January 26th, 2015
Meatless recipe….but the day is perfect for a nice hot chili!!
This recipe is totally stolen. Cannot take any credit for it. It is a recipe from Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa. It comes out so good and it can be served by itself, or, as a side dish for meat, chicken or fish. I have served it with a Turducken and I just served it for Christmas Eve dinner with my small standing rib roast from Hickman’s in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Spinach Gratin and sliced tomatoes on the side…yummy! It is by no means a low fat, low cal recipe but some adjustments can be made….substitute the butter for something lighter. The heavy cream can be half and half, and the milk can be low fat, as well.
SPINACH GRATIN
4 tablsps. usalted butter
4 cups yellow onions, chopped
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp nutmeg, grated (I used ground)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups milk
5 10-ounce packages of frozen spinach, defrosted
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Kosher salt (optional)
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until translucent. About 10 minutes. Add the flour and nutmeg and cook stirring for a few more minutes, making a roux. Add the cream and milk and cook until thickened.
Squeeze as much liquid as you can from the defrosted spinach. Add the spinach to the sauce. Then, add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese and mix it well. Season with salt and pepper if you want to.
Transfer the spinach to a baking dish, 9 x 13, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 Parmesan and the Gruyere on top. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy!!
I made this recipe gluten free. Please grate your cheeses to make sure there are no additives containing gluten.
January 23rd, 2015
 
“”Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” paul theroux
I think about this quote as I walked the award-winning Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, with my friend, Gail. Winter is a season of recovery for the beaches. A time to sit back and relax. With Spring and Summer just a few months away, not only does the town take a serene look, but the residents do so, as well.
Even though Gail and I were commenting how quiet it was on the Boardwalk, we agreed that listening to the sound of the waves was pretty awesome and….we are lucky to live here.
We decided to have lunch at Semra’s, located at 19 Rehoboth Avenue. As quiet as it looked on the Boardwalk, the Avenue was as crowded as it usually gets during winter. Semra’s only closes on Wednesdays. The rest of the week they are open. Tel. 302-226-4976. Website? http://www.semras.com. For the last minute events and dining specials you can visit them on Facebook.
Today, Friday, is Falafel Fridays. Falafel are fritters; balls or patties made, usually, with ground chickpeas, but also fava beans can be used, as well. Yum!
On Mondays their Musakka entree is only $10.95. And, on Tuesdays their Kabobs are 30% off.
I told Gail to order their Turkish Musakka. It is different from the traditional Greek one. It is not layered. Instead, it is prepared with aubergines, green peppers, tomatoes, and onions. Served with a well seasoned pilaf…pita bread. The side dish is cacik which is a strained yogurt served cold.
I decided to have Kofte. These are beef and lamb patties seasoned with Turkish herbs and spices, served with pilaf and cacik (yogurt sauce), and a cold bean salad.
Semra’s makes everything from scratch. Their dishes are full of flavor and exotic spices. Our dishes were light…..yes, they were!! And, the tea warmed us up on a damp winter day in Rehoboth Beach.
Once a month Semra’s has a dinner and belly dancing show. What started just to see if it would work out, now is a much waited event. Next one will be on February 28th!! They tell me the place turns itself into a big party with lots of customers participating and enjoying the fun. You can call them to 302-226-4976 for a reservation.
Note: Prices are good, with personal service!! They do have a liquor license. Carry-out available. You will love it!
September 7th, 2014
 
