February 7th, 2012
My day started with a trip to Belle Glade. What was I doing there? Guess what? If you want fast service from the Florida DMV, it is the best location. From Delray Beach it is a hike; probably about an hour give or take a few more minutes. 95 North to Exit 68, turn left and keep on trucking.
The sugar cane fields extended for miles and miles. Years ago Puerto Rico had so many sugar cane fields, so I actually enjoyed seeing them.
Then, I kept thinking…what happened to the sun? I have yet to see it. Prior to coming to Florida everyone said how gorgeous it was and la la la and more la. It was pouring rain.
What else but think about a late lunch? A suggestion from the peanut gallery. How about the Whale’s Rib in Deerfield Beach? Kept on driving. Did not matter at this point.
The Whale’s Rib is located at 2031 NE 2nd St. (by the beach), Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. Tel. 954-421-8880.
If the Whale’s Rib was good enough for Guy Fieri, of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives then it was going to be great for me. I love all those well known eateries by the beach. Casual, fun, and unique.
The restaurant is all wood with plenty of plaques adorning the walls. Lots of license plates donated by customers. The Delaware tag caught my attention. Didn’t they know that they are worth money? Others, were vanity tags.
 
We sat on the back room and Chynel was our server. She was friendly and gave me great recommendations, even though, I knew exactly what I was ordering.
A few beers and iced teas were ordered.
I love conch. Their conch chowder is made in-house. Very well seasoned and plenty of conch.
My husband decided on the stone crabs. I know a lot of people love them. I am probably one of the few that don’t. I just think they don’t have that much taste. Blue crabs fan all the way, that’s who I am.
The rest ordered the Dolphin Key West Sandwich with Thousand Island Dressing, Purple Cole Slaw and Swiss Cheese. Chynel told me to order it blackened. It really was delicious; moist and not salty, which was great.
 
Chynel told me that Guy Fieri ordered the same sandwich but his was fried. He also had the Whale Fries and Oysters Rockefeller. A twist to these oysters is that they are served with tomatoes on top.
I saw an order going by of Fried Grouper Fingers. They were huge. Chynel told me she has never seen anyone being able to finish that dish.
Whale’s Rib is a locals hang-out. You will get fresh seafood, that’s for sure.
January 11th, 2012
“Lewes has always been essentially a seafaring town. Blessed with an excellent harbor, Lewes is home to a large fleet of charter fishing boats stationed on the canal along Anglers Rd. It is also the base of the Delaware Bay and River Pilots Association, whose members guide cargo vessels to and from the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. The University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean & Environment makes Lewes its home.” lewes chamber of commerce
At times I ask friends what they have been up to and usually the answer is Out & About. So, that’s what I just did Tuesday when I went to Lewes to visit 3 friends. What would I do without them? Don’t know. I find myself so lucky to have so many really good friends. The other day I reposted on Facebook something to the effect that “it did not matter how serious life gets, you want to count on those friends you can be stupid with”. These ladies are definitely on that level of friendship.
Lewes had taken the Christmas decorations down. New year and new expectations for all the coastal towns. The merchants were happy with the holidays; plenty of shoppers, fantastic weather, beautiful scenery. Second Street is the Main Street in Lewes; a quiet day in Lewes it was.
Our choice for lunch was Striper Bites. Lewes offers its visitors and residents many good restaurants within walking distance. Striper Bites is located at 107 Savannah Rd., almost where Savannah Rd. meets Second St. Tel. 302-645-4657. Website? www.striperbites.com. It is a most loved neighborhood restaurant with 2 other sister restaurants in Lewes; Kindle and Half Full.
Striper Bites opens year-round, full bar, plenty of seating; in the summer outdoor dining is available all the way into fall. Please note that they will be taking a well deserved rest; closing on Sunday, 1/15 until Thursday, 2/9.
Our server had to come a few times to our table. You know how it is, we were trying to out talk each other; catching up.
We had a laid back lunch. Since we are trying to watch our figure after the holidays then soup and salad is what we ordered. To tell you the truth I should probably be eating a piece of lettuce and call it a day. Anyway, this is what we had.
