Dine Out A CAPE GAZETTE PUBLICATION 2024 EDITION
2 Dine Out 2024 BELLINGER’S JEWELERS 20747 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm | 302-227-6410 Vahan ®, Alwand Vahan ®, Moiré Pattern ® are Regd. Trademarks. Designs © Alwand Vahan Jewelry Ltd. FOLLOW US
Dine Out 2024 3 Vaa®,waVaa®,oéatte®aeegaeasesgs©waVaaJeweyt LUNCH & DINNER FRESH SEAFOOD | LOCAL RAW BAR HAPPY HOUR DAILY 30115 VETERANS WAY, REHOBOTH BEACH, DE | 302.278.7395 BLUECOASTREHOBOTH.COM
4 Dine Out 2024 On the cover Savoring the view: South Indian River Inlet Beach from Big Chill Beach Club, Bethany. PUBLISHER Chris Rausch PRODUCTION MANAGER Tara Marks DESIGN Abby Workman ADVERTISING Kathy McGinty Lauren Zaniewski COPY EDITOR Veronica Geyer PRODUCTION Mallery Galaska Teresa Rodriguez Kristin Sinnott Elizabeth Tedley FOR MORE INFORMATION including subscriptions and advertising, visit CapeGazette.com Dine Out
Dine Out 2024 5 Serving Dinner Tuesday - Saturday
6 Dine Out 2024 Contents 10 Meet the Chef Maurice Catlett >> SoDel Concepts Meet the Chef Julia Robinson >> Blue Hen Restaurant Meet the Chef Ted Deptula >> La Vida Hospitality Group The Return of the Oyster Industry >> Hari Cameron Meet the Chef Bill Clifton >> Lewes Yacht Club 20 34 46 54 >> Find our 2024 Dine Out survey results throughout this publication!
Dine Out 2024 7 A Mediterranean Café in Downtown Rehoboth Espresso Bar Coffees Bubble Tea Pastries Oatmeal Wraps Paninis Healthy Salads OPEN DAILY 8am - 3pm | 113 Market Street, Lewes, DE | 302.313.4701 302-227-8100 • 18 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach • www.cafeazafran.com CELEBRATING 13 YEARS ON BALTIMORE AVENUE Open Monday thru Saturday, Closed Sundays 5pm Until Close Regular Dinner Menu Visit website for our weekly dinner specials Known for our world famous Paella nights!
8 Dine Out 2024 Sussex County, Delaware, is a major agricultural hub? Its 1,300+ farms cover over 270,000 acres and contribute over $1.2 billion to the local economy. Sussex County leads the nation in broiler chicken and Lima bean production, supplying the ingredients for many of the delicious dishes you'll find in local restaurants. With over 15,000 people employed in agriculture, every meal out supports the local farming community. Did you know? Online Ordering Avail able! Take-Out | Eat-In | Delivery 1 8 7 6 6 J o h n J W i l l i a m s H w y, U n i t 1 , R e h o b o t h B e a c h In Pizza We Crust! henlopenpizza.com 302-291-2175
Dine Out 2024 9 Appetizers Mussels Fra Diavolo or Bianco Vongole Posillipo Mozzarella Sticks Wild Rosemary Mushrooms Bruschetta Calamari Alla Napoletana Buffalo Wings Fried Calamari Broccoli Bites Soups Soup of the Day • Pasta Fagioli Salads Insalata Contadino Antipasto Salad Insalata Caprese Caesar Salad Portabella Salad Crabmeat and Asparagus Seared Ahi Tuna Hot Sandwiches Sandwiches not served after 3:00pm Grilled 8 oz. Angus Burger Grilled Chicken Breast Alla Sicilana Grilled Chicken Breast Alla Genovese Grilled Marinated Breast Grilled Chicken Breast with Broccoli Rabe Philly Cheese Steak Pizza Steak Real Veal Parmigiana Chicken Parmigiana Meatball or Sausage Parm Sausage & Peppers Gourmet Pizza Napoletana Margherita Vesuvio Bianco White Pizza w/ Broccoli & Spinach Romano Solsiccia Pepperoni Scampi Melanzane Veal Veal Piccata Veal Marsala Veal Parmigiana Scallopini Alla Pizzaiola Con Gnocchi Oreganata Chicken Chicken Saltimbocca Alla Romana Chicken Parmigiana Chicken Sorrento Chicken Piccata Pasta Fettuccine Carbonara Spaghetti Alla Napoletana Spaghetti Bolognese Penne Alla Vodka Linguini Alla Vongole Lobster Ravioli Clams and Shrimp w/ Linguini Gnocchi Al Pomodoro & Basilico Orecchiette