Restaurant

Paint the Town Vermilion

Posted on May 24, 2013 by rachelocal

For many in the United States, a long weekend extends before us–the unofficial beginning of summer which signals warm weather barbecues and refreshing cocktails.

A few weeks ago, I spent a similar long weekend in Alexandria, VA, a charming off-shoot of our nation’s capital. While there, Mr. Rache and I painted the town. . .vermilion. . .at a restaurant of the same name.

Vermilion

Vermilion promotes food values much like mine: simple and locally sourced, even designating a page to local purveyors on their website. Farms in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania make the list.

Roasted carrots with sesame encrusted goat cheese = the best thing I have eaten in a long time

Goat cheese always deserves a close-up

On the menu are seasonal items such as Spring Pea Angolotti and Pennsylvania Lamb with spring carrots.

Spring Pea Agnolotti - peas with toasted hazelnuts and bacon lardons - deceptively light

Spring Pea Agnolotti – peas with toasted hazelnuts and bacon lardons. They managed to make a dish heavy with bacon lardons taste light and fresh.

Pork with quinoa, baby carrots, roasted artichokes and garlic jus

Vermilion doesn’t only apply the seasonal approach to the food menu. Right now, May flowers are in the spotlight on the cocktail menu. I’m sure “Lovely Lavender” is as sweet as its name, but when I sidled up to the bar, I ordered a frothy gin concoction with blueberry flavors.

Purple, frothy, tart, and slightly sweet

The next day at an impromptu happy hour, I chose a house favorite – the King Street Lemonade. This drink reminded me of a lemon mojito without the rum (and plenty of vodka). On an unusually hot and humid Spring day in Virginia, “refreshing” isn’t an adequate descriptor.

I couldn't write a post about Vermilion without mentioning this dessert. That cherry-infused marshmallow alone is worth the trip to Alexandria.

I couldn’t write a post about Vermilion without mentioning this dessert. That cherry-infused marshmallow alone is worth a trip to Alexandria.

I loved it so much I recreated it at home. Whether you’re having a celebratory barbecue with friends or a lazy weekend at home, your Memorial Day should include one (or three) of these.

Vermilion-Inspired Lemonade

1/2 cup mint leaves, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
3 cups seltzer water
2 cups vodka
2 cups fresh lemon juice

Make the sugar syrup: Heat the 1/2 cup of sugar and water over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to medium and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before using.

In a pitcher, muddle ½ cup mint leaves with the sugar syrup. Stir in the seltzer water, vodka, and lemon juice. (If you like a sweeter drink, add a 1/4 cup of superfine sugar at this point.) Chill.

Pour into ice-filled tall glasses–rimmed with raw sugar, if you wish. (Makes about 10 servings.)

Just as refreshing as the original

Vermilion Restaurant

1120 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 684-9669

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Categories: Recipes, Restaurant, Summer Recipes | Tags: Alexandria, cocktails, D.C., drinks, farm to table, fine dining, food, local, photography | 20 Comments

A Touch of Italy at the Beach

Posted on May 7, 2013 by rachelocal

In a bout of spontaneity, Mr. Rache booked a room at a seaside bed and breakfast, The Savannah Inn. While I can’t say enough good things about the Inn (from the location to the rooms to the common areas – this Inn oozes modern charm), I’m really here to talk about food.

The Savannah Inn, Lewes, Delaware

Charming. . .

. . .yet modern

While strolling through the town of Lewes, Mr. Rache and I spotted a deli and trattoria aptly named Touch of Italy. Everything about the place – the ambiance, the furnishings – made me feel nostalgic, even though this was my first visit. Maybe it’s because we were greeted by a young man in a paper hat and welcomed like regulars by the rest of the staff. We ordered a pizza to go and enjoyed a glass of house red at the bar while we waited.

I’ve never had a better house red.

Touch of Italy is more than charming. It’s the perfect juxtaposition of casual old-style deli and more refined eatery. Prosciutto di Parma hangs from the ceiling, pretty cookies sparkle on refrigerated shelves, and hunks of rich Parmesan Reggiano and other Italian cheeses decorate the deli case.

Walking into the front door is like stepping into a small, family-owned deli in 1950s New York

So much glorious cheese

Olives, artichokes, house-made mozzarella, olives, broccoli rabe. I. can’t. go. on.

After enjoying our late night glass of wine, we went to our room to savor every bite of freshly baked and perfectly seasoned pizza.

