June 22nd, 2014
In the 1930’s the ritual of anglers dangling their reels over rivers, waiting for a bite, gave birth to fish camps along the Southern U.S. Fish camps have become local favorites and hidden jewels, found, at times off the beaten path; no frills establishments serving fresh catch.
With that in mind, I am sure, Matt’s Fish Camp opened its doors in 2011 in North Bethany Beach, on Coastal Highway. If you are driving south from Dewey Beach, Matt’s Fish Camp is the only eatery right on the highway, oceanside, until you arrive closer to Bethany Beach. From Rehoboth to Bethany….12 miles more or less. Tel. 302-539-2267 Website? http://www.mattsfishcamp.com.
Not really off the beaten path like the first fish camps, Matt’s Fish Camp can easily be spotten from Coastal Highway or Rt. 1. This restaurant is part of Matt Haley Companies…with several sister restaurants at the Delaware Beaches. No reservations, the restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. every day. Wine and beer are served at Matt’s Fish Camp.
The community where Matt’s Fish Camp is located is called Tower Shores. It is one of the original communities right on the beach, adjacent to the State Park beaches, the Indian River Marina, and the Indian River Inlet.
The restaurant is casual, come as you are or get dressed up….really that’s how comfortable it is. You can sit at the bar by the open kitchen, or by the window. Booths are available and a large center table for large parties. Maybe even call the restaurant for carry out, because all you have to do is drive up, park and pick it up on the side. Perfect if you are spending a day at the beach.
I stopped late in the day, driving from Bethany to Rehoboth, when I got a little hungry. Something light is what I wanted.
What I did was to order a tea, a garden salad, with a side order of Lobster Salad, and….since my eyes were bigger than my hunger….I also added Lobster Deviled Eggs.
I had my own salad bar going on….a clean plate was ordered and this is what it looked like. To tell you the truth I don’t eat too many eggs. But, deviled eggs, I do like. These were traditionally made. At first I was going to order the Lobster Roll without the roll when Reed, my server, pointed out that I could have an add on, which was just a Lobster Salad. The garden salad was also traditionally made, and very fresh.
Just a perfect lunch at the beach!!
Matt’s Fish Camp is a supporter of Operation Seas The Day. This is an annual warrior family beach week event held in Bethany Beach the week of September 2nd to the 7th for our Veterans who are recovering from injuries sustained while serving our country, and their immediate families. A week of rest and relaxation.
The families will be staying in homes donated by local homeowners. Plans underway for organized events, including a kickoff welcome reception, a beach bonfire/cookout, a concert at Freeman State, and a farewell brunch.
Additionally, Bethany Beach businesses and area residents have offered a “menu” of options and activities available, free of charge, throughout this week.
If you would like to learn more, please visit http://www.operationseastheday.org
April 17th, 2014
You better believe it when I say they speak Spanish. Arriving at Papa Grande’s…I stepped inside and this is what I saw…pork tacos coming out. First impression? Huele bueno! It means smells good! It was like coming into a home and you can smell the food cooking. Yum. So, I said: Que tal como estan? A look and then: Hablas Espanol muy bien. Pues claro. Adriana introduced herself. From Veracruz. When you visit Papa Grande’s ask for her. She was friendly, and knew her menu well. I mention this now instead of later in the post because she was that good of a server.
Papa Grande’s opened in Fenwick Island, Delaware, last year. The location is 38929 Madison Avenue. It is only a mile and a half or so from Coastal Highway on Rt. 54. Tel. 302-436-7272. Website? http://www.papagrandes.com. This restaurant is the 7th restaurant opened by restauranteur and philanthropist, Matt Haley. Matt Haley is the recipient of the James Beard 2014 Humanitarian Award!! Papa Grande’s sits right behind a sister restaurant called Catch 54. But, wait, coming in May, Papa Grande’s arrives in Dowtown Rehoboth Beach. It is the first time one of Matt Haley’s restaurant is being duplicated. All his restaurants are different. But, one thing that is consistent…all use fresh ingredients and the best Southern Delaware has to offer. The food is simple; not fussy. What you see is what you get. That’s what we, customers want.
We were having a late lunch….almost close to their happy hour which begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. They open Sunday – Thursday from 11:30 to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. It was that in between time, when it was not crowded and we could relax and take in the views.
On the first floor, there is plenty of sitting, booths or individual tables. This dining area is quiet. The bar is upstairs.
Upstairs, the bar takes center stage with tables and booths also around the bar. The deck is the most sought after spot. Plenty of scenic views.
I don’t know what it is with me…the moment I saw the menu, I knew what I was going to have. I see scrapple and I have to have it. So, I did, but first I had their Shredded Brussels Sprouts. I am also hooked on this dish. At Lupo di Mare in Rehoboth Beach, another of Matt Haley Companies, they are amazing. I wanted to taste these ones, as well. They were so different that I can’t tell you which I like better. The Papa Grande’s brussels sprouts have a roasted corn vinaigrette, red onion, pepita, and cotija. Pepita is pumpkin seed, and cotija is a hard, crumbly white cheese made from cow’s milk; more pungent than queso blanco. I thought the brussels sprouts were very refreshing and both Cindi and I agreed that it will be a great summer starter.
Ordering my Scrapple Apple Tacos….they came just like I ordered them….well done, meaning crispy. A side order of rice. The combination was great. I just don’t know why I have not thought about this myself in my own home. If you like scrapple, then order them!
Cindi’s soup was a Mexican Crab Crema Soup. It was on the special that day and she thought it was rich, creamy with the right amount of heat. It is still chilly at the Delaware Beaches, so it was perfect.
We did not have dessert even though they were offered. Another time, perhaps. Cindi and I just sat there…it was almost time for happy hour. The customers were arriving. We just chatted away.
So, please remember….Papa Grande’s is coming to Downtown Rehoboth Beach!! Nos Vemos y Buen Provecho!
Not Matt’s self-portrait, I believe…these are for sale at Papa Grande’s!
June 7th, 2013
To be able to sit outdoors and enjoy dinner at this time of the year at the Delaware Beaches, is priceless. It is our time to shine in Southern Delaware; beautiful skies, balmy temperatures.
Matt Haley Companies invite you to enjoy a special evening at Good Earth Market & Organic Farm. It will be an outdoor event; a farm to table dinner. It will take place on Tuesday, June 18th at 6 p.m. Tickets are $95; limited seating. For tickets and information, please call 302-537-7100. Good Earth Market & Organic Farm is located 4 miles west of Bethany Beach on Rt. 26, at 31806 Good Earth Lane in Clarksville, DE 19970.
All proceeds will benefit The Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc. (DAPI) is a non-profit organization developed in 1969 in New Castle County, Delaware, to provide pregnant teens a way to continue their education and receive prenatal care. Please visit http://www.dapi.org.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour with appetizers being passed around the guests. Then, the main course will be family style. The dessert will be showcasing produce grown on site.
A farm to table dinner extends an invitation to converse at the dinner table….I have been to them and they are unique!
All food will be prepared by Plate Catering, a Division of The Matt Haley Companies.
Have a great time!!
Note: Photos were taken at Good Earth Market & Organic Farm.
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