At times when you do not plan anything and just go with the flow or wing it, you have the most fun. Long summer days, not rushing, is part of living here at the Delaware Beaches. Believe me, I know I am lucky to live here and never take it for granted.
Debbie and I took off towards the Big Chill Beach Club. This is located south of Dewey Beach, Delaware, and probably closer to Bethany Beach. The actual address is 27099 Coastal Hwy., Bethany Beach, DE 19930. It opens at 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day. Website? http://www.bigchillbeachclub.com
You can have the server sit you at a table or you can take a seatt at the bar looking out, which is what Debbie and I did. That was our view, sipping a little wine. We checked the menu and it actually looked good. Have not tasted the food so let me know if you do.
As we arrived it seemed there was a yoga class. This yoga studio in Rehoboth Beach, SoulFire, was celebrating with a class their 1st year anniversary. Very popular as you can see. SoulFire Collective Yoga is located at 176 Rehoboth Ave., #2a, in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Website? http://www.soulfirecollective.com
The sun was setting and being high up you could capture how pretty it was.
Summer 2019 is expected to be a very busy one. The Delaware Beaches are year round resorts. People want to get out of the city. They want to experience that total physical and mental inertia. Refresh, really. Rehoboth Beach has a sign as you enter the city that says “Relax, You Are at The Beach”.
Finding parking might take all that physical and mental inertia by the wayside so Debbie and I continued to Misaki Sushi in South Bethany. Parking, good food, great service and very affordable.
Misaki has been around for many years. The location is at 34444 Coastal Highway, York Beach Mall, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. It opens at 5 p.m. Tel. 302-539-0500. You can find them on Facebook as Misaki Sushi Bethany Beach. You can also find them on Instagram.
A shout to our server who was attentive but not intrusive.
Debbie and I started with two salads. The Seaweed Salad for Debbie, which was marinated seaweed and sesame seeds. And mine was the Lighthouse Salad which I found delicious. Seared tuna, avocado and sweet miso.
I love scallop sashimi so when on the menu, I do order it. My roll was the special of the evening.
For Debbie the Bam Bam, salmon, scallop and avocado.
We chatted, caught up with each other, and laughed…..what are friends for, right?
The Art of Sipping & Dining, a way to relax, enjoy and reconnect. Talk to you later.
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In the 1930’s the ritual of anglers dangling their reels over rivers, waiting for a bite, gave birth to fish camps along the Southern U.S. Fish camps have become local favorites and hidden jewels, found, at times off the beaten path; no frills establishments serving fresh catch.
With that in mind, I am sure, Matt’s Fish Camp opened its doors in 2011 in North Bethany Beach, on Coastal Highway. If you are driving south from Dewey Beach, Matt’s Fish Camp is the only eatery right on the highway, oceanside, until you arrive closer to Bethany Beach. From Rehoboth to Bethany….12 miles more or less. Tel. 302-539-2267 Website? http://www.mattsfishcamp.com.
Not really off the beaten path like the first fish camps, Matt’s Fish Camp can easily be spotten from Coastal Highway or Rt. 1. This restaurant is part of Matt Haley Companies…with several sister restaurants at the Delaware Beaches. No reservations, the restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. every day. Wine and beer are served at Matt’s Fish Camp.
The community where Matt’s Fish Camp is located is called Tower Shores. It is one of the original communities right on the beach, adjacent to the State Park beaches, the Indian River Marina, and the Indian River Inlet.
The restaurant is casual, come as you are or get dressed up….really that’s how comfortable it is. You can sit at the bar by the open kitchen, or by the window. Booths are available and a large center table for large parties. Maybe even call the restaurant for carry out, because all you have to do is drive up, park and pick it up on the side. Perfect if you are spending a day at the beach.
I stopped late in the day, driving from Bethany to Rehoboth, when I got a little hungry. Something light is what I wanted.
What I did was to order a tea, a garden salad, with a side order of Lobster Salad, and….since my eyes were bigger than my hunger….I also added Lobster Deviled Eggs.
I had my own salad bar going on….a clean plate was ordered and this is what it looked like. To tell you the truth I don’t eat too many eggs. But, deviled eggs, I do like. These were traditionally made. At first I was going to order the Lobster Roll without the roll when Reed, my server, pointed out that I could have an add on, which was just a Lobster Salad. The garden salad was also traditionally made, and very fresh.
Just a perfect lunch at the beach!!
Matt’s Fish Camp is a supporter of Operation Seas The Day. This is an annual warrior family beach week event held in Bethany Beach the week of September 2nd to the 7th for our Veterans who are recovering from injuries sustained while serving our country, and their immediate families. A week of rest and relaxation.
The families will be staying in homes donated by local homeowners. Plans underway for organized events, including a kickoff welcome reception, a beach bonfire/cookout, a concert at Freeman State, and a farewell brunch.
Additionally, Bethany Beach businesses and area residents have offered a “menu” of options and activities available, free of charge, throughout this week.
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The Cottages are open year-round….stay in a warm and cozy waterfront cottage right on the Indian River Inlet in the Delaware Seashore State Park.
New vacation packages have been added: The relaxing Spa Getaway, which is perfect for couples or a girls’ week-end at the beach. Or, the Golf Retreat Package, which is perfect for the group that will enjoy championship golf and other amenities. Great for couples or for a “guys only” trip.
You will be at 39415 Inlet Rd. This is on the North Shore of the Indian River Inlet inside the Park.
This could be a relaxing vacation where you will take in the gorgeous views, read a book, or cook outdoors. It can be a last minute gift for someone or for an indulgence for yourself and friends. After the winter we have been having, getting away might be the thing to do.
The Spa Getaway Package ends April 17th. The Golf Retreat Package ends March 31st.
Are you ready to Visit Southern Delaware?
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A gorgeous day in the Delmarva Peninsula. And a surprise for me when I stopped to get some info. at the Indian River Life Saving Station, which is located south of Rehoboth and Dewey Beach and just north of the Indian River Inlet.
They told me that the snowy owl was over by the dunes. I did not have to look far….professional photographers were already there.
Me? I just took my camera out of my pocket.
From the Artic tundra the Snowy Owl has had a long journey. It is the official bird of Quebec.
They are attracted to large open spaces. They love coastal dunes.
This particular one looks like it is a female. Just sitting on the dune looking probably for food to refuel. If you spot a Snowy Owl, please be respectful and keep your distance…this is a rare raptor.
Have a good one!!
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Arriving at the Indian River, my friend, Debbie and I followed the signs. We were full of expectations. Phrases like a roving culinary adventure, a restaurant without walls; on the menu, were fresh caught fish, oysters, just picked apples, lettuce…wait and see.
Why on earth did I worry about what food we were going to be served? As the SoDel Concepts’ chefs started to arrive, I could not help to notice how relaxed they were. Not a trace of stress showed on their faces. Cool as a cucumber!!
Check Jen Blakeman, she looked ready.
So did Doug Ruley and Jesse Howell.
The list of ingredients for this “family farm” dinner were:
The venue was the Indian River Inlet & Marina in Southern Delaware.
The Guest Chef was Matt Haley of SoDel Concepts. Matt Haley is a restauranteur with many years of experience and plenty of restaurants to attest to his culinary expertise. Plate Catering is his catering company. Websites? http://www.sodelconcepts.com and http://www.plate-catering.com. This is the second time that Matt Haley has been chosen to be the Guest Chef.
The Host Fisherman was Tim Sughrue from Congressional Seafood, also with many years in the seafood business. Website? http://www.congressionalseafood.com
Outstanding In The Field’s mission is to “reconnect diners to the land and the origins of their food”. Website? http://www.outstandinginthefield.com.
