Hot Fun in the Summertime
As I write this, it’s Memorial Day weekend and Rehoboth Beach is hummin’ like a packed dance floor. Gretchen Hanson, chef extraordinaire of Hobos Restaurant, posted on Facebook that the boys are back in town, and indeed they are. That means Aqua is now open for business and that the front patio of Blue Moon is crowded till the wee hours of the morning. Lots of people equals lots of energy, and the continued success of beloved shops and restaurants. It’s a healthy, happy, thriving environment to live and work in, and I consider myself one lucky beeatch!
New to downtown Rehoboth is the Olive Orchard, a specialty shop featuring super fresh extra virgin and specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars. It’s a foodie’s paradise that you won’t want to miss. Papa Grande’s is now open in the former Cabo space—try the Queso Fundido with a choice of four toppings—deelish. Anyone checked out Ambrosia on Wilmington or the Cellar Door on Baltimore? Let me know what you think. There’s a new bike shop in town next to Hobos called Sea Green Bicycle Rentals; the original Lingo’s Market, and Dinah Lingo’s Market are both now open for the summer. Underway, but not yet open, is Flying A BBQ and Crabs (next to Catchers), and Lula Brazil in the former Cloud 9 space. No word on what Dogfish plans to do with their purchase of Finbar.
Out on Route 1, Michy’s Relaxed Dining is now open in the former Charcoal Grill space and they’ve been posting pix of some amazing looking dishes on their Facebook page! Must. Go. Soon. The Crab House, a new restaurant by the Big Fish Grill group, has opened to very good reviews. Fins Ale House and Raw Bar is set to expand into the vacant space next door and will shortly have a Route 1 entrance.
Over in Lewes, we finally visited the Gate House of Lewes in the former Azafran space. The décor is lovely, the staff is wonderful and our table said to tell you to get the salmon because it’s out of this world. Also in Lewes, the Dogfish Inn plans to be open by July 4th. It’s a brewery-themed boutique hotel featuring a fridge in each room filled with unique Dogfish Head glassware, wall-mounted bottle-openers and Dogfish Head beer soap, made of 60 Minute IPA, ground hops and barley.
Upcoming events include the Black and White Beach Ball on May 31 at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, and The Music of Cole Porter presented by the Philadelphia and Portland Gay Men’s Choruses on June 21. Restaurant Week in Rehoboth is June 1-6, featuring 3-course prix-fixe meals at select restaurants; June 13-15 is the 2nd Annual VegFest with events around town.
One of my absolute favorite things to do this time of the year is to take the Cape Water Taxi up and down the Lewes Canal. I love being on the water and having someone else do the driving! The service has expanded this year to include a cruise out of Long Neck starting at Paradise Grill. They also offer eco tours, sunset cruises (where you may take alcohol on board); maritime history cruises and live music cruises. Here at the beach there’s water, water, everywhere, so don’t miss a thing!
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