November 10th, 2015
One of my pet peeves is that I hate to wait. More so, at restaurants. With so many popular restaurants not taking reservations at the Delaware Beaches, well, let’s say that at times it is a bit annoying. Not such a great way to start a post. But, keep reading because I am posting about one of my favorite restaurants in Lewes…Agave. It is located at 137 2nd St. Tel. 302-645-1232. You can find it on Facebook.
There are times that the wait at Agave is a couple of hours in the evening. If you do not mind, please then head to the bar and start having some of the delicious Margaritas and Martinis that they do offer. Otherwise, you can put your name down and come back later. Or, if you do not want to wait, then you know what else you can do. Maybe lunch might be a better idea for you.
If you arrive right at Noon you might find the restaurant looking like some of these photos. But soon enough it will be crowded. Originally, Agave was pretty small then an addition has given them more seating which is great.
So the other night when Sharon and I arrived for a little Mexican fare, we were surprised that our wait was only like 20 minutes. We sat looking at the gorgeous desserts…wondering if their famous Coconut Cake would be our choice for dessert. Or, Pot de Creme or Flan.
I do have my favorites. I started with their Mexican Chili. I truly love it. I don’t know if it is because it is made with beef tenderloin or not, but the flavor is so good. A rich broth, topped with queso fresco and a side of warm tortillas. On chilly night, it is perfect and pretty filling, as well.
Their Mango and Avocado Salad is also a must have if you like something a littler lighter. The mango and avocado is in a bed of bib lettuce, topped with bacon, queso fresco, pine nuts and a creamy pine nut lime dressing. Queso Fresco is a crumbled goat cheese.
Agave has a signature dish called Chiles en Nogada. It is always on their menu. I told my friend, Sharon, that she should have it. This is meat stuffed poblano chiles with cumin, cinnamon and azafran. A drizzle of a nut sauce with an addition of rice and beans.
These Chiles en Nogada is a sophisticaded dish most popular during Mexican Independence festivities. It incorporates the green, white, and red ingredients just like the colors of the Mexican flag.
A poblano pepper is a mild chile pepper from the State of Puebla in Mexico. When it is dried out is is called Ancho Chile. It is a most popular pepper grown in Mexico. The dish above has a light sweetness to it, perhaps the outcome of the combination of ingredients. Very good indeed.
We decided on the Coconut Cake for dessert but I had a reason for ordering it. First of all I have always heard that it is so good. I am not too much of a coconut cake fan but I wanted to compare it to another coconut cake that people raved about served at the Peninsula Grill in Charleston, South Carolina.
Last February while in Charleston everyone said we needed to try the cake at the Peninsula Grill. They said it so much that we made reservations. Great entrees, I posted on this website, and then came dessert time. This cake has 12 layers and they have been making it since 1997. There is even a trademark as Peninsula Grill Ultimate Coconut Cake. It weighs 12 lbs., and you can order it and be sent to you FedEx. Every night you take a glimpse at tables and for dessert you will find the customers do order it a lot. Here is a photo of my piece of cake. It reminded me of a Smith Island Cake.
Agave’s Coconut Cake came to the table and it was huge. And we, actually, ate it all.
Having had those two magnificent cakes I can tell you that I do prefer to have the individual layers on a cake, but the Agave’s version was definitely, more moist. I am probably not the best person to review a Coconut Cake, since I do like more tarts than cakes, but all I can tell you is that they were dense and full of flavor. Next time at Agave’s try it and if by chance you are visiting Historic Charleston, check it out there, as well. You decide.
Now, a lemon tart….love it!! The photo of the lemon tart is from the second dessert we had at the Peninsula Grill in Charleston.
Buen Provecho….Hasta Luego!!
November 9th, 2015
All summer long the road stand markets keep us well nourished. Full of local vegetables and fruits. It does not get any better. Now we are into November and it is getting a bit chilly. So, yesterday I went by Brittingham’ Produce, located at Route 5 in Milton, Delaware. Tel. 302-684-4232
Unfotunately, this past week-end was the last one. Next year around June they will open once again. The vegetables looked gorgeous and it is a season for turnips. They are wonderful when roasted.
