November 10th, 2015
One of my pet peeves is that I hate to wait. More so, at restaurants. With so many popular restaurants not taking reservations at the Delaware Beaches, well, let’s say that at times it is a bit annoying. Not such a great way to start a post. But, keep reading because I am posting about one of my favorite restaurants in Lewes…Agave. It is located at 137 2nd St. Tel. 302-645-1232. You can find it on Facebook.
There are times that the wait at Agave is a couple of hours in the evening. If you do not mind, please then head to the bar and start having some of the delicious Margaritas and Martinis that they do offer. Otherwise, you can put your name down and come back later. Or, if you do not want to wait, then you know what else you can do. Maybe lunch might be a better idea for you.
If you arrive right at Noon you might find the restaurant looking like some of these photos. But soon enough it will be crowded. Originally, Agave was pretty small then an addition has given them more seating which is great.
So the other night when Sharon and I arrived for a little Mexican fare, we were surprised that our wait was only like 20 minutes. We sat looking at the gorgeous desserts…wondering if their famous Coconut Cake would be our choice for dessert. Or, Pot de Creme or Flan.
I do have my favorites. I started with their Mexican Chili. I truly love it. I don’t know if it is because it is made with beef tenderloin or not, but the flavor is so good. A rich broth, topped with queso fresco and a side of warm tortillas. On chilly night, it is perfect and pretty filling, as well.
Their Mango and Avocado Salad is also a must have if you like something a littler lighter. The mango and avocado is in a bed of bib lettuce, topped with bacon, queso fresco, pine nuts and a creamy pine nut lime dressing. Queso Fresco is a crumbled goat cheese.
Agave has a signature dish called Chiles en Nogada. It is always on their menu. I told my friend, Sharon, that she should have it. This is meat stuffed poblano chiles with cumin, cinnamon and azafran. A drizzle of a nut sauce with an addition of rice and beans.
These Chiles en Nogada is a sophisticaded dish most popular during Mexican Independence festivities. It incorporates the green, white, and red ingredients just like the colors of the Mexican flag.
A poblano pepper is a mild chile pepper from the State of Puebla in Mexico. When it is dried out is is called Ancho Chile. It is a most popular pepper grown in Mexico. The dish above has a light sweetness to it, perhaps the outcome of the combination of ingredients. Very good indeed.
We decided on the Coconut Cake for dessert but I had a reason for ordering it. First of all I have always heard that it is so good. I am not too much of a coconut cake fan but I wanted to compare it to another coconut cake that people raved about served at the Peninsula Grill in Charleston, South Carolina.
Last February while in Charleston everyone said we needed to try the cake at the Peninsula Grill. They said it so much that we made reservations. Great entrees, I posted on this website, and then came dessert time. This cake has 12 layers and they have been making it since 1997. There is even a trademark as Peninsula Grill Ultimate Coconut Cake. It weighs 12 lbs., and you can order it and be sent to you FedEx. Every night you take a glimpse at tables and for dessert you will find the customers do order it a lot. Here is a photo of my piece of cake. It reminded me of a Smith Island Cake.
Agave’s Coconut Cake came to the table and it was huge. And we, actually, ate it all.
Having had those two magnificent cakes I can tell you that I do prefer to have the individual layers on a cake, but the Agave’s version was definitely, more moist. I am probably not the best person to review a Coconut Cake, since I do like more tarts than cakes, but all I can tell you is that they were dense and full of flavor. Next time at Agave’s try it and if by chance you are visiting Historic Charleston, check it out there, as well. You decide.
Now, a lemon tart….love it!! The photo of the lemon tart is from the second dessert we had at the Peninsula Grill in Charleston.
Buen Provecho….Hasta Luego!!
October 21st, 2015
Pumpkins, skeletons, tombstones, spiders and cobwebs. It is a Sea Witch Week End and the Delaware Beaches…Are there real ghosts and gobblins? The costumes tell a story. It will be a fun week-end at the beach!
So, what is going on?
Friday, October 23rd – A PINK AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, This is a fundraising event for Cancer Support Community Delaware and Delaware Hospice. Location? Rehoboth Beach Country Club on 221 West Side Drive in Rehoboth Beach. 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Luncheon, Fabulous Fashion Show, Chinese Auction and One-of-a-Kind Accessory Shop! Tickets are $40 per person. Lunch choices: Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken or Spinach Quiche with Side Salad.
No on line reservations at the moment, so please call 302-645-9150 to reserve a spot. To know about Cancer Support Community Delaware, please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 23rd, October 24th and October 25th – 27th CHILDRENS FANTASY TRAIL from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Cape Henlopen State Park. Wear your Halloween costume and trick-or-treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. $5 per person, adults and children.
