April 25th, 2013
Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is one square mile. It is a vacation destination for visitors and home for many. Downtown is full of restaurants and shops…all leading to an award-winning Boardwalk and to the Beach!! Surrounding this coastal town are the homes that still stand today after so many years. The stories they could probably tell…. These vintage homes give character to Rehoboth and when other towns have done away with them, Rehoboth Beach continues to keep these “cottages” reminding visitors and residents…that living at the beach is special.
One of those vintage homes is At Melissa’s. It was built in 1910. It is a bed and breakfast located at 36 Delaware Avenue; second block from the beach and second street south of Rehoboth Avenue. What sets this B & B apart from the rest, is that it is a full Gluten Free B & B!! Tels. 800-396-8090, 302-227-7504. Website? http://www.atmelissas.com.
My friend, Debbie, was the one that contacted me to go in search of At Melissa’s. I don’t know if you were here, in Rehoboth Beach, yesterday, but it was an awesome day!! Today, as well. Debbie and I found parking right in front of At Melissa’s. This is one of the wider streets in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. We were ready to meet Melissa Clink, Innkeeper of this Gluten Free B & B.
The first thing that caught my attention was how big the house was. Some of the “cottages” in Downtown Rehoboth Beach are a bit smaller. The porch was so nice and at sidewalk so you can talk to pedestrians….that’s how it used to be in small town America.
 
Melissa was working out in the backyard. That’s where Debbie and I found her…with a big friendly smile. We introduced ourselves. Melissa is going into her 19th year as innkeeper of At Melissa’s. She was telling us how she had heard that innkeepers only last about 5 years….the other bed and breakfasts on Delaware Avenue have been there almost as long as she has.
 Private Backyard At Melissa's Melissa is already receiving guests on week-ends, at this time of the year. That will soon change as the 2013 season goes into effect. During the week, she is taking time to fix things here and there.
Melissa has a gluten allergy. Her B & B is Gluten Free!! Guests have been coming here for years. Since adhering to a gluten free diet, here guests are also eating gluten free. I have a gluten free kitchen, so all I can tell you is that unless she told you about it, you probably would not even notice the difference. Bed and breakfasts serve breakfast in the a.m. Melissa has many delicious breakfast items for her guests. She will let them know if she is trying something new on them. Her guests with gluten allergies will have the peace of mind that there will be eating delicious gluten free foods with no cross contamination.
This is also Melissa’s home and it is very comfortable. You can sit outside on the backyard, the porch, or park yourselves on some of her comfortable chairs and sofas, while sipping coffee or tea in the a.m.
 
At Melissa’s, the kitchen overlooks the backyard…well stocked, fresh fruits, vegetables and gluten free flours, oats, crackers, etc. etc.
At Melissa’s has 6 bedrooms. Four of those bedrooms have king size beds. One bedroom on the first floor…all have their bathrooms.
 
One of the bedrooms’ bathrooms is across the hall but it belongs to that bedroom only. The bedrooms on the first and second floor have air conditioned window units. The following bedroom is on the first floor.
Going to the second floor….the bedrooms on this floor were getting spruced up…so just a few pictures here or there.
 
Going to the third floor. This floor is big and comfortable with plenty of room for a family. Central air conditioning, as well.
  
Melissa told us that her guests come from all over; Virginia, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York. At Melissa’s is so centrally located; second block to the beach, to the shops and restaurants. Park your car and forget about it.
And, then, when Melissa told Debbie and I that we should stop by when guests are in town and join them on the porch for a little wine….I think we might just have to do that. Thanks Melissa!!
March 13th, 2013
“A good friend is a connection to life, a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.” loise wyse
And that’s how my evening started, with good friends….our choice of restaurant? Perucci’s located at 33507 Atlantic Avenue, Millville, Delaware. Millville is located a couple of miles west of Bethany Beach. It is a breeze to get there at this time of the year. During the season, it might take you a bit longer. Rt. 26 can get busy. Tel. 302-829-8727. Make reservations; Perucci’s is not big; it is popular. Website? http://www.peruccis.com.
