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Articles by Rae Tyson
Is scrapple Delaware's most iconic dish?
Delaware may not have invented scrapple but the state has done more than Pennsylvania to elevate its stature, say some media outlets Pa. food website up in arms over "theft" of scrapple from state where it originated; wants Pennsylvania to up its "scrapple appreciation' game From its beginnings, scrapple has always been a down-on-the-farm homage to the 18th-century addage, "waste not, want not." Scrapple, of course, is a mid-Atlantic breakfast staple dating to Colonial times and made of...
Brickworks will offer new lower Delaware craft beer destination starting Monday
Rae Tyson, Special to the Daily Times Published 11:20 a.m. ET June 13, 2019 Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery CEO and founder, discusses the apple cider doughnut inspired beer the brewery is making with Dewey Beer Co. and Fifer Orchards. Produced by Meg Ryan Brick Works, the highly acclaimed Smyrna restaurant-microbrewery, will finally open its new Sussex County outpost on Monday afternoon.
Party like the Vikings - minus an invasion - at Milton meadery
Rae Tyson, Special to Salisbury Daily Times Published 10:00 a.m. ET June 6, 2019 | Updated 10:13 a.m. ET June 6, 2019 WATCH: How Sweet Charlie's in Rehoboth makes rolled ice cream Taylor Goebel, Wochit It may seem a little farfetched that someone in southern Delaware would want to celebrate the anniversary of an event that took place on an obscure English island some 1,226 years ago.
Bethany Blues: For longtime staffers, 'there’s an element of family here'
RAE TYSON, SPECIAL TO THE SALISBURY DAILY TIMES Published 5:33 p.m. ET May 22, 2019 Beebe Healthcare broke ground for a new specialty surgical hospital in Rehoboth on Wednesday. Jenna Miller, Salisbury Daily Times For many restaurants in southern Delaware, staff turnover is a constant challenge. In the food industry, transient restaurant workers are frequently changing jobs in a constant search for higher pay and better working conditions.
Can Bobby Flay be defeated by a Sussex County chef? Find out
A prominent Sussex County chef will appear in an upcoming episode of Food Network’s popular “Beat Bobby Flay” show. Wochit video by Keith Demko, Salisbury Daily Times ***SPOILER ALERT! THE WINNER OF THIS EPISODE IS REVEALED *** Perhaps the Food Network show should be titled: “Beat Bobby Flay – If You Can." Local chef Bill Clifton found out how hard it is to compete in the kitchen against a master like Flay.
Delaware Farm Income, Female Farmers Grow
Delaware farm income rose significantly over a five-year span while the number of female farmers also increased, according to the latest federal census. The USDA Census of Agriculture — documenting changes in farms nationwide between 2012 and 2017 — contains an array of information about Delaware’s 2,300 farms. The latest data shows that agriculture remains Delaware’s largest single land use, with 42% of Delaware’s land — 530,000 acres — devoted to farms, up from 509,000 acres in 2012.
Brick Hotel on The Circle in Georgetown getting new life with chef
A prominent Sussex County chef will appear in an upcoming episode of Food Network’s popular “Beat Bobby Flay” show. Wochit video by Keith Demko, Salisbury Daily Times The Brick Hotel has occupied a prominent spot on Georgetown’s Circle ever since it opened 183 years ago. Though it was converted to a bank for a short time, the hotel has, for the most part, been a welcome oasis for dining and lodging since the 1800s.
Chef bringing new life to Georgetown's famed Brick Hotel
A prominent Sussex County chef will appear in an upcoming episode of Food Network’s popular “Beat Bobby Flay” show. Wochit video by Keith Demko, Salisbury Daily Times The Brick Hotel has occupied a prominent spot on Georgetown’s Circle ever since it opened 183 years ago. Though it was converted to a bank for a short time, the hotel has, for the most part, been a welcome oasis for dining and lodging since the 1800s.
SoDel Concepts' coming brewpub will be known as Thompson Island Brewing Company
RAE TYSON, SPECIAL TO THE SALISBURY DAILY TIMES Published 1:11 p.m. ET March 25, 2019 SoDel Concepts, one of southern Delaware’s most successful restaurant groups, has plans for expansion that includes a new brewpub in Rehoboth Beach. Wochit video by Keith Demko, Wochit SoDel Concepts, one of southern Delaware’s most successful restaurant groups, has plans for expansion that includes a new brewpub in Rehoboth Beach.
SoDel Concepts to work with Troegs Brewing for new Rehoboth brewpub
RAE TYSON, SPECIAL TO THE SALISBURY DAILY TIMES Published 6:00 a.m. ET March 22, 2019 Behind the scenes at one of Delaware's most successful restaurant empires, SoDel Concepts. Wochit SoDel Concepts, one of southern Delaware’s most successful restaurant groups, has plans for expansion that includes a new brewpub in Rehoboth Beach. The new enterprise, its first microbrewery, will be located on Coastal Highway property recently acquired by the company.
SoDel Concepts' coming brewpub will be known as Thompson Island Brewing Company
RAE TYSON, SPECIAL TO THE SALISBURY DAILY TIMES Published 6:00 a.m. ET March 22, 2019 | Updated 1:32 p.m. ET March 23, 2019 SoDel Concepts, one of southern Delaware’s most successful restaurant groups, has plans for expansion that includes a new brewpub in Rehoboth Beach. Wochit video by Keith Demko, Wochit SoDel Concepts, one of southern Delaware’s most successful restaurant groups, has plans for expansion that includes a new brewpub in Rehoboth Beach.
'Beat Bobby Flay': Food Network show will feature Sussex chef in upcoming episode
RAE TYSON, SPECIAL TO SALISBURY DAILY TIMES Published 6:09 a.m. ET March 13, 2019 | Updated 3:59 p.m. ET March 25, 2019 A prominent Sussex County chef will appear in an upcoming episode of Food Network’s popular “Beat Bobby Flay” show. Wochit video by Keith Demko, Salisbury Daily Times A prominent Sussex County chef will appear in an upcoming episode of Food Network’s popular “Beat Bobby Flay” show.
Tiny houses 'the next big thing' in Sussex? Entrepreneur thinks there's a market
CLOSE See what all the tiny-house hype is about at WeeCasa in Lyons, Colo. Buy Photo Roger Brul, a Delmarva tiny house entrepreneur, was attracted to the shipping container approach. His company, Tiny House Container, is now converting shipping units into small dwellings, mostly for seasonal use.(Photo: Roger Brul photo)Buy Photo If it is any indication of popularity, there are now at least nine television shows devoted to tiny houses.
Brewers pick what beer fits your Thanksgiving dinner and leftovers
CLOSE Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery CEO and founder, discusses the apple cider doughnut inspired beer the brewery is making with Dewey Beer Co. and Fifer Orchards. Produced by Meg Ryan With a name like Pennsylvania Tuxedo, the collaboration between Delaware’s Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Pennsylvania’s Woolrich (the outdoor clothing company), is guaranteed to be fully spruced.
Distracted driving crashes have nearly doubled in Delaware
When Delaware State Police investigator Anthony Mendez arrives at the scene of an accident, he can usually spot clues pointing to inattentive driving as a contributing cause of the crash. “There are classic signs of distracted driving,” said Sgt. Mendez, who works from the Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit in Lewes. Among the clues: Evidence of lane departure, running a stop sign or red light — or signs the driver was slow to take evasive steps to avoid impact.
For Bethany volunteer firefighters, it's all about serving the community
Each and every day throughout southern Delaware, firefighters and medical services personal respond to an array of emergencies. Those calls coming in to a 911 dispatcher around the clock may include fires, medical emergencies, car crashes, hazardous materials incidents or water-related rescues. And in nearly every community throughout southern Delaware, the backbone of that emergency response is the local fire department, which relies largely on volunteers for emergency response.
Chicken Litter Processing Plant Approved
GEORGETOWN, Del.
Logistics Key to the Poultry Industry
Every year, Delmarva poultry companies process 605 million chickens, all of them raised on local farms.The challenges of moving that many chickens from hatchery to market are staggering.“These companies do pull off an impressive logistical feat,” said James Fisher, spokesman for Delmarva Poultry Industry Inc., a trade association based in Georgetown, Delaware.At Mountaire Farms, the process begins with a breeder from Statesville, North Carolina, supplying fertilized eggs.The eggs are shipped...