Friday, October 23rd – 2nd ANNUAL ZOMBIE WALK AND APOCALYSE BALL – In Milton, Delaware. It is hosted by Po’ Boys and the Milton Theatre. The event will begin at 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. For tickets, please call 302-684-3038.
6 p.m. – Pig Roast at Po’ Boys.
8 p.m. – Zombie Walk from Po’ Boys to the Milton Theatre.
8 p.m. Apocalypse Ball at the Theatre
This event is a fundraising event for Casa San Francisco.
Saturday, October 24th – SPOOKY ON SATURDAY WALKING AND LANTERN TOUR – 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The area around the Lewes Ferry Terminal is reported to be one of the most haunted locations in Delaware with one of the largest unknown sailors’ and seaman’s burial grounds on the east coast. Travel on board the “spooky” shuttle to the heart of Historic Lewes to view Saint Peter’s Churchyard home to three centuries of burials.
 
An apparition or 2 may travel with you. Hear Captain James Drew’s tragic tale of a ship lost at sea. Supposedly filled with gold. Listen to the woeful tale of a “misprinted” gravestone.
A historic guide, aided by lantern light will accompany groups through the candlelit Burton Ingram House Circa 1785 where voices of the past may still echo.
Tickets must be purchased by Friday, October 23rd by 3:30 p.m. via Credit Card by calling the Lewes Historical Society’s Main Office at 302-645-7670. Or in person at the Hiram Rodney House Administrative Office at 110 Shipcarpenter Street in Lewes.
Cost is $20.00 per person.
This tour is not recommended for children below the age of 12. The spooky shuttle departs and returns from the Lewes Ferry Terminal.
27th ANNUAL SEA WITCH HALLOWEEN & FIDDLER’S FESTIVAL! – FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, 10/23, 10/24 AND 10/25 – For full schedule, please visit http://www.beach-fun.com/sea-witch-halloween-fiddlers-festival.html.
You really need to look at the schedule…it is too extensive to put here. But, one of my favorite parades will be taking place on Sunday at 3 p.m. on the Boardwalk. It is the Pets on Parade. It is so much fun and one of the most popular events of the whole week-end. Hope to see you there.
Have a good one!!
September 18th, 2015
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” booker t. washington
With that quote I begin my post by reminding you that Delaware is a Small Wonder with a Big Heart. Fundraising events happen all year round, but it seems that as the Second Season takes hold of all of us living in Southern Delaware, we set records for fundraising. It is incredible the amount of money raised to help others.
I got an invite to a Kick Off Party for the Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival which will take place on Saturday, October 17th (noon until 4:30 p.m.) at Independence Hall located at 23767 Samuel Adams Circle in Millsboro, Delawared. Even though the address is Millsboro, it is, actually, closer to the beaches.
 
The Kick Off Party took place at (a)Muse on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, on Thursday, 9/17. My friend, Susan DiMondi came with me to see what all the commotion was all about.
Let me tell you a little about What is Going On…
This event is being billed as the “ultimate wine, food and music event on DelMarVa”. It will be hosted by former Bad Company bassist, now food, wine and music aficionado, Paul Cullen. It will be a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up.
This is a benefit for Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels.
This is an inaugural SoDelFest. The culinary Theater will host the chef showcases/demos, where you will find Neil Fuentes, The Singing Chef and Food Rewrapped Champion and 5 of our top local chefs including: Hari Cameron, Lion Gardner, Doug Ruley, Ronnie Burkle and Sean Correa.
The festival will also offer wine and food pairings with 13 local restaurants including; Abbot’s Grille, Bluecoast, Seafood Grill, Bramble and Brine, Cultured Pearl, Grandpa 9Mac), JD Shuckers, Lupo’s Italian Kitchen, Michy’s Relaxed Dining, Nage, Palate, Semra’s, Summerhouse and Touch of Italy.
You will be able to experience the Man Cave….don’t worry we are all welcome for cocktails, a raw bar and Cigars! Join Rob Bagle from Bramble & Brine and representatives from Wigle Whiskey, Dad’s Hat, Benromach Scotch, George’s Bloody Mary Mix (a new local favorite from Berline, Maryland) and 16 Mile Brewery. There may just be oyster shooters there!
30 wines will be offered by Teller Wines and the distributors for pairing and additional tastes. Dogfish Head and Mispillion Breweries will be pouring their fall favorites at the bar!
