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Posts Tagged ‘Sussex County’

January 26th, 2016

Rehoboth Beach Eats! Palate, Cafe, Catering, Gourmet to Go, Wine & Beer Bar, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

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“There is a difference between dining and eating.  Dining is an art.  When you eat to get most out of your meal, to please the palate, just as well to satiate the appetite, that my friend is dining.”  yuan mei

New year in Rehoboth Beach, looking forward to what our local chefs are going to be bringing to many that visit our beaches and consider themselves foodies.  There are plenty of us that live here year round and we love to check out our favorite places on this Second Season.  Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is a year round resort.  You can escape from major cities on the mid Atlantic and be here in just a couple of hours.  The beach, the boardwalk are our playgrounds and I do not take it for granted.

Palate opened this past year and I had not had a chance to visit.  It has been well accepted.  And, it has parking.  That, my friends, is the best.  If you have visited the Delaware Beaches in the summer you know exactly what I am talking about.  Palate is located at The Shops at Seacoast, 19266 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.  Tel. 302-249-8489.  Website?  http://www.tastepalate.com

Chefs and owners Gary and Lorraine have a great history.  Please visit http://www.tastepalate.com/story

It was December 30th when Cindi and I stopped for a bite to eat.  There is a Wine & Beer Bar and an open kitchen.

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The dining room is spacious, comfortable and also very comfortable.

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Palate is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.  Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Please check their Sunday menu because it is very good.  One more choice in Rehoboth Beach to have breakfast on Sundays.

When you live at the beach your house is usually a popular spot.  Don’t want to cook but want to show your guests like you have slaved all day long for them?  Palate has a Gourmet to Go station.  The menu changes frequently.  But it is very easy to do.  Just show up, make your selections and go home.

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My butternut squash soup was creamy and perfect for the season.  That was the soup of the day.

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Cindi had the Grain Bowl with organic black Quinoa with lemon and mint, grilled sweet corn, grilled summer squash, pickled string beans and sprouts.

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Salmon Cake and Salad.  A lighter meal very delicious and completely satisfying.

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No dessert….we were trying to be good.

Our service was excellent and friendly.  The prices were very reasonable.  It was lunch but I shall be back for dinner soon.

Talk to you later….have a good one.

NOTE:  Wine Dinner will be February 10th Call 302-249-8483 for reservations.  $69 per person, plus gratuity.  Check the Facebook Page for more info.

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January 10th, 2016

Three Kings Day, The Three Wise Men, Los Reyes Magos, The Epiphany, January 6th, Gifts, Family Gathering, Food, Music…Celebrating Three Kings Day in Rehoboth Beach

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Growing up in Puerto Rico gave me an extra holiday to celebrate.  This holiday celebrated in Spain and in Latin countries is called Three Kings Day. In Spanish it is Dia de Los Reyes.  It’s celebrated on January 6th.  Known as the Epiphany it is the Holiday celebrating the biblical adoration of the Baby Jesus by the Three Kings, or Wise Men…in Spanish Los Reyes Magos.  Their names?  Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar.

They offered gold representing Jesus’ royal standing as King of the Jews.  They also offered frankincense referring to His Divine nature.  And, myrrh which was often used to embalm corpses.  This was presented to the new baby as a symbol of Jesus’ mortality.

So, when I was a young girl, I would go outside on the eve, which would have been January 5th, with a shoebox, and collect grass for the camels. I would place the box under my bed.  Then, I would put cookies and milk for the Kings.  In the morning I would find that the camels had made such a mess!!

Once John and I had children and lived in Bethany Beach, I continued with this tradition.  It really was a mess, but so worth it!!

The tradition in Puerto Rico was to celebrate this day with roasting pigs, blood sausages, plantains, rice with green pigeon peas, flan and local music!!  You still can find those parties but it is not like when I was growing up.

I invited friends for dinner on January 6th to celebrate Three Kings Day.  I think this might become an annual tradition.  I got some Puerto Rican flags to put on the tree….forgot to get the group photo.  I will be more organized next year, I promise.