The pizza in question with house made mozzarella, sausage, roasted red peppers and onions

Impressed, we went back the next day for lunch, enjoying salad, soup, and another pizza.

Caprese Salad with house made mozzarella. No, tomatoes are not in season yet, but these tomatoes were tasty and this salad was worth the non-local splurge

Pasta figioul with sausage and white beans

Pasta figioli with sausage and white beans

Smoked mozzarella (house made, of course), broccoli rabe (perfectly cooked) and sausage. Simple goodness.

If you’re down at the beach this summer, visit Touch of Italy for take-out, desserts, or a leisurely dinner with good friends. And expect to want to go back before you even leave.

These pastries, cookies and desserts are made at their bakery location a few miles away

Macaroons dipped in chocolate

I’m smiling because there’s half a pizza, six macaroons, and eight chocolate cream cheese cookies in my to go bag

Touch of Italy

101 2nd Street

Lewes, DE 19958

Categories: Local Stores, Restaurant | Tags: beach, food, Italian, lewes, life, local, Rehoboth Beach, travel, vacation | 18 Comments

‘Fess Up

Posted on April 26, 2013 by rachelocal

This locavore has a confession to make.

I can’t really talk about it, so pictures will have to suffice:

I got in the car. . .

Wearing these. . .

And drove here. . .

To pick up this. . .

Just because dessert is made at my “neighborhood bar and grill” does not mean it’s local. I am so sorry. To redeem myself, here’s proof that I couldn’t even finish it all. . .

I jumped off the locavore bandwagon and I regret it. Can you ever forgive me?

Why don’t we ALL ‘fess up? Where do you go when a craving hits? (And are pajama pants involved?)

Categories: Restaurant | Tags: applebee's, chocolate, craving, dessert, food, local | 30 Comments

Jump into Spring (But Only if You’re Wearing Snow Boots)!

Posted on March 26, 2013 by rachelocal

Boots, gloves, hat–all set for Spring!

The clock sprung forward. The days are longer. The calendar announced, “Winter is over and Spring is here!”

But I have yet to see any budding flowers, feel warming rays of sun, or smell earth in the air.

Despite the snow that flurried over the Mid-Atlantic region this morning, the Hubs and I headed off to a favorite place: Terrain in Glen Mills, PA. Ironically, we went to Terrain last December on an unseasonably warm day–60 degrees and sunshine. Today it was unseasonably cold–in the 30s with snow falling on our heads.

Even though I bundled up in my winter coat and donned my winter boots, I determined to enjoy the Spring sights awaiting me. Part restaurant, part garden center, and part indescribably beautiful store, Terrain has an array of Spring plants, flowers, and decorations on display. Green and bountiful Spring was in the air despite the white weather falling outside.

We ate lunch, walked the grounds, and left hopeful that Spring, though delayed, is on its glorious way.

“Spring drew on . . . and a greenness grew over those brown [garden] beds, which, freshening daily, suggested the thought that Hope traversed them at night, and left each morning brighter traces of her steps.”

Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

Can’t wait to start landscaping! Oh wait, it’s a frozen tundra out there.

Lunch is served. Chicken confit with barley risotto and roasted brussels sprouts. Holla!

Scallops with roasted barley and quinoa

Pot o' Bread to start. THE. BEST. BREAD. I'VE. EVER. HAD.

This is their famous Pot o’ Bread (with the BEST cheese plate in the background). This bread. Yes. Just YES.

Pot o' Bread was accompanied by honey butter with pumpkin salt. OH. MY.

Pot o’ Bread was accompanied by honey maple butter and pumpkin salt. OH. MY.

I should be drinking a light, refreshing beverage on this fine, Spring day. Nope. Coffee.

Cobbler with local apples and ice cream

View during our Spring lunch

Hydrangea are my hands-down, all-time favorite flower, especially when they are blue and scattered throughout a bike path in Cape Cod

Hydrangea are my hands-down, all-time favorite flower, especially when they are blue and scattered throughout a bike path on Cape Cod

Potting shelves

A close up

Pretty as a pickle

Herbs and Snow

Glass ready for flowers or terrariums

Pretty, pretty seed packets! (Maybe we can hope to plant these in June)

It seems as if Terrain is always artfully displaying chairs

Self-Portrait (with the love of my life in the foreground, because how would I know who I am if i didn't know him?) [Insert either a "aw" or a "gag' here]

Self-Portrait (with my one true love in the foreground)