Jody and I decided on the Striper Bites House Salad. This salad was a mixture of fresh greens with archichoke hearts, roma tomatoes, kalamata olives, cukes, red onion rings tossed in Italian vinaigrette and topped with toasted pinenuts and crumbled bleu cheese. Jody and I decided to substitute the bleu cheese for feta cheese.
I thought the salad was very good. After some of the food I had been eating lately, it was refreshing and light. Toasted pinenuts added that extra crunch.
Our friend, Debbie D, had the same salad with the bleu cheese but she went the extra mile of topping it with grilled Rockfish. She thought it was delicious. We live on the coast and seafood is the specialty of many of our restaurants.
One friend that does not need to watch her weight is the other Debbie that was with us. Nevertheless, a hearty beef vegetable barley soup hit the spot. Nothing better than soup on a chilly day. She thought it was well seasoned and the barley and vegetables were enough for a light lunch.
I looked around and the restaurant was crowded. Good to see the people Out & About.
A few cups of coffee and tea completed what I always find a priceless time with friends.
Please note that Striper Bites opens Mondays through Saturdays from 11:30 until closing. Check the website for specials and events; they have plenty. It is closed on Sundays and….No reservations.
November 18th, 2011
It was so nice to let our friend, Jay, do the driving and talking. I just sat back and took it all in. It was a pretty day to be on the Gulf of Mexico; Historic Naples is certainly quaint.
I found a few facts from this Paradise Coast. The average temperature is 75 degrees. Collier County is the largest county in the State of Florida.
An estimate of 134 art galleries are in the Greater Naples area.
The western side of the Florida Everglades is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles are known to cohabitate.
Collier county is also the home of the endangered Florida panther.
A walk; a nap and pretty soon it was time to check out the restaurant that Jay had picked out for dinner. He said that it was unique, the chef was daring, to say the least. He made the reservation for 8:00 p.m., hoping that the patrons were heading home and we would have the place to ourselves. No such luck.
The chosen restaurant was USS NEMO, located at 3745 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34103. Tel. 239-261-6366. Website? http://www.ussnemorestaurant.com.
There were a few tables outside, but our preference was, definitely, inside. Upon entering USS NEMO there were the comings and goings of a busy restaurant. The room was open with booths, as well as single tables.
 
At first we thought it was bit dark. Maybe the reason was that the candle was out. Then the lights flickered some. Finally, we asked and they were having a problem with their lightning that evening.
Melania was our server. She was from Romania. She was friendly; a big smile. Bread was brought to our table. Hummus and condiments too.
The menu was a good one. I saw the Branzino and thought I had to have it. After talking to Melania she said that the signature dish was the Miso Broiled Sea Bass. Okay, say no more, that’s exactly what I did have after having a Seafood Ceviche which had white sea bass, shrimp, salmon, grilled pineapple and lime. Refreshing and very good.
Then, my sea bass had a citrus ginger butter sauce, steamed rice, asparagus, and a carrot tempura that was soooo good. Melania hit it right on. This sea bass melted in my mouth.
Jay decided on a salad, watermelon adding the extra touch.
Then, even though he had been at USS NEMO several times, the only dish he had tried was the Prime Tuna. A choice of cooking styles were East, West or Indian. Jay chose the West style. The blue tuna would be flash seared and rare. It had a peppercorn crust, exotic mushrooms, asparagus, fresh thyme potato gratin, sauteed garlic spinach and a cognac demi-glace. On this particular evening, Jay thought they cooked it a few seconds more than he would have wanted but it was delicious, anyway.
My husband was not that hungry but he had a very interesting appetizer. Bone Marrow; in the bone, a side of sea salt, and a condiment. The dish is a conversation piece. It is considered a delicacy and it was Julia Child’s favorite. Because of his gluten allergy he could not have the crostini. I tried it and it was good. Not gelatinous as you might think; marmalade would be a better term. And, a little tricky to get out of the bone. All I could think of was my dog, Addy. If he had not ordered it, I was going to. It was hard to resist.