 
This is a very charming old building. It has been been the Millville Post Office in the past and it has also been a gas station, if I remember correctly.
I have been passing the restaurant for some time. I never thought my husband could eat there. Having to eat gluten free…Italian restaurants can be a little tricky. But at Perucci’s you can substitute gluten free pasta and dishes that are gluten free, are labeled as such. Jim, the owner confirmed it. So, if you have to eat gluten free, don’t be scared….they will be able to take care of you.
It was packed when we arrived, but by the time we finished, we had Perucci’s all to ourselves. It was the perfect time to take pictures.
Tracy was our server. She was right on target with her suggestions.
We started with a Pizza Margherita, Sunday sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. It was thin and crispy. Perfect!!
How could we not have calamari? Of course we ordered the Calamari Fritto, flash fried, pepperoncini, chipolte cocktail sauce, citrus aioli, and spicy chili aioli. Light, with sauces that made your taste buds do a little dance.
A few of the house salads were ordered…Insalata della Perucci which consisted of organic baby greens, tomatoes, Pecorino, and sherry vinaigrette.
I ordered the Eggplant Parmigiano over linguine…eggplant, mozzarella cheese and a choice of sauces: creamy pesto, Alfredo, Vodka or Sunday sauce. I chose the Sunday sauce and it really looked and tasted amazing with the eggplant perfectly cooked…..guess what? I was talking so much I forgot to take the picture. Take my word…it was very good.
One of my friends ordered just meatballs. She was perfectly happy with a salad and meatballs for dinner. She did not forget the Sunday sauce either.
Another friend’s dinner choice was the Scaloppini al Marsala. She chose the chicken, with a Marsala mushroom sauce. She ordered it over Gluten Free pasta.
Another of the same was ordered but regular pasta was chosen…..see the difference? One is curly….taste the difference? Could not taste a difference!!
We were perfectly satisfied but when Tracy mentioned desserts….well those sweet endings were hard to resist. We decided on the Tiramisu, which was all homemade…wonderful light and we shared it. Beautiful layers!!
 
Perucci’s is cozy inside. An intimate setting. Even though the tables are near to each other, we felt very comfortable talking and feeling right at home.
 The Board We thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Everyone was friendly and the service was prompt. Perucci’s has specials throughout the week. Check out the above mentioned website.
I will certainly go back….too many dishes to still try, including the gluten free ones.
Having dinner with a group of friends is and will always be priceless!
Have a good one!!
January 25th, 2013
 Is anybody home? The scene is so completely different from the summer months. Don’t get me wrong, there is still plenty to do in Rehoboth Beach. January and February are the quietest months. Locals love it at this time of the year. A well deserved rest for many.
I enjoy checking downtown Rehoboth Beach at the end of the day. It has been really pretty this past week. We have gone from balmy to frigid temperatures in a matter of days. Snowing as I write this post.
Took off to check how Rehoboth looked as snow started to pick up.
For a moment I wondered where everyone had gone. Looking north on the Boardwalk. And, then south. Hard to see the Boardwalk so empty, right?
There are 3 lakes in the Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach area. These fresh water lakes are the closest to the ocean anywhere in the country. Lake Comegys is in Dewey Beach.
Lake Gerar looked like this today; it is only about a block and a half from the ocean. It was so quiet.
I love stopping at Silver Lake. You never know how many birds you are going to find. The scenery changes from day to day, depending at what time of the day you visit.
On the northside of the Boardwalk the seagulls were staying put, and the snow was sticking.
The beach always looks beautiful from any angle. These photos were taken from the Boardwalk where Rehoboth Avenue meets the Atlantic Ocean.
For the ones that come to Rehoboth Beach only in the summer…it’s about time you visit during the Second Season!! A little R & R is good for everyone!! Talk to you later.
