June 8th, 2010
This past week I had the opportunity to taste some of the specialties prepared by Nourish. I could not believe how good and fresh everything tasted. I had heard about Nourish and made a mental note to stop by at some point and see what they were offering to the Rehoboth Beach community. Today was the day.
Nourish is located at 37385 Henlopen Junction #10, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. is 302-227-6282. The website is www.anourishingidea.com. Fax # is 302-260-9127. The owners? Deberah Sutter and Lois Pellegrino.
The person that greeted me upon entering Nourish was Jane. She gave me a tour of the store and introduced me to Deberah and Lois.
These ladies are telling all of us here at the Beaches to Live….Relax….and Let Them Cook…. Great!! Let’s see what they have.
 Fromagerie (cheeses)  Charcuterie (ham, sausages, pates) I personally came home with some of their prepared foods:
White Anchovies. The first time I had them was in Spain and they are so mild and delicious. If you are not a fan of anchovies these ones might change your mind.
Chicken Apple Salad, Curry Chicken Salad, Edamame Salad, Quinoa Salad, Indonesian Rice Salad, Indian Dahl and Yingling Smoked Salmon. All of these salads were home made. The spices and herbs used to give them their unique flavors are individually defined as you tasted one bite after another.
 Prepared Foods Deberah told me she is from San Francisco. When she was young her family had 6 “Taquerias”. We were saying how people are enjoying the foods with Latin influences and considering them healthy, which they are, when prepared correctly.
Nourish has party platters, sandwiches to order, wraps, beach food, artisanal cheeses, housemade soups, and salads.
All salsas are made in-house. The hottest is Seriously Sassy, then there is Some Like it Hot, among others. The fig and olive tapenade was to die for. I might have to barter with her since I have a fig tree.
Chips? Also home made. Nourish is aware of individuals with celiac disease and gluten intolerances and gluten free products are available. All of the salads I bought today were gluten free.
 Seasonings, Sauces, Spices Nourish has the availability to hold a “dinner party” in their location. The maximum amount of people would probably be 20. If you are interested please give them a call for further information.
Nourish can cater a party for 2 or a party for many. Just give them a call.
Please note that on Saturday, June 12th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. there will be a Breasta Fiesta! to support team M&M in their commitment to walk the Susan G. Komen 3-Day For The Cure.
Nourish has united with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery for this event so you will get to savor Chef Deberah’s Delicious Mexican Food and taste Dogfish Head Off-Centered Ales!!
Wear pink and get a free what at their Big C Pinata.
The location will be Nourish Parking Lot (rain or shine) at 715 Rehoboth Avenue Extension.
Tickets are available at Nourish and Camp Rehoboth. Contact info. at Camp Rehoboth 302-227-5620. E-mail: BreastaFiesta@gmail.com or call Kathy Wiz at 302-226-0795.
Minimum donation $25. Proceeds go to Susan G. Komen 3-Day For the Cure.
I hope you have a great rest of the week…..
February 3rd, 2010
Have you ever been to a town called Celebration, in Celebration, Florida (Orlando)? Well, this town was modeled after small American towns and neighborhoods from the early 1900’s. It is not that I want to live like in the early 1900’s. But the idea of living in a town or neighborhood where you can safely walk the sidewalks, talk to your neighbors from their balconies and walk into shops and post offices and become friends, brings nostalgic feelings to my heart.
I believe that towns like Lewes, Princess Anne, Oxford, Berlin, St. Augustine, Milton all of which are located in Maryland, Delaware and Florida have served as models for the above mentioned Celebration concept. One other town, Easton, Maryland, is a perfect example of small town living. With its charming streets, homes and businesses at close proximity to pedestrians, it lets people connect with one another.
Tuesday was a day for a road trip. It took Cindi and I to the town of Easton. We went to meet Susan, a friend that we had not seen for about 6 years. What kind of friends are we? I guess we just have been dealing with our own families, schools, businesses and even though we are only about 1 1/2 hours away, we just let those years slip by.
Cindi and I met in Georgetown, Delaware, and I told her I definitely would take her through the short cut. Well that did not happen since every field looked the same; covered with snow. We made it, though.
Easton, Maryland, just in case you don’t know about this town, is in Talbot County; its County Seat. Its location is at the headwaters of the Tred Avon River. Because of its rivers and creeks it is very popular with boaters.
I have been talking about this small town, but don’t kid yourself, this is a very well connected town. It does not roll its sidewalks at dusk either. Throughout the year it is the host of art festivals, including the very popular Waterfowl Festival. Easton is the home of chic shops, antique shops and restaurants. A wide variety of lodgings are available, as well, including the Historic Tidewater Inn.