Then he had a Black Truffle Risotto which was a side dish; he just had it as his entree. Very flavorful.
For our dessert we shared a flourless chocolate cake. It was fudgy, rich, delicious and believe it or not, jut a tad sweet. A perfect sweet ending.
We talked to Melania for a little bit and want to thank her for taking care of us in such a special way.
Talk to you later……lunch in Naples again….
November 9th, 2011
The other day I was looking at how pretty the trees were turning in back of my house. The colors were so brilliant. As pretty as they have been, I know, that leaf clean-up is a never ending task and it is around the corner.
Every time, and I mean every time I travel Route 50 from Rehoboth Beach to Baltimore or Washington, it never fails, I stop at Harris Crab House. I don’t really know anyone there. At times maybe a server or two.
Harris Crab House is located at Kent Narrows Way in Grasonville, Maryland. I never say Grasonville. I always refer to that area as Kent Island. Telephone? 410-827-9500. Website is www.harriscrabhouse.com.
This is a short post. Nice, sweet and to the point. Harris Crab House has the advantage of being on the water. The views are gorgeous. In good weather you can eat outdoors. Visit the website for all kinds of specials. You can also order on-line.
I feel good when I am eating these delicious steamed clams. I am not ashame to admit it, but they do have plenty of melted butter.
The oysters, ice cold and salty!!
The view? Well, I just told you….it is priceless!!
Note: All you can eat Oyster Buffet on Friday nights….
Talk to you later…
August 15th, 2011
Even before summer started someone mentioned this restaurant to me. It has taken this long to make it there. And it might…..
I tell you what. Lately I have just been getting less than memorable food. It just has been mediocre. I want food that will energize my taste buds and I want restaurants to make me feel as if I could not wait to go back.
So, I really should get back to my cooking. Maybe that will get me to appreciate going out to eat more.
Port is located at 1205 Highway One, Dewey Beach. The Tel. is 302-227-0669. Website? www.portdewey.com. Lunch is served Fridays through Sundays from 12 until 4 p.m. This location used to be the home of The Dewey Beach Club.
They have done some remodeling. A fish tank separates the dining area from the bar.
It was a little loud and not very relaxing since the wait staff kept rushing back and forth.
I ordered The King’s Salad. I think it was supposed to have had apples, but they were missing. Cranberries and mixed greens. I told our waitress to hold the sugar coated walnuts. Blue cheese crumbles and a house raspberry vinaigrette. Once it was cut and mixed, it was actually, pretty good.
For my entree I ordered Rockfish, blackened. I chose the mashed potatoes and different squashes were also included. It was good; but not exciting. I ate it. Don’t kid yourselves. That did not deter me.
My husband ordered the Pad-Thai. Stir fried rice noodles, shrimp, chicken and vegetables with authentic Thai seasonings; garnished with cilantro, bean sprouts and chopped peanuts.
His review was that it was too sweet. It had chicken and shrimp and maybe it should have been one or the other; not both. Not spicy enough, either. I thought he would start his tantrum, but he contained himself.
So, we quickly got our bill, which was somewhat reasonable, and departed.
Note: Port is supposed to have a Thai influence but there are only a few Thai dishes.
Not very exciting, don’t you think? Talk to you later…..
August 4th, 2011
Plenty of times I have taken the “ferry” over to Cape May. Just for the day. That is how close we are to the New Jersey shore; approximately 17 miles across the Delaware Bay.
To cross over, it takes about 80 minutes each way. You can take you car since the ferry can handle about 100 vehicles. Or, just go as a foot passenger. If you come to visit us in Lewes, and you are a foot passenger, there are shuttles available to take you to different destinations. Or, you can rent a bike.
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal is located at 43 Cape Henlopen Drive. Their website is http://www.capemaylewesferry.com. For faster access to their schedule you can visit http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/schedules-fares.
I really was not going anywhere when I decided to take a drive to the terminal and check their outdoor Bar & Grill; On the Rocks. It was during my daily trip to the grocery store when a person told me about On the Rocks. She told me I should blog about it. That it had the best view and good drinks, as well.
