New concepts mark the 2016 season

It’s been a challenge keeping up with the annual Got-To-Be-Open-By-Memorial Day frenzy, and the whirlwind of events usually involves curious guests mingling with restaurant glitterati (some glittering more than others, depending on whether there’s an open bar).

2016 in the Cape Region brings a slightly different restaurant landscape to visitors and locals alike. And as Cape Gazette’s The Business of Eating guy, I’m willing to assume the mantle of responsibility - especially if it comes with bacon and cheese.

LaVida Hospitality Group has rebranded their longtime icon Nage into the brighter and more accessible Fork & Flask at Nage. New features include a brand-new bar area, Saturday and Sunday brunches, late nights until 1 a.m., and a plethora of affordable small plates.

Former Nage Executive Chef and a(MUSE.) boss Hari Cameron has had so much success with his pantheon to modernist cuisine and his get-‘em-in-get-‘em-out mac ‘n’ cheese concept, both on Baltimore Avenue, that he is building yet another Grandpa (MAC) out on Coastal Highway by Starbucks and Pickled Pig Pub. Don’t camp out in front just yet - the former real estate office did not go quietly. (Apparently real estate offices don’t come with professional kitchens, so floors were dug up! And dug up yet again.)

Speaking of Pickled Pig Pub, look for a new addition to this tightly run little restaurant group. I’ve been sworn to secrecy until all the Ts are dotted and the eyes are crossed, but don’t worry, you’ll be the second to know. And the same thing with the former Seafood Shack on Baltimore Avenue. The new concept being hatched by the prime movers at Blue Moon will soon be revealed.

Jeff Hamer and his Fins/Claws group are getting ready to break ground on yet another Big Oyster Brewery on Kings Highway near Mr. P’s Pizzeria. Slightly farther north in Milton, Modern Mixture Too has given way to Chef Robert Legget’s Cantina Ultima. Phillies fans will remember Robert’s tasty Guerilla Truck. This seasoned chef is finally settling down - at least for now.

Remember that red glow at the end of Rehoboth Avenue last fall? That was the relatively new Swell Tiki Bar going up in flames. Owner Helen Fausnaught and her intrepid crew got right to work, and we now have a brand-new Swell in that same spot. In that same little enclave with Murph’s Beef & Ale is the brand-new Java Jukebox coffee shop/comedy club.

Everyone is abuzz about Matt’s Fish Camp No. 2 in Lewes! In fact, they might very well be open by the time you read this. The same goes for Jimmy’s Grille No. 3 in Shore Plaza next to Outlet Liquors: The grand opening is in full swing even as we speak.

I’ve already written about Rehoboth’s new Chesapeake & Maine, Blackwall Hitch and Starboard Raw in Dewey. All three have hit the ground running with interesting menus and even more interesting physical plants. Speaking of plants, check out Anderson’s Produce in the old Gelato Gal building across from Big Fish Grill. Kevin and his wife have some surprises in store.

If you like to cook at home, another grand opening happened this week: The new Fresh Market in Gateway Center where routes 1 and 1A meet. Stay tuned for even more restaurant news (some of the rumors are ridiculous!) regarding that new shopping center.

Even more juicy news includes Lisa Daisey’s Juice Box, now open for business behind Scandinavian Occasion on The Avenue. One block east is Julie Harrigan’s soon-to-open Twist Juice Bar in First Street Station across from Olive Orchard Tasting Room.

Up by the Rehoboth Avenue drawbridge, Missi Moore is hard at work behind the brown paper at Egg, in the old McQuay’s spot. Her breakfast and lunch eatery will have outdoor dining and an eclectic menu. Missi’s been pretty tight-lipped about that, so we’ll have to wait ‘til she comes out of her shell.