The Bay Queen Bakery and BabyCakes

If you haven't tried a Smith Island BabyCake what are you waiting for?

I stopped by the Bay Queen Bakery a few weeks ago to buy one and was delighted to see how numerous the selection is!

The BabyCake is tucked into its own little box which is a lovely idea but I really don't know how they can get ALL the flavor in that box! Making a decision is NOT easy and I finally chose the Strawberry Baby Cake with the yellow cake layers filled with strawberry mousse then iced with buttercream frosting.

And was it ever so delicious! This truly is a "cake for two" (or three) as mine was on this day. But the three of us agreed on the moistness and the flavor. The Smith Island BabyCake truly is absolutely wonderful! It's a tiny cake with huge, wonderful flavor, packed into a box, and "made from scratch with love."

I hope you will try one soon! (or try two)

You can find the Bay Queen Galley and its BabyCakes in downtown Pocomoke, Maryland right next to the MarVa Theater.

Reminder: The BabyCakes will be moving. The Bay Queen Galley will be opening the restaurant at the Days Inn in Pocomoke and will be open at this new location on September 1st.

Here is a listing of all the flavors for the BabyCakes so you can maybe make up your mind before you get there.

Banana~ Fresh banana, yellow layers and buttercream. The sides of the cake are coated with ground walnut.

Carrot Cake~ Carrot cake with cream cheese icing.

Chocolate Mint~ Peppermint butter cream between chocolate layers. Iced with chocolate gananche.

Chocolate Peanut Butter~ Chocolate ganache and ground peanut butter cups with yellow layers.

Coconut~ Butter cream, yellow layers and coconut.

Coconut/Lime~ Fresh lime curd and coconut between yellow layers. Then iced with butter cream, coated with coconut and topped with lime curd.

German Chocolate~ Fresh coconut pecan icing between chocolate layers. It is iced with chocolate butter cream and topped with the coconut pecan icing.

Lemon~ Fresh lemon curd, yellow layers and butter cream.

Lime~ Fresh lime, yellow layers and butter cream.

Mounds~ Yellow layers, chocolate ganache and coconut.

Oreo~ Chocolate layers with crushed Oreos and butter cream .

Piña Colada~ Pineapple mousse between yellow layers. Iced with butter cream and coated with coconut.

Red Velvet~ Red velvet layers with cream cheese icing.

S’mores~ Graham cracker cake with chocolate ganache and marshmallow icing between layers. Iced with chocolate ganache.

Strawberry~ Fresh strawberry mousse between yellow layers, iced with butter cream

Strawberry/Lime~ Fresh lime curd with strawberry mousse between yellow layers and iced with your choice of butter cream or chocolate ganache.

Traditional~ Chocolate ganache and yellow layers.

"All made from scratch with love......."

Record Your Childhood Memories At the Delmarva Discovery Center

This is a wonderful idea!

POCOMOKE CITY — Organizers want to document and record childhood stories or other memories that natives of the region want to share during a special taping at the Delmarva Discovery Center on the Pocomoke River in Pocomoke.

Libraries in Worcester and Somerset counties are partnering with the center to record the unique stories at a July 28 session. Stories that offer a look at the region before technology changed the lifestyles of its residents are especially welcomed. Participants also should bring along documents or photographs related to their stories.

The recording session will be between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the center, 2 W. Market St. near Pocomoke’s downtown. The project was made possible through a grant from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, and recordings will be compiled and included in a Digital Storytelling Project conducted by libraries in the two counties.

www.delmarvanow.com

The Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center

Theater to present 'Pippi Longstocking'

POCOMOKE CITY -- From Aug. 2-13, the Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center will offer young actors an opportunity to perform in a musical adaptation of "Pippi Longstocking." The famous stories about the girl wonder were created by Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren, and are among the most translated children's books in the world. The musical adaptation, including lyrics, music and stage play, are written by local composer Gwen Skeens, whose musical adaptation of Tom Sawyer was presented last year by members of Mar-Va's Theater Academy. Assisting Skeens as accompanist will be Janice Boettger, retired music teacher and noted pianist and organist at Antioch Methodist Church in Princess Anne. The cast for this production will require both male and female actors, ages 8-15, and will feature multiple actresses in the role of Pippi.

