January 7th, 2012
Is early in the morning and I wonder if I am writing this post out of guilt. Well, I have to admit it; I fell off the New Year’s resolution wagon yesterday. What could I do? My son asked me to go to Nicola Pizza, right here in Rehoboth Beach. I couldn’t say no. I also could not let him eat that well done pizza with sweet peppers and onions all by himself. I went willingly; no twisting of the arm there.
But today is a new day and I am back on the saddle again. I have to be kind to myself. I started analyzing my pizza. Vegetable, cheese, bread. That’s not so bad. Well, 3 pieces is a little too much. My confession is that even though in our household we eat gluten free, pizza is one thing that has not been perfected if you are on a gluten free diet. Sorry, but there is nothing better than a regular pizza. When you have not had it for some time, believe me, it’s heaven. So, enough of that and on with the post. It’s good to get it off my chest.
What brought me to Nutrition Cottage in Delray Beach was the fact that I was having trouble finding gluten free products in the area. It has been about 3 years since my husband started eating gluten free and believe me, you learn a lot while going through the process of adjusting yourself to another way of eating. The restaurants and grocery stores in South Florida have come a long way, but there is still work to be done.
That’s why it was a breath of fresh air when I found Nutrition Cottage, right on Atlantic Avenue. The address is 407 E. Atlantic Ave., tel. 561-272-8571. The store in Delray has been there for over 12 years. There is also another location in Boyton Beach at 1815 S. Federal Highway, tel. 561-734-4626. That store has been in that location for over 20 years. The website? http://www.nutritioncottage.com.
When you first see the store from the outside you might think that it is not that big; believe me, it is deceiving. It goes all the way to the back, ending with a Cafe/Bar area where you can order, smoothies, fresh juices, protein shakes, sandwiches, salads and one good cup of coffee.
I heard someone said, Do you need any help? I really was browsing for a lotion. I was already taken care of by Brenda. Anyway, he introduced himself. He was Mark Stowe who is the owner of Nutrition Cottage. He has been a licensed nutritionist for 32 years. He was also past President of the Natural Products Assoc. He is available for private nutritional counseling by appointment. If you are interested give the store a call.
He told me that his wife Karen does all the special orders for the Delray store and that if I ever needed anything to give her a call, as well.
I asked if I could take some pictures for my blog and he graciously agreed. I then went my own way checking things out.
The moisturizing cream I bought was from a company called Mountain Ocean from Boulder, Colorado. The line is called Skin Trip (Coconut). I love how quickly your skin absorbs it; no greasy feeling. The coconut smell is so nice too. If you want to know more about it, check www.mountainocean.com.
A corner with cosmetics from a line called Gabriel. They are 100% natural ingredients, no synthetic chemicals or animal by-products and no testing is ever done on animals. The colors looked nice. I do have friends who are allergic to a lot of the products used on make-up, so this might be something worth trying. The website is www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com.
Even though my concern was looking for gluten free items, the store has an abundance of nutritional products and groceries.
For the person interested in gluten free items you will find pastas, sauces, cookies, pancake mixes, cookie mixes, cookies, brownies, crackers, dressings and so much more. There is a freezer with plenty of gluten free breads to choose including French baguettes.
The staff is very knowledgeable so you will not have any problems, whether is a gluten allergy or any other related food allergy or concern.
Nutrition Cottage has award winning organic wines.
For the ones that one to pick out something for take out, there is plenty to choose from.
Check their website. It is a wellness reference library in itself, with recipes, information, events, coupons and links. I signed up and get coupons right to my e-mail.
That one cup of coffee…..it was so good; no kidding….I grabbed my cup and parked myself in one of their outdoor tables….people watching, warm weather, sunny day, palm trees….couldn’t complain.
Note: Nutrition Cottage has Blood Analysis. For more information on what this entails, please call the shop at 561-272-8571.
Have a beautiful day…talk to you later.
December 21st, 2011
Warm in Rehoboth Beach. I like it that way, even though at this time of the year I really do like winter to show its face for the holidays.
Rehoboth is known for its good restaurants; great chefs introducing their innovative cuisine is what a lot of foodies in the area want to experience.
