CAR CRAZY SAGA 18:

MAINTENANCE II

Well, I just couldn't let it go. I decided to search salvage yards. I found on the internet a site that polled 300+ yards for a part and it only cost $6. So, I put in a search for "the clear plastic Shield that covers the instrument panel".

I got two responses. One saying that it was unavailable as a separate piece. The other said that they had a perfect condition Instrument Cluster for a 2006 Cadillac XLR for $350. I debated for a day. Then decided to do it!! I had it sent to my home and asked Lewes Auto Mall if they would install it even though they're only a Chevy dealer. They said they would.

   ---Excellent!

I'm so pleased. It looks great! Even though nobody would notice. I DO!

CAR CRAZY SAGA 17:

MAINTENANCE

My Cadillac XLR has a problem that I created. I was cleaning the Steering Wheel with leather cleaner and it sprayed on the clear plastic Shield coving the instrument panel. It instantly clouded the Shield!

I tried to clean with everything I could think of. No luck. 

I went to Lewes Auto Mall, a Chevy dealer in town. They even tried a very fine polish which didn't work either. I asked if the Shield could be replaced. They said 

NO! The entire Instrument Cluster would have to be replaced as the Shield is integral. It was a chemical reaction.

When I had the annual maintenance done at Courtesy Cadillac in Salisbury, Md., they came to the same conclusion. To replace the Instrument Cluster would be $1,000. for the part and $200. for the installation!! The service manager came to talk to me. He said maybe a salvage yard could come up with the shield only—an interesting idea. 

In the pursing weeks I decided that I'd have to live with it. I didn't like it but it was just too expensive.

FAVORITE DELAWARE BEACHES RESTAURANTS SAGA 8:

AGAVE MEXICAN GRILL AND TEQUILA BAR
Lewes, Delaware

Located on Second Street in Lewes' historic district, Agave is set in simple but classy surroundings and offers Mexican food that critics and diners rave about.

It's definitely the best Mexican restaurant I've ever eaten at: the Margaritas are freshly made and delicious. (They have over 70 kinds of Tequila!)

Ah! And the food: very fresh, very interesting and different, scrumptious and refreshing. I can't recommend it enough.

Ted and I have had several excellent meals there.

FAVORITE DELAWARE BEACHES RESTAURANTS SAGA 7:

GILLIGAN'S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT AND BAR

Lewes, Delaware

One of my favorite places is GILLIGAN'S. It's right on the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal in Lewes, half in an old fishing boat from Key West, perched up on the bank.

The bar and kitchen are in the boat. The restaurant is on a deck extending along the water. An enclosed dinning area has recently been added.

Half of the deck is under two beautiful cherry trees.

The food is good but the setting and view are extraordinary!

The scrumptious crab cake is the house specialty. The best I've ever had!

TIDBITES SAGA:

THE KITCHEN AT PAYNTER'S MILL
Milton, DE

This establishment is now run by the old Second Street Grille which closed in Lewes.

It's small and cozy with a fireplace.

The food is scrumptious and reasonable in cost.

Marilyn, Ted and I went there on February 17th, 2012. We had a lovely meal with lots of conversation.

FAVORITE DELAWARE BEACHES RESTAURANTS SAGA 6:

JIMMY'S GRILLE
Bridgeville, Delaware

This one's a little off the beaten path but well worth going to. It's about forty-five minutes west of Rehoboth Beach in a pretty, historic town.

It serves great and huge-sized American-style food.

The pies and cakes are incredible—piled so high they're formidable.

1/4 of the menu

Chichen and crab cakes

   ---Definitely a Destination.

FAVORITE DELAWARE BEACHES RESTAURANTS SAGA 5:

BLUE MOON 
Rehoboth Beach

This venerable restaurant has been around for 30 years.

It's consistently been named one of the top ten restaurants in Delaware.

Located in a wonderful, old Victorian beach house, it's premier eating and surroundings and ambience are tops.

Robert and I enjoying "The Moon".

FAVORITE DELAWARE BEACHES RESTAURANTS SAGA 4:

BLUE COAST SEAFOOD GRILL
Bethany Beach

This exciting restaurant is located right on Salt Pond. Its seafood is superb and the sunset view of the bay is delightful.

It's a simple place with surprising qualities: for instance the hand-carved booths.

Swordfish!

FAVORITE DELAWARE BEACHES RESTAURANTS SAGA 3:

VENUS ON THE HALF SHELL
Dewey Beach

What a delight!

Dewey Beach is known more for the bar scene but Venus is a great place to have an early sunset dinner. 

The food is great and the atmosphere is perfect. Sit on the sand and watch the sunset.

The wedge is really tasty—with a bit a wasabi blue cheese. A salad and one of their small plates are enough to eat ranging around $30 per person.

Unfortunately, it now has just become IVY, an upscale bar.

Next, Further Away.

FAVORITE DELAWARE BEACHES RESTAURANTS SAGA 2:

NAGE
Rehoboth

Nage has by far the most inventive and fabulous food of any restaurant in the area.

I first discovered Nage when they started in Rehoboth Beach in 1990±. Now they're outside the Beach and on Highway One in Rehoboth. But, nonetheless, they haven't lost their quality.

It's a very "bistro" type of place—well decorated; very cozy.

A genuine treat!

Next, a Different Beach Town.

TIDBITES SAGA:

TUSCAN GRILL
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

It's in the old cultured pearl space on Wilmington Avenue and it's been redecorated—okay. 

It's your typical Italian type ordinary restaurant. Mary Ann, Ted and I had dinner there. Mary Ann had a steak salad, Ted had eggplant Parmesan, and I had lemon veal. All were satisfactory to good.

It reminds me of an Olive Garden, albeit not quite as good. I don't particularly like chain restaurants but in this case Olive Garden surpasses.

This is not a "destination" type place but it's okay for a quick, inexpensive Italian dinner—assuming you can abide "touristy" type places.


   ---Don Voth, your friendly reviewer.

FAVORITE DELAWARE BEACHES RESTAURANTS SAGA:

RISTORANTE ZEBRA 
Rehoboth Beach

ZEBRA is by far my favorite.

It's the visual sense of delight and the wonderful Italian food fare.

Though quite expensive, it'll well worth it.

Next, One, just a little Out of The City.

TIDBITS SAGA:

ED CROWLEY (1948-1998)

Ed was a very special guy. He delighted most people with his enthusiasm and invention.

Ed in his corner office.

Ed and Liza.

Ed taking Chinese cooking classes.

Ed and friends in Hawaii.