I don’t know a lot of ferry terminals but this one in Lewes is gorgeous. I arrived around 6 p.m. Cars were lined up for the 6:15 ferry. Everything was very well organized and the staff was friendly.
The inside of the building is spacious, with plenty of comfortable tables to either just wait for your ferry or grab something to eat and relax.
There is a gift shop with “all things ferry” among other items for all of us that need a shop at every turn.
And then, when you go outside, you will experience the prettiest view of the Bay. It truly is gorgeous. At that time of the early evening it was particularly beautiful; the ferry arriving.
There are tables with umbrellas. The deck is immaculate. You can walk around or just sit back and relax. There is a playground for kids to play safely; miniature golf, as well.
On the Rocks Bar & Grill is an open bar with stools around it. I just got an ice tea and sat outside taking the view in. I looked through the menu. I did not get anything to eat but I have been told that the hamburgers are very good.
Unique place to bring guests to have lunch or a drink. They won’t forget it, that’s for sure.
This terminal is also a venue for weddings, celebrations, anniversaries, birthday parties, etc. To book an event please visit http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/book-an-event.
The terminal also holds other programs and events. The next event will be on Sunday, 8/7, at 6:15 p.m. It is called DaBreak Lounge on the Ferry “Twin Capes”. For more info. you can call 800-643-3779 or visit http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/programs.
The entertainers for that event will be Valhallas Pirates. Their mission is to present historical and theatrical entertainment to children and adults.
They help young people who are struggling with social, emotional and medical difficulties. They also aid the charities who are dedicated to those causes.
Valhallas Pirates educate the public regarding the golden age of piracy….check their website http://www.valhallaspirates.com to see what they are all about. You can become a pirate too!!
It was just about time for the Ferry to take off. They were announcing for everyone to be inside their cars; foot passengers in the terminal…..and right on time, there it went….
Have a good one!!
June 1st, 2011
It was almost 10 p.m. when we left Catch 54 in Fenwick Island. I could not believe that it was still 73 degrees. It was a very hot day but as the sun slowly started setting the evening was just right. I wanted to see if the food at Catch 54 was as good as its view. So, road trip to Fenwick. Just about 25 minutes away from Rehoboth Beach.
It was also the perfect evening because everyone that was at the beaches this week-end had gone home, therefore, the restaurants were going to be more settled on a night like tonight. I was right. It was quieter and just so nice.
Catch 54 is located at 54 Madison Ave., Fenwick Island, DE 19944. It is right on Rt. 54, where Shark’s Cove Marina is also located. If you head west from Rt. 1, in Fenwick Island, then you will go over the bridge and you will see the restaurant to your right. Make the next right and you are just about there. Website? http://www.catch54.com. Tel. 302-436-8600. You will find Catch 54 on Facebook.
Catch 54 is part of the family of restaurants owned by SoDel Concepts; yes, Matt Haley is the owner.
The restaurant has plenty of parking. They open Mondays through Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. Fridays through Sundays at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and at 4:00 p.m. for dinner. Every day there is happy hour from 3 until 6 p.m. Catch 54 does not take reservations.
This restaurant is one of the few, at the Delaware Beaches, if not the only one with views anywhere you sit. On the first floor you will find a Tiki Bar. You can eat there, as well. The bar completely opens up so that you can really enjoy the outdoors.
Upstairs, which is the main dining area, there is a good size bar. The dining tables are set up so that you can also experience the views throughout. These marshes and inland bays are just spectacular. And, at sunset, they are priceless.
I got a little worried when I noticed that my camera was flashing. That meant I had a low battery. I decided not to take a picture of the steamed clams. They had herbs, a Tabasco Butter Broth and Lemon. They were delicious. My Caesar Salad was very good, as well. I ordered it because it had the white anchovies. I see those on a menu and I die for them. Many years ago I first had them in Spain and totally fell in love with them.
