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The History of the Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Whether you're from the Dover, Middletown, and Odessa area, you've no doubt had a cheesesteak or two in your life. Being close to Philly can be convenient when you're hankering for a tasty steak sandwich. Whether you're heading to Pat's, Gino's, or Jim's, you can surely say that the first bite into the sandwich makes the 90 minute trip worth it. However, you don't even have to get in your car in order to enjoy one of Philadelphia's most famous creations other than the Declaration of Independence. You can actually make a cheesesteak right at home. You just need the special ingredients and a little confidence. It's a common misconception that only Philadelphians can make the sandwich. However, with a little practice, you could fool any Philly native into thinking it's a genuine hometown cheesesteak. The History of the Cheesesteak The genesis of the Philly cheesesteak is often debated. Who created it first? When did it catch on? There are a lot of questions asked when delving into the original creation of the sandwich, but there is a popular legend that most Philadelphians ascribe to. According to the legend, Pat and Harry Olivieri originally created the sandwich in the early 1930s. They ran a hot dog stand in South Philadelphia. To take a break from the normal diet of hot dogs, Pat and Harry decided to cook a sandwich with chopped-up beef and grilled onions. An onlooker noticed the sight and smell, and requested one. After the first bite, the patron suggested that they forgo the hot dogs and make their business dedicated to the new sandwich. It was that day that the idea of Pat's King of Steaks was born. Getting Your Ingredients The Meat In order to make the perfect cheesesteak for you and three others, you'll need 2 to 2 1⁄2 lbs of trimmed strip loin. You'll want to put the meat in the freezer for a little less than an hour because it will make it easier to slice the meat. The Bread This is a heavily debated portion of the cheesesteak process. A lot of cheesesteak enthusiasts feel that the quality of the sandwich lies in the bread. However, there is some truth to this because a cheesesteak on a lower quality bread is undeniably noticeable when taking the first bite. You'll want a hoagie roll, or if you can find it, Amoroso rolls, which are the go-to for most Philadelphians. Making the Cheesesteak Place thinly sliced meat onto a griddle or grill pan with oil. Place over high heat and lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook meat on both sides for a minute each. Place preferred cheese on top of meat while still in the pan (if using whiz, place melted cheese directly on roll). If desired, caramelize onions or sauté peppers in a separate pan before placing on top of the sandwich. Place contents in roll and enjoy. You can perfect the process, so next time your friends want to make the trip north, save them the time and gas money by making your own!

Hollywood Street

The Best Waterfront Eats in Bethany Beach DE

When you're looking for a nice night out, finding a restaurant with a waterfront view is a great way to spend your evening. However, the experience is even better when the restaurant has an excellent menu. If you're planning a night out, we'll help you by giving you a list of the best waterfront eats in Bethany Beach, Delaware. 99 Sea Level 99 Hollywood Street, Bethany Beach, DE The only thing better than the oceanfront view is the great food, and 99 Sea Level serves up both. This restaurant, located in the Marriot Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, serves up fresh food. With their farm-to-table philosophy, it's not hard to imagine that 99 Sea Level is one of the most sought after restaurants in the area. This restaurant utilizes local ingredients from farms, fisheries, and even orchards to provide their guests with a unique and memorable experience. The menu is vast, so picking just one item may prove to be tricky. If you're with a group, you may want to start off with the Seafood Tower, which includes oysters, shrimp, mussels, and snow crab clusters. You can include the seafood enjoyment with dishes like the Bouillabaisse, which features clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and assorted fish in a saffron tomato broth. If you're more of a land-lover, you may want to try the Dry-Aged Tomahawk Rib-Eye or the Whole Lamb Shank Osso Bucco. Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar 1111 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach, DE Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar is one of the seafood staples of the Bethany Beach area. This restaurant was even voted as one of the top 10 destination restaurants by Attache Magazine. While you're scanning the versatile menu, you may want to get some items from the raw bar like clams, oysters, or even oyster shooters, before you make your selection for your entrée. There are numerous exciting options that will be tough to decide on which one will make the cut. The Lobster Mac is a popular choice. The Seared Togarashi Rare Tuna is a nice addition. However, if you're looking for something that encompasses the whole menu, the Seafood Stew may be the right choice for you. Mango's Bethany Beach 97 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE For more than 20 years, Mango's Bethany Beach has been a go-to restaurant for local diners, given the location and the exciting menu. It even features two bars, offering up the "best view in Bethany Beach." They even have a 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. happy hour. Grab a drink and share some apps like the Fried Margarita Calamari, Wings over Miami, or the Red Stripe Spiced Jumbo Shrimp to start the night off. Then, work your way past menu options like Filet Mignon or the Mambo Combo, which features Jamaican Jerk Chicken and CocoLocoNut Shrimp. Or, you could compliment your view with items like the Key West Crab Cakes, the Jerk Diver Scallops, or the Sautéed Citrus Shrimp. Try any of these restaurant and find your favorite spot with the best waterfront view in Bethany Beach, Delaware.