One of the typical drinks in Puerto Rico at this time of the year is Coquito.  It is like an egg nog.  My brother told me that the Rum Chata would be perfect to serve.  Guess what?  I forgot to serve it, as well!!  But, Cindi and I tried it the next day.  Sooooo good!!

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I really thought I was very organized, but as my friends came and the chatting continued I almost forgot a few things that should have started cooking.  Hey, don’t worry everything did come out pretty good.

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As usual we all gathered in the kitchen…that’s usually the case.  A few appetizers…not too many because I had a lot of food.  Pasteles are like tamales, but made with plantains.  My brother had a Puerto Rican woman in Orlando, Florida, make them for me.  Federal Express and here in no time. My grandmother used to make the best plantains but these were a second best.  Inside they had raisins, olives, garbanzo beans, and chicken or pork.

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Fried plantains with mojito…I like the plantains thin.

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Here is Donna helping out in the kitchen.

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Pork loin chunks prepared with spices, cilantro, tamarind, olives, capers, and tomatoes.  Cooked for some time letting the spices do their thing.

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The rice with green pigeon peas was cooking but to tell you the truth I did not like the consistency.  The taste was good, nevertheless.

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A green salad to clean our palate.

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For dessert 2 flans were made.  One a traditional Puerto Rican flan with milk and eggs. The other also widely made with cream of coconut….Guess what?  I forgot to take the photo but here is a photo of one that I had made some time ago.  No kidding, I will have to be better next time.  That’s what happens when you are a too relaxed hostess!!

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Two tables with the sounds of laughter and story telling, celebrating long time friendships!!  It is always amazing!!

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And my new granddaughter, Sophia, experienced her first Puerto Rican Fiesta!!

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Have a great 2016!!

Note:  And if you thought you were finished with the Holidays, think again.  In Puerto Rico beginning on January 7th….8 more days of parties…called the Octavitas.

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December 27th, 2015

Destination? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Holidays at The Beach, Holiday Window Decorating Contest Winners for Businesses, Warm Weather, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches

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No words are necessary to explain the following photo.  It has been warm at the Delaware Beaches and it is the end of December!!  Thrashers French Fries with Salt & Vinegar.  The best grub on the Boardwalk.

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On the corner Dolle’s was also open selling what they have been selling for years, popcorn and taffy among other favorites.

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On Rt. 1 the outlets were packed and the highway was definitely busy.  In Downtown Rehoboth Beach it was like any other summer day at the beach, except that even though people were wearing shorts and short sleeve shirts, I did not see any bathing suits.  Other than that people were on the beach, walking the Boardwalk, pets were out, and life was good today.

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The Winners for the 201 Holiday Windown Decorating Contest in Downtown Rehoboth Beach have been announced by Rehoboth Beach Maint Street (RBMS).  All 3 businesses received a 1/4 Page Color Cape Gazette Ad

First Place was The Pelican Loft located at 143 Rehoboth Avenue.

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Second Place was Mod Cottage located at 246-A Rehoboth Avenue.

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And Third Place was Jane & Georgie, located at 419 Rehoboth Avenue.

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Walking the Boardwalk is a past time that residents of Rehoboth Beach love to do.  The Boardwalk is one mile long.  It is relaxing any time during the day, but I do like it towards the end of the day.  Meeting Sharon was a surprised so we kept on walking.  Felt soooo good.  Love to see that owners are enjoying the homes at the beach.  This is a great time for Rehoboth Beach and New Year’s will be again crowded.

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Have a great week.  TTYL

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December 21st, 2015

Rehoboth Beach Eats! Henlopen City Oyster House, Restaurant, Review, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Delware Beaches

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Beautiful weather in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  Walking the award winning, one mile Boardwalk is a past time for visitors and residents.  At this time of the year is the perfect time to take a stroll with a friend or try to work out some of the food that has been enjoyed in our award winning restaurants.  Rehoboth Beach is a dining destination and only a few hours from Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.

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There you see Jody and I walking off scrapple on Sunday morning!!

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It has been quite some time since I last visited Henlopen City Oyster House located at 50 Wilmington Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  Tel. 302-260-9193  Website?  http://www.hcoysterhouse.com.

