August 27th, 2014
Cooking comes from the heart….you can’t rush it. Some have that special culinary gift, others, like most of us have to follow a recipe. Matt Haley had that gift. I have seen him reading a cookbook while having sushi at Saketumi in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Was he getting ideas for a new dish, adding a little bit of this or a little bit of that, I don’t know and I never asked him.
I met Matt through my website, AboutMyBeaches. When I started the website in 2009, which is written in a blog style, it was because I wanted to promote the Delaware Beaches. I love to eat and cook so it started that way, with me reviewing restaurants. I am not a professional, but I know what I like and how I like to be served.
Every time I would write about a restaurant in 2009 I would send an email to the contact on the website of the restaurant I had just visited. Most brushed me aside. But, Matt was the only one that every single time answered personally from his email address. Later on my husband and I had a business relationship with him.
I remember writing to him about a friend of mine whose mother had gone to one of the restaurants and then they charged her $2 for replacing green beans….what? He would say, Gloria, just take them on my dime to the restaurant. I never did. Another time, just recently, another friend mentioned something else. Once again I did write….if I had a restaurant I would want to have someone of trust telling me what happened. Don’t you think? Anyway, I did and he never complained.
Farm to Table? What is That? Matt also showed us that the setting of a dining experience adds so much to the aura of savoring delicious, local food.
Always hands on, a dinner for Global Delaware, Matt’s non-profit, at Good Earth Market in Clarksville, Delaware, just west of Bethany Beach. That’s the first time I attended such an event. The idea of eating at a communal table, chatting and making new friends while raising funds for a worthy cause, was very appealing.
 
Cooking outdoors….local seafood, and veggies from the farm. Here are some photos of that event.
Another Farm to Table Dinner at Indian River was memorable, as well.
Cooking outdoors took a different dimension here. In the brush!!
About 150 strangers got together to enjoy local fish, veggies and each other.
 
On August of 2012, Matt invited my husband, John, and I to dinner at his home. I called it the Spanish Contingency Dinner. His guests were the 3 sisters of La Esperanza in Georgetown. Let me tell you that these sisters loved Matt like a son. He was so involved in La Esperanza, as well. He told me that every time he went on a trip, they would bless him, and cry, etc. etc., not knowing what trouble he was going to get into. Ha, ha! Their names? Rosita, Maria and Asuncion. Also in the group was a couple, Jose and Virginia who are the editors of Hoy en Delaware. It was then that he told us that he had been invited to be on the Board of Freeman in Fenwick. He was so excited!
I used to talk to Matt in Spanish, but to tell you the truth, he really did not understand much. I used to tell him that I could not understand how he could be with all these Spanish speaking people and barely say “Si”. It is the truth, and he would admit to it.
This was a great evening. My husband, John, was loving it. Someone else cooking and him eating. Matt and John had a really nice relationship.
Up to that afternoon, Matt did not know what he was cooking for dinner. If it had been me, I would have been running around my house like a lunatic. Not him; cool, calm and collected….and lucky too because someone dropped some fresh fish just in the knick of time. A simple preparation, was all that was needed. Salad and veggies were all done.
The rest of us brought desserts….Spanish desserts with me bringing my pride and joy…a Puertorican flan!
In the meantime, Matt asked me to stir something on the stove. I asked him where his spatula was. “I don’t have one”….what? A chef with no spatula? What is this? All I could think was, how am I going to serve my flan?
Matt really did not have a spatula. Here he is sliding the fish into the serving platter. He did it but it would have been easier with a spatula.
 
My flan was served….it did not look too pretty but everyone said it was good. It is hard to serve a plan with a plain knife!
It was an early evening. Good company and great conversation….Matt admitting that he did like the those holiday favorites like green bean casserole!! The traditional way, canned soup and all.
Matt did not have to worry about not having a spatula anymore….I did drop about 6 of them; all shapes and sizes, wishing him “Good Spatulating”.
Note: At the beginning of September 2013, I saw Matt at Safeway. That was his grocery store of choice. He had just arrived from Europe, I believe. We talked about my husband’s passing. Then, he said his brother had died too a few months back. No idea..so, now as I reflect on it, I am so sorry for his family’s loss. I wish them peace.
