Rehoboth’s Eden Is a Paradise
If Adam and Eve, or Adam and Steve for that matter, had dinner at our Baltimore Avenue Eden Restaurant they never would have left the garden. I’m sure of it.
This lovely, laid-back but sophisticated eatery has an adventurous chef (Cyrus Keefer), knowledgeable wait staff, and a quiet, minimalist dining room.
But the menu is maximumist in flavor, style and selections. Three of us dined on a still-warm fall evening, and chose from a menu designed to cover all the bases.
First things first, the Mojitos, made with infused flavors, not your traditional mint leaf in the bottom—divinely decadent, served with fresh, warm bread, embedded with roasted garlic and served with honey butter. That would make a meal right there.
Their signature appetizer is the Lobster and Crab Tower, served with the freshest of seafood along with a mango salsa (large pieces of the fruit), guacamole, roasted red peppers and a light balsamic reduction. There was ample seafood for hearty tastes for all three of us along with a sampling of the unique grilled Caesar salad, with tapinade and delicious anchovies—and previously, I haven’t even appreciated anchovies.
Our waiter insisted we also try the roast pork polpettes (meatballs!) with braised black eyed peas, baby corn, black garlic and garlic greens—very different, very highly flavored and very good.
For entrees we shared the delicately seasoned, perfectly prepared pan-seared day boat scallops on a bed of al dente pasta; the Chef’s Seafood Creation—shrimp, scallops and fish in a richly seasoned, but not too heavy white sauce—heavenly. Our third entrée was a spectacular cut of thick-sliced pork, served with a grilled cabbage sauerkraut perfectly matched to the entrée and a spectacular sauce.
As if that weren’t enough, we were told we simply had to try the Mac ‘n Cheese. In a place like Eden, whose motto is Bold American Food, we knew this mac ‘n cheese would be super bold, and it was—the cheese was a combo of goat cheese and parmesan reggiano, plus roasted peppers—not your grandmother’s recipe to be sure—and scrumptious in its elegance.
The magic of Eden is its gift for beautifully styled food, uniquely presented—but with the singular flavors of the food taking precedent. Fancy, fun, yes. Delicious, absolutely. The ambiance works both for a romantic evening out (compliments of the private booths), or a big table with friends.
One thing Eden is known for is its award-winning wine list, offering libations by the glass, half bottle or full bottle. In fact, they may well offer the most ‘by the glass’ selections in town. Well-informed staff members can guide you to the perfect choice, with some unusual wines available by the glass—another thing that makes Eden unique.
You know there was dessert. But by that time, none of us believed it possible to accept another forkful, but we rallied for the Chocolate Indulgence —just one of many sinful choices on the dessert menu.
The menu at Eden changes often, and on their prix fixe Wednesdays they offer a $35 three course menu and 1/2 price bottles of wine—a wonderful value.
Check out Eden Restaurant, 23 Baltimore Avenue—bold American food and a lot more. Their menu is available at www.edenrestaurant.com.