Arner's Restaurant & Bakery

Best Pies Wilmington DE

Pi is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. This mathematical constant, most notably written as 3.14159, is something everyone learns in school. However, did you know that you can celebrate this number by having pie on Pi day? This fun math-related holiday occurs on March 14th (3.14), and to help you celebrate, we've scoured the Wilmington, DE, are to find the best pies that you can have. Here's our list of the best pies near Wilmington that you can have to honor Pi day. Arner's Restaurant & Bakery If you're looking for a versatile selection of pies, you may want to check out Arner's Restaurant & Bakery. This eatery, known as a Delaware tradition, has been supplying the New Castle area with delicious food and tasty pies since 1978. Whether you want breakfast all day, a late lunch, or an early dinner, Arner's is your destination. If you take pie seriously, there's no better way to satisfy your cravings than signing up for Pie of the Month Club. The first Saturday of every month is your chance to meet with fellow pie enthusiasts and sample some of Arner's fresh-baked pies. You could trade recipes with your fellow pie fans. It's a remarkable opportunity to have some delicious homemade pies, courtesy of Arner's Restaurant & Bakery. Serpes's Bakery Serpe's Bakery Serpe's Bakery has been a staple in Delaware since 1952. If you love Italian bakeries, then this is the destination for you with its wide selection of Italian breads, dinner rolls, Kaiser rolls, and more. However, if you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Pi Day, Serpe's Bakery is also an impressive resource for your party favors. This Italian bakery carries a wide selection of pies of all flavors, so it's hard not to find a flavor that's up your alley. Try the banana cream, chocolate mousse, or classics like cherry, apple, or blueberry. You can even get smaller treats like donuts, cannolis, cookies, and cupcakes, all of which are made fresh for your taste buds. Sweeney's Bakery Since 1957, Sweeney's Bakery has been specializing in expertly crafted baked goods that have delighted people all across the Wilmington area. When it comes to pies, you have a vast selection to choose from. You could keep it traditional with apple, blueberry, pumpkin, or pecan pie. If you want some unique flavors, Sweeney's offers selections like caramel apple walnut, lemon blueberry, peach praline, or sweet potato crunch. If you want to turn heads at your Pi Day party, you may want to show up with fancy pies like the banana cream, coconut cream, or even the key lime pie. Sweeney's Bakery even features sugar free selections and gluten free options with a 24 hour notice. You just saw our list of the best pies that are available in the Wilmington area. Find your favorite for your Pi Day celebrations.

Bluegrass Festival Event Details

Your Guide to the Wilmington Winter Bluegrass Festival

If you like banjos, fiddles, acoustic guitars, and loads of fun, you may want to check out the Wilmington Winter Bluegrass festival. If you're a fan of Bluegrass music, than you shouldn't miss out on this festival. We'll help you prepare by giving you some important details to help you attend the festival in great fashion. Here's your guide to the Wilmington Winter Bluegrass Festival. Wilmington Winter Bluegrass Festival Event Details The Wilmington Winter Bluegrass Festival goes from Friday, March 17th until Sunday, March 19th . The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Claymont, DE, in a variety of different banquet rooms. If you're traveling in, the Crowne Plaza Hotel is offering special rates for the festival, so book early if you want to take advantage of the discounted hotel room. What to Expect at the Wilmington Winter Bluegrass Festival There are a variety of fun activities at this festival as well as many performances from different Bluegrass bands from the tristate area. There will also be some great vendors and workshops that you can partake in during the festival. This festival will feature... Live Performances On Friday, the 17th , Without a Paddle will perform and emcee the Band Draw. Eight different bands, performing only with Bluegrass instruments, will play for 30 minutes each. After all bands have played, their names will be put into a hat and the band whose name is drawn will win $1,000. As for performances for the duration of the festival, Saturday will feature the sounds of the Bluegrass Brothers, Moonshine Falls, Sweet Yonder, Circa Blue, and Blue Mafia. On the last day of the festival, Hickory Hill and Rockdale Boys will each grace the stage for their live sets. Circa Blue will also have another performance on Sunday. Workshops If you're looking to learn more about Bluegrass in terms of style, history, or actual advice for musicians, you may want to check out some of the many workshops at the Wilmington Winter Bluegrass Festival. On Saturday you can learn all about injury prevention for musicians, clogging, intensive fiddle and bass, and even the business of making and releasing a marketable CD. Later in the day you can attend a meet and greet with Blue Mafia or attend a vocals and harmonies workshop. Sunday will feature a handful of workshops to close out the festival. The day begins with yodeling. At 11:30 a.m., you can bring your instrument and join in on the beginner's slow jam. Later in the day, you can learn the tricks and styles of Bluegrass guitar flatpicking or even Bluegrass rhythm guitar. The Wilmington Winter Bluegrass Festival is sure to be a pluckin' good time. Don't forget to order your tickets and reserve your room for March 17th to the 19th , so you can have fun, learn, and enjoy the wonderful sounds of Bluegrass at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Claymont, DE.