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Henlopen City Oyster House is open daily.  Lunch begins at Noon, Happy Hour at the Bar begins at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. and Dinner begins at 5 p.m.  Please note that they will be closing on Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th.

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This restaurant is serious about oysters, so if you like them please make sure that while visiting Rehoboth Beach you make a point to stop.  One of my other friends came from Bethany Beach to have a bite to eat before Christmas.  Cathy had one the beers on tap and I proceeded to have a glass of champagne.

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After discussing the menu with our server, which by the way was excellent, we decided to start with some salads.  The menu changes daily but there are some dishes that are always on the menu.

The Butternut Squash Salad had tuscano kale, quinoa, hazelnuts, pears, and pomegranate.

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I love beets so I will always order them if found on the menu.  Their Roasted Beet Salad is always on the menu.  Sunflower seeds, sliced pickled radish, feta cheese, and a balsamic reduction. Loved the 2 color beets!!

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Cathy decided on the Herb Grilled Carolina Wreckfish brushed with fresh herbs, and served with her choice of Mascarpone Mashed Turnips and Broccoli. Wreckfish are from the bass family.  They have a big head with a big mouth.  They are found in waters ranging from 140 feet up to 3,000 feet deep.  Although they are found all along the East Coast, most of the commercial fishery operates over the Charleston Bump, located 80 to 100 miles southeast of Charleston, SC.  It was mild and perfectly seasoned.

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Even though Henlopen City Oyster House is known for oysters and seafood, they also have elk, wild boar and ribeye steak.  In speaking to our server he said the Shiitake Encrusted Elk Rack was amazing.  So no brainer…that’s what I had and it did not disappoint.  Cooked just like it should be eaten it had an amazing taste.  It was oven roasted, with miso acorn squash, chestnut wild rice, black garlic, and lemongrass cranberry.  Not to be missed.

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A sweet ending of Key Lime Pie for Cathy and I.  It was good too.  Just enough tartness and not overly sweet.

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Have a good one….kick back and relax!!

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December 20th, 2015

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Shop Local

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I big shout to Doggies at The Beach for taking such good care of my little Diva, Miss Addy.  Doggies at the beach is a 3,500 square foot indoor, cage free doggie day care.  It is Miss Addy’s home away from home.  While visiting Doggies at the Beach she met Santa.  I know what her expression is telling me, but I am glad she went along with the program.  Doggies at The Beach is located at 18806 J. Williams Hwy. in Rehoboth Beach.  Tel. 302-644-8200.  They have 24 hour human supervision and even web cams so that you can follow your precious pooch.  Grooming is also available.  They are on Facebook, as well.  Check them out because they are always hosting events and very much involved in the community.  Jim and his staff are very caring and obviously they love dogs!!  Please visit http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.

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This would be a great stocking stuffer for your dog.  Your pooch will love these Tail Bangers made with whole wheat flour, rolled oats, eggs, canola oil, fresh ground peanuts, honey, cinnamon, with a vanilla yogurt coating.  Tail Bangers are made in Millsboro, Delaware, about 1/2 hour from Rehoboth Beach.  The company has gone big, a success story.  I have not visited but can’t wait to do so.  You can find Tail Bangers at Doggies at The Beach, Candy Kitchen, Pet Stores in the area and even the UPS store at the Safeway Shopping Center.  I took them as a gift to my friend’s dog, Dale, in Bluffton, South Carolina and they were a big hit.  So, I decided to try them myself.  They smell so good.  I took a bite and they were not bad at all.  After all they are made with all natural ingredients.  Tail Bangers is located at 24546 Betts Pond Rd., Millsboro, DE 19956   You can find them on Facebook and Twitter. Website?  www.tailbangers.com.

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Another great stocking stuffer for those that love to cook and for your favorite foodies are these Sea Salts made right here on the coast by SoDel Concepts.  There is the Bay Spice, the Summer Lemon Zest, and the Black Pepper Fennel.  You can get these salts at any of SoDel Concepts Restaurants from Lewes to Fenwick Island.  For the locations of the restaurants, please visit http://www.sodelconcepts.com.