Delray Beach, Florida is known also for its restaurants. One after another you will find them on Atlantic Avenue, which is “Main Street”. Italian, Japanese, American, French, and Latin.
Years ago another street was introduced in Delray Beach. The street is NE 2nd Ave. This is known as Pineapple Grove, due to the produce that was grown in years past. It looked, at the time, that it would end up being an extension of Atlantic Ave.
Well, it has turned out to be one of the hippest parts of town; sidewalks are lined with art, sculptures, bookstores, eateries; downtown living at its best. The residents of Pineapple Grove have everything accessible to them, including gyms and postal service. Oh, and don’t forget that they are pretty close to the beach, as well; a bike ride or a short drive.
 Early Sunday a.m. One thing that Delray Beach has taken to the next level is the availability to dine “al fresco”. A temperate climate in South Florida is so conducive for this type of dining. In Delray you might find yourselves dining right on the sidewalk or in some private garden, as well. The sidewalks are wide enough to let the pedestrian activity run smoothly.
Brule Bistro is located at 200 NE 2nd Ave., Suite 109, Delray Beach, FL 33444. It is right on City Walk which has retail on the bottom. Tel. 561-274-2046. Website? http://www.brulebistro.com.
This past summer I went on a hot day and thought it was delicious. Again, just a few weeks ago, it was the choice for my son and I on a perfect day in the Village by the Sea.
Brule has a casual atmosphere. The bistro is known for its extensive collection of wines. It has take out; no reservations, though. It opens early and closes late. The website has a full menu for you to check out. And, specials every day.
The staff was friendly and knew the menu well. There was an excitement as I asked my server what the dish that he had just served to another table was. I ordered that lunch special of salmon over roasted beets. It was considered a salad and I did not want it to end.
I first started with a Chilled Gazpacho with a yogurt creme. The gazpacho was homemade, no canned tomato juice there.
Then came that salmon over the roasted beet salad. I usually write down what I am eating but it the excitement of it all, I forgot. At least, the photo says it all.
My son started with a Shrimp Ceviche in a citrus and chili marinade, served with avocado and the thinnest of warm house chips.
Then an order of their Brule Club with roasted turkey, bacon, arugula, tomato, avocado, Asiago and pesto aioli on a multigrain bread. It was a handsome portion, perfectly displayed. Gone in not time.
 
No desserts for us….we were perfectly happy.
If you are in the Village by the Sea….check it out and let me know what you think. You can write to me to the blog or visit AboutMyBeaches on Facebook.
December 17th, 2011
It was another night at the Delaware Beaches, when the inevitable was avoiding the nightly ritual of cooking….
Did you know….that bowing represents humility? You elevate, honor and respect the other person by lowering yourself. A bow should always be returned.
And, did you know that the shredded raddish or daikon is there for a reason? To nibble on between sushi orders. Use chopsticks to eat it. Daikon is also served under sashimi or as an edible side dish.
So here was another night hitting Saketumi instead of cooking. Saketumi is located at 18814 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-645-2818. Website? www.saketumirestaurant.com.
As I came in, Kim, who is the Manager, greeted us. We had not seen each other since before Thanksgiving. At that time I told him about the Turduckens from Louisina. Guess what? Not only did Kim ordered one, but he also deep fried it!! He said it was awesome. Another convert ordering from Cajun Grocer.
But, tonight it was all about trying new things. At times I get into a rut; ordering the same old thing.
Tanaka was behind the bar. He is the Main Event. He is such an artist. His preparations do not leave his side until they are just perfectly arranged.
Then, James was there too. He was our server. His suggestions were right on target.
We decided to start with some Sashimi Tapas:
Kampachi – Amber Jack Fish (yellow tail amberjack). A carpaccio with yuzu lime dressing. Yuzu is a citrus fruit from East Asia. Looks like a very small grapefruit. It also has a tart flavor.
This was so delicious. Delicately sliced; almost transparent. The lime dressing adding that citrus taste.
