August 27th, 2014
Cooking comes from the heart….you can’t rush it. Some have that special culinary gift, others, like most of us have to follow a recipe. Matt Haley had that gift. I have seen him reading a cookbook while having sushi at Saketumi in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Was he getting ideas for a new dish, adding a little bit of this or a little bit of that, I don’t know and I never asked him.
I met Matt through my website, AboutMyBeaches. When I started the website in 2009, which is written in a blog style, it was because I wanted to promote the Delaware Beaches. I love to eat and cook so it started that way, with me reviewing restaurants. I am not a professional, but I know what I like and how I like to be served.
Every time I would write about a restaurant in 2009 I would send an email to the contact on the website of the restaurant I had just visited. Most brushed me aside. But, Matt was the only one that every single time answered personally from his email address. Later on my husband and I had a business relationship with him.
I remember writing to him about a friend of mine whose mother had gone to one of the restaurants and then they charged her $2 for replacing green beans….what? He would say, Gloria, just take them on my dime to the restaurant. I never did. Another time, just recently, another friend mentioned something else. Once again I did write….if I had a restaurant I would want to have someone of trust telling me what happened. Don’t you think? Anyway, I did and he never complained.
Farm to Table? What is That? Matt also showed us that the setting of a dining experience adds so much to the aura of savoring delicious, local food.
Always hands on, a dinner for Global Delaware, Matt’s non-profit, at Good Earth Market in Clarksville, Delaware, just west of Bethany Beach. That’s the first time I attended such an event. The idea of eating at a communal table, chatting and making new friends while raising funds for a worthy cause, was very appealing.
Cooking outdoors….local seafood, and veggies from the farm. Here are some photos of that event.
Another Farm to Table Dinner at Indian River was memorable, as well.
Cooking outdoors took a different dimension here. In the brush!!
About 150 strangers got together to enjoy local fish, veggies and each other.
On August of 2012, Matt invited my husband, John, and I to dinner at his home. I called it the Spanish Contingency Dinner. His guests were the 3 sisters of La Esperanza in Georgetown. Let me tell you that these sisters loved Matt like a son. He was so involved in La Esperanza, as well. He told me that every time he went on a trip, they would bless him, and cry, etc. etc., not knowing what trouble he was going to get into. Ha, ha! Their names? Rosita, Maria and Asuncion. Also in the group was a couple, Jose and Virginia who are the editors of Hoy en Delaware. It was then that he told us that he had been invited to be on the Board of Freeman in Fenwick. He was so excited!
I used to talk to Matt in Spanish, but to tell you the truth, he really did not understand much. I used to tell him that I could not understand how he could be with all these Spanish speaking people and barely say “Si”. It is the truth, and he would admit to it.
This was a great evening. My husband, John, was loving it. Someone else cooking and him eating. Matt and John had a really nice relationship.
Up to that afternoon, Matt did not know what he was cooking for dinner. If it had been me, I would have been running around my house like a lunatic. Not him; cool, calm and collected….and lucky too because someone dropped some fresh fish just in the knick of time. A simple preparation, was all that was needed. Salad and veggies were all done.
The rest of us brought desserts….Spanish desserts with me bringing my pride and joy…a Puertorican flan!
In the meantime, Matt asked me to stir something on the stove. I asked him where his spatula was. “I don’t have one”….what? A chef with no spatula? What is this? All I could think was, how am I going to serve my flan?
Matt really did not have a spatula. Here he is sliding the fish into the serving platter. He did it but it would have been easier with a spatula.
My flan was served….it did not look too pretty but everyone said it was good. It is hard to serve a plan with a plain knife!
It was an early evening. Good company and great conversation….Matt admitting that he did like the those holiday favorites like green bean casserole!! The traditional way, canned soup and all.
Matt did not have to worry about not having a spatula anymore….I did drop about 6 of them; all shapes and sizes, wishing him “Good Spatulating”.
