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!!
April 2nd, 2013
Do you remember the milk man? I do. The milk delivered in glass containers, the cream the top.
A trip through memory lane. This is what the Rehoboth Museum and Rehoboth Historical Society will be showcasing in their upcoming exhibit to open on Memorial Day, called “Beach Eats”.
Rehoboth Beach is famous for its fine dining establishments. However, many who visit are drawn by perennial favorites such as French fries, pizza, cotton candy and caramel corn.
 Nicola's Nothing better than Thrasher’s with plenty of apple cider vinegar…and salt.
This new exhibit also needs the public’s help. The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society is asking you to search around the house or the attic for keepsakes of your favorite eateries from childhood to adulthood.
 Robin Hood Restaurant The exhibit will share the tradition and history of the splendid yet long gone wooden hotels of the 1900s and bring to light the evolution of restaurants serving residents and visitors alike.
If you have an old sign, napkin, menu or a matchbook to share please contact the museum. The Museum would like establishments old and new, as well as individuals to search around and see if they can find memorabilia that will enhance, the Exhibit, “Beach Eats”. The objects can be designated as a donation or on loan for the duration of the Exhibit.
Gus & Gus, located on Wilmington Avenue and the Boardwalk is one of those “iconic” establishments.
Gus Svolis on the left, Bill Svolis on the right. They are holding the sign from their restaurant donated to the Rehoboth Museum for the upcoming exhibit.
If visiting Rehoboth Beach for the first time the Rehoboth Beach Museum is a must stop. It is also the home of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society. The Society’s mission is to preserve and showcase artifacts that illustrate the development of Rehoboth Beach.
The Museum is in the former icehouse where ice was cut from local lakes and stored in a wooden structure insulated with sawdust during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue, right by the roundabout. For more information, please call 302-227-7310, or visit their website at http://www.rehobothmuseum.org. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Have a great day!!
March 29th, 2013
Large pizza, well done, mushrooms, and sweet peppers. That’s how I welcomed my oldest son upon his arrival at The Nation’s Summer Capital. We have pizza choices in Rehoboth Beach; Nicola’s is my family’s favorite.
There was no parking in Downtown Rehoboth Beach when I went to do a few errands. The establishments are open. Good to see the town so crowded. Summer is around the corner. You can smell it…or, was it the French fries from Thrasher’s that caught my attention? They looked so good. Vinegar…a must!! Thanks to those that let me take the pictures.
 
Rehoboth Beach is known for its dining, but that Boardwalk grub is really the best. So much so, that the Rehoboth Museum is opening an exhibit of Local Eateries and Eats in May….stay tuned.
A little chilly but the Boardwalk was the place to be. Great to have seen everyone relaxing and kicking back.
There are plenty of shops and boutiques in Rehoboth Beach, but you know the season is upon us when the kite shops open.
The beach was still today and a bit chilly.
Ace was the largest dog on the beach today. He was so cute.
That was it….a photo post!! Talk to you later.
March 26th, 2013
 
The 45th Annual Great Delaware Kite Festival is dedicated in memory of former Lt. Governor, Gene Bookhammer, who founded the event 45 years ago when he was asked by Governor Peterson to participate in a kite flying contest with a Maharajah from Bharatpur, India. Mr. Bookhammer passed away on February 23rd at the age of 94. Over the years, he continued to attend the festival as a spectator and for the past 24 years has sponsored the Best All Around award plaque named in his honor. At the conclusion of this year’s festival, Mr. Bookhammer’s family will be in attendance to present the Bookhammer award.
The festival is co-sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. It will take place at Cape Henlopen State Park on Good Friday, March 29th.
There is no entry fee for competitors. The competitions are in 3 age categories: Children-Up to age 12; Teens-13-17, and Adults-18 & older.
Within each category, kite flyers are judged by the type of kite they are flying: homemade or store-bought.
The Special Class awards include the Open Individual Ballet (free flight performance accompanied by music which the entrant provides), Individual Precision (compulsory figures including “The Square”, “The Mount”, and “Ladder Down” judged on technical execution), Most Senior Flyer, Youngest Flyer, Flyer Furthest From Home, Smallest Kite and Largest Kite.
The Highest Kite Award category is open to all ages and takes place approximately at 12:15 p.m. There is no charge to watch. Entrance fees apply for cars to enter Cape Henlopen State Park which will be collected at the entrance to the park. $4 per car for Delaware license tags and $8 per car for out-of-state tags. The Jolly Trolley will transport spectators to the competition field from the state park’s beach parking lot and handicap parking is available at the Seaside Nature Center parking lot.
Want to participate but do not have or have not made a kite? Kids’ Ketch and Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company will be on-site selling a wide variety of kites with amply space adjacent to the competition field to practice in advance of the competitions which begin at 10:00 a.m.
There will be food vendors, a face painter and community organizations set up surrounding the field.
