June 11th, 2015
In search again for fresh Duck Eggs, I arrived late afternoon to Black Hog Farm, located at 16371 New Rd., Lewes, DE 19958. This farm is located about 7 minutes from Lewes Beach and 20 minutes, depending on the traffic from Rehoboth Beach. Website? http://www.blackhogfarmstead.com.
Back to our roots. Farm to table, is one of the biggest trends in the culinary world today. Less processed foods and more environmentally friendly alternatives. It really is a refreshing trend that I hope gets better and better. It was about time.
As I started to drive into the farm, I saw Helen working away. The temperature was pretty nice yesterday. John, her husband, told me that they get up early and work up until 11 a.m., then, lunch. Maybe, if they feel like it, they will come back out at around 3 or so in the afternoon and continue working.
Black Hog Farm has about 4.19 acres with 60 kinds of vegetables and flowers. The farm uses sustainable growing practices. They have hazelnut trees, fig trees, persimmons, apples, pears, a (sour pie) cherry tree, and some paw-paws. Pawpaw trees, are the largest edible fruit trees native to North America. The fruit is greenish-blackish, 3 to 6 inches long The flesh is pale to bright yellow. Very tropical.
John and Helen Feliciano are the owners. They are passionate about what they do. If you are passionate about what you do, you will never work a day in your life. To know about them, please visit the website.
 
Helen told me that she just had a dozen fresh duck eggs, but she needed to wash them. So, I decided to walk around. There is a refrigerator on the porch…..self service, and honor system. The duck eggs are usually found there, just put your $5/dozen inside the box.
The ducks were out back in the yard at the end of the property.
The moment they saw me they started to get close. Sorry, I was not feeding them. They were pretty vocal.
Helen came out with my eggs. Look how gorgeous they looked.
Casual visits to the farm are preferred on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 and 5 p.m. You can always call them ahead of time any day and see if you can come by. Tel. 302-236-2437. I, actually, showed up late in the day on Wednesday.
From May to October Black Hog Farmstead offers Open Porch Dinners, from the Farm to the Table. A once a month event. Coming up on Sunday June 28th is the next Sunday dinner. These dinners start at 1 p.m. to stay with the rural tradition of years past.
 
A 4-course Midday Sunday Dinner, featuring everything fresh from the garden. Long table on the porch, family-style. After dinner, tours of the farm will be available so that you can appreciate the veggie beds, fruits and nut orchard….and even visit the ducks. They are already taking reservations for the June dinner. To view the menu please go to the above mentioned website. The dinners are $60/person….BYOB!!
Black Hog Farmstead is also a B & B. In season, rates are 185/night. Once again, please visit the website for more information.
John and Helen are so friendly and always happy and proud to talk about their farm.
In my own house…..the raspberries are ripening, the basil is growing, the mint…a weed, is getting thicker. I was always so proud of my fig tree. After the 2 cold winters we have had, it has been growing from the ground. Miss getting all those 900 plus figs. Oh, well, we will see what it does this year.
It is a beautiful out there…Enjoy it!!
August 7th, 2011
During the summer everything seems more vibrant, hopeful and liberating. In a good mood and out the door on such a beautiful day until I hit Route 1, here in Rehoboth Beach. Bumper to bumper traffic; they were trying to get to their places. My thoughts went in different directions.
Anyway, Bethany Beach is known as a quiet resort. Well, it used to be quiet when I lived there; not so much anymore. It is a lively coastal town, here at the Delaware Beaches.
If you happen to be visiting this week, then some of these activities might be of interest to you or to someone in your group.
 Take it if you can. The meters are expensive!! The center of the town is the Bandstand and a lot of the following activities are going to be held there. Remember that it is an outdoor venue. Check the weather and if in doubt call the hot line at 302-539-5484. All shows at the Bandstand start at 7:30 unless otherwise noted.
