By the looks of today, the weather is not that great. Last Sunday it was magical. Warm breezes and a beautiful boardwalk for walking and working up an appetite. Where to go? I had a craving for pizza. And walking destination took me to Dalmata. It is located at 28 Wilmington Ave. 302-227-8512.
Dalmata opens Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
I have fallen in love with Dalmata for different reasons. I use it as my neighborhood restaurant. If I don’t feel like cooking or have a craving for everything Italian or pizza, I know I will feel very comfortable there eating by myself. Not that eating by myself has ever stopped me from going to a restaurant😁
I started with a Rose Prosecco. I told you I had walked the Boardwalk.
Starting with a Burrata Caprese Salad. The Burrata had a buttery and milky flavor, so delicate. A sprinkle of balsamic pearls gives a tangy flavor.
On this Sunday evening I would try the pizza called Carbonara “Sorta”. It had a vodka sauce, mozzarella, fontina, buttered spicy peas, prosciutto and whipped ricotta. I had never tried peas on my pizza but, actually, they were a very nice addition.
What a surprise arriving to my table. They were called Crack Donuts. Crispy on the outside, with warm ricotta cheese and one had chocolate ricotta. A chocolate sauce for dipping. Greg, these are keepers👏👏
All in all the service was excellent, the conversation was fun.
TGIF have a great weekend.
AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Instagram.
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Our destination last Saturday was Dalmata Italiano located at 28 Wilmington Ave., Unit E in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. 302-227-8512. It opens Thursday through Sunday from 4:30 until 10:00.
I like restaurants that are neighborhood oriented. Those that you don’t need a special occasion or wait until the weekend as many of us do, but the ones are familiar, that once you get in you feel so comfortable.
My fellow diners love to eat, this included Sophia and her friend, Darby who are 8 and 9.
The menu has something for everyone. The bar is comfortable serving some very neat, crafty cocktails.
For appetizers we had the following to be shared by the table:
The charcuterie board had a variety of cheeses, cured meats, veggies, and the marcona almonds were an added surprise. These almonds have a texture and taste that compare to no other almonds; moist, plump and creamy.
The Brussels Sprout Salad with shaved brussels, truffle-thyme vinaigrette, fresh grated parmesan, sauteed shiitake mushrooms and toasted almonds. I have had other brussels sprout salads but the mushrooms really added so much more.
The Burrata Caprese melted in your mouth. Loved the balsamic pearls and the pickled shallots.
I have to laugh as I write this post having coffee on this rainy 2nd day of March. I am salivating.
Next were not appetizers but we ordered them as such so we could try more things. I had been told how good Dalmata is, how they make their pasta inhouse.
The Cacio E Pepe is the simplest dish. It is Roman consisting of grated pecorino Romano and black pepper. I actually never order this dish but know some that order it all the time. If not by itself, it is a great shareable starter.
I never make good meatballs so why not? The spaghetti was house made and the meatballs had pecorino Romano. Pecorino is made from sheep’s cheese, not the same as Parmesan. It gives more of an earthy flavor. Look how good this looks.
Next……Let’ get down to the business of Pizza. It is a whole meal. We ordered two. Well I told you we like to eat. From the photo they almost look alike but they were totally different. In the back was the White Lightning and in front the Fig & Prosciutto.
The White Lightning had creamy roasted garlic, mozzarella, fontina, provolone, roasted wild mushrooms, crispy kale, ricotta and extra virgin olive oil.
The Fig & Prosciutto ? wow so pretty. I have had a fig tree for 24 years. Love them and the combination on this pizza was great. Garlic, mozz, fontina, whipped ricotta, prosciutto, fig, shallots, balsamic glaze and arugula.
Both pizzas had a thin crust and were well done which is how I like my pizza.
It is called the Pizza’s cousin…The Calzone. It was filled with 4 cheeses and a side of marinara??
Dalmata’s Tiramisu was a sweet ending. Never seen it like this but it was very good, as well. Lady fingers soaked in espresso… yum.
