October 17th, 2011

Casapulla’s South, Subs, Steaks, Deli, Take Out, Restaurant, Review, A Family Business since 1956, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Beaches

I thought it would be hard to go and review an eatery that is owned by friends.  You know how it is, you are a little apprehensive.  You never know how service/food are going to be on a specific day.  Except at Casapulla’s the service and the food have been consistent through the years.  They have plenty of experience.  In business since 1956.

Luigi Cassapulla was the Italian immigrant and patriarch of this family.  His story so interesting; vision, hard work, supportive wife and plenty of kids.

Luigi was Paula’s grandfather.  Paula and her husband, Mike, opened in Sussex County in 1984.  But, they have been at Lighthouse Plaza on Rt. 1 in Rehoboth Beach since 1997.  The tel. is 302-227-7827, or, if it is easier for you to remember then, 227-subs.  Website? www.casapullassouth.com.

I was thinking that subs are so versatile.  They travel well; perfect for gatherings and at this time of the year; Monday Night Football.

So, I found out that subs originated in Italian American communities in the northeast; around the late 19th to mid 20th century.  In the U.S. the common denominator is the bread.  In all types, it is an oblong bread roll as opposed to sliced bread.

In Europe this type of sandwich is served on a baguette or a ciabatta.

Some say that the sub or submarine originated in Groton, Connecticut, where there is the largest United States Submarine factory.  The sandwich was commonly eaten by workers in the naval yard.

So many terms for this sandwich, depending where you are from.  For example, the term hoagie came from Philadelphia.  Hog Island was a shipyard where emergency shipping was produced for the war effort.  It has been said that the Italians working there during WWI introduced the sandwich.  At the time it was made out of a variety of meats, cheeses and lettuce between the bread.  It became known as the “Hog Island”, the “Hoagie”.

All in all, subs, submarines, hoagies and other similar ones can now be found worldwide.

I came into Casapulla’s and I found a well lit place, super clean.  Ordering is done on one side of the counter with plenty of boards showing what they have to offer.

I met Tiffany.  I don’t know why but I always ask…if you are here eating for the first time what would you order?  She knew her menu well.  She mentioned the Italian, and one of her favorites, the Chicken Cheesesteak (with fried onions), and I wanted to also try the Turkey Stuffer.

So, I had all 3.  The Italian with everything on it; the works.  The chicken cheesesteak was a 6 inch but the other 2 were 10 inches each. 

While I was waiting for my subs to be ready I checked the store even more.  You can buy deli meats (Boar’s Head) by the pound.  Available are a wide assortment of chips.  And, they also had pastas, sauces, and pizzelles, as well.

There is a freezer in case you just don’ t feel like cooking.  It has sausage and peppers and other goodies all homemade.  Some of those pastas and sauces could certainly be a great addition to the prepared food.  Easy or lazy cooking, whatever you want to call it.

There was a new item on the menu this summer.  It is an Italian salad which has all the ingredients of the Italian sub, except the bread. 

Their menu is extensive.  You can check it out on the above mentioned website.  They have party platters.  They also deliver lunch to your office from Monday through Saturday.   For the Georgetown and Millsboro area, please call them between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.  For Lewes and Rehoboth call between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.  Please remember that delivery charges are applicable.  Again, their number is 302-227-subs.

Now to my tasting in the privacy of my own home.  I would not have dared to sit at Casapulla’s with 3 subs.  I could have encountered a friend or someone else that might have thought I was going nuts.

Sub #1 – The Turkey Stuffer – Juicy store-cooked turkey breast with creamy mayo, savory stuffing and whole berry cranberry sauce.  Thanksgiving year-round. 

I thought it was delicious.  Who would not like this one?  The combination of the cranberry, the turkey and the stuffing was perfect. I must tell you that I loved the size of their sub roll.  It was not overpowering at all.  You were able to take a full bite of the sub and experience everything there without spilling all over the place.

I had to open it so that you could see it better inside.

Sub #2 – The Italian – I like an Italian sub all the time.  It is one of my favorites.  Again, it was a good true Italian sub with all the trimmings. Genoa salami, capicola, pepered ham and provolone.

Sub #3 – Chicken Cheesesteak – Warm, cheese melting, fried onions.  What can I say?  Thanks Tiffany.  It was definitely good.

 Paula, Mike, their kids, and their entire staff are friendly….the staff saw me taking pictures and graciously smiled…probably wondering what the heck is she doing.

