November 3rd, 2015
“A retaurant is a fantasy-a kind of living fantasy in which diners are the most important members of the cast.” warner leroy
Crust & Craft opened in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, about 4 weeks ago. Pretty impressive to see this locale transform itself into a really nice looking place. And, the food, pretty awesome, as well. The address is 18701 Coastal Highway. Tel. 302-313-5029 Website? http://www.crustandcraftde.com.
You can find Crust & Craft on Facebook! Please note that it will be opening this week-end for lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.
My friend, Cathy and I arrived very early. By the time we left every seat on the house was taken with the exception of one table.
Some pizzas were coming out of their oven….you can customize your pizzas!!
The menu is divided into Hearth…Bruschetta. Then, Ocean which are starters from the sea. Continuing with Earth which are seasonable veggies. Fire means 12″ wood-fire pizza and finally Stone which is their housemade pasta.
Our strategy was to order more than a few dishes tapas style.
From the Hearth we ordered the Roasted Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, Pecorino, and Balsamic. I don’t know what it was but the combination of the roasted squash and the rest of the ingredients on that toasted bread was perfect.
The Ocean brought us Wood Roasted Octopus, Olives, Potato, Oregano, Jalapeno, Lemon Maionese. The octopus was tender and had a definite wood roasted flavor.
Earth…the Beets, Ricotta, Greens, Poppy Seeds, and a Lemon Vinaigrette. Loved it! The Lemon Vinaigrette gave it a bit of a tangy taste.
Stone…The Pumpkin Zucca, Mushroom, Squash, Sage, Brown Butter, Peccorino, Pumpkin Seed….This dish was excellent. The pasta absorbed the pumpkin flavor. It was one of my favorites of the evening.
Of course we did not need any dessert but we did have it….Choco Tacos made out of Pizzelle, Mascarpone Semifredo, and Nutella…..Decadent, so much so that Cathy and I took off for the Rehoboth Boardwalk to walk off this one.
 