There will be 2 special wine education seminars in the Wine University; Mike Zygmonski (Level II Sommelier, Sodel Concepts) will present a blind tasting and John McDonald (Wine Columnist, Cape Gazette) will present Wine 101 for anyone who wants to learn about the art of Wine Tasting.
General Admission tickets are $75 and there is a VIP upgrade that includes two special tastings at 95+ point wines and exclusive cheeses and a seat on-stage during one of the chef showcases. The press is invited at no charge with advance notice. Please visit http://www.sodelfest.com
Presenting Sponsor: Ocean Atlantic Companies
Major Sponsors: Schell Brothers, Sysco, SoDel Concepts, Coastal Style
Sponsors: Good Clean Fun Life, Sposato Family Vineyards, Active Adult Realty
Event Chair is Stacy LaMotta
Event Coordinator is Carlene Roche
Volunteer Coordinator is Meg Gardner
Arriving at (a)Muse Susan and I were invited to taste some of the wines offered by Sposato. For 6 years the Sposato Family researched, studied and visited South America. In 2012 the family purchased their farm in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, Mendoza.
Based on their 23 years of experience in working with land, soil irrigation and plants, by running their top rated landscape company, Sposato Landscape Co., they saw this as a great opportunity to further their experience in the agriculture industry. The farm was purchased as virgin ground. A new irrigation system, electric and other improvements have been installed with more to come.
The farm is 250 acreas located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, 3,000 ft. above sea level. Sposato Family Vineyard has some of the best and most popular wineries in Argentina as neighbors. The farm is located between two notable wineries, Bodega Septima and Vina Cobos by Paul Hobbs with more just around the corner.
We tasted 2015 Chardonnay. This fruit focused Chardonnay has an attractive color with aromas of tropical fruit, apples and peaches. Also a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, from their prize winning high elevation vineyards has aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, herbs, species and orange blossom notes that are persistent through the finish. The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has intense red with blue shades. Another one was their 2013 Reserve Malbec…intense violet color, typical of Argentine Malbec. And the 2014 Malbec had deep purple color, with high intensity of black fruits, raspberries and violets. Please note that you can get the wines in the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area.
A presentation was given by all of those that are involved and making sure that this will be an unforgettable event.
 Stacy LaMotta, Event Chair  Paul Culen, Host  Lion & Meghan Gardner, Blue Moon  Hari Cameron, (a)Amuse Paul Cullen entertained us while we tasted delicious offerings by Blue Moon, Nage, and (a)Muse.
So what are you waiting for? Call your friends, pass the word, share in social media and get ready to have some fun!!
 
August 2nd, 2015
What gets you out of bed in the morning? There is nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread….Well, I do not bake bread but I do not have to worry. Just a few miles north of Rehoboth Beach, in Lewes, Delaware, you will find Old World Breads at 32191 Nassau Rd.. Website? http://www.oldworldbreads.com
They have parking. You can have some coffee while checking what’s baking and what’s has just come out of the ovens. Old World Breads opens Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Old World Breads offers retail, wholesale and they are also a fixture in the Farmers’ Markets of the Delaware Beaches and beyond.
Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market – Tuesdays from Noon until 4 p.m.
Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market – Saturdays 8 a.m. until Noon
Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market – Sundays 8 a.m. until Noon
Milton Farmers’ Market – Fridays 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Sea Colony Farmers’ Market – Wednesdays 8 a.m. until Noon
Penn Quarter Farmers’ Market in Washington D.C. on Thursdays 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Annapolis Farmers’ Market – Sundays 8 a.m. until Noon
Red Corn, Corn Bread was delicious. Have bought it Gluten Free in the past. If you want it gluten free, please call ahead of time to make sure they are making it gluten free, otherwise, it will be a regular red corn, corn bread.
This time of the year, peaches, and berries. so you will find plenty of pies….making it easier to entertain all those summer guests.
Flat Breads for an easy lunch or early dinner. Add a salad and you have a meal.
Their version of a pop tart is called toasted pastries.
Lately, my favorite pick has been the Ancient Grain Bread.
Buy all things local!! Have a great day.
July 19th, 2015
Definitely, farmers markets are not just for chefs anymore. In come the foodies who have a very discriminating palate. Nothing but the best for them. Getting up close and personal, the farmers love to show off their produce, so please ask questions!!
My friend, Cindi, drove all the way from Ocean City, Maryland, and Brenda Jones is a local. You will find Brenda at the Historic Lewes Farmers Market most every Saturday in the a.m. The market opens at 8 a.m. until Noon.