The next one was the Torched Tuna. Also in a carpaccio style with jalapeno, red tobiko, chive, masago cracker, and spicy ponzu sauce. My husband was salivating at the looks of this dish, until Kim said that it had gluten. A sudden long face appeared. Kim immediately said “it’s not very good”. We all laughed. Guess who had the pleasure of eating it? Moi…and I savoured every single sliced.
The Seared White Tuna Tataki with yuzu citrus vinaigrette, with fried shallot, mango salsa and cilantro was another successful tapa. This one, my husband could eat and thought it was very good, as well.
These 3 tapas were light and the perfect appetizer. My favorite was the Kampachi, then the Torched Tuna and then the Seared White Tuna Tataki.
People were coming in and I was getting cold so I ordered a Miso Soup. James asked me if I wanted the clams, as well. I had never had it with the clams and I found that including the clams gave it a different dimension to the soup. I liked it!!
We did not stop there. An order of their Tropical Thunder had a beautiful presentation and had a fantastic taste. Mango, salmon, topped with lobster salad and tobiko (fish eggs).
My husband likes to order a crispy eel sushi; the crispier the better….loved it as well.
I can recommend Saketumi with confidence. I have never been disappointed. They are friendly, the food is fresh with beautiful colors, appealing to all your senses. The service, prompt….and I love the sushi bar. Sitting there lets me converse with the chefs, see the fish and watch their talent.
 Fresh Wasabi Have a good one. Talk to you later…Please remember that AboutMyBeaches has its own Facebook Page…Comment, and discuss any topic…I welcome you.
December 2nd, 2011
I woke up this morning and said “I am not sure if I liked that Chinese food last night”. The answer came back from the peanut gallery “Well, you sure ate enough of it.” Do I dare tell you who this came from? Of course; my husband, you know the picky one, who actually did not have any because of his gluten allergy. I wished him a very good morning, if you get my drift.
About 2 months ago Wu’s Kitchen opened at 19324 Lighthouse Plaza Blvd., in the Lighthouse Shopping Center, where one of my favorite grocery stores, Giant, is located. Also Jay’s Wayback Burgers and Casapulla’s are in that shopping center, as well. Their telephone: 302-226-1788 and 302-226-1778. They open 7 days a week. Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Right after they opened 3 of us went. I was having trouble communicating regarding the gluten allergy so I just ordered something that I thought would be gluten free. I did one of those when your voice gets a little louder thinking that they might be able to understand you. It was crazy.
Fast forward another month. Last night I made chiles rellenos for my husband. I just did not feel like eating that so decided to take a trip to Wu’s Kitchen. It was late so nobody was there at that time. I ordered more than I needed to in order to write a post. Yeah, sure.
An order of Fried Wonton – Very crispy and I liked them.
Number 66 was Double Cooked Pork – I, actually, did not like this one too much. I thought I was ordering something else. The pork was a little dry even though it was mixed with the vegetables and sauce.
Number 16 was part of their Szechuan & Hunan Dishes – Orange Chicken. It was good and the orange rind and flavor was distinctive.
My fortune cookies did not say anything exciting. No number combinations or anything like that. Just “Declare Peace Every Day”. I do that all the time, anyway. Maybe that was it!!
Wu’s Kitchen was immaculate. The restaurant has booths and single tables. Or, like most people, you can take out.
They have specials too. Mondays through Saturdays, until 3 p.m., for $6 you can have 3 choices from their buffet, a soda, and a choice of white rice, brown rice, or fried rice. Pretty good deal.
Please note that when I write about a restaurant, you have to take into consideration that this is my personal experience. We all have different tastes and expectations….I visit the same restaurants often…small restaurants, dives, a hot dog stand, or a “cuchifrin” as they would say in Puerto Rico….looking for that exceptional bite…have a great day!!
Why don’t you try it and let me know?
October 17th, 2011
I thought it would be hard to go and review an eatery that is owned by friends. You know how it is, you are a little apprehensive. You never know how service/food are going to be on a specific day. Except at Casapulla’s the service and the food have been consistent through the years. They have plenty of experience. In business since 1956.
Luigi Cassapulla was the Italian immigrant and patriarch of this family. His story so interesting; vision, hard work, supportive wife and plenty of kids.
