Beach Bites

beach bites

The summer season just started, and there’s a good chance you’ll likely spend a day or two at the beach before it’s over.

But all of that swimming, sunbathing and salty Ocean City air will make you hungry, and the last thing you’ll want to do is pack up and set off in search of something to eat.

Luckily, you won’t have to.

Beach Bites, Ocean City’s first restaurant marketing company, operates through a free app, good for any mobile device or tablet.

Customers are able to go onto the Beach Bites app or website, check out various menus, pick a restaurant they would like to order from and pay with a credit or debit card in a matter of minutes. The order is placed with the restaurant and a driver is assigned to meet the customer on the beach. Food can even be delivered to customers’ homes or condos.

The app launched last Memorial Day weekend with, “smooth success,” said Kimberly Davis, who co-owns the company with her husband, Brandon. The couple was inspired to create the food delivery service after a long, lazy day at the beach last August.

“We just thought it would be fantastic if someone would bring us food — good food, like a burger or a pizza — without us having to leave our spot,” she said. “We kept talking about it and started researching, and just ran with the idea.”

Delivery is offered between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., typically slower times for restaurants, she said.

Longboard Cafe was the first restaurant to collaborate. Owner Rich Vach said it was an easy choice.

“I think their app has a really good chance of shaking some things up around here.” he said. “For very little extra work on our end, we are now able to reach a whole new market of customers. It’s genius.”

Other participating restaurants include the Ninth and 45th Street TaphouseBJ’s on the Water, Primo Hoagies, Grotto Pizza and Ocean City Fish Co.. Davis hopes the list will expand once people learn of the app.

Standard delivery fee is about $5 for orders placed online, and an extra $1.99 for orders placed through the Beach Bites call center. The delivery fee does not include gratuity for the driver. Average delivery time is about 50 minutes, she said, although times will vary based on traffic, the restaurant’s ability to prepare the food and weather conditions.

Davis recommends large orders be placed at least two hours in advance, and those desiring a specific delivery time should give 24 hours’ notice.

Beach Bites could revolutionize the town’s dining scene, according to Susan Jones, executive director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association.

“Only time will tell,” she said. “But I think the concept is wonderful.”

St Patrick’s Day

Everyone has a favorite local pub, but here are some outstanding choices for an Irish-inspired celebration this St. Patrick’s Day.

And good news: the Shore is graced with the luck of the Irish, a number of restaurants serve these signature dishes not only on March 17, but throughout the year as well.

Duffy’s Tavern, Ocean City 

Nestled in the Montego Bay shopping center, Duffy’s has been serving pints of Guinnessand Irish stew to loyal patrons since 1985. The diverse menu offers traditional Irish dishes, such as the generously stuffed baked lamb pot pie, and beach favorites like steamed shrimp, crab cake sandwiches, grilled steaks and more.

Go: 130th Street, Ocean City. Call 410-250-1449.

Shenanigans Irish Pub & Grille 

Eat, drink and be Irish on 4th Street. Perhaps one of Ocean City’s only authentic Irish bars, Shenanigans allows patrons to step off the boardwalk and right into Ireland. The menu offers Irish inspired eats like “Shamrock Steamers”, “Crocks O’ Gold”, “Shenawhiches” and “Dublin Desserts.” Sit back with a pint at the bar and look for your family’s Irish crest — the pub’s ceiling is trimmed with dozens of them.

Go: 309 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City. Call 410-289-7181. Visit ocshenanigans.com.

The Irish Penny Pub & Grill

The only Irish bar in Salisbury lives up to the hype with a tin ceiling, a hand-crafted oak bar and weekly, authentic live music sessions. The Penny’s warm, cozy atmosphere easily draws people in, but its the pickle shots and juicy Jameson burgers that keeps them coming back. The homemade menu is packed with classic Irish dishes with an Eastern Shore Twist. Don’t forget to try the bangers and mash.

Go: 1014 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury. Call 410-742-0002. Visit www.theirishpennypub.com.

Murph’s Beef & Ale 

Pitt ham, hand-carved beef, baked turkey and slow roasted potatoes are always available at this laid-back Irish eatery, located in Henlopen Square. The simple, yet mouthwatering menu features creamy potato soup, gravy cheese fries and slow-roasted beef, pork, ham and turkey sandwiches. Get yours “Murphed” by topping it with specialty aged provolone, homemade gravy and sauteed garlic broccoli rabe. Then wash it all down with a gloriously cold pint of ale.

Go: 37169 Rehoboth Avenue Extended, Rehoboth Beach. Call 302-212-5355.

Irish Eyes Restaurant & Pub

After more than two decades, Irish Eyes has earned a reputation for quality service that matches its menu. And while there are a few authentic choices, the name of the game here is burgers, seafood and steaks. Plus, enjoy bands who specialize in the Dublin-down sound on a fairly regular Saturday night basis.

Go: 105 Union Street, Milton. Call 302-684-8889. Visit www.irisheyespub.com.

I WANT my toes in the water

condo rentals in ocean city maryland

This extreme winter with the single digit temperatures even here in Ocean City, MD has really left me wanting my toes in the water and ass in the sand…

Zac Brown Band:
I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today. Life is good today.
Well, the plane touched down just about 3 o’clock
And the city’s still on my mind
Bikinis and palm trees danced in my head
I was still in the baggage line
Concrete and cars are their own prison bars like this life I’m living in
But the plane brought me farther.
I’m surrounded by water
And I’m not going back again

I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today. Life is good today.

Listen to it  HERE