Happiness Is...Food + Family + Beach Holiday

A few of the holiday photos destined for a Fourth of July keepsake book...

Mmmm...lemon crushes + s'mores ice cream pie + steamed clams = an ideal meal at Catch 54 in Fenwick Island

mini golf + beach time + fireworks in Rehoboth Beach = the perfect holiday with my favorite little lady

Kumamoto oysters + Dogfish on cask + lobster roll + a chalice of Chimay = another perfect summer dinner at Henlopen Oyster House

Happiness Is :: Late Summer Salad

I recently enjoyed this heirloom tomato salad at my favorite Baltimore restaurant, Cinghiale, and am now excited to recreate it as soon as I make a quick trip to the historic Lewes farmers' market.

ripe tomatoes + basil + gorgonzola + extra virgin olive oil + sea salt + pepper = happiness!

Great with a glass of sparkling rose or cava, it's the ideal starter dish for the late summer holiday weekend's flavor-filled menus that lie ahead...

Dish :: Cake Bar

While on a quick trip to the Delaware shore this past weekend, I was tempted with slice after slice of gorgeous cake...from Delmarva delicacy Smith Island cake to classic Red Velvet. After much contemplation, I finally chose a delicious yellow layer cake with raspberry filling and sweet coconut frosting. Delicious!

A satellite location of Baltimore-area wedding cake favorite SugarBakers Cakes, the new Cake Bar is a welcome addition to the historic Lewes beach town and perfect for fulfilling a sugar craving as well as ordering a special occasion cake like the Tiffany box-inspired style on display in their shop (above) for celebrations at the beach.

{ 115 Second Street, Lewes, Delaware. Call 302.645.CAKE }

Happiness Is :: A Prep School 101 Start To The Summer

A Prep School 101 Start to the Summer from SkyBlueEvents on Vimeo.

What's the recipe for a swell start to the summer?

Following the watching of the Wimbledon finals (breakfast = a double Illy espresso + blueberries + french toast), I hopped to the Delaware shore to celebrate Independence Day with Lady C and toast my parents' wedding anniversary. Continuing with the blueberry theme, many a minty mojito ensued, along with s'mores, sporty activities, sunshine and shopping.

Weekend wardrobes don't vary too much from from summer to summer...lots of madras and cotton eyelet dresses, bikinis, and Lacoste accessorized with all one really needs at the beach: JCrew flip flops, a Smathers & Branson needlepoint key fob and Ray Ban aviators. Simple is the name of the game when the agenda includes fireworks on the beach, lobster roll + pints, an old-fashioned tire roll contest on Second Street...nothing too strenuous, just pure beach weekend bliss.