I think Dalmata thought we still looked hungry so on the house a Peanut Butter Pie showed up. Rich and fluffy.
Thanks so much to the staff at Dalmata. It was a fun evening. We are all coming back. Too many other things to try.
Cheers to good company and delicious food.
AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Instagram. Check it out?
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Located on Second Street which is actually Main Street in Lewes, Touch of Italy has made a name for itself up and down the Delaware and Maryland Beaches.
That’s our table on the corner of their cozy wine room. Just a few tables to be intimate and conducive to conversation.
I always ask for a Chianti. It sets the mood. ?
The Soup of the Day was Wedding Soup. TC loves it and it was very much enjoyed.
A side of Spinach was all that was needed.
The next dish dish was the Pollo Alla Parmigiana or Chicken Parm. A specialty of the house. As you can see it was huge and could very well be shared. It was breaded with their own crumbs, pan seared and then topped with munster cheese and their original tomato sauce. Served with a side of spaghetti. Leftovers galore ?
No dessert was necessary but they do have some good ones to eat in or for takeout. Their pignoli cookies are the best.
And their Eclairs are the biggest and best too. Just saying ??
An Italian shop it is. Fresh mozzarella made every day, hams and cheeses, etc.
It’s a beautiful weekend. Enjoy. AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Instagram.
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Look at the menu. Dalmata has been serving carry out this past year and just recently opened for inside dining. I love the idea that it stays open until 10 p.m. Located at 28 Wilmington Ave., Unit E in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, DE.
Just tried it on Wednesday and was pleasantly surprised. Seeing the restaurant taking shape from the street, it look like it was going to be so comfortable and pretty inside. It certainly is.
A little Chianti, and a chat with our server, Katie. She was very enthusiastic and knew her menu well.
I asked her about the size of the pizza. She said they were 14 inches and good to share if you have other things or if you are hungry it would be just perfect for one person. I found that it was a good size. The crust was delicious. It really was and our choice was #1 White Lightning. This pizza had creamed roasted garlic and garlic oil. I put the menu above so take a look at it to see what else was on it.
But before the pizza an order of the Caesar Salad which was perfect for one person. Love the croutons and dressing.
Not on the menu as a side serving, but they were making some in the kitchen. I am talking about Broccoli Rabe. They were very nice in serving us a dish full of it and I hope they add it to the menu. We loved it.
Another glass of Chianti because why not? It is the beginning of the 4th of July weekend. I know, I know…..Wednesday, right, but here at the beaches we take an opportunity to celebrate every time we get a chance.
I almost forgot to tell about my calamari. I love squid and octopus. When I see calamari on the menu I usually order it. Lightly fried, a little heat with the banana peppers and tasty sauce. Went very well with the Chianti.
I really do want to go back and try a few other things. Love that the menu is simple. The best things in life are usually that way, simple.
Enjoy the weekend. Celebrate and remember those who have given their lives so that we can celebrate.
A shout to Katie, as well.
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I laughed when I wrote Good Food, Will Travel. The traveling from Rehoboth Beach to Bethany Beach and then west to Millville takes no time. All the beaches are closed to each other. Well, in the summer it may take a bit longer during the week. You know how it is. This particular Memorial Weekend like the usual ones, the weather will not cooperate for the most part. So, what is there to do? Shop and Eat!!
I love going out on Wednesdays. It seems that it is a quieter day of the week to enjoy the local restaurants. I think at this time of the year you need to call and make a reservation for most restaurants. Also, because the lack of help some may be closed Monday and Tuesday.
Perucci’s is located at 3507 Atlantic Ave., Millville, DE. Tel. 302-829-8727. Website? http://www.peruccis.com
An old building reminiscing of a Trattoria somewhere else. I feel I have to have a Chianti every time I step into, this small and very quaint restaurant. It is a family restaurant that has been opened for many years and their family recipes are delicious.
It was crowded but we had a reservation. I like to eat late so the reservation was for 8 p.m.
A Malbec from Fableist was truly amazing. I probably could have had the wine and just the bread. OMG it was so good. Warm and accompanied with very good olive oil.