Luigi was Paula’s grandfather. Paula and her husband, Mike, opened in Sussex County in 1984. But, they have been at Lighthouse Plaza on Rt. 1 in Rehoboth Beach since 1997. The tel. is 302-227-7827, or, if it is easier for you to remember then, 227-subs. Website? www.casapullassouth.com.
I was thinking that subs are so versatile. They travel well; perfect for gatherings and at this time of the year; Monday Night Football.
So, I found out that subs originated in Italian American communities in the northeast; around the late 19th to mid 20th century. In the U.S. the common denominator is the bread. In all types, it is an oblong bread roll as opposed to sliced bread.
In Europe this type of sandwich is served on a baguette or a ciabatta.
Some say that the sub or submarine originated in Groton, Connecticut, where there is the largest United States Submarine factory. The sandwich was commonly eaten by workers in the naval yard.
So many terms for this sandwich, depending where you are from. For example, the term hoagie came from Philadelphia. Hog Island was a shipyard where emergency shipping was produced for the war effort. It has been said that the Italians working there during WWI introduced the sandwich. At the time it was made out of a variety of meats, cheeses and lettuce between the bread. It became known as the “Hog Island”, the “Hoagie”.
All in all, subs, submarines, hoagies and other similar ones can now be found worldwide.
I came into Casapulla’s and I found a well lit place, super clean. Ordering is done on one side of the counter with plenty of boards showing what they have to offer.
I met Tiffany. I don’t know why but I always ask…if you are here eating for the first time what would you order? She knew her menu well. She mentioned the Italian, and one of her favorites, the Chicken Cheesesteak (with fried onions), and I wanted to also try the Turkey Stuffer.
So, I had all 3. The Italian with everything on it; the works. The chicken cheesesteak was a 6 inch but the other 2 were 10 inches each.
While I was waiting for my subs to be ready I checked the store even more. You can buy deli meats (Boar’s Head) by the pound. Available are a wide assortment of chips. And, they also had pastas, sauces, and pizzelles, as well.
There is a freezer in case you just don’ t feel like cooking. It has sausage and peppers and other goodies all homemade. Some of those pastas and sauces could certainly be a great addition to the prepared food. Easy or lazy cooking, whatever you want to call it.
There was a new item on the menu this summer. It is an Italian salad which has all the ingredients of the Italian sub, except the bread.
Their menu is extensive. You can check it out on the above mentioned website. They have party platters. They also deliver lunch to your office from Monday through Saturday. For the Georgetown and Millsboro area, please call them between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For Lewes and Rehoboth call between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Please remember that delivery charges are applicable. Again, their number is 302-227-subs.
Now to my tasting in the privacy of my own home. I would not have dared to sit at Casapulla’s with 3 subs. I could have encountered a friend or someone else that might have thought I was going nuts.
Sub #1 – The Turkey Stuffer – Juicy store-cooked turkey breast with creamy mayo, savory stuffing and whole berry cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving year-round.
I thought it was delicious. Who would not like this one? The combination of the cranberry, the turkey and the stuffing was perfect. I must tell you that I loved the size of their sub roll. It was not overpowering at all. You were able to take a full bite of the sub and experience everything there without spilling all over the place.
I had to open it so that you could see it better inside.
Sub #2 – The Italian – I like an Italian sub all the time. It is one of my favorites. Again, it was a good true Italian sub with all the trimmings. Genoa salami, capicola, pepered ham and provolone.
Sub #3 – Chicken Cheesesteak – Warm, cheese melting, fried onions. What can I say? Thanks Tiffany. It was definitely good.
Paula, Mike, their kids, and their entire staff are friendly….the staff saw me taking pictures and graciously smiled…probably wondering what the heck is she doing.
I almost forgot to tell you. You do believe me that I did not eat all that food. I was frantically calling my neighbors to pass on to them the other halves. Nobody was home until later. I did find takers; Bill and Sharon.
Talk to you later….if you are driving out of town….have them prepare some subs to go…easy.
P.S. Some of the information for this post was taken from Wikipedia.
July 16th, 2011
It started when Lorenzo was visiting. Out in the back we were, eating crabs, and there he came in, bearing a beautiful Mini Smith Island Cake. Thank God it was a Mini; enough for everyone to have a slice. I could have eaten it all myself.
It had also been a few days since a friend mentioned Hamel’s in passing. At first I did not know what she was talking about. Let me refresh your memory; you will recognize it immediately.
Years ago, before Farmers’ Markets made a comeback into the lives of all of us, there was McQuay’s in Rehoboth Beach. It was one of the first places you saw as you came into downtown Rehoboth. Fresh tomatoes, corn, blueberries and general produce, beautifully displayed. I even think that you could have an account. It really was the place to go.
Fast forward, the building is still there, even the name has been left on the building; honoring what it used to be and trying to fill its old shoes. But, Hamel’s Gourmet Market is making this old market proud.
Hamel’s is located at 510 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-3386, It will be on your right hand side as you are coming into Rehoboth, past the bridge, across from the Chamber of Commerce, and just before the roundabout.
I decided to stop by and check it out. Immediately, I saw Chad. I have know him for a long time; him being one of my sons’ friends. He is the Executive Chef for Hammel’s Gourmet Market. He has been in the food business for years. Always loved to cook.
You can call Chad Travis for catering and anything you need from Hamel’s at the above mentioned telephone number, or you can e-mail him at ctravis_fl@yahoo.com.
Hamel’s is a full service gourmet market, with a wide selection of fresh baked specialties, including turkey, ham, and roast beef.
The pastries and breads are made locally, as well.
Prepared salads can be bought by the pound; lobster, shrimp, spicy tuna, tuna, egg, chicken, curry chicken with dried cherries, shrimp ceviche, cole slaw, among others.
They call them Something Special Sandwiches. These are the sandwiches that Hamel’s is well known for and at the top of the list is the Lobby. This is a lobster roll sandwich with plenty of lobster salad on a fresh baked Milano roll with lettuce. Hands down, it is the favorite. Others are a shrimp salad sandwich, Anthony’s Favorite which has Citterio Prosciutto on a Milano roll with homemade pesto basic dressing, mozzarella cheese, lettuce and tomato. Then, the South Philly is a roasted pork, provolone cheese, and roasted peppers on a fresh baked Milano roll.
If you do not want to cook or have some of those unexpected guests coming for dinner, please give them a call. Their steaks, seafood, ribs, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken are grill perfect.
A sample of their prepared foods would be lasagna, mac & cheese, sausage and peppers, meatball sausage and peppers and so much more. Stop by and get a take-out menu.
You have to meet Chad. He is passionate about his cooking and has lots of plans for Hamel’s.
Chad is planning to have, on selected Saturdays, a few demonstrations. Hamel’s is not large enough to hold classes but something like a knife skills demo will be doable. Music? Chad is planning that, as well.
Chopping or mincing? Learning the basics? Knife skills are one of the most important parts if you enjoy the culinary arts. There is more to it than just cutting.
I decided to buy some pesto, which by the way tasted delicious.
And, beer cheese which was like a triple threat with three cheeses; a nice kick to get you taste buds going and very spreadable.
Then on my salad I put the cherry balsamic vinaigrette, which Chad also made. My son made the salad of fresh tomatoes from Freemans, mozzarella from Giant and fresh basil from my garden. The drizzle of this vinaigrette was delicious; the sweetness complementing the rest of the flavors in those fresh vegetables.
I notice the potato chips; locally made, as well. They were called Cape Seasonings. Website? www.capeseasonings.com.
The Mini Smith Island Cakes are there to tempt you. Cupcakes, also made by them are available, as well.
And like that wasn’t enough, there is also gelato from Gelato Gal. I wrote a post on Gelato Gal on 8/11/10. If you want to see it just click on the month of August of 2010 and scroll down to the date.
Hamel’s looks so inviting. The produce is perfect. If you want you can linger with some coffee or a soft drink; sit outside because there are a few tables available.