And, last but not least….us, our “family” of diners that came from Philadelphia, Washington, Dover, Virginia and Southern Delaware. I think we were all foodies at heart.
The reception was being held right by the inlet. Views from the new bridge and the boats passing by.
Outstanding In The Fields has a tradition. Guest can bring their plates to the farm dinner. They will be returned to you, cleaned, after dinner. As you arrived you were to set your plates down.
A wine bar was serving 2011 Cape Rose by Nassau Valley Vineyards.
The SoDel Concepts’ chefs were busy preparing our hors d’oeuvres.
Smoked Indian River Inlet Bluefish, bacon, horseradish, shaved green onion and pickled mustard seeds.
Grilled Popped Oysters, heirloom tomato marmalade. The oysters were so easy to eat..toss the shells into the inlet.
We were a friendly bunch. Plenty of mingling…no strangers in this group.
Chef Matt Haley chats with guests.
A brief introduction from Outstanding In The Field’s founder, Chef and artist, Jim Denevan, who started this movement in the late 90’s.
And a few words from Leah Scafe of Outstanding In The Field, who wears many hats.
Off we went to the northern side of the marina. A brief stop to hear our host fisherman, Tim Sughrue, give us interesting information regarding aquaculture. Information about some of the fish that once seemed threatened but now are thriving, for example, rockfish. And for all of us that love crabs…a great season ahead for next year.
From a distance I could see the table being set. What a beautiful spot! Right between the inland bays. It would be perfect for all of us to get to know one another, even better.
The SoDel Concepts’ chefs were ready for us; in the tent and cooking outdoors.
The butter was from Good Earth Market. Fresh herbs from the market; slightly sweet.
And then, the table was filled…
Courtesy of Amanda Panko, SoDel Concepts
We quickly became good friends. Krisan, our server and fellow diners, Eric and Russ, kept us laughing along with the rest of our group and the ones next to us, as well; Cathy and Chris.
Laughter was prevalent throughout the event.
The menu
First Course
Paired with Fenwick Wine Cellars Pinot Grigio.
Second Course
Good Earth Market Rabe, White Bean & Sweet potato Hash, Bethany Beach Smoked Sea Salt and that garnish…oh, so delicious. Garlic, thinly sliced and for the looks and taste of it, probably lightly fried.
Paired with Nassau Valley Vineyards 2011 Pinot Grigio.
Third Course
Seared Fluke (summer flounder), lemon, Good Earth Market herb butter.
Courtesy of Amanda Panko, SoDel Concepts
Paired with Nassau Valley Vineyards 2010 Estate Grown Chardonnay.
Our table was still having so much fun….it seemed like we had known each other forever. The table looked good. But there was one more course.
Last Course…a Sweet Ending.
Fenwick Wine Cellars Poached Pears, sweet plum syrup, Maytag blue cheese, walnuts, herb, and sea salt.
Paired with Fenwick Wine Cellars High Tide Port.
The sun was setting over Southern Delaware and there was a hush in the air. The sky was so pretty. It was getting dark. We were seizing the moment in this restaurant without walls.
Outstanding In The Field, SoDel Concepts Chefs and Matt Haley celebrated the end of a beautiful meal with a walk around the table.
Plate-Catering was closing shop and so were we….until next time.
I am never at a loss of words, but tonight nature left me speechless….
The Delmarva Peninsula is occupied by most of Delaware and portions of Maryland and Virginia. It is almost 180 by 60 miles. It is also bordered by the Chesapeake Bay on the West, and on the East, by the Delaware River, Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
It is basically a year-round resort with a quieter second season. January and February are probably the most subdued months and even though in the past couple of years we have gotten a fair amount of snow, so far, and I hope I am not speaking too soon, it has just been a most beautiful time of the year. So many visitors enjoying what this area is best known for; the beaches, restaurants, shops, the outdoors, and that relaxed atmosphere we all look forward to when we get away from our daily routines.
