August 26th, 2013
In early spring, Blessings Blend is one of the first to have flowers out on Rt. 1, South of Milford. The actual location of Blessings Greenhouses and Compost Facility Retail Center is the corner of Rt. 1 (north) and Sugar Hill Rd.
Driving to or from the Delaware Beaches you might have seen these 2 giant tomatoes. That’s the location!!
I decided to stop and get some peaches and tomatoes. To tell you the truth, tomatoes this year have not been the greatest, in my opinion. These tomatoes ended up having a pretty good taste. I can’t believe it took almost all summer to find them.
The peaches were sweet and juicy. They told me all their produce is locally grown.
You learn something new every day and I found out that the owner of Blessings Blends, Bruce Blessing…I have not met him, developed a premium compost that is being used on golf courses and farms on the Delmarva Peninsula. For the second year in a row he has been selling it bagged and bucketed at his flower and produce stand located on Rt. 1. It has taken him 6 years to develop it.
I really don’t anything about “composting”, but, learned that this Premium Compost has received an OMRI (Organics Material Review Institute) Listing .5-.5-.4.
There are hundreds of organic farmers in the Chesapeake and Delaware watersheds and Blessings Blends will be targeting them, since they have gotten the OMRI Listed Premium Compost.
Want to know more? Please call Blessings Blends at 302-684-8990 or visit http://www.blessingblends.com.
In the meantime, safe travels as you leave Summer of 2013, and begin the Second Season at the Delaware Beaches…this produce stand is open!!
May 6th, 2013
It is that time of the year when our local farmers’ markets start opening….something we are all looking forward to. Local flowers, fresh baked breads; it is a gathering of the community and visitors, as well.
In any given day, when these markets are in full swing…all you can see are smiling faces. Farmers’ markets connect local shoppers to local farmers. With that in mind, following are our local markets. Some already have opened with limited produce, but that will change soon. Others are open this coming week-end…and then, the remainder will open in June.
Milford’s Farmers’ Market has opened already. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at South Walnut St. and Mispillion Riverwalk. More info? Please visit http://www.downtownmilford.org.
Milton Delaware Farmers’ Market is located across from the library in downtown Milton. Every Friday from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. This market is already swinging.
Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market will be opening on Saturday, May 11th. From then on, every Saturday, 8 a.m. until Noon. Location? The Lewes Historical Society at 110 Shipcarpenter St. Check the website…every week-end there is something new going on and recipes and contests are posted, as well. http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org
Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market is opening on Tuesday, May 7th. Every Tuesday from Noon until 4 p.m. at Grove Park, behind the Visitor’s Center and the Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce. Right there by the roundabout. http://www.rbffarmersmarket.com. They will be having guests vendors every week. Opening day will have live music and new Inspired Chefs Initiative with top chefs in Rehoboth Beach. Inspired Chefs Initiative is “A not-for-profit group, designed to serve as a forum for local chefs to engage the community on food related issues and to coordinate their charitable efforts”.
Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market will be opening Sunday, June 16th. From then on you will find this market at Garfield Parkway & Pennsylvania Avenue in Bethany. More info? http://www.bethanybeachfarmersmarkekt.com.
Fenwick Island Farmers Market will be opening on Monday, June 24th at 1107 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), at the PNC Parking Lot. In Addition to Mondays, it also opens on Fridays with both days from 8 a.m. until Noon. More info? Please visit http://www.fenwickislandfarmersmarket.com.
Have a good One!! Talk to you later.
November 21st, 2011
“The first true supermarket in the U.S. was opened by Michael J. Cullen on August 4, 1930, in a 6,000 sq.ft. former garage in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y.” wikipedia
I knew I was home when I first saw how covered with leaves my yard was; then I heard the geese. I love their sound and how low they usually fly. They were migrating south as I had just migrated north. Hmmm….
It is that time of the year when I usually decide if this is another Turducken Thanksgiving or would a regular bird will do this time. I wanted a regular turkey; have not even decided what trimmings I will make this year.
I think it has been about 3 years since we started eating gluten free. Not by choice; by the diagnosis of celiac disease. No wheat or derivatives, please. Just like we have learned to navigate, grocery stores, restaurants, and going to friends for dinner, our friends have learned just as much. They are always on the look out for gluten free products for us.