The Blue Crab

Best Restaurants near Bethany Beach, DE

There's nothing quite like stumbling upon a restaurant in the Bethany Beach, DE, area and being surprised at how good the food, service, and drinks are. If you're looking to plan the perfect night out, you'll want to consider some of the great restaurants in the area. But how do you pick the right one? We'll help you figure that out. We've done the research and came up with a list you can use. These are the best restaurants near Bethany Beach. The Blue Crab Seafood is delicious, but it's even better when you're actually near the sea. The Blue Crab has been serving high-quality oceanic cuisine since 2004. If you want the full experience, start off with some appetizers like the Crab Dip or the Seafood Pizza, which features jumbo lump crab meat, wild shrimp, fresh mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, and pesto. When it's time for the main course, you have some tough decisions to make. You could go for the Snow Crab Legs, the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, or some Baby Back Ribs for a taste of the land. You could also opt for the Fabulous Feasts, which features options of all-you-can-eat blue crab, shrimp, or Delaware fried chicken. Off the Hook If you're looking for fresh and local seafood, you may want to swing by Off the Hook. This eatery utilizes ingredients from local fisherman and farmers to supply their guests with quality dishes. Start off with a tasty cup of Roasted Corn and Jalapeno Crab Bisque or some crispy and savory Buttermilk Battered Calamari. Work your way toward entrées like the Bouillabaisse, the Grilled Swordfish, or the Braised Pork Cheek. Patsy's If you're in the mood for southern-style cuisine, but don't feel like getting on any highways, then Patsy's is your best bet. This Key West and southern-inspired restaurant has been offering its unique spin on seafood to the Bethany Beach area since 2000. When you stop by, you should taste some of the delicious offerings like the Cuban Pork, the Beer Battered Fish Tacos, or the Whole Snapper, which is flown in from Key West and flash fried. Save some room for dessert and try the Banana Crepe or the homemade Key Lime Pie. Sedona Sedona has been a food staple in Bethany Beach for more than 25 years. If you're looking for fine American dining, look no further than Sedona. Choose your dishes tapas style, so you and your date can share in the joy of hand-crafted meals like Clams Casino or Smoke Duck with Granny Smith Apple Bites and Brown Butter Sweet Potato Gnocchi. If you don't like sharing, that's not a problem. Enjoy entrees like the Grilled Beef Tenderloin, the Pan Seared Duck Breast, or the Grilled 14 oz. Veal Chop. Top off your night with some delicious cocktails like the New Fangled Old Fashioned, Dutch Negroni, or the Cool Daddy.