There is no advance registration. Entrants can register on the field beginning at 9 a.m. and throughout the morning on Friday, March 29th.
The Children’s and Teen’s competitions take place from 10 a.m. to Noon, followed by the awards ceremony for the morning competitions.
Miss Cape Henlopen, Rebecca Lust, will present the morning awards.
The Highest Kite Competition begins immediately after the morning awards ceremony at approximately 12:15 p.m. The Adult Competitions, Open Individual Ballet and Individual Precision Competition follow in the afternoon. The awards ceremony for the afternoon competitions conclude the day’s activities.
Note: Times may vary according to weather conditions and the number of competitors.
Have a great time!!
 At Cape Henlopen State Park
March 23rd, 2013
I am now armed with my new booklet called “33 Pieces of Cheese”. Yes, I am now ready for some slices, wedges and crumbles too!! If I am going to go cheese hounding in Rehoboth Beach with Jody, I will need this useful information.
 
You know how it is; you taste some cheese….you remember how good it was, etc. etc….then, that’s as far as it goes. Now, I have my tool which will remind me, provided I write it down, which cheeses I like the best.
Downtown Rehoboth Beach is the perfect town to go out and about. At this time of the year, when all the shops and restaurants are gearing up for a new season, it is the most fun. Perfect for checking out what this Nation’s Summer Capital is all about…..the beach, the town, shops, restaurants, music venues, and its history.
I used to visit this building for several years, every day….It was the Epworth Church. That’s where my youngest son went to pre-school. Eventually, this building became the home of several artists, Clear Space Theatre, and just recently, last fall, the home of a gourmet cheese shop called Morgan & Gower…cheesemongers. It is located at 20 Baltimore Avenue. Tel. 302-727-5566. Like them on Facebook!
It is a small shop; great for easy conversation and information from our cheesemongers. You want your cheesemonger to be approachable. On that day Zack and Ken were there. These two embodied what cheesemongers should be; passionate about their cheeses, making tastings available, explaining the origins and body of the cheese, and even suggesting parings with other foods and wines.
We were not the only customers at the shop, but they took their time to make sure we made the right selections based on what we liked. Buying good cheese is an experience and an indulgence. Cheeses can be expensive. Think of it, 1 lb. of cheese takes about 10 lbs. of milk.
I fell in love with the following 2 cheeses: The paper used to wrap the cheeses had a wax lining, which protects the cheese.
Midnight Moon from California. It is rare, and a popular goat’s milk gouda. Firm, dense and smooth. Caramel notes accompanied by nutty, and brown butter flavors.
The other one was called Brewster, a Gouda from Holland. These two cheeses were completely different and totally amazing. The Midnight Moon was softer and the Brewster was a much harder cheese.
I spotted a French mustard that I used to buy years ago; Moutard de Meaux. Morgan & Gower are the only ones carrying it in Rehoboth Beach. I had forgotten how good it was. I also had forgotten how hard it was to open. Zack reminded me, before I bought it. You just have to get the hang of it.
The shop has other fine foods that can only be found in shops like this one. The olives looked amazing.
Since we live at the beach, guests seem to materialized out of nowhere….Morgan & Gower could be lifesaving!
 
Looking forward to my next cheese indulgence:
Pepato from New Jersey is a pecorino style cheese with added whole black peppercorns!!
And, Idiazabal from the Basque/Navarra region. This is a Hawthorne smoked cheese made from the raw milk of Laxta and carranza sheep. It is also called “queso de tapeo”. You will find this cheese served at Spain’s famous tapas bars.
So, what do you think? These cheeses go a long way. A little bite here or there with a glass of wine…and good company, of course!
Have a good one!! Talk to you later.
March 19th, 2013
Yikes! I am not sure what she will say when she sees the heading of this post….well, I am sure I’ll hear about it. I was going to take advantage of this milestone in her life to celebrate; at the same review Nantucket’s. I had not been there in some time. And, we did close the restaurant…perfect for photo moments.
Nantucket’s is a restaurant that has a big following and has been located on Rt. 1 (Coastal Highway), Fenwick Island, Delaware for a long time. So close to Ocean City, Maryland too. It is classic American cuisine, offering something for everyone; seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, and a full bar. It’s a good place for a celebration! Tel. 302-539-2607. Website? http://www.nantucketsrestaurant.com You can find them on Facebook, as well. At present, they open Wednesday through Sunday. That will change once the season gets under way.
There are several choices for dining:
At the Tap Room (bar) you will find comfortable high tables. There are also a few regular tables, as well. You may also eat at the bar.
This party of 2 dining room was very nice.
A main dining room, which is where we ate.
And, another cozy, smaller, and more intimate dining room.
Our celebrating party arrived on The Black Pearl. This is a designated driver service; limo. You can hire it by the hour in Ocean City, Delaware Beaches, Sussex and Kent counties. Tel. 302-569-2273.
We met at the Tap Room and then proceeded to our table. At first, our group was a little subdued. Give them time…
There were some specials….I had to be fast with the camera. My dining companions were going to dive into their dishes fast.
For an appetizer, I had the Crab & Artichoke Melt. Five cheeses, sour cream, and tasty spices, golden and bubbly. It was delicious and once it was on the table, others asked for a second order.
The bay scallops on puff pastry also were very well received.
The Soup? Well, this is Nantucket’s Signature Soup; the Quahog & Scallop Chowdah. It is so good that they can ship it anywhere in the U.S.
I was torn between the N.Y. Strip Steak and the lamb. I went with the lamb and so did others. It was delicious; juicy, medium rare…great!
Someone did order the Black Angus N.Y. Strip. 16 ounce cut from the center of the loin. No well done allowed!! It did look beautiful.
The veal scallopini was also ordered. Tasty and delicious.
Encrusted Fillet Mignon was grilled to the customer’s liking and encrusted with Nantucket’s bleu cheese herb mix. Served over a black raspberry cabernet demi-glace.
Mike ordered the Jumbo Crab Cakes – Maryland lump crabmeat with their blend of seasonings and their garlic caper remoulade. The perfect coastal dish.
When Michael ordered the Lobster Shepherds Pie, I was not sure what to expect. Well, he got two 5 ounce Canadian tails, sauteed with wild mushrooms, fresh spinach and a splash of Chardonnay.
I loved the way Susan’s dish looked. It was Pan Roasted Breast of Duckling. Pan seared and finished with wild dried cherries in a port wine sauce.
More drinks, coffee, and then time to eat the cheesecake!!
By this time, we were getting a little louder and there was nobody else around us. Hanky Panky lingerie….
And even more laughs…the cousin obliged.
Susan….did too!!!
And, her Mother decided to act her age!!
And, just as we came in…..we left again in The Black Pearl!!
Note: Thanks to Nantucket’s for taking good care of us as Shelley crossed over to the next decade!!
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!!
March 11th, 2013
It is not a fad diet, it could be a choice, though. For so many having to follow a gluten free diet is necessary to live. For those that suffer from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, it is the only way to go. No magic pill there. For others with medical conditions like Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADD, and ADHD, the change in diet is a big help. Others, with food intolerances benefit, as well.
On a personal level, my husband was diagnosed with celiac disease over 3 years ago. Since then, my kitchen has been gluten free. It is so interesting, I have learned so much. I have also been praising the restaurants that offer their patrons with food allergies, like the ones with celiac, a safe place to eat. These restaurants at the Delaware Beaches, and Ocean City, Maryland are making it so much easier….their menus, their staff, etc. etc. The chefs, those that at times can get a little testy…how could you change my flour to a rice flour? They have been great.
“Living Gluten Free in Delaware” is a sharing group that has been meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month at The Birch Tree Cafe inside The Good Earth Market, 31826 Good Earth Lane, Clarksville, Delaware. It is just 4 miles west of Bethany Beach. The meeting takes place from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. The discussions are about lifestyle, cooking and dining habits. They will be offering cooking and baking advice, new product info., and even some door prices!! More info? Call 302-539-2468. The Birch Tree Cafe is a 100% Gluten Free-Restaurant, Espresso Bar, and, Bake Shoppe. You can find them on Facebook. Website? http://www.birchtreecafe.com.
I stopped the other day with my son, Michael; we were hungry and besides that I wanted to get one of Cathy’s homemade gluten free pie shells. They are so good and I had already tried them in the past.
You can order at the counter, or sit down. There is also a take-out menu, as well.
We started with a cappuccino. Then, Cathy sprinkled them with a bit of Coconut sugar and cinnamon.
Michael ordered the Veggie Sandwich with Boar’s Head Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Zucchini, Squash, Apple, Red Onion, and Carrot Ribbons. Served in their in-house baked gluten free bread with a small side of their homemade applesauce.
I went with the Chickpea Deli Salad Sandwich, organic chickpeas with celery, grapes, and sliced almonds, served on their in-house gluten free bread, with lettuce and tomato. I love chickpeas so I knew I was, definitely going to like this one. The chickpeas were pulsed, so as not to be completely grounded. The combination with the grapes and almonds was very good. It also came with their homemade applesauce.
The Birch Tree Cafe opened last year. They have been very well received. Save the dates for other events to be held at the Cafe:
March 23rd – Kari Ainsworth returns!! Call 302-539-2468 for topic information. Saturday at 3 p.m.
April 6th – “Gluten–What Is It Anyway” Part 3 of 3. Join Cathy Berzins, owner of The Birch Tree Cafe and Gluten Free Chef for this informative discussion, clarifying what all the hoop-la over a gluten free diet is all about. Topics to be discussed will be gluten free flour blends, recipe conversions, making your favorite gluten free (bring your recipe). Saturday at 3 p.m.
Have a great day!!
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