Trees, ready for some Spring sunshine

Lungwort – ugly name for such a pretty plant

Seed catalog planter

These brightly colored flowers give me HOPE for ACTUAL Spring

Categories: Local Stores, Restaurant | Tags: flowers, food, gardening, iPhone, life, local, photography, plants, postaday, shopping, spring, terrain | 23 Comments

Culinary Adventures in Key West

Posted on February 18, 2013 by rachelocal

It’s cold. Not only is it cold outside, but it’s also extra chilly in my house. The furnace is on the fritz, but a new part is on its way and we should be up and running in a day or two. In the meantime, I’m hunkering down with a warm laptop and a few blankets to reminisce about warmer days.

Two weeks ago, I was enjoying the 75 degree weather of Key West, FL. Since this was my first time to visit Key West I didn’t know what to expect besides sunshine and ocean breezes. I’m so glad that Key West is full of surprises! Not only did I enjoy the aforementioned sunshine and ocean breezes, but I also reveled in some of the BEST food I’ve eaten in a long time. My reveling was so epic that I came home with enough photos to fill 18 Facebook albums.

You can see where this is going…it’s vacation photo time.

So please ~~humor me~~ come on a culinary adventure with me. I promise the Mojitos will be plentiful and the sun will warm your bones.

Key West Culinary Adventures – BREAKFAST

Blue Heaven

Breakfasting at Blue Heaven is like sitting down in your crazy-cool, hippie friend’s back yard to enjoy a cold one and reminisce about the good old days. The vibe is chilled out and the food is simple and authentic.

Can you feel the crazy-cool, hippie vibe, man?

Eccentric in the best kind of way

Our waiter was proud of the fact that Blue Heaven uses local island ingredients. He assured me the avocados in my Avocado Omelette with Black Bean Sauce were Florida avocados.

My dream: LOCAL avocados

Most mornings I prefer a small breakfast – coffee and something sweet. Cafe Moka hit the spot; their Americanos and chocolate croissants are enlightening.

Coffee is always better when enjoyed liesurely on the front porch

Coffee is always better when enjoyed leisurely on the front porch

Cafe Moka – a cute spot

Key West Culinary Adventures: LUNCH

If you have a few hours to kill while on Key West (and why wouldn’t you) please visit Latitudes, the restaurant at the Westin Sunset Key Resort. We made our reservations for lunch and were given a boat launch time. A ferry took us over to Sunset Key for a relaxing and picturesque meal.

The picture perfect resort

On a boat with Nicole

We were seated outside, almost on the beach. The view was breathtaking, while the food was silence inducing.

Oh my Burrata! This was GOOD. Cheese filled with cheese? Plus fried green tomatoes? YES, please!

Sunset Key Shrimp with apricot BBQ sauce and watermelon chutney. Oh my.

Grilled grouper with saffron rice, black beans, and plantains. Simply delicious.

In a shocking twist, the hubs ordered the Harvest Salad with grilled chicken. It arrived all bundled up.

Paradise

Latitudes is more than just a place to eat, it’s an experience. Next time I hope to arrive just in time to watch the sun set over the beach with a drink in my hand.

Key West Culinary Adventures – AFTERNOON SNACK

The Southernmost Cafe was a short walk from our Key West digs. This cafe is right on the beach with a walk-up bar and spectacular view. We spent two afternoons here, drinking Mojitos and eating snacks on the beach.

The view from inside the Southernmost Cafe

Coconut Shrimp. Local shrimp fried to perfection.

Coconut Key West Shrimp. Fried to perfection. (Please don’t be distracted by my chewed up thumb nail–bad habits never die.)

This is the Southernmost House, right across the street from the Southernmost Cafe

The gates to the Southernmost House

If you get bored with sitting on the beach or prefer pork to shrimp, walk all the way down Duval Street to Hog’s Breath Saloon. It was at this establishment that I ate the best thing on the island: Hog’s Legs, mini pork shanks with spicy plum sauce. I inhaled two orders.

Yes. These. Eat them.

Nothing left on the bone. Well done.

Photo op!

Key West Culinary Adventures – BEFORE DINNER DRINKS

The sunsets on Key West are awe inspiring, especially when viewed at the Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel. This hotel takes the prize as the tallest building in Key West–a whopping seven stories! Those seven stories are all you need to see EVERYTHING–the entire town with a stunning ocean vista in the background. Grab a drink at the bar and watch the sun turn from yellow to orange to pink as it sets.

