Bev and Lauren Cox, the mother/daughter team who are the owners of Café Solé, are not content to let a good thing remain static. They’ve taken their already wonderful restaurant, nearing its tenth year of operation, to new heights, making it one of the best dining experiences you’re likely to have in Rehoboth—or anywhere else for that matter.

As Susan and I entered through the side patio we noticed something new right away—eye-catching murals on the outside walls. Twinkling Wedgwood blue mirror pieces form two mosaics in the form of swaying palm trees. We later learned that these were done by bartender Rob Dick. They make an already pretty setting even prettier.

Also new in the interior are murals done by Patti Shreeve that echo the palm trees outside, bringing a hint of the tropics indoors. Patti’s art work also hangs on the walls. It’s a remarkable collection of bright, pastel colors, many of which are sun-kissed themes. Ask for a price list, and just maybe, you’ll walk out with a new piece of artwork to brighten your space.

It was a delightful surprise to be welcomed again by Penny, our server. She has been at Café Solé since their third year in business and instantly makes you feel special. She’s a wealth of knowledge about the menu and shares her enthusiasm about the food to the point that you really want to try everything on the menu.

And, what a menu it is. While I was mulling over the appetizers, Susan decided she’d like to start off with a glass of wine. With few exceptions the wine list offers its selections by the glass as well as by the bottle. At Penny’s recommendation, Susan ordered a glass of Gnarly Head, an "Old Vine Zinfandel" that she raved about. (I had encouraged her to order an Australian Merlot named Big Ass, but all that got me was a long, hard look!)

I was hemming and hawing trying to decide if I wanted to start off with the Porcini Dusted Scallops, or the Blue Crab and Avocado "Martini," when Susan jumped in and said she’d like the crab Martini, so I decided on the scallops. As she brought them to the table, Penny told us that the scallops were their best selling appetizer. Small wonder. These were three of the best scallops I’ve ever eaten. Perfectly seared, lapped with herb oil, sundried tomato tapenade and a balsamic reduction, they all but melted in your mouth. Then Susan started in on her crab and avocado dish. It was a spectacular presentation served in a whimsical martini glass with huge chunks of back fin crab and ripe avocado resting on a smoked yellow tomato gazpacho, Each bite was a sensation. This is definitely a don’t-miss dish.

Listed at the top of the entrée list is the Café Solé Specialty: Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. Susan and I have both had these before, and that erased every other choice (and there are many tempting ones) from my head. Jumbo and Lump—those are accurate descriptives but don’t tell the whole story of crab cakes that have not a whisper of filler and make you drool with delight. When I last wrote about Café Solé’s crab cakes, I believe I said that other than my own they were the best I had ever eaten. Well, I surrender—theirs are even better. Add to this garlic mashed potatoes and French green beans topped off with caramelized onions, and you’ve just discovered bliss.

My gal Susan knew she’d be able to snatch a sample of my crab cakes and decided to order the special of the day: Rockfish. Not trusting it to others, the chef filets all of his own fish. That shows the care that goes into preparation of not only the fish but everything else that is served here. The rockfish filet was roasted and garlic seared, sauced with a roasted sweet corn chowder, and topped with charred tomato and goat cheese pesto. Basmati rice and French beans were served as the side dishes. The fish was silken and had that wonderful flavor that only fresh fish properly cooked can have.

Did we need the fresh, home made yeast rolls served with home made dipping oil infused with rosemary and black pepper oil? Did we eat them? Oh yeah, and with much pleasure. Still room for dessert? You bet. Bring it on.

All time favorite Chocolate Silk heads a list of temptations. Penny, who convinced me to have this the last time I was here, said this dessert is so decadent she didn’t have the words to describe it. I suggested, "How about an orgasm on a plate?" She laughed, and with a twinkle in her big, blue eyes said, "Maybe even better!" Then she went on to describe the Chocolate-Chocolate Chip cake and told us that many folks order that before they order dinner to be sure that there’s a piece left for them. That sold me. A huge chunk of cake appeared on the table that was a symphony of sin. It was, as advertised, a rich chocolate-chocolate chip moist cake topped with vanilla butter cream icing and garnished with crushed Oreo cookies. One bite and I was a convert. Next time I’m going to order it before my meal too.

Susan loves Café Solé’s Croissant Bread Pudding, but this time deviated to the Coconut Custard Pie. It’s a creamy crustless confection chock full of coconut and topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut. How many times have I used the word best in this article? Well, one less than needed. Apply it to this piece of pie.

Café Solé is a treat in every sense of the word, so treat yourself to some really great food, surroundings and service, and stop in soon. It’s spectacular.