To say that my fig tree has been in overdrive is an understatement. I have had this tree for 21 years. That’s how long I have lived in this house. My love for figs started many years ago in Bethany Beach where there were fig trees around the area. I knew where they were and I would pick some here or there. Once I took that first bite I could not believe how delicious it tasted. Totally different from a Fig Newton.
My fig tree has gone through the ups and downs through the years. Just like anything else. Last year we had a mild winter so the tree is like on steroids. I have given them to my Italian friends and neighbors. I have made a stuffed pork loin, jam, which I had never made before, an up side down fig cake, a regular fig cake and last night’s choice was a salad with Prosciutto accompanied by marinated jumbo shrimp (olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper) from Big Fish in Rehoboth Beach. We grilled them and they tasted like little lobsters.
As I organized the salad I got some arugula, grape tomatoes, spicy marinated black olives, marinated mushrooms and some white beans from Fresh Market. A red pepper chopped, goat cheese, and I cut the figs and prosciutto in bite size pieces. Simple, right? No exact measurements are necessary. You need enough of these ingredients so you can have all of them on your fork when you take that first taste of the salad.
Dressing:
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup good red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good olive oil
Put all ingredients in a jar and shake. Now, that’s easy!! My go to dressing at the moment. It tastes that good.
Dress your salad, serve it and make sure you garnish it with a couple of the figs. I went the extra step of drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze.
We enjoyed the salad as a first course. And then grilled the shrimp. They only take a couple of minutes
There is a hint of fall in the air, the leaves are yet not turning. It is the perfect time to eat outdoors; the food taste better. That’s my take on it.
AboutMyBeaches has a Facebook page. Check it out. Have a beautiful day.
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They call it Stewman’s and it is located on the waterfront at 35 West St., Bar Harbor, Maine. Tel. 201-288-0346. Website? http://www.stewmanslobsterpound.com
From the West Street Hotel, and our balcony, we had an advantage view. Around 11:30 a.m. or so the line begins to form. It goes quickly and we were there on Labor Day. An ideal setting to be able to sit right on the water.
Early in the morning we took a walk around the area. Not open yet but you were able to get the idea of what they would be serving there. It has a full menu and of course many of the delicacies that you come to experience in Bar Harbor.
You can watch them make the lobster bisque and the clam chowder. Pounds and pounds of this delicious soups with an addition of Sherry.
It was quiet but not for long.
Then look at it as the afternoon progressed.
We stopped for a tasting of soup. Both completely different, but my bisque was truly delicious.
I’ll be honest, I thought, originally, that it was going to be a tourist trap. Yes, tourist do come in but, boy, was I wrong. It is definitely worth trying. It stays open until 9 p.m.
So if you are thinking of a quick get away this Fall, Maine has captured my attention.
Posting from Maine’s trip, I remain.
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“That’s My job, to lift people up with great food.” paul prudhomme
The opening of the restaurants in Southern Delaware I could not wait for. Don’t get me wrong, when you like to cook it does not matter. But what matter is the ambiance of a restaurant full of people, having fun and enjoying beautifully prepared food using local products. This part of the country is full of amazing chefs….it is a foodie’s destination in case you did not know.
I am enjoying the fact that so many people have taken cooking during the lockdown. There is nothing better when you put food in your mouth that has been cooked with love and not rushed.
It has been some time since I visited Good Earth Market located at 31806 Good Earth Lane on Rt. 26 in Ocean View, DE. Depending where you are coming from you turn on Rt. 26 in Bethany Beach, west, and go about 3 or miles and after you pass the Rt. 17 intersection continue a bit longer and it will be on your left hand side. Tel 302-537-7100 Website? http://www.goodearthmarket.com
It was the perfect evening. A full moon, low humidity. Al Fresco dining does taste better. At Good Earth Market dining outdoors is taken to a different level. You are among nature. If the weather does not cooperate, they do have an enclosed screened in porch where you can dine and still get a good view of the gardens.
Get your drinks and walk around the property. In making the reservation I called the restaurant and they gave me Sue Ryan’s number. She is the owner and so nice and friendly. At this time of limited reservations she is taking such calls.
A new menu but also their traditional menu was offered. Good wine list and attentive service.
For a first course their Crab & Avocado Salad with a side of corn tortillas was plentiful and delicious.
I had the Shrimp & Scallop Ceviche…chiles, coconut, citrus, Baywater Bibb Lettuce Roll ’em Ups. Spicy!! But I like that heat.
For our second course we had their Good Earth Wedge. Romaine, Heirloom cherry tomatoes, smoky Benton’s Bacon (so crispy), pickled shallots and creamy blue cheese. As you can see a photo says a thousand words and at Good Earth their presentation climbed up to a different level.
I love beets and can roast my own. So choosing their Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad with toasted walnut and hemp seed granola, whipped feta and a lemon vinaigrette gave it a light summery taste.