Sunset view

I fell in love with this church and was so delighted to see it in all its glory while at the top of the hotel

Key West Culinary Adventures – DINNER

The restaurants in Key West are all outstanding. We didn’t have a bad meal once. Our last night on the island, we went to Hot Tin Roof. They have a great bar with unique cocktails and a beautiful outdoor dining spot.

Mahi Mahi Ceviche – refreshing with just the right amount of spice

Flatbread with goat cheese, roasted red peppers and some kind of ham–another delicious starter

This wasn’t the best paella I’ve ever had, but the seafood was wonderful, and the flavors were bright and spicy

Our Hot Tin Roof dining companions

I think this was some sort of coconut flan. YUM!

Light and sweet Coconut Flan

Key West Culinary Adventures – AFTER DINNER DRINKS

You can’t go to Key West without going into a bar. They are everywhere, up and down Duval Street. Fortunately, the bars are as diverse as the locals. You have your choice of rowdy or refined. For a true Key West experience, visit the famous Sloppy Joe’s, a favorite place of Ernest Hemingway. I prefer a place with less noise, so we headed over to the Speak Easy Rum Bar after dinner where our friends introduced us to the Speak Easy Painkiller. It’s made the traditional way but with more coconut and lots of nutmeg.

Dessert in a glass

Key West Culinary Adventures – LATE NIGHT SNACK

I was on the hunt for some conch fritters the entire time we were in Key West, so the hubs and I ventured out to find some. We happened upon the aptly named Conch Shack. The fritters were steaming hot, crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside–perfect for a late night bite.

Conch fritters and lime

The owner of the Conch Shack humoring me by posing for a photo, conch shell and all

Since avocados, key limes, tropical fruits, citrus and the freshest seafood are what’s local in Key West, it’s the perfect vacation spot for a sun-starved locavore looking for light, bright flavors to get her through the winter.

So even though my nose is cold and the wind is biting, my Key West memories (and some good rum) will warm me up until the sun starts shining in my neck of the woods.

I miss you, Key West

Categories: Restaurant | Tags: florida, food, key west, life, local, photography, travel, vacation | 13 Comments

Why Local is Better than Loco

Posted on January 25, 2013 by rachelocal

I’ve hung out with Jules from Go Jules Go before. If you missed any of our escapades, take some time to catch up:

Here’s where Jules made me eat avocados at Cheesecake Factory.

And here’s where she drank all the beer.

Fortunately, our shenangians are on-going. We spent Monday together in New Hope, PA, and decided to meet at a Mexican restaurant called Blue Tortilla. I studied the menu beforehand, memorized the description of their guacamole (being a locavore can be a drag, because I rarely eat avocados) and knew my order by heart (pork carnitas with extra guac, please). But the unthinkable happened. BLUE TORTILLA WAS CLOSED!

Of course, there were other places nearby, even restaurants serving ingredients from local farms, but we had come to New Hope fully expecting to enjoy Mexican food. Thanks to Jules’ ~~iPhone~~ ingenuity, we discovered El Taco Loco and walked up Main Street, down a few side roads and into an alley to find it. And this is when I discovered six reasons why Local is better than (El Taco) Loco.

1. Local service is better than Loco service. At El Taco Loco, there is no service. You walk in, you look around for a few minutes waiting to be seated, you realize no one will seat you, you sit down, you wait for a menu, you find your own menu, you place your order at a little window at the back of the restaurant. The woman taking your order grunts at you, rolls her eyes, and does everything humanly possible NOT to interact with you.

2. Local bars are better than Loco bars. I’ve been to local restaurants that serve hand-crafted cocktails with organic vodka or include local wines on an extensive wine list. El Taco Loco has no bar; they barely wanted to give us water. Thank our lucky stars we planned on eating at a BYO, so Jules and I had 14 beers to share between the two of us (our husbands may have had a few, too).

Mmmmmm….beer

3. Local ambiance is better than Loco ambiance. One of my favorite local places is tastefully decorated with white tablecloths and soft lighting. Loco decor included giant wicker urns and baskets filled with old tissues.

This is what happens when two bloggers get together and have to wait a really long time for their food

4. Local staff is better than Loco staff. After waiting an extraordinary amount of time for our food (it’s a good thing we had two servings of guacamole to abate our hunger), a member of the kitchen staff brought out a plate of something. “Fish tacos,” he said. We looked at each other. No one ordered fish tacos. He argued with us for a full five minutes before stomping back to the kitchen mumbling,”I guarantee you ordered fish tacos.” Apparently fish tacos and chicken tacos look exactly the same.