Throughout the two-week workshop, students will have instruction in singing, movement, improvisation, elocution and many other skills related to the development of stagecraft. The cost for the musical session is $200 for Mar-Va members and $250 for non-members. On the evening of Aug. 13, at 7 p.m., a public performance of the musical will be given. For further information regarding registration or tickets, call 443-614-0830.

www.delmarvanow.com

Don't Miss This Today At the Delmarva Discovery Center

Cooking Demonstration:

Saturday, July 3 at 11:00am

Katie Barney Moose, born in Baltimore, has lived in many of the US great culinary, architectural, historical, and waterside gems. She will be at the Discovery Center to demonstrate some of her exciting Chesapeake Bay recipes.

Her repertoire of cookbooks include, “Chesapeake’s Bounty,” “Nantucket’s Bounty,” and “God’s Bounty: 365 days of Inspirational Cooking.”

Open to all paid visitors and members of the Delmarva Discovery Center.

The Delmarva Discovery Center This Weekend !!

Special savings exclusively for

Worcester, Somerset, Wicomico, Accomack, & Sussex

county residents…

Visit the Delmarva Discovery Center on

and receive a discounted rate!

50% off all admissions & one Child FREE with each paid adult

Total admission for a family of 4 – only $10!

POCOMOKE CITY — Shore Bank has donated $1,000 to the Delmarva Discovery Center, an award that supports programming and exhibits at the Lower Shore’s relatively new museum of local culture and natural heritage.

Discovery Center Executive Director Brian Garrett along with members of its board of directors were on hand in early June to accept the donation from Shore Bank’s branch staff in Pocomoke City and its advisory board.

Donna Weaver, bank vice president, called the 16,000 square-foot Discovery Center “a wonderful resource.”

The center features a 6,000-gallon freshwater aquarium and a Native American exhibit and sponsors tours along a nature trail through the cypress swamp. The center also has a museum store, showcases local artisans through live presentations and exhibits, and sponsors special events for adults and children.

www.delmarvanow.com

Don't Forget The Mar-Va Theater This Weekend

Pocomoke Cypress Festival Ends Tonight

DON'T FORGET!!

TONIGHT IS THE LAST NIGHT FOR THE CYPRESS FESTIVAL

Saturday, June 12th, 2010 Admission $3.00

Rides and Midway by Sherwood Amusements

*Wristband Special Night 12-4 pm

Bay Queen at the City Docks: Cruise our beautiful Pocomoke River from the City Docks!

Visit the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Table

for Duck Derby Tickets **50/50 Tickets ** Information ** Lost and Found **Souvenirs and Retail Items for Sale

Look for Sillee Willee the clown who will be walking the grounds

Sponsored by Hickman Heating, Plumbing, Air Conditioning Inc.

Coast Guard Boat Tours and Life-Saving Demonstrations.

**depending on availability, emergencies take priority**

10:00 AM Pocomoke 5K Race Starts- Sponsored by Atlantic General Hospital

11:00 AM Gates Open

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Pocomoke Big Fish

12:00 PM Rides Start

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Rain Gutter Regatta brought to you by Cub Scout Pack 143

1:00 PM Car Show by Crabtown Cruisers

1:00 PM Bike Show

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Pocomoke Potato Gun Challenge

TBA (according to tide) Duck Derby

6:30PM-10:00 PM Midnight Country Express

10:00 PM Fireworks - Sponsored by Pocomoke City

11:00 PM Gates Close

Ride Tickets--$1.00 for 1 or $20 for 25 tickets

HEY POCOMOKE !!! IT'S CYPRESS FESTIVAL TIME

35th ANNUAL CYPRESS FESTIVAL

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 Admission $2.00

Rides and Midway by Sherwood Amusements

*Wristband Special Night

Bay Queen at the City Docks: Cruise our beautiful Pocomoke River from the City Docks!

