October 17th, 2011
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.
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…
June 23rd, 2011
I had heard it before; Philadelphia has a reputation for culinary excellence; the immigrant population having contributed to a large mixture of tastes.
I read a paragraph by Mark Glickman who wrote The Foods of Philadelphia and he described it best. You can find representations of these foods (soft pretzel, Philly Cheese Steak), elsewhere. But, only in Philadelphia and its environs can you find the real thing. You might get a soft pretzel at a mall in Cincinnati, or a Philly Cheese Steak at a cafe in California and wonder “What’s the big deal? Come to Philadelphia, and you will find out.
It is definitely different and I am enjoying learning about it.
In my last post I told you that there was more walking to be done. Leaving Parc located at Rittenhouse Square we kept on a good pace but something caught my attention when a door opened. I was not even paying attention, but the produce looked beautiful. Of course, we had to go in. What a surprise!! What a market!! Thank God I had just eaten, and thank God I was walking and could not carry anything else with me. Otherwise, watch out!!
This was Di Bruno Bros., located at 1730 Chestnut St., Tel. 215-665-9220. Website? www.dibruno.com/locations/rittenhousesquare.
Yes, in Center City, in the heart of Philadelphia. The original Italian market opened in 1939 at 930 S. 9th St. and it is still standing there.
This market is unreal and so is the service. I noticed the regular customers were known by name. I was just absorbing it all.
Here are some of the pictures I took.
Prepared Foods
Beef Department
The biggest cheese section I have ever seen with cheeses from all over the world.
Olive Oils to pick and choose.
Did not know that there were so many bitters.
Smoked Salmon
Hams and sausages
Breads
The Bakery? Cookies, Tarts, Cakes and Pies
Are you hungry yet? You know, on this particular post, it was best to be somewhat quiet and let the pictures do the talking. No way I could have explained all of this in simple words.
P.S. They also do catering.
Have a good one….got to go to my daily trip to Giant in Rehoboth Beach…. talk to you later….Chifa and the Food Trucks are still to come….
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