, except lemons were used.
The person that had to eat gluten free is hoping that Catch 54 brings back a dessert called Flourless Chocolate Torte. This dessert was so good whether you had to eat gluten free or not.
Our Delaware Beaches are full of wonderful restaurants. It really is a dining destination for many. We are so lucky!!
Note: Catch 54 also has a kid’s menu!!
Have a great week! Talk to you later….you know I will.
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