A dining experience for sure with the Strawberry Moon watching.
What to choose for our third course. Scallops I enjoy so much. This particular offering of Good Earth was awesome. Look at this photo. Pan Roasted Dayboat Scallops with smoky bacon asparagus and black garlic vinaigrette.
Shrimp & Grits…. I do have a weakness for this dish. Having it in Charleston gives it a different meaning but here in Southern Delaware they can really also prepare it well. Full of flavor and spice, Good Earth’s was delicious and enough to take a doggie bag; not really. Sadie would not like it. Haha. It had aged chorizo, tomato broth and creamy corn grits.
We did not have dessert. I think we were very satisfied. But their desserts looked very good. A sweet ending definitely.
This was such an enjoyable evening. I hope you do visit them while you are at the beach. And if you are a resident, please go.
So until next time remember “one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well”…
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Hi there. Here I was this past week-end when the weather was glorious. It is what I love the most. Playing on the beach with my family. Well, there is another thing I like to do just as much and that is eating. I am Sophia and I am a new foodie in town. Looking for places that kids are welcomed and not rushed. It is the beach, afterall, you should come here to relax and chill out.
Half Full is the restaurant that we went to eat the other night. It is in Lewes, Delaware, located at 125 Second St. Tel. 302-645-8877. It is open from Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Website? http://www.halffulllewes.com.
My Grammy and my Mom were there too. Half Full is celebrating their first year in this location. I guess it is about my age. I just took my first steps and this is a milestone. I am growing up. Everyone has been laughing and clapping at my way of walking. I will master it and then they will be sorry because I will be all over the place.
At Half Full you order at the counter and then they will bring you the food at the table. Our table, and this is a tip from me to you, was inside.
It was a corner booth. It is perfect for little ones like me. You can also eat outside on their porch but my Mom thinks this is the best one. There is also a high table that I have sat before. Yes, I do get around.
Some of you might think I should be home in bed but to tell you the truth it was not late and I also took a late afternoon nap. So I was ready for some tasting.
The first thing we ordered was the Cold Board.
It is a composed salad of two cheeses, sopressata, roasted red pepper and tomato, Kalamata olives, which I so love, and garlic sauce. I am not into the garlic sauce but I love everything else. You can tell by the photos by Grammy took.
Two pizzas were ordered. These pizzas are thin and crispy. They are sooooo good. You are going to love them and so will your children.
In the background the pizza was Have It Your Way….you customize it. Tomato sauce, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes and Kalamata Olives. That was my Mom’s.
In the foreground my Grammy’s was The Lobster & The Leek…Canadian lobster, creamy leek confit, cognac tomato sauce. My Grammy said she had forgotten how good these pizzas were. I totally agree with her. They were yummy!!
It was an early evening in Lewes. The town was quiet. Stay tuned for my next post.
Just like it is today, last Thursday was the perfect day to visit Paradise Grill, located at 27344 Bay Rd. in Long Neck, Delaware. In order to access Paradise Grill you have to drive through the Pot Nets community…in your golf cart, car, or you can also go by boat. Plenty of boat slips available. Tel. 302-945-4500. Opens at 11 a.m. Their website is not up yet, but you can visit them on Facebook for the latest happenings on this very popular Southern Delaware “it” spot.
Paradise Grill is very casual. It is almost all sand so bring comfortable shoes. Several bars are available, as well as seating choices. It gets crowded so take whatever you can get. The atmosphere is fun, with plenty of scenery.
Live entertainment and DJs, every day. On Thursday Captain Mike was singing great tunes at the Beach Stage and today, Sunday, 8/10, Liquid will be entertaining the crowds from 2 – 6 p.m. and on the same stage later on Ginger will be singing from 7 – 10 p.m. Local entertaining the locals and visitors.
We sat outdoors, under the palm trees, which were looking good at this time of the year in Delaware. An Orange Crush was ordered…made with freshly squeezed O.J.
Not expecting a gourmet meal, we ordered a hamburger, medium rare, and a veggie burger. Also, a side order of grilled asparagus. Passing by us were orders that looked pretty good.
The crab dip and the crabcake sandwich.
It had been some time since we ordered our food. A manager came to the table to apologize that our order had not made it and they had just realized it. He brought us hot cheese dip and nachos.
Soon after our burgers arrived. Not my favorite but we were hungry by then. My hamburger was well done instead of medium rare. And the veggie burger was o.k. Nothing to write home about. In reality we should have had the specials of the day, but nobody told us about them.
Their ice cream shack is for dessert…..
The restroom with access to the boardwalk is all open….pretty neat.
Walking on their boardwalk, the place reminds me of Seacrets in Ocean City, Maryland, except the crowds are more matured.
Note: Cape Water Taxi is another way to get to and from Lewes to Paradise Grill. Check http://www.capewatertaxi.com.