A order of Calamari Fritti for the table. Perfect portion for sharing. Flash fried, chipolte cocktail sauce, citrus aioli, and spicy chili aioli. Tender and truly lightly flash fried.
I liked their Caesar Salad and have had it before. Perfect way to get your palate cleansed if you would call it that way. To me salads prior to the entree cleanse your taste buds. They call it Knife & Fork Caesar. Pecorino and garlic croutons.
An entree of Gamberetti con Aglio e Vino. Shrimp, white wine sauce with garlic and olive. For true pasta eaters this dish was simple but impacted great flavor.
My order of Veal Scallopini al Piccata. I loved it for many reasons. The combination of lemon, capers and wine sauce was light and simple, as well. The amount of pasta was just right too. Not an over abundance but a perfect serving.
While it was storming in Rehoboth Beach on Wednesday our dinner was memorable and cannot wait to go again.
A shout to Daniel who took care of us so nicely.
Have a great week-end.
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Where has time gone? It seems just like yesterday when we were celebrating the opening of a new restaurant in Bethany Beach. I say it this way because at the time I was living in Bethany. DiFebo’s opened 20 years ago. Yes, the year was 1989 and they have been serving the Bethany Beach area since then.
DiFebo’s is located at 789 Garfield Parkway (Rt. 26) in Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Tel. is 302-539-4550. For carry out please call 302-539-4914. The website is www.difebos.com. The Executive Chef is Ricardo Jimenez and you may e-mail him at ricardo@difebos.com.
Remember when I mentioned the group of friends called the Usual Suspects? Well I went to meet 2 of them; Debbie and Shelley. We decided on DiFebo’s because none of us had been there in a long time. I really don’t remember when I last ate there but I don’t have a reason why I have not been there in such a long time. It really has been years. Well, enough of that. I am glad we went because we all had an excellent meal.
Upon entering the restaurant, I noticed that it still looked the same. The dining area where we were directed was a little too dark, too many tables; I was not crazy about the decor; it’s just my own particular taste. I was not there for the decor so that did not matter much.
Sergio was our waiter. I noticed he had an accent. He told us he was from Chile and so I spoke to him in Spanish. He was nice and very attentive.
Last Tuesday there was a special going on; soup, salad, entree and dessert for $19.95. Debbie had the Chicken Marsala and Shelley had the Mahi Mahi with shrimp, asparagus and risotto. Sometimes, when restaurants offer these specials, their portions tend to be smaller. DiFebo’s portions were just the right size.
I chose their House of Greens which was a salad of field greens, classic balsamic vinaigrette and imported Parma cheese. Light and perfect for a starter.
My dish was not on the special but was very reasonable, as well. I had the Fresh Fish of the Day with Mussels en Brodo. The fish was Mahi Mahi and it was grilled over pan-roasted mussels gently poached in a saffron broth with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh spinach. Garnished with frizzled leeks. The word “en Brodo” means “in Broth”. All I can say is that it was delicious.
Mahi Mahi with Mussels en Brodo
The dessert that my friends chose was the bread pudding. I took a few bites and it was not too sweet and had just the right density.
DiFebo’s has plenty to choose from. They are open daily and even deliver. Their Lunch & Carry Out Menu, as well as their Dinner Menu can be found on their website above mentioned.
This family owned and operated restaurant has a unique feature for the beaches. They have Family Style Meals to Go. This catering menu is designed for parties of 10 guests or more. They have created affordable, hot delicious food that can go from their kitchen to yours; ready to serve. You can pick and choose your trays. Have them delivered or for pick up. You can even let them know if you are in need of a chaffing dish to keep the food warm. I have never used this service but I can imagine how popular this is, especially, at the height of the summer season. How convenient!!
Isabella’s, next door, is their sister restaurant. I will review that one at another time.
In the meantime, enjoy the good restaurants the Delmarva Peninsula has to offer……Until next time…
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For being the first week-end after New Year’s I was surprised to see that Rehoboth and Coastal Highway were crowded. I thought everyone would be pretty much worn out after all the shopping, partying, and eating.
