April 3rd, 2010
A Brunch is the perfect start for any day, but Sunday is the day we usually pick for this type of eating. Here, in Rehoboth Beach, a lot of the restaurants will be serving brunch on Easter Sunday just like everywhere else.
But why is it that we have this obsession with brunch? Is it because we are too lazy to cook on a Sunday; kill two birds with one stone? Breakfast and lunch? To tell you the truth on Sunday, I want to keep it simple. You can call it anything you want but to me having a good, full bodied, cup of coffee, seasonal fruits, baked goods and Rapa Scrapple, is what I would call the perfect brunch.
Rapa Scrapple? What is it? Well, it is one of my favorite breakfast meats. Rapa is the brand name and to me there is no other like it. Scrapple is a pork product and the company is in Bridgeville, Delaware. Two brothers started this company in 1926; Ralph and Paul Adams. The plant is still in Bridgeville and it is the largest producer of scrapple in the world.
I had the first taste of Rapa Scrapple in the island of Exuma, Bahamas, in 1974. We were visiting friends and they had brought scrapple from Baltimore, MD. I have loved it ever since and my family is a big fan, as well.
My favorites are the original and the hot and spicy. I like it thin and crispy; definitely, not mushy. I hope Missy is reading this blog, because I know she likes scrapple as much as I do. She might even comment on the blog.
I also like scrapple sandwiches. Thin bread, not toasted and a little bit of ketchup, would make it the perfect scrapple sandwich.
Mark your calendar because this year’s Apple Scrapple Festival in Bridgeville will be Friday, October 8th and Saturday, October 9th. For more info. please visit their website www.rapascrapple.com.
Living at the beach, usually means that you have a couple of guests at your house from time to time. I know that I go the extra mile when I have guests. I really do want them to feel welcomed. So how do I make them feel special? Read on…
Mimosa
Chilled champagne and orange Juice. If you do not have time to squeeze your orange juice, the market has great choices. Just get a good one. Put 1/2 and 1/2 in champagne glasses and serve.
Kir Royale
A bottle of chilled champagne or sparkling wine. This is such a simple and timeless drink.
1 part creme de cassis
5 parts Champagne
Pour creme de cassis into a champagne glass and gentley pour champagne on top.
Easy Caramel Rolls
Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
2 loaves frozen bread dough, thaw out and cut in pieces and placed in a well greased 9 x 13 inch pan.
Melt:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 Tbsps. milk
1 small package vanilla pudding (not instant)
Pour over dough. Let it rise for about 3 hours.
Bake for about 30 minutes.
Let it stand a few minutes and then turn out on a board, cut and serve.
Ground Ham on Pineapple Slices
Combine:
2 cups cooked ground ham
2 tsps. prepared mustard
4 tsps. mayonnaise
8 drained pineapple slices
Spread mixture on the pineapple slices. You want to put enough on each one to make a mound but cover the whole pineapple slice.
Bake slices in a greased pan in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes or so.
The combination of the ham and pineapple is delicious. It is a quick meal, as well. Very versatile; not just for breakfast.
Enjoy it with friends; it tastes better that way….Happy Easter!!
February 25th, 2010
“We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink, for dining alone is leading the life of a lion or wolf.” by a Greek Philosopher, BC 341-270
With that in mind 5 friends got together on Tuesday evening, in Palm Beach, and 4 elements were about to happen in equal manner; the service, the drinks, the cuisine and the overall ambiance.
When we visit Delray, a lot of times there are friends scattered around, visiting other towns in the area. Such was the case so in order to make it easier for everyone, to dine together, we decided on Palm Beach; equal distance to all.
A few years ago I went to Michael McCarty’s and thought that would be a fun place to have dinner. Michael R. MCcarty’s is located on 50 Coconut Row in the Royal Poinciana Plaza. The tel. is 561-659-1899. Website is www.michaelrmccartyspalmbeach.com. Reservations are not required, but I think you should, especially in the height of the season. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and brunch on Sundays. The attire is supposed to be business casual but I saw a wide range of attires. I think resort casual would be the word. Blazers are not required, as well. The way to describe the food would be American with other influences.
The owner of the restaurant is Michael R. McCarty’s, someone I do not know. He has been in the restaurant business since his 20’s. Originally, on this location, there was a watering hole called Dempsey’s. Michael R. McCarty’s opened his restaurant and has been doing very well ever since.
I love restaurants with open porches for gathering. This is the first thing you see at Michael McCarty’s. Those awnings amidst the trees and the green heavy wicker chairs make you just want to sit there all night. Cocktails are served on this porch, as well as lunch and dinner. On this particular night it seemed that it was mainly cocktails, people just waiting to go and eat inside.
The entry way and ambiance were definitely British Colonial. You could picture this restaurant in any of the Caribbean Islands; the West Indies. The dining area was large with plants breaking the seating arrangements. Green and tans were the colors. The bar was large, to the side, and seemed to be well attended on that evening.
It would not be Palm Beach if you did not find a splash of pink. Michael McCarty’s has Rory’s. It has pink patent leather banquets, aubergine walls and a bar. Usually, this room is for private parties and looked like a fun place. It is also used when the restaurant is crowded. On Tuesday, the restaurant was comfortably crowded and this room was not needed.
We had a round table in a cozy corner. We all took our readers out since the restaurant is very dimmed lit. I like it that way but if you need reading glasses, you better have them with you.
Blake was our waiter. Friendly and the spitting image of James Taylor. We were surprised that he did not know who James Taylor was or Carly Simon for that matter. Can you imagine that? Oh, well, I guess I am dating myself. Nevertheless, Ross mentioned a few tunes and he seemed to recognize some and told us he would check it out. Blake was very attentive throughout the evening and he was quietly funny, if there is such a description.
We started with cocktails and wines and some of us wanted appetizers. For my appetizer I started with a steamed artichoke. It was a very good size and the dipping sauce had a hint of vinegar. Another friend had the trouffled fries, perfectly cooked with trouffled oil.
For our entrees, I had the special which was grouper. I substituted the mashed potatoes for the sauteed spinach and asparagus. Another friend had my same dish but with the potatoes. Blake told us that the calf liver was thin and cut in-house. Two of our diners were calf liver aficionados so that is what they got. The next friend ordered the chicken Madeira.
The experience was that the portions were good. Not too big or small. But, actually the chicken Madeira was a pretty good size. The grouper was very tasty and flaky and well seasoned. The calf liver got a rating of good but some had had better in other parts of the country; good nevertheless. Cindi thought her chicken Madeira was very tasty; tender.
For dessert Blake suggested Graeter’s Ice Cream. This ice cream comes from Cincinnati and I had never heard about it. Loving ice cream the way I do, then that was the perfect choice. Mocha Chocolate Chip. The ice cream was very creamy but I think I really liked the chocolate chips best. Nice chunks of semi-sweet chocolate. I thought it was good but no different than some of the good ice creams on the market. We all have our favorites. Graeter’s was established in 1870, family operated, a French Pot process to create irresistible creaminess, 2 gallons at a time.
Our relaxed conversation and laughter continued, at the same time enjoying some decaf capuccino.
We parted ways after hugs and promises to see each other again. Dinner with friends; priceless!!
See you soon….
February 21st, 2010
I have been thinking about Second Street Grille for a few days. I have been wondering why is it that I never, at least, in my circle of friends, hear anyone say “Let’s go to Second Street Grille”. Really, I never do. So, I decided to find out for myself. Believe me, Second Street Grille has been in the center of Historic Lewes for many years and I think the last time I might have been there was maybe 2 or 3 years ago.
Second Street Grille is located on 115 Second Street. The tel. is 302-644-4121. The website is www.secondstreetgrille.com. Please check the website because you will be able to see the menu on-line. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. During the rest of the week they have lunch from 11:30 until 3:00 p.m., lite fare from 3:00 until 10:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 until 10:00 p.m. The Sunday Brunch is from 11:00 until 2:00 p.m. The happy hour starts at Noon.
