October 6th, 2011

Cultured Pearl, a.k.a. The Pearl, Restaurant, Sushi Restaurant, Bar, Review, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Beaches

Dear Cultured Pearl:

Hi, it has been some time.  No, I have not moved.  You know how it is, being that you are so popular, I had to wait until the visitors had gone home, the meters have been put to sleep and Rehoboth was into its Second Season.

I almost went on Monday.  I had friends from Colorado visiting.  Then, I forgot that it was locals night.  I knew you would be packed and thought that specials rolls needed to be ordered; I did not want to wait.  I know, I know it is a great deal; 3 rolls, edamame, miso soup for $13.  Actually, a great deal. 

Sushi Bar - My Favorite Place to Sit

Anyway, we chose to visit on Tuesday and have a more relaxed dinner in order to catch up on our lives.

Angie was our server.  She was very friendly and throughout our meal she was attentive.

We had Miso, sashimi, sushi and rolls…all very good.  I always have my favorites.  Three of us ate more “family style” while the other, being my husband, had his own all to himself.  It is great that you are very aware that some of your customers have food related allergies.  Having gluten free soy sauce is nice.  We don’t have to carry our own.

At times I am able to take a lot of pictures of our food.  On that night I had to rush since they were diving into everything they ordered.

Crunchy – Eel, avocado, tempura bits, spicy sesame, and eel sauce.

Spider – Tempura, sofshell crab, cucumber, avocado, lettuce, and natural tobiko.

One of my favorites and I know different restaurants prepare this roll in different ways; yours really is a standout; the Firecracker.  Tuna, salmon tempura maki topped with spicy mayo, fresh jalapeno slice, jumbo lump crab and sriracha dot.  It has a distinct flavor in every bite and the combination of that heat and crab and fish is delicious.

My husband had eel sushi, baby octupus and smoked salmon sushi.

Last year I learned that not all wasabi is the same.  Real wasabi is sold in root form.  It is usually freshly grated before served.  It is delicate, delicious and different from what the majority think of wasabi.  The other wasabi served is pretty much horseradish, mustard and food coloring.  I am glad you have it fresh all the time.  On this picture, the fresh wasabi is on the left.

My friends ordered Miso Soup.  That is also one of your best.  I have tried in many other restaurants but yours is so well seasoned and hits the spot every time.

A favorite of mine are scallops sashimi.  So fresh and eating them along with a thin slice of lemon is all the better.  We had them sashimi, as well, but like I said I was not fast enough with the lense.

For dessert we ordered mochi.  Glutinous rice is pounded to make mochi.  Then, it is filled with ice cream.  Flavors vary like, strawberry, chocolate, mango, green tea.  Our ordered arrived and I thought they were somewhat different.  They looked like little golf balls.

The ones served in the past were flatter.  I do agree that the ice cream melted quickly.  Angie told us that these ones are better quality and the ice cream stays firm.  I liked the other ones better but that did not keep me from eating them, either.

Thanks for a nice evening…the purpose of this post.  Having dinner with my old friend (and our husbands), is always a treat.

Note:  Cultured Pearl is located at 301 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.  Tel. 302-227-8493.  Website?  http://www.culturedpearl.us.

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on “locals night” at this time of the year.  And, check the website because there are upcoming events and entertainment on the calendar.

I almost forgot; Thursday is Noodle Night – $10 for selected noodle dishes.

Another beautiful day in the Delmarva Peninsula!!  Enjoy!!

August 24th, 2010

The Cultured Pearl, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Restaurant, Review, Asian Food, Sushi, Sashimi, Delaware Beaches

Every week I say that I should not be eating this much raw fish; once again I had that craving for sashimi.

If you are a frequent visitor to the Delaware Beaches you know that we do have excellent restaurants in all the beaches.  So many choices and so lucky to be able to experience the best.

On Monday night my craving took me to the Cultured Pearl located at 301 Rehoboth Avenue right on downtown Rehoboth Beach.  The telephone is 302-227-8493.  Website www.culturedpearl.us.  Telephone for carry out is 302-227-4217.

I have been a customer of the Cultured Pearl for many years, going back to their old location on Wilmington Ave.  Rob and Susan are the owners of this very popular Asian restaurant.

It is decorated with an inspiration in traditional Japanese architecture; bamboo, flowing water, koi, and live birds. 

During the summer months I usually try the downtown restaurants during the week because it is hard to find parking.  Actually, I have to be honest with you, it is a pain.  But, last night I figured that being that it was a Monday night, and the weather was not the greatest, well, it would be better.  And it was.

At first the restaurant did not seem that crowded, that changed later on.  On good weather, it is great to sit outdoors.  The roof top area has a lake effect; koi below and gazebos on top.

I usually sit at the sushi bar.  I go to this restaurant to strictly eat sushi and sashimi, but if you have not acquired a taste for it, don’t worry because the Cultured Pearl is restaurant that also offers American Cuisine. 

Those 2 first seats at the sushi bar are the ones I go for.  Right in front of Master Sushi Chef, Yasuhiro Sano.  Last night he fixed us a little something to wet our appetite.  The Firecracker is a roll that is so delicious.  It has a kick to it because of the fresh jalapeno.  It has tuna, salmon, wrapped in Nori Hasomaki style, tempura battered, topped with spicy mayo, fresh jalapeno, crab meat, sriracha.  It is slightly warm and we always order it.

I have ordered Miso soup in every Japanese restaurant, but I must admit that the one at the Cultured Pearl is one of the best if not the best, in my opinion. 

Last night I was looking at it wondering how this soup was made.  Miso soup consists of a stock called “dashi”, which is a simple broth made by boiling edible kelp and preserved, fermented tuna; then straining the liquid.  Hmmm…  Then softened miso paste is mixed into it.  Miso paste is a seasoning and it is produced by fermenting rice, barley and or soybeans, with salt and the fungus kojikin.  Hmmm…again.  Miso is high in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals.

I am not thinking again how this soup is made.  I love it, anyway.

Two entrees were ordered.  Well, look at my sashimi.  The live scallops are one of my favorites; eaten with the thinly sliced lime.  On the picture, they are on the right hand side.  Red snapper in the middle, salmon, tuna, eel, etc. etc.  A feast, no less.

The other entree that was ordered was very well received, as well.

By the time we were finished the restaurant was crowded; it was a rainy night in Rehoboth Beach, the people eating outdoors had to come in and I took off to meet Paula so that she could show me what else the beaches had to offer on a Monday night.

Have a great week!!

P.S.  The Cultured Pearl is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.  Check their website.

Note:  The Cultured Pearl is also aware of customers with a gluten allergy.  Wheat free soy sauce is served upon request.