April 16th, 2015
“Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” hank rosso
With that in mind I headed south from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to meet my friends, Cindi and Ross, for a night of fundraising in Ocean City, Maryland.
It is so interesting to see this town at this time of the year. It is so quiet, but not for long. Beachgoers will be here soon enough and they will be creating their memories at the beach. This most southern part of Downtown Ocean City is where Trimper Rides is located. It was just featured in Strange Inheritances. Trimper Rides is a family owned and operated business located in prime real estate in O.C. Not to see the lights and the laughing and screaming visitors is a sight to be seen.
For a few years…I will call them, the movers and shakers in Ocean City, Maryland, have been diligently fundraising for a much needed hospice facility in the area. Together they are building the funds in order for construction to begin. They need $5,000,000. Already they have $3,000,000 thanks to the generosity of all in the communities.
“Hospice patients most often choose to remain at home. However, a growing number find that at the end of life they are unable to manage alone or need more than a frail spouse can provide. Suddenly, home is no longer the safest place to receive hospice care.” Coastal Hospice at the Ocean will serve the Lower Shore region. For more information, please visit http://www.coastalhospice.org. Or, please call Maureen McNeill, the Director of Development at 410-641-5481.
Unreal to see the award winning Boardwalk this quiet!! Inside Harrison’s Harbor Watch the mood was anything but quiet. It was a festive event with about 225 in attendance.
Harrison’s Habor Watch is located at 806 S. Atlantic Ave., overlooking the Inlet and Assateague Island. This is the southern end of the Boardwalk.
Having fun while raising funds…the main focus of the evening. Blindly choosing a bottle of wine…$20. Raffles!
The live entertainment was by Lauren Glick and Mike Armstrong.
Seventeen of Ocean City’s restaurants brought their “A” dishes to this event. Each station was paired with a unique wine complementing the food.
Oysters to start with were from Harrison’s Harbor Watch. Plump, salty and cold!! We are by the water so having them to start our evening was a no brainer.
Sushi from OC Wasabi. This was a popular station, to say the least.
My love affair with Fried Green Tomatoes continues. Having these ones from Sunset Grille, topped with Crab Remoulade, well, what can I say….awesome!!
They had just brought out the warm crab dip from Crabs to Go…paired with a light Prosecco.
One of my favorite tapas of the evening….Embers/Blu Tuna Tartare Tacos, and, Smoked Salmon Napoleon. The tuna, the lime, the cilantro and the presentation…great.
Touch of Italy has been in Ocean City for the past year. Love that they always take their time to teach their customers about what they offer.
Hooked offered a terrific combination of Basil Scented Tuna.
Barn 34…what a great job!! Two complete different offerings. The stuffed dates…the combination of salt and sweetness. Never fails. Can’t wait to have them again. The shrimp stuffed with cheese were also awesome!!
Spring Lamb from the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin. I like mint sauce vs. mint jelly, though. Very good indeed.
I usually do not eat eggs for breakfast, but deviled eggs are a different thing altogether. These were Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs!! The Cucumber Cups with Spicy Crab Dip….can’t wait for summer. This was presented by Seacrets!
My last tasting was of Crab Guacamole served with Fresh Tortilla Chips from the Captain’s Table.
Sweet Ending Desserts!!
Sweet Dispositions offered: Pecan Diamonds, Key Lime Tartlettes, and White Chocolate, Macademia Nut Cookies!!
Desserts by Rita had assorted Cupcakes!!
Wockenfuss Candies….Now, take a look at the elegant Chocolate Covered Strawberries!!
Tasting, sipping continued for a few hours. It was a total success!!
Cindi, Ross, and I decided that it was time to hit the road…..but not before Cindi showed us that Wine is a Girl’s best friend!!
Note: It was about 9:30 p.m….look at the Boardwalk!! Not one person.
Waiting for Summer 2015!!
May 30th, 2012
My car had not forgotten where to go. For so many years I had traveled up and down Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) from, Bethany Beach, where I first lived, and later from Rehoboth Beach. The back roads have always been my favorite. It is where you can really enjoy the beauty of the area I call home.
Friends from out of town. Great opportunity to show them here or there. Today was a road trip from Rehoboth Beach to Berlin, Maryland, in Worcester County. Jim and Basil had already hit the Farmers’ Market in Rehoboth. Please don’t eat there I told them. I am taking you to a special place.
Em-ing’s!! If you have been there, then you know I am talking about great barbecue. Homemade desserts and breads. They are located on the corner of Rt. 113 and 610 in Bishopville, MD, just after you leave the town of Selbyville, Delaware if you are going south. The tel. is 410-352-5711. Website? www.em-ings.com.