The Avalon Theater is another place that should not be missed. It is a happening place. It is located on 40 East Dover St., Easton, MD 21601. Tel. 410822-7299. Website is www.avalontheatre.com. This theater brings you from Symphony to Bluegrass, Comedians to Art Festivals; really, entertainment for the whole family. It was built in 1921. Three world premieres opened at this theater, including “The First Kiss” with Gary Cooper and Fay Ray; filmed in Easton and St. Michaels. Please visit the website above mentioned for more information on the Avalon Theater and upcoming performances. They have their whole schedule up.
 Legal Spirits & Avalon Theater It was time to meet for lunch. Susan met us at Mason’s. This restaurant is located on 22 South Harrison St. in Easton. Tel. 410-822-3204. E-mail is masons@masonsgourmet.com and the website is www.masonsgourmet.com.
You can see from the pictures that this restaurant embodies the small town living. The charming house which was converted into the restaurant greets you with such warmth. One side of the house is the restaurant and on the other side; a more casual and lighter atmosphere. Coffee, gourmet chocolates, candies and wines are all available for purchase.
Mason’s was established in 1966. By visiting the website you will find their history and what they are all about, including menus.
Today I had their Davon Crest Baby Green Salad with candied pecans, peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese and honey mustard vinaigrette. I then added fried oysters on top. Great presentation and taste. The honey mustard added the perfect kick to the salad.
Cindi had their Daily Deep Dish Quiche with baby mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette. This quiche looked beautiful. Cindi had been having a quiche craving so she was perfectly happy.
In French cuisine, a quiche is a baked dish that is based on a custard made from eggs, and milk or cream in a pastry crust. But I don’t think that a lot of people would know that even though it is considered a dish of French cuisine, it really originated in Germany. The word “Quiche” is from the German “Kuchen”, meaning cake.
Susan decided on the Chicken Salad Plate. It had also fruit salad and pasta salad on the side. Great presentation, as well.
Did I forget to tell you that today was Susan’s birthday? Yes, on Groundhog Day. We ordered a chocolate torte. Velvety smooth, rich and delicious. It went well with my espresso.
 Susan's Chocolate Torte Mason’s service was prompt, attentive and discreet. Kari, our server, let us catch up, knowing that we had not seen each other for a long time.
So, even though Easton is a little bit of a drive from the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland, it is really worth visiting.
A Tip: The only suggestion I would have for Mason’s is that its staff should be informed about ingredients in their chocolates and baked goods in case a customer has a food allergy.
Note: Information of Quiche was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiche.
Enjoying a meal with friends is something that is priceless. Really, it is!!
Talk to you later…
December 16th, 2009
The Main Street Princess Anne Partnership is definitely promoting this historic town by offering tours of its historic buildings and gardens. The town has a concentration of period buildings and more than a few are on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information and schedule, please call Carolyn Marquis, Executive Director of the Main Street Princess Anne Partnership at 410-651-2961 or you may e-mail mainstreetpricessanne@yahoo.com.
The Olney Market Cafe is proud to provide gourmet box lunches, which is included in one of the standard tour packages. This Cafe specializes in homemade sandwiches, salads, cookies, teas, cheeses and chocolate truffles.
It is located inside Independence Hall, along with the other shops I wrote about this week. The address is 11779 Somerset Ave., Suite 11, Princess Anne, MD 21853. Tel. is 410-621-5643, Fax is 410-621-5674 and e-mail is susan@olneymarket.com.
The menu changes weekly and Susan, the owner, told me that she tries to also prepare a diverse menu. On the blackboard you will find the daily offerings and coffees.
The day I visited she had available Garlic Roast Beef Sub, Hearty Roast Beef with Garlic cheese on a Wheat Roll, Turkey & Black Bean Wrap, Turkey breast, cilantro, black beans, green chiles and tomatoes in tortilla, Barbecue Chicken Panini, Panzanella Panini and Foccacia stuffed with mozzarella, basil, tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette. The Cafe is small, with a few tables. The pantry has edible Christmas gifts, among the nuts, toffee and other goodies.
A Panzanella is an Italian salad made with onions, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, vinegar, seasonings and chunks of bread. Variations can include cucumber, anchovies and/or peppers. The traditional recipe soaks the bread in water and then squeezes the water out. Other suggestions are to brown the bread in olive oil before adding to the salad.