At times the most fabulous dinner can take no time to prepare….check them out…talk to you later…
February 9th, 2011
About 6 or 7 years ago I went with Shelley and Scott to this New York Style Deli Market called Way Beyond Bagels. It is located at the Shoppes at Addison Place. The address is 16850 Jog Rd., Delray Beach, FL 33446. Tel. 561-638-1320. The website is www.waybeyondbagels.com. This area is called “county club mile” because if you drive on this road, all you will pass is one country club/gated community after another.
I always used to get their chopped liver and their waldorf chicken salad; my mouth was just watering thinking about it. Since we were out and about it was the perfect place to stop and get a bite to eat. I have not been there in quite some time.
You do need a car since you have to go west from downtown Delray Beach. I took Atlantic Avenue to Jog. Then turned left and went about 1 mile. You will see it on the left hand side of the road.
It is always crowded; very popular. They open Mondays to Fridays from 6:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
When you step in all you see is beautiful food every where. It really is a New York Style Deli Market. Everything looks so fresh.
They carry Brooklyn’s finest smoked fish like nova, belly, sturgeon, sable, chopped nova, whitefish, scotch salmon and baked salmon.
They have about 2 dozen different bagel flavors, and hand whipped specialty cream cheeses.
They have salads and ready to go salads, soups like split pea and chicken noodle. The day I went they also had chicken pot pie, stuffed cabbage and wraps all ready to go.
I almost forgot to tell you that they have a great assortment of baked goods. For example, the cookies looked great but I did not get any. I cannot tempt myself that way. They had mini linzer tarts, and ruggalah, muffins, homemade chocolate flourless torte, homemade chocolate peanut butter flourless torte, just to name a few.
We ordered one croissant sandwich with waldorf chicken salad. It was delicious.
Mine was a plain bagel with chopped liver and the works. It was just like I expected it to be; fantastic. I even bought chopped liver to go.
It is one of those places that you can come for breakfast, lunch or even stop and get something for a light dinner.
There is a self serve dining room and also outdoor seating. The outdoor seating is so popular that it really was hard to find an empty table, therefore, we ate inside.
Way Beyond Bagels caters, but please call them or go on their website above mentioned for more information. They offer free delivery on all orders above $125.00.
It’s good to talk to you….I’ll do that later again. See you,
January 12th, 2011
This is a salumeria, a pasticeria and the Lewes location will soon be a trattoria, as well.
When A Touch of Italy opened in Rehoboth Beach back in October of 2009 I knew exactly what kind of product they were going to be delivering. Lou’s mother was well known in the Bethany Beach area with an amazing bakery.
I wrote about A Touch of Italy in Rehoboth on 10/16/09 and you can see that by clicking on that month and scrolling down to the date.
So, Michael was hungry today on a cold winter’s day. As we were doing errands in Rehoboth he remembered A Touch of Italy from when, in December, I took him after they had just opened in Lewes. A Touch of Italy in Rehoboth; you could have found us there at around 3:00 p.m. We were lucky because I thought maybe because of the weather, well, it could have been closed.
The Rehoboth location of A Touch of Italy is 33A Baltimore Ave., the tel. is 302-227-1500 and the website for both locations is www.touchofitalyde.com.
Lou was there. Once again, Michael decided to have the same hero as the one he had in Lewes. That’s the only one he has tried. Lou fixed him a beautiful Rocky Marciano with hot sopresata, sharp provolone cheese imported from Italy, roasted peppers and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, in a semolina bread with sesame seeds.
Then I wanted some Spanish Manchego cheese. It is one of my favorites. Lou took a piece and then sliced a fig; what a treat that was!!
We also left with some cookies, which I am sure his mother made.
Michael could not wait to get home. Of course, he had to wait until I took a picture. Took several, actually. Here is another one.
Again, no talking; just thumbs up enjoying what he said was the most delicious hero. I took a bite and I kid you not when I say that I could have eaten the whole thing. The meats, the combinations of roasted peppers and cheese, could not have been better. Another time he will have to try something else.
The Rehoboth location will have new winter hours as of next week. They will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The Lewes location opens every day and the address is 101 Second St. Tel. 302-827-2730.
I wrote about the Lewes location on 12/3/10. If you would like to see that post, just click on that month and scroll down to the date.
Have a great one…talk to you later….
 
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