It was Saturday….yesterday. My friend, Chris and I were in Lewes. That time of the day when you start thinking about lunch. Granted, I usually go for lunch to Agave. Cannot take the wait in the evening. So we tried it at around 12:30 p.m. and….surprised, surprised…shocked, really!! No line.
Agave is one of those restaurants that really has made it at the Delaware Beaches. The food is consistenly food. You really get served food on your plate and the prices are so reasonable. A total winner. It is located in Historic Lewes at 137 2nd Street. Tel. 302-645-1232.
Checking out the baked good behind the counter made me think…wow, I need to try to make some meringues!!
This was going to be a quick lunch.
The corn bread at Agave is delicious!! Get it!
The Mango and Avocado Salad with the ever present “queso fresco”…a must.
I have had most offerings on the menu….a simple soup can say so much….their Chili is one of my absolute musts!!! So much that at 94 degree temperature….I had to have it. Just as good as ever!! Order it!
Agave is gluten free friendly. Most dishes can be made gluten free. Please make sure to ask your server.
Guess what? There was a line when we left.
Have a great day!
September 5th, 2014
We, definitely, cleaned up well, if I should say so myself!! After a day of kayaking in the hottest day of the summer, we were going out to dinner. And, I was the designated driver.
Aqua we chose, because everyone we asked said to go to Aqua. Beautiful views, tranquil setting….
Located at Kings Creek Marina, 900 Marina Village Circle, Cape Charles, VA 23310. Tel. 757-331-8660. Website? http://www.kingscreekmarina.com/dining/aqua.asp. Aqua opens for lunch and dinner.
Even though some were dining indoors, we decided to eat on their deck. It was just after sunset and there was a nice brezze. Our table was comfortable, so we sat to chat, know each other better, and enjoy a nice dinner.
Drinks were ordered, of course. So quickly, these women went with the flow; staging the table.
When the bread was brought, it was still so warm. I must admit that it was very good.
The following is what we ordered:
Seared Dragon Tuna…wasabi and sesame dusted; with seaweed salad and lime soy-dipping sauce.
Fried Green Tomato BLT Salad…Fried green tomatoes, smoked bacon and mixed greens, tossed with a roasted tomato vinaigrette. Yum!
A 16 ounce Prime Aged Ribeye was also ordered with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and house steak sauce.
Shrimp & Grits…simmered in low country sauce with chipotle pepper, onions, peppers, Andouille sausage, tomatoes, garlic and celery, served over cheese grits.
Colossal Scallops were jumbo and seared, served with lobster risotto, steamed broccolini and buerre blanc.
A salad topped with a salmon cake was Whitney’s choice.
Wahoo was my dinner. It was one of their specials of the evening. It had a good flavor…mild. I would have cooked it a minute or so less. It was served over rice, fruit and broccolini.
We were perfectly satisfied, so no dessert was necessary. It was such a nice evening, full of entertaining conversation and laughs.
August 16th, 2014
It is passed 5:00 p.m. in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and if you arrive at Mariachi located at 14 Wilmington Avenue, just steps from the award winning Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, this is the scene you might find by the upstairs bar…..mint being snipped and prepared for the so popular Mojitos.
Take a look at the bar and the homemade Margaritas were ready to be delivered to some expectant customers.
Mariachi’s telephone is 302-227-0115. Website? http://www.mariachirehobothde.com. Mariachi’s menu will appeal to the entire family. Also they are very aware of customers with a gluten allergy and other food related allergies. All you have to do is ask. You can dine in, carry out or take a seat on the balcony.
It is a good place for your “Crawling Rehoboth”…stop have a Margarita, Mojito or your preferred spirit and then ask for Pupusas, from El Salvador or Platanos, ripe and fried, a staple of Comida Latina.
Yolanda, Owner of Mariachi, is always hands on and very approachable.
The Pupusas are masa cakes and usually they are prepared by slapping the dough back and forth between greased palms. They are stuffed and fried. And Yolanda makes some pretty awesome ones.
Plantains are versatile…Yolanda serves them ripe and fried!
There is also a Kids Menu for 12 and under.
Mariach opens Sunday through Thursday at 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Nos vemos!!
August 16th, 2014
Parking!! Plenty of it and easy access from Coastal Highway or Rt. 1 in Rehoboth Beach. The Pickled Pub is located at 18756 Coastal Highway. Tel. 302-645-5444. Website? http://www.pickledpigpub.com.
Start your luch with a Moscow Mule.
Order cheeses from the Cheese Board…it changes daily. Just to wet your appetite.
My Cuban Press was as close to a Cubano as you can get in this neck of the woods….Smoked pit ham, shredded pork, pickles, Swiss cheese, Dijon and a pressed panini roll.
Pub Fish & Chips….the Chef’s catch will be house battered, a traditional tartar sauce, fresh lemon, slaw and pickle. Lightly breaded, well seasoned but not overly salted.
It is crowded out there…week-ends at the beach are very much so year round….
The Pickled Pig Pub offers parking, spirits, salads, soups, sandwiches….and very good dinners, as well. It opens daily at 11:30 a.m. Very casual. Oh, I forgot; prices are reasonable.
August 10th, 2014
Summer Travel? Yes, Puerto Rico, year round!! I was just talking to my cousin in Puerto Rico and she told me that it is a spectacular day in La Isla del Encanto.
Locals in Old San Juan take to The Castle of El Morro, which was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. It was needed to protect Old San Juan from attacks by French and English buccaneers.
On a beautiful sunny day, having fun at El Morro is a must.
Old San Juan is a city protected by a wall….The Paseo de La Princesa is very walkable and gorgeous.
Stroll on Calle Del Cristo on the cobblestones take some maneuvering….but you can do it. The Chapel at the end is full of history and forklore.
Many of the old 17th and 18th century Spanish houses have been restored and now serve as attractive shops, restaurants, and museums.
A stop at Rosa de Triana, a traditional Spanish Tasca is what we did. This building was built in 1523. It is one of the first structures of the Old San Juan Government Center during the XVI century. It was also the first City Hall.
It is located in one of my favorite streets in Old San Juan #72 Caleta de San Juan, across El Convento Hotel. Tel. 787-722-1144.
 
We sat by the cellars which also served as the first jail of the capital. The walls were so thick that cell phones did not work well inside, which was a good thing ,by the way.
 
We ordered tapas for the table: Boquerones, Sorullos, Salchichas, Pulpo, Papitas, and plenty Sangria.
So easy to get to Puerto Rico….major airlines, no passport, English is spoken. See you.
July 29th, 2014
It was just a quick lunch…that’s what Debbie and I wanted. Spending the day in Bethany Beach, it is amazing to see how many restaurants are now offering lunch. I remember when that was not the case and Bethany was a dry town. Things have changed quite a bit since the mid 70’s. Our choice was Off The Hook, located at 769 Garfield Pkwy. or Rt. 26, just a mile or so west of Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-829-1424. Website? http://www.offthehookbethany.com.
Off The Hook opened in 2010 in Bethany Beach and was received with open arms. You can have lunch or dinner, or both…and even have a little alfresco dining.
The restaurant is small and cozy. The staff is very attentive and knowledgeable.
My friend Debbie had the Arugula n’ Melon Salad….local melon, crispy prosciutto, goat cheese, chive crumb and a champagne orange vinaigrette….topped with grilled salmon. This is a favorite of Debbie’s so it goes without saying that she likes it!!
I was looking for something light…too much eating lately if you get my drift. I spotted the Crunchy Tuna Lettuce Wraps and they were really good. They had seared tuna, avocado, pickled carrots, pea shoots, and spicy peanuts with a Japanese Wasabi Mayo. All the distinctive combinations of foods and those pickled carrots hit the spot.
I almost forgot to tell you that the prices were very reasonable….the restaurant was crowded for lunch. See you.
Note: Gluten Free Awareness
 
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