It was great seeing Robin. We have only talked by e-mail. I wrote a post on Em-ing’s back on January 22, 2011. If you want to see it just click on the month of January, 2011 on the left hand side of this website, and scroll down to the 22nd.
I think Jim and Basil were very happy with their choices. This is what we all had.
Jim ordered the Country Rib with a side of Mac, salad, bread and butter. It also included a homemade pie. He chose the peanut butter. I have to tell you that he ate it all.
Then, Basil had the pulled barbecue chicken sandwich with cole slaw and baked beans. I know he, definitely, enjoyed it.
I decided to have the beef barbecue sandwich. At Robin’s suggestion, with a side of cole slaw and potato salad. Perfect suggestions, Robin. It was delicious, as usual.
Soooo satisfied, it was time to move to the town of Berlin, Maryland, but not before you see the latest addition to their menu.
We decided to stop at the Berlin chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center located at 14 South Main St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-4775. Website? www.berlinchamber.org.
Berlin is a Historic Village. An influx of shops, arts, entertainment, and restaurants is making this town a favorite destination for many. Only about 6 or 7 miles from Ocean City, Maryland, it takes no time to get there. Even though from the Delaware Beaches it takes longer, believe me, it is worth it.
Pleasantly surprised at how large the Chamber was. Local artists have studios in this particular building, where you can see them at work. They were not there when we visited but we could still look into their studios.
From the Berlin Chamber we crossed the street to see if my friend, Dee, was working, NEST, her store. Dee is one of those shopkeepers that you upon meeting her, you think you have known her forever. Introduction were made and a few pictures taken.
NEST is a boutique, and a gallery, with local art, village treasures, and handmade collectibles. It is located at 11 South Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-629-1030. You can also find NEST on Facebook.
The store looked great and Dee has wonderful things for everyone.
Her colorful bags were hanging, displaying unique contrasting fabrics. These bags are made by Dee.
We continued with our sightseeing by stopping at the Atlantic Hotel. Built in 1895, the Atlantic Hotel is located at 2 North Main St. in downtown Historic Berlin. Tel. 410-641-3589. Website? www.atlantichotel.com.
Some of the early guests were called “Drummers”, traveling salesmen that crisscrossed the area during the turn of the century.
The Hotel plays an integral part in this town. Events, parades, pretty much are centered around it. It is open for lunch, dinner, and for special events.
I wrote a post on November 5, 2011 on this historic hotel. Just check my archives.
We then continued on our exploration of Berlin even though it was somewhat hot today. When I first visited Jeffrey Auxer Designs, I was so impressed by this young artist. His craft? Blown Glass.
Jeffrey Auxer Designs is located at 19 Jefferson St. (behind the Atlantic Hotel). Tel. 443-513-4210. Website? www.jeffreyauxer.com.
For information on Glass Blowing Classes, please call 443-513-4210. You can find Jeffrey Auxer Designs on Facebook.
Our next stop was Cupcakes in Bloom. This bakery is located at 120 N. Main St. in Downtown Historic Berlin. Tel. 410-641-9020. You can find Cupcakes in Bloom on Facebook.
Shawnee is the owner and self taught baker. She is the 2nd place winner of Cupcake Wars. Talented, created and soooo friendly.
Talking to Shawnee was fun. You can tell she loves what she is doing. We decided on a carrot and red velvet for me, one that was like a strawberry pretzel salad all in one for Jim, and Basil got I believe one with peanut butter and chocolate, I think.
We sat outside and enjoyed every single bite. I wrote a post on this bakery on November 2, 2011. Check my Archives. On that post you can see Shawnee’s specialty; the blooming bouquets.
A quick stop at the Globe Theater. I did not take any pictures. It is locally owned and operated. Please check their website www.globetheater.com. Their new schedule of events is coming out this week. They serve lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. And, on their stage thy feature local, regional and national live music.
The Globe Theater is located at 12 Broad St. in Downtown Historic Berlin. Tel. 410-641-0784.
We took off from Berlin, making our way back through Ocean City, Maryland. Then, one last stop for my friends to check out Seacrets. It is located at 117 West 49th St., Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-524-4900. Website? www.seacrets.com. It can be found on Facebook, Twitter and probably any other social media.
Seacrets is one of those places that you have to see for yourself. It is located on the Bay. Restaurants, Bars, Beach Bar, and plenty of music and partying. This past week-end the lines to get in were unreal. So, here it is.
Now what? There was not way I would be cooking. Hungry hombres at home? You bet!! A friend to join us for dinner? Possibly. So off we went to Saketumi located at 18814 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-645-2818.
Kim was there, as usual. Friendly and glad to see us. Tanaka? He was there too and he is amazing. To see him work behind the sushi bar is like watching an artist at work.
