October 25th, 2013

Rehoboth Beach Dines, Bramble & Brine, Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Traditional Fare, Fresh Ingredients, Restaurant, Review, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware…Autumn Menu

What makes a good restaurant?  To me, those 5 key ingredients do not fail:  Quality of Ingredients, Culinary Competence, Service, Ambiance, and Price.  The ingredients should be the best money can buy.  The culinary competence …the new chefs at Bramble & Brine are bringing to the table traditional fare with fresh ingredients prepared with innovative ways..sounds good, right?  The restaurant just opened, but it is already the talk of the town.  The service should be attentive; not intrusive, always anticipating the customer’s needs.  The ambiance should be tranquil and relaxing, conducive to great conversation. And, the prices should reflect the establishment…restaurants in Rehoboth Beach are known for serving quality food.  Jody and I found that these fit the bill at Bramble & Brine.

Jody and I are usually on the same page.  We love finding new places to eat or just taking a road trip to check out Southern Delaware.  Bramble & Brine is located at 315 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  Tel. 302-227-7702.  Website?  http://www.brambleandbrine.com.  You can find them on Facebook as The Bramble and Brine.  Open every day, except Wednesday.

I loved the idea that I had not read one single review.  First impressions were good.  The building looks fantastic and the renovations had been ongoing for months.  The owners are Megan and Joe Churchman, locals who are undertaking the big task of feeding all of us with discriminating palates in Rehoboth Beach.  The town is known for its culinary excellence….it is actually a foodies’ destination.

Megan greeted us with a big smile and introductions were made.  Bramble & Brine does accept reservations.  We arrived early so we could take plenty of photos.

The Bar is located as you enter the restaurant with views to Rehoboth Avenue.

Vintage chandeliers, roses in the designs, a soft, yet cottage style decor with unassuming good taste…Bramble & Brine is Shabby Chic; elegant but not opulent.

We started with bread and a rosemary butter…a little sparkling water, as well.

Our server gave us some suggestions and I am glad we took them.  We started our dining adventure with a Savory Pumpkin & Sunchoke Pate.  It had crispy speck, parmesan and thyme crisp, and a balsamic caviar.  The bacon was so thin and crispy and the balsamic caviar was delicious.

I love calamari.  These were different.  They were Smoked Calamari with shaved artichoke, radish, lemongrass and squid ink dressing, grape oil and a pistachio dust.  Really great combination of flavors.

Jody ordered a Chestnut Smoked Ricotta Salata.  It had beets, cucumbers, pea tendrils, micro basil, bread and butter pickle dressing.

For my entree I ordered the Pan Seared Halibut with sage brown butter, artichoke, celery-scented couscous salad.  The halibut was crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned, as well.  The couscous salad was particularly good too.

Jody’s entree looked amazing.  It was a Seared Butternut Squash Filet with squash trio puree, crispy taro root, grilled rapini, and a mushroom demi.

For dessert we chose French pressed coffee and Bramble & Brine Churros with Chocolate Sauce for sharing……a perfect ending for a perfect evening.  Just the right amount of sweetness!!

The Second Season in Rehoboth Beach brings plenty of events and festivals.  Bramble & Brine is open and waiting for you.  Let me know how you like it.  Talk to you later.