Chocolate

Your Guide for Valentine's Day in Milford, DE

Valentine's Day is the holiday which we show our loved ones how much we care. However, if you're not prone to romantic sentiments, it can be one of the most stressful days of the year. Finding the right activities for your valentine isn't easy, but don't worry, we're here to help. We created a guide for the perfect Valentine's Day in Milford, DE. Chocolate No one knows how chocolates became a part of the Valentine's Day tradition, but regardless, it's an important recipe for the perfect day. The Sugar Bee's Sweet Boutique is your destination for tasty and decorative chocolate that wasn't mass produced in a factory. Get your lover something special like chocolate truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, or caramel-covered marshmallows, courtesy of Sugar Bee's Sweet Boutique. Flowers Another important part of the Valentine's Day experience is the flowers. Your valentine will love getting a floral arrangement delivered to them at work or home. It's a nice thought that'll warm their heart, so you'll need to choose your flowers carefully. Luckily, Country Flowers at Milford Plant & Garden Center is there to help you find the perfect arrangement. They've designed several arrangements specifically for Valentine's Day that you can choose from. Or, if you're creative, you can design your own bouquet or arrangement and have it delivered to that special someone. Massage There's nothing quite as relaxing as a massage, so send your valentine to Milford Massage, Wellness and Yoga. Schedule them a Swedish/Relaxation massage, a Deep Tissue/Deep Pressure Massage, or a Hot Stone Massage. A professional massage will not only put your valentine at ease, but the relaxation will add a nice dose of serenity to their day. You could even go together and relax and enjoy yourselves as you prepare for the rest of the night. Dinner and Dancing Dinner is one of the most important items on the Valentine's Day itinerary, and choosing the right place is extremely important. You've surely heard of Abbott's Grill in Milford, but have you had a chance to dine and taste some of their offerings? Why not make Valentine's Day perfect by making a reservation for dinner? This eatery offers a classy interior with cozy nooks and booths that are great for a romantic dinner. Start the evening off right with some appetizers like the Baked Oysters Asiago, the Warm Crab & Artichoke Dip, or the Crispy Calamari. When it's time for dinner, you have some serious decisions to make, with choices like Pan Roasted Chicken, Brisket Pot Roast, Cajun Meatloaf, or Prosciutto Wrapped Cod. Save room for dessert, or burn some calories by dancing. Now that you've read our list for the perfect Valentine's Day, you'll be relieved to know you won't run out of fun ideas for this special day. Make sure you place your orders and make your reservations early, as many others will get the same idea.

Blue Earl Brewing

Best Breweries near Dover, Delaware

It's important to support your local businesses. And there's no better type of business to support than a local brewery. The Dover, Delaware, area is known for having some of the best craft beers in the market. If you're looking to take a tour to see how the beer is made, or you simply want to tie a few off, we've compiled a list of the best breweries near Dover, Delaware. Blue Earl Brewing If you haven't been to Blue Earl Brewing, you should really stop in. This brewery features a stylish tap room that was recently constructed to provide a venue for ale appreciators to come in and sample some of the local brews. Blue Earl Brewing carries a variety of different styles going from the bold and hoppy, the smoky and creamy, and the zesty and flavorful. If you're an IPA lover, the BLUES POWER may be the right choice for you, or if you want a little kick with your hops, try the BODY & SOUL, which is a scotch ale that offers a powerful and lasting flavor with a smooth finish. Brick Works Brewing & Eats Brick Works Brewing & Eats is a recent addition to the Dover-area brewery scene, but is in no way an amateur. This brewery and restaurant offers 10 handcrafted beers to wash down the delicious offerings from the kitchen. If you're a fan of sours, you'll love the Pucker Up. This beer has a low body and low alcohol by volume, but a remarkable flavor. If you're looking for something that'll last in flavor, the Basic Brick Cream Ale is light and refreshing, but with a slight spiciness that'll linger and have you savoring each sip. Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company Have you ever wondered what would happen if two craft beer titans joined forces? Well, that's where Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company come in. In 2007, Fordham Brewing Company and Old Dominion Brewing Company worked together to create a tasting room flowing with tasty ales. If you visit, you'll have your choice of 10 different beers to try. The seasonal Cherry Blossom Lager has a light but savory flavor, while the seasonal GiGi's Farmhouse Ale features a sweet flavor with a spicy finish. If you want, you can try the Candi Belgian Tripel, which is a World Beer Cup Gold Winner. Mispillion River Brewing It was Eric William that said his 40th birthday wish was to own a craft brewery. His wish came true with Mispillion River Brewing. If you love different varieties of IPAs, you'll love the beer at Mispillion River Brewing. The Not Today Satan IPA features five different types of hops, providing a flavorful sip with an everlasting bitter bite. The Black Tie IPA features flavors of chocolate, caramel, and midnight wheat, which produce a savory taste with a subtle but effective aftertaste. Stop by any of these local breweries today to sample some of the finest ales to come out of the Dover, Delaware, area.

Fun Activities for the Whole Family

The Five Reasons to Attend the Winter WonderFEST

The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us, and there's a great deal to be done. You've probably been running around town getting your shopping done in time for the holidays, but have you ever considered participating in fun holiday-themed activities for the family? Winter WonderFEST is currently happening now until January 1st , so if you need to find some fun-filled adventures for the family to get into the Christmas spirit, you should check out some of this festival's offerings. To help you decide if you want to go, here are our five reasons to attend the Winter WonderFEST. 1. Fun Activities for the Whole Family One of the most important factors to the holidays is spending time with family. But you don't have to sit around talking about the weather. You can check out the various attractions at the Winter WonderFEST, including the Christmas Village, located at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal Grounds. This attraction is loaded with both indoor and outdoor activities. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel, go ice skating, or get warm by the fire before you go inside to check out Santa's Workshop. There are also craft tables where you and your family can make your own gingerbread houses, snow globes, and ornaments to hang on your tree. 2. Meeting Santa Santa Claus himself will be at the festival. It's your chance to take the little ones so they can give him their Christmas lists. You can even take pictures with Santa, so you'll have keepsakes to remind you of how much fun the family had at the Winter WonderFEST. 3. The Unique and Memorable Experience There are so many different activities to do or trips to take during the holiday season. But after a while, they become dull and routine like standing in line at the mall to meet Santa, or walking around the neighborhood to see the lights and decorations. Do something original this year and take the family out to the Winter WonderFEST, where there are activities that everyone can enjoy. 4. Light Spectacular The Light Spectacular is unlike any other light show you've seen. The great thing is that this light show occurs every Thursday through Sunday at the Cape Henlopen State Park Fee Booth. You can walk through the illuminated pathways to see some interesting and fun designs to help brighten your holiday spirit. 5. Help Others during the Holidays At the Winter WonderFEST, you'll have the chance to help others have a wonderful holiday. Each night at the Light Spectacular, you'll have the opportunity to donate a non-perishable food item to the Food Bank of Delaware. You can even donate money to the Festival of Cheer Fund, which will use your donation to award grants to nonprofits that serve Sussex County for education, environment, healthcare, arts, and culture. Help make others have a great holiday, too. The Winter WonderFEST is sure to be great time. Get your tickets and have fun with your family before this festival ends on January 1st .

Arena’s Deli

The Best Sports Bars in Kent County, DE

Watching the big game is always synonymous with good food, good drinks, and great friends. You could always host a viewing party and spend your time and efforts crafting the spread, and look forward to cleaning it all up when the game is over. Or, you could go to a sports bar where you can eat whatever you want while watching the game on a variety of different TVs. Finding the right sports bar can be tricky, so we're here to help by giving our list of the best sports bars in Kent County, DE. Arena's Deli Arena's Deli in Milford is a great place to catch the game. Sit back and relax while your eyes remain focused on the game. Try your pick of one of the 72 beers that are offered while you peruse the menu for your perfect game-watching appetizers, sandwiches, or entrées. Start off right with the Crabby Pretzel, the Hot Tots, or the Mini Corn Dogs. Then, work your way down the menu and sink your teeth into one of their famous sandwiches like the Cajun Chicken Cheesesteak, Rueben's Rueben, or Arena's Famous Italian Cold Cut. Arena's even holds several events, so be sure to check the schedule to see what kind of fun you can get into. The Green Stinger Sports Bar & Grill The Green Stinger Sports Bar & Grill has been a community hangout since 2009. When it comes to the game, the Green Stinger means business. There's a variety of seating inside and outside that offers perfect views of the TV, so you won't miss a minute of the action. Take advantage of the diverse menu of samplers including Peel and Eat Shrimp, Fresh Pork Rinds, or Cordon Bleu Poppers while you wash them down with your favorite imported or domestic beer. If you happen to come in during Football Sunday, you have a variety of great specials waiting for you, like $2 pints, or half-off wings. Touchdown Stop into Touchdown for the next game (but that game better be football). When you stop in on Sunday, you can watch every game on that day with the 23 TVs all over the bar. The NFL Football Menu offers a variety of different specials to help you get the best football viewing experience. Tackle the chicken wings, which are available in a variety of different flavors like Hot, Honey Garlic, Old Bay, and Caribbean Jerk. You can also take advantage of the drink specials. Get the $10 Mix n Match of five Miller and Coors bottles, the $2.50 16 oz. Pabst Blue Ribbon, the $4 mini pitcher of Bud, or the $3 SoCo Lime Shots. Maximize your enjoyment this Football Sunday at the Touchdown. Now that you know our list of the best sports bars in Kent County, DE, you have a variety of great spots to choose from that offer great food, good drinks, and a fun time while watching the game.

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