At the Indian River Inlet Farm to Table Dinner, it was getting darker and we were all ready to leave. I said “Matt, give me a smile.” And, here it is!! Good night, my friend!
Matt’s legacy continues. Please visit http://www.matthaleycompanies.com. In it you will find everything about his companies, including the Memorial Service celebrating his life on Sunday, 9/28, at 2 p.m. at Freeman Stage at Bayside.
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
November 25th, 2012
A holiday week-end of cooking, shopping and probably cleaning too. Here is your chance to let someone else do the cooking and pouring. Perfect timing is the upcoming 4-Course Beer Dinner at Matt’s Fish Camp located at 28635 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in North Bethany Beach, at Tower Shores. Website? http://www.mattsfishcamp.com.
Matt’s Fish Camp is part of Matt Haley’s restaurants….the SoDel Concepts family.
The beer dinner will feature a 4-course, small-plate menu, brought to you by Chef Doug Ruley. The menu is inspired by the cooler and shorter days as we all move into the Holiday Season.
Troegs Brewery was established in 1997 in Central Pennsylvania. The Brewery produces 9 different beers, including Hop Back Amber Ale, Dreamweaver Wheat, and Flying Mouflan, all of which will be featured on Tuesday’s Beer Dinner. Co-founder, John Trogner, will be on site to explain the brewing process of each beer and why each pairs so well with each course.
Tickets are $45 per person. Please call John Scruggs at Matt’s Fish Camp, 302-539-CAMP (2267).
Matt’s Fish Camp is a casual restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. It is open year-round and has plenty of parking. Upon arriving, a reception serving Pimento Cheese Spread on Pretzel Biscuits, paired with Perpetual IPA.
The First Course: Dayboat Scallop Crudo, Crispy Virginia Ham, Spicy Grapefruit & Cilantro, paired with Dreamweaver Wheat.
The Second Course: Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Smoked Cheddar Popcorn Grits, Hopback Collard Greens & Jus, paired with Hopback Amber Ale.
The Third Course: Charred Venison Tenderloin, Blue Cheese Roasted Seckel Pear, & Smoked Black Plum Butter, paired with Mad Elf Holiday Ale.
Fourth and Last Course: Apple Bread Pudding, Mouflan Caramel & Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, paired with Flying Mouflan.
A stress free evening, learning a thing or two about beer pairing….we all need that!! Have a good one!!
November 9th, 2012
It is so good to be able to say thank you and mean it. I want to thank those companies advertising on AboutMyBeaches. Some of them I bugged a lot; explaining why they should be on my website. I really do appreciate it.
AboutMyBeaches started back on July of 2009. It was one of those ideas. I am a frustrated concierge. First it was going to be just a website. When my webmaster, Ed Timmons, met with me, I kept talking and talking. He probably thought I was more of a blogger. So, really, it was his suggestion. Here I am. I consider myself to be in the business of Word of Mouth.
Since my advertisers are on my website, which is written in a blog style, you can access them directly. Just look at them on the right hand side of AboutMyBeaches, http://www.aboutmybeaches.com, and you will be able to find out what these companies are all about. They are all different. Their owners are very nice, and easy to talk to.
Let’s meet them:
Tidewater Realty – This company is located at 32892 Coastal Highway (Rt.1) at the Starboard Center in the town of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Bethany is considered one of the Quiet Resorts of the Delaware Beaches. I know it well. For many years I lived there. It is a small coastal community, with great beaches, and quaint little restaurants. Tel. 302-539-7500. Toll free 900-888-7501.
 Bethany Beach Tidewater Realty is a boutique size real estate company. Broker of Record? John Merryman, III. This company has been a sales leader in the community for 30 years. It is known for its personal and professional attention. Website? http://www.tidewaterrealty.com. Please remember that Delaware has low property taxes and tax free shopping!!
Coastal Chem-Dry – This company is at the forefront of the carpet and upholstery industry. Green certified, with innovative equipment and powerful cleaning solutions. Website? http://www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. It dries quickly, so you don’t have to wait hours and even days for this to happen.
A Fall Special!! 3 rooms for $119.95 up to 350 sq.ft. Stairs not included.
Please contact them at: New Castle County and Kent County 302-234-0200. Sussex County 302-645-2800.
Check the website for more specials and information.
Miken Builders is located at 32782 Cedar Drive, Millville, Delaware 19967. Millville is located a few miles west of Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-537-4444. Cell 302-381-0773. Website? http://www.mikenbuilders.com. Mike Cummings is the Founder and CEO of this company. I have known him for so many years. Our sons played Little League together. Besides being a friend, I have also been a customer.
Miken Builders is a commercial and residential construction company. It is very well respected for his construction work and for his involvement in our communities. No job is too small or too big for them.
Last summer they worked on my house. A whole new entry way, which by the way, I have enjoyed and was very much needed. Also, there was some remodeling in my bathroom.
Betterliving Patio & Sunrooms of Delmarva. This company is under the umbrella of Miken Builders. Location? 32442 Royal Blvd., Unit 1, Dagsboro, DE 19939. Tel. 302-251-0000. Toll Free 877-251-0080. Website? http://www.betterlivingdelmarva.com. They are the exclusive provider of Betterliving 3-Season year-round sunrooms and awnings.
Doggies at the Beach is a boarding and day care facility for your pooches. It is located at 18806 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24), Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-644-8200. Website? http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com. It is my dog, Addy’s, home away from home. I have total confidence in Jim and his staff and when I leave her there. I feel she is in the best of care.
Doggies at the Beach has 4 master groomers for dogs and cats, working 7 days a week; mornings, afternoons, and evenings. All you have to do is call for an appointment. The facility is great with 24/7 human care. It is also climate controlled. Dog training is also available.
Two new web-cams are being installed. One will be located in the new puppy room, the other in the new building called Bayside.
Doggies at the Beach is very much involved in the community. Don’t be surprised to see them in parades, holding events, and having a good old time!!
SoDel Concepts, founded and owned by Restauranteur & Philanthropist, Matt Haley. Website? http://www.sodelconcepts.com. A total of 6 restaurants at the moment, with its newest one, Papa Grande, opening in 2013 in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Stay tuned for updates. Busy does not even begin to describe this company. I have written posts, with pictures, on most of them, except Blue Coast Seafood Grill….soon, though. Just put their name on the search of AboutMyBeaches to see some delicious dishes.
In Lewes, Delaware you will find Fish On! – http://www.fishon.bz
In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware you will find Lupo di Mare – http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com
In North Bethany Beach, Delaware you will also find Matt’s Fish Camp – http://www.mattsfishcamp.com
Also, in North Bethany you will find Blue Coast Seafood Grill – http://www.bluecoastseafoodgrill.com
In Ocean View, Delaware you will find NorthEast Seafood Kitchen – http://www.northeastseafoodkitchen.com
In Fenwick Island, Delaware, that’s where you will find Catch 54 – http://www.catch54.com.
In each of them I have found a favorite dish. If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches, try them. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Plate Catering – This is a catering company owned by Matt Haley, owner of SoDel Concepts. A dinner for many, or just for a few. An intimate affair, perhaps? A special occasion, I am sure. They can handle it. Please give them a call at 302-644-1200. Website? http://www.plate-catering.com
The Global Delaware Fund. This is a non-profit organization founded by Matt Haley, owner of SoDel Concepts and Plate Catering. It provides goods and services to children at risk in distressed situations. It has been lending a hand here, in Delaware, and abroad. Please visit http://www.theglobaldelawarefund.com.
Butter Shades is a sun glass company from Philadelphia that sells affordable sunglasses without sacrificing pure, manufactured quality. This company has a passion and compassion…they are giving back to the community, as well. Please check the sunglasses at http://www.buttershades.com
TKO – In Bethany Beach you will find Alice H. Klein, Jeweler and Designer. She is the owner and founder of TKO Designs, Inc. In the business for 32 years, Alice has a unique way of presenting a beautiful stone in its best light. She works with plastics and resins, precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, gold, gold filled, silver and Swaroski crystals. She can give a lift to a tired setting giving it that wow factor.
