Charge up your forks! It’s that time again!
We got busy around here when the vacationers weren't looking. Fortunately, The Rehoboth Foodie has pledged every waking moment to keeping Beach Paper readers on the leading edge. So let's get down to business.
This spring, Bryan Derrickson's Conch Island Key West Bar & Grill launched a full-court press to raise the visibility of his surprisingly good food! In fact, he's celebrating his special steak night this coming Sunday with my new musical group, 2nd Time Around!
Check it out and get a great steak (or burger – or conch chowder) and some tasty music in the process. Just last week we welcomed Tonya and Francesco's Azzurro to downtown Rehoboth at 2nd & Wilmington where Chez la Mer and Papa Grande's used to be.
The treehouse is open and waiting for sunset lovers.
Around the corner, visitors might notice some major changes at Dogfish Head. Like the brand new all-glass merchandise/beer outlet. Or the huge brewpub with a built-in live-music venue. (Don't miss the mac & cheese!)
G Rehoboth (where Cloud 9 and Lula Brazil used to dwell) has come into its own as one of the newest stops on the Eating Rehoboth restaurant tour itinerary. You'll love what Karly (the boss) has done with the décor and what Ross Thompson - local Lewes boy and executive chef - has done with the menu.
Within a few days, upstate upstart Iron Hill Brewery will be up and running out on the highway by Tanger Seaside. The place seats a small army divided up among event spaces, a huge bar and an even bigger outdoor patio. I tried their beers last week and you're in for a surprise.
No trip to Delaware is complete without a visit to the new Big Chill Beach Club at the southeastern end of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. The stars of the show are Billy Lucas' (of Taco Reho fame) uncomplicated beach fare and that 40-foot diameter electric umbrella. Watching it open and close is a life experience.
Cuvee Ray wine bar will be opening downtown in the old Sydney's / Pig & Fish Restaurant Company spot very soon, with Bramble & Brine's Joey Churchman in the kitchen. (Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 1! Jazz brunch with 2nd Time Around starting at 10:30 a.m.) Speaking of wine, Joe Lertch and his Vineyard Wine Bar will soon be re-opening after a devastating fire that required the replacement of just about everything in that newly remodeled spot. It's where Espuma used to be at First and Wilmington.
Denizens of Lewes were getting tired of looking at the vacant spot – right on the water – where The Wharf used to be. Well, vacant no more! The Jacona brothers from Zogg's / Sea Hogg Truck teamed up with Al Tortella from Long Neck's Paradise Grill to open The Wheelhouse. They REALLY cleaned the place up, and the menu is simple and straight-ahead. All that and an amazing view.
Speaking of Lewes, Chef Danio Somoza's new Harvest Tide Steakhouse will soon be open on Savannah Road just a block or two from The Wheelhouse. Danio distinguished himself at 99 Sea Level in Bethany and promises to keep the tradition of high-quality vittles – with great steaks in the spotlight.
Up Savannah Road a bit, Petru Cornescu of Pete' Steak Shop took over ownership of Honey's Farm Fresh. Breakfasts are the star of the show. And yes, there is parking in back!
In downtown Rehoboth, you might notice the absence of Jakes Seafood from the corner of Baltimore Ave. and First St. The spot won't be empty for long. Word on the street is that the crew from Surfing Crab in Lewes will bring their steamed crustaceans and crab cakes to that highly visible venue.
At the other end of Baltimore Avenue, the long-gone Hobos is being replaced by The Pines.
It will take a while to remodel that venerable building, but former Baltimore Orioles baseball player Tyler Townsend and partner Bob Suppies are well on their way to opening day.
Back out on The Avenue, Fins Fish House & Raw Bar has reopened after being closed most of the winter for a major remodel. It's brighter, roomier, and the menu – and bloody marys – are just as good as ever. And don't miss Cooter Brown's Twisted Southern Kitchen overlooking the corner of First and The Avenue at First Street Station. Bourbon. Fried chicken. More bourbon. Frito Pie & a sly sense of humor. What's not to like!
Keep an eye on Beach Paper every week. I'll be Steppin' Up To The Plate with the latest news about everything edible here at the beach.