Historic Lewes Farmers Market is celebrating 10 years in the community. During the summer season, you can find the market at the Lewes Historical Society Complex, located between Second & Third Streets at Shipcarpenter St. Please note that on August 1st the market will take place at Shields Elementary School Parking Lot at 910 Shields St. Fall hours will be 10/3 – 11/21 from 9 a.m. until Noon at Shields Elementary Parking Lot. No pets are allowed, so leave Fido at home for a few hours. Please visit the website at http://www.historiclewesmarket.org.
The white tents are scattered throughtout the Historical Complex, a beautiful place to be on Saturday morning. To find out the vendors that come to this market, please visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org/market-vendors.
Celebrate Summer’s Bounty by Growing Local, Buying Local and Eating Local!!
Please open the Historic Lewes Farmers Market website to get some of their delicious recipes…http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org/recipes.
Markets are rising in popularity because consumers can get fresh produce directly from the farm. The pick of the day, shall we say.
Learning about ground cherries. Had not seen them before. They have a papery husk, which encloses the small fruit. The fruit is small and orange. Ground cherries are part of the same family as the tomatillos. They are good in pies and they are also good with salsa and in a salad.
Never too early to start your day with fresh shucked oysters!!
Beautiful mushrooms!!
Peach Season and Bennett’s tent was full of beautiful peaches. The long line of customers waited patiently but the line went fast.
“Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts will follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization.” daniel webster
July 19th, 2015
 Kristine Opolais as Manon of Manon Lescaut Since its initial broadcast in 2006 “The Met: Live in HD” has grown exponentially with classical music lovers from around the world proving opera can have a place in their local theaters and it is now the largest provider of alternative cinema content in the world. “The HD transmissions stimulate opera lovers, and they are a catalyst for the singers, too.” said Met General Manager Peter Gelb. “Knowing that a global audience is watching and listening, our opera stars are inspired to give their greatest performances.”
The Rehoboth Beach Film Society in partnership with the Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation presents “The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD” on Saturdays at the Cape Henlopen High School Theater., located at 1255 Kings Highway in Lewes, Delaware. Now in its tenth season, this award-winning series will feature live transmissions of 10 Met performances, including all 6 new productions.
The 10th season begins on Saturday, October 3rd at 12:55 p.m. with “Il Trovatore” Future transmissions are as follows:
“Otello” – October 24th at 12:55 p.m.
“Tannhauser” – October 31st at 12 p.m.
“Lulu” – November 21st at 12:30 p.m.
“Les Pecheurs de Perles – January 16th at 12:55 p.m.
“Turandot” – January 30, 2016 at 12:55 p.m.
“Manon Lescaut” – March 5th at 12:55 p.m.
Madama Butterfly – April 2nd at 12:55 p.m.
Roberto Devereux – April 16th at 12:55 p.m.
Elektra – April 30th at 12:55 p.m.
In addition to the opera performance, the HD series features Met opera stars conducting live interviews with cast and/or various production crew members while showing behind the scene features. Complete details, including casting, are available at the Film Society website, http://www.rehobothfilm.com.
Advance online sales for all 10 transmissions will open to the public on July 24th. Met members already have been purchasing since July 17th and Rehoboth Beach Film Society members may order beginning July 22nd.
Admission is $25 for adults, $22 for Met members, RBFS members, or seniors 65 years of age and plus; and $15 for students with ID or children 12 and under. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. No reserved seats. Online reservations are available. Admission will be offered at the door with cash payment only. More info? Check the website above mentioned.
The mission of the RBFS is promoting cinematic arts and providing education and cultural enrichment for our community. Please check the many events sponsored by this organization by visiting http://www.rehobothfilm.com.
Or, you may call 302-645-9095.
Have a great day!!
June 27th, 2015
I am looking outside my windows and all I see are gray skies and a light drizzle….I hear your pain if you are visiting us this week-end at the Delaware Beaches. But look at the brighter side. Change of scenery. You left the city. You can still walk, shop tax free and of course, there is always plenty to eat.
Weather like this brought back to my attention the most delicious baked chicken, so far, around here. Let me tell you a bit about where you can go and try it. I am not kidding you; it is the best.
Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar is located at 111 Neils Alley, Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-5842. Website? http://www.cafenectar.com You can also find it on Facebook.
 
Nectar is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also have an amazing juice bar, where you can even customize your juices.
This is the second year for Nectar and a few months ago, they started serving dinner. Everything is made in-house.
The restaurant is comfortable. You may take a seat on the sofa and have a drink . It is the cutest place.
