May 15th, 2012
Wendy and Tracy went from having The Charcoal Deli to a full restaurant and bar called The Charcoal Grill. They are now located at 19287 Miller Rd., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. You will find right on Rt. 1 or Coastal Highway, next to the Food Lion. Tel. 302-260-9615.
Their motto is also the same: “We Grill While You Chill.” You can find their menu at www.rehoboth.com/charcoaldeli. The old address is still on that menu. Don’t worry about it.
As we enter our Summer Season at the Delaware Beaches there is nothing better than good barbecue. I love to barbecue myself using charcoal. At The Charcoal Grill they slow cook over a charcoal grill. The taste is the best.
Good barbecue cannot be faked. You need to cook it with love; nurture it until it is just ready.
We decided to visit The Charcoal Grill on Saturday evening. They are open 7 days a week. I can see it becoming a local’s hang out. Both Wendy and Tracy are very friendly and fun.
The restaurant has gone through a complete renovation. Lively colors let you know you are entering a restaurant that is relaxed and casual.
On one side of the restaurant, plenty of seatings. On the other side you will find the bar, which is small but very comfortable. They have used their space well; besides the bar there are high tables for dining, as well.
I was so pleasantly surprised to see how good it looked. Background music was playing and it was crowded.
There is plenty of parking and as the season gets into high gear, parking is a bit of a test of patience in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. So, I am giving you a head up because The Charcoal Grill is worth it.
Almost everything is made in-house, except hot dogs and a few other things. They are very well aware of gluten allergies. Their barbecue sauces and rubs are gluten free. If you do have a question, please talk to either one of them.
My husband, who has the gluten allergy, decided to have the baby backs with potato salad and cole slaw. Corn bread would have accompanied them, but that was not gluten free.
I had the combination of chicken and baby backs, accompanied with cole slaw and their veggies of the day.
I tasted the veggies first. They were cooked to perfection, and so buttery. The ribs were amazing. I am not kidding. They were crispy with the sauce adding that perfect blend. The chicken fell off the bones. It was that good.
These ladies know how to cook. They also offer salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, dinners to go and deli take out. The desserts are made from scratch.
They are planning on serving breakfast on week-ends soon; but not yet.
Check them out and tell me if you liked it.
Oh, I almost forgot….they offer catering.
Have a good one!!
April 14th, 2012
Ten years ago when I first laid eyes on Delray Beach, and not knowing anything else about this coastal town, what attracted me the most was the beach. Unobstructed views. You could, and still can, sit on the beach without having to move your chair here or there because buildings were shading the beach, you could also look up and down the coast.
Atlantic Avenue is full of restaurants, but right by the beach, on A1A, are the beach restaurants; cross A1A and you find yourself at the beach or at one of the beach eateries.
Some of those restaurants have been there for so many years. Take Boston’s on The Beach, for example. Anyone that has been in Delray has stopped there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or to have cocktails and listen to music.
Up above Boston’s, for years The Upperdeck was another eatery. I remember that they had great hot dogs. Well, surprise, surprise, The Upperdeck does not exist anymore. Instead, an extreme makeover has lead to the new restaurant called 50 Ocean, a sister restaurant to Boston’s. The menus are different and so is the atmosphere.
50 Ocean is located at 40 South Ocean Blvd., A1A, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-278-3364. Website? http://www.50ocean.com.
When my friend, Anita, who lives in Delray, suggested we went there I was ready because I did not even know this had all taken place. There was a Tiki area being built. Not sure if they have finished it yet as of this writing. Will have to check that out later.
When we arrived it was crowded. I was not sure if I was going to be able to take pictures. But once everyone left there was enough room to take a few.
I think the makeover will please a lot of the visitors. There is a little bit for everyone. First of all, as you come in there is a corner just to have some drinks.
On the other side there are tables right against floor to ceiling windows; those tables are the most sought after. Because this is the view you will get.
On the other side, they were able to keep outdoor dining for all of us that love to eat al fresco.
The high top tables for drinks or dining.
There is a private room for business or pleasure, you know, parties, gatherings, and meetings.
But, we chose the Bar. It was a beautiful backlit quartz bar. You could peak at the ocean, from this viewpoint, as well.
Our bartender was Sue Anne. She was great and knew the menu well.