January 11th, 2013
Mastering the art of cooking….or learning a thing or two, this will be your opportunity. Our Delaware Beaches Chefs are offering plenty of classes and demonstrations. Besides having great beaches and plenty of entertainment, Southern Delaware has become a dining destination. We are so lucky, because we have the ocean, the bays and the farms.
Nage Restaurant located at 19730 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), Rehoboth Beach is offering cooking classes. Website? http://www.nagerestaurant.com.
Saturday, 1/12 – Healthy Cooking Class – Nage is helping us keep those New Year’s resolutions by teaching the basics of Healthy Cooking. The class will be immediately followed by a special lunch with the instructor. The lunch is included in the price of the class. Contact Mark Dean at 302-226-2037. The class will begin at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. You can register and pay for the class by visiting the above mentioned website.
Saturday, 2/16 – Chocolate Cooking Class – They say that cooking with chocolate is a little tricky. Nage chefs will teach the few simple rules needed to learn to easily create chocolate desserts that will “WOW” your family and friends. The class will begin at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Contact Mark Dean at 302-226-2037. Please visit the website above mentioned, if you are interested and would like to register.
Big Fish Grill Restaurant located at 4117 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach will have classes on January 12th and 26th, February 9th and 23rd, March 9th and 23rd, April 6th and 20th, and May 4th. Please visit http://www.bigfishrill.com/classes-a-events.html.
Classes at Big Fish Grill are very popular and fill up quickly. They cost $75 and participants will have to register in advance. Classes are from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Menu items will change for each class. Special requests are accepted. And, Group/theme/private classes are available. Please call 302-227-9007. Doors will open at 9:45 a.m. Please go hungry because there will be plenty to eat!! If you would like to participate in the class don’t be shy. I did!!
Abracadinner Cooking Classes with Chef Kris. Chef Kris has plenty of classes. The cost per class is $55. The classes are held in Kris’ kitchen. Each hands-on class will last 90 minutes to 2 hours. Driving directions and anything you need to bring along will be sent to you by email ahead of the class.
Please note that you are registered when you pay for the class. If 4 classes are purchased at the same time, a complimentary fifth class will be given. Please visit http://www.abracadinner.com/classes.html for more information and full descriptions of the classes on the schedule.
Saturday, 1/12 at 10 a.m. (9o minute class – dinner to go!) – Cook it Slow – This new slow cooker class will be a make and take class with slow cooker tips and lots of new recipes to try. Bring your slow cooker along, and take home dinner to plug in!
Saturday, 1/19 at 10 a.m. – Plant Strong for Life, Part I – Please note that Plant Strong classes are dual parts, and are enrolled together. This is an introduction to and rationale for the emphasis on plant strong eating. We’ll learn inexpensive ways to include more plants in your meals simply, and inexpensively. Join us to change your focus and make your health and energy levels a priority. Part Two will include follow up of your changes and cooking some wonderful recipes, to boot! The second Plant Strong for Life class will be on Saturday, 2/9.
While you are visiting http://www.abracadinner.com, please take a peek at its sister site, Dinner N Massage at http://www.dinnernmassage.com.
Chicks for Charity, Lewes, Delaware is a group dedicated to assisting those less fortunate. Many of the charitable organizations they have helped are essential community resource agencies that aid kids, families, the elderly, abandoned animals, and those that are underserved and in need. Funds raised stay in Sussex County. Website? http://www.chicksforcharity.us.
Tuesday, 1/15 – At Fish On! located at the Village of Five Points in Lewes, Delaware. It will benefit “MERR” . The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc., is a non profit stranding response and rehabilitation organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles. It is authorized by National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Delaware to be the official stranding respondents for the Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles of Delaware. If you would like to learn more about “MERR”, please visit
Two delicious entrees to choose from along with appetizer and dessert. $25 per person, includes gratuity. Cash or checks only please, payable to Fish On. Cash Bar available. There will be a 50/50 and raffle items as well. Please don’t call the restaurant, just send an rsvp to gals4thegood@aol.com. Guys: You are also invited!!