I know it doesn’t look like it, but I was very excited about this guac (which was actually fresh and tasty)

5. Local dinnerware is better than Loco dinnerware. Usually, local restaurants have actual plates, or at least disposable plastic plates. At El Taco Loco, your food is precariously set in front of you on a piece of flimsy styrofoam. We even had to bring our own coasters.

The remnants of a half-eaten meal on a flat, styrofoam loco-style plate.

Custom ‘stache glasses coasters courtesy of me and MaidaSomeArt

6. Local food is better than Loco food. Without a doubt this is true (see above photo for proof). El Taco Loco didn’t even shred their own cheese–a tasteless no-no in this locavore’s book. Jules’ husband Peppermeister and I could have whipped up something local, spicy and delicious that would have blown those ~~fish~~ chicken tacos out of the Gulf of Mexico.

Given the circumstances, it may seem like Jules and I had a terrible time on our bloggy meet-up. Not so. El Taco Loco was kind enough (or apathetic enough) to let us take over the dining room for four hours. They came by to roll their eyes only a few times and when shifts changed, a friendly staffer took our beer bottles and cleared our plates. She didn’t even mind when we used their decor as photo props.

Posin’ with our What Would Sexy Stalin Do? wristbands. Intrigued? Go to The Byronic Man to find out how to win one of your very own.

After our long lunch, we headed out into the cold New Hope air to visit some shops, but we just ended up taking more ridiculous photos.

We are so cool

Creepy bear was speaking to me through the glass

Good times

Should Jules’ dog, Uncle Jesse, be jealous?

Jules, the dog whisperer

This is what sexy Stalin would do. (Best photo bomb ever, Peppermeister)

Wanting to get out of the cold (and stop embarrassing ourselves) Jules took us to the perfect place for a cocktail: church! Martha Brown Restaurant is a dining experience located in a renovated church. The bar is especially cozy and has those hand-crafted cocktails I was talking about earlier.

Fancy drinks

The old church sanctuary transformed into the posh dining room

The old church sanctuary transformed into a posh dining room

Cheers to church!

As you can see, the day turned out splendidly despite the loco Mexican food. I would go back to El Taco Loco just to enjoy a four-hour conversation with Jules (and the guacamole). I would even drive through a blizzard on the way back home. Oh wait, I already did that.

Trapped in the car on the way home in a blizzard with a man who just ate inferior Mexican food off of black styrofoam. There are not enough prepositional phrases to describe the torment.

Totally worth it

If you’d like to win some art, head over to Go Jules Go. She’s hosting a giveaway for those awesome coasters or another custom item from MaidaSomeArt!

Categories: Restaurant | Tags: art, blogging, food, friendship, humor, life, local, locavore, Mexican food | 43 Comments

Family Fun Day in Philly!

Posted on January 7, 2013 by rachelocal

On a recent day off, my brother and I took my mom out for a birthday lunch. Due to scheduling conflicts, work, and my mother’s class schedule (she’s a new student at University of Delaware – Go MOM!) we couldn’t coordinate a day until three months AFTER her birthday. Ashamed by this, my brother and I decided to go all out. So we made a day of it and went to Philadelphia, which is about 40 minutes from my house.

Spend the day with us and enjoy an early lunch, as well as a little shopping, sight seeing, and movie going.

Our lunch spot was divine. FARMiCia (or The Farm) boasts a seasonal menu, using ingredients from local farms. Everything was simply prepared and SO FRESH.

Cozy, yet lively window spot

Roasted Beets with Spinach, Goat Cheese, and Shaved Fennel. Because of this salad, fennel is my new favorite thing. And I’m feverishly trying to replicate the citrus vinaigrette that perfectly dressed each scrumptious bite.

It was still a little early in the day so my brother ordered Huevos Rancheros. Muy Bueno!

My mom ordered St. Peter's Fish with Spinach and Lemon. Light and simple

My mom ordered the St. Peter’s Fish (which is really just tilapia) with Spinach and Lemon. Light and perfectly cooked.

I opted for brunch - Omelette with Goat Cheese and Herbs. Even this side salad was flavorful and SO FRESH.

I opted for brunch – Goat Cheese and Herb Omelette. Even this side salad was flavorful and SO FRESH.

