November 17th, 2015
One of my usual suspects, Debbie, and I took off for Wilmington, Delaware…just a quick, ovenight, get-a-way trip. Tickets to see Delbert McClinton in concert were ordered by another suspect, Paula…who is my entertainment director. I have always loved this hotel. It encompasses timeless elegance and beauty. It is located at 11th and Market Sts., Wilmington, DE 19801 Tels. 302-594-3100, 800-441-9019. You can find it on Facebook, as well. Website? http://www.hoteldupont.com
The hotel is an Italian Renaissance building. It was commissioned by Pierre S. du Pont in 1913. It took 2 1/2 years to build. It has 12 stories with 217 rooms and suites. Almost all rooms have king size beds but if you would like a room with 2 beds, please give them a call. They do have some rooms with 2 beds. They are very large and comfortable rooms.
One of the most favorite ball rooms is the Gold Room. During weddings a signature from the hotel is when they bring their baked alaskas for each table all lit. It is something to see. The Gold Room was built in 1918 in the French Neoclassic & Louis XVI style. It can accommodate up to 500 guests. The chandeliers are gorgeous.
Another smaller room, more intimate is The du Barry Room. The chandelier was imported from Yugoslavia. It can accommodate up to 125 guests.
Every Sunday brunch is served in the Green Room. It is an iconic room with families coming here for this amazing brunch on a regular Sunday or just to celebrate a special holiday year after year. It serves as their main dining room, as well. The oak paneling is impressive and so is their impeccable service. There is live music from the gallery above the restaurant on Friday, Saturday, and during Brunch on Sundays. On Sunday, Crystal took care of us. She was great.
The brunch starts at 10 a.m. and reservations are a must. We were just having a regular breakfast but that did not keep us from staring at all the food that was being set up.
We started with a few baked goods…Crystal staged my plate.
My French Omelette had asparagus, Brie, and white truffle oil. I chose very well done scrapple and I have to say it did come out perfectly crispy on the outside, just like I like it. The fancy cut was something new since at Crystal in Rehoboth Beach…they do not go that far.
These are a few of the Brunch offerings that caught my attention.
The desserts looked well so incredibly delish.
Throughout the room there were other stations offering eggs, tenderloin, pastas, vegetables, breads, cheeses, and seafood.
I have to tell you that Debbie and I behaved well….we did not touch one dessert!!
If you would like to learn more about the history of this iconic hotel, please visit http://www.hoteldupont.com/about-en/html.
Inside the hotel you can find the The Playhouse. This theatre has been entertaining guests since 1913. Comming up is Annie, Chicago, Mamma Mia!, Blue Man Group, 42nd Street, and Jersey Boys. Please visit http://www.duponttheatre.com.
And last but not least, you have to get them for you or for a friend….Dick Bryan their Famous Pecan Macaroons. As you check in or out they are right their behind their counters. I am sure they are addictive!!
November 15th, 2015
This was new to me. Thanks to my friend, Dick Bryan, I went to the Oyster & Dumpling Dinner and annual event at the Felton Fire House, Station #48 in Felton, Delaware. This is Kent County and the heart of agrigulture in Southern Delaware. Deer season opened on Friday, but there were plenty attending this event….I could not wait to have the dumplings.
You can find the Delaware Auctioneers Association on Facebook.
There was a live auction, and also a silent auction. And, a gun raffle for a Benelli shotgun and a 357 Mag pistol. The Delaware Auctioneers Association focuses in preserving the auction industry.
Every auctioneer has its own technique…not so. Almost all auctioneers learn to end their bid calling in exactly the same way. The chant repeats numbers and filler words as the auctioneer conducts an auction.
The Chant denotes both the “have” and the “want”. The “have” is the amount that is a bid. The “want” is the amount the auctioneer wishes someone to bid. When the auctioneer is about to sell the item, he slightly inflects his or her voice, and say the “want”, almost as a question, “want?”. Then, if no bid comes in, the next word is “sold” and then the “have” and then the “buyer” which is usually a bid number.
There was a silent auction. You were to use your bid number to place your bids. Lots of interesting things from gadgets to wine.
In the Live auction there were larger items such as the following.
The dinner was going to be family style. Our table was so excited with the anticipation of oysters and dumplings. And the kitchen was ready for us, as well.
These ladies were fast….serving, green beans, chicken salad, cole slaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried oysters and dumplings….OMG so delish!!
Here is my plate….so good. Seconds and Thirds.
Money was raised, the bid calling competition took place…customers were happy and our table was so much fun!!
And until next year when the 6th Annual Delaware Auctioneers Association will take place. Stay tuned.
October 21st, 2015
Pumpkins, skeletons, tombstones, spiders and cobwebs. It is a Sea Witch Week End and the Delaware Beaches…Are there real ghosts and gobblins? The costumes tell a story. It will be a fun week-end at the beach!
So, what is going on?
Friday, October 23rd – A PINK AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, This is a fundraising event for Cancer Support Community Delaware and Delaware Hospice. Location? Rehoboth Beach Country Club on 221 West Side Drive in Rehoboth Beach. 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Luncheon, Fabulous Fashion Show, Chinese Auction and One-of-a-Kind Accessory Shop! Tickets are $40 per person. Lunch choices: Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken or Spinach Quiche with Side Salad.
No on line reservations at the moment, so please call 302-645-9150 to reserve a spot. To know about Cancer Support Community Delaware, please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 23rd, October 24th and October 25th – 27th CHILDRENS FANTASY TRAIL from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Cape Henlopen State Park. Wear your Halloween costume and trick-or-treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. $5 per person, adults and children.
Friday, October 23rd – 2nd ANNUAL ZOMBIE WALK AND APOCALYSE BALL – In Milton, Delaware. It is hosted by Po’ Boys and the Milton Theatre. The event will begin at 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. For tickets, please call 302-684-3038.
6 p.m. – Pig Roast at Po’ Boys.
8 p.m. – Zombie Walk from Po’ Boys to the Milton Theatre.
8 p.m. Apocalypse Ball at the Theatre
This event is a fundraising event for Casa San Francisco.
Saturday, October 24th – SPOOKY ON SATURDAY WALKING AND LANTERN TOUR – 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The area around the Lewes Ferry Terminal is reported to be one of the most haunted locations in Delaware with one of the largest unknown sailors’ and seaman’s burial grounds on the east coast. Travel on board the “spooky” shuttle to the heart of Historic Lewes to view Saint Peter’s Churchyard home to three centuries of burials.
 
An apparition or 2 may travel with you. Hear Captain James Drew’s tragic tale of a ship lost at sea. Supposedly filled with gold. Listen to the woeful tale of a “misprinted” gravestone.
A historic guide, aided by lantern light will accompany groups through the candlelit Burton Ingram House Circa 1785 where voices of the past may still echo.
Tickets must be purchased by Friday, October 23rd by 3:30 p.m. via Credit Card by calling the Lewes Historical Society’s Main Office at 302-645-7670. Or in person at the Hiram Rodney House Administrative Office at 110 Shipcarpenter Street in Lewes.
Cost is $20.00 per person.
This tour is not recommended for children below the age of 12. The spooky shuttle departs and returns from the Lewes Ferry Terminal.
27th ANNUAL SEA WITCH HALLOWEEN & FIDDLER’S FESTIVAL! – FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, 10/23, 10/24 AND 10/25 – For full schedule, please visit http://www.beach-fun.com/sea-witch-halloween-fiddlers-festival.html.
You really need to look at the schedule…it is too extensive to put here. But, one of my favorite parades will be taking place on Sunday at 3 p.m. on the Boardwalk. It is the Pets on Parade. It is so much fun and one of the most popular events of the whole week-end. Hope to see you there.
Have a good one!!
October 16th, 2015
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is open year-round. It has been a thing of the past when after Labor Day the streets were rolled up until next Summer. The Second Season at the Beach brings events and activities that keep all visitors very busy and having a good time. Charming shops, tax free shopping, art galleries, restaurants…and of course, the perfect time to stroll and catch your breath.
So what is going on this week-end?
Saturday, October 17th – DELAWARE SPCA-5TH ANNUAL BARK ON THE BOARDS – At Lake Gerar Park, in Rehoboth Beach 10:30 a.m. (registration). 11:30 a.m. Walk. Grand Marshal Celebrity Recording Artist, Pamela Stanley. Refreshments, Children’s Activities and Vendors. This Dog Walk on Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk will benefit Homeless Shelter Pets. Celebrate the off season when dogs are welcomed on the boards and beach in Rehoboth Beach. So break out the leash and your flip flops to take to the boards and help animals in need.
No dog? No problem! You don’t have to have a dog to participate. enjoy a leisurely stroll on the boardwak and participate in fun activities for the whole family. Please do not forget to dress up! This year’s theme is “Mardi Gras for Paws”.
Until Sunday, October 18th – GALLERY 50 ANNUAL CONSIGNMENT SALE – Art, china, sculpture, furnishings and much more from the gallery’s clients. Gallery 50 is located at 50 Wilmington Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-3227-2050 http://www.gallery50art.com
Saturday, October 17th – SODEL FEST-SOUTHERN DELAWARE WINE, FOOD 7 MUSIC FESTIVAL from Noon until 4:30 p.m. at Independence Hall & Grounds, 23767 Samuel Adams Circle, Millsboro, DE. It will be hosted by Paul Cullen, the event promises a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up. The Culinary Theater will feature Food TV’s Neil Fuentes, “The Singing Chef” and 5 local, award-winning restauranteurs. Special events include a 100-pt wine tasting, an exclusive cheese tasting, a blind tasting and Wine 101 for the wine newbie! General Admission Tickets are $75 per person. This event will be benefitting Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels. More info? http://www.sodelfest.com
Until Sunday, October 18th – REHOBOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL…Please visit http://www.rehobothjazz.com/index.php/shows/saturday
For Sunday’s shows please visit http://www.rehobothjazz.com/index.php/shows/sunday
Have a great week-end!!
October 15th, 2015
Have you eve spent Christmas in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware? For many is a tradition to attend the tree lighting ceremony. This year’s tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, November 27th …. practice your vocals because there will be a sing along, as well.
Rehoboth Beach Main Street commissioned local artist, Geri Dibiase, to design a commemorative ornament for the 2015 Rehoboth Beach Tree Lighting. Dibiase has paired her masterful photography with an ancient art for to design this beautiful unique glass ornament. This exquisitively crafted decoration is the perfect gift for loved ones and friends to adorn their tree for generations to come. Ornaments will be on sale starting November 1 through December 31 at Christmas Spirit located at 161 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Each ornament is priced at $20 and all proceeds benefit Rehoboth Beach Main Street. Have your ornament signed by the artist herself on November 6 from 5-7 p.m. at Christmas Spirit. For more info., please call 302-227-2772 or visit http://www.downtownrb.com.
Have a good one!!
September 25th, 2015
Opening Day for Sunfest in Ocean City, Maryland was Thursday, September 24, 2015. It is ranked the number one arts and crafts festival in the nation!! It was filled with crafts, arts, food and entertainment. Everything for the whole family to enjoy.
Walking on the award-winning boardwalk the visitors were enjoying a beautiful day at the beach.
Passing the ever popular Thrasher’s French Fries, already the line was so long. To tell you the truth I am not such a big fan of them because I like my fries crispy.
Hundreds and hundreds of people were checking out this first day of Sunfest. Apparently, the weather might be a little crazy on Saturday evening, so if you get a change today and tomorrow, please stop by.
The tent we were looking for was the Food Tent and we immediately found it.
One food vendor after another. If you have been at Sunfest before you probably have your favorites.
You can sit down in the many tables available or just stand and use the tall tables as well.
Funnel Cakes anyone?
