LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
EATING Out |
by Jennifer P. Rubenstein |
The Buttery Parrot In this issue, we feature two very different restaurants: The Buttery and The Purple Parrot. If there was actually a restaurant called The Buttery Parrot, we would dine there as well. The Buttery Restaurant The Buttery is housed in a huge yellow mansion in Lewes at the corner of Second and Savannah. The landmark building, known as "Trader Mansion," provides a wonderfully Victorian entrance to the downtown Lewes historic district. It was a cool fall evening last week as my honey, Sharon, and I walked up the front steps. The building was so beautiful, that I paused and tried to take it all in: the subtle bands of color on the columns, the rounded porch and the twinkling lights. I can only imagine the painstaking work that went into restoring this amazing manor. It's the kind of building that makes one want to study architecture. It's like a complicated friend whom you'd like to get to know better. Our arrival coincided with that of two other couples, and there was a moment of minor confusion in the cozy foyer as the host deciphered who was with whom. One of the couples did not have a reservation, but the host found them a table in the bar area. Who would have thought that a reservation would be needed on a Sunday night in November in our sleepy little resort area? Luckily, Sharon and I had made our reservation and were seated in one of the side dining rooms looking out onto the covered porch and Savannah Road. It was a lovely spot, and our server, Michelle, took great care of us all evening. We started our meal by sharing the soup of the day and the special salad of the day. The soup was really good with duck sausage, wild rice and Swiss chard in a lovely broth. It was light and flavorful, but hearty at the same time. The salad was baby greens with pumpkin seeds, blue cheese, Mission figs, and Marion blackberries lightly dressed in apple cider vinegar. Both the soup and the salad were absolutely delicious. For entrees, I ordered Chef Gary Papp's special lamb loin dish and Sharon ordered the venison. The lamb was dense and bold, as lamb should be, but it was served with a delectable demi-glaze of apricots, sherry and molasses. It added a sweet contrast to the lamb, and I enjoyed it. Just when I was thinking I had ordered the better dish, I tried some of Sharon's venison. Wow. It was like a battle of the meats. The venison was delicious! It was a lean venison tenderloin that was so tender you could cut it with the side of the fork, served in a port wine sauce with cranberries and figs. Both entrees were served with perfectly cooked fresh green beans and mashed potatoes. The flavors were wonderfully seasonal. All the desserts offered at The Buttery are homemade. We tried the molten warm chocolate cake and the special pie of the day. The chocolate cake looked like cake, but when I slid a spoon into it, I found the cake to be just a thin layer on the outside filled with warm chocolate gooeyness. Lovely. The pie of the day was called Potpourri Pie and turned out to taste nothing like potpourri (thank goodness). It was filled to the brim with apples, pears, cranberries and strawberries, and had a sweet crumb topping. It was served warm with vanilla ice cream. There's nothing like warm pie. What a lovely meal in a lovely mansion. The good news about dining at the Buttery is that they work hard to offer economical options for those of us trying to stay within our budgets. They have a year-round three course prix fixe dinner for $28 offered from 5-6:30 p.m. every evening. They also have a fall bistro menu for $22.95, Monday through Thursday, 5-9 p.m. in the off season. Each evening of the week features a different bistro-style entre. I have heard that the Seafood Paella Risotto (on Monday nights) is excellent. The Buttery is also famous for their Sunday brunches starting at 10:30 a.m. Whenever you decide to go to the Buttery, I'm sure you will enjoy the elegant surroundings and delicious food, just don't forget your reservation. The Buttery, located at 102 Second St. in Lewes, is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Reservations can be made by calling 302-645-7755. Purple Parrot Grill From one mansion to another.... The Purple Parrot's building in downtown Rehoboth has received several Cottage and Town Awards and other local accolades. It's a large cottage-style building with an entire front that lifts up like a garage door. It is a welcoming place designed to feel like one big porch. The dcor is bright colors and tropical murals everywhere. Next time you're there, take some time to look at the murals closely, they will make you smile. The Parrot is a longtime favorite of the GLBT "family." This is the kind of place that makes you feel at home. Heck, everyone calls the manager "Mom," and I'm not sure anyone actually remembers her real name anymore. She is "Mom" to us all. Owners Hugh Fuller and Troy Roberts have worked hard to create a relaxed atmosphere. Last week, a co-worker and I popped into the Parrot for lunch, and the meal was so delicious, I decided I'd write about it here. The lovely and funny server, Violet, took care of us as we perched on our stools at one of the high top tables by the large front window. The last time this friend and I went to the Purple Parrot, we indulged in their Parrot Poop Dipa yummy bean dip with a silly name. Many items on the menu have imaginative names. For example, on this dining adventure, I tried a "Wimpy." It's the smaller of the two burgers on the menu. My friend had the special of the day, which was the Parrot's famous meat loaf. My burger was huge, even though I ordered the Wimpy, which is "only" a half a pound. The sandwich was delicious, though, and I managed to finish every last ounce of that cowardly burger. All my friends know that eating out with me means sharing, so my friend was not surprised when I slid my plate over and requested a bit of her meat loaf. It was divine! It had chunks of onion, bell pepper and tons of flavor. It was served with a little gravy and some rich creamy mashed potatoes. For vegetarians at the Purple Parrot, there is quite a bit to choose from: soups, salads, a Portobello mushroom wrap, and other offerings. For meat lovers, take note that burgers are on special on Monday nights. The Purple Parrot, located at 134 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and can be reached at 302-226-1139. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 17, No. 15 November 21, 2007 |