There were plenty of people strolling Rehoboth Avenue and a parking spot on the main thoroughfare wasn't that easy to come by. I sat in the Cafe A Go-Go coffeeshop with my cafe au lait and laptop and was amazed at how many people were about and out.
The Chefs Showdown at CAMP Rehoboth was a very cool event. Chefs Jay Caputo (Espuma, Porcini House), Kevin Reading (Nage) and Ian Crandall (Kindle, Half Full) are pros who make cooking look easy. They had to saute on hot-plates - which are better suited for food demonstrations in grocery stores rather than culinary competitions - but still produced some impressive dishes.
Some things I noticed (some of which are covered in today's Diners Digest column):
Second fire at Irish Eyes in Lewes on New Year's Eve was devastating. Went to take a look at the restauran
t and all that remains now is a few supporting walls and the foundation. This is so sad, especially since the web site has photos of the restaurant when it was rebuilt after the 2007 fire.- Stopped into Stingray's in Rehoboth for sake. It's a gorgeous place - love the framed pictures of Ultraman! (Nice touch Darius.) On a cold Saturday night, there were few diners during my visit - and that's a big building. We drove around and not too many restaurant dining rooms were filled. (What happened to all those people from the afternoon?)
- The place that was jumping was Dos Locos. We had to wait 20 minutes for a table. The Mardi Gras vibe was strong - beads galore, Cajun specials on the menu and an Elton John wannabe - wearing oversize glasses circa John's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" period - performing in the lounge. Guacamole was great. I got the fish tacos and could have done without the melted cheese on my battered cod. A dining companion ordered grilled catfish, a much better choice. I've had better meals there.
- We almost went to the Crystal Restaurant in Rehoboth for breakfast. (One of the best places in Delaware for breakfast, in my humble opinion.) But then we saw that Blue Plate Diner in Lewes was open. I love this place. Service is always great and the blueberry pancakes never fail to please. My buddies enjoyed a crab omelet and eggs Benedict.
- Hey, when did Saketumi open? It's a sushi place on Del. 1 that's where the old Ann Marie's used to be. I must have missed it this past summer.
- Kindle restaurant is moving from its location in Paynter's Mill, off Del. 1 near Milton, to a spot in downtown Lewes. Ian Crandall, one of Kindle's owners, says he had an "awesome opportunity" to move the 2-year-old restaurant to the space currently occupied by Books by the Bay, off Second and Bank streets. The Books by the Bay cafe has been a popular Lewes breakfast and lunch spot.
The move puts Crandall near his other Lewes eateries. He is part of the team that owns Striper Bites Bistro, 107 Savannah Road, and Half Full, the cozy pizza and wine bar at 113 Market St. Both are a few blocks from Books by the Bay. The last night of business for Kindle in the Milton location will be this Saturday. Crandall says Kindle will keep the same menu items – and will start serving lunch. The Lewes space will have about 20 fewer seats, he says. The restaurant should reopen in April.
- Nourish Specialty Foods & Catering opened about two weeks ago in the Rehoboth Beach space that was formerly home to Beautiful Foods.
The gourmet foods store is at 37385 Henlopen Junction. The space has been completely renovated, and owners are now offering sliced meats, cheeses and other gourmet foods. (This past weekend, I picked up a tasty and vinegary black bean dip, punched up with fresh cilantro, and some homemade tortilla chips.)
Catering should begin later this spring. Call 227-6282 or visit www.anourishingidea.com
- Lily Thai Restaurant & Cocktail Bar recently opened at 10 N. First St., Rehoboth. The menu includes noodle and fried rice dishes, curries, and offerings for vegetarians and children. Call 227-3348.
- Pop Pop's Donuts, 4 W. First St., Rehoboth, 226-2266, is coming soon. The shop is next to Nicola Pizza.
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