What’s New at the Beach
You’re back oh dear reader, you’re back! I’ve missed you and couldn’t wait to tell you all the latest news!
Wilmington Avenue in Rehoboth is turning into Restaurant Row! In addition to the Cosmopolitan Grill opening in the former Retro Grill space, we have two more culinary debuts to announce! The Tuscan Grill, specializing in Northern Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, will be in the former Cultured Pearl space, and La La Land will now house the Mallory Square Fish House and Grille.
I love watching Wilmington Avenue come back to life and speaking of resurrections—check out First Street Station on Rehoboth Ave! Absolutely all of the shops are now rented and Alyssa of Azura Clothing has opened the coolest new shop called C.L.A.D. (Current Love And Desire).
Breaking Baltimore Avenue news—when Café Solé reopens from their remodeling, they will just be Solé! Solé will feature a fusion of fare with a decidedly Caribbean flavor, an expanded bar, and a new entrance right on Baltimore Avenue. Coming right next door will be Universal Gear, a contemporary men’s retail store. JAM Bistro is moving above ground into the former Camel’s Hump and will have major outdoor seating (love their edamame guacamole). Artworx19971, a new gallery owned by eight local artists, is opening in Celebration Mall, 20 Baltimore Avenue. Thanks to Phil F for letting me know that Josephine’s Daughter, (fashion accessories, gifts, art and home décor) and Little Egg Harbor (specializing in handmade, natural soaps) have opened in The Shops at Rehoboth Mews between Baltimore and Rehoboth Avenues. Author Milton Stern will be at Proud Bookstore April 16.
Atlantic Jewelry, a fine jewelry store that also offers Lladro porcelain figurines and Swarovski crystal, has just opened on the Boardwalk. This place is huge (about four store fronts) and is located between Laurel and Philadelphia Streets on the first floor of Star of the Sea condos.
A toast to Lily Thai on First Street for getting their liquor license! Now you can get great food and cocktails! Lori’s Oy-Vey Café in the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard reopened April 1 for their 15th year.
Hatley is coming next to Robin Hood restaurant; Big Fish Grill now has a raw bar where the Tiki Bar used to be, and coming to Tanger’s Midway outlet is Dooney and Bourke, and Talbots.
In the Shoppes at Camelot, HIGH’s is now HiWay Convenience and Joss II opens today offering home décor and gifts.
Gift Design is now open in the Coastal Plaza across from Bethany Blues offering a variety of items including Amish furniture from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, candles, pottery, jewelry and more.
If you love The Cottage in Lewes, you’ll be very excited to hear they have opened a store for larger items (i.e. furniture) called The Old Screen Door. It’s located next to the Tom Tom shop just off Kings Highway on Monroe Avenue, Lewes.
Finally had a chance to check out Biblion (used books and rare finds) on Second Street in Lewes and wow! What fun! Jen Mason has created a one-of-a-kind shop with not only wonderful books, but gifts, art, and the most fun and unique greeting cards ever!
Last fall I read that Kevin Reading of Abbott’s Grill, in Milford, was named Delaware State’s 2010 Restaurateur of the Year. Reading had previously opened Espuma, Sweet Dreams Bakery, and Nage, so I thought his new venture might be worth a drive. OMG was I right!! Last week, my new BFF Bob Yesbek (rehobothfoodie.com, Cape Gazette, and Letters columnist) and our respective honey bunnies ventured forth and were highly rewarded! I think it’s one of the best meals I’ve had since moving here five years ago. Everything was so well balanced, you could taste every ingredient in every dish. So when you can’t get into your fave restaurant this summer without a 45 minute wait—take a 25 minute drive—I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
One of our dear Jack Russell terrors was laid to rest last week after 16 amazing years. So Jordan, my little man, I dedicate this column to you.
Deb Griffin is a real estate agent living full time at the beach with her honey bunny, Greer, and a Jack Russell terror named Rosie. Email Deb Griffin. View Deb's Blog.