A Panini is Italian for roll or biscuit.
If you are visiting the area, you may call ahead and see what is on the menu for the day. You might want to stop while driving south on 13, trying to escape the cold weather that is upon us.
Information on Panzanella and Panini was taken from http://allrecipes.com.
I am going back to the beaches…so talk to you later…
November 9th, 2009
Over 4 years ago and by word of mouth, a friend told me about Collado’s Gourmet Market. I have bought from them ever since. I have also seen it grow into a fullfledge market. The address is 3416 S. Federal Highway, in Delray Beach. Just south of Lindell Blvd. The telephone is 561-276-1866 and the fax is 561-276-5613.
The market has an extensive menu and it is open 7 days a week. You may order from their ready to serve gourmet display. Just like in the picture.
Or, you can browse over a full line of fruits and vegetables. Something worthy of mentioning is that this market ships fruits. For more information please e-mail them at colladosgourmetm@bellsouth.net, or give them a call to the above number.
Some of the items on the menu are:
Hot and cold subs and wraps, using Boars Head Meats. Vegetables subs like grilled veggies, eggplant cutlets, sauteed spinach or fresh veggies.
Homemade Salads and specialty salads. Soups like chicken soup, matzah ball and pasta fagioli.
Deli meats by the pound and as I mentioned above they have Boars Head Meats.
An assortment of waters, teas, wine, beer and the best is always freshly squeezed orange juice.
Don’t feel like cooking or no time to cook, for that matter; guests dropping by, then you can get full lunch or dinner entrees ready to reheat later. 
One of my favorites at Collado’s is the grilled asparagus. They have that grilled taste and they are cooked perfectly.
If you are hosting Thanksgiving and don’t have enough ovens to cook everything then order the turkey from Collado’s or order the trimmings from the market and you cook the turkey. I have done it and it was delicious.
Collados has catering available so please contact them for more information.
At Collado’s market you will find Gelato at Collado’s.
This is a separate business but it is inside the market. The telephone is 561-278-5555, and the e-mail address is gelatoatcollados@gmail.com. The website is www.gelatoatcollados.com.
When I stopped there the other day, I noticed this new addition inside the market. I had a few tastings of the mango and the vanilla and they were so good. Definitely you could taste the mango and the vanilla, and so refreshing. 
Gerald was at the counter and he told me that the owner, whose name is Rick Consolo, makes the gelato and when mangoes are in season, he is able to make it with just picked mangoes from his own tree.
Besides the gelato they have gelato pies and cakes, fresh filled cannolis, all fruit smoothies and an espresso bar.
In case you are not familiar with gelato I would like to tell you that it is the plural for gelati. It is Italy’s version of ice cream. It is made with some of the same ingredients, but unlike ice cream, gelato often does not contain eggs. Gelato has less than 55% air, resulting in a denser product. Its history dates to the 16th century.
Note: The gelato info. was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/gelato
I thought I would pass this information on, just like someone gave it to me once. I hope it makes your life easier if you are visiting, living, boating or beaching in Delray Beach or the Boca Raton area.
Talk to you later….
October 16th, 2009
A serious accident prevented Lou from opening this Salumeria & Pasticceria at the beginning of the summer season. But, now in the Second Season he is ready. Tomorrow, Saturday, will be the second week since he opened this business on 33A Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth Beach. Telephone is 302-227-1500, fax number is 302-227-3900 and the website is www.touchofitalyde.com.
Everyone that knows him is very happy that he has been able to recuperate well and by the smile on his face, you could tell that since he opened, he has definitely been received with open arms and hungry stomachs.
It is a small store but very well stocked. Besides Lou, you will find Diane, and Frankie.
They will have fresh mozzarella, prepared and even smoked in large barrels by Frankie, who learned this technique from Don Orazio who owns Casa della Mozzarella in New York. They have even named one of the specialty sandwiches on behalf of Don Orazio. I had that sandwich today and it could not have tasted better. It had hot capicollo, fresh hand made mozzarella, and sun dried peppers.
Touch of Italy will have Italian cured meats/cheeses, Italian provisions, fresh breads, sandwiches, assorted cookies/pastries, homemade pasta and catering.
Everything is there for you to appreciate. Hanging hams, salami and cheeses. On the left hand side of the store you can buy all kinds of Italian pastas, including gnocchi with potato. They also have a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, as well as black, green and kalamata olive spreads.
The pasta sauces looked great; marinara, fra diavolo, vodka, basil and one pasta sauce that caught my eye had sardines and fennel. They also carry integrale pasta by Misura, as well as farina and polenta.