Debbie and I were getting together for lunch. You remember her? She went kayaking with me this past summer in Fenwick Island and has been with me to some of the restaurants I have reviewed.
We ended up at Casa DiLeo on 721 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel 302-226-8660. The owner and Executive Chef is John J. DiLeo.
Casa DiLeo has been in the area for some time now. It has a big following and back in October they expanded their restaurant. This is the first time that I have seen the expansion and it looked good and certainly added more seating availability.
The hours of operation are: Mondays through Thursdays 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Any time that my friends and I get together for breakfast, lunch or dinner, we must drive the wait staff crazy. We just talk, might glance over the menu, and without missing a beat we keep on talking. We tell them to come back in a little while, many times. It’s just the way it is. But, isn’t it nice to be able to share a meal with best friends? I love it.
Casa DiLeo is a fullfledge restaurant, but I am going to be reviewing lunch time. That is why I went there today. My favorite room is really the first one when you come in. As I come in, the music is playing and I feel the welcoming atmosphere of a Italian trattoria. The colors, the prints; all add to that feeling.
A trattoria is an Italian style eating establishment, less formal than a restaurant, but more formal than a tavern. The service is casual, with the food being mostly regional and local.
Casa DiLeo has a full bar and a very good selection of wines, including the PortoVino Italian wines. Try them and let me know how you like them.
This restaurant has take out and delivery. The specialties are New York Style Pizza, Pasta, Subs, Calzone/Stromboli, Soup and Salads. For dinner, some of their offerings are: Chicken & Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken or Veal Marsala, DiLeo’s Homemade Chesse Lasagna, which is very good, DiLeo’s Homemade Meat Lasagna, which is also delicious.
I usually get the Greek Salad with their balsamic dressing. Both, Debbie and I ordered it today, but we added a slice of pizza for each of us. I had really forgotten how big their portions are. But, check the picture of one slice of NY Style Pizza. The salad was fresh, full of vegetables with a nice slice of Feta cheese on top.
Casa DiLeo has a wide variety of subs. From the traditional subs like Italian to the unique ones like Sausage Parmesan or Veal Parmesan.
The same goes for the Calzone and the Stromboli. Chef DiLeo has his own “Boli” like the DiLeo Boli which is ground beef, Italian seasonings, sauce and cheese.
Calzone? Stromboli? A Calzone is like an Italian turnover which is stuffed with tomato and mozzarella and possibly other ingredients like pizza toppings. The stromboli is a type of turnover filled with various cheeses, Italian meats and veggies. The dough is Italian bread dough.
Everyone has something to say about pizzas. Whether you like the thick or thin crust, I would have to say that Casa DiLeo has a pretty good one. They have non Premium Toppings like tomatoes, low fat cheese, mushrooms, onions, sausage, etc. and they also have Premium Toppings like Bacon, Spinach, Feta Cheese, Anchovies, Portabella Mushrooms and more.
The House Specialty Pizzas; Low Fat Veggie, Diablo Pizza (red devil-hot), Supreme (8 toppings), New York White Ricotta, Mediterranean which has feta cheese, Kalamata olives, spinach, artichokes, fresh tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil. I have had the Diablo Pizza in the past and really enjoyed it.
Casa DiLeo offers about 8 pasta sauces, so you have your pick from tomato sauce to Pomodoro (red) clam sauce.
We come to the sweet endings and how could you leave without having a Canolli with DiLeo’s homemade cream? Very popular and award winning is DiLeo’s Chocolate Mousse, and one of my favorite desserts is the Zabaglione with fresh berries. We did manage to leave without having dessert.
Zabaglione is a dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, Marsala wine or Prosecco and sometimes cream, mascarpone cheese or whole eggs. It is a very light custard.
And off we went, with a slower gait, but happy…
Another cold night in the beautiful Delmarva Peninsula…but I will talk to you later…
Note: Information on trattoria, Calzone, Stromboli and Zabaglione was taken from:
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