August 30th, 2015

Dewey Beach Eats!, IVY, Restaurant, Bar, Wedding Venue, Dewey Beach Life, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

This was going to be the first time I was going to IVY even though they have been in business for a few years.  IVY is part of the family of Dewey Beach Life.  These are:  Rusty Rudder, Bottle & Cork, Jimmy’s Grille Dewey, Northbeach, Outlet Liquors, and Dewey Beach Liquors.  Both IVY and Northbeach are wedding venues, as well.  More info?  Please visit http://www.deweybeachlife.com.

IVY is located at Dagsworthy St. & The Bay in the heart of Dewey Beach.  Tel. 302-227-9292.  The Manager is Brooke Sterling and the Executive Chef is Aileen Delario.  Reservations are accepted and there is parking, as well.  So far so good, right?

To tell you the truth, I had forgotten what a fantastic view of the Bay this restaurant has.  We arrived for a 7:30 p.m. reservation.  There would be 6 of us for dinner.

The views from the inside are towards the Bay.  The bar is indoors and there are plenty of tables and seating available.  Later in the evening the music and dancing would begin.

Al fresco dining with friends…there was talk, laughter and merriment.  And of course, photo opportunities as the sun started to set.

Does food relly have more flavor when eating it in the open air?  Oh, I definitely think so.  At IVY the setting is beautiful and the sunsets are spectacular.

All you have to do is take a seat, then take a sip of a luxurious cocktail, and finally take a taste of their unique offerings.

If you decide to eat al fresco remember that you will be on their beach, so wear your comfortable shoes or sandals.

The menu was divided into Little Bites, Cool and Leafy, Big Bites….And then…dessert.  The Little Bites are great for trying different things tapas style.

Our table ordered a little bit of eveything.

From the Little Bites:

The Portabella Pate with truffles, cherry, and ginger.

The Godzilla Shrimp…colossal tempura’d shrimp with seaweed, wasabi and ginger.

The Hamburger Slider….even though it was a slider it was a generous portion.

The Herb Crepe was presented beautifully.  It had crab and shrimp and lemon aioli.  This was a cold dish.  My fellow diners that ordered it liked it but would have preferred it warm.  Just a suggestion.

From the Cool and Leafy, a Bib Lettuce Salad with bell, tomato, pickled red onion, pine nuts with an Old Bay vinaigrette.  It was light and it was also large enough for sharing.

Big Bites…these were traditional size entrees.

Crab Cake…Jumbo lump, fresh lemon herb tarter, corn and tomato saute.

Ratatouille…for those vegetarian ones and perfect at this time of the year with so many veggies available….tomato, squash, eggplant, zucchini, thyme and chevre polenta.

The Halibut with cauliflower, Madras broth, coconut lime, and microgreens.  Very light and mild.

The Scottish Salmon had a spicy jamaican jerk, tamarind glaze over rum flamed pilaf.  Loved it!!

No dessert was ordered because we were perfectly satisfied…another time.

Talk to you later…and in the meantime enjoy the sunset!!

August 24th, 2015

West Ocean City Eats, Sello’s, Ocean City, Maryland, Italian Cuisine, Bar, Restaurant, OC Beaches, Summer 2015

“Dinner is where magic happens in the kitchen.”  kris carr

Stopping for a very early dinner on Sunday, with friends, en route to the Harness Races at Ocean Downs Casino…our choice?  Sello’s, located at 9802 Gold Course Rd., Tel. 410-390-3543  Website?  http://www.sellosoc.com

Sello’s does not accept reservations, but you may call ahead of time to tell them you are coming.  The restaurant’s decor and logo is based on the following fabric.  I have no idea why, but all I can tell you is that the pants I was wearing had a similar pattern.

The restaurant is comfortable and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.  Throughout the restaurant you will see photographs taken by the owners in Italy.

The bar is cozy, another very welcoming area to wait or just enjoy a few drinks.

After an order of drinks we got down to the business of appetizers:

Carpaccio di Manzo…Thinly sliced tenderloin of beef garnished with capers, chopped onions, shaved parmigiano reggiano cheese and arugula.

Barbabietola e Finocchio…Roasted Beets & Fennel with black olives, grilled asparagus, gorgonzola cheese in a citrus vinaigrette.  Love beets and these were delish.

Pomodoro Caprese…Nothing like fresh tomatoes this time of the year with fresh mozzarella, as well…Fresh Burata Mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil with a touch of EVO and balsamic vinegar.

Catching up with friends is also a plus, but when you get together with this O.C. crowd I think laughter gets contagious.

Time for Dinner, Shall We?

Two of us ordered the Catch of The Day….Grouper, olives, sauce so perfectly seasoned.  As a side dish eggplant stuffed with risotto.

A Pasta Bolognese…please note the pastas are made in-house.

Involtini di Melanzane…Thinly sliced grilled eggplant rolled and stuffed with angel hair pasta with Marinara sauce and fresh parmigiano reggiano.  This is Kathlene’s favorite and once again she decided to order it.

Ross’s Pizza….It was a personal pizza but it was quite large.  Perfectly cooked…thin and crispy.

No dessert was necessary; we were totally satisfied…plus we needed to take off for Ocean Downs Racetrack and Casino where we were hoping to make some money, and enjoy more laughter and good times as Summer 2015 is coming to an end.

Have a good one!!