I got an e-mail from Richard…Hey, I was at the IGA in Lewes and they had gluten free turkeys. You want one? Of course, I did. I told him to tell them to hold one for me until Sunday. He did and then he said…by the way, you should write a post on this grocery store…it will be interesting to see what you think…
First let me tell you that when you mention to someone about a gluten free turkey, they are surprised. They think all of them are. Not, really. People with gluten allergies and celiac have to stay away from words like, basted, marinated, injected, flavor enhanced and even rubs, unless you know exactly what the rub contained. It is tricky but like anything else you get used to it.
So, there I was ready to pick my bird up and to also do the post. When someone considers going to a grocery store a chore, I actually love it. I go pretty much every day. Ask anyone who knows me. I also see everyone else there, as well.
Lloyd’s Market is located at 611 Savannah Rd., Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-6589. You can find Lloyd’s Market on Facebook.
 Oyster stuffing? I can see why Richard goes to this market all the time. Lloyd’s has that neighbordhood charm. If you are lucky to live nearby, then, you really can walk. Otherwise, there is plenty of parking in the back.
The first thing I experienced as I came into Lloyd’s was the smell of rotisserie chicken. That was a good start. Rotisserie chicken makes great chicken salad; add mayo, grapes or raisins and pepper and you are good to go.
Lloyd’s is small in comparison to the new “mega supermarkets”. But, really, what it had was that neighborhood charm. That familiarity that is lost in big stores.
I introduced myself to Lenny. He was the son in law and yes, he had my turkey. He was so friendly. I asked him about taking pictures and he gave me the go ahead.
   
My gluten free turkey came from House of Raeford Farms in North Carolina. You can check this company by visiting www.houseofraeford.com.
Lloyd’s Market had just turned 40 years old on the 19th. My friend, Richard, told me he used to be a bag boy back in the day. The store keeps in touch with past employees, as well.
Lloyd’s is very well stocked. The store is impeccable and every item is perfectly in line. Good lighting and employees are ready to help.
   
They have local produce. The cabbage and the sweet potatoes were huge.
 
Of course, Lewes Dairy Egg Nog was in the refrigerator. It is the best, hands down. Some drink it plain, sans alcohol; others spike it; while others freeze it and eat it as ice cream.
I met Barbara. She was the cashier. She was from Pennsylvania and had been at Lloyd’s for 7 years. She was a widow and loves meeting the customers. Better than sitting at home by herself, she said. Again, that familiarity of a neighborhood market.
I found these gluten free chips called Popchips. Popped, never fried or baked. Vegan too. They were jalapeno potato popped and had quite a bite to it. They were delicious. The website was www.popchips.com.
I was taking pictures and a young boy asked me why I was doing that. I explained it to him and then he said, Oh, then more people would come, right? It was funny they way he said it because as I am writing this post I am thinking that Lloyd’s really did not need an introduction.
 My cart. Thanks, Richard….talk to you later…
July 16th, 2011
It started when Lorenzo was visiting. Out in the back we were, eating crabs, and there he came in, bearing a beautiful Mini Smith Island Cake. Thank God it was a Mini; enough for everyone to have a slice. I could have eaten it all myself.
It had also been a few days since a friend mentioned Hamel’s in passing. At first I did not know what she was talking about. Let me refresh your memory; you will recognize it immediately.
Years ago, before Farmers’ Markets made a comeback into the lives of all of us, there was McQuay’s in Rehoboth Beach. It was one of the first places you saw as you came into downtown Rehoboth. Fresh tomatoes, corn, blueberries and general produce, beautifully displayed. I even think that you could have an account. It really was the place to go.
Fast forward, the building is still there, even the name has been left on the building; honoring what it used to be and trying to fill its old shoes. But, Hamel’s Gourmet Market is making this old market proud.
Hamel’s is located at 510 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-3386, It will be on your right hand side as you are coming into Rehoboth, past the bridge, across from the Chamber of Commerce, and just before the roundabout.
I decided to stop by and check it out. Immediately, I saw Chad. I have know him for a long time; him being one of my sons’ friends. He is the Executive Chef for Hammel’s Gourmet Market. He has been in the food business for years. Always loved to cook.
You can call Chad Travis for catering and anything you need from Hamel’s at the above mentioned telephone number, or you can e-mail him at ctravis_fl@yahoo.com.