Sunday, 8/7 – Yoga at Sunrise – 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. The yoga is held every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. $5 drop in fee. Bring a mat and towel. Tel. 302-537-7838. Check the website www.bethanybeachyoga.org, in case you want to know more, plus they have additional classes that might also be of interest to you.
Sundays – 8:00 a.m. until Noon at the PNC Bank parking lot you will find the Bethany Farmers’ Market. Fresh, local produce. This parking lot is transformed into a market place. There are free meters on Sundays from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. For more info., please visit http://www.bethanybeachfarmersmarket.com.
Sunday, 8/7 – At the Bandstand is Oh Boy!! A Tribute to Rockabilly. I don’t think I have to say anymore.
Monday, 8/8 – Boardwalk Tai Chi from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Tai Chi are gentle exercises and you can try this on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. $5 drop in fee. More info? Please call 302-363-4509.
Tuesday, 8/9 – Children’s Theatre in the Town Hall. The performance will be Snow White. There will be 2 shows on that day; 6 and 7 p.m. Free to the public. The tickets are available at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the performance.
Wednesday, 8/10 – At the Bandstand you will find Tom Jolin – Folk Musicale. He plays traditional American music, mixing vocals with the hammer dulcimer, banjo, button accordion, harmonica and much more. He has produced 8 records.
Thursday, 8/11 – Deadline for the Talent Show Application. The Talent Show is August 21st at 7:00 p.m. but the deadline is this coming Thursday. You need to provide a CD with your music on it. Please remember to label your CD and mail it with the application to Bethany Beach Town Hall, P.O. Box 109, 214 Garfield Pkwy., Bethany Beach, DE 19920, Attention: Gloria Farrar
Or, e-mail your MP3 track to RayDisney@Sororityrecords.com. To download an application, please go to www.townofbethanybeach.com. Under Activities click on Bandstand. Even more info? Please call 302-539-5484.
Friday, 8/12 – At the Bandstand is Cajun Zydeco-a-Go-Go. “Zydeco is a syncopated dance music played by Creole French speaking people of African descent, who historically lived on the prairies of Southwest Louisiana. At its core, it is the sound of an accordion paired with the scrapping of a rubboard.”
Pete Gumbo is the Band Leader. The music is considered classic New Orleans Rhythm & Blues. The band was founded in 1992. If you want to know more, please visit www.zydecoagogo.com.
Clarksville, Delaware
The town of Clarksville is about 4 miles west of Bethany Beach, on route 26.
Good Earth Market and Organic Farm is located at 31806 Good Earth Lane, right on that route 26. Not far at all. The website is http://www.goodearthmarket.com.
I first visited this market and farm this year and wrote about it at different times. You can put on the search on this website its name and you will be then directed to the different posts.
Good Earth Market and Organic Farms has its own Farmers’ Market which is held every Friday through Labor Day in their parking lot from 2 – 6 p.m. You will find local seasonal produce, Kogler’s Bread, jams and jellies, pies and plenty more, believe me.
Want a salad or a sandwich? All you have to do is call in your order at 302-537-7100, daily from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and then stop by and pick it up.
Save the date for the following events:
Saturday, 8/27 at 12 Noon – Matt Haley is back! It is a cooking demonstration.
Tuesdays, 9/14 at 6 p.m. – Farm to Table feast to benefit Global Delaware-HHC. This is a unique experience. I went to one in June and it was truly delicious with a beautiful setting right on the farm. It is $95 per person. It is a fundraising event. You can call 302-537-7100 for a reservation. Rain date will be the following day. These events usually sell out, so remember you don’t want to snooze and lose.
Saturday, 9/17 – Good Earth Market’s Semi Annual Art & Craft Show from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Pottery, jewelry, sea glass, paintings, clothing, purses; all local. There will be music; you can order lunch between 10 and 2 p.m., as well.
Have a great week…..summer is going fast, isn’t it?…Talk to you later….
June 8th, 2011
 Children & Families First, Sussex County Event I missed the first of these 3 Farm to Table feasts. I attended the second and I won’t miss the third one to be held on Tuesday, September 11th. It will benefit Global Delaware HHC and it will begin at 6 p.m. If it happens to be an evening like the one experienced last night, then you will be in for a real treat and a unique experience.
I have written before about this organic farm; Good Earth Market & Organic Farm. You can find what they are all about by visiting the website, http://www.goodearthmarket.com.
Actually, if you are in the area on Saturday, 6/11, you can stop by for a cooking demonstration at Noon by one of Matt Haley’s Sodel Chefs. Just go and watch him or her do what they do best.
 The Indispensables If you need more info. you can call 302-537-7100. Good Earth is in Clarksville, about 5 miles or so west of Bethany Beach.
Let me tell you about last night’s dinner. Rosalyn and Shelley were with me. Together we were to experience an evening full of friendly chatter and wonderful food. Yes, new friends were made.
I made my own friendship with Maria. There were 2 professional photographers; she was one of them. Maria has Maria Deforrest Photography and her website is www.deforrestphotography.com. You can find her on Facebook, as well.
Freshly caught was the mahi mahi, freshly picked were all the veggies and fruit. Just cooked by Plate Catering, http://www.plate-catering.com. What a feast!! Check this out.
 The grilled veggies were ready 
 Roasted turnips to be added to the local greens 
 The Main Event; Grilled Mahi Mahi with grilled local squashes The table was set and it looked fantastic. Flowers, fresh bread, and let me tell you about the butter, which was made for the dinner. A hint of herbs and a hint of probably honey. With that crusty bread, well, you know….divine comes to mind.
Good Earth looked beautiful at sunset. The chickens were running around, the bees were into the flowers, the raspberries were beautiful and the blueberries were getting ready.
A little candle here, a wheelbarrow full of wine and water there.
The appetizers were fresh pea puree in red endive.
And, colorful pickled deviled eggs.
The tomatoes were delicious and everything was served family style.
Matt addressed us all and thanked us for supporting Children & Families First, Sussex County who were the beneficiaries, www.cffde.org. Susan Ryan, owner of Good Earth by his side.
Sweet Endings was the pound cake with lemon-herb simple syrup, Lewes Dairy cream and fresh strawberries with a hint of pepper.
Just a beautiful evening; the setting, sharing a meal, good conversation….what else?
June 5th, 2011
Yoga – a discipline that originated in ancient India whose goal is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight. You can experience Yoga at Sunrise in Bethany Beach all the way through Labor Day Week-End.
 Bethany Beach Bandstand When and Where? At the Bethany Beach Bandstand on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at 6 a.m. until 7 a.m. There is a drop in fee of $5. Limited mats are available so if you have one please bring it with you.
Since it is held outdoors, the class will be held weather permitting. For more info., please call 302-537-7838 or visit www.bethanybeachyoga.org.
Tai-Chi – Also called Meditation in Motion. Is a non-competitive, self paced system of gentle physical exercises and stretchings, that help promote good health and well being. It reduces the stress of today’s busy lifestyles.
Where and When? Bethany Beach Bandstand on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, all the way through Labor Day. 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Weather permitting. $5 drop in fee. Need more info? Please call Jim Mace at 302-363-4509.
West of Bethany Beach (4.8 miles) in Clarksville, Delaware – Good Earth Market and Organic Farm will be hosting a “Farm to Table” feast to benefit Children & Families First, Sussex County. Date: Tuesday, June 7th.
It will be a dining experience as the sun sets; a table outside on the farm. Locally grown ingredients will be prepared by Plate Catering; paired with perfect wines.
The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and the cost is $95 per person. Call 302-537-7100 for a reservation. Rain date will be the following day.
Good Earth Market is located at 31806 Good Erth Lane, Rt. 26, Clarksville, DE 19970. Website is www.goodearthmarket.com.
