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Survey Says 52 Dine Out 2024 Never 100% 75% 50% 25% 0% Regularly AVERAGE RATING: 1.4 10 How likely are you to order from a 3rd party delivery service like DoorDash or Uber Eats?
Dine Out 2024 53 Where the Locals Eat & Drink OPEN YEAR ROUND 11:00AM - 1:00AM SERVING LUNCH & DINNER EVERYDAY Serving the best crab cakes and burgers at the beach since 2009. Great service and award-winning food in a fun, friendly atmosphere. DEWEYBEACHBAR.COM 1904 COASTAL HIGHWAY DEWEY BEACH, DE 302.260.9945 Outdoor dining available on our covered patio & deck! 2023 2023 NEW! Merchandise & Takeout
54 Dine Out 2024 How did you find your way into cooking in the Cape region? I was born and raised in Milford, Delaware by my father, a third-generation farmer, and my mother who owns a bakery. I went to culinary school in Chicago, and cooked around the country, until I wanted to come back home and bring my talents and knowledge back to the community. What makes Cape region's food scene stand out from the rest? Competition. It is easier for seasonal restaurants when the summer comes, there are plenty of people. It’s the offseason where the edge for success is so thin, that restaurants have to perform at a high level year-round to garner local support. The chefs of those year-round institutions have to be skilled, not only in the kitchen but outside of it as well. How do you incorporate local flavors and ingredients into your dishes? Research and communication. There are a lot of small farms in our area, and establishing a relationship with them helps your menu. Several of them will grow produce you would like, you just need to make it worth it for them. Dealing with the seasonal flow, how do you keep things fresh year-round? Going back to a previous answer, the competition demands it from you. If your restaurant is not performing on all cylinders year-round, there will not be a next year for you. Being creative with themed dinners and dining events to engage the public. Any dishes that you think really represent the Cape region's culinary vibe? It would be hard to not say crab cakes, or anything crab or seafood related. But a true local will say slippery chicken and dumplings. Bill Clifton EXECUTIVE CHEF LEWES YACHT CLUB Listen and mingle with your guests, and not just in your restaurant. You have to go out to the farmers markets and local events and engage with the public. “ Meet the Chef continued on page 56
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56 Dine Out 2024 that are new to the area. While it can be exciting to learn about a new ingredient or method of cooking, I appreciate it when a chef knows the basics and expands upon that, staying true to themselves. How do you gather feedback from your customers to keep improving? Ugggghhhh. You have to listen and mingle with your guests, and not just in your restaurant. You have to go out to the farmers markets and local events and engage with the public. For newcomers to the Cape region's food scene, what's your advice for getting the most out of it? Patience and research. Never trust Yelp. If you sit at a bar, the locals will give you the up and up on what to eat and where to go. looking for ideas, and they appreciate someone contributing to the community with their abilities. It brings out the best in everyone. Any new food trends catching your eye that you're excited to explore? Not a simple answer. I can’t stand trends, and I think it forces chefs into doing or trying things they are not comfortable or competent in. I get excited about different cuisines Balancing quality and approachability, how do you keep your cuisine down-to-earth yet top-notch? Descriptions and engaging with your guests. Even though a technique or ingredient may be complicated or unusual, there is always a way to describe it to make it appear simple. Then when speaking with your guests, you can tell them the exact method and story and they love it. What's the best part about being part of the Cape region's culinary community? For the most part, everyone is rooting for each other, chef-wise, maybe not owner-wise. When a new restaurant pops up, most chefs want to know who the chef is, their story, and what cuisine they are cooking. Everyone is Meet the Chef THE WOODEN INDIAN Ltd. The Ultimate Destination in Rehoboth Beach for Exquisite Gifts, Elegant Entertaining, Fine China, Crystal, Home Decor and Accessories. 25 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE (302) 227-8331 • www.woodenindianltd.com
Dine Out 2024 57 52 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach DE 19971 T: 302.226.0550 | blackwallhitch.com 19340 LIGHTHOUSE PLAZA BLVD / 302-212-5319 / THEATLANTICSOCIAL.COM 52 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach DE 19971 T: 302.226.0550 | blackwallhitch.com 19340 LIGHTHOUSE PLAZA BLVD / 302-212-5319 / THEATLANTICSOCIAL.COM
Survey Says 58 Dine Out 2024 11 When a new restaurant opens in the area, what is your first reaction? YAY ! N E W B U S I N E S S E S BOOST OUR ECONOMY 72% 2% 27% B O O. W E H AV E TO O M A N Y RESTAURANTS ALREADY INDIFFERENCE LUNCH ON THE BEACH? YES, PLEASE! MASONS LOBSTER.COM 67 Rehoboth Avenue Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 302-727-0411 Visit us for takeout, outdoor dining or delivery. ORDER ONLINE AT MASONSLOBSTER.COM
Dine Out 2024 59 Victoria's is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday Brunch and light fare in our Plaza Pub, all year. Savor the sea breeze while you dine on the boardwalk, or settle down in the dining room in climate-controlled comfort. The food and service are superb. The ocean view is even better. (302)227-0615 VICTORIASRESTAURANT.COM In the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel . 2 Olive Ave. & Boardwalk . Rehoboth Beach Victoria's is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday Brunch and light fare in our Plaza Pub, all year. Savor the sea breeze while you dine on the boardwalk, or settle down in the dining room in climate-controlled comfort. The food and service are superb. The ocean view is even better. (302)227-0615 VICTORIASRESTAURANT.COM In the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel . 2 Olive Ave. & Boardwalk . Rehoboth Beach
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