Note: They welcome your donations…raffle items are always needed for the dinner events!!
Wednesday, 1/16 – FREE Cooking Demonstration at NorthEast Seafood Kitchen, located at 29F Atlantic Ave., Ocean View. The evening’s demo will venture up the coast to “Little Rhody”, which is the 37 mile wide State of Rhode Island. They will be discussing the history and origins of some of the State’s traditional dishes, including Jonny Cake and Cob Pie, along with native favorites like chicken and oyster casserole and fried tomatoes.
Cocktails begin at 4:45 p.m. with small appetizers available, followed by the demo held from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. To reserve seats, please call NorthEast at 302-537-1785 or email colby@sodelconcepts.com. Website? http://www.northeastseafoodkitchen.com.
Tuesday, 1/22 – Lupo di Mare, located at 247 C Rehoboth Avenue, is hosting Conti Di San Bonifacio Wine Dinner, http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com. Enjoy a multi-course meal designed around the award-winning wines of Condi Di San Bonifacio, a 100% organic winery located in the Tuscan region of Italy. These wines, exclusive to SoDel Concepts Restaurants, have earned countless awards and recognition, including excellent scores granted from authorities such as Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar and Decanter Magazine. To learn more about these wines, please visit http://www.disanbonifacio.com.
Doors will be opening at 6:30 p.m., dinner service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Only complete parties will be seated. $65 per person, gratuity not included. Please rsvp Mike Dickinson at 302-226-2240 or email mike@sodelconcepts.com.
Abbott’s Grill is located at 249 NE Front St., Milford, Delaware. Website? http://www.abbottsgrill.com. – Abbotts Grill is kicking off 2013 with another event in their popular Spotlight Jazz Dinner Series, bringing back international recording artist Gaynell Rose and her talented band of musicians for two nights in January: Saturday, January 26th and Sunday, January 27th.
Attendees will enjoy a 4-course dinner prepared by the chefs at Abbott’s Grill while enjoying an electrifying performance of rhythm and blues and jazz classics. “Combining the tortured passions of Billie Holiday, the raw emotion of Joe Cocker and the diva strut of Tina Turner”, Gaynell has wowed audiences opening for Patti Labelle and has played festivals from New York and Washington, D.C. to Guadalajara, Mexico.
Each night will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature 2 sets of music and a 4-course dinner. Tickets are $65 per person and can be reserved by calling Abbott’s Grill at 302-491-6736 or by visiting the above mentioned website.
Tuesday, 1/29 – 5-Course Beer Dinner at Matt’s Fish Camp, located at 28635 Coastal Highway, North Bethany Beach, featuring Evolution Brewery, which is located in Salisbury, Maryland. A representative from Evolution will be on-site for this event to provide insight into the complexities of the beers and to discuss the creation of the product.
The dinner will feature a five-course, small plate menu by Chef Casey Cunningham: Spicy Shrimp Slider, toasted brioche bun and olive skewer, Fish Camp Oyster Fritters, brown butter bacon aioli and baby pickles, Organic Greens Salad, bleu cheese sweet onion crisps and cracked pepper vinaigrette, Crisp Pork Belly, fried quail egg, Fish Camp hash brown and stout ranchero sauce, and Black Bottom Cheese Cake, melted espresso chocolate. All paired with Evolution beers. Tickets are $5 per person and very limited. Please call John Scruggs at Matt’s Fish Camp 302-539-CAMP.
Talk to you later!!
August 29th, 2012
Today, was one of those awesome days in Rehoboth Beach. After the crazy weather we have been having, we deserve these gorgeous days as the “official” summer season comes to an end. No humidity, 81 degrees….really pretty at the beach.
