Oy Vey, it’s Lori’s Café
I’ve been around the block with whitefish salad in my time. In fact, for me, it’s a whole food group. And I can safely say, at Lori’s in the courtyard at CAMP Rehoboth, it rivals the best anywhere. In fact, as I was sampling it once again today, the editor of this publication dropped by the table and asked what I was having…I responded, and he noted that he’d never tasted it. One forkful, and he’s a devotee.
For me, Lori’s could start and finish with whitefish salad on a bagel, but frankly, everything at this legendary Rehoboth deli is wickedly good. Beginning her 14th season here, Lori has expanded her menu a little, kept the classics and is operating at full speed already—and it’s barely June. On Memorial Day weekend the place was packed—you’d think she was giving food away!
And while she’s not in a position to be that generous, the prices at Lori’s are great, considering you get some of the freshest food, piled-high sandwiches and generally overflowing platters that make you say Oy Vey—in a very good way. Generous is the word.
For pure sandwich heaven, you have to experience the Simply Delicious ($6.25)—luscious vine ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and Vidalia onion with a schmear of mustard or mayo on a bagel, or my choice, French Bread.
New this year is a spinach salad with egg, bacon and tomato ($7.50) as well as the new Tyler’s Cordon Bleu sandwich with a scoop of Lori’s to-die-for chicken salad and sliced ham on an English Muffin. Wow.
And if you are new to Lori’s go ahead, go for the chicken salad sandwich first ($8.95)—it’s her signature dish and you MUST try it. Never have blue cheese, apples, toasted almonds and chicken breast gotten together in a better blend. Honest.
But for repeat customers—and they are legion—be wild, be spontaneous, go for something different. Try the Geb’s Reuben: hot pastrami, sauerkraut, melted cheese and Russian Dressing on Rye ($8.95) or Bubbie Klein —corned beef and cream cheese on rye ($7.50). It sounded weird, even to me, but granny knew what she was doing. Then there’s the Swami’s Salami ($7) Genoa salami, Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard on rye— addictive.
Every day, Lori’s offers the half-sandwich and side salad deal for $7, and it’s available with almost all sandwich choices. Not, alas, the Lobsterlicious, but then that puppy is incredible with its seasonal lobster, tomato, bacon, and melted cheddar on French Bread ($14.95) and for a good reason.
Way back when, Lori worked all by herself in the deli. That was right after she escaped to the beach from a teaching job in Silver Spring, Maryland. But pretty soon, word of the chicken salad spread, and now there’s a whole Lori’s crew. In fact, you can even get delivery to the beach or any in-town Rehoboth address.
Not only is Lori’s open for breakfast, but here’s good news for those of you fond of a long night on the town. Breakfast is available at Lori’s any time. So if you stagger into the courtyard just after noon on a Sunday morning, not to worry. There will still be fresh coffee, bacon and egg sandwiches on bagel or croissant, muffins, health nut yogurt, and of course, fresh fruit with cottage cheese or brie and French bread.
Let me add that Lori’s has a kids menu with PB&J, grilled cheese, and the like. And not to forget those of us trying to curb carbs, Lori’s Melange a Trois—tuna, egg and chicken salad on greens is a perfect meal.
Alas, no report on Lori’s would be complete without commentary on her famous Smoked salmon platter ($9.50) with smoked salmon, cream cheese, lettuce and tomato and capers. Have it on a bagel and you are eating my idea of soul food.
So what are you waiting for? Sidle up to Lori’s and enjoy. She’s at the Oy Vey every day 8 a.m. until, well, late afternoon. Help her celebrate her 14th season at the beach.
You can find Lori’s Café in the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard at 39 Baltimore Avenue, or call 302-226-3066.