Will traffic congestion stall tourism growth in Sussex?
Sussex County’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination carries with it some ominous signs. Though they love the beaches, restaurants and shopping, visitors to the region say one of their top gripes is traffic congestion. And when traffic and parking detract from the visitors’ experience, it concerns tourism professionals like Scott Thomas, executive director of Southern Delaware Tourism, which is based in Georgetown.
Officials Plead for Help as Crops Fail
An abnormally wet spring has led Delaware officials to ask the USDA for an emergency declaration to help farmers affected by the soggy weather.In some instances, even multiple replantings have not helped, officials said.“Farming is hard no matter what, but when you get hit with the weather we have seen this spring and the damage it has done to our fruit and vegetable crops, our grains and our hay, it has a huge impact on our farmers, our communities and the state as a whole,” said Gov.
Eggs to chickens: Delmarva’s 605 million bird challenge
With a Delmarva poultry industry processing millions of birds each year, the age-old mystery may apply: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? In all seriousness, the five major Delmarva poultry producers raised 605 million chickens last year using a system that is a picture of efficiency.
Sussex traffic worsens with growth in housing, jobs, tourism
Not long ago on a sunny Saturday afternoon, the lanes of Route 1 between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach were jammed with cars, trucks, motorcycles and recreational vehicles. It was a typical scene on Sussex County’s busiest highway, the main access to the vacation destinations of Lewes, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island — and most everything in between. But there was a twist to this scenario.
Loyalty or price: How Delawareans choose where they pump gas
When the fuel gauge on her Chevy Tahoe approaches empty, Susan Lehman usually searches out a locally owned Exxon station, avoiding the larger alternatives like Wawa and Royal Farms. “I get better mileage out of Exxon,” she said. “And I feel that shopping at local owner stations is better for the community.” Though there are other Sussex County motorists who share Lehman’s preferences, they are definitely in the minority.
Iron Hill Rehoboth set to open for Memorial Day weekend
After two days of a “soft opening” practice run, the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant will officially open its Rehoboth Beach location Thursday, just in time for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. “We are pretty excited to be here,” said Kevin Finn, Iron Hill president and CEO. Iron Hill opened its first restaurant in Newark 22 years ago and the Rehoboth location will be the 14th. Restaurants are located in Delaware and three other states — Pennsylvania, New Jersey and South Carolina.
Cultivating Relationships Helps Co-ops Thrive
FEDERALSBURG, Md. — Cooperatives have been around for several hundred years, with a history that dates to a Benjamin Franklin insurance cooperative that was founded in 1752.
Milton woman transforms old post office into a cozy, dream home
Conjuring images of a dream home is pretty common. And those visions of the ideal residence would normally include the style of the house and the attractiveness of the community. But Julia Allen Smith decided that her dream home would be a little different. A little different may be an understatement when you consider that her dream involved a commercial building — not a traditional home. And that dream is what led Smith to the old post office in the heart of Milton.
Soybean Champ All About the Seed
CENTREVILLE, Md. — Though nurturing a contest crop involves some extraordinary measures, soybean grower Temple Rhodes III said the process always helps him produce more robust yields elsewhere on his Chestnut Manor Farm.Rhodes should know a little about growing high-yielding soybeans.
Craft beer scene in Rehoboth to get big boost from Iron Hill
When Iron Hill opened its first restaurant in Newark 22 years ago, it was, in all likelihood, the first of its kind in northern Delaware, pairing good food with craft beer brewed in house. It opened about a year after Sam Calagione made Delaware brewpub history with the opening of Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats in Rehoboth Beach. For Iron Hill, the overwhelming public response to that first restaurant and brewery in Newark cemented its reputation as a unique venue for great food and beer.
