A Newcomer to Baltimore Avenue
Brooklyn native Andrea Neal’s latest culinary adventure began with a leisurely walk through downtown Rehoboth. During the pandemic, she came to Dover to stay with her mother, and found herself enjoying time at the beach. Andrea noticed some of the staples we all know and love: French fries, popcorn, fudge. She began wondering, however, about healthier (but convenient) food options. This led to her decision to open a restaurant in our neighborhood.
The best ingredients have always been a focus for Neal, who has worked at Michelin star restaurants and well-known establishments such as Jean Georges in New York. When she first branched out on her own, providing meal prep to celebrities and athletes (including Giancarlo Stanton who plays for the New York Yankees), she knew that healthy, locally sourced ingredients would be key. Working as a celebrity chef she has also learned how to adapt to many different dietary paths, including assuring keto, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available.
She brought those values when she opened her first business, Addictive Toast, in San Francisco. Neal’s business started in 2017, providing gourmet avocado toast at eight farmers markets in the bay area. Her farm fresh, healthy approach resonated with her California clients. The business became so popular, in 2018 she was hired by Google to provide her food at their corporate headquarters.
While that business continues, her new focus is a little shop on Baltimore Avenue—33A Baltimore Avenue, formerly Rudy’s Cheese Shop, will become Addictive Tacos.
Andrea’s new establishment will focus on street tacos and margaritas, which she believes will be a perfect healthy and convenient beach food. Andrea has been studying up especially on how to make the perfect fish taco. While the focus has shifted to tacos, the farm-to-table approach will continue to be key. Andrea looks forward to sourcing fresh local ingredients and supporting local farmers while making her own pico de gallo, crema, and salsas.
Andrea is excited to be part of the LGBTQ scene on Baltimore Avenue. She always knew Rehoboth Beach had an active LGBTQ community but did not realize how many LGBTQ-owned businesses are on our street until after she signed the lease! As an out (and single) gay women, she is looking forward to getting more involved in the community. Welcome, Andrea! ▼
David Mariner is Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth.