September 12th, 2009
The Cultured Pearl….in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware….A great name for a Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar….
This Asian inspired restaurant is on its way to becoming a legend in all my beach towns; from Lewes, to Ocean City, Maryland. I find someone I know almost everytime I visit the Cultured Pearl from these beach towns.
Rob and Susan are the owners of the Cultured Pearl. Susan started the restaurant in 1993 and its original location was on Wilmington Ave., in Rehoboth Beach. I really enjoyed going there and it was very cozy. So, at first, I was not sure how I was going to react to being in a new location. They have been there now for a couple of years, and I have been there for dinner many times.
This new location was not only going to be the home for the Cultured Pearl, but the whole building was envisioned as a “mall” with the restaurant on the top.
The address is 301 Rehoboth Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. is 302-227-8493 and the website is www.culturedpearl.us.
Yes, these are “the shops at the Pearl”. I will be reviewing them at some point, but my interest at this time is the restaurant. Years ago this was the location of Quillen’s Hardware Store, whose business serviced the town of Rehoboth Beach for many years.
In trying to keep true to the traditions of Japanese architecture, they have incorporated in the decoration, bamboo, flowing water, koi and live birds.
As you walk into the “mall” you will see stores on either side. The reception desk for the restaurant is on the first floor. John is usually there to greet you. You will give your name and then you will be escorted upstairs or if you need an elevator, that is available as well. If you are going just to the bar for a drink or to wait for someone, you may just go up the stairs where you will be passing some really pretty cockatiels.
The Cultured Pearl has a great atmosphere and it is very cozy, whether you are sitting at the bar or the sushi bar or the main dining area. If you happen to be there on good weather and are lucky to be seated outside, you are in for a treat. The rooftop area, as it is called, has a “lake” effect with koi below you and gazebos on top. Rehoboth Beach looks so pretty at night and you definitely will have an advantage point from the rooftop.
The restaurant can accommodate private parties. Is your company trying to host a presentation? Then, their special room is equiped with panels and monitors and separate music system for that sole purpose. Menus can be arranged to suit your needs, as well.
There is always something for everyone on the menu. You don’t have to have sushi in order to really enjoy it. During the year, they have specials and brunches. And, a carryout menu is available. That tel. is 302-227-4217. The best way to find out all this information is to go on their website, which by the way, it is very informative.
As I mentioned before in other posts, when I go to a Sushi restaurant, I like to sit at the sushi bar. On this night, the bar was crowded, even though it was a Sunday, and it was funny to hear all the questions asked to the chefs, like; do you cook sushi at home, what is your favorite roll, etc. etc. It gets everyone talking and putting their two cents in.
My husband was with me and we started with the Edamame. We like it warm and just with a little bit of salt. I had the Miso soup and, let me tell you, theirs is the best. Best taste and seasoned perfectly. It is white miso, tofu, green onion and wakame seaweed. Great combination. For my entree, I wanted Sashimi Sara which was a chef selection of 15-18 pieces of sashimi (not cooked and no rice). This particular dish included my miso soup. My husband ordered the Japanese Bagel roll and for his sushi he ordered several pieces of eel. Everything tasted so fresh.
This is one of those restaurants that have an awareness for people with gluten allergies. They offer Teriyaki and Soy Sauce that is gluten free.
For my sweet ending, I had “mochi”, which is ice cream of different flavors surrounded by dough made of rice flour. They are the size of a half dollar and the dessert was presented in a martini glass; so easy to share. Just pop them in your mouth.
A few posts back, I mentioned that the perfect recipe for a good restaurant is quality of ingredients, culinary competence, service, ambiance and price. This restaurant fits that bill perfectly.
Tags: Asian food, Bethany Beach, Carryout, cocktails, Delaware Beaches, Dewey Beach, drinks, entrees, Fenwick Island, Full Bar, Gluten free awareness, Lewes, Ocean City, rehoboth beach, Restaurant, Restaurants, Reviews, South Bethany, sushi