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Another perfect gift….a book, the perfect companion.  Truddi Chase was from Maryland.  Her story was made into a movie years ago, base on her first book When Rabbit Howls.  The movie was called Voices Within: The Lives of Truddi Chase.  It was an autobiography about her experiences after being diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder.  Truddi was interviewed by Oprah.  Her story is a fascinating one of survival after been sexually abuse from age two.  She coped by developing 92 personalities.  She never integrated them so she lived with them all of her life until she died in 2010.  Her second book has just come out thanks to her daughter, Kari, who lives in Lewes.  This second book is more whimsical.  All art work is by Truddi and the different personalities.  The name of the book is The Creature of Habit.  You can get it at http://www.truddichase.com

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Or, you may also get it at http://www.amazon.com.

Have a good one!!  TTYL

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December 12th, 2015

Destination? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Christmas In Rehoboth Beach, Happy Holidays, Tax Free Shopping, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

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So many visitors come to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, year round.  Rehoboth was incorporated in 1873 to create a Christian seaside resort.  The railroad was extended in 1878 to Rehoboth Beach, therefore, bringing more visitors and businesses to this seaside town.  In 1879 the town was renamed “The Rehoboth Beach Association”.  The population has grown over the years.  Plenty of summer visitors and part time residents increase the population significantly .

During Christmas I love grabbing something to eat in town with a friend….come to think of it I just did that with my friend, Jody.  Stopping at Dogfish Head on Rehoboth Avenue for one of my favorite salads….their pub salad topped with grilled salmon and a delicious dressing is not to be missed.  It looks good and it tasted even better.

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If you decided to visit Rehoboth Beach during the Holidays you will find the town looking more beautiful than ever.  Tiny lights cover the trees in town.  The Boardwalk is a mile long.  It was quiet when Jody and I were walking, no one around.

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The big iconic Dolle’s sign remind visitors that you are at the beach!!

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Santa’s House on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is the cutest Santa House on the coast.   There is no charge to visit with Santa but donations are appreciated. Please check http://www.beach-fun.com.

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The schedule is as follows:

Sunday, 12/13, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Friday, 12/18, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, 12/19, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Sunday, 12/20, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.  NOTE:  At 3 p.m. is Pet Time with Santa.

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Thursday, December 17th – CANVAS AND CORKS at Rehoboth Art League, located at 12 Dodds Lane. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  This is a class about art, fun, socialization and wine, or your beverage of choice.  The class will be creating a painting step-by-step with an instructor and all your supplies are included.  Instructor Gerilyn Gaskil will help you have a great time creating a great piece of art.  Must be 21 years of age.  For more info., please visit http://www.rehobothartleague.org.

Friday, December 18th and Saturday, December 19th – 2015 HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST FOR HOMES IN THE CITY OF REHOBOTH BEACH…2 categories:  Traditional and Truly Fabulous.  Turn your Holiday Lights on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.  No registration is required but you may email info@RBhomeowners.com to let them know you are participating.

Saturday, December 19th – A NOT SO SILENT NIGHT at Clear Space Theatre located at 20 Baltimore Avenue.  7:00 p.m.  Local favorites Matthew Kenworthy, John Flynn, The Family Jewells, and Alicia Dennis join forces to celebrate the Holiday Season with music.  A journey through traditional and not so traditional seasonal favorites and original musical skits will inspire belly laughing good times.  General Admission, Open Seating…All seats are $15.  More info?  Please visit http://www.clearspacetheatre.org.

Sunday, December 20th – A HOLIDAY PEACE CONCERT – at Epworth United Methodist Church on Holland Glade Rd.  4 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for adults and anyone under 18 is Free.  Tickets are available at Browseabout Books at 133 Rehoboth Avenue, and also at the Door. Rehoboth Concert Band is a community band of instrumentalists at all levels of play and all ages.  It performs concert band literature, including classical and contemporary music, marches, show tunes, and some novelty pieces.  Please visit http://www.rehobothconcertband.org.