Their apples were from T.S. Farms in Bridgeville. Brittingham’s Produce is picked daily.
Please visit dda.delaware.gov.
In this website you can find over 80 farm stands and markets in Delaware; Christmas Tree Farms, Creameries, U-Pick Farms, On-Farm Markets, Garden Centers and even Horse Racing. Or, there is a free APP for your smart phone. To get it visit http://www.apps.delaware.gov
For a great recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash with Corn, Red Onions & Cranberries please click on May 15, 2015 on this website, AboutMyBeaches. Just first click on May of 2015 and scroll down to the 15th. It is great.
Have a good one!!
November 3rd, 2015
“A retaurant is a fantasy-a kind of living fantasy in which diners are the most important members of the cast.” warner leroy
Crust & Craft opened in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, about 4 weeks ago. Pretty impressive to see this locale transform itself into a really nice looking place. And, the food, pretty awesome, as well. The address is 18701 Coastal Highway. Tel. 302-313-5029 Website? http://www.crustandcraftde.com.
You can find Crust & Craft on Facebook! Please note that it will be opening this week-end for lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.
My friend, Cathy and I arrived very early. By the time we left every seat on the house was taken with the exception of one table.
Some pizzas were coming out of their oven….you can customize your pizzas!!
The menu is divided into Hearth…Bruschetta. Then, Ocean which are starters from the sea. Continuing with Earth which are seasonable veggies. Fire means 12″ wood-fire pizza and finally Stone which is their housemade pasta.
Our strategy was to order more than a few dishes tapas style.
From the Hearth we ordered the Roasted Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, Pecorino, and Balsamic. I don’t know what it was but the combination of the roasted squash and the rest of the ingredients on that toasted bread was perfect.
The Ocean brought us Wood Roasted Octopus, Olives, Potato, Oregano, Jalapeno, Lemon Maionese. The octopus was tender and had a definite wood roasted flavor.
Earth…the Beets, Ricotta, Greens, Poppy Seeds, and a Lemon Vinaigrette. Loved it! The Lemon Vinaigrette gave it a bit of a tangy taste.
Stone…The Pumpkin Zucca, Mushroom, Squash, Sage, Brown Butter, Peccorino, Pumpkin Seed….This dish was excellent. The pasta absorbed the pumpkin flavor. It was one of my favorites of the evening.
Of course we did not need any dessert but we did have it….Choco Tacos made out of Pizzelle, Mascarpone Semifredo, and Nutella…..Decadent, so much so that Cathy and I took off for the Rehoboth Boardwalk to walk off this one.
 
I would like to thank our server, Brittany, for taking care of us in such a speedy way. Her recommendations were on target. Loved everything we ordered.
I almost forgot to tell you that Crust & Craft partners with local farmers and craft beer artisans….Congratulations and wish you much success. We will be back!! Have to try the pizza.
See you soon!
 A Little Bit of This A Little Bit of That
October 21st, 2015
Pumpkins, skeletons, tombstones, spiders and cobwebs. It is a Sea Witch Week End and the Delaware Beaches…Are there real ghosts and gobblins? The costumes tell a story. It will be a fun week-end at the beach!
So, what is going on?
Friday, October 23rd – A PINK AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, This is a fundraising event for Cancer Support Community Delaware and Delaware Hospice. Location? Rehoboth Beach Country Club on 221 West Side Drive in Rehoboth Beach. 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Luncheon, Fabulous Fashion Show, Chinese Auction and One-of-a-Kind Accessory Shop! Tickets are $40 per person. Lunch choices: Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken or Spinach Quiche with Side Salad.