As you know, we always have to check if an entree contains gluten. Caitlyn was our server and immediately she told us which items on the menu were gluten free. It was good to see that the restaurant was catering to those with food allergies and that it had trained their staff so well.
Caitlyn was knowledgeable, friendly, and discreet. She let us chat but was also very attentive.
We ordered the Hot Bacon Crab Dip, with Jack Cheese and homemade Kettle Chips. The chips were so crispy and warm. The combination of the bacon, crab and cheese was perfect. Not too salty either, which was nice. This dish is enough for 4 people.
Then, my husband ordered the Seared Day Boat Scallops with mashed potatoes, creamed corn and tomato chili oil. The picture does not lie. It was that good. I took a bite.
My entree was a Fisherman Stew. Fresh caught fin fish, scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, celery, garlic butter, herbs, tomato broth, Old Bay, Lemon and toast. The first thing I wanted to do was dip the bread in the broth. But, I had the willpower and did not do it. Instead, I ordered a spoon and ate all the seafood with plenty of “gusto”.
I have not visited all the SoDel Concept restaurants, but the ones that I have had the chance to experience have been very generous with the portions.
But wait. I am not finished. It is a bit challenging to find a gluten free dessert on a menu. Yes, you can get fruit but, you know…give me a dessert, please. I noticed that there was a flourless cake. Well, say no more. We ordered it. I had seen recipes for that type of cake but I have never made one. It was a true chocolate taste. If you like chocolate, believe me, this is your dessert. The berry swirl and the whipped cream were the perfect companions.
The Sous-Chef, Ronnie, came to the table to see how we had liked everything. We thanked him for the food and for being on top of the gluten allergy. He said that they try to accommodate everyone. We enjoyed our dinner so much. It was such a peaceful atmosphere with a hint of music on the background.
Talk to you later….the merging of the views and the food to give you such delight…
May 21st, 2011
 The Raw Bar is between the Seafood Market and the Restaurant It was raining last night and I was not sure if I wanted to go out. Plus, the fact that the Beaches were crowded. So many events and activities on this week-end; just a prelude of next week-end’s official start of the Summer Season at the Delaware Beaches.
But, the craving was for oysters and a raw bar. I had gotten an e-mail from Big Fish Grill announcing the opening of their new raw bar. It is an addition to their restaurant. Same location at 20298 Coastal Highway. Telm 302-227-FISH. Website? www.bigfishgrill.com.
You can either go through the front door of Big Fish Grill or you can enter through a side door directly into the Raw Bar (used to be their Tiki Bar). It is between the Big Fish Grill Market and the restaurant.
As you enter, the high top tables and the seating at the raw bar are for grabs. For the regular tables you need to talk to the staff.
This room is noisy and lively. Shucking oysters, peeling shrimp, pass down the clams, and help me open this lobster. While you are at it hand me a beer or give me another glass of wine, please. That’s the atmosphere!!
For the Memorial Week-End the restaurant and raw bar will be opening from Friday until Monday from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. with dinner starting at 4 p.m.
As of June 1st dinner will be starting at 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and at 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Back to my Fruits de Mer. This restaurant is known for their fresh seafood. So, the offerings might be changing from time to time. Last night some of the clams and oysters were Middle Necks, Blue Points Chincoteague and Delaware Bay (NJ).
Since we sat at the bar we could see what was being served. There was a Cold Seafood Plater which had oysters, clams, shrimp and Main lobster.
We ordered some crab claws and shrimp. The size of the shrimp was impressive and I was not sure how they were going to be. You know, at times those big shrimp are not that great. Well, surprised again; sweet, moist and definitely good.
Then we ordered some Blue Points and I must admit I do love oysters even though May does not have an “r” in it. They say you should not eat oysters on the months that do not carry an “r”. But since the world was going to end on Saturday, I took that chance.
I even ordered more shrimp. Had to take plenty of pictures. They were unreal.
Big Fish is one of those restaurants that take food allergies very seriously. There is a menu for every allergy and you can eat there with peace of mind.
Enjoy the weather….it is one of those days at the Delmarva Peninsula; Priceless…
 
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