I would like to thank our server, Brittany, for taking care of us in such a speedy way. Her recommendations were on target. Loved everything we ordered.
I almost forgot to tell you that Crust & Craft partners with local farmers and craft beer artisans….Congratulations and wish you much success. We will be back!! Have to try the pizza.
See you soon!
 A Little Bit of This A Little Bit of That
October 29th, 2015
It was warm, it was sunny, we probably could have eaten outside. Arriving with my partner in crime, Cindi, to Fat Fish OC located at 12703 Sunset Avenue, Unit 7, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-390-5006. Website? http://www.fatfishoc.com.
You can find it on Facebook as Fat Fish OCMD….please Like the page because Fat Fish is very active on FB and also they are opening other restaurants….you might not want to miss out on all the specials coming up as the Second Season continues at the beaches. Hey guess what? They do deliver. Fat Fish opens at 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
The restaurant is not big. It is so cute and very local, indeed.
Meet Joe, the owner, as he was getting ready to chow on the daily special…Today’s Bruschetta Burger. I saw with my own eyes. 1/2 lb burger, pesto, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil on a brioche bun.
But, get a little closer…you want to get a good look at it, don’t you? Here it is. Yum!!
Cindi ordered the Blue Crab Tacos. Their tacos are well known and one of the most ordered items, as well.
And I ordered the Fat Fish Sandwich…Tempura battered tuna and shrimp, wasabi, mayo, red onion, lettuce, tomato and cilantro crema. Look how beautiful it looks. First I ate the shrimp and then followed with the sandwich. Awesome indeed!
Would you like to check the menu? Please visit http://www.fatfishoc.com/menu/
So now you know about this great local place. Worth the trip.
October 28th, 2015
I remember in 2008 when my late husband was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Immediately I jumped into the whole idea that I needed to know everything possible about this new way of eating for my family. People with Celiac Disease, which is an allergy to wheat, only can get better by following a gluten free diet.
People would tell me then how lucky I was because a lot of them that had been diagnosed years before really had trouble finding good quality food and had more trouble having dinner at restaurants who really did not know what this “gluten free” way of eating was all about.
Now I tell the newly diagnosed Celiacs that they are lucky because it is a business. Restaurants that thought this was a fad diet and who said “we are not a gluten free restaurant” have had to rethink and join the many other restaurants that are preparing delicious gluten free entrees for those that need this diet for their health.
Over the years I would say that the only think the business had not mastered was a good pizza crust. In time this has also gotten much better. I found a place in South Florida, one in Manayunk, in Philadelphia, and just a couple of weeks ago I found Crisp located at 791 Main St., Osterville, MA 02655 Tel. 508-681-0922. Website? http://www.crispflatbread.com
If you have a gluten allergy, any of their pizzas can be made gluten free. They also have gluten free beer. My choice on that day was Glutenberg Red. Refreshing and very good.
The regular dough uses organic flour, filtered water and Cape Cod Sea Salt for Crisp crust.
Crisp opens every day…Monday to Saturday from 11:30 on and Sunday Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m. Supporting local farmers and using nitrate free meats and organic veggies is something this restaurant does whenever possible. Their pastas and sauces, along with the flatbreads are all made in-house.
We chose a Margherita Pizza which had organic tomato sauce, house mozzarella, garlic, EVO, torn basil, organic tomatoes, Cape Cod Sea Salt, and a balsamic drizzle.
I had not had a pizza with clams, but I did on that day. Mine was called the Wellfleet, which had cherrystones, garlic, house mozzarella, organic red and green peppers, and nitrate free bacon. Loved it. It hit the spot.
The fall season brings cooler temperatures to the Cape, but at Crisp you can still sit outdoors next to the fire pit. Or, you can also play some table tennis.
Have a good one!!
September 2nd, 2015
One Castal has just celebrated one year!! For my friend, Shelley, and I it was a new find. The restaurant is located at 101 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Fenwick Island, DE 19944. Tel. 302-537-4790. Website? http://www.onecoastal.com
We had heard a few people talking about it and everything they said was good. So, on Monday evening we decided to try it. One Coastal accepts reservations. It is good to make them because the restaurants has about 10 tables, plus you can also have dinner at the bar. It is casual, come as you are. Also, there is parking available.
The staff was so friendly we were immediately feeling very good about the place. It has an open kitchen so you can see the comings and goings of a busy eatery.
Make sure to visit the website above mentioned to learn more about what One Coastal is all about. Hours of operation will be changing as of Monday September 7th. The second season begins in earnest at this time of the year at the Delaware beaches. They will close Monday and Wednesday. Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday 5-9 p.m. Saturday 8-Noon and then 5-9p.m. Sunday 8-Noon.
The menu is divided into Eat Your Greens, Little Snacks, and the Main Event.
I started with a cold cucumber, lemon basil soup. So light and so delicious. You could defintely taste the 3 main ingredients.
A Kale & Brussels Salad for Shelley…sunflower seeds, diced apples, avocado, and pomegranate seeds tossed lightly in a homemade white balsamic dressing.
A Main Event entree for Shelley of halibut which was seared with toasted coconut rice, fresh pineapple salsa and homemade lemon basil aioli. For her side she chose green beans.
I decided on 2 Little Snacks. Well, the portions were very generous to say the least. Look at my plates.
The Scallop App…blackened with mango cucumber salad and a mint apple cider reduction. Perfectly cooked and seasoned.
Fried Green Tomatoes topped with lump crab, hollandaise and a sprinkle of Old Bay. Loved them!
No dessert was necessary, we were perfectly satisfied.
One Coastal has had a geat season and are looking forward to meeting you soon. Let me know how you like it.
Talk to you later….have a good one!!
August 30th, 2015
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
“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!!
August 6th, 2015
They say that during summer week-ends Ocean City, Maryland hosts between 320,000 and 345,000 vacationers. Up to 8 million visitors annually. Businessman Isaac Coffin built the first beach-front cottage in 1869 in order to receive paying guests. Guests would arrive by stage coach and ferry. The idea was to fish off the shore, and to enjoy the beautiful and long strip of sandy beach. As it happens, soon after, others followed his lead and built houses on the strip of sand. Then the development came as businessmen were attracted to the area. Two hundred and fifty lots were cut into it; a corporation was formed to help with the development of the land. And, the corporation stock of 4,000 shares were sold for $25 each. The rest is history.
There is plenty to do in Ocean City. The beach is so wide and very clean. Early in the a.m. already visitors choose their spots. Umbrellas up and they are all good to go.
I was spending 24 hours in O.C. with my friend, Cindi. She and I were going to enjoy some of the activities that visitors love in this coastal resort. We were staying at the Sahara Motel. Oceanfront at the Boardwalk’s edge. The Sahara Motel is located at 19th St. and Boardwalk. It does have a very popular Cafe open for breakfast and lunch. Tels. 410-289-8101, 1-800-638-1600. Website? http://www.saharamotel.com.
The Sahara Motel is a sister motel to: Beachmark Motel, Tides Motel, Executive Motel, and Empress Motel & Apartments. You can choose oceanfront, oceanview, poolside, west or tower building. To see the other motels, please visit http://www.bestmotels.com.
The Ocean City Boardwalk is 2 1/4 miles. Early in the a.m. walkers, bikers, and joggers take the opportunity to exercise while having the best view in town.
 Sand Sculpting in OC Just remember to touch at the end of the boardwalk to make sure your walk counts.
Turning around we went off for another 2 1/4 miles. The Boardwalk was waking up.
You can still find some of those cottages that make you say Oh, So Cute!! On the Boardwalk!
If you get tired of walking the Boardwalk, hop on the tram. $3/person one way, but there are other deals available if you are spending the week. Please visit http://www/ocbound.com/boardwalk-tram.
The 42nd Annual White Marlin Open takes place this time of the year. August 3 – 7. It is the World’s Largest Billfish Tournament with a purse of about $3.8 million dollars. This year there were 370 boasts registered. One of the activities for spectators is to go every afternoon to the Harbourside Marina to attend the weigh-in from 4 p.m. until 9:15 p.m. Balancing the tip of the scale can make you a winner of lots of money. Harbourside Marina is at 14th St and the Bay. It gets crowded. You can shop because there are plenty of vendors and you can also have something to eat and a few drinks, as well.
I bought the 2015 T-shirts but then we found a gentleman wearing one from 1988 when the purse was only $50,000.
It was a beautiful evening with plenty of boats in the marina and some were already getting ready for the next day of fishing.
The waiting was over. Only 5 boats went out on Tuesday because of the 10 foot seas. Finally, one of the boats, The Mahi, came in with a tuna. The weight was 19 1/2 lbs. If it had been 20 lbs. it would have won $12,000.
 