Con Broccoli & Spinach Fettuccini or Tortellini Alfredo Ravioli Della Nonna Side of Meatball or Sausage Baked Dishes Parmigiana Di Melanzane Lasagnette Al Forno Lasagnette Con Spinaci Al Forno Stuffed Shells Manicotti Al Forno Gnocchi Alla Romana Ravioli Al Forno Stromboli Italian Philly Steak Calzone Veggie Children’s Menu Spaghetti or Penne & One Meatball Ravioli & One Meatball Chicken Fingers & Fries Individual Cheese Pizza Assorted Desserts Beverages Soda Iced Tea Coffee Espresso Serving Delmarva For 25 Years Reservations 302-644-7051 Take Out 302-644-7052 Fax 302-644-7053 I T A L I A N R E S T A U R A N T 1551 Savannah Rd. • Lewes, DE (Across from Walgreens) Villa Sorrento Tuesday - Friday • Lunch 11am - 2pm • Dinner 4pm - 9pm • Saturday - Sunday 3pm - 9pm Gnocchi Al Pomodoro & Basilico Iced Tea Coffee Espresso Sunday Closed • Monday - Friday 2pm - 9pm • Saturday 3pm - 9pm • Delivery with deliveriouso
10 Dine Out 2024 Maurice Catlett C O R P O R AT E C H E F SODEL CONCEPTS How did you find your way into cooking in the Cape Region? I was in between jobs and have always had a passion for cooking and being in the kitchen, so I decided to give it a shot. What makes Cape region’s food scene stand out from the rest? We have some of the most talented chefs/restaurateurs in Delaware working right here in the beach area. So many award-winning restaurants and creative Chefs are all working within a small radius. The culinary scene at the beach is top-notch. How do you incorporate local flavors and ingredients into your dishes? As chefs, we are always sourcing the freshest products and working with local purveyors and farms. We are all excited for the spring crops to hit the menus. Building relationships with the local farmers and fishermen is key to maintaining a constant source of local and fresh ingredients. It is a wonderful thing when a farmer drops off fresh produce in the morning and we get to put our spin on it and serve it on the special sheet for dinner that night. Any dishes that you think really represent the Cape region’s culinary vibe? We are a coastal, tight small community town. Fresh seafood always comes to mind but deviled eggs are reminiscent of summer memories and backyard BBQ’s. They are a great vessel to put your own spin on and incorporate many different things. Balancing quality and approachability, how do you keep your cuisine down to earth yet top-notch? Keeping our focus on the basics & not overthinking; keeping things simple with great ingredients. Staying true and cooking with your heart. At SoDel, beautiful simple food is part of our mission statement and leaning on the simplicity part of that and letting the food shine really helps. Dealing with seasonal flow, how do you keep things fresh year-round? Leaning on our systems we have in place, being creative with what we have on hand, and slowing down with the seasons. I get to work with great “ chefs daily and that always leaves me feeling inspired and motivated. Meet the Chef continued on page 12
Dine Out 2024 11 INSPIRED TAVERN FARE | RAW BAR | ARTISANAL COCKTAILS CRISP ALES & LAGERS | INTERESTING WINES OPEN DAILY 11:30am - 11pm LUNCH 11:30am – 3pm First come, first served. Reservations not accepted. Menu Favorites Lobster Roll Oyster Po Boy Damn Good Burger DINNER 5 – 10pm Reservations recommended. Walk-ins are always welcome. For menus and details, visit lewesoyster.com Pull up a seat 302-644-7258 (S.A.L.T.) [email protected] Let’s be friends @lewesoysterhouse Lunch, happy hour + dinner Summer hours: Memorial Day Weekend - Sunday, Sept. 1. For parties of 8 or more, email or call for lunch & dinner reservation requests.
12 Dine Out 2024 What’s the best part about being a part of the Cape region’s culinary community? I get to give back what was given to me. If it wasn’t for this industry I wouldn’t be here. I get to work with great chefs daily and that always leaves me feeling inspired and motivated. How do you gather feedback from your customers to keep improving? Any feedback is important, and we take this very seriously. We really value what our guests have to say. As a company, we read every review and if we notice trends, we make sure we give attention to the matter. We also Meet the Chef think it is important to share praise when given and we love when guests take time to drop a quick note about their great experience! SERVING BETHANY BEACH, LEWES, AND REHOBOTH BEACH! Open Year Round! BBQ - SMOKED FRESH DAILY HAPPY HOUR SUNDAY BRUNCH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BOURBON BAR CARRYOUT OR DELIVERY ORDER ONLINE OR GET OUR APP Located at Bethany Blues, Lewes Open seven days a week for quick service, grab-n-go, or dine in bethanyblues.com THREE LOCATIONS BEST CARRYOUT AT THE BEACH L E W E S
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Survey Says 14 Dine Out 2024 01 What is most important to you when choosing where to dine? ATMOSPHERE PRICE MENU 13% 12% 76% DISCOVER ALL OF OUR CULINARY PARTNERS HISTORICMILTON.COM Milton HISTORICALLY DELICIOUS!
Dine Out 2024 15 Healthy Bowls TAKE OUT Since its founding, SEED eatery, now Seedbol Kitchen has been called the best restaurant in Rehoboth Beach! Experience the fresh and healthy flavors of Seedbol Kitchen! Our menu is 100% gluten-free and features plant-based, locally-sourced ingredients. At Seedbol Kitchen, we empower you to create your own customized bowl from a variety of fresh and healthy goods. Come visit us and taste the difference today! 18979 Coastal Hwy Unit 105, Rehoboth Beach, DE LUNCH DINNER 302-313-5981 www.seedbol.com Serving: menu FRESH SOUPS HOMEMADE DESSERTS VEGAN FRIENDLY Special Delicious
Survey Says 16 Dine Out 2024 02 Have you tried a food truck? YES NO 79% 21% Soups ·· Salads ·· Wraps ·· Charcuterie ·· Sweets Healthy Eats at the Beach! Take Out or Dine In | Online Ordering Events & Catering Open Year Round! lydiasbistro.com • 302.567.2971 • 33 Baltimore Ave Suite A, Rehoboth Beach • Catering Inquiries: [email protected]
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20 Dine Out 2024 Where do you work? I am the chef-owner of The Blue Hen Restaurant in Rehoboth. I was one of the chefs when the restaurant first opened in 2017. In 2022, my wife, Heather, and I bought the restaurant from the previous owners. How did you find your way into cooking in the Cape region? I’m from Wilmington and grew up vacationing in Lewes and Rehoboth. Some of my first jobs were scooping ice cream at Eddie’s on the boardwalk and Kings Ice Cream in Lewes. I worked in Chicago and Philadelphia for around a decade, but eventually, I knew it was time to move back to Delaware. I happened to see an ad in the Cape Gazette for the opening of The Blue Hen Restaurant. What makes Cape region’s food scene stand out from the rest? I think that this area is unique because the dramatic growth of residential properties over the last ten to twenty years has given us the ability to have year-round business, unlike most beach towns that shut down during the winter months. That said, there is still a dramatic swing of activity between the high and low season. Maintaining quality under these circumstances is very challenging, but it gives us the ability to continuously build our business and connect with those around us. We are very fortunate to be in a restaurant community that strives to have the quality of food, beverage, and