We decided on some Seafood Bisque with Lace chips!! Perfect combination. They were so light.
Ross decided on pulled chicken and regular just made chips.
Sunfest will be opening Friday and Saturday from 10 1.m. until 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 .am. until 6 p.m. During the day you can enjoy the live entertainment completely free, either in their open air venue or inside the tent. In the evening the live entertainment is by ticket holder. Depending on the entertainer you tickets could be as low as $15 to $60. Please visit http://www.ococean.com
 
Stop Mr. Elvis himself, local color in Ocean City for many years. Known to all the residents. Take a photo. He loves it!!
Some of the crafts that caught our attention:
Wire Sculpture by Devin Mack of Drawn Metal Studios.
 
The lady that works with clay. She has been at the festival for years. You can see her working the clay with such minute detail.
The driftwood sailboats and ships were really cute. The company is Art Sea., from Pasadena, Maryland.
The painted ostrich eggs were very detailed. Loved Starry Nights.
This next company’s baking is not your usual. It looked so real, you could taste it…The Fake Baker.
The beautiful Adirondack Chairs, Hinkleys Chair Art….whatever you want, they will paint it.
Grabbing beers and on our way to listen to Skinny Leg Pete. Definitely a party band. Their genre? soul, funk, blues and rock. And, yes, people were dancing.
And then followed by Teenage Rust on the outdoor stage.
Thanks Cindi for inviting me…It was a great time with a BFF.
Have a great week-end!!
September 22nd, 2015
Discovering Reykjavik was a highlight of this summer of 2015. Was not even in my bucket list. That was even better. So surprising to find myself on my way to Iceland. Make sure you take a waterproof jacket because the Icelandic weather is very unpredictable.
The capital city of Reykjavik is so easy to maneuver. You will learn it in not time. You can bike, jog, or stroll. Some years ago Iceland was in financial trouble. They have been recuperating quickly and there is plenty of new buildings going up in this quite modern city.
The Sun Voyayer is a sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula close to the Reykjavik center. It symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun.
The Harpa is at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour. It is Iceland’s biggest concert hall. It is also used for other cultural events, as well. It opened in 2011. If you get a chance please visit and view the 360 degree Cinematic Experience. That stranger on my photo…no idea who he was.
The Old Harbor. It is the first lasting harbor in Reykjavik. You can find shops and galleries on the eastern pier. Whale watching tours will be leaving for this harbor, as well.
The Einar Jonsson Museum located at Eiriksgata and Freyjugata. Website? http://www.lej.is
Einar Jonsson was Iceland’s first sculptor. His home is part of the museum and is preserved in its original condition. No photos inside were allowed. The museum has about 300 art works spanning a 60 year career. The garden outdoors has about 26 bronze casts. This location is the highest point in Reykjavik.
He drew inspiration from the Icelandic folklore heritage for “Outlaws”. He also used mythological and religious motifs.
I have more to tell you but for now I think this is enough. Maybe some Fish & Chips on the next post from Iceland.
NOTE: From September 24th until October 4th the Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) will be taking place. It will be showing a wide range of dramas and non-fiction films from over 40 countries and is becomming bigger and bigger every year. Please visit http://www.iceland.is.
Talk to you later…Have a good one.
September 18th, 2015
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” booker t. washington
With that quote I begin my post by reminding you that Delaware is a Small Wonder with a Big Heart. Fundraising events happen all year round, but it seems that as the Second Season takes hold of all of us living in Southern Delaware, we set records for fundraising. It is incredible the amount of money raised to help others.
I got an invite to a Kick Off Party for the Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival which will take place on Saturday, October 17th (noon until 4:30 p.m.) at Independence Hall located at 23767 Samuel Adams Circle in Millsboro, Delawared. Even though the address is Millsboro, it is, actually, closer to the beaches.
 
The Kick Off Party took place at (a)Muse on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, on Thursday, 9/17. My friend, Susan DiMondi came with me to see what all the commotion was all about.