Note: At the beginning of September 2013, I saw Matt at Safeway. That was his grocery store of choice. He had just arrived from Europe, I believe. We talked about my husband’s passing. Then, he said his brother had died too a few months back. No idea..so, now as I reflect on it, I am so sorry for his family’s loss. I wish them peace.
At the Indian River Inlet Farm to Table Dinner, it was getting darker and we were all ready to leave. I said “Matt, give me a smile.” And, here it is!! Good night, my friend!
Matt’s legacy continues. Please visit http://www.matthaleycompanies.com. In it you will find everything about his companies, including the Memorial Service celebrating his life on Sunday, 9/28, at 2 p.m. at Freeman Stage at Bayside.
January 14th, 2014
The Delaware Beaches are a culinary destination!! We have all the necessary ingedients to make cooking a success…we just need the chefs that can lead us on that path. Here are some of the cooking classes and demos that are coming up. If you are wintering in Coastal Delaware, check them out.
This post is all about cooking….I mean learning to cook. “If a pot is cooking, the friendship will stay warm.”
NAGE – This is a very popular restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, located at 19730 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). Tel. 302-226-2037. Website? http://www.nagerb.com. Click on Cooking Classes. The following classes are on the schedule: They begin at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Healthy Cooking Class on January 25th.
Slow Cooking Class on February 15th.
Low Country Cooking Class on March 15th
Nage Classics Cooking Class on April 12th
BIG FISH GRILL – Located at 4117 Highway One. Tel. 302-227-9007. Website? http://www.bigfishgrill.com/classes-a-events.html. I have attended one of these classes and they are so much fun. The classes feature menu items from Big Fish and Summerhouse. Be prepared to participate. Don’t be afraid. Attending this class will give you the opportunity of seeing what Big Fish looks like from behind the scenes. There will be a whole fish cutting demonstration, as well. The classes are $75 and you must register in advance. Time? 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Special requests are accepted. Group/theme/private classes are available.
The doors will open at 9:45 a.m., giving you the chance to have coffee and to meet the chef.
January 18th, February 1st and 15th, March 1st, 15th and 29th, April 12th and 26th, and last one will be on May 3rd.
STINGRAY SUSHI BAR & ASIAN LATINO GRILL – Located at 59 Lake Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-6476. Website? http://www.stingrayrestaurant.com. Learn How to Roll Sushi!! $45 per person. For tickets and more info., please visit the website. Classes will be from Noon until 2 p.m.
February 23rd, April 27th, and May 18th.
ABRA…CA…DINNER!! – Chef Kris will be holding these classes in her own kitchen. Size of classes range from 6 to 8 students, depending on the topic. Each hands-on class will last 90 minutes to 2 hours. The cost is $55 per class, special topics will require an add-on charge. Driving directions and anything may need to bring along will be sent to you by email ahead of each class.
For further info., please call Chef Kris at 302-228-6125 or email her at chef@abracadinner.com. Website? http://www.abracadinner.com/classes.html. Purchase 4 classes and receive a complimentary fifth class, valid for use within 6 months, where space permits.
January 25th – Soups for You!
February 1st – Chili Duet with World’s Best Cornbread
February 8th – Cooking Under Pressure
February 22nd – One Pot Wonders
March 15th – Roll’em Up
March 22nd – Apps in a Snap!
April 5th – Eating the Rainbow
April 12th – Let’s Slaw Down!
May 3rd – Viva Italy!
REHOBOTH BEACH MUSEUM -SOUPER SATURDAY on February 1st at 4 p.m. with Denise Clemons, Cape Gazette columinst of Cape Flavors will present 2 prepared delectable soups and will stage a demonstration of a third. For fun and for better tasting the Museum is suggestion you BYOS (bring your own spoon). Admission is free, just bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank of Delaware. The Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-227-7310. Website? http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
FOOD-LORE – The Museum presents Ed Okonowicz Folklorist and Storyteller on February 7th and 7 p.m. The discussion, Food-lore, from scrapple (my favorite) to muskrat shares proof of what we eat tells much about our regional identity as well as, our family history. Mr. Okonowicz offers an insight to Delaware’s food lore in a power-point presentation and conversation with his audience.