Saturday, December 26th – THE FAREWELL PARTY – At MCC Rehoboth, 19369 Plantation Rd. in Rehoboth Beach.  The film is presented by the Rehoboth Beach Film Society.  These monthly series present films and discussions about the various cultures in the world, including diversity in our own country. Admission is $4 for Members (current card must be presented) and $6 for future members.  This is a compassionate and surprisingly funny story about residents at a Jewish retirement home who help their terminally ill friend by constructing an euthanasia device…..more info?  Please visit http://www.rehobothfilm.com/film_events_monthly_screenings.html.

SHOPPING in Delaware is Tax Free!!  Participating Downtown Rehoboth Beach businesses are giving 10% off your purchases until December 24th.  For more info., please visit http://www.downtownrb.com.

TANGER OUTLETS….coupons and great deals…please visit http://www.tangeroutlet.com/rehoboth/coupons.

Have a Good One!!

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December 3rd, 2015

Destination? Bethany Beach, Delaware, Holiday Happenings, Tree Lighting Ceremony, A Tradition Begins in The Quiet Resort, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

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Saturday, December 5th the Holiday Season will begin in Bethany Beach, Delaware.  Known as The Quiet Resort, Bethany Beach does get a little quiet in the winter but plenty of the merchants are open during the week-ends.  Not wanting to stay behind other Delaware Beach resorts, Bethany puts a good show for the Holidays.

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On Saturday make plans to be there by 1 p.m. when free events will be happening:  Photos with Santa….he will be arriving at 1:15 p.m., Letters to Santa, Horse-drawn carriage rides, trolley rides, face painting, hot cocoa and cookies and music!!

Help Bethany Beach start a new tradition when at 6 p.m. the Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on the Boardwalk by the Bandstand.

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Gather with friends and family and help light the “Tree of Warmth”, and sing along to a performance by the Lord Baltimore Children’s Choir.

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Everyone is encouranged to bring hats, gloves, scarves and canned goods as a donation to area charities.

Please have in mind that every Saturday in December prior to Christmas, there will be caroling arond the “Tree of Warmth” on the Bandstand to end the day.  Stores will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Please check the schedule of events for the Holiday Season in Bethany Beach at http://www.townofbethanybeach.com

Merry Christmas!!

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November 15th, 2015

Destination? Delaware Auctioneers Association, Oyster & Dumpling Dinner, Felton Fire House, Station #48, Felton, Kent County, Delaware

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This was new to me.  Thanks to my friend, Dick Bryan, I went to the Oyster & Dumpling Dinner and annual event at the Felton Fire House, Station #48 in Felton, Delaware.  This is Kent County and the heart of agrigulture in Southern Delaware.  Deer season opened on Friday, but there were plenty attending this event….I could not wait to have the dumplings.

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You can find the Delaware Auctioneers Association on Facebook.

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There was a live auction, and also a silent auction.  And, a gun raffle for a Benelli shotgun and a 357 Mag pistol.  The Delaware Auctioneers Association focuses in preserving the auction industry.

Every auctioneer has its own technique…not so.  Almost all auctioneers learn to end their bid calling in exactly the same way.  The chant repeats numbers and filler words as the auctioneer conducts an auction.

The Chant denotes both the “have” and the “want”.  The “have” is the amount that is a bid.  The “want” is the amount the auctioneer wishes someone to bid.  When the auctioneer is about to sell the item, he slightly inflects his or her voice, and say the “want”,  almost as a question, “want?”.  Then, if no bid comes in, the next word is “sold” and then the “have” and then the “buyer” which is usually a bid number.

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There was a silent auction.  You were to use your bid number to place your bids.  Lots of interesting things from gadgets to wine.

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In the Live auction there were larger items such as the following.

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The dinner was going to be family style.  Our table was so excited with the anticipation of oysters and dumplings.  And the kitchen was ready for us, as well.

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These ladies were fast….serving, green beans, chicken salad, cole slaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried oysters and dumplings….OMG so delish!!

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Here is my plate….so good.  Seconds and Thirds.

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Money was raised, the bid calling competition took place…customers were happy and our table was so much fun!!

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And until next year when the 6th Annual Delaware Auctioneers Association will take place.  Stay tuned.

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