 
TKO Designs is located at 100 Garfield Pkwy., Stores 6 & 7, Bethany Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-539-6992. Website? http://www.alicehklein-tko.com. I have known the company for so long and I am a consummate fan of her work. Her niece JoAnne works at her store, as well.
Florida – I do have a few advertisers in Florida. You might want to know them. Whether you are a snowflake or a snowbird these 2 companies provide great services. I also know them, personally, and can recommend them fully.
Tauriello & Co. is a real estate company located in the heart of Delray Beach, Florida. This coastal town is also known as the Village by the Sea. You can find it at 900 E. Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-278-5570. Toll Free 877-509-8300. Website? http://www.tauriello.com.
Brokers of Record are Daniel & Sue Tauriello. They have been in Delray Beach for so many years and are very well respected in the Village by the Sea. I have known them since 2003 and they have given me personal and professional service. Please call Cheran or Sue if you want to find that special place to hang your beach chair.
Beach House Management, LLC – This is a property management company in Delray Beach. Michael Keegan is at the helm of the company and along with his staff, you home will be in good hands. Totally professional and caring. I have used Michael since 2003 and have no regrets at all. Some might think that a property management company is a luxury; in reality, it is a necessity when you are not there. For more information, please visit http://www.mybeachhouses.com. Tel. 561-376-4329.
Again, I do appreciate your business….Interested advertising on AboutMyBeaches? I think it is a very good deal. $500 for one year. Your banner on AboutMyBeaches. My personal attention, as well. Check the website and see if you like it. Nothing better than word of mouth.
Have a good one!!
October 16th, 2012
Congratulations are in order to Chef Doug Ruley, formerly Head Chef of Bluecoast Seafood Grill in Bethany Beach. SoDel Concepts, owned by acclaimed Chef, Matt Haley, has announced that Chef Dough Ruley will be the new Corporate Chef of the restaurant group.
Chef Ruley will be in charge of overseeing all of SoDel Concepts’ restaurant kitchens, currently 6 in total. He will also manage the food and menus from SoDel’s catering company, Plate Catering. Responsibilities will include supervising all kitchen staff, creating and updating menus, and delegating which items will be prepared for special company events.
Originally from Elkton, Maryland, Doug became enamored with food and the kitchen at an early age. Whether helping bake a birthday cake or preparing live blue crabs, he was up for the challenge. Summers were often spent helping his grandparents tend to the garden, live stock and the smoke house on their farm. Doug attributes his passion for food to days of shucking corn and picking beans, building the foundation of his career.
Shortly after graduating from high school, Doug began working in local restaurants including celebrated Newark, Delaware eatery, Jude’s Diner. After training in a Rehoboth Beach restaurant kitchen the following summer, Doug decided to pursue his natural talent and go to culinary school, something Jude herself had been pushing for.
Doug graduated at the top of his class in 1996 from Johnson & Wales (Rhode Island). Julia Child gave the commencement speech. Immediately after, Doug accepted a position as Sous Chef at The Melrose Club in Hilton Head Island, SC. After a year, Doug moved back to Elkton and was hired as a line cook at then un-opened restaurant, Iron Hill Brewery. Five years later he was promoted to Executive Chef and Operating Partner of Iron Hill, which now has over 8 locations. While at Iron Hill, Doug produced several “Best of Delaware” awards, with a string of five “Best Restaurant” awards in a row. After10 outstanding years with Iron Hill, Doug and his wife decided for a change and moved to the beach, signing on with Matt Haley and SoDel Concepts as Head Chef of highly acclaimed restaurant, Bluecoast.
Of his employer, Ruley states that Haley and the SoDel team are “pioneers” in the culinary field in Delaware. “Working with Matt has been the most rewarding years of my career. His wisdom and leadership brings out the best in his employees.”
Doug credits his success to the tremendously talented people he has worked with throughout his career, and to his family, for being understanding of the vigorous nature of the culinary world. He currently lives in Fenwick Island, Delaware with his wife, Lisa, and their three children.