The bar looked delightful, but no patrons at 11:30 am. The Farm has a huge selection of craft (local) beers on tap as well as an array of tasty-looking, unique cocktails which they call “tonics.”

Our next stop was Elfreth’s Alley, a must see for anyone visiting Philly. Elfreth’s Alley is a sweet reminder of our nation’s past. Neat houses in miniature line a narrow brick alley; their brightly colored doors facing each other in a long line. Once home to Philly’s first artisans and craftsmen, Elfreth’s Alley still exists as a residential street.

“Our nation’s oldest residential street”

Colorful Shutters

I could not stop taking photos of these cute and historic doors

Red Door

Alley Cat

This three sided mirror is called a "busybody" - the perfect invention for knowing who's creeping at your front door

This three-sided mirror is called a “busybody” – the perfect tool for spotting creepers on your street or at your front door.

Narrow passage between two houses

My mom and brother are delighted to visit Elfreth’s Alley. Seriously, how cute are they?

We took a walk in Old City and ended up on Second Street to browse a few shops and used bookstores. A visit to my favorite gallery was disappointing–a painting I’ve had my eye on for over a year, sold. I hope that lone little chair with the bright blue background found a good home!

Street Sign

Cobblestones

No city is complete without its food carts but Philly has Cheesesteak Carts

The walk over to the theater is dotted with historic landmarks and interesting architecture.

Tiny house for our nation’s favorite seamstress

Betsy Ross was here

This is my brother’s favorite building in Philly – The Merchant’s Exchange Building. Built in 1834 in Greek Revival style, it now houses the headquarters of the Independence National Historical Park

Sibling love (for architecture)

Curvy

Another, larger door

Our theater of choice whenever we visit Philly is Ritz. They show independent films or movies not yet released in our neck of the woods. We saw Lincoln, a film I highly recommend. Even though I knew the ending, so to speak, and the history behind the film, I was still on the edge of my seat the entire time. I even shed a few tears. Oh, and cheers to Sally Field and Daniel Day Lewis for rocking it out as Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln.

Want to see an independent movie or film that hasn't been released to the local Regal theater? Go to Ritz. They have anything and everything interesting.

The Ritz

Before ending our day, my mom posed with a street sign that said "Glor," her nickname. Happy Birthday, Mom! (You'll never guess how old she is.)

Before ending our day, my mom posed with a street sign that said “Glor,” her nickname. Across the street is The Continental, another delicious stop and Philly landmark. Happy Birthday, Mom!

Glad you could spend the day with us! Next time we’re hittin’ the clubs!

Categories: Local Stores, Restaurant | Tags: art, family, food, life, local, movies, philadelphia, photography | 21 Comments

Eat Local at 1861 Restaurant

Posted on January 3, 2013 by rachelocal

I am a recent contributor to GreenDelaware magazine, a brand new resource for all things green (and local) in the First State. You can find it for FREE at any number of Delaware coffee shops and bookstores.

This article is about 1861 Restaurant in Middletown, Delaware. I already featured them in a fun blog post, but this article is a bit more polished for print. (See, I can be serious when I need to be.)

Seasonal Flavor at 1861

Walking down the steps and into the dark wood doors of 1861 Restaurant on North Broad Street in Middletown is like stepping into another time and place. The walls are brick and decorated finely with wood and glass accents, classic light fixtures, and posh bar seating. The atmosphere is modern with a nod to the past.

Pull up a chair!

Even the name “1861” hints at the past. Business partners Jasper Singh and Drew Chas opened the restaurant in September 2011 and named it after the date Middletown was established—February 12, 1861. Before the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal existed, Middletown was the mid-point between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, a natural rest stop for merchants and travelers looking to refuel at local taverns.

In keeping with the history of Middletown, Singh describes 1861 Restaurant as “regional, casual pub fare.” Regional is an understatement, because 1861 takes the idea of a local pub to a new level by putting local ingredients in the spotlight.

Jasper in his element

Singh and 1861’s executive chef, Brian Schroeder rely heavily on produce from Filasky’s, a farm located on Bunker Hill Road, only a few miles from 1861’s front door. According to Singh, “freshness is incomparable” when using local produce. “Filasky’s corn is the best around—so fresh and so good.” Singh likes the relationship he’s established with Johnny Filasky. “They grow what they like over there, and I can go there and talk to them about it. Johnny just dropped off some kale today,” Singh says.

Middletown needs local places like 1861. No longer just a stopping point between the ocean and the bay, the town’s population has grown in leaps and bounds over the past decade. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population hit 3,700 in 1990, but by 2010 that number exploded to 18,871.

“Delaware’s food scene is exciting right now,” Singh says. People are interested in “real food and fresh ingredients.” Singh, born in London but raised in New York, and Chef Schroeder work in tandem to create interesting menu items using local ingredients with a creative flair. Singh says, “[Chef Schroeder] is from around here. He has a local palette; I have a worldly palette.” Their complimentary palettes are the perfect combination when trying out new recipes and flavor profiles.

Jasper and Chef Brian

Singh describes the seasonal menu as “not pretentious.” A guest can order small plates like Pulled Pork Tacos or Tenderloin Sliders with Smoked Gouda and Chimichurri. A popular sandwich item is the Lamb Burger with Feta, Caramelized Onions, and Marinated Tomato. The pizza menu boasts a regional breakfast favorite—scrapple. Topped with scrapple, bacon, fried potatoes, caramelized onions and fried eggs, the Three Little Piggies pizza is a delicious take on breakfast for dinner. Fried Chicken and Waffles, Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, and Pan Seared Duck Breast with Blackberry Gastrique are just a few of the large plates on the menu.

Lamb Burger with Personalized (and Delicious) Roll

Fried Chicken and Waffles – so, so good

The owners’ dedication to locality doesn’t stop with the seasonal menu, but extends to the community at large. 1861 partners with Christopher Pride, the owner of Fromage: A Cheese Boutique on West Main Street in Middletown, to offer wine and cheese tastings. In May, 1861 hosted the Mid-State Beer Festival, offering Delaware craft beers from Fordham Brewing Company, Dogfish Head, Twin Lakes Brewing Co., and 16 Mile Brewery.

With 1861 Restaurant right in the midst of the ever growing population of Middletown, no one needs to leave town limits to enjoy a night out featuring a warm atmosphere and locally-conscious cuisine. Singh says, “Don’t drive to Philly, come to 1861.”

1861 Restaurant
423 North Broad Street
Middletown, DE 19701
(302) 376-7956

Categories: Breweries, Delaware Farms, Local Farms, Restaurant | Tags: food, green, local, Middletown, scrapple, writing | 13 Comments

A Winter Wonderland at Terrain

Posted on December 7, 2012 by rachelocal

I’ve heard good things about Terrain, a store and cafe in Glen Mills, PA. My brother raved about the coffee; my sister-in-law sent me iPhone photos of the home decor; a friend ranted about the seasonal offerings in the cafe; and my mom found her bliss in their white Cinderella pumpkins.

The husband and I traveled the scenic route through the Delaware and Pennsylvania countryside and arrived at Terrain’s busy parking lot in only 30 minutes. As we walked through the entrance, lovely Christmas firs in charming metal buckets greeted us. Christmas was everywhere–wreaths with pine cones and white flocking, neat rows of Christmas trees, and white bulbs with a vintage flair.

Garland and lanterns arranged overhead

Christmas vingette

The whole place spoke of organized haphazardness. And I felt like I’d seen it before. A quick google search confirmed my suspicions–Terrain is a chain of stores owned by URBN Inc.– the same company that gives us Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. In fact, Terrain is like the landscaping version of Anthropologie with all its old fashioned charm and artfully perfect displays.

This shed has curtains. How charming in an Anthropologie kind of way.

Still life for sale

Dining in a shed never looked so rustically elegant

I will admit that I was a little taken aback. After all, I’m an advocate of local food, local products, and local businesses. I’m not into this local thing because it’s the new trend. I believe in it. Nevertheless, I decided to reserve my judgment until after lunch. The menu at Terrain boasts local ingredients and thanks the farmers for supplying those ingredients.

Styer’s Garden Cafe

The dining room is like a giant terrarium filled with seasonal plants and sunlight

The dining room is like a giant terrarium filled with happy diners, plants and sunlight

Pot o’ Bread to start. THE. BEST. BREAD. I’VE. EVER. HAD.

Local Cheeses, many from nearby Pennsylvania farms

My date for the day with his Movember beard

Butternut Squash Soup with Pumpkin Oil. Silky and smooth with just the right amount of sweetness.

Terrain's version of a salad - kale and brussells sprouts with walnuts and pumpkins seeds

Terrain’s version of a salad – kale and brussels sprouts with walnuts and seeds

Organic half chicken with apple and cabbage slaw and fingerling potatoes. I can’t even talk about this without crying happy tears.