Visit the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Table

for Duck Derby Tickets **50/50 Tickets ** Information ** Lost and Found

**Souvenirs and Retail Items for Sale

6:00 PM Admission Gates Open – Rides Start

6:00 PM Opening Ceremonies w/ROTC, Cub Scouts, City Officials and Pocomoke Elks Lodge

7:00 PM Little Miss/Miss Cypress Pageant

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Karate and Judo Demonstrations by Pocomoke Karate & Judo

10:00PM Gates Close Ride Tickets--$1.00 for 1 or $20 for 25 tickets

Thursday, June 10th, 2010 Admission $2.00

Rides and Midway by Sherwood Amusements

*Wristband Special Night

Bay Queen at the City Docks: Cruise our beautiful Pocomoke River from the City Docks!

Visit the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Table

for Duck Derby Tickets **50/50 Tickets ** Information ** Lost and Found

**Souvenirs and Retail Items for Sale

6:00 PM Admission Gates Open and Rides Start

6:30 PM Championship Awards

7:00 PM Pocomoke Idol w/ DJ Big Al

10:00 PM Gates Close Ride Tickets--$1.00 for 1 or $20 for 25 tickets

Friday, June 11th, 2010 Admission $3.00

Rides and Midway by Sherwood Amusements

Bay Queen at the City Docks: Cruise our beautiful Pocomoke River from the City Docks!

Visit the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Table

for Duck Derby Tickets **50/50 Tickets ** Information ** Lost and Found

**Souvenirs and Retail Items for Sale

Look for Sillee Willee the clown who will be walking the grounds

Sponsored by Hickman Heating, Plumbing, Air Conditioning Inc.

6:00 PM Admission Gates Open – Rides Start

6:00 PM -8:45 PM Pocomoke Survivor

6:00 PM -8:45 PM Tug of War

6:30 PM – 10:30 PM Footloose- 80’s Music

11:00PM Gates Close Ride Tickets--$1.00 for 1 or $20 for 25 tickets

Saturday, June 12th, 2010 Admission $3.00

Rides and Midway by Sherwood Amusements

*Wristband Special Night 12-4 pm

Bay Queen at the City Docks: Cruise our beautiful Pocomoke River from the City Docks!

Visit the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Table

for Duck Derby Tickets **50/50 Tickets ** Information ** Lost and Found **Souvenirs and Retail Items for Sale

Look for Sillee Willee the clown who will be walking the grounds

Sponsored by Hickman Heating, Plumbing, Air Conditioning Inc.

Coast Guard Boat Tours and Life-Saving Demonstrations.

**depending on availability, emergencies take priority**

10:00 AM Pocomoke 5K Race Starts- Sponsored by Atlantic General Hospital

11:00 AM Gates Open

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Pocomoke Big Fish

12:00 PM Rides Start

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Rain Gutter Regatta brought to you by Cub Scout Pack 143

1:00 PM Car Show by Crabtown Cruisers

1:00 PM Bike Show

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Pocomoke Potato Gun Challenge

TBA (according to tide) Duck Derby

6:30PM-10:00 PM Midnight Country Express

10:00 PM Fireworks - Sponsored by Pocomoke City

11:00 PM Gates Close

Ride Tickets--$1.00 for 1 or $20 for 25 tickets

Mar-Va Theater Is Looking For Volunteers

The Mar-Va Theater is looking for friends!

The Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center is run by volunteers.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We need volunteers to help with the following:
- selling concessions
- taking tickets
- help with lights
- help with sound
- promotions

We also need friends to run the movie projector. We are willing to train for this position.

If you can help email Emily Rantz, theater manager: emily@marvatheater.com

Delmarva Discovery Center

Beginning on Memorial Day, The Delmarva Discovery Center will now open 7 days a week intil Labor Day.

Hours are: 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM

Admission:
Adult (18 and over): $10.00
Senior (60 and over): $8.00
Student (with ID): $8.00
Child* (4-17): $5.00
DDC Members: Free

*All children must be accompanied by an adult

-Group rates available with advanced booking.

-Tour guides are only guaranteed to be available with advanced booking.

Also Available:

RIVER CRUISE PACKAGE: (Available April through October)

Visit the Delmarva Discovery Center's exhibits and take a guided cruise on the Pocomoke River with the Bay Queen. Purchase tickets for both activities for the low price of $18 per adult, $9 per child (under 18). The Bay Queen leaves the Pocomoke Docks at 1:00pm Thursday through Sunday.

