Walking into Partners Bistro with my illustrious guest Janet, we were enveloped by a warm and comforting atmosphere. The dining area was quaint and inviting; the fireplace in the center of the room adds to the warmth and simple, uncluttered beauty of the dining room. The setting sun which shone through the leaded and stained glass panels produced a dreamy almost autumnal feel. The last rays of natural light glinted and lightly sparkled off of the settings on the table tops. I had a distinct feeling that this would be a night to remember.

Kevin was our waiter and he proved to exude not only charm and a personable nature, but was diligent and informative as well. For those venturing to Partners Bistro in the near future, Kevin would be a great choice for a waiter. In fact, every other server and or employee of this establishment showcased courtesy and pride in their work.

Janet and I had both just finished a hard day’s work and thought we’d start with a refreshing cocktail. Kevin suggested the house specialty, the Clear Queer Cosmo, otherwise known as the CQC. Refreshing and tasting subtly sweet, the CQC was what Janet described as, "almost a cross between a cosmo and a margarita." To aid our slow consumption of this savory drink we chose appetizers which we wanted to try. I went for the Scallops Wrapped in Bacon which, with the faintest addition of fresh lemon juice and cocktail sauce, was the perfect starting point. Janet chose the Mini Crab Cakes which were petit tasty pieces of heaven. Having tried a portion of one, I remarked that she should have ordered them for dinner instead of a starter. I’ll make sure I go back for a meal of those crab cakes—there’s no doubt in my mind that they’d be a spectacular main course.

The appetizers were followed by beef noodle soup and seafood bisque. The former turned out to be surprisingly and wonderfully thick with the noodles tasting almost Pennsyl-vania-dumpling-esque. The bisque was flavorful and thick with a mild and appealing fragrance. Both soups were accompanied well by toasty, warm sesame bread.

Having heard several recommendations from satisfied Rehoboth denizens, I chose the Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Mustard Sauce. I was hard pressed to pick either that, the Double Thick Apple-Stuffed Pork Chop, or the Partners Homemade Chicken Pot Pie. All three came with the high endorsement that everyone who recommended them would certainly come back to order them again. The creamy Dijon mustard sauce that coated the plentiful pork tenderloin gave the dish a subtle spicy flavor that did not overpower the meat. Janet leapt for the New York Strip Steak. The Certified Angus Beef was cut and cooked to perfection. Both dishes were accompanied by vegetables and red-skinned potatoes.

It was hard to even contemplate dessert, after having tasted the hefty portion of food from Partners Bistro. Yet, the desserts taunted us with their playful and appealing names. I opted for the Partners Peanut Butter Fluff Pie which was one of the better peanut butter pies I have had in a long time. It had a lightness that reminded me of a Bavarian cream. Janet was eager to delve into the Orange Creamsicle Cake. This sweet delight was moist and it turned out to be a pleasant ending for a fulfilling dinner.

If you and your partner care to end the night with a post-prandial drink, you could always head over to the bar which showcases owners Bill Burckhardt and Gene Hutter’s accomplished efforts in revitalizing the previous restaurant. The Partners bar is conducive to laughter, great conversation and even greater entertainment. Each night starting at 8 p.m. you’ll be able to rely on the following entertainment: Monday and Tuesday it’s the vocal and piano styling of John Flynn; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday showcase the piano and vocal talents of Partners’ own Matthew Kenworthy; and Thursday and Friday evenings will bring you the music you all know and love with Imagine a presentation by Gail Garner on piano and vocals and John St. Jean on guitars, bass and vocals.

Overall, whether you wish to be entertained, delighted by the service and personalities or most importantly taken by the culinary selections, Partners Bistro offers much for those in search of a great night or afternoon out on the town. Certainly the cuisine will make you want to go back. You will also find a heart and soul that makes this a unique establishment and invites you to return again and again.