While I do think the idea of a local corporation is an oxymoron, Terrain exists as a local corporation in the best sense of the words. They take their corporate vision and use local products to create an ambiance and experience unlike any other.

Lunch was divine. Walking the grounds was like stepping into a Winter Wonderland.

Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland

The marketing geniuses over at URBN Inc. sucked me right in. I even felt a little sheepish as I sipped my fair trade coffee out of my entirely compostable cup and lid while watching a mustached and flannel clad employee trim the wayward branches of a Balsam Fir.

Even their wood piles are artfully displayed

Even their wood piles are works of art

All the fixings for a perfect terrarium

Happy, yellow watering cans

Merry Christmas!

All sheepishness aside, I’ll be back. Not to spend $35 on a birch tree branch I can get from my dad’s yard for free, but to enjoy their carefully crafted brand of local ambiance. And the cheese plate. I’ll definitely be back for the cheese plate.

This is me after eating that cheese plate. Bliss.

Easiest entrance to a tree house I’ve ever seen. They think of everything at Terrain.

Terrain

914 Baltimore Pike

Glen Mills, PA 19342

610-459-2400

Open everyday, 9 am to 7 pm

Categories: Gardening, Local Stores, Restaurant | Tags: Christmas, food, holiday, life, local, photography, shopping, terrain, urban outfitters | 18 Comments

Lunch Ladies vs. Ladies Who Lunch

Posted on November 30, 2012 by rachelocal

Yesterday I lunched. Granted, I worked, too, but then I lunched after which I shopped.

This day of lunch and leisure ignited a long repressed memory. I was once an actual lunch lady. As a former teacher in a smallish school, I endured lunch duty every other week. A lunch lady is remarkably different from a lady who lunches.

Let’s compare and contrast, shall we?

A lady who lunches chooses a special restaurant in a cute town center. Lunch is an event.

A lunch lady has no choice–the deafening cafeteria is her only option. Lunch is an ordeal.

My lunch spot–Twelves Grill in West Grove, PA (with a storm brewing overhead)

A lady who lunches dines with friends at a sunshine soaked table for four.

A lunch lady does not dine. She hovers over 80 small children, opening juice boxes and fielding tattle tales while the dim flourescent lights vibrate overhead.

Sun-soaked – the perfect atmosphere for a lady who lunches

A lady who lunches enjoys flavorful and healthy soups, sandwiches and salads crafted from local, organic ingredients.

A lunch lady enjoys nothing. She gulps down half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with one hand while the other hand breaks up a trading war started by a coveted bag of Pokemon fruit snacks.

Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon Croutons and Granny Smith Apples

A lady who lunches sips leisurely on white wine poured as needed by an attentive server.

A lunch lady is dehydrated from too much caffeine and lack of time to refill her water bottle.

Mushroom Soup and Spinach Salad – local and delicious, especially with white wine

A lady who lunches talks of dinner parties, shopping, reality TV, Whole Foods and interior design.

A lunch lady yells over the roar of children talking with food in their mouths. She yells about the pros and cons of eating one’s sandwich before one’s Oreos, the benefits of waiting one’s turn at the vending machine, and the significance of not sticking straws up one’s nose.

There’s no straws up my nose!

A lady who lunches shares a decadent chocolate dessert with a fellow lady who lunches.

A lunch lady shares germs with 80 children coughing their way through Lunchables and Capri Suns.

Molten Chocolate Cake with House made Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

If you are a lady who lunches or would like to take your favorite lunch lady out for a quiet meal, go to Twelves Grill and Cafe in West Grove, Pennsylvania–the perfect spot for anyone that likes to eat lunch.

Categories: Restaurant | Tags: children, food, life, local, lunch, school, teachers | 21 Comments

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Vermilion-Inspired Lemonade

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“Spring drew on . . . and a greenness grew over those brown [garden] beds, which, freshening daily, suggested the thought that Hope traversed them at night, and left each morning brighter traces of her steps.”

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Key West Culinary Adventures – BREAKFAST

Key West Culinary Adventures: LUNCH

Key West Culinary Adventures – AFTERNOON SNACK

Key West Culinary Adventures – BEFORE DINNER DRINKS

Key West Culinary Adventures – DINNER

Key West Culinary Adventures – AFTER DINNER DRINKS

Key West Culinary Adventures – LATE NIGHT SNACK

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Seasonal Flavor at 1861

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