June 18th, 2015

Rehoboth Beach Eats!! 208 Social, Restaurant, Bar, Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Eat, Drink, Be Social, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

Social relates to or involves activities in which people spend time talking to each other.  The Beach, for many, is their happy place.  Here, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, we have a little bit of eveything for everyone.  Downtown Rehoboth Beach is only one square mile.  Pristine beaches, an award-winning boardwalk, boardwalk grub, entertainment, tax free shopping….and then there are the restaurants.   Summer 2015 brings new restaurants to Rehoboth.

208 Social is located at 208 2nd St. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971  Tel. 302-227-6700  Website?  http://www.208social.com Find it on Facebook, as well.  Nate and Lisa are the owners.  They are creating some very unique appetizers, entrees, and desserts, giving foodies some “food for thought”.  To know more about Nate and Lisa, please visit http://www.208social.com/about.

The laissez-faire attitude of the DE Beaches is what keeps visitors coming back year after year, making fantastic unforgettable memories.  Summer 2015 promises to be a fabulous one!!

I love spending time and sharing a meal with good friends.  It is a most simple thing, and it gives me the most pleasure.  When Cindi and Madelon decided to come to Rehoboth Beach from Ocean City, Maryland, we waited for Restaurant Week.  208 Social was our destination.  And so we arrived early, so that I could take photos.

I love what they have done to the restaurant.  It opens at 4 p.m.  Come as you are and enjoy a drink at the bar, which as the night progressed, it got crowded.

208 Social has a choice of dining rooms.

It is so nice because the atmosphere in those rooms is quieter, conducive to friendly conversation.  We chose the porch.

Appetizers:

Their Simple Salad…..greens, and a Sherry truffle vinaigrette.  The photo does not do justice…you had to close your eyes, taste, and enjoy one delicious dressing.

Pulled Chicken Fresh Spring Rolls….mango, watercress, peppers, cilantro, and a peanut dipping sauce.  Very interesting and healthy!!

Two orders of Crispy Soft Shells…a light tempura style breading, which my friends said was very good.  You could taste the delicate flavor of the soft shell.  Served on a sunchoke puree with baby spinach and toasted garlic.

When there are soft shell crabs on the menu I will, definitely, order them.  But Madelon and Cindi got them…..I needed something different, something savory, sweet, saucy or even tangy.

208 Sticky Ribs….These were from their Tavern Menu.  OMG, these crispy pork ribs with a Chile agrodolce (tangy), and toasted sesame were awesome.

Ice Cream for dessert.  This ice cream was from Pennsylvania, but pretty soon, they will be making their own, just like they make everything else.  This particular one was chocolate, and salted caramel.

Many thanks are given here to 208 Social for bringing us one of their strawberry pies, made to order.  Warm!!

So what else is left to say?  Can’t wait to go back!!

April 30th, 2014

Berlin Eats! Blacksmith, Restaurant, Bar, Toby Gilbert, Chef, Review, Historic Berlin, Maryland, Worcester County…Grab a Bite!!

When some of us got together at the end of 2013 for a dinner at the Waystead Inn, in Berlin, Maryland, we had no doubt that Toby Gilbert was on his way.  On that evening some of Chef Toby’s offerings were:

Roasted Oyster Chowder…oyster cream, and roasted vegetables.

Roasted Duck…potato puree, jus reduction and herbs.

Winter Roots…carrot, sweet potato, purple potato, celery root, turnip, radish, beet, and herbs.

Venison Loin…rye risotto, berry sauce, chanterelle mushroom.

A sweet ending of “Apple Pie”…apple pate de fruit.

Spring 2014, Blacksmith opens in Historic Berlin, Maryland with Chef Toby Gilbert giving his customers food prepared in unexpectedly delicious ways.

Locals can walk or ride their bikes, but some of us that live further away do not mind the drive.  It was great to see Paul again and his date early on Sunday….from Lewes, Delaware.  So, you see, no big deal to drive, especially on a beautiful day.

Cindi and I arrived at 4 p.m.  As the time passed it started to get comfortably crowded for a Sunday evening.  You know what?  As I took a look at the customers on that particular evening it was so much fun to see a wide range of ages….families with children, young adults, and the matured crowd, as well.  The next thing I noticed was that everyone was having a good time.

Blacksmith is located at 104 Pitts Street, Berlin, MD 21811.  Tel. 410-973-2102.  On Facebook, find it as Blacksmith Berlin.

The sitting area is open with available sitting for about 70 customers.  The kitchen is open, as well.

Meet Toby….So, how did you get into cooking?  He said that he started cooking with his Mother.  Now, that was a sweet thing to say.  Giving credit to his mother was priceless!!  Then, cooking in different restaurants and with amazing chefs, traveling and much appreciated training.

Toby feels very much at ease talking to his customers.  He is particular about his food and presentation.  Very engaging, treating his customers like they are the only ones in the restaurant.

The menu changes constantly and on Soul Food Sunday you had a choice of small plates, salads and soups, large plates and sandwiches.  Some of the dishes passing by our table were Maryland style fried chicken, with Hanks duck fat hot sauce, Boneless short ribs with grits and pickled veggies….Cindi and I resisted those temptations and went for small plates instead.

We decided to share the Chicken Liver Pate, sealed with duck fat with homemade orange marmalade (Toby said they had so many oranges.), arugula and pumpernickle toast.  Delicious.

The Soup of the Day was a cauliflower and carrot cream soup with roasted beets and creme fraiche.  Just perfect for a chilly evening and the right amount of heat, as well.

Organic Arugula Salad with raw Blue Cheese, basil, vinaigrette, toasted almonds and red grapes.

Cold Smoked Oysters with beet mustard and carrot hot sauce.

Grilled Romaine lettuce leaves, Parmesan croutons and homemade Caesar dressing.

There were 3 desserts on the menu…tempting but we were satisfied…maybe next time.

Next time your destination becomes the Historic town of Berlin, Maryland….check Blacksmith!!