No on line reservations at the moment, so please call 302-645-9150 to reserve a spot. To know about Cancer Support Community Delaware, please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 23rd, October 24th and October 25th – 27th CHILDRENS FANTASY TRAIL from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Cape Henlopen State Park. Wear your Halloween costume and trick-or-treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. $5 per person, adults and children.
Friday, October 23rd – 2nd ANNUAL ZOMBIE WALK AND APOCALYSE BALL – In Milton, Delaware. It is hosted by Po’ Boys and the Milton Theatre. The event will begin at 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. For tickets, please call 302-684-3038.
6 p.m. – Pig Roast at Po’ Boys.
8 p.m. – Zombie Walk from Po’ Boys to the Milton Theatre.
8 p.m. Apocalypse Ball at the Theatre
This event is a fundraising event for Casa San Francisco.
Saturday, October 24th – SPOOKY ON SATURDAY WALKING AND LANTERN TOUR – 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The area around the Lewes Ferry Terminal is reported to be one of the most haunted locations in Delaware with one of the largest unknown sailors’ and seaman’s burial grounds on the east coast. Travel on board the “spooky” shuttle to the heart of Historic Lewes to view Saint Peter’s Churchyard home to three centuries of burials.
 
An apparition or 2 may travel with you. Hear Captain James Drew’s tragic tale of a ship lost at sea. Supposedly filled with gold. Listen to the woeful tale of a “misprinted” gravestone.
A historic guide, aided by lantern light will accompany groups through the candlelit Burton Ingram House Circa 1785 where voices of the past may still echo.
Tickets must be purchased by Friday, October 23rd by 3:30 p.m. via Credit Card by calling the Lewes Historical Society’s Main Office at 302-645-7670. Or in person at the Hiram Rodney House Administrative Office at 110 Shipcarpenter Street in Lewes.
Cost is $20.00 per person.
This tour is not recommended for children below the age of 12. The spooky shuttle departs and returns from the Lewes Ferry Terminal.
27th ANNUAL SEA WITCH HALLOWEEN & FIDDLER’S FESTIVAL! – FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, 10/23, 10/24 AND 10/25 – For full schedule, please visit http://www.beach-fun.com/sea-witch-halloween-fiddlers-festival.html.
You really need to look at the schedule…it is too extensive to put here. But, one of my favorite parades will be taking place on Sunday at 3 p.m. on the Boardwalk. It is the Pets on Parade. It is so much fun and one of the most popular events of the whole week-end. Hope to see you there.
Have a good one!!
October 16th, 2015
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is open year-round. It has been a thing of the past when after Labor Day the streets were rolled up until next Summer. The Second Season at the Beach brings events and activities that keep all visitors very busy and having a good time. Charming shops, tax free shopping, art galleries, restaurants…and of course, the perfect time to stroll and catch your breath.
So what is going on this week-end?
Saturday, October 17th – DELAWARE SPCA-5TH ANNUAL BARK ON THE BOARDS – At Lake Gerar Park, in Rehoboth Beach 10:30 a.m. (registration). 11:30 a.m. Walk. Grand Marshal Celebrity Recording Artist, Pamela Stanley. Refreshments, Children’s Activities and Vendors. This Dog Walk on Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk will benefit Homeless Shelter Pets. Celebrate the off season when dogs are welcomed on the boards and beach in Rehoboth Beach. So break out the leash and your flip flops to take to the boards and help animals in need.
No dog? No problem! You don’t have to have a dog to participate. enjoy a leisurely stroll on the boardwak and participate in fun activities for the whole family. Please do not forget to dress up! This year’s theme is “Mardi Gras for Paws”.