Anita knew exactly what she wanted. She was hooked on their Fish Tacos. Flour tortillas, tempura local fish, crispy slaw, jack cheese, tomato salsa, and chipotle cream. She has had them several times and still thought they were her favorites.
I really did not know what to eat. But, when I saw the Turkey Avocado Club, I knew that would be it. Plus, it was our one of our bartender’s favorite. Anita was surprised. You mean a club? Yeap.
It hit the spot. Thin sliced oven reasted turkey breast, lettuce, tomato, applewood bacon, cheddar cheese, avocado, roasted garlic aioli on wheat berry bread.
But don’t worry, there are things that I checked out that would be great to try like the conch ceviche, the crispy lobster and crab cake. Salads like the lobster trap, the warm gorgonzola steak salad. Linguini Pomodoro. Desserts like creme brulee tastings, chocolate Nutella mouse bombe, or a banana taste tartin.
Dinner menu had very mouthwatering offerings, as well. All menus are on their website.
50 Ocean opens for Lunch every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A happy hour Mondays through Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Dinner is served every day from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. There is also a Saturday and Sunday Brunch.
I loved going during the day to see the ocean views. I am sure in the evenings, a different ambiance would, definitely, take place. It would be amazing during a full moon.
Try it and let me know how you like it….talk to you later.
April 10th, 2012
New York City was a little cold and windy when I visited at the end of March. That did not stop us from walking and enjoying some of the many attractions that this international city has to offer.
Eating in New York is an experience and everyone has an opinion to which restaurant to try.
I was visiting New York to catch up with my cousins who were traveling back to Puerto Rico from Spain. The three of us were going to also get together with a childhood friend. I cannot believe we had not seen him in probably 38 to 40 years.
When I was talking to him on the phone and were trying to figure out where to go, I told him I wanted an intimate restaurant, where we could catch up after so many years.
Luigi delivered a neat restaurant called Aroma Kitchen & Wine Bar. It is in the Historic District of NoHo, at 36 East 4th St., between Lafayette & Bowery. Tel. 212-375-0100. Website? http://www.aromanyc.com. Aroma opens 7 days a week.
In the 1970s and 80s artists started to occupy the area’s loft buildings, calling it NoHo to distinguish it from SoHo. NoHo was previously known as “warehouse district”. The Historic District of NoHo extends from north of Houston St. to East 9th St., and east from Broadway and Mercer to Lafayette St., and west of Cooper Square. This district remains intact. If you want to know more, please visit http://www.nohony.org.
Aroma opened in 2005 and already is the recipient of several accolades: Michelin 2012 Bib Gourmand Pick, 2012 Top 10 Wine Bars in NYC, and 2012 Top Value Restaurant in NYC, and New York Sexiest Wine Lists, among others.
The bar was at the front of the restaurant, right as you stepped in. There were different dining areas at Aroma; Main Dining Room, Farmhouse Room and La Tavernetta Room. We were escorted down through very narrow stairs to the Farmhouse Room, which gave me the feel of a wine cellar in a country side home. It was so cozy with a communal table, lit with candles and chandeliers. Very intimate, indeed.
Luigi came in looking “igualito”; just as we remembered him. Same smile. Quickly put us up to date on his life, as we waited for Aroma’s sommelier to come to our table to help us with the wine selections. They do have an extensive wine list.
 
Bread, olives and olive oil were immediately brought to the table. It is worth mentioning most everything is made in-house.
So, we wanted to start with a few appetizers.
An order of Arancini. Arancinis are fried; sometimes baked rice balls coated with breadcrums. Different fillings could be used. To tell you the truth, I had never had them and immediately knew I would like to try making them. It is a very old recipe and the word comes from Arancia which means orange in Italian. It is just the look; nothing to do with oranges.
We also ordered the meatballs. Neapolitan ragu, and smoked mozzarella. They were very good. One order for dinner, as well.
An order of grilled baby octopus with corona beans, potatoes, paprika and mint oil.
For dinner, an order of potato gnocchi gratin, porcini, truffle bechamel and fontina. My cousin commented that they were very good and perfect portion, as well.
I decided to have the strascinati pasta dish. Wild mushroom sofrito, spicy lamb sausage, roasted peppers, moliterno. The strascinati pasta is a simple pasta; only flour, semolina and water. It looks like an orecchiette pasta. It had a nice kick to it and loved it.
