There is Good BBQ at the Delaware Beach!
Posted on November 16, 2008
Recently, on this blog, I lamented my incapacity to apprehend an acceptably tasty Chesapeake Bay Crabcake, even while vacationing on Delaware’s Eastern Shore. Howbeit, I marvelously was able to acquire a very tasty BBQ meal at that same ocean resort area. I know, I hear Mr. Spock’s voice, “That’s illogical, Jim.”
As fantastic as it seems, on Tuesday night I was pleased to discover Bethany Blues BBQ, just a couple minutes walk from the Bethany Beach boardwalk, on Pennsylvania Avenue.
I arrived a bit late (for off-season at the beach), probably about 9:15 PM. I hope that accounts for the source of my only complaint; my server was definitely not interested. I waited several minutes for her to show to take my drink order, then she was failry quick getting back and taking my food order, which was soon after delivered by another employee while my server (that’s right I did not get her name) chatted with a bartender. She did swing by a couple minutes later to ask if everything was alright, then I never saw her until it was “box & check” time.
(It’s days like this I regret that I am not good at sending a message with a small tip. I couldn’t bring myself to go under 15%.)
So, how about the good news. Fantastic Pulled Pork BBQ. It was smoky, melt-in-the-mouth goodness like you would not expect at the beach. I thought I was in the Smoky Mountains, brother! And a link of grilled, smoked sausage was a quite tasty addition. For sides I had braised greens- fresh tasting chopped collards perfectly dressed with tangy vinegar, and garlic mashed potatoes- just a hint of garlic, they seemed like a yukon gold potato a nice smooth texture. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the excellent corn bread, slightly sweet, slightly moist, very nice.
The portions were generous. I ended up taking hope about half of the pork and some greens, along with the last of three squares of the cornbread.
So, my advice is, if you happen to get to Bethany Beach, DE, make sure to go for some BBQ, and maybe skip the crabcakes. Just don’t try to make sense of it.
Peace & blessings,
Dadooz
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Crabcakes
Posted on November 13, 2008
What is it with me and crabcakes?
You know, I should probably be ashamed, as a Baltimore native, that I really have never been into the whole crab eating thing. I don’t like to pick the renowned steamed Blue Crab, though the meat is tasty, I’ve never been interested in trying a soft-shell crab sandwich, which my Mom enjoys. I do occasionally go for the famous Maryland Crab Soup, or a bit of Cream Of Crab. Years ago I would order a Crab Imperial from time-to-time. But I really don’t go out of my way for crab, for any seafood really.
However… Once or twice a year I get to hankerin’ for a good old Maryland Crabcake. I’ll be thinking about it for weeks. Wondering where to get that one that I’ll remember for a long time. I had a crabcake once that was wonderful- probably broiled, ’cause it had some nice, golden brown goodness. Chunky crab pieces, a light but tasty dressing with a minimal binder. It was delicious and will always be the standard by which I judge the rest. I just wish I knew where I had it…
Well, Monday night was the night. I was enjoying a restful retreat time at Bethany Beach in Delaware, and it was time to find that crabcake. I had been thinking about it for weeks. I was at the beach, where seafood is king! It was time.
But, it is off-season at the beach. Many of the seafood restaurant options were closed for the season, or open only on the weekend. I was leaving on Wednesday. So, I had to sift through and find those that were open Monday night. One of the most popular spots on the southern Delaware coast is The Cottage Cafe, right on Bethany’s main drag. Close, convenient, reputable and open. This should be the one!
I arrived at about 8:15 PM, and there were several groups waiting for seating. Since I was alone, the hostess offered to seat me in the bar- I don’t frequent bars, but, for a solo dinner I thought it would be fine. And, it was- a small table with a stool, six sports-tuned TVs and a fairly quiet patronage made for a fine atmosphere.
The meal started off badly when the waitress brought my drink, a lovely Sierra Mist soft drink. It tasted like soda water, no flavoring. But, I was there for a great crabcake, so never mind the bitter beverage. I ordered the single crabcake, with sides of coleslaw and mashed potatoes. Right away the server brought out some tasty mini muffins, which turned out to be the highlight of the dinner.
The slaw was fine. The potatoes were okay. The crabcake was not what I had hoped for. It was pretty meaty. The lumps of crab were firm. I already said I’m not big on seafood and the flavor was more sea than food. The dressing in the crabcake added nothing, it was weak, thin. And while there was nearly no binder, the cake was not as brown and tasty as that memorable one from I don’t remember where, or when.
So, here I am again. I have experienced a crabcake that leaves me uninterested in crabcakes. At least, until I get the urge again, probably next summer, excited by that old, fond crabcake memory, and I again crave for one that satisfies my crabcake desire perfectly.
I expect I’ll be disappointed again, next year.
Peace & Blessings.
Dadooz
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SCC’s New Verse and Family Interviews
Posted on August 6, 2008
Steven Curtis Chapman has written an additional verse for his song Yours, following the tragic death of his adopted daughter Maria. Steven and his family have been recently interviewed about the process of overcoming the grief and moving forward following a period when Steven had considered retiring from public life. Here is a video clip of a Good Morning America segment in which they were featured. I have been particularly concerned for the son who was driving when the accident occurred, and I am happy that he seems to be holding up in the love of Christ and his family.
I found it interesting at the end that GMA’s Diane Sawyer stated that “no one has a right to a life without struggle in it…”, I think that is part of the process of overcoming tragedy: the recognition that we deserve nothing better, that every day we live without tragedy is a gift of God’s grace; and that He will give us grace sufficient to persevere when we do face trials, small or great.
Here is the new verse to Yours:
I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here
in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you.
I am blessed that this family is emerging from this tragedy stronger in Christ, and they have chosen to shine His light for and to us as they press on.
Peace.
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Subway Sandwich Emergency
Posted on August 6, 2008
You have to hear this 911 call: link
I know I’m too meek when I get a bad sandwich, cause I just go with it (not if the meat’s bad, I mean, but if the order’s not right), but to think you could call 911 because they didn’t put everything on? Give it back and let them put everything on!
Peace.
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Free Online Download - Phil Wickham Live
Posted on August 4, 2008
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Tai Anderson on Third Day’s Leno Appearance
Posted on August 4, 2008
Third Day bassist Tai Anderson posted this blog entry addressing the atmosphere of the Tonight Show on the evening when the band performed Call My Name.
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It’s the Third of August
Posted on August 3, 2008
So here’s my Third Day on the 3rd day post… (details)
I really enjoyed watching the band (Third Day) rock and shine on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I tried to find a video link for you all, but, no such luck.
The guests who were on before the band were pathetic, though. The last was an actress who had to say something disgusting in her latest movie and Jay coaxed her to say it on the show (which they, bleeped, thankfully), and she really didn’t take much coaxing.
But then Third Day played Call My Name perfectly and all was well with the world…
I am anxiously awaiting my copy of Revelation. If you know where it is, please tell me. 
Peace.
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Phredd’s Mom Is A Pirate
Posted on July 25, 2008