Lewes looked really pretty on Saturday. It was crowded too. I think people have cabin fever and are ready to just walk and enjoy a sunny day.
I came through the side door of Second Street Grille which is the entrance to the bar area. As I came in, there was a step-down and I did not see it, but I also did not see a sign warning patrons about it. Probably the locals already know that is there, though.
This corner of the restaurant where the bar is located also has about 7 tables, all of them with crisp white tablecloths. It is decorated with French posters and the walls are red and yellow so I imagine the look is more like a bistro. The music was good oldies.
It was lunch time and there were plenty of specials available. It seemed the waitress knew a lot of the people coming in so I figure that they must have been regulars; a mature crowd.
Second Street Grille is known for their crabcakes but I really was not in the mood for them so I decided to have the Second Street Grille Salad with fried oysters on top with their balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The salad was loaded with fresh veggies. I never think to put radishes in my salad, but these ones were very good; crunchy and sweet. The rest of the veggies were yellow squash, broccolini, cucumber and watercress. It had a very nice presentation.
In regards to the fried oysters, I will have to tell you that I was somewhat disappointed. I like the breading of fried oysters lite because when you bite into a fried oyster you want it to be moist and salty; you want to taste the oyster and not the breading. What I tasted the most was a thick breading that covered the oyster. There is no other way to say it.
I like a balsamic vinaigrette dressing with a bit more substance than the one I was served at Second Street Grille. There was something missing. More of an aged balsamic; a bolder taste. It was o.k. but not my favorite.
After paying my check I decided to walk to the main dining room. The way I feel about the restaurant is that, granted, they do not have the best view in town but also I found that there was a lack of atmosphere and not just today, but I remembered thinking about that years ago as well. I don’t know if it is the way the tables are placed on that long hall or that maybe the bar area needs to be more casual and lively.
Second Street Grille definitely has a following and I understand that Sunday Brunch is a favorite.
I had a decent lunch, but there is room for improvement. I will go back and check it again in the summer.
Until then….talk to you later…
December 21st, 2009
Once in a while I get a craving for Chinese food. I think we all do. And to tell you the truth I had forgotten that we do have a pretty good Chinese restaurant here in Rehoboth Beach, and within driving distance from all the beach towns. I cannot think of a reason why I have not gone lately, but I think it will be worth your while to check it out the next time you are in town.
Confucius opened about 5 1/2 years ago and a lot of us, locals and natives alike were very happy to get a Chinese restaurant that would offer superior quality Chinese cooking. It did not take long for people to discover Confucius; its location is in a quaint little building on Wilmington Avenue, just a couple blocks from the Boardwalk and the beach and one street south of Rehoboth Avenue.
Confucius’ dishes are different from traditional Chinese menus but still authentic and creative.
What a great name for a Chinese restaurant. You know, Confucius was a Chinese Thinker and social philosopher, whose teachings and philosophy have deeply influenced Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese thought and life. His philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. Hmm…
The address is 57 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. The tel. is 302-227-3848 and the e-mail is xiongzt@comcast.net. The website is www.confuciusrehobothbeach.com.
Thursday night was when my husband and I got that craving for Chinese cooking that I was talking about. As you know, in my household we have the gluten allergy issue so I proceeded to call Confucius and see if that was a restaurant that could handle such a food allergy.
I was pleasantly surprised to get a positive reaction. They told me that, definitely, they could accommodate us and even though the menu would be a little bit more limited for someone with a gluten allergy, they still had plenty of dishes available; they could work and adjust the recipe.
Driving to the restaurant, we noticed that downtown Rehoboth was pretty quiet for a Thursday evening. It had gotten cold in anticipation of a winter storm. But, the restaurants on Wilmington Ave. had a comfortable crowd.
We brought our own wheat free soy sauce in case they did not have any. They did not carry it, but have assured us they will in the future.
The breading they use in a lot of their seafood is cornmeal. So, the first thing we ordered was an appetizer called Salt & Pepper Calamari. Not the strips but wide pieces of calamari, rolled and wok fried. They were crispy and well seasoned with shredded hot pepeprs. Definitely to be ordered again.
I had the pan seared salmon, which was an Atlantic salmon, lightly marinated with ginger, garlic, lemon, lime, cilantro and seasonings, served with broccoli on a bed of shredded onions, in a very hot platter. It was delicious, as well.
My husband had the steamed halibut and it was steamed in a wok with ginger and scallions. Good seasonings and light.
I remembered that their string beans, which are served as a side dish were so good and they were still just as good. I think they have tiny, crunchy pieces of shrimp that added to the flavor. The beans were perfectly cooked; crispy.
Confucius has an extensive wine list, so for the wine aficionado, this will be a happy place to be.
Then, on Friday, we went again to Confucius in anticipation of my trip to BWI, when I thought I could make it before the storm. Confucius was just as good as the night before.
We had the Ginger Chicken Soup which has been on their menu since they opened and is very good. Wild mushrooms, chicken in a light broth with some lemon grass; perfect for a cold night. My husband had the Salt & Pepper Shrimp as an entree because this dish is usually an appetizer. They added more shrimp and rice and it was great. Mine was the Walnut Shrimp and Scallops with snow peapods and asparagus; very good also.
Well, I think now that I have rediscovered Confucius, it will be one of those frequently visited restaurants by my family.
Note:
Hours of operation are: Thursdays to Tuesdays from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday brunch is $10/person. Wednesdays, closed. Take out is available and a 10% discount is given to each take-out order.
Information on Confucius was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius
Take it easy during this Holiday Season…talk to you later…
October 1st, 2009
At their location on 59 Rehoboth Ave., in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, this old standby is about to put away their 35th season. It is the type of restaurant that has a loyal clientele that keeps coming back year after year. It has those 5 requirements that make a restaurant successful. The quality of the ingredients, the culinary competence, the service, the ambiance and price.
The first thing you notice is the ambiance and how could you not? The Back Porch is located in a turn of the century house; a romantic atmosphere at its best.
Their food is excellent and unique. I went there 2 weeks ago with my husband and a friend. I had for an appetizer the Chorizo stuffed calamari, cranberry bean and green tomato ragout, pepita gremolata. Then for my main course I had the Prosciutto wrapped loin of rabbit, confit leg, sweet potato gnocchi, almonds and porcini. Out of this world!! The meat was so tender and very well seasoned.
Our friend had the local salad and for dinner he had the grilled wild king salmon, summer squash chowder, zucchini dill croquette. He seemed to really enjoy it.
My husband had the carpaccio of foi gras and magret duck breast, shitake, shaved parmesan and truffled mini mesclun. He thought it was very good. For his dinner he had a pan seared Atlantic halibut, sweet potato mole, local corn, avocado and roasted poblano. Excellent, as well.
His dinner came from a gluten free menu. Yes, the waiter told us that with so many people with gluten allergies or intolerances it was easier for them to pull out of their regular menu the items that were gluten free.
The Back Porch is open on week-ends in this time of the year. Dinner hours start at 6:00 p.m. Lunch and Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended so please call 302-227-3674 or e-mail them to info@backporchcafe.com.
If you visit their website www.backporchcafe.com you will find a great treat. They have some of their recipes posted for you to try. At the present time they are: Cafe Flambe, Marilyn’s Bean Salad, Golden Tomato Gazpacho, Peach & Blueberry Bread Pudding, Scones, the South Western Beef Salad, Timbales of Crab Custard and Spinach Mousse with Sweet Yellow Pepper Puree and the Back Porch Vinaigrette. When you are in the website check the dining rooms so that you can see the pictures. They are great.
As usual, a good dinner accompanied with a great friend and my husband, is always enjoyable. See you soon….
Note: In the height of the season, the parking in Rehoboth Beach can get tricky because you have meter parking on the main and side streets and the town is crowded. If you are not within walking distance, your best bet is to call Seaport Taxi Service. They are available 24 hours and the tel. in Rehoboth is 302-226-2232 and in Lewes is 302-645-6800.
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