Until Sunday, October 18th – GALLERY 50 ANNUAL CONSIGNMENT SALE – Art, china, sculpture, furnishings and much more from the gallery’s clients. Gallery 50 is located at 50 Wilmington Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-3227-2050 http://www.gallery50art.com
Saturday, October 17th – SODEL FEST-SOUTHERN DELAWARE WINE, FOOD 7 MUSIC FESTIVAL from Noon until 4:30 p.m. at Independence Hall & Grounds, 23767 Samuel Adams Circle, Millsboro, DE. It will be hosted by Paul Cullen, the event promises a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up. The Culinary Theater will feature Food TV’s Neil Fuentes, “The Singing Chef” and 5 local, award-winning restauranteurs. Special events include a 100-pt wine tasting, an exclusive cheese tasting, a blind tasting and Wine 101 for the wine newbie! General Admission Tickets are $75 per person. This event will be benefitting Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels. More info? http://www.sodelfest.com
Until Sunday, October 18th – REHOBOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL…Please visit http://www.rehobothjazz.com/index.php/shows/saturday
For Sunday’s shows please visit http://www.rehobothjazz.com/index.php/shows/sunday
Have a great week-end!!
October 15th, 2015
Have you eve spent Christmas in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware? For many is a tradition to attend the tree lighting ceremony. This year’s tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, November 27th …. practice your vocals because there will be a sing along, as well.
Rehoboth Beach Main Street commissioned local artist, Geri Dibiase, to design a commemorative ornament for the 2015 Rehoboth Beach Tree Lighting. Dibiase has paired her masterful photography with an ancient art for to design this beautiful unique glass ornament. This exquisitively crafted decoration is the perfect gift for loved ones and friends to adorn their tree for generations to come. Ornaments will be on sale starting November 1 through December 31 at Christmas Spirit located at 161 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Each ornament is priced at $20 and all proceeds benefit Rehoboth Beach Main Street. Have your ornament signed by the artist herself on November 6 from 5-7 p.m. at Christmas Spirit. For more info., please call 302-227-2772 or visit http://www.downtownrb.com.
Have a good one!!
September 19th, 2015
“Because there’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.” sarah kay
Southern Delaware is lined up with beaches. Up and down the different towns you can pick and choose which beach to park yourselves. Just simple pleasures to be able to spend a day at the beach. Each beach has its own personality.
Today was a gorgeous day in Rehoboth Beach. Once again even though we are in the Second Season, the week-ends bring the visitors and it looks like we are back on the summer schedule.
My choide of beach was Whiskey Beach located at the Cape Henlopen State Park on the north side of Rehoboth Beach….also called North Shores. The entry fee is $5 for in-state vehicles or $10 for out of state. If you purchased your parking pass then by all means go right through.
In the 1920s, during Prohibition, this beach was a rendevous for rumrunners. Also it had been a place for soldiers to party while stationed at Ft. Miles up the road with no one to bother them.
I love being near the WWII Towers. They stand guard, as they have always done. These two are on Whiskey Beach but there are six others around the area. These towers were used as artillery spotting locations.
As you can see, you may bring vehicles (with permit) and park right on the beach. Perfect if you want to go surf-fishing.
Today they dolphins were playing in the ocean.
People watching….that’s always fun….a book, and just enjoying this beautiful spot we live in and not taking it for granted.
Awesome weather this summer, for sure!!
September 18th, 2015
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” booker t. washington
With that quote I begin my post by reminding you that Delaware is a Small Wonder with a Big Heart. Fundraising events happen all year round, but it seems that as the Second Season takes hold of all of us living in Southern Delaware, we set records for fundraising. It is incredible the amount of money raised to help others.
I got an invite to a Kick Off Party for the Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival which will take place on Saturday, October 17th (noon until 4:30 p.m.) at Independence Hall located at 23767 Samuel Adams Circle in Millsboro, Delawared. Even though the address is Millsboro, it is, actually, closer to the beaches.
 
The Kick Off Party took place at (a)Muse on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, on Thursday, 9/17. My friend, Susan DiMondi came with me to see what all the commotion was all about.
Let me tell you a little about What is Going On…
This event is being billed as the “ultimate wine, food and music event on DelMarVa”. It will be hosted by former Bad Company bassist, now food, wine and music aficionado, Paul Cullen. It will be a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up.
This is a benefit for Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels.