As I was walking in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, I saw a familiar face; one of those shopkeepers that make Rehoboth Beach a shopping destination. The Downtown shops are personal and easygoing. Meet Patty Watson. Stop by and say hello.
Basic Concepts has been in Rehoboth Beach for about 36 years. Congratulations to Patty; the shopkeeper. It is located at the Village-by-The-Sea Shops at 149 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-227-8688.
Our casual lifestyle at the beach is what a lot of visitors seek. At this time of the year the merchandise has changed. The fall season is upon us and you will find sweaters, scarves, pants, cover-us and accessories, as well.
A customer was trying a few things on…of course, we had to give her advice…looks great…well, the black is dressier, I love the other one…and on and on. Her husband was the perfect husband. He was encouraging to get a couple of more things. Here she is modeling one of her purchases.
I know that it is still August, but there is a feel for September in the air. Here are some of the other great finds you will find at Basic Concepts.
     
The fall is one of the best times, here at the beach. Rehoboth Beach has plenty to keep you busy. Talk to you later…
July 2nd, 2012
Rehoboth Beach looked gorgeous tonight. A magnificent moon shining over Silver Lake.
The signs are already in place, making sure everyone knows where to go on one of the busiest days in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Over 80,000 people will be arriving in our Nation’s Summer Capital to watch amazing fireworks along the award winning Rehoboth Boardwalk and up and down the beach.
If I were you, I would come mid afternoon and plan on staying for the duration. But, if that’s not what you are planning on doing, then follow this easy instructions and just be patient and enjoy your stay.
Fireworks start a little past 9:00 p.m. If by any chance there is a threat of bad weather, they can be started as early at 8:00 p.m. Rain date is the 5th. For weather updates, please call 302-227-2772.
Best Way to Get In and Out of Downtown Rehoboth Beach:
Shuttle Service from Rt. 1 at the field between County Bank & Jungle Jims. The Kiwanis shuttle buses will start at 5:00 p.m. so they can bring people into Rehoboth by 8:45 p.m. After the Fireworks they will again start to bring people back past 11:00 p.m., or until everyone is out of town. Parking is $10.
DART buses leave from the Park & Ride on Highway 1 and Shuttle Rd. from 7:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in and out of Downtown Rehoboth Beach.
The Jolly Trolley Shuttle will operate from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. Its regular route will be altered between 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. while Rehoboth Avenue is closed for the Fireworks. The Jolly Trolley will have a stop on Christian St., uptown, behind Jack Lingo Realty.
Wait a minute…don’t leave yet, The Funsters will be playing at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand right after the Fireworks. This is a classic rock band and a lot of fun. It will get the party going. Stay longer and let the others fight their way out. You can check The Funsters out at www.thefunsters.net.
As you can imagine, it takes time and money to put such an event in our coastal town. The Fireworks are funded entirely by generous businesses, retailers and visitors. If you would like to send a donation, please call 302-227-2772, or you can make your check and mail it to Main St. Fireworks Fund, P.O. Box 50, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Please note that Main Street is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations are 100% tax deductible.
Have a Good One!!
June 14th, 2012
Miles of beaches, up and down the Delaware Coast. The surfmen were the keepers of our shores. They patrolled the desolate and dangerous beaches looking for shipwrecks and warning other vessels of the imminent dangers along our coastline. The years? 1876 – 1915.
If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches, a stop to the Indian River Life-Saving Station, should be put on the list of things to do. It is located south of Dewey Beach and about a mile north of the Indian River Inlet, by the bridge. On August 29, 2010, I wrote a post on this museum with pictures. You can check it out on the archives of this website. You can also check www.destateparks.com.
The Life-Saving Station was built in 1876. It is the only station in Delaware that is still standing in its original location.
The U.S. Flag flew over the Station. This particular flag, has 38 stars and was the official Flag of the U.S. from 1877 until 1890.
It is believed that Flag Day originated in 1885. More info? Please visit http://www.usflag.org/flag.day.html.
Have a great day!!
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