Hamel’s is a full service gourmet market, with a wide selection of fresh baked specialties, including turkey, ham, and roast beef.
The pastries and breads are made locally, as well.
Prepared salads can be bought by the pound; lobster, shrimp, spicy tuna, tuna, egg, chicken, curry chicken with dried cherries, shrimp ceviche, cole slaw, among others.
They call them Something Special Sandwiches. These are the sandwiches that Hamel’s is well known for and at the top of the list is the Lobby. This is a lobster roll sandwich with plenty of lobster salad on a fresh baked Milano roll with lettuce. Hands down, it is the favorite. Others are a shrimp salad sandwich, Anthony’s Favorite which has Citterio Prosciutto on a Milano roll with homemade pesto basic dressing, mozzarella cheese, lettuce and tomato. Then, the South Philly is a roasted pork, provolone cheese, and roasted peppers on a fresh baked Milano roll.
If you do not want to cook or have some of those unexpected guests coming for dinner, please give them a call. Their steaks, seafood, ribs, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken are grill perfect.
A sample of their prepared foods would be lasagna, mac & cheese, sausage and peppers, meatball sausage and peppers and so much more. Stop by and get a take-out menu.
You have to meet Chad. He is passionate about his cooking and has lots of plans for Hamel’s.
Chad is planning to have, on selected Saturdays, a few demonstrations. Hamel’s is not large enough to hold classes but something like a knife skills demo will be doable. Music? Chad is planning that, as well.
Chopping or mincing? Learning the basics? Knife skills are one of the most important parts if you enjoy the culinary arts. There is more to it than just cutting.
I decided to buy some pesto, which by the way tasted delicious.
And, beer cheese which was like a triple threat with three cheeses; a nice kick to get you taste buds going and very spreadable.
Then on my salad I put the cherry balsamic vinaigrette, which Chad also made. My son made the salad of fresh tomatoes from Freemans, mozzarella from Giant and fresh basil from my garden. The drizzle of this vinaigrette was delicious; the sweetness complementing the rest of the flavors in those fresh vegetables.
I notice the potato chips; locally made, as well. They were called Cape Seasonings. Website? www.capeseasonings.com.
The Mini Smith Island Cakes are there to tempt you. Cupcakes, also made by them are available, as well.
And like that wasn’t enough, there is also gelato from Gelato Gal. I wrote a post on Gelato Gal on 8/11/10. If you want to see it just click on the month of August of 2010 and scroll down to the date.
Hamel’s looks so inviting. The produce is perfect. If you want you can linger with some coffee or a soft drink; sit outside because there are a few tables available.
At times the most fabulous dinner can take no time to prepare….check them out…talk to you later…
December 19th, 2010
Thank God it did not start raining until mid morning. I wanted to go by the Green Market. This is an open air market located at SE 4th Ave., 1/2 block south of Atlantic Avenue. You cannot miss it. I had been to the Green Market in the past but had not taken any pictures.
This Green Market is very similar to the Farmers’ Markets that take place during the summer months in the Delaware and Maryland beaches. It is going back to the basics; buy local and eat fresh.
The Green Market was started in 1996 by the Community Redevelopment Agency. This is now their 15th season; their second edition of the Greenmarket Cookbook is now on sale. It is $14.95 plus $3.00 shipping and handling. Call Lori at 561-276-7511 to reserve your copy. You may also want to stop by the CRA office on 20 N Swinton Ave. and pick one up.
The Green Market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Do you need more info. or are interested in being a vendor? Then call Lori at 561-276-7511 or e-mail greenmarket@delraycra.org.
It was so nice to stroll up and down the street just checking everything out.
The first vendor I saw was selling seafood. Immediately the jumbo lump crabmeat got my eye. Of course, I ended up buying a pound. Actually, it was cheaper than at home. This vendor also had gorgeous stonecrab claws.
People were buying; I watched them interact with the vendors.
Between the music playing, the food cooking, the warm weather and a soft breeze, I think I caught myself smiling throughout my strolling.
      
Hey, you will get the chance to visit the Green Market if you are in Delray Beach every Saturday until the end of May.
Note: On Friday, 12/24, Christmas Eve, the Green Market will be open from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m., just so their loyal customers can pick up last minute items. There will be no street closing so all you have to do is pull up and buy your goodies.
Talk to you later…have a good one….
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