This is an inaugural SoDelFest. The culinary Theater will host the chef showcases/demos, where you will find Neil Fuentes, The Singing Chef and Food Rewrapped Champion and 5 of our top local chefs including: Hari Cameron, Lion Gardner, Doug Ruley, Ronnie Burkle and Sean Correa.
The festival will also offer wine and food pairings with 13 local restaurants including; Abbot’s Grille, Bluecoast, Seafood Grill, Bramble and Brine, Cultured Pearl, Grandpa 9Mac), JD Shuckers, Lupo’s Italian Kitchen, Michy’s Relaxed Dining, Nage, Palate, Semra’s, Summerhouse and Touch of Italy.
You will be able to experience the Man Cave….don’t worry we are all welcome for cocktails, a raw bar and Cigars! Join Rob Bagle from Bramble & Brine and representatives from Wigle Whiskey, Dad’s Hat, Benromach Scotch, George’s Bloody Mary Mix (a new local favorite from Berline, Maryland) and 16 Mile Brewery. There may just be oyster shooters there!
30 wines will be offered by Teller Wines and the distributors for pairing and additional tastes. Dogfish Head and Mispillion Breweries will be pouring their fall favorites at the bar!
There will be 2 special wine education seminars in the Wine University; Mike Zygmonski (Level II Sommelier, Sodel Concepts) will present a blind tasting and John McDonald (Wine Columnist, Cape Gazette) will present Wine 101 for anyone who wants to learn about the art of Wine Tasting.
General Admission tickets are $75 and there is a VIP upgrade that includes two special tastings at 95+ point wines and exclusive cheeses and a seat on-stage during one of the chef showcases. The press is invited at no charge with advance notice. Please visit http://www.sodelfest.com
Presenting Sponsor: Ocean Atlantic Companies
Major Sponsors: Schell Brothers, Sysco, SoDel Concepts, Coastal Style
Sponsors: Good Clean Fun Life, Sposato Family Vineyards, Active Adult Realty
Event Chair is Stacy LaMotta
Event Coordinator is Carlene Roche
Volunteer Coordinator is Meg Gardner
Arriving at (a)Muse Susan and I were invited to taste some of the wines offered by Sposato. For 6 years the Sposato Family researched, studied and visited South America. In 2012 the family purchased their farm in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, Mendoza.
Based on their 23 years of experience in working with land, soil irrigation and plants, by running their top rated landscape company, Sposato Landscape Co., they saw this as a great opportunity to further their experience in the agriculture industry. The farm was purchased as virgin ground. A new irrigation system, electric and other improvements have been installed with more to come.
The farm is 250 acreas located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, 3,000 ft. above sea level. Sposato Family Vineyard has some of the best and most popular wineries in Argentina as neighbors. The farm is located between two notable wineries, Bodega Septima and Vina Cobos by Paul Hobbs with more just around the corner.
We tasted 2015 Chardonnay. This fruit focused Chardonnay has an attractive color with aromas of tropical fruit, apples and peaches. Also a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, from their prize winning high elevation vineyards has aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, herbs, species and orange blossom notes that are persistent through the finish. The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has intense red with blue shades. Another one was their 2013 Reserve Malbec…intense violet color, typical of Argentine Malbec. And the 2014 Malbec had deep purple color, with high intensity of black fruits, raspberries and violets. Please note that you can get the wines in the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area.
A presentation was given by all of those that are involved and making sure that this will be an unforgettable event.
 Stacy LaMotta, Event Chair  Paul Culen, Host  Lion & Meghan Gardner, Blue Moon  Hari Cameron, (a)Amuse Paul Cullen entertained us while we tasted delicious offerings by Blue Moon, Nage, and (a)Muse.
So what are you waiting for? Call your friends, pass the word, share in social media and get ready to have some fun!!
 
 
|
Comments Off on Lewes Eats! Agave, Mexican Cuisine, Restaurant, Bar, Lewes, Delaware, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches…Buen Provecho!