The 2nd Annual Flounder Pounder Fishing Tournament will take place on Saturday, 8/16. Registration and information at the T-Shirt Shop counter at Paradise Grill.
Have a good one!!
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When visiting Delray Beach, Florida, usually a highlight of the trip is revisiting the restaurants that have become favorites and checking out the new ones, as well. Delray Beach is a dining, shopping and vacation destination. So, easy to get to, with 2 airports within half hour from the town.
If I were to tell you that it is the “off season” in Delray maybe there might be some truth to it. It is summer in Florida and many have headed north. But, don’t get me wrong, you might find it easier to find parking and maybe might be able to get into the restaurants without waiting too long, but all you have to do is hit Atlantic Avenue, Pineapple Grove, A1A in the early evening and you will see residents and visitors enjoying the warm weather, dining al fresco, and sipping their favorite drinks.
Some of the restaurants are offering summer menus, and The Office in Delray Beach is offering an Inventive Summer Comfort Menu with 2 and 3-course prix fixe options for lunch and dinner, Sunday through Thursday, until the end of September, 2013.
The Office opened in Delray, I believe, almost 5 years ago, by restauranteur and entrepeneur, John Rosatti. It has the perfect location, a corner on trendy and busy Atlantic Avenue…201 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-276-3600. Website? http://www.theofficedelray.com.
Executive Chef Joseph “Joe” Coletto is providing diners with the option of choosing 2 courses for $25 (either an appetizer and an entree, or an entree and a dessert), or 3 courses for $35 (one appetizer, one entree, and one dessert). This menu is available every week from Sunday through Thursday until the end of September, 2013. Tax and gratuity are not included.
Outdoor dining, al fresco, at sidewalk…with these tables you will not miss any of the happenings on the Avenue.
The setting is reminiscent of a luxurious home office, for lunch and dinner, daily.
For both Summer Comfort Prix Fixe Menus, the appetizer choices are: Quesadilla, Deviled Eggs which are the best, Fried Pickles, Grown-Up Tater Tots, House-Smoked Fish Nachos, Warm Baked Pretzel Bread, Side Salad – House or Caesar, BBQ Chinese Chicken Wings, Chicken Shu-Mai Duplings, and Sweet Potato Chips.
Entree choices are: Veggie Burger, Office Burger, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Marinated Hanger Steak, Baby Back Ribs, Pan-Roasted Free Bird Chicken, Simply Grilled Salmon, Coconut Curry PEI Mussels, Dark English Ale-Battered Fish, and Boneless Country Fried Chicken.
Dessert choices are: Apple Crumble, Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches, Maple-and Bacon Glazed Donuts, Golden Raisin and Chocolate Bread Pudding, and Blueberry Creme Brulee.
Specialty cocktails like The Red Stapler made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Prickly Pear, Agave Nectar, and lemon juice are among the many drinks found at The Office. The Office also serves 39 craft beers on draft, including Bell’s Two Hearted, IPA, the number one ranked IPA in the U.S., along with offerings from Cigar City, Oskar Blues, and our very own Dogfish from Delaware!!
The designed wine list, with 25 wines by the glass and 90 wines by the bottle, from California, Italy, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.
Happy Hour is from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and it features 50% off of all drinks, wines by the glass, bottle and draft beer, and cocktails, at both the indoor and outdoor bars. The Happy Hour offers a pre-selected Happy Hour bar menu, as well.
The Late Night Happy Hour is from 10 p.m. until closing, featuring 50% off of all drinks at both bars, indoor and outdoor.
Hope you have a great time in Delray!! Talk to you later.
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Let’s see…how should I start my visit to YOLO? I have eaten at this hip and trendy locale in downtown Ft. Lauderdale probably about 3 or 4 times. All those times have left me with a sense that the social ambiance, the exotic cars, the different attires worn by the patrons overshadowed my food. And, isn’t that what I have come here for? I mean, to dine.
YOLO stands for You Only Live Once. I guess if you do it right, once is really enough, don’t you think? It is located at 333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Tel. 954-523-1000 Website? www.yolorestaurant.com.
I decided to wear my higher heels too. I really did not want to be looking up all the time. How shallow, but, believe me, you had to be there.
I had made a reservation for outdoors, and was hoping that the weather would hold. It was, actually, a pretty nice evening. To me, outdoors is the place to be; among the bamboo and the fire pit. The fire pit was a gathering place for cocktails and mingling.
No two ways about it, YOLO is a hip and trendy venue. I am starting to believe that food takes second place. So, this was our experience.
Upon arriving the valet guys took my car; no parking at the front of the restaurant; the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other exotic rides were taking center stage. My Delaware tag did not face the valet guys who were friendly. My car was driven somewhere else. Cost? $5
Our table was waiting for us and it was perfect. We were not next to the fire pit, but could still get some of its warmth.