hospitality that you would find in the surrounding cities. That’s why I moved here, and why I was excited to buy the restaurant when our friends and former bosses offered us the opportunity. How do you incorporate local flavors and ingredients into your dishes? I try to use local farms as often as possible. If that isn’t an option I always focus on products that are grown, raised, or caught sustainably and humanely. That is very important to us. We buy soft shells as well as crab meat from Maryland when in season. We are a block from the ocean, so we have a solid amount of seafood options on our menu like our seafood platter, shucked oysters, etc. Dealing with the seasonal flow, how do you keep things fresh year-round? In the off-season, we have specials every day except for Friday and Saturday. I have a lot of experience in Italian food so we feature pasta on Mondays and pizza on Thursdays. We have recently added tequila and Latin American food specials on Tuesdays and all-day happy hour on Wednesdays. We recognize that Julia Robinson CHEF-OWNER BLUE HEN RESTAURANT continued on page 22 Meet the Chef
Dine Out 2024 21 Craft Beer I Backyard I Cookout Bring the whole crew for a hang, down at the Hammock. Our easy drinking house made beers are just the thing to go with the never-ending cookout in our big backyard. You’ve got time and we’ve got lawn games. Together we are all...
22 Dine Out 2024 our guests want to try a wide range of foods during the off-season, and we enjoy taking the opportunity to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. Any dishes that you think really represent the Cape region’s culinary vibe? The Blue Hen Restaurant is named after the state bird, so we have had fried chicken on the menu since day one. Sussex county is known for being the birthplace of the broiler chicken industry. Our chickens are broken down, brined for two days, and fried with love every night. “ Sussex county is known for being the birthplace of the broiler chicken industry. Our chickens are broken down, brined for two days, and fried with love every night. Balancing quality and approachability, how do you keep your cuisine down-to-earth yet top-notch? I’ve been to some fantastic restaurants around the world and one thing that really resonates with me is a chef’s ability to take fine technique and apply it to something comforting. Making food exclusive instead of inclusive is the opposite of what chefs should do. The reason why I have been so focused on Italian food in my career is because it is so simple, yet so challenging to make well. The quality of the ingredient is everything. I try to take what I have learned and apply it so that my dishes focus on those ingredients without being overly complicated, hopefully resulting in something accessible and delicious. What’s the best part about being part of the Cape region’s culinary community? I feel that there are several chefs in the area who share a similar outlook. We want to take great ingredients and techniques and apply them to regional foods without pretense. Rehoboth is known as a food town because we have done this for decades going back to Chez la Mer and The Back Porch. Those restaurants paved the way. continued on page 24 Meet the Chef
Dine Out 2024 23 Editor’s Choice MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE 208 2 N D STREET, REHOBOTH BEACH | (302) 212-2488 | AROMARB.COM ENJOY the traditional taste of Mediterranean Food Come see why we are the Editor’s Choice for Best of Delaware 2023 and a Best of Delaware 2024 Finalist! From Mezes to Kebabs, with a full bar packed with local beers and creative cocktails, you’ll find something special for everyone here at Aroma. See you soon!
24 Dine Out 2024 Any new food trends catching your eye that you’re excited to explore? I love taking what I’ve learned from my culinary travels. We always add fun dishes to the menu inspired by those travels when we get back, whether it’s Mexico City, Italy, or even someplace closer like Portland, Maine. Right now I’m really excited about some new pasta shapes. The more difficult it is to form, the more interested I am. Meet the Chef
Dine Out 2024 25 June 2-7, 2024 Sunday thru Friday ( ( The Rehoboth Beach - Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center in partnership with The Cape Gazette & the Rehoboth Foodie presents Restaurant Week Supports the Red, White, & Blue on the Culinary Coast™ Diners can enjoy either menu discounts or pre-fixe menus at restaurants in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Lewes and Coastal Delaware. Portion of proceeds to benefit the Military & First Responders For more information and list of participating restaurants, contact the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at 302-227-6446 or scan the QR Code to visit Beach-Fun.com
26 Dine Out 2024 SOUTHERN EUROPEAN CUISINE HIGHLIGHTED WITH THE SEASON’S FRESHEST LOCAL INGREDIENTS 123 Second Street, Rehoboth Beach DE SiroccoRehoboth.com Breakfast 7am - 11am Dinner 5pm Happy Hour Daily At the Bar 5pm - 7pm Reservations Call: 302.727.0317 Featuring our famous: Flaming Saganaki Nightfall Manhattan with Citrus Bubble Charred Octopus Pan Seared Scallops Chicken Parmigiana Tuscan Ribeye Fresh Branzino
Dine Out 2024 27 Best Sunsets on the Bay! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK STARTING MAY 30TH 124 DICKINSON AVE, DEWEY BEACH, DE 19971 LighthouseDeweyBeach.com Bay View Dining • Happy Hour M-F (Bar Seating Only) • Live Music OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK STARTING MAY 30TH 124 DICKINSON AVE, DEWEY BEACH, DE 19971 LighthouseDeweyBeach.com Best Sunsets on the Bay!
Survey Says 28 Dine Out 2024 03 How often do you dine out? 04 How difficult is it to get a table at local restaurants? 2-3 TIMES A WEEK ONCE A WEEK RARELY EASY, JUST WALK IN TOUGH, BUT WORTH THE WAIT RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST 45% 42% 47% 30% 8 % 31% For Reservations visit thefederalrehoboth.com 62A Rehoboth Ave (302) 727-5609 The Federal, located just a short block from the boardwalk, is a fullservice, beach casual, fine-dining bistro with a regional seasonal ode to the Mid-Atlantic. You can sit down for a tasty meal or enjoy our famous crispy fritters as a happy hour snack or while strolling the boardwalk. Five time James Beard nominee Chef Todd Gray and his wife Ellen Kassoff Follow Us
Dine Out 2024 29 Lewes 302.645.6200 Ocean View 302.539.6989 Creative Concepts
30 Dine Out 2024 Visit www.IrishEyesPub.com for Menus and Entertainment LEWES HARBOR 213 Anglers Rd, Lewes, DE | 302-645-6888 HISTORIC MILTON 105 Union St, Milton, DE | 302-684-8889 Serving lunch, dinner and late night fare 364 days a year, there is always something delicious cooking at Irish Eyes! Come for the food and live music. Stay for the friendships and memories to be made! More than 35 years after serving our first corned beef and cabbage, Irish Eyes is still a vital part of the Lewes and Milton communities.
Dine Out 2024 31 Irish Eyes Panoramic Views of the Lewes Harbor 213 Anglers Rd, Lewes, DE Experience The Lewes Room at Irish Eyes where great food meets individualized service! With panoramic views of the Lewes Harbor from our enclosed deck, an in-house chef and professional team, we make it easy to plan a wedding, shower, birthday party or corporate event that will wow your guests! Frank Becker, Banquet Chef Jennifer A Brown, Events Specialist [email protected] 302-448-6137
Survey Says 32 Dine Out 2024 05 How much do you tip? 06 When the weather is nice, do you choose a restaurant with outdoor dining over one without? 15-20% 21-25% D E P E N D S O N SERVICE YES NO 33% 50% 67% 33% 17% REHOBOTH BEACH 18958 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach Office: 302-703-6987 TWO LOCATIONS IN COASTAL DELAWARE! pattersonschwartz.com OCEAN VIEW 53 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View Office: 302-537-1300 Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate is proud to support the local restaurants in our community.
