June 26th, 2010
Yes, again I found myself at Venus on the Half Shell located at Dagsworthy Street & the Bay. Tel. 302-227-9292. Website www.deweybeachlife.com.
It was not my intention, at first, to visit this restaurant so soon after I had just eaten here a few weeks ago. In a way it turned out to be just as good as the first experience. My first visit was not on a week-end, so I wanted to see how they would handle a much larger crowd. The table was ready; out under the tent, on the sand, and the service was prompt and attentive.
My original plan was to eat dinner in Rehoboth with friends, but the thought of looking for parking was not good. My friends had not eaten at Venus under the direction of Chef Peter A. McMahon so our decision was made.
It was such a pretty evening; perfect temperature for outdoor dining.
I had to order the Pan Roasted Clams, Zesty Chardonnay Butter Broth and Grilled Baguette. Again, they were delicious and the broth rich.
Another dish ordered was the Baby Arugula with Roma Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella, E.V.O.O. and Balsamic Syrup. Beautiful colors.
For dinner the Rock Shrimp and Langostino, sauteed with smoked tomatoes, tossed in a light chive cream sauce with garganelli pasta was ordered. I have to tell you that another was ordered with a request of the dish to be gluten free, and just like the first time, the Chef substituted rice for the pasta.
I ordered Thai Crusted Mahi Mahi, Ginger Plum Chutney, Bamboo Rice Pilaff, stir-fried baby Bok Choi. It had a nice bite to it.
And, the last dish was a Grilled 8 oz. Tenderloin of Beef, Horseradish Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus.
After all that food, no dessert was ordered. We enjoyed just a couple of coffees; nothing like sharing a meal with friends. It is priceless!!
I want to mention the ladies that started a friendly chat. They were from Baltimore and it was so nice meeting them.
Hope you have a good week-end. The weather has been great, don’t you think? Talk to you later….
Still, this is the best table in town.
June 7th, 2010
Everything about this restaurant was so unexpected for me. First the evening, the setting, and most of all the food.
Venus on the Half Shell has been in Dewey Beach, Delaware for about 6 years now. I, actually, had never been. Crazy isn’t it? It is just a mile down the road from my house.
I know that the downtown Rehoboth restaurants were having their week, but tonight I really wanted to try Venus. It had been on my mind for a few weeks.
Venus On The Half Shell is located on Dagsworthy Street & The Bay, Dewey Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-9292. Website is www.deweybeachlife.com.
The new Chef is Peter A. McMahon.
When I have written about Dewey Beach in the past, I have mentioned that this is a beach town that really knows how to party. Restaurants, music, beach sports and young people is what Dewey Beach is all about.
On Monday, after a beautiful, hot week-end, Venus was quiet and so was Dewey Beach. The weather had cooled off and it was just a fantastic early evening.
I was so surprised as I entered Venus to find that my first impression was that I was in Marrakech, Morocco. I have been to Morocco and that is just what came to mind.
It was so early but perfect because I could then take pictures. I was given the go ahead and so my evening started; taking pictures of this unique restaurant, right on Rehoboth Bay.
Venus has several seating arrangements; inside, under the tent which is in the sand or right by the water. Then, just one table under the Gazebo.
We chose to seat under the tent. The view was spectacular. To our right, high up, there was an osprey with its mate building their nest.
The osprey is also known as the sea hawk or fish eagle. It is a large raptor, whose diet is fish and mates for life. They are found in tropical and temperate regions. And, they winter from southern U.S. to Argentina.
A couple of appetizers were ordered. I had the pan roasted clams, zesty Chardonnay Butter Broth and Grilled Baguette. I had to ask Paige, who was our waitress, to bring me a spoon. There was no way I was leaving the broth behind. The clams were delicious with a nice kick to them.
The next appetizer was “Russian Oysters”, 6 Beau Soleil oysters, spritzed tableside with Iced Stoli. Good and salty.
Beau Soleil oysters are caraquets which are the famous oysters of the Maritimes, a staple among fishermen and loggers forever. These oysters are formed in 3 bays of Northern New Brunswick and they never touch the sea floor; they are called suspended caraquets.
I felt that the restaurant was just mