June 7th, 2010
Venus On The Half Shell, Restaurant, Review, Dewey Beach, Delaware Beaches
Everything about this restaurant was so unexpected for me. First the evening, the setting, and most of all the food.
Venus on the Half Shell has been in Dewey Beach, Delaware for about 6 years now. I, actually, had never been. Crazy isn’t it? It is just a mile down the road from my house.
I know that the downtown Rehoboth restaurants were having their week, but tonight I really wanted to try Venus. It had been on my mind for a few weeks.
Venus On The Half Shell is located on Dagsworthy Street & The Bay, Dewey Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-9292. Website is www.deweybeachlife.com.
The new Chef is Peter A. McMahon.
When I have written about Dewey Beach in the past, I have mentioned that this is a beach town that really knows how to party. Restaurants, music, beach sports and young people is what Dewey Beach is all about.
On Monday, after a beautiful, hot week-end, Venus was quiet and so was Dewey Beach. The weather had cooled off and it was just a fantastic early evening.
I was so surprised as I entered Venus to find that my first impression was that I was in Marrakech, Morocco. I have been to Morocco and that is just what came to mind.
It was so early but perfect because I could then take pictures. I was given the go ahead and so my evening started; taking pictures of this unique restaurant, right on Rehoboth Bay.
Venus has several seating arrangements; inside, under the tent which is in the sand or right by the water. Then, just one table under the Gazebo.
We chose to seat under the tent. The view was spectacular. To our right, high up, there was an osprey with its mate building their nest.
The osprey is also known as the sea hawk or fish eagle. It is a large raptor, whose diet is fish and mates for life. They are found in tropical and temperate regions. And, they winter from southern U.S. to Argentina.
A couple of appetizers were ordered. I had the pan roasted clams, zesty Chardonnay Butter Broth and Grilled Baguette. I had to ask Paige, who was our waitress, to bring me a spoon. There was no way I was leaving the broth behind. The clams were delicious with a nice kick to them.
The next appetizer was “Russian Oysters”, 6 Beau Soleil oysters, spritzed tableside with Iced Stoli. Good and salty.
Beau Soleil oysters are caraquets which are the famous oysters of the Maritimes, a staple among fishermen and loggers forever. These oysters are formed in 3 bays of Northern New Brunswick and they never touch the sea floor; they are called suspended caraquets.
I felt that the restaurant was just mine for the evening. Paige, our waitress was so attentive and her suggestions were a hit.
I had the baked salmon, stuffed with grilled asparagus, peppered tomato basil coulis, and roasted garlic rissotto cakes. Truly loved it and salmon is a dish I usually order and if it is recommended, then more so.
The Rock Shrimp & Langostino, sauteed with smoked tomatoes, tossed in a light Chive Cream Sauce over Jasmin Rice. I want to let you know that this dish is usually served over pasta, but because of the gluten allergy, it was over rice, instead. The Chef sent 2 types of rice to see which one would be the preferred rice; the bamboo or jasmin rice. Jasmin won. I liked them both.
Venus has a full bar and the wine chosen was very good.
If you were to ask me tonight what has been the best place to eat at the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland, I would have to say Venus. The unplanned evening had great food, amazing service by Paige, the setting, well you are looking at the pictures; I hope, the light breeze and the sunset over Rehoboth Bay. Priceless!!
Best Spot
Talk to you later….
Tags: American Food, Bay Front Dining, Delaware Beaches, Dewey Beach, Full Bar, Gluten free awareness, Restaurant, Restaurants, review, Reviews, Things to do at the beach, Venus on the Half Shell, What to do at the beaches
Looks wonderful…will have to put this on my wish list.
I will be interesting to see if at the height of the summer season; the crowds, noise, etc. if I will get the same feel I got on Monday night. I guess another visit will be a must.
had my son’s rehearsal dinner there several yeats ago and still love the ambiance and the food and the view
Thanks for the comments on the blog. Yes, Venus was perfect.
I’ve gotta say, i was thrilled to be dining at sunset surrounded by beautiful tiki torches. And that’s where my enjoyment of the meal began and ended. After sitting at our table for ten minutes (with bread plates that had dried food on them), we had to get up and go find our server by speaking with the hostess. When she finally did arrive, I had questions about the menu. She had told us there were 4 shrimp in the cocktail app (and only 3 were served; @ $14, it’s kind of a big deal).She clearly does not know her menu very well as I also asked how many lobster ravioli were in an entree. She had no idea. We weren’t informed about whether there were menu additions for the evening or not. I counted 4 tables in her section which may have been too many as she finally checked on us to see how our meals came out as we were on our last few bites.
We ordered dessert and after a good 8-10 minutes, were informed that “after yelling at the kitchen, someone had already ordered the last piece of peanut butter pie”. I replied that we’d just have the scoop of sorbet that was already on order. Another 8-10 minutes passed and we finally flagged our server down to cancel dessert altogether and get the check. She let us know that “the dessert station got really backed up”. I don’t want excuses, I just expect better service from one of the ‘better’ restaurant in Dewey.
Footnote: my date and I witnessed the gentlemna at an ajacent table go searching for her too! She could use some serious retraining!
Sorry to hear that. To tell you the truth I have not gone to Venus this year. I guess I should check it out. I know last year they had a new chef. I had for the most part very good meals last season, but there was one that was not that great even though the entree was the same ordered at other times. Someone I know just went and her reply was it was o.k. Will let you know. Thanks for the comments.