Young Farmer Turns to Crowdfunding to Save Farm
Throughout the region, it is not uncommon to hear about yet another herd dispersal for a financially stressed dairy farm.Less common is a community-based effort to help that farmer stay in business.But that is exactly what has happened to the Harcum family’s Beechnut Farms in Mardela Springs, Maryland.Though owner William “Blan” Harcum Jr. sold the last of his dairy cows in 2016, he has barely survived raising corn and soybeans along with other crops such as watermelons and cantaloupes.
Defunct movie theater may come back to life in Millsboro, offering a taste of the 1930s
When Walter “Huck” Betts retired from major league baseball in 1935, he headed home to Millsboro. Though he had a successful career pitching for the Boston Braves and Philadelphia Phillies and was a teammate of Babe Ruth, Betts knew it was time to contemplate life after the Major Leagues. Betts saw that movie houses were gaining in popularity so he decided to build a theater on Main Street in Millsboro. Unfortunately, the location he coveted was occupied by the Centennial Hotel.
Farmers markets a big seasonal boost for Sussex farmers
Now that spring is here, it will not be long before the region’s popular farmers markets are open for business. Every year, residents and tourists alike flock to seasonal markets in search of local fruits and vegetables along with flowers, baked goods, jams, eggs and meat. But these popular markets also provide some necessary income for farmers who are surviving on the proceeds from local sales.
Chicken farmer earns excellence award for protecting environment
When it comes to environmental stewardship, the poultry industry in southern Delaware seldom receives accolades. But it would be a mistake to suggest that the entire Delaware poultry industry is lackadaisical about its impact on the environment. One of those clear exceptions is Terry Baker Jr., a Millsboro farmer who raises chickens for Mountaire Farms.
Jimmy's Grille in Bridgeville up for sale
Jimmy’s Grille, an iconic restaurant in Bridgeville that is a favorite of tourists and locals alike, is on the selling block. Though details are sparse, Jack Lingo Realtor in Rehoboth Beach has the landmark restaurant listed for $1.7 million. An adjacent banquet hall is available for an added $475,000. Jimmy’s Grille in Bridgeville has been owned by entrepreneur Alex Pires and his company, Highway One, since 2006.
Poultry Farmer Puts Premium on Environmental Stewardship
MILLSBORO, Del.
Delaware Farmers Markets Report Best Year Ever
Henry Bennett supports his family on the income from a 38-acre fruit farm.
SoDel: Behind the scenes at one of Delaware's most successful restaurant empires
Every morning, Maurice Catlett has a kitchen routine that he explains by using a French phrase: “mise en place.” The translation “putting everything in place” essentially describes the first part of the work day for Catlett and his staff — the heart and soul of the professional kitchen at Matt’s Fish Camp restaurant in Lewes. For the executive chef, that advanced preparation is crucial as the restaurant staff prepares for a rush of food orders once diners start walking through the door.
Chicken Litter Project Gets Preliminary Approval
GEORGETOWN, Del. — The Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a plan for a facility that would process chicken litter and convert it into energy and other agricultural byproducts.The commission’s recommendation, by a 5-0 vote, has been sent to the Sussex County Council for consideration at its Feb. 27 meeting.“This is an appropriate location for this use,” Robert Wheatley, a planning and zoning commissioner, said at the Feb.
Renewable energy still trending up for Delaware with solar, wind growth
For generations, Delaware has depended on renewable energy for some of its basic needs. In early times, that often meant windmills on farms to pump well water. Or it involved harnessing cascading rivers or streams to power gristmills and sawmills. More recently, solar energy has become a significant source of electricity for several reasons.
Exhibits dive into early history, commerce of southern Delaware towns
RAE TYSON, DELMARVA NOW CORRESPONDENT Published 11:55 a.m. ET Feb. 7, 2018 | Updated 12:54 p.m. ET Feb. 8, 2018 CLOSE Two new exhibitions look at the history of local commerce in Milton and Milford. Wochit/Produced by Kamlesh Desai Buy Photo A sampling of the Milford Museum's latest exhibit about the town.(Photo: Rae Tyson photo)Buy Photo Not surprisingly, the early history of Milton and Milford, like many towns in southern Delaware, was directly tied to the water.
