April 17th, 2024
One of the newest restaurants in Downtown Rehoboth Beach is Sirocco. 302-727-0317. It is inside the new Coast Rehoboth Beach Hotel on Rehoboth Ave.
They are opening Monday – Friday for breakfast from 7-11 a.m. On Saturday and Sunday breakfast is 7-10 a.m.
Dinner is from Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5. That could maybe change as the season gets underway.
Happy Hour is 5-7 at the bar only.
The Bar stays open Wednesday – Sunday from 5-10.
This is a Mediterranean restaurant. The simple; uncomplicated food of the region that is so healthy.
I have been several times to Sirocco. I like it because the food has been very good, the service attentive, a modern corner in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Love the background music too.
Three for dinner, please. We did have a reservation.
A special Cream of Crab Soup which my friend said it was delicious. Very creamy with lots of crab meat.
Another soup ordered was the Lemon Chicken & Orzo. Herb roasted chicken, bone broth, farm veggies, stewed white beans and orzo. Orzo is a pasta shaped like a large grain of rice. Benedette thought it was very nice.
I really love scallops and Jeff decided to order them. Look how big they were. Served with wild mushroom risotto, charred pepper, asparagus, Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh basil oil.
I like my lamb chops medium rare but Benedette likes them medium. They looked so good and I have had them before and they really are. They served them with a warm couscous salad, grilled artichokes, roasted eggplant and mint gremolata. FYI Gremolata is a green sauce made of chopped parsley, lemon zest and garlic.
My dish was one that I pretty much order it any restaurant that may serve it whole. The beautiful Branzino. It is the European seabass. Sirocco does a great job with a stunning presentation.
Whole roasted, grilled lemon and fresh rosemary and thyme and roasted tomato salad. You had to be there to really appreciate it.
I eat a whole fish like a cat. I get right into it, just like I pick my crabs. So much fun. I do get compliments. I am not kidding.?
So while we still have free parking and the masses are not here, check out the Downtown restaurants and Sirocco is a good one to start with.
AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Instagram.
Have a beautiful spring day.
November 14th, 2023
Pleasantly surprised we were by Sirocco located inside the new Coast Rehoboth Beach. The restaurant has clean lines, a nice bar, good lighting and a friendly staff.
The cuisine is Mediterranean. We arrived right at 6 and while the photo above showed it quiet, well that did not last long. Within half hour all tables were taken.
And what a surprise. Last Wednesday it was buy one entree and get the other free.
I love a whole fish. The flavor is amazing when it is cooked whole. My choice was the whole Branzino. It was roasted, grilled lemon, capers, fresh rosemary and thyme. Those tomatoes on the side were roasted and had an incredible flavor.
The next dish was outstanding as well. The Grilled Lamb Chops. Cooked to perfection. Served with a warm couscous salad, grilled artichokes and roasted eggplant with a mint gremolata. You have to have mint with lamb right? ?
Everything was so good with both entrees. Cannot complain.
We did not have dessert but the were definitely tempting. They had Pistachio Baklava, Canoli Trio and Limoncello Zabaione and Ice Cream.
Sirocco opens Wednesday through Sunday. Every day Happy Hour from 5-7.
For Thanksgiving they are offering a Prix Fixe dinner. 2-5 p.m.
Follow them on Social Media.
AboutMyBeaches is on Facebook and Instagram.
I know when I leave a restaurant and my thoughts are “can’t wait to come back” it is because I really enjoyed it.
If they continue serving this delicious food and good service Sirocco will definitely be a great addition to Rehoboth Beach. ???
February 13th, 2013
It was Saturday, 2/9; God forbid we would miss a minute of the Barkfest’s Pet Pageant. Jody and I were seated at Cafe Azafran, located at 109 Market Street in Historic Lewes. It is one of those very popular local restaurants that for many years has been a favorite. A couple of years ago, they also opened another Cafe Azafran on 18 Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Lunch in the Lewes location is served daily from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. Tel. 302-644-4446. Website? http://www.cafeazafran.com.
We chose salads for lunch, but the restaurants has soups, sandwiches, mini-wiches and mini-ensaladas….yes, there is a Mediterranean influence. The salads tasted as good as they looked.
Chef Salad with chicken and Spanish ham over field greens, endive, artichokes, hard-boiled egg, roasted peppers, tomatoes and olives, balsamic vinaigrette and pecorino.
Spinach Salad with Manchego cheese, egg, crimini mushrooms, chickpeas, almonds, tomato, red onion, cucumber and toasted cumin vinaigrette.
We were totally satisfied, so, no dessert was necessary. Off we went around the corner to see if the pooches were getting ready.
 
This was the 7th Annual Pet Pageant taking place during the festivities of Barkfest. This was started by Lesley Bowers, owner of P.U.P.S. (Pawsitively Unique Pet Shop), located at 117 Second St. in Downtown Lewes. Website? http://www.pupsoflewes.com.
This event raised funds for the Georgetown SPCA. Website? http://www.delspca.org.
Doggies at The Beach….always present when helping the community to raise funds for those that cannot speak for themselves. Website? http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
Then, we noticed that even the street’s name was being changed for the day…perfect!
It was so chilly but we were there to support a good cause and to have fun. Some of the contestants were mingling; so were we.
All of a sudden I spotted Samson and Delilah. I had seen these beautiful Standard Poodles a few years ago, also competing on the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. Then and now. So funny, the owners said their costumes were a little tighter this year.
 
There were several divisions….like the look-a-likes.
 
Lesley was the M.C. and stunning was a word used describing the costumes. Jim Ford, the Mayor of Lewes, handed the awards.
The crowds gathered and cheered!!
 
The photographers trying to get those perfect shots for the local newspapers.
And the pageant continued…the Queen of Hearts.
 
Dog Gone Pizzeria!! He was a winner.
 
A wagon full of Yorkies….
It was so much fun!!
 
This little girl was just hugging her pooch after they had won!! Priceless!!
And, this little one found his “forever” home when his foster mom decided to keep him.
Have a great one!!
 Here, here, there, there...it feels soooo good!!
July 27th, 2011
I was looking forward to again visiting The Black Olive. It has been a couple of years since my sister in law, Susie, introduced me to this Mediterranean restaurant, whose specialty is fresh fish. The Black Olive is also organic using the best ingredients found in the area.
The Black Olive is located at 814 South Bond St., Fells Point, MD 21231. Tel. 410-276-7141. Website? www.theblackolive.com. It is also located in the Historic neighborhood of Fells Point.
Walking out and about in Fells Point is such a treat; the cobblestones adding to the charm of this neighborhood that dates back to 1726 and famous for its maritime port. The streets are narrow; the row houses are so quaint and the aroma emanating from restaurants and bakeries is intoxicating. You can get to Fells Point by car, water taxi from the Inner Harbor, freeway and several bus lines.
We were going to be early birds. Hot early birds since we had been sightseeing Charm City and summer in the city was, well, suffocating.
It was, actually, a good time to arrive at The Black Olive because since it was only 6 p.m., the restaurant was not crowded by any means. I could take pictures.
The Black Olive is as quaint outside as it is inside. It is divided in smaller dining areas which is conducive to intimate dinners. I noticed that a new patio, also for dining, has been added since the last time I was there.
It was funny because I knew what I was going to have for dinner the moment I was en route to The Black Olive. If they had Bronzini, that was going to be my choice. This is a Mediterranean Seabass that is also known as Lavraki, or Loup de Mare. It feeds on shrimp, which comes through in its taste. It is also a little flaky, but firm in texture. You see? I had it all planned out. The rest of my dinner would be just an enhancement to my main dish.
Susie and I were the first people seated in a light and open room in the back of the restaurant.
Immeditely, an order of black olive bread, black olives and olive oil for dipping arrived at our table. We were hungry and the bread was thick and crusty; the rest? Delicious.
They asked us if we wanted to tour the fish of the day display. You can tour the display and ask questions. We knew what we wanted so we just stayed at our table checking out the rest of the menu.
We first started with fresh sardines wrapped in grape leaves and brushed with olive oil; perfectly grilled. I had never had this combination and certainly would have it again. Delicously salty they were.
I have my husband, kids and some friends trained on waiting for me to take pictures of the various dishes. Susie was talking longer to train.
Then, we both chose the soup of the day; cold cream of cucumber soup. It was thick, and very refreshing; ice cubes topped the soup.
Susie decided to also have a mixed green salad with a lot of arugula and goat cheese. It had just a touch of aged balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
She chose the Rockfish dusted with corn meal and pan sauteed. It was a good size piece of fish; the crust was nice and crispy and the fish was moist and perfectly seasoned. The main entree came with the vegetable of the day which was Swiss Chard, braised and sauteed with garlic and olive oil.
My entree, which you already know, was the Bronzini. The fish was cooked whole and I chose for it to be filleted tableside. I have had Bronzini several times lately; hands down, this one has been the best. Flaky, firm and moist.
We also chose to have both fish entrees drizzled with their sauce of a simple black olive fish sauce.
As the evening progressed, the restaurant was getting more crowded and some of the fellow diners congratulated Susie when they saw her dessert arrive. It was her birthday; compliments of the house. She got a treat of homemade ice cream with berries and a candle. Thank God, no singing or any other celebratory displays.
We were not finished yet. I saw on the menu that they had a homemade Blaklava Ice Cream, which they have patented. How could I leave The Black Olive without trying my downfall? We ordered a tiny scoop for both of us.
The Blaklava Ice Cream was full of the blaklava chips, creamy, but not overly sweet.
I almost forgot to tell you that the service was very good. Prompt, attentive but discreet. The waitress knowing her menu well.
We had to take a walk and ended at one of the many piers, just down the street from the restaurant. A nice evening indeed. You charmed me, Baltimore.
 Cleaning the Harbor
Next?…checking the Inn at the Black Olive and The Olive Room….yes, they are related to The Black Olive…all in Fells Point…
August 9th, 2010
One of my friends was complaining about me wanting to go to Rehoboth for dinner on Friday night. Are you crazy, we are never going to find parking and on and on he went.
Oh, he said, I cannot believe you went into Rehoboth this way, you know under the bridge, etc. etc. Well, I never go this way, he continued, hmm, it seems easier, he kept on talking. Oh my gosh, look at the traffic on Rehoboth Ave. I knew it. Good luck finding parking. I just told him to stop complaining. I was even driving him. The other 2 in the car were quiet.
Our target restaurant was the new Cafe Azafran that had just opened on 18 Baltimore Ave. The original restaurant is in Lewes on109 Market St. and this new location was going to be following the same cuisine. The tel. is 302-227-8100. Website is www.cafeazafran.com.
The person that was complaining got a little happier when he saw the parking lot across from Cafe Azafran. Not bad, afterall. He treated for the parking and dinner. But, that’s the kind of friend he is.
Cafe Azafran is known for its authentic Mediterranean Cuisine. They also have Tapas for sharing, entrees, desserts and a full bar.
The restaurant is not just opened for dinner; it is also opened daily from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. offering breakfast, along with a very extensive Cafe Drink Menu.
Scones, croissants, yogurt loaf, baked oatmeal with milk or yogurt, Azafran Breakfast Sandwich, Frittata with Roll and bagels with toppings are among their morning offerings.
I was so surprise to the Dawn there. She was going to be taking care of us. She is the best.
We were hungry so immediately we started with:
Bistro Salad – This salad has French goat cheese, crisp jamon, baby romaine, croutons, tomato, with a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. I really enjoyed it.
The special salad had beautiful tomatoes and also French goat cheese. Also very well received.
And, the Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Peppers and Olives Salad was also very well liked.
For entrees we had:
Seafood Tarragona which was a bouillabaisse of shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamares, fish, hazelnut and almond Romesco in a saffron shellfish broth. I love soups and this was perfectly seasoned and just the right amount.
Rave reviews from the person that got the Flat Iron Steak. He said it was the best he had had. It had roasted mushrooms, fresh garlic-chive mashed potatoes, bleu cheese butter, and a fresh vegetable demiglace.
The friend that got the Azafran Jumbo Lump Crab Cake also thought her dish was delicious. Cafe Azafran is known for its crab cakes so I was not surprised. It had Catalan spinach, white beans, polenta and an avocado aioli.
The halibut entree was another success. It was accompanied by ratatouille.
We actually did not try any of the desserts but I know that they do have Tiramisu, Lemon Ricotta Napoleon and Crema Catalana which is a Spanish creme brulee, among others.
Anyway, as usual I have to mention that having dinner with friends, good friends, by the way, is the best. Really, it’s true, and you know it.
And that parking space? Right on the ocean block of trendy Baltimore Street, $15 until 2 a.m.
I will talk to you later…..
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