For more information go to www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.com

VISIT THE MAR-VA THEATER THIS WEEKEND

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Have You Tried The "Babycake" Yet?

The "taste" test is the final test for baker and partner Shannan Johnson of the Bay Queen Galley and Bakery in Pocomoke City. Above, a red velvet BabyCake is tested by, from left, John Riggi, Johnson, Dustin Johnson and Mary Ann Riggi, Johnson's partner. (Milt Savage photo)

POCOMOKE CITY -- When a bakery was added to the Bay Queen Galley earlier this spring, it wasn't long before one item started flying off the shelves of the small Market Street cafe.

While brownies and lemon bars and cookies lined the counter, customers skipped over the standard treats, said MaryAnn Riggi, who co-owns the cafe. It seemed people couldn't get enough of the bakery's miniature Smith Island cakes, affectionately known as BabyCakes.

"The BabyCakes have kind of taken over," Riggi said. "We are a bakery, but we really seem to be the BabyCake bakery."

Although other things can be made to order, Shannan Johnson, the Bay Queen's baker, is responsible for providing a steady supply of at least 10 flavors of the five-layer, two-serving version on the Maryland state cake.

"She does other things, but at the moment those cakes have been the thing," Riggi said. "You have to go with what works, and the public wants the cakes."

Riggi and her husband John opened the Bay Queen Galley in the fall of 2009. The cafe serves both hungry passersby and caters for the river cruise boat that shares its name.

"We've been running the tour boat for four years," Riggi said. "We started by using local restaurants, but we couldn't guarantee the product was consistent."

But when they opened the Market Street cafe, serving sandwiches and coffee, the couple felt they needed more to lure people in and away from the convenience of nearby fast food restaurants. At the time, the galley was selling Smith Island cakes provided by a distributor, but Riggi said it seemed she never had the flavors people wanted.

"Everybody wanted banana, but banana doesn't have a good shelf life, so I thought maybe we should bring on a baker," she said.

The couple spent the winter searching for the perfect baker. Riggi and her husband were on a diet at the time, so they wanted someone who could produce such a good cake that they could not help but finish the whole thing.

Then Johnson came along.

"She has such a passion," Riggi said. "She's a wonderful baker -- but her passion when she talks about baking, she gets goosebumps.

More importantly, Riggi added, when she tried one of Johnson's cakes, "I took one taste and walked away with the plate. That was it."

But while the cakes were good, the cafe found that people weren't interested in buying a big one.

"If you are a single person or a couple, you don't want to buy a whole Smith Island cake and have it sitting around the house," she said.

So Johnson, an Eastern Shore native, experimented with miniaturizing it. The BabyCake was born.

At five layers -- much higher and it will fall over, Riggi said -- the cakes cost $5.95, come in 10 different flavors including lemon, strawberry, peanut butter, chocolate, cookies and cream, key lime pie and red velvet, and are the perfect size for two people. Buy two, and Riggi will tell you you've got twins.

As for which flavor is the best, Riggi said she can't really say.

"Everyone has their flavor," she said. "It changes for me. (Johnson) will make a new flavor and shove it in my mouth first thing in the morning and that will be my new favorite.

www.delmarvanow.com

"COP OUT" This Weekend At The MarVa Theater

Rated R

A comedy about a veteran NYPD cop whose rare baseball card is stolen. Since it's his only hope to pay for his daughter's upcoming wedding, he recruits his partner to track down the thief, a memorabilia-obsessed gangster.

Friday May 7, 2010

Saturday May 8, 2010

7:00 PM

Admission: $5.00 per person

This Weekend at the Mar-Va Theater

Directed by Guy Ritchie

Plot summary (from IMDb.com):

After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler.

Featuring:
Robert Downey Jr.
Jude Law
Rachel McAdams
Mark Strong

At The Mar-Va This Weekend

"Hillbilly Hankerin"


Holly Grove Christian School Production


Friday and Saturday


March 5th and 6th


Showtime: 7:00 PM



Admission:
Adults $7
Students $4