I had to drive from Rehoboth to the Salisbury airport. It is a convenient regional airport about 1 hour away. It was funny because it was mid afternoon and I mentioned to my son how beautiful the area looked. He nodded but that was it. I kept asking; don’t you love the marshes, and the bay and such wide open spaces? He agreed but not with the same excitement I was experiencing.
Driving back to Rehoboth I started noticing how pretty the sunset was going to be. It was now about 5 p.m. I drove to Rehoboth on Coastal Highway and was checking out our soon to open new Indian River Inlet Bridge when I noticed the Moon. Turned back and went on the beach and the pictures tell the time of the day; still light with the moon out and then the changes until I reached Rehoboth. I was totally speechless and in love with nature and the whole scenery.
Coastal Highway is a great beach road and a most scenic one; Rehoboth Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
I was not the only one thinking the same thing. I saw people stopping and getting their cameras out. A young woman did just that; we both were taking pictures of Silver Lake in Rehoboth Beach.
Believe it or not I was on my way to Giant. I wanted to make chicken soup. That had to wait; stopping to enjoy the views was a priority.
If you were at the Beaches tonight I am sure you saw the same thing…..just priceless…
If you have been here, at the Delaware Beaches, this holiday week-end, there you know that you have had probably one of the prettiest week-ends of the season. Amazing, that Earl left us with such great weather; plenty of sunshine, low humidity, comfortable temperatures.
I ended up having to go to Bethany and Debbie met me for lunch. She is one of those friends that sometimes is a partner in crime.
We went to DiFebo’s located at 789 Garfield Parkway., Bethany Beach, 19930. Tel. 302-539-4550, website www.difebos.com.
I don’t think I have ever been to DiFebo’s for lunch. Last January I did go for dinner and a post was written. If you would like to see it please click under Archives on the month of January and scroll down to the 28th.
This restaurant has been in Bethany for a long time but to tell you the truth I don’t hear anyone urging me to go to it. So, we decided to meet there and see what it was all about on a gorgeous day.
Not too many people. We sat on their courtyard which was great. Outdoors with a nice breeze and pretty umbrellas.
Our waitress was Kathy and she brought us hummus and flat bread. It was very good. The hummus had a hint of lemon or lime and very smooth.
Debbie and I had the same thing; the salad topped with grilled red snapper. Again, it was well seasoned and very enjoyable.
I had a capuccino and that really completed my meal.
Food was good as well as the service.
At the Delaware Beaches, the outdoors is what people come here for. It is a playground for all.
Saturday, the Indian River Inlet, where a lot of surfing goes on, was very crowded and nice swells were coming in.
Driving back on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) north, towards Dewey Beach, I decided to stop at New Road on the Bay. I could see that the kiteboarders and windsurfers were out on Rehoboth Bay. It was windy and whitecaps were all over the water.
I begged the gentleman collecting the State Park’s fee to let me in for a few minutes. He did and that’s all I took to take a couple of pictures and enjoy the scenery.
Hope you are having a great time this week-end….I cannot believe this summer is almost over….but wait, remember that the Second Season is one of the best at the Delaware and Maryland Beaches….talk to you later….
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Earl is on everyone’s minds since this is the beginning of the holiday week-end. The beaches have so many activities planned.
One of the highlights on Monday, 9/6 in Bethany Beach, is the Jazz Funeral at 5:30 p.m. and the celebratory Lifeguard Swim.
I will tell you later what else is going on at the beaches, but this morning I went to check Rehoboth Beach. North of the Boardwalk everyone was just enjoying another hot summer day.
Then, I decided to wait until later in the day to go to the Indian River Inlet, between Dewey Beach and Bethany. It is a surfing spot and a friend told me that there were so many surfers in the morning. No waves, though.
Still, as you can see the Atlantic Ocean was calm at 5:30 p.m.
Dewey Beach will celebrate everything and at the Starboard, tonight there is a Hurricane Party.
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