For admission to this event, participants are asked to bring a non-perishable item for the Food Bank of Delaware. Reservations are required by calling 302-227-7310. The Rehoboth Beach Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue next to the Visitors Center. Parking is available and the Museum is handicapped accessible.
On March 7th at 7 p.m. the presentation at the Rehoboth Beach Museum will be THE FRENCH CHEF, JULIA CHILD FRENCH CLASSICS. This PBS video will be shown at the Museum. It is unlike anything ever seen on t.v. before. As Julia herself said, “If I can do it, you can do it…Bon appetit!” This video is part of a special collection of six original black and white episodes from the 1960’s.
NORTHEAST SEAFOOD KITCHEN – One of Matt Haley’s restaurants located at 29 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, a few miles west of Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-537-1785. Website? http://www.northeastseafoodkitchen.com. This will be a cooking demo with Chef Ronnie and Chef Doug. It will be January 22nd from 6 – 7 p.m. The cocktail hour begins at 4:45 p.m. until 6 p.m.
For many the best part of the day is having breakfast. These two chefs will take you on a breakfast journey by demonstrating the art of making House Breakfast Sausage, Biscuits & Gravy, Waffles, Omelets, and Breakfast Cocktail!
For tickets and more info., please call the above mentioned telephone. Or email ronnie@sodelconcepts.com.
PAUL CULLEN – A NIGHT IN ITALY – COOKING DEMO, WINE TASTING, CONCERT – Tune Your Palate is the creation of Paul Cullen. He is a consummate performer and has a passion for cooking…Italian traditional cuisine, just like his Grandma taught him. March 2nd at Spice and Tea Exchange in Downtown Rehoboth Beach at 10 Rehoboth Avenue, at 6 p.m….$55. You can purchase your tickets by visiting http://www.paulcullenguitar.com.
And…remember: “A good cook is the peculiar gift of the gods. He must be a perfect creature from the brain to the palate, from the palate to the finger’s end.” walter savage landor
September 25th, 2013
The Second Season at the Delaware Beaches is usually a time when local residents claim the beaches and towns that have been so busy during the Summer Season. Guess what? The Delaware Beaches are year round…the activities never stop, and neither do the fundraising events.
Delaware is a small wonder with a big heart. On Thursday, September 26th, a benefit event hosted by Matt Haley Companies and Good Earth Market & Organic Farm in Ocean View, Delaware. Location? 31806 Good Earth Lane (Rt. 26), 4.5 miles west of Bethany Beach, Delaware in Clarksville, DE 19970. More info? Please visit http://www.goodearthmarket.com.
Matt Haley is a restauranteur and philanthropist whose restaurants at the Delaware Beaches and his cooking style are what this coastal area is all about; the freshest ingredients and local catch. More info? Please visit http://www.matthaleycompanies.com.
The dinner on Thursday will be catered by Plate Catering, Matt’s catering company. Join fellow diners as the sun sets for a unique dining experience.
Locally grown ingredients will be prepared and paired with perfect wines.
The evening will start at 6 p.m. with cocktail hour…appetizers. The main course will be family style with produce grown on-site. The dessert will be apple pie with fresh whipped cinnamon cream.
All proceeds will benefit The Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (Southern Delaware Botanic Gardens, Inc.), which strives to exalt nature’s beauty, to delight and educate visitors, and to study and preserve Delmarva’s natural ecosystems through the creation of a unique sustainable accessible world-class gardens for the benefit of the public. It is scheduled to open in 2016. More info? Please visit http://www.delawaregardens.org.
Tickets are $95. Please call for tickets and info. 302-537-7100. There is still time!!
Talk to you later.
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