Our server, Alan, took care of us well. He had lived in Rehoboth Beach for a few years.
For an appetizer we ordered the Steamed Mediterranean Mussels with saffron, white wine, tomatoes and herbs. I usually order mussels anywhere they serve them. To this date none match the ones served at Liquid Assets in Ocean City, Maryland. The ones at Yolo were plump and they looked so good; once tasted, they were a little bland and maybe too big.
A Tuna Sashimi was ordered and it really was delicious; melted in your mouth.
The Grilled Artichokes were outstanding. The grilling added a different taste to their natural flavor.
One of my guests ordered the Grilled Snapper. She wanted it plain with brussel sprouts. It looked too plain for me, almost like some herbs were needed. I think she liked it.
My dish was the Creole Trout with lightly fried shrimp on top. I added roasted beets as a side order. I was not that crazy about my dish. It was just okay, but nothing to write home about. I would have wanted the beets to really be roasted. They did not look that way. The fish, was also a little bland, even though it was supposed to have been Creole, which usually adds a kick to dishes prepared that way.
My husband ordered T’s Prime Rib, thick cut, au jus, with a potato au gratin. We asked Alan, our server, to check the potatoes for possible gluten and the kitchen said it was safe to eat. I believe that was the best entree of the evening. Cooked rare, getting great reviews.
We had a good time…really!! We ate late, enjoyed the outdoors……I still think the social ambiance takes over the experience and enjoyment of the food.
The end of our evening and waiting for my car….some people coming in for the after the after hours lounging. It was getting late.
Note: Check the website for specials and events. Also, Thursdays is a night for locals. YOLO opens for lunch and dinner. Brunch on Sundays is offered from 11:30 until 2:00 p.m.
Talk to you later…
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“Lewes has always been essentially a seafaring town. Blessed with an excellent harbor, Lewes is home to a large fleet of charter fishing boats stationed on the canal along Anglers Rd. It is also the base of the Delaware Bay and River Pilots Association, whose members guide cargo vessels to and from the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. The University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean & Environment makes Lewes its home.” lewes chamber of commerce
At times I ask friends what they have been up to and usually the answer is Out & About. So, that’s what I just did Tuesday when I went to Lewes to visit 3 friends. What would I do without them? Don’t know. I find myself so lucky to have so many really good friends. The other day I reposted on Facebook something to the effect that “it did not matter how serious life gets, you want to count on those friends you can be stupid with”. These ladies are definitely on that level of friendship.
Lewes had taken the Christmas decorations down. New year and new expectations for all the coastal towns. The merchants were happy with the holidays; plenty of shoppers, fantastic weather, beautiful scenery. Second Street is the Main Street in Lewes; a quiet day in Lewes it was.
Our choice for lunch was Striper Bites. Lewes offers its visitors and residents many good restaurants within walking distance. Striper Bites is located at 107 Savannah Rd., almost where Savannah Rd. meets Second St. Tel. 302-645-4657. Website? www.striperbites.com. It is a most loved neighborhood restaurant with 2 other sister restaurants in Lewes; Kindle and Half Full.
Striper Bites opens year-round, full bar, plenty of seating; in the summer outdoor dining is available all the way into fall. Please note that they will be taking a well deserved rest; closing on Sunday, 1/15 until Thursday, 2/9.
Our server had to come a few times to our table. You know how it is, we were trying to out talk each other; catching up.
We had a laid back lunch. Since we are trying to watch our figure after the holidays then soup and salad is what we ordered. To tell you the truth I should probably be eating a piece of lettuce and call it a day. Anyway, this is what we had.
Jody and I decided on the Striper Bites House Salad. This salad was a mixture of fresh greens with archichoke hearts, roma tomatoes, kalamata olives, cukes, red onion rings tossed in Italian vinaigrette and topped with toasted pinenuts and crumbled bleu cheese. Jody and I decided to substitute the bleu cheese for feta cheese.
I thought the salad was very good. After some of the food I had been eating lately, it was refreshing and light. Toasted pinenuts added that extra crunch.
Our friend, Debbie D, had the same salad with the bleu cheese but she went the extra mile of topping it with grilled Rockfish. She thought it was delicious. We live on the coast and seafood is the specialty of many of our restaurants.
One friend that does not need to watch her weight is the other Debbie that was with us. Nevertheless, a hearty beef vegetable barley soup hit the spot. Nothing better than soup on a chilly day. She thought it was well seasoned and the barley and vegetables were enough for a light lunch.
I looked around and the restaurant was crowded. Good to see the people Out & About.
A few cups of coffee and tea completed what I always find a priceless time with friends.
Please note that Striper Bites opens Mondays through Saturdays from 11:30 until closing. Check the website for specials and events; they have plenty. It is closed on Sundays and….No reservations.
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