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 29th, 2015
For many years I have know Alice Klein…her husband, Bryant, as well. Don’t want him to get jealous. I am a fan like many other of my friends that have come to enjoy Alice’s designs. Always so nice to chat and see what new designs she might be working on.
On this particular day I was so glad to congratulate Alice on her 35th year in the jewelry business. Her designs are so unique and recognizable. In celebration of her 35 years as a desinger she has an exhibit….memory lane shall we say. If you stop to see her, ask her to tell you what her original designs are all about, materials, concepts, etc. etc.
Alice says she draws her inspiration from customers, mentors, and art history.
TKO is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 100 Garfield Parkway. Tel. 302-539-6992. Website? http://www.alicehklein-tko.com.
TKO offers a wide variety of price ranges…from fun to fine jwelry. Something to complement a casual outfit at the beach or maybe something for that special occasion.
The holidays are around the corner….please note that Alice can reset anything you already have and give it a fresh look.
Have a great day!!
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 24th, 2015
“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ruth reichl
The Grove Market never changes, which is a good thing. That’s why we love it!! Located at 12402 St. Martins Neck Rd., Bishopville, Maryland, 21813 Tel. 410352-5055 The Grove Market is funky, small and you will not find another restaurant like it in Delmarva. In the summer, it opens every day at 5 p.m. Leslie is the owner. Her brother, Patrick helps. But, tonight Lisa was taking care of us. Please note that there are no credit cards accepted so bring cash or a check.
How to make a reservation. It can be tricky. That’s for sure. When you call to make a reservation make sure you have a few dates available and times. If you have to leave a message do so and be specific. Leslie will call you back and either she will say yes or you might have to pick another day or another time.
The Grove Market is small. I think about 7 tables and maybe a couple of stools at the bar. This restaurant is very popular.
At the helm of the tiny kitchen is John McDonald. John is from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and he is a well known chef and wine connoisseur. He makes his ingredients come alive and your taste buds will immediately start dancing.
There is an extensive wine list. No written menu; everything is recited from memory. Their menu changes practically every day.
Seated in the back porch with only 3 tables we were chatty with our fellow diners. Not enough time to write the description of our dishes…but take a look at the photos.
Drinks and the appetizers followed:
I only wanted a small wine cup. That’s what I got.
Crabmeat Remick
Fried Green Tomatoes topped with shrimp. I have a thing for this dish. I will order Fried Green Tomatoes in every restaurant that serves them. These were superb.
Our table full of Roasted Ducks. This is the most amazing entree. One of their most popular. It is a Delaware duck, roasted to perfection with a semi sweet sauce, accompanied with chutney.
Our Roasted Duck came with the side dish of the Grove Market’s Mash Potatoes and their famous breadstick, which is made out of the dough that was in the pizza recipe when many years ago pizza was served.
Well, I needed more photos of the entrees that Lisa had so perfectly recited. Here is where our fellow diners come into play. Could I take photos of your food? I have a blog with photos. They were great and immediately caught on to the fact that they could not touch their food until I had taken the pictures. Thanks so much for being so gracious. This is what our Maryland diners had for dinner. By the way, they are repeat customers.
The Tuna
The Stuffed Flouder with Smith Island Crab Meat.
The Scallops.
The Crab Cakes…Smith Island Crab Meat.
“We must have a pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.” david mamet
The Bumble Berry is a pie of a mix of berries.
And, if you like chocolate….then, the Chocolate Silk Pie should be ordered.
Sharing a meal with friends is always priceless…the chat, the laughs and the friendship. Cannot wait to go back!
Note: The Grove Market is also a smoke house so when there is smoked fish for an appetizer you might want to order it.
July 11th, 2015
Years ago when I lived in Bethany Beach, Delaware, the population was 500. Today is 1,077. That’s not counting the summer visitors. During the height of the season, this town swells. Lots of shops, restaurants, and beautiful beaches.
Bethany is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the bays. Bethany and South Bethany are considered the Quiet Resorts. On any given day, during the summer, please stop by. You will see that Bethany is everything but quiet. The town was founded in 1901. Originally, it was a bit of a challenge to get to Bethany. Not anymore. In just a few hours you can reach the beach from Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Traffic? Well, that’s another story. Just have patience, the reward is at the end of the road….beaches!!
Up and down the coast, plenty of restaurants to choose from. One that I went to a few weeks back was Sedona. It is located at 29 Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-539-1200. http://www.sedona-bethany.com. Reservations are accepted. Sedona opens at 5:30 p.m. Every day they offer their well known tapas special which means 3 small plates for $25.00. Full bar is also available.
Walking by Sedona with your pooch? Water and treats are always available, as well.
Early in the evening my friends, Debbie, Jody, and I decided to stop by and grab something to eat. Sedona looked quiet at the time but by the time we left, there were plenty of patrons savoring some delicious and innovative food. The menu changes frequently. Please note that Sedona offers Gluten Free and Vegan choices.
The Soup was excellent….I do remember my friend, Jody saying so….I just forgot what it was…Sorry, lol.
I always like to start with a salad and their Field Greens Salad was fresh with a very good dressing of whole grain mustard vinaigrette.
The Caprese Salad had a twist. Homemade mozzarella over tomatoes and grilled watermelon on the side.
Tapas of Scallops with arugula and lemon thyme vinaigrette. Did not hear any complaints. Both of my friends loved them.
Tapas of seared rare tuna on crispy wontons with Asian slaw and seaweed salad. This dish got great reviews.
I love salmon and upon entering Sedona, a friend was there and told me that this was the dish to order. Following her lead….I loved it!! It is usually on the menu. Grilled Summer Salmon on a salad of arugula and fresh spinach tossed with a shallot vinaigrette, black quinoa, tomatoes, and hard boiled eggs.
We resisted the dessert temptations. We were perfectly satisfied. Maybe another time.
Please note that many restaurants at all the Delaware Beaches do not take reservations, so when you find one that does is just perfect.
Sharing a meal with friends is always priceless on my book!!
Have a good one…Summer is flying by!!
 
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