About SoDel Concepts:
SoDel Concepts was founded by Chef Matt Haley. SoDel Concepts was named to the 2009 Inc. 500, which lists America’s fastest-growing private companies. The group’s restaurants include Fish On! in Lewes, Lupo di Mare in Rehoboth Beach, Bluecoast and Matt’s Fish Camp in North Bethany Beach, NorthEast Seafood Kitchen in Ocean View and Catch 54 in Fenwick Island. Matt Haley and co-owner Scott Kammerer also own Haley-Kammerer Consulting, a hospitality management company that provides management and consulting services for businesses such as Troegs Brewery & Kitchen, James Street Tavern, and Premier Wine & Spirits in Wilmington, Delaware. Others include Que Pasa in Dewey Beach, Fins & Claws restaurants in Rehoboth Beach. Sports at the Beach in Lewes and Waterman’s in Ocean City, Maryland. For more information, please visit http://www.sodelconcepts.com.
Note: You can access directly all of SoDel Concepts restaurants, including Plate Catering, on AboutMyBeaches, by a click on their individual links or on SoDel Concepts. Don’t forget to check Global Delaware, as well. See what this non-profit is all about.
September 5th, 2012
Brown Box Theatre Project is returning to its home on the Eastern Shore with an exciting production of Romeo & Juliet. The Director is Kyler Taustin, one of Ocean City, Maryland’s, own. He is proud to be heading up the Second Annual Free Shakespeare at the Beach.
Romeo & Juliet is the tale of tragedy as star-crossed lovers take their life.
Brown Box Theatre Project was founded in 2010. It has been producing quality theatre along the East Coast, including venues in Boston, New York, Maryland, and Delaware. This year Brown Box has expanded the tour to Downtown Berlin and Snow Hill, as well as adding more educational workshops and performances for local students in Worcester and Wicomico Counties.
Last year, Brown Box produced Twelfth Night as its inaugural performance of Free Shakespeare at the Beach. The goal of this initiative is to offer free outdoor productions of Shakespeare’s plays to communities that may not have access to the arts and to introduce these iconic plays to the non-theatre audience as they are meant to be seen – – as live theatre. After Twelfth Night was incredibly well received on the Easter Shore (press coverage can be found at http://www.brownboxtheatre.org/12N.html), Brown Box is thrilled to be returning with a longer run as it continues to make Shakespeare at the Beach a yearly event on the Eastern Shore.
Romeo & Juliet will be performed September 7th through September 14th at various locations throughout the Eastern Shore, including private performances at several local grade schools and high schools. Visit the website http://www.brownboxtheatre.org for more information.
Performance Schedule
Thursday, 9/6 – Press Preview Performance, 7:30 p.m. at 10647 Griffin Road, Berlin. Press & Industry Night, Closed to the Public. email chelsea@brownboxtheatre.org to request tickets.
Free, Open Public Performances
Friday, 9/7 – Arts on the River First Fridays at Sturgis Park, 300 River St., Snow Hill, Maryland. 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9/8 – Historic St. Martin’s Church, 11413 Worcester Highway, Showell, Maryland. Two performances!! 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, 9/9 – Sunset Park, South Division St., Ocean City, Maryland. Two performances!! 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 9/12 – White Horse Park, Ocean Parkway, North Gate, Ocean Pines, Maryland. 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 9/13 – Indian River Lifesaving Station, 25039 Coastal Highway, by the Indian River Bridge, at the Delaware Seashore State Park, south of Dewey. 6:30 p.m. Note: There is an opportunity to pre-order a boxed dinner from Matt’s Fish Camp to enjoy during the performance. Dinner order reservations must be made by Monday, 9/10 and paid by credit card at the time of reservation. Call the life saving station at 302-227-6991 if you wish to place an order. All meals are served boxed lunch style and include a bottle of water. A children’s menu is also available.
Thursday, 9/14 – Friday Night Art Stroll on Main St., Downtown, Berlin, Maryland. 6:30 p.m.
Cast: Laura Menzie (Juliet), making her debut with Brown Box Theatre, Juan C. Rodriguez (Romeo), who is thrilled to take part in his Brown Box Theatre Project debut. For full cast bios, please visit their website above mentioned.
Director, Kyler Taustin, Cory Rodriguez, Set Designer
Have a great time!! Talk to you later.
July 17th, 2012
Welcome is what I want to say to all of Matt Haley’s Restaurants. It has been 3 years since I started this blog. The concept has stayed true. I wanted to promote the Delaware Beaches. I really do love living here and that’s what I told Matt Haley when I was pestering him about advertising on my website. It is a little tricky when you are talking and writing about restaurants. Afterall, it is your own experience. I write about them on my own terms; no technical training, for sure. I know how I like to be served. I like a variety of foods. And I love innovative cuisines.
I have eaten in several of Matt Haley’s Restaurants. Every time I wrote a post, I would send an e-mail to the company. It did not fail that Matt Haley was the one that answered those e-mails immediately. Not his managers and others in his staff; but, himself. That has not happened very often. I thought that said a lot about the man behind the concepts. And, SoDel Concepts restaurant group, is his restaurant development company located in Delmarva.
I have had the opportunity to attend several fundraising events hosted by Matt Haley. Yes, he does wear many hats besides the Chef’s. On those occasions, I have watched him interact with his staff. It is like a one on one kind of thing. Mutual respect and admiration. Maybe family is the right word to describe it.
Matt Haley’s feels at ease whether he is the Chef at a fundraising event at a farm or fundraising at one of his restaurants for Global Delaware.
 
In 2010, the organization Outstanding in the Field chose him as the Host and Chef for an amazing dinner held at the Indian River Life Saving Station. The organization, Outstanding in the Field, travels the world to find exceptional chefs to showcase the local food culture and salute area farmers, growers and fishermen. It was a first for Delaware!!
You can find SoDel Concepts and Plate Catering on the right hand side of this website. Just click on either one to go directly into their sites and find all there is to know about them. You can also click on the links available on the left hand side of this website, as well, to go directly into all the individual restaurants, including Plate Catering.
The Owner and Executive Chef is Matt Haley. Southern Delaware has the farms and the water. These provide us all with a unique advantage to fresh food, wonderful vegetables, poultry and beef. There are amazing restaurants and chefs making Southern Delaware a dining destination. And, Matt Haley’s Restaurants have the whole package.
Matt Haley’s Restaurants are under SoDel Concepts. And, here they are:
SoDel Concepts – Tel. 302-436-8600. Website? http://www.sodelconcepts.com.
Fish On! – Tel. 302-645-9790. Website? http://www.fishon.bz. Happy Hour, Opens at 5 p.m., Sunday 3 Chef designed courses for $19. Location? 17300 North Village Main Blvd., Lewes, DE 19958. At The Villages of Five Points. I wrote a post on the restaurant on 7/10/12. Just click on the month of July and scroll down to the date.
Lupo di Mare – Tel. 302-226-2240. Website? http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com. Happy Hour 5 – 7 p.m. Early Bird Special, 3 courses for $19 if seated before 6 p.m. Location? 247 Rehoboth Ave., inside the Hotel Rehoboth. I have written in the past about this restaurant. Just click on the month and scroll down to the date. 6/12/2011, 12/4/2011, 5/5/2012
Matt’s Fish Camp – Tel. 302-539-CAMP. Website? http://www.mattsfishcamp.com. Opens 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Location? North Bethany, South of the Indian River Inlet. I have written in the past, also, about this restaurant. Again click on the month and scroll down to the date. 4/20/2011, 6/26/2012
Bluecoast Seafood Grill – Tel. 302-539-7111. Website? http://www.bluecoastseafoodgrill.com. Opens at 5 p.m. Location? 1111 Highway One, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. It is just north after you leave Bethany Beach.
Northeast Seafood Kitchen – Tel. 302-537-1785. Website? http://www.northeastseafoodkitchen.com. Opens at 5 p.m. Outdoor dining is also available. Location? 29F Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, DE 19970.
Catch 54 – Tel. 302-436-8600. Website? http://www.catch54.com. Location? 38931 Madison Ave., Fenwick Island, DE 19944. In the Shark’s Cove Marina. Same view, new building due to a fire that took place last year. What I hear are good things and words like so “cool”. I’ll let you know how it is soon. Opens at 11:30 a.m. Happy Hour is from 12 Noon until 6 p.m.