Dine Out 2024 33 Air Bag Trampolines Arcade Kid Zone Foam Pit Basketball Dodgeball Parties Shell We Eat Café Come Bounce With Us! Voted best thing to do inside, by OPEN DAILY AT 10 AM! 32295 LEWES GEORGETOWN HWY LEWES, DE 19958 302-827-4453 SHELLWEBOUNCE.COM everyone. E
34 Dine Out 2024 Ted Deptula C U L I N A R Y D I R E C TO R LA VIDA HOSPITALITY GROUP Dealing with the seasonal flow, how do you keep things fresh year-round? We have a tight menu of dishes we know we can execute very well at high volume and cross-utilize products when we slow down. This prevents mistakes and spoilage. Any dishes that you think really represent the Cape region’s culinary vibe? Blue crabs with corn, potatoes, and fried chicken for dessert. I grew up catching my own crabs in the Indian Bay River and have fond memories of eating them on a screened-in porch with my family. Balancing quality and approachability, how do you keep your cuisine down-to-earth yet top-notch? We focus on from-scratch ingredients and recipes that are easy to identify and stimulate your appetite. We want guests to splurge but feel good about their choices. What’s the best part about being part of the Cape region’s culinary community? All of the excitement around food, from chefs to farmers to farmers markets and food-focused events. There is always something fun happening around food in this town. How did you find your way into cooking in the Cape region? I’ve been visiting the Cape region my whole life since my grandparents lived in Pot Nets. My parents moved here while I was in college, and when I graduated, I followed them down here. What makes Cape region’s food scene stand out from the rest? The year-round and visiting populations’ interest in good food give the chefs and their restaurants motivation to increase the quality and creativity of their offerings. There is a focus on locally sourced produce and meats thanks to the farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and farmers markets. How do you incorporate local flavors and ingredients into your dishes? We utilize a calendar of limited-time offers to incorporate seasonal dishes that allow us to capture the short window of local ingredients. continued on page 36 Meet the Chef
Dine Out 2024 35 AMAZING HOSPITALITY THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD HAND CUT BEEF HAPPY HOUR DAILY WEEKLY SPECIALS bigfishrestaurantgroup.com Serving You at 10 Locations within Rehoboth Beach, Lewes & Ocean View DELAWARE ’S
36 Dine Out 2024 I grew up catching my own crabs in the Indian Bay River and have fond memories of eating them on a screened-in porch with my family. “ Any new food trends catching your eye that you’re excited to explore? Filipino food is getting a lot of attention for a good reason. It combines influences from Asia, Europe, Latin America into something that is unique yet familiar, exciting and still comforting. How do you gather feedback from your customers to keep improving? Our point of sale asks customers for immediate feedback after paying for their meal. We constantly read and respond to online reviews. We also ask our service team to relay feedback as they receive it. We evaluate our products and services constantly to make adjustments and improvements. For newcomers to the Cape region’s food scene, what’s your advice for getting the most out of it? Try everything the region has to offer and stay up-to-date through the Cape Gazette and The Current on what’s happening in our slice of paradise. Meet the Chef
Dine Out 2024 37 16394 Samuel Paynter’s Blvd, Milton, DE | (302) 291-2857 Hours: Mon, Wed, Thur: 8-8 | Fri, Sat, Sun: 7-8 | Now serving alcohol | Closed Tuesdays CATERING FOR EVERY OCCASION
Survey Says 38 Dine Out 2024 07 Is there enough waterfront dining at the Delaware beaches? 21% 58% 21% YES NO NOT IMPORTANT TO ME Retire to the Culinary Coast! • Sign-up For Our FREE Locals Now! Newsletter • Call (302) 424-1890 • Email [email protected] • Visit www.ActiveAdultsDelaware.com for a comprehensive review of local neighborhoods and informative blogs! Get Started Today Buying or Selling • New Construction or Quality Pre-owned Homes • We Have Answers! Active Adults Realty®| Office: (302) 424-1890 | 2 Locations: 1504 Savannah Road & 104 2nd St. Lewes, DE Enjoy first rate dining comparable to a big city.
Dine Out 2024 39 Open Daily: 7:30am-3pm Sunday- Thursday 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm
40 Dine Out 2024 Sussex County, known for its agricultural heritage, boasts a unique claim to fame: scrapple. This local favorite isn't just a breakfast dish; it's a cultural emblem deeply rooted in Sussex County's culinary tradition. With numerous diners and eateries proudly serving up their take on this beloved delicacy, scrapple has become a symbol of Sussex County's distinctive food scene. Did you know? 2nd & Market Street, Lewes Located in the lobby of Hotel Rodney roseandcrownlewes.com Open 7 Days A Week 302.827.4475 UPSCALE GASTROPUB in the Heart of the Historic District NEW MENU! Serving lunch & dinner daily.
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Survey Says 42 Dine Out 2024 08 Do you like live music at a restaurant? YES 19% 11% 70% NO ONLY IF THE MUSIC IS QUIET E N O U G H T H AT I CAN STILL CONVERSE WITH MY TABLE-MATES.
Dine Out 2024 43 Indian Fusion Pan Asian Restaurant Top 100 Places to Eat Across America 302-644-1747 ◆ 210 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE ◆ RaasLewes.com @raaslewes
Survey Says 44 Dine Out 2024 09 Favorite new dining experience? N E W ( TO M E ) T Y P E O F CUISINE/ETHNIC CUISINE BREWPUB/WINE BAR FOOD TRUCK 3% 27% 70% FISH. HUNT. GATHER. EAT. A COMFORTABLY CHIC COASTAL RESTAURANT SERVING ECLECTIC CUISINE & HAND CRAFTED COCKTAILS BY AN AWARD WINNING MIXOLOGIST. ALL IN DOWNTOWN REHOBOTH BEACH. 10 WILMINGTON AVENUE | REHOBOTH BEACH, DE | 302.227.1007 RESERVATIONS AT: WWW.SHOREBREAKLODGE.COM S HOREBREAK
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46 Dine Out 2024 When contemplating the landscape of southern Delaware, your mind might drift toward the picturesque knee-high corn and surrounding rural farmland. However, it is the area’s natural, unspoiled beaches, Atlantic Ocean and bays that hold a special place in many hearts and stomachs. As a food-obsessed chef, seafood is a particular passion of mine and our proximity to water makes satisfying those cravings an almost inescapable endeavor. Local THE RETURN OF THE Oyster Industry HARI CAMERON seafood restaurants are often bustling, as are the seafood markets. I am a fan of The Henlopen City Oyster House, which does an excellent job of serving fresh, well-prepared meals. Recently, I’ve become enamored with my friend Chef Sean Corea’s newly formed Lewes Oyster House. Fresh oysters are not the first locally sourced menu item I immediately associate with Delaware seafood, but an important one nonetheless. Oysters were once a thriving industry in the Delaware waterways, but overfishing, disease and pollution led to their decline in the late 20th century. The Delaware Bay was once one of the most productive oyster habitats on the East Coast, with a history of oyster harvesting dating back to Native American tribes. By the mid-20th century, the oyster population had declined, and in the late 1950s, a parasitic disease known as MSX — not harmful to humans — wiped out much of what was left of the population. In recent years, however, there has been renewed interest in restoring the oyster population in the Delaware Bay. It is slowly making a comeback, thanks to the efforts of scientists, environmentalists and local fishermen. One group leading the effort to restore the oyster population is the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, a nonprofit organization working to improve the health of the Delaware River and Bay. The Partnership has launched several initiatives to restore oyster reefs in the bay and has worked with local fishermen to promote sustainable harvesting practices. continued on page 48 Oyster Vessels on Delaware Bay, 1924 Source: Delaware Public Archives
Dine Out 2024 47 backporchcafe.com · 302.227.3674 SERVING Lunch & Dinner The Back Porch Café Quietly cooking slow food For reservations, Call 302.227.3674 59 Rehoboth Ave.
48 Dine Out 2024 Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a method for growing oysters that is more efficient and sustainable than traditional methods. The new technique involves suspending the oysters in cages placed in the water, rather than allowing them to grow on the bottom of the bay. This reduces the risk of disease and predation and makes harvesting easier. Local fishermen and oyster farmers play a crucial role in the restoration of the oyster population by adopting new harvesting practices that are more sustainable. Some fishermen are also growing their own oysters in cages, Chef Hari Cameron is a renowned culinary expert, consultant and restaurateur. He has received critical acclaim for his modern farmto-table approach to cooking and has been recognized for his numerous contributions to the hospitality industry. With a passion for using the highest quality Mid-Atlantic ingredients, Chef Cameron has become a leading voice in today’s culinary landscape. Hari Cameron ❯❯ Chef consultant Oysters were once a thriving industry in the Delaware waterways, but overfishing, disease, and pollution led to their decline. which allows them to control the quality and size of their crop. You can even purchase these oysters directly from the source, such as the Rehoboth Bay Oyster Company, which has more than 400,000 oysters in local waters. “ Despite these efforts, the bay is still polluted, and it will take time for the oysters to fully recover. However, there are signs of progress. According to the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, the oyster population in the bay has increased by 20% in recent years, and oyster reefs have been successfully restored in some areas. The return of the oyster industry to the Delaware waterways is not only good news for the environment but also for the local economy. Oysters are a high-value commodity, and the restoration of the industry could create new jobs and economic opportunities. Oysters are a keystone species in the ecosystem, and their presence has a significant positive impact on the waters in which they live. One of the most important benefits of oysters is their ability to act as natural filters that remove pollutants from the water, thus helping to improve water quality and support the health of other marine life. In addition to their filtration capabilities, the complex reef structures oysters create provide a home for crabs, fish and invertebrates and act as a buffer against waves and tides; reducing the impact of storms and protecting shorelines from erosion. As the oyster population continues to recover, it is important that efforts to restore the ecosystem continue. The health of the Delaware Bay and the oyster industry are interconnected, and by working to improve the bay’s health, we can ensure a sustainable and delicious future.
Dine Out 2024 49 Sun-drenched Middle Eastern vegetables. Delicately cooked and spiced lamb and chicken. Savory grains. So many fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean await you at Semra’s! You’ll enjoy flavorful and enticing Eastern Mediterranean favorites that you know were made from scratch. Our promise to you is simple: To treat you like our special dinner guest each and every time. Located on the boardwalk block of Rehoboth Avenue, Semra’s offers dishes that are popular among vegetarians and those looking for healthy options. So stop by for a rich taste of the Mediterranean and meals that are, as we like to say, fit for a sultan. 19 Rehoboth Ave Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 www.semras.com (302) 226-4976 You’ll enjoy flavorful and enticing Eastern Mediterranean
50 Dine Out 2024 DELAWARE OYSTER STEW 12 4 ½ ¼ 2 4 16 1 2 2 ounces whole milk ounces half-and-half or heavy cream teaspoon Kosher salt teaspoon white pepper sheets dried kombu seaweed tablespoons unsalted butter ounces shucked oysters, liquor included teaspoon Worcestershire sauce teaspoons white soy sauce dashes Tabasco finely sliced fresh chives HARI CAMERON'S • Place milk, cream, salt, pepper and kombu in a medium saucepan. • Warm over medium-low heat, stirring regularly, just until hot (about 10 minutes). Do not boil. • In a separate skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add the oysters, liquor, and Worcestershire sauce. Sauté until the edge of the oysters just begin to curl (2-3 minutes). • Transfer the oyster mixture to the pot of milk and cook over medium-low heat for about 2 more minutes. Do not boil. • Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chives and serve. Makes 4 cups 302- 684-4221 Serving all of Kent & Sussex Counties www.cleandelaware.com CLEAN DELAWARE INC. PROVIDING EVENT, RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Services CONTACT US TODAY ABOUT OUR EVENTS PACKAGES! Upcoming event?