Luigi, who comes to Aroma often, ordered Leidy’s pork short ribs with smoked paprika, shiitake, and Anson Mills polenta. They looked beautiful and he said they were delicious, as well.
Even with everything we had eaten so far, we still had room for dessert. Too good to pass.
For me the chamomile panna cotta, moscato, poached figs and mascarpone what the dessert to get. I love figs; I do have my own tree in Rehoboth Beach. The panna cotta is the simmering together of cream, milk and sugar. Then, mixing all of this with gelating and letting it cool.
Some other ones preferred the molten chocolate cake, vanilla gelato and nutella cream.
And, Luigi decided on Di Palo ricotta cheese cake, berries, orange curd and grapefruit.
Coffee and more laughter ended one very nice evening…
 Margie & Sonia (cousins) and the stairs. Note: Aroma has space to hold special events for large parties and private events. Check the website and give them a call.
By the way, how could I forget? Our service was excellent!!
March 21st, 2012
There is no reason for me to start this post explaining to you what Dogfish Head is or does. Doesn’t everyone know by now? Yes, I think so, especially those who love beer. A success story in Delaware, Dogfish Head has a very complete and informative website. You can visit www.dogfish.com for an in depth look at this company. So, I am not going to repeat what already has been said.
In downtown Rehoboth Beach you will find their Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats, a restaurant and distillery, located at 320 Rehoboth Avenue. Is their food good? Or, is it just bar grub? I wanted to find out and took one of my partners in crime, Jody, for lunch some weeks ago. Actually, she took me.
It has taken me so long to sit down and write this post. I can’t imagine why. It can write itself. I even went a second time with my son for another lunch. Plenty of food to show you.
When Jody and I arrived we did so right when they had just opened for lunch. Perfect timing for pictures. Tourists usually come to Dogfish Head, mostly because of the beer reputation. If they liked their food, I really don’t know.
A large bar, tables, booths, and blackboards telling customers what’s on tap and announcing their spirits. You can see the stairs leading to the distillery. Delaware’s only distillery. Tours are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
The word IPA means Indian Pale Ale. It is a beer that is usually included in the broader category of pale ale. It was first brewed in the 18th century in England…my trivia.
Dogfish is perfect for lunch, but it really gets going during the evening. There is live entertainment and by the way Friday, 3/23 at 10 p.m. you will find Lower Case Blues taking center stage. Then on Saturday, 3/24 JP and the Gilberts will be entertaining the crowds.
This what Jody and I had.
DFH Cobb Salad was a great starter for us with bib lettuce, cherry tomatoes, hard boiled egg, house made bacon, spring onion and basil vinaigrette. I loved the basil vinaigrette dressing.
The Dogfish BLT with house made bacon, avocado, tomato, arugula, basil vinaigrette on a woodgrilled baguette. It was a large portion so we decided to just split it. Delicious.
Jody and I enjoyed the lunch and as it usually happens at Dogfish, customers started filling up the restaurant. The casual atmosphere is part of we love at the beach and Dogfish fits in perfectly.
My next visit was with my son who proceeded to order a pint of Aprihop, that Monday’s concoction. Teresa suggested it. Who? Yes, Teresa was our server; she knew the menu well, and very attentive to our needs.
The first order was Fried Pickles. They were beer battered pickle spears and 60 Minute IPA truffle mustard. That mustard sauce was to die for. I wished the pickles would have been a little smaller, though.
Then fish tacos for him; buttermilk fried dogfish, apple slaw, chipotle aioli, and cilantro stuffed inside 2 woodgrilled flour tortillas. Served with tasso spiced black beans over rice. Tasso is a white sauce, usually used in the Baja style fish tacos. It seems that lately either I or a dining companion orders the fish tacos; these were good, but lately I have found a few others that I liked better.
Just like I had before, that DFH Cobb Salad was again my choice….but wait a minute I topped it with the salmon. This salad was very good on its own but making it more a meal with the salmon was perfect. That basil vinaigrette dressing is a winner for this salad.
I think that’s all we had. It was plenty. All menus are on the website, www.dogfish.com, but specials are offered daily.
On the way out I decided to stop at their store. You can buy t-shirts, sweatshirts and lots of other merchandise of all things “Dogfish”. A t-shirt made out of bamboo for my younger brother, Miguel, whose birthday is on Friday.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…you know I will.
