Take Root and be a(MUSE)d

I think the new bar and grill going in the former Nourish space has settled on the name Big Sissies, instead of Our Place. They plan to open the weekend of June 2. Russ (their new chef) tells me everything will be made from fresh ingredients, and very reasonably priced (no entrée over $12).

Touring around Dewey I was shocked to find that one of my fave restaurants, Venus on the Half Shell, is no more. The building has been repainted green and is now called Ivy.  I contacted the Rehoboth Foodie to get the scoop and was told that Ivy will be a South Beach style club with a massive dance floor, super-hi-tech lighting, and state-of-the-art sound. Cover charge will be $10-20 depending on the night and event. Can’t wait!

One of the perks of the press is getting a sneak peek at new eateries. This week I was privileged to be invited to Root Gourmet, offering foods-to-go in the Nage tradition. Everything we tasted was incredible, from the five cheese macaroni to the red velvet cheesecake. And although their idea is to get you out the door with meal in hand in record time, the space itself is so delightful and fun that you’ll want to stay!

My culinary adventures continued last night at a(MUSE), which opened in the former Solé space. I felt like a guest on Top Chef!  Every small plate offered some new taste or food combination and the presentation was absolutely a work of art. There’s also a great sense of play here with dishes called Toad in the Hole, and Cool Hand Fluke. If you are a fearless foodie, this is one place you won’t want to miss.

In the new name, new concept category, we have Bootleggers in the former Mallory Square (La La Land) space and Hooked Seafood & Martini Bar in the former Betty’s space in the Midway shopping center—with both places trying out new ideas.

The old Shore Haus will become a new design studio called The Great House and there is a new owner and a new look at the Peninsula Gallery in Lewes.

In the “hope you’ll never need it—good to know it’s there” category, Savannah Animal Hospital in Lewes is now offering 24 hour service for pet emergencies. Prior to this the only middle of the night option for pet care was in Dover, so this is good news indeed.

Memorial Day weekend means that all the farmers’ markets are now open for the season. Believe it or not, we have 12 area markets including Milton (open Fridays), Lewes (Saturdays), Bethany Beach (Sundays), and Rehoboth Beach (Tuesdays).

The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand kicks off the season on Friday, June 15, with the group known as Another Level. Each member of the group has toured with stars like Prince, Patti Labelle, James Brown, and Earth Wind and Fire. Other music acts this summer include The Lower Case Blues, Glass Onion, The Avalons and more.

Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival tickets are already on sale and shows this year will be held on three stages including the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, Cape Henlopen High School, and Epworth Church. (October 11-14).

Deb Griffin is a real estate agent living full time at the beach with her honey bunny, Greer, and two Jack Russell terrors. Email Deb Griffin