I almost forgot to tell you.  You do believe me that I did not eat all that food.  I was frantically calling my neighbors to pass on to them the other halves. Nobody was home until later.  I did find takers; Bill and Sharon.

Talk to you later….if you are driving out of town….have them prepare some subs to go…easy.

P.S.  Some of the information for this post was taken from Wikipedia.

June 12th, 2011

Sweet Sin, Gluten Free, Cafe, Meet 27, American Bistro, Restaurant, Baltimore, Maryland, A Gluten Free Restaurant?, You Got it!, Charm City’s Newest

Names like German Chocolate, Chocolate Peppermit, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Caramel, Vanilla Birthday Cake…and Vegan Chocolate Capuccino, Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter…These were only in the dreams of some that need to follow a gluten free diet, among other diets.

My first visit to Sweet Sin Cafe was on January 5, 2010.  I wrote a post on that day and you can see it by just clicking on the left hand side of this blog on the month of January, 2010 and scrolling down to the 5th.  I bought all kinds of breads, cookies and cupcakes on that visit.

Sweet Sin Cafe is located in the Charles Village/Remington neighborhoods of Baltimore.  The exact address is 123 West 27th St., Baltimore, MD.  The tel. is 410-464-7211.  The website? www.sweetsinbakery.com.  The owners are Richard and Renee D’Souza.  E-mail is richard@glutenfreedesserts.com.

It is a very simple cafe in a row house.  A casual place, bring your laptop, have just a coffee and a baked good, a full breakfast or lunch like we did.  There is a board showing the daily temptations.

Since my visit they have opened the sister restaurant to Sweet Sin Cafe.  Right next door.  Meet 27, American Bistro.  It is Charm’s City’s newest, full-fledge gluten free restaurant.  That address is 127 West 27th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.  Tel. 410-585-8121.  It is open Mondays through Thursdays from 5 until 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 5 until 11 p.m. and Sundays from 5 until 10 p.m.

Visiting the Cafe with Susie and now with John, the one with celiac, I can tell you that it was music to my ears to hear them say “Our menu can accommodate gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and soy-free diets”.

All natural ingredients; some dairy free, soy free, casein free.  Soups like Cream of Mushroom, Spinach Mulligatuny, Chicken and Rice, Vegetarian Chili, Shrimp Chowder, Clam Chowder, Thai Chicken and Vegetable Soup are dairy free.

The day I visited was for lunch, therefore, I have not tried Meet 27 yet.  I believe that Meet 27’s liquour license is in the works.  Meet 27 has appetizers, salads, entrees like Chili Paneer, Catch of the Day, New York Strip Steak, Peppercorn Beef, Vindaloo Pork, Lamb Chops, Veggie Platter and different burger options all made with local and organic dry-aged beef. Their desserts are all house made and some of those options were: Chocolate Mousse with orange sauce and fresh berries (vegan and gluten free), Coconut Lime Parfait on a meringue cookie with coconut creme anglaise (dairy and gluten free) and Black Forest Cake with cherry sauce (gluten free).

We were starving and this is what we had:

The Chicken Tacos – a generous portion and Susie said they were delicious.

Goat Curry – John loves goat.  Hey, he likes it.  Actually, I do too.  Maybe my PR roots of “cabrito”.  He accompanied the goat curry with cabbage with peas and carrots and basmati rice with vegetables.  Enjoyed it!!

Penang Chicken with Chana Masala, which were chickpeas in Masala sauce.  Added plantains and black beans with salsa and yogurt and what a lunch I had!!  The portion was huge for lunch, but it was so good; the right amount of spice.  The color and aroma were to die for.

I like to try different things and I had an Organic Raw Kombucha as my drink.  It was good but I had to take a few sips before I acquired the taste for it.  You would have to decide.  You are either going to like it or hate it.

Even with all that food we ordered cupcakes.  Sweet Sin is also a complete bakery.  You can find their offerings at stores like Wegman’s, Whole Foods and Roots Market.  Have a Special Occasion?  Visit the above mentioned website for more info.   

We ordered a Key Lime Cupcake, and a Carrot Cake Cupcake.  Both were good but we all decided we liked the carrot cake better.

I love that the flavors are not compromised.  Whether you have an allergy or not the food is delicious.  I think Richard and his wife Renee, who has to eat gluten free, are doing a great job.  I hope they keep it that way.

Sweet Sin Cafe has ready to go baked goods and foods.  All you have to do is stop by.

I will talk to you later….have a great day!!