I wrote a post with pictures on Good Earth on May 4th. If you would like to check it out, just click on the month of May, 2011 and scroll down to the date.
Saturday, 6/11 – At Good Earth Market, Clarksville, Delaware there will be a cooking demonstration. At Noon. One of Matt Haley’s Sodel chefs will be the featured chef. Come and find out for yourself.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
May 6th, 2011
“The shallow bays; Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and Little Assawoman Bay lie just behind a narrow spit of land in sight and sound of the Atlantic Ocean. If you live or vacation in South Coastal Delaware…the inland bays are the bays in your backyard.”
Last Monday while I was out and about in the Bethany Beach and Clarksville areas I stopped at Good Earth Market & Organic Farm. I had heard about the Farm to Table Dinners that are about to start next week. There are 3 of them scheduled for this summer and I posted everything on this website. You can check them by scrolling down to the 4th of May.
The first Farm to Table dinner is next Tuesday, 5/10 and it starts at 6:00 p.m. The beneficiary of this fundraising event is the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays.
The headquarters are located at 39375 Inlet Rd., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-226-8105.
But, in Bethany Beach you will find another location. The Bethany Beach Nature Center and Conservation Area. The location is at 807 Garfield Parkway (Rt. 26), about 1 mile west of Rt. 1. The telephone is 302-537-7680. The website? http://inlandbays.org.
The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays calls home in Bethany a house that was moved to this location from the Town of Bethany Beach. This is the 3rd of 5 houses built by John Addy, who also built the Addy Sea. It is circa 1902 – 1903.
The Addy Sea Bed & Breakfast is the 4th of 5 houses built by John Addy. It is oceanfront, in town.
Inside you will find exhibits and information. Please visit the website because they have so many instructional and fun activities on the schedule, including the above mentioned Farm to Table Dinner.
The Mission? To protect and preserve Delaware’s Inland Bays.
I stopped at sunset; quiet. There was a children’s playground. Beautiful.
Outside, you can explore the forest and marshes. There are 26 acres; 3 acres of forested upland, 9 acres of fresh water wetlands and 14 acres of tidal wetlands.
There is a Native Plant Garden; indigenous plants. Everything well marked. A bench for possible reading and relaxation.
Further down there were tables overlooking the marsh and water. The whole setting was surreal. I don’t know if it was because of the time of the day or just because nature does that to your soul. It felt so good.
A trail over a raised boardwalk continued the expedition. The trail is open from dawn until dusk.
If you are in Bethany Beach this summer pay them a visit. You will be very impressed.
Again, check the website for upcoming activities. The kids would love it.
See you, have a great week-end….talk to you later….
May 4th, 2011
Months ago I was going to attend a gluten free cooking class at Good Earth Market. I believe that one of those “nor’ easters” hit the beaches and that particular class was canceled. Needless to say, I had never been there but I knew where it was located.
Let me just give the info. of where you can find them and then we will get to the best part of the post. It is located at 31806 Good Earth Lane, Rt., 26 on Atlantic Ave., which is 4 1/2 miles west of Bethany Beach. The town is Clarksville, Delaware 19970. The tel. 302-537-7100. The website? www.goodearthmarket.com. On Facebook, of course. Befriend them on FB because they have more to offer besides what you will find on the website.
The owners are Susan and David Ryan. This is their store. The farm? Well, it is also their home. They open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. On Sundays they are open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
When I arrived on Monday, Susan was there. She was very gracious and looked very rested even though she had just come from France. I introduced myself and she told me to feel free to take pictures and then she would take me out to the farm which was in back of the store.
The store is very well stocked and looks like a grocery store with shelves and freezers. There is a fresh dairy case and a non-dairy case.
Good Earth has organic products from teas, coffees to all natural beauty products; hand creams and body oils. Vitamins and healthy essentials, as well.
There is a huge selection of gluten free grocery and frozen foods. I was particularly interested on the gluten free products since we eat gluten free in my home.
Every Friday and Saturday there is a delivery of Kogler’s Old World Artisan Breads.
You will find cut flowers in season and herbs are cut to order.
The farm is 100% organic and to be so it was certified by the USDA. Many of the items are grown right on the farm.
 
Susan took me to the back of the farm. There we found Ingrid, the Master Gardener busy at work. In the greenhouse, there were 7,000 heirloom tomatoes to be planted. Good Earth Market is known for their heirloom tomatoes. They are sold at the Farmers Markets in Lewes, Georgetown, Bethany and Fenwick Island. Besides the tomato plants there were also all kinds of fragrant herbs getting ready, as well.
Besides my wanting to see the farm and store I also was very much interested in some of the upcoming events that will be starting this week-end. These look like they will be a lot of fun.
Saturday, 5/7 – at 12:00 Noon. Michael Rodriguez, consulting chef at Kool Bean returns for another fun cooking demo. He will work his magic and taste the results. Recipes for you on that day.
Saturday, 5/14 – at 12:00 Noon. Matt Haley will be there for another fun Cooking Show!! He will be entertaining, for sure and will show how to prepare something delicious. Arrive early to get a good seat.
Saturday, 5/21 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. is Good Earth Market’s Semi Annual Arts & Crafts Show. It will feature local artists. Food and drinks will be available along with Kogler’s Bread. It will be the day to find unique treasures for yourselves or for gifts.
Saturday, 6/4 at 12:00 Noon. “Slow Food Delmarva” arrives at Good Earth Market. The Market is excited to support this idea, way of living and way of eating. It is a global grassroots movement with members around the world campaigning for a commitment to a better community, a better environment and better food. Come to learn more. You can check their website, www.slowfooddelmarva.org.
The “Farm To Table” Dinners
Authentic and sustainble; indulging in several courses, gourmet dinners prepared by Plate Catering; part of the SoDel Concepts. On Facebook. Website? http://www.plate-catering.com.
Placing the guests right in the field; eating the food grown in the farm. Our coastal area affords us the opportunity to take advantage of the farm, the bay and the sea.
There will be 3 Farm to Table dinners and each is a fundraising event.
Cocktails will be served right in back of Good Earth, while listening to music, overlooking the farm.
Then, guests will stroll to the table, in the middle of the field. This year, the table could be set right on the back or towards the left of the farm.
Tuesday, 5/10 at 6:00 p.m. The Farm to Table feast on this evening will benefit The Center For the Inland Bays. Please join them as the sun sets for a unique dining experience. Carefully selected, locally grown ingredients will be prepared by Plate Catering and paired with the perfect wines. The events begins at 6 pm. The cost? $95 per person. To obtain tickets and reservations please call 302-5378-7100 or stop by Good Earth in person. Rain date will be the following day.
The Center for the Inland Bays was established in 1994 to protect and preserve Delaware’s Inland Bays and their watersheds. For more info. please visit http://www.inlandbays.org. I will be writing a post on CIB soon.
Tuesday, 6/7 at 6:00 p.m. This Farm to Table feast will be benefiting Children & Families First, Sussex County. It will be another unique dining experience. Plate Catering will have selected locally grown ingredients again and will pair the dinner with the perfect wines. The cost is $95 per person. Please call 302-537-7100 for a reservation. Rain date will be the following day.
Children & Families First, Sussex County is a non-profit social services agency whose branches have touched every corner of Delaware improving the lives of those in need. For more info. please visit www.cffde.org.
Tuesday, 9/13 at 6:00 p.m. This will be the last Farm to Table feast for the season. It will benefit Global Delaware-HHC. Prepare to join them as the sun sets for a unique dining experience. Plate Catering will be cooking and selecting the wines for the evening. The cost is $95 and you can call for tickets and reservations at 302-537-7100. The rain date will be the following day.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….you know I will….
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