Let me get back to this awesome chicken: The Dogfish 60 Minute Baked Chicken
You will get half a chicken, which has been marinated and baked in iconic Dogfish 60min IPA and served with beer honey-mustard glaze. Comes with mac and cheese and coleslaw. It is best eaten, of course, with a cold bottle of 60 Minute IPA…just add $3 extra. It is so good and a very generous portion. Just try it for yourself and let me know.
Another dish that I am also very hooked on is their Cauliflower Steak, served over rice pilaf with Romesco sauce and topped with olives, capers and roasted tomato. This is a vegan dish. The cauliflower steak is first roasted and then finished in the frying pan. Romesco Sauce is a nut and red pepper base sauce that originated in the area of Terragona in Northern Spain. It is so good and a very generous portion, as well.
You might think that the Chocolate Avocado Torte sounds different. Hey, that’s why I ordered it. If you love chocolate, you will love it too. The avocado is a healthy fat so don’t be afraid to try it, because it is delish.
There is a cheese that is one of my favorites. It is called Midnight Moon. Nectar carries it. I always think that it would be perfect to have it with a nice glass of wine, enjoying one of our full moons at the beach.
 
Nectar is very aware of food allergies. Please ask if you have any questions because they have gluten free, vegan and they are happy to accommodate their customers. They want you back!!
Have a good one!!
June 21st, 2015
Sundays are days of worship, but on this Sunday as the tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina, is still fresh in our minds and hearts, it is also a day for reflection.
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church is the First Church in the First Town in the First State. It is located at 2nd & Market Streets in Lewes, DE 19958 Tel. 302-645-8479 Website? http://www.stpeterslewes.org
You can imagine how surprised my friend, Cindi, was when I asked her if she wanted to walk around The Churchyard at Saint Peter’s. After all, I had invited her to Lewes to spend the day celebrating her birthday. Graveyard? Birthday? That was not on the agenda, so she thought.
This is a historic Church. It is beautiful in its simplicity. It is an Episcopal Church. The doors of the Church are open 24 hours a day, providing a sanctuary in Lewes for spiritual reflection, meditation, and prayer. I love a totally quiet church. I enjoy visiting them to catch a quiet moment away from all the news and the hectic world we live in. I am in awe of their beauty and strength.
Saint Peter’s Parish was founded in 1681. The original church building was finished in 1724, sat in front of the current structure. A second church, consecrated in September 1808, had a small bell tower. The bell rings every Sunday announcing their services from that tower.
The building in which services are held today was constructed from 1854 to 1858. A steeple was added in 1870 and the Sacristy was added in 1903-4.
Among Saint Peter’s historical possessions are the communion table used in the original church of 1724, a prayer book showing the changes made after the War of Independence, and a silver communion service given by John Penn, grandson of William Penn, on June 10, 1773.
As Cindi and I started to walk the Churchyard her attitude changed completely…from total perplexity to inquisitiveness. She saw other visitors walking around, reading the tombstones.
In addition to the Churchyard, Saint Peter’s owns the oldest cemetery in the state of Delaware. The Pilottown Cemetery was the site of the first western settlement in what is now Delaware. Some of the early colonists are interred there on Pilottown Rd.
The most noteworthy graves are marked and there is information for you to follow them.
The oldest tombstone is the one from Margaret Huling. #17 This is what the inscription says: Here lyeth ye body of Margaret ye widow of James Huling who desert Febry ye 16th in ye 76th yeare of her Age 1707 Born 1631.
The second oldest is #18. It also belongs to the Huling family. It says: Huling mARTHA HIS WIFE deCEST FEBRY YE 1708 IN YE 8TH YEAR of HER AGE. There is a portion of the stone broken so the whole inscription cannot be read.
The Labyrinth – It is an ancient symbol found in many traditions around the world. It is not a maze. It only has one path with no tricks or dead ends. You are not to solve a puzzle, which creates anxiety. The Labyrinth shoud lead us to the Source of our solutions, creating peace. And God knows, we need peace.
Walking a labyrinth becomes a metaphor for spiritual journey. It is used as a form of walking meditation or contemplative prayer. The Labyrinth helps us find inner peace. It welcomes those of all faith traditions and those with no traditions at all.
There is no right or wrong way to walk the Labyrinth. With only one path in….follow it and you will arrive at the center. Each walk is unique. You may want to take a moment to breath deeply and focus on an intention for your walk.
The center is a place of meditation and prayer. As you can see visitors leave some offerings.
Stop by and discover. Have a good one!!
 
|
Comments Off on Lewes Eats! Agave, Mexican Cuisine, Restaurant, Bar, Lewes, Delaware, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches…Buen Provecho!