Brick Works brewpub expanding to southern Delaware
Brick Works, the highly acclaimed restaurant-microbrewery collaboration in Smyrna, is planning to expand into Sussex County later this year. The Smyrna brewpub, a joint venture between two Milford-based enterprises — Abbott’s Grille and Mispillion River Brewing — opened in June 2016 and has gotten high marks for both its menu and beer, which is brewed on site.
Delmarva Litter-to-Energy Project Hits Opposition
GEORGETOWN, Del.
As cost soars, is recycling still worth it?
The good news is, since Delaware passed a mandatory recycling law in 2010, nearly 43 percent of all waste – residential and commercial – has been collected for reuse. Annually, that translates into nearly 500,000 tons of waste in Delaware that is recycled, not deposited in a landfill. The not so good news is, the seller’s market for recyclable waste materials has tanked, in part because China, the largest buyer, recently closed its border to imported, reusable wastes.
Veterans, others join those burying WWII pilot in Millsboro
MILLSBORO - World War II fighter pilot Stanley Stegnerski was finally laid to rest Monday, alongside a younger brother who spent much of his adult life searching for a hero who was shot down over Germany Nov. 21, 1944. “Now, we all have closure,” said Janice Tunell of Wilmington, a family friend who was a caregiver for younger brother Henry Stegnerski and sister Charlotte.
Veterans, others join those burying WWII pilot in Millsboro
MILLSBORO - World War II fighter pilot Stanley Stegnerski was finally laid to rest Monday, alongside a younger brother who spent much of his adult life searching for a hero who was shot down over Germany Nov. 21, 1944. “Now, we all have closure,” said Janice Tunell of Wilmington, a family friend who was a caregiver for younger brother Henry Stegnerski and sister Charlotte.
Winter beach blues? Cooking classes with local chefs are selling out
Southern Delaware has an array of cooking classes available in the offseason, giving home chefs and self-proclaimed “foodies” a chance to learn techniques from a pro. “I like to cook and this is a great opportunity to learn,” said Cindy Timmerman, an Ocean View resident attending a class at the Big Fish restaurant in Rehoboth Beach one recent Saturday. The chefs, meanwhile, enjoy an opportunity for casual, relaxed interaction with their customers.
Rehoboth-Lewes Canal bridges to get a makeover
When Congress provided $356,000 to build the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, a 1910 federal allocation included money to construct highway bridges in both communities. By the time the canal was completed in 1916, bridges in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach were in place to provide a vehicle crossing over the new waterway. Both original bridges were of the “bascule” design, meaning the deck could be raised to allow the passage of tall boats and ships.
Delaware beaches full of New Year's Day traditions
For many, New Year’s Day is, basically, a time to recuperate from the revelry — and excesses — of the night before. But the first day of a new year also is a time to revisit traditions, whether that means eating black-eyed peas, visiting family, recovering from an overindulgent celebration or taking a dip in the chilly Atlantic Ocean.
Stifle the road rage: police at work
Though accident-related traffic backups can be time consuming, they also are necessary for a variety of reasons. For crashes with injuries, the delays may mean that medical personnel are treating victims on the scene before transporting them to a hospital by ambulance or helicopter. Or that the local fire department is helping to clean debris and spilled fuel from the roadway while tow trucks remove the damaged vehicles.
These local restaurants court gluten-free, vegan customers
To respond to a mounting public concern about allergies and other dietary issues, national chains like Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, California Pizza Kitchen, Papa John's, Subway, Shake Shack and others have modified their menus accordingly. Over time, all have stepped up with alternatives to help customers sidestep certain food ingredients for an array of medical or philosophical reasons. Among Delaware restaurants, response to a growing consumer clamor for dietary alternatives covers a wide range.
Poinsettias for Christmas? Sussex grower, Delaware's largest, has you covered
As the holiday approaches, traditional decorating usually involves a Christmas tree, a wreath and some bright red poinsettias. Though there are plenty of places to buy wreathes and trees, which are often imported from elsewhere, southern Delaware has a unique situation regarding poinsettias. Sussex County is home to Jeff's Greenhouses, the largest poinsettia grower in the state. In other words, you can get beautiful holiday poinsettias directly from the source in Bethel.
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