Plate Catering is Matt Haley’s catering company. He is the Owner and Executive Chef. A dinner for 2 or for a large gathering…this is what this company does. Awesome dinners taking the stress out so that you can enjoy your company. Tel. 302-644-1200. Website? http://www.plate-catering.com. Email? info@plate-catering.com.
So, what else can I tell you about Matt Haley? Remember when I mentioned above, the many hats he wears…..a philanthropist’s. It is worth mentioning that Matt Haley founded Global Delaware. It is a non-profit “organization dedicated to providing goods and services to children at risk in distressed situations”. Global Delaware is helping, here at home, and it is also extending a helping hand overseas. To know more about it, to get involved, to donate (anything helps), please visit http://www.theglobaldelawarefund.com.
Notes: Matt Haley’s Restaurants do not accept reservation. You have to do like me; either very early or late. I choose late. It’s summer and it stays light so late. Let me know how you like them.
Matt Haley’s Restaurants are sensitive to those customers with food related allergies. They are very willing to make your visit a pleasurable one.
By the way, let me tell you that there were other e-mails sent to SoDel Concepts. They were the ones that started “Don’t kill the Messenger”, if you get my drift. He did answer!! Have a good one!!
June 26th, 2012
Matt’s Fish Camp is now a year old. I feel the same way about this restaurant today as I felt when I first visited. It has the essence of casual coastal dining; steps from the ocean and across the bay. Come as you are; or just put something casual and enjoy the culinary competence, the good service, and that relaxed ambiance that we all love at the beach.
It was such a gorgeous day. As I was driving home from Bethany Beach, I passed Matt’s Fish Camp. I knew exactly where I was going for dinner. Looking forward to it, as well. I wanted to see if they would fill my expectations, and see if they were just as good as before. Afterall, is the Summer of 2012.
Matt’s Fish Camp is located at 28635 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). It is really in North Bethany at Tower Shores. Plenty of parking available. Tel. 302-539-CAMP. Website http://www.mattsfishcamp.com.
Matt’s Fish Camp is part of the family of restaurants, owned by SoDel Concepts, whose Owner and Head Chef is Matt Haley himself.
Matt’s Fish Camp opens at 11 a.m. daily and stays open pretty late too. It does not accept reservations. I have a new strategy since I do not like to wait; going at the latest possible time. Arrive when almost everyone is finishing their dinner. Perfect timing for photos. That’s exactly what we did tonight.
We got a table for two. I was also paying attention to what the people on the next table were saying. There were 3 guys; a delicious meal, they were commenting among themselves.
 I love the long table in the middle of the room. To fill it with friends would be wonderful. We started with a few appetizers. I already knew what my entree would be.
Lobster Deviled Eggs. Again, I had to be fast with the camera. One of them was gone by the time I turned my head. A good amount of lobster and great taste.
The Semi Spicy and Homemade Pickles, served in a jar, I really liked. On summer nights, light with a slight kick.
The first time we ordered skate was at Matt’s Fish Camp last year. Tonight we ordered it again and asked to be cooked gluten free. It was served over mashed potatoes. Even though the restaurant was comfortably crowded still, the chef did not mind it at all. Skate is delicate and mild; from Chincoteague, Virginia.
I decided to have the Fried Baby Tails. I was served 4 tails, beer battered and fried. They were really good; well seasoned and oh soooo tender. The dipping sauce? Just right.
We both ordered watermelon as a side dish. This was excellent; a seasoning of salt, pepper, paprika and other spices. Lemon on the side. Having watermelon as a side dish is so refreshing; it also cleans your palate.
Coffee, pictures….that was it. Sorry, not a sweet ending on this evening. We were perfectly content. We then headed home. It only took us about 10 minutes to get to Rehoboth Beach.
Note: Anastasi was our server. She was friendly, knew her menu well, and was very attentive. She also knew about the gluten allergy; no explanations were necessary.
You can also access Matt’s Fish Camp’s website on AboutMyBeaches, right under links, or you can also click on the banner of SoDel Concepts on the right hand side of my website. Both, will take you directly into their sites.
I hope you have another beautiful day tomorrow!! Talk to you later…
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