Friday, August 7th, is the last day. If you want more info., please visit http://www.whitemarlinopen.com/info/for-spectators.
Late night dinner at Longboard Cafe located at 6701 Coastal Highway was a good choice. They are open for lunch and dinner. A casual atmosphere, you may eat outdoors on their deck or inside. Tel. 443-664-5639. Website? http://www.longboardcafe.net.
We sat at the better where we were able to see a very fast and busy bartender doing his best to keep everyone very well hydrated.
Chris Button was entertaining the patrons and he was excellent.
A Grilled Caesar for Cindi and I…it was good and plenty for sharing.
Halibut Mediterranean style for me with tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, lemon, wine and garlic pan sauce. Nice white fish with a mild flavor. Fish comes in fresh every day.
Cindi’s Wild Caught Salmon Filet was also very good…teriyaki sriracha lacquer, field greens, avocado, roasted corn, grape tomato, and a balsamic drizzle.
No need for dessert…
Getting up at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday to go to the inlet and wish all those boats good luck was tough. But we did it. Hundreds of boats went out on Wednesday.
Walking the OC Boardwalk to get energy for breakfast at Barn 34 located at 3400 Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-289-5376. Website? http://www.barn34oc.com.
 
Mary Anne, Mike, and Michael….The Lawsons!! Great to chat with them and to see them doing so well. Barn 34 is open year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is casual…with a very friendly staff.
Cindi had The Beach Babe…Scramble eggs with sauteed onions, potato, red peppers, chorizo, stuffed into a flour tortilla, and topped with salsa and cheese. Yum!!
I was sold the moment I heard that one of their specials was the Fried Green Tomatoes Benedict…..So delicious, the tomatoes perfectly cooked and seasoned. Grits!!
It was time to head back to Rehoboth Beach….24 Hours in OC went by so quickly but that happens when you are in good company and having fun. Until next time!! Thanks Cindi!
July 29th, 2015
It was in the bucket list. But, a friend said to feel the rush. It was going to be peaceful and so much fun. It was all of that and more. Friends like Debbie, Sharon, and Cindi….those women that like to enjoy life to its fullest.
Dewey Beach offers a playground for adults and children, as well. Water sports are a must when in Dewey. The Atlantic Ocean on one side and Rehoboth Bay on the other. In between? Restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
Our destination was Dewey Beach Parasail, located at the Rusty Rudder on Coastal Highway and Dickinson St. Tel. 302-227-9507 Website? http://www.flydewey.com
After filling a form we were ready for our parasailing adventure. The boat had already some passangers. We were the last to get in but the first ones to go parasailing.
Meet Justin, the Captain, and Dylan, the Crew. This company is very experienced and has a perfect safety record.
 
After going through some pertinent information it was time to get the parasail up in the air.
It was so easy to take off and also an easy and gentle landing. They have tandem and triple rides available. We were going tandem. This activity is fun for all ages, young to matured ones. There is a photo package and t-shirts available, as well.
So here we are..first Sharon and I.
Then, Cindi and Debbie:
It really was great fun. Getting a birds eye view of the coast was priceless!!
Then off to Woddy’s for the best crab cakes in town.!!
Woody’s is located at 1904 Coastal Highway in Dewey Beach. Tel. 302-260-9945 Website? http://www.deweybeachbar.com
For years Woody’s has been considered as the place to go to get the best crab cakes at the Delaware Beaches. Colossal Lump Crab!
We all had the crab cakes and loved them. Just huge chunks of crab meat with no fillers!!
ABOUTMYBEACHES HAS TURNED 6 TODAY….And what a great way to celebrate with some of my good friends. A few of the usual suspects were missing, but they know who they are. Up to date I have 1,926 posts with 1,960 comments. I do have advertising available. Let me now if you are interested. $500/year for the banner. Just send me an email to info@aboutmybeaches.com.
Our day came to an end but not before I let the Dewey Police Dept. know that those meters at the Rusty Rudder need to be checked out. They are always a problem. And, Cindi was not happy.
Have a Good One!! TTYL!!
 
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