Let me tell you a little about What is Going On…
This event is being billed as the “ultimate wine, food and music event on DelMarVa”. It will be hosted by former Bad Company bassist, now food, wine and music aficionado, Paul Cullen. It will be a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up.
This is a benefit for Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels.
This is an inaugural SoDelFest. The culinary Theater will host the chef showcases/demos, where you will find Neil Fuentes, The Singing Chef and Food Rewrapped Champion and 5 of our top local chefs including: Hari Cameron, Lion Gardner, Doug Ruley, Ronnie Burkle and Sean Correa.
The festival will also offer wine and food pairings with 13 local restaurants including; Abbot’s Grille, Bluecoast, Seafood Grill, Bramble and Brine, Cultured Pearl, Grandpa 9Mac), JD Shuckers, Lupo’s Italian Kitchen, Michy’s Relaxed Dining, Nage, Palate, Semra’s, Summerhouse and Touch of Italy.
You will be able to experience the Man Cave….don’t worry we are all welcome for cocktails, a raw bar and Cigars! Join Rob Bagle from Bramble & Brine and representatives from Wigle Whiskey, Dad’s Hat, Benromach Scotch, George’s Bloody Mary Mix (a new local favorite from Berline, Maryland) and 16 Mile Brewery. There may just be oyster shooters there!
30 wines will be offered by Teller Wines and the distributors for pairing and additional tastes. Dogfish Head and Mispillion Breweries will be pouring their fall favorites at the bar!
There will be 2 special wine education seminars in the Wine University; Mike Zygmonski (Level II Sommelier, Sodel Concepts) will present a blind tasting and John McDonald (Wine Columnist, Cape Gazette) will present Wine 101 for anyone who wants to learn about the art of Wine Tasting.
General Admission tickets are $75 and there is a VIP upgrade that includes two special tastings at 95+ point wines and exclusive cheeses and a seat on-stage during one of the chef showcases. The press is invited at no charge with advance notice. Please visit http://www.sodelfest.com
Presenting Sponsor: Ocean Atlantic Companies
Major Sponsors: Schell Brothers, Sysco, SoDel Concepts, Coastal Style
Sponsors: Good Clean Fun Life, Sposato Family Vineyards, Active Adult Realty
Event Chair is Stacy LaMotta
Event Coordinator is Carlene Roche
Volunteer Coordinator is Meg Gardner
Arriving at (a)Muse Susan and I were invited to taste some of the wines offered by Sposato. For 6 years the Sposato Family researched, studied and visited South America. In 2012 the family purchased their farm in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, Mendoza.
Based on their 23 years of experience in working with land, soil irrigation and plants, by running their top rated landscape company, Sposato Landscape Co., they saw this as a great opportunity to further their experience in the agriculture industry. The farm was purchased as virgin ground. A new irrigation system, electric and other improvements have been installed with more to come.
The farm is 250 acreas located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, 3,000 ft. above sea level. Sposato Family Vineyard has some of the best and most popular wineries in Argentina as neighbors. The farm is located between two notable wineries, Bodega Septima and Vina Cobos by Paul Hobbs with more just around the corner.
We tasted 2015 Chardonnay. This fruit focused Chardonnay has an attractive color with aromas of tropical fruit, apples and peaches. Also a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, from their prize winning high elevation vineyards has aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, herbs, species and orange blossom notes that are persistent through the finish. The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has intense red with blue shades. Another one was their 2013 Reserve Malbec…intense violet color, typical of Argentine Malbec. And the 2014 Malbec had deep purple color, with high intensity of black fruits, raspberries and violets. Please note that you can get the wines in the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area.
A presentation was given by all of those that are involved and making sure that this will be an unforgettable event.
 Stacy LaMotta, Event Chair  Paul Culen, Host  Lion & Meghan Gardner, Blue Moon  Hari Cameron, (a)Amuse Paul Cullen entertained us while we tasted delicious offerings by Blue Moon, Nage, and (a)Muse.
So what are you waiting for? Call your friends, pass the word, share in social media and get ready to have some fun!!
 
 
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