Sips and Bites October
I guess there is no “off-season” anymore. Our local restaurants have been teeming with diners and Rehoboth’s reputation as a foodie town just keeps on getting better and better.
I’ve always enjoyed lunch and dinner at Bethany Blues, not to mention the RB Writers’ Guild readings there, but I just discovered their party carry-out. Since I couldn’t ask Bonnie to barbecue her own birthday dinner, lazy me arranged carry-out ribs, chicken, and slaw from BB. I was assisted by hostess Ruth, who helped me decide how much yummy barbecue I needed for our small gathering, made certain it was ready on time, and even saw to it that the chicken halves were pre-cut for easier serving. She cut them up herself! And gave us plenty of extra barbecues sauce. Thanks, Ruth! We’ll be back!
I keep asking folks if they have been to Semra’s Mediterranean restaurant on Rehoboth Avenue north side beach block…near Louie’s…and lots of folks say, “Not yet.” Well, I say go! Semra’s may look like a carry-out at first glance, but behind the glass doors you can have a lovely lunch or dinner—the Gyro platter is exceptional, the salads always fresh, fresh, fresh, and the hummus and warm pita is a perfect starter. Discover this gem for yourself.
Initially I went to Thursday night dinner at Café Azafran expressly to hear barkeep/chanteause Holly Lane join forces with pianist/entertainer John Flynn for a marvelous evening of music. But I’ve been back twice since because Thursdays at Café Azafran also boasts the steak night special.
On Thursdays, select red wines are on special by the glass or bottle, and there is a choice of three great steak specials. You can get a steak dinner with a glass of red wine, a green salad, Jason’s bread and olives for $26. The deal is $21 without the wine. You can choose from Petite Filet Mignon, Flat Iron Steak, or Prime Belvedere Steak. There are three different preparations to choose from—and I love the Flat Iron Steak with the herb mashed potatoes and asparagus best; my spouse is partial to the pepper crusted steak with brandy cream sauce and pappardelle pasta.
And now that it’s not so warm out, I love sitting outside at Arena’s, both downtown and on the highway. Ha-ha, I’m talking like a native. I remember laughing when I first heard route one called “the highway.”
I’ve been a fan for years, and generally order one of their signature sandwiches, like the Duncan (a Reuben with turkey) or the California Club Dude (turkey, avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, sprouts and tomatoes on whole wheat bread).
But the other day I remembered that Arena’s may be the only place around where you can get really rare roast beef—and there’s very little better to me than a rare roast beef on rye with spicy mustard. Yum!
Regarding spicy mustard, have you gone down the road to Ocean City to check out Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli? Corned beef on rye anyone? The deli is amazing, with authentic lox and bagels, pastrami, chopped liver, and other classic Jewish dishes. It’s worth the drive, seriously. The rumor is that Warren Rosenfeld is looking for a place here in Rehoboth to open a second restaurant. Puleeze let that be true!
For our final stop on the magical, mystical sips and bites tour for October there’s Big Sissies on Rehoboth Avenue Extended. They serve the ultimate in inexpensive comfort meals. The place is fun, filling, and always welcoming and friendly. It’s a hub of entertainment lately, with karaoke, John Flynn’s (again!) singalongs, Cathy Gorman, and more. And the fried chicken is fab, with a huge portion, so it’s good for one dinner at Sissies and one at home. Plus, their faux stuffed cabbage, kind of a casserole instead of wrapped and stuffed, is mighty good comfort food! All the taste and less preparation intensive!
With easy parking and its location on the way out of downtown Rehoboth, I confess to having stopped there occasionally for a nightcap on my way home! (With a designated driver, of course….)
And on that point, I am serious. Please do not get behind the wheel if you’ve been out for cocktails. It’s soooo much more dangerous than we even know. Had too much? Hail a cab. George’s Taxi is my favorite. Let your car sleep in front of Sissies or the Moon, or Dos, or wherever…you can reclaim it safely in the morning.
Til next time, enjoy your sips and bites…candy corn time!