March 18th, 2012
Let’s see…how should I start my visit to YOLO? I have eaten at this hip and trendy locale in downtown Ft. Lauderdale probably about 3 or 4 times. All those times have left me with a sense that the social ambiance, the exotic cars, the different attires worn by the patrons overshadowed my food. And, isn’t that what I have come here for? I mean, to dine.
YOLO stands for You Only Live Once. I guess if you do it right, once is really enough, don’t you think? It is located at 333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Tel. 954-523-1000 Website? www.yolorestaurant.com.
I decided to wear my higher heels too. I really did not want to be looking up all the time. How shallow, but, believe me, you had to be there.
I had made a reservation for outdoors, and was hoping that the weather would hold. It was, actually, a pretty nice evening. To me, outdoors is the place to be; among the bamboo and the fire pit. The fire pit was a gathering place for cocktails and mingling.
No two ways about it, YOLO is a hip and trendy venue. I am starting to believe that food takes second place. So, this was our experience.
Upon arriving the valet guys took my car; no parking at the front of the restaurant; the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other exotic rides were taking center stage. My Delaware tag did not face the valet guys who were friendly. My car was driven somewhere else. Cost? $5
Our table was waiting for us and it was perfect. We were not next to the fire pit, but could still get some of its warmth.
Our server, Alan, took care of us well. He had lived in Rehoboth Beach for a few years.
For an appetizer we ordered the Steamed Mediterranean Mussels with saffron, white wine, tomatoes and herbs. I usually order mussels anywhere they serve them. To this date none match the ones served at Liquid Assets in Ocean City, Maryland. The ones at Yolo were plump and they looked so good; once tasted, they were a little bland and maybe too big.
A Tuna Sashimi was ordered and it really was delicious; melted in your mouth.
The Grilled Artichokes were outstanding. The grilling added a different taste to their natural flavor.
One of my guests ordered the Grilled Snapper. She wanted it plain with brussel sprouts. It looked too plain for me, almost like some herbs were needed. I think she liked it.
My dish was the Creole Trout with lightly fried shrimp on top. I added roasted beets as a side order. I was not that crazy about my dish. It was just okay, but nothing to write home about. I would have wanted the beets to really be roasted. They did not look that way. The fish, was also a little bland, even though it was supposed to have been Creole, which usually adds a kick to dishes prepared that way.
My husband ordered T’s Prime Rib, thick cut, au jus, with a potato au gratin. We asked Alan, our server, to check the potatoes for possible gluten and the kitchen said it was safe to eat. I believe that was the best entree of the evening. Cooked rare, getting great reviews.
We had a good time…really!! We ate late, enjoyed the outdoors……I still think the social ambiance takes over the experience and enjoyment of the food.
The end of our evening and waiting for my car….some people coming in for the after the after hours lounging. It was getting late.
Note: Check the website for specials and events. Also, Thursdays is a night for locals. YOLO opens for lunch and dinner. Brunch on Sundays is offered from 11:30 until 2:00 p.m.
Talk to you later…
March 16th, 2012
Dewey Beach has the perfect location. The town is right between the ocean and the bay, therefore, affording visitors all kinds of water sports and activities. Once you park you can walk from one restaurant or bar to another with no problem. Does it get crowded? That’s a given. Music and dancing venues are located along the strip of Highway One or Coastal Highway.
Being that it is a St. Patrick’s Week-End at the beaches…please check websites or call to get the latest info. Some have music and some don’t, but they are definitely open for the season.
The Starboard is located at 2009 Highway One (Coastal Highway) http://www.thestarboard.com. You know how Delaware loves its “vintage” tags? Well, check the new VIP tag for all of you that want to bypass those long lines. What a clever idea!! Available this week-end.
The Lighthouse is located at 124 Dickinson St., at Ruddertowne in Dewey. 302-227-4333 or visit www.ruddertowneusa.com.pdfs/lighthouse_menu.pdf.
Que Pasa? is also located at 124 Dickinson St., at Ruddertowned in Dewey. 302-226-1820 or visit www.quepasadewey.com.
Woody’s is located at 1904 Coastal Highway (Highway 1). www.deweybeachbar.com
Scully’s – Ocean Side Cafe is located at 2000 Coastal Highway (Highway 1)
Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill is located at 2000 Highway One (Coastal Highway). www.garysdeweybeachgrill.com.
Hammerheads is located at 1818 Highway One (Coastal Highway). http://www.facebook.com/hammerheads.delaware.
Rusty Rudder is located at 113 Dickinson & the Bay. www.deweybeachlife.com.
Port is located at 1205 Highway One (Coastal Highway). www.portdewey.com.
Whiskey Beach is located at Dickinson & Coastal Highway (Highway 1).
McShea’s Dewey Beach is located at 1705 Highway One (Coastal Highway)
Wings to Go is located at 1814 Highway One (Coastal Highway). 302-227-9555
Mama Celeste’s Pizzeria is located at 2001 Highway One (Coastal Highway) 302-227-4482
Sharky’s Grill for Breakfast and Lunch is located at 1508 Highway One (Coastal Highway). Take out too. 302-226-3116 or www.sharkysgrill.com.
Have a great time!! Let the Season begin…and remember,
March 12th, 2012
Today I was looking for a place where we could have lunch right on the beach. Deerfield!! That’s where we headed to. The restaurant? Oceans 234, located at 234 North Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. Tel. 954-428-2539 Website? http://www.oceans234.com.
I had forgotten that it is Spring Break for many. The beaches in Deerfield Beach were very crowded; surfing, beach volley ball or just getting a suntan were the activities of the day.
It takes about 15 minutes from Delray Beach to Deerfield Beach. I like to go on A1A; a most scenic route.
Oceans 234 has indoor seating, as well, but, who would want to sit inside? It is right on the beach; a little boardwalk connects other restaurants on that block. Full view of the longest pier too.
We had a very nice table and our waiter was friendly and attentive.
We first ordered some calamari. Usually they are fried; but because of the gluten allergy they just sauteed them. A roasted pepper relish and a honey balsamic glaze accompanied them. Sorry, my plate became such a mess. They were so tender and perfectly cooked.
I just wanted a burger. A Black Angus Burger, char-grilled, sourdough flour-top, adding sauteed onions and mushrooms. Fries!!
Now, the next one was a first for all of us. A Crab Cake BLT!! I have never seen this on the menu. Check the picture out!! It looked fantastic and it tasted delicious. Jumbo Lump, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, remoulade sauce on toasted bread.
If you are visiting the area, definitely, stop, at least for lunch like we did. Talk to you later.
Note: Oceans 234 has a sushi menu and a sushi bar.
March 4th, 2012
Not having gone out of the house all day, on Saturday, we decided to take a drive through Rehoboth Ave. I could not believe how crowded it was. It had been a rainy day, but at this time of the evening, the weather had cleared, and visitors were ready to start their evening.
Downtown Rehoboth Beach is a very walkable town; restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues are at close proximity.
We decided to stop at Fins located at 243 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-226-FIN. Website? www.finsrawbar.com.
We just wanted a few drinks and some of their delicious oysters and clams. It is a full fledge restaurant, but we chose their Bar. It had a cozy atmosphere; crowded. The saying “where everyone is your friend”, fits them perfectly.
Fins has two floors for dining, but, you can also eat at the bar.
It is well known for the seafood, but the restaurant offers beef and chicken dishes from local purveyors, as well. Sandwiches like lobster rolls, po’ boys, crabcakes; and hamburgers, soups you name it. A description of their dishes are found on the website. But, better yet, pay them a visit. They are open 7 days a week for dinner starting at 4:00 p.m. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Fins opens for lunch, as well, from 11:30 until 4:00 p.m.
We came in and immediately decided to check their oyster menu. It changes all the time, with Fins, offering the freshest oysters available. Oysters are inspected right after they have been shucked. No way are you going to get a bad oyster here.
The beer board was up offering also custom crafted beers. To the right you can see percentages of the alcohol level found in each.
A little conversation here or there with some of the patrons…it was time to order some oysters. The first oysters ordered were Blue Points; plump, meaty and sweet.
The next oysters ordered were the White Caps. These oysters were smaller but so delicious. Salty, which is the way we like them.
I decided to go with steamed clams. I love raw oysters but really do enjoy the clams, as well. These clams were so good; small and tasty. More than a dozen were ordered.
Having satisfied our cravings, we decided to go home. It was getting to the point when plenty of diners were arriving. This restaurant is one of those neighborhood restaurants that can mingle their more matured customers with the younger crowd. It really was fun to watch.
Have a great day!!
 
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