We had our usuals. I decided to have the seared white tuna tataki with yuzu citrus vinaigrette, accompanied with fresh wasabi. Delicious and light.
Then, a lettuce wrap followed. I am hooked on these. Ground seasoned chicken so easy to eat and refreshing on a summer day.
I think the show is over….I am tired. Talk to you later.
July 12th, 2010
An invitation to spend the afternoon on the bay is something that is always appreciated. You forget how beautiful the Delmarva Peninsula truly is.
On that water, on that gorgeous day, Shelley, Michael, Erica and I took off to enjoy what this area is known for; nature, marshes, birds, fishing, Assateague Island, the ponies, and of course, the restaurants and bars on the bay.
The bay that we were navigating is called Assawoman Bay and it is really defined as a lagoon that is found between Ocean City, Maryland and mainland Delaware. It is huge, gorgeous and the playground for everyone that enjoys water sports.
We decided to make it all the way past Ocean City and see if we could see some of the famous ponies on Assateague Island. It takes a while to get there but nobody minded.
Our Captain, Shelley, was doing very well. We have had some crazy trips in the past so Michael and Erica were not sure how this one was going to turn out. But, they were surprised and pleased.
Assateague Island has about 37 miles of beach. It is a barrier island off the coast of Maryland (Ocean City) and Virginia. Already the day trippers were there.
I was not sure if were going to be able to spot the ponies; finally, at a distance, we did. They were so beautiful. Assateague Island National Seashore has about 300 ponies in Maryland and Virginia.
Those ponies we saw were really enjoying the solitude the island has to offer. The ponies have been there for about 300 years. The earlier ones had solid coloring; a good number now have brown and white patches due to interbreeding with new ponies in the last 100 years. For more information, please visit www.assateagueisland.com/wildlife/pony.htm.
We did have a target on your sights; that being Seacrets. If you have been coming to Ocean City, I am sure that, at some point, you have visited this entertainment complex.
I remember when it first opened up so many years ago. Then the expansions started and today the place has over 25 plus bars and restaurants. Music and entertainment are their specialty.
Seacrets is located on 117 West 49th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410524-4900. Website is www.seacrets.com. On Facebook, Twitter, Myspace.
We were coming by boat. You have the choice to dock your boat or anchor out and the Tipsy Water Taxi could pick you up. That’s exactly what we did. The Tipsy Water Taxi works until very late in the evening. It was so easy and they were great.
The beach bar is well, the place to be. Tables inside the water and drinks brought to your table or to the floaters.
The idea is to feel like you are on an island. They have Jamaica on their minds but it really could be any island on the Caribbean.
On Sunday, it was crowded by anyone’s standards but after the big holiday week-end, it was more toned down.
I was surprised that our food was very good. Seacrets is so big that I wondered how they could handle such big crowds.
The Jerk Chicken, was delicious. That was a starter but I could have put those pieces of chicken on top of one of the salads, as well. The Mediterranean Bruschetta was very tasty and the pita bread was warm. Greek Salads for all of us but I had skirt steak on mine and the steak was cooked to perfection.
We went to talk to the “Hat Mon”. He has been with Seacrets since 1991. His specialty? The art of palm weaving. In the summer he is here, at Seacrets, and in the winter he is in Florida, at Capt. Hiram’s Restaurant & Marina and Key West Inn at 1601 Indian River Drive, Sebastian, FL 32958.
Hat Mon weaves hats, bowls/baskets, purses, marlins, sharks, you name it. Another location where you might find him is at the Green Turtle Club in Abaco, Bahamas, www.greenturtleclub.com.
His new website is www.hatmon.com. His telephone is 410-251-9650.
One of the drinks ordered; the house specialty, was Pain In De Ass. This drink has multiple layers of frozen Rum Runner, which is blackberry and banana liqueurs with a kick of gold rum, and Pina Colada. It was well received.
It was time to listen to some music and I have to admit it; once you are there, it is contagious and when that music started you could not help but move your feet to that rythm and feel the sand between your toes.
Seacrets is patroled by the Peace Police. They make sure that while you are in their property you behave and look decent. No hats backwards while you are walking through the restaurants and bars. Only at the beach bar you can then turn the brim towards the back.
In the bathrooms, at least in the ladies room, once the door is closed, you will see signs asking you “Where is your drink?” And, what to do if you have left your drink at the table. With everything happening in our societies they are giving you the warning that you should never leave your drink unattended.
I thought Seacrets was a lot of fun on Sunday. I was impressed on how well organized everything was. The only thing I would suggest is to have someone attend to the bathrooms. Some needed care.
We left Seacrets after 7:00 p.m. and the ride back home was amazing. Gliding through the water was so peaceful; we were happy and as I looked at our faces, I notice that we were smiling.
Talk to you later…you know I will…
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