Juices like apricot and pear nectars, and soft drinks are available. And, you can never forget to pick up a can of espresso coffee.
The store offers great pastries, all homemade like Italian Wedding Cookies in orange, lemon and vanilla flavors. How about some almond macaroons? And, Biscotti; anise, chocolate chunk and almond. Cannolis filled to order, chocolate eclairs with custard, Italian cream puffs, tiramisu among others. Aren’t you hungry already?
The breads come fresh from New York. An assortment of olives, roasted peppers, seafood salad with octopus, and one of my favorites; white anchovies are among the many items this salumeria has to offer.
This is not a new business for these owners. A Touch of Italy has been for years on 535 Atlantic Ave., in Milville, Delaware. That is west of Bethany Beach. Just a few minutes. In that store only baked goods are available. The tel. is 302-539-1355.
Whether you are a local, a native, or just visiting for a while or the week-end you will really enjoy this new establishment in the heart of Rehoboth Beach.
 Olives, white anchovies
Note: The holidays are coming so you will be able to order holiday baskets and pastries. Give them a call for more information.
October 8th, 2009
Grub Grocery is located at 305 Rehoboth Avenue, in downtown Rehoboth Beach. It is the Cultured Pearl’s sister store. The Tel. number is 302-226-4782 and the e-mail address is sushi@mcshi.com.
This “convenient” grocery store is in the perfect location. Besides its central location, it has parking. You know how important that is during the summer season. This time of the year, it is not so bad; some week-ends can make finding parking a chore, though. Second of all, it really has curb appeal. On a great day you can sit outside and enjoy a sandwich, soup, ice cream, pizza, etc. This store has it all.
Grub Grocery has something for every taste. As you come in you will see in front of you all the fresh veggies they offer. Just like in a grocery store, there are a few isles. A good selection of gluten free items, are available, as well.
Because it is a sister store to the Cultured Pearl, you know that their Grab n Go Cultured Pearl Sushi will definitely be fresh. It is made daily. They also offer a full line of Japanese salads, Cultured Pearl dressing, sauces and condiments.
If you happen to be staying in downtown Rehoboth Beach, you might not even have to leave town since this store has meats, good cheeses, pancetta, chorizo, tuna belly, Boar’s Head Deli Sandwiches, toasted bagels and cream cheese, fresh made donuts, and ice cream, among other staples.
One of the unique features of this store is that through the summer months they are open very late every day of the week. Their fall schedule is: 7:00 a.m. thru 11:00 p.m., 7 days a week and late until 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
This past week Grub Grocery started “Lunch for the Locals”. In addition to their deli sandwiches and Cultured Pearl Sushi they have hot lunches for $6.95.
Every day of the week is something different: Offerings start at 10:30 a.m. and orders can be called in at 302-226-4782.
Mondays – Teriyaki Meatballs, steamed rice and Asian vegetable
Tuesdays – Turkey “wings” and gravy, roasted red potato, stuffing, cranberry sauce, coleslaw.
Wednesday – Lasagna (meat or veggie), Caesar salad, garlic bread. Add on stuffed peppers or sweet Italian sausage and peppers for $3.00 more.
Thursdays – Meatloaf and gravy, herb roasted potato and vegetable medley, fresh baked bread and butter.
Fridays – Fried chicken (2 pieces) with BBQ sauce, chef salad, potato salad, fresh baked bread and butter. All white meat, then add $1.00, or want an extra piece of chicken? Then add $2.00.
There is something in their freezer that I have resisted buying and that is mochi. This is a dessert. Different flavors of ice cream covered in a rice dough. They have them at the Cultured Pearl, but I must warn you, they are addictive.
I think all the locals, natives and visitors alike have received Grub Grocery with open arms in their first season. This week-end could be the perfect opportunity to try it if you have not done so already. I think the weather is going to be great, so try their outdoor eating area. It looks very cute with all the pumpkins.
Until next time….
August 30th, 2009
Fifer Orchards opened this local market in 2007. Around my beaches we are so lucky that we are able to buy so much fresh produce during the summer months into the fall.
This market is located on 2700 Coastal Highway or Rt. 1 in Dewey Beach, or the cross street would be Cullent St. The tel. is 302-227-8680. You cannot miss it whether you are traveling north or south.
But, let me tell you, this is not a new market sprouting in my beaches. Fifer Orchards are full of tradition and since 1919 they have been in existence.
Charles F. Fifer was a Virginia farmer that fell in love with the moderate climate and hearty soil of the region. He bought several farms and originally he was growing apples, peaches, pears and grapes. They were then shipped to different areas from the Wyoming, Delaware train station.
Today, it is a very modern operation that owns 2,500 acres, growing all kinds of produce.
Their Country Store is located on 1919 Allabands Mill Rd., Wyoming, DE 19934. Tel. 302-697-2141. Website is www.fiferorchards.com. Please check their website because they have events that go on all the time. You can pick your own, have birthday parties, group tours, school tours, you name it. You can even get a virtual tour of the farm on your computer.
My interest is that their Dewey Beach local market is only about 1 mile from my house. So, there I was, checking it out and how pleasantly surprised I was.
The produce looked beautiful; arranged perfectly. But, it is not only produce, it is a whole market. From locally made ice cream with Fifer fruits, to preserves, jams, salsas, Dietz & Watson’s meats, fresh baked breads, sugar free apple butter and nuts. They also carry Lewes Dairy milk and cream.
This is the perfect place to visit if you would like to go to the beach and take a picnic. Some of the ready to go salads were: Greek Quinoa, Edamame, Hummus and Guacamole and a Mexican Chicken Salad.
Two of their salsas got my attention. The Mucho Spicy Salsa with tomatillos, chilis, cilantro, garlic and kosher salt. And the other was the Some Like It Hot Salsa and it had the same ingredients of the Mucho Spicy one, except that instead of chilis, it had jalapenos. Ay, caliente!!
Other products made with Fifer Orchards’ produce were sauces like Thai Peanut, Tequila Chili, Peachy Chipotle and the Peach Grilling Sauce.
Spending some time at my beaches and having some people over? Well, do not despair, because they have party trays available for your guests. Just give them notice.
For breakfast, at the local market, you will find bagels, muffins, scones and other fresh baked pastries, as well as croissant sandwiches.
For lunch, they have salads and Panini-Style sandwiches, and other Deli sandwiches.
For dinner, they have Rottiserie Chicken and BBQ Ribs. You may even get fresh cut steaks and fish. Just call to the above telephone and ask for the current selections.
While I was visiting this market, everyone was very helpful and most of all friendly. The new breed of Fifers have a legacy to maintain and it looks like they are doing a great job. They should be very proud of this store.
Writing about all this food has made me hungry so how about if I add a recipe to this post?
Asparagus, Walnut & Goat Cheese Salad
1 cup walnut halves (4 oz.)
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
2 lbs. medium asparagus, tough ends removed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tbsps. sherry vinegar
1 large scallion, white and light green only, minced
1 tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon
1 tbsp. chopped fresh mint
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool, then break in half lengthwise.
Toast fennel in a small skillet over moderately high heat until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Set aside.
Steam asparagus spears over high heat until just tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and let dry. Cool, then cut diagonally into 2″ lengths.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk olive oil with vinegar, scallion, tarragon, mint and fennel seeds. Season with salt and pepper. Add asparagus and walnuts to bowl and toss. Add goat cheese. Adjust seasonings and serve.
Always make the recipes your own and enjoy them.
This one will serve 6.
Note: Information on Fifer farms was taken from www.fiferochards.com
July 27th, 2009
I have been going to McCabe’s for many years. It is such a nice gourmet store. I wanted to get some pate, and they always have a good selection. Their pates are from a company called Three Little Pigs. I had to check them out closely because, my husband has celiac disease and has to follow a gluten free diet. I could not buy the truffles pate but I bought the Campagne and the Au Poivre and they were both delicious.
Their store is nice and cozy and you may eat indoors or outside, weather permitting. You find customers just coming for lunch or ordering take out. Or, just coming to have a cup of coffee and a croissant or other baked goods. I know that in the winter they have great soups too. They also have a freezer, so they have great goodies to take home for a later time. One of those treats is their Queso (Mexican Cheese Dip) and I happen to have that recipe because years ago when I was part of a group that put together a school cookbook, they graciously donated their recipe and I will be posting it on my next blog.
This market has great salads, carry a pretty good selection of gourmet foods, olive oils, pastas, etc.
Another reason to know this market is that you may order ready to go gourmet gift baskets or customize your own. You can find some great cookbooks and magazines all catering to foods. Their prices are comparable to a lot of the gourmet shops in all the beaches in the area. It is easy to get to since it is at the end of South Bethany, on Coastal Highway, the last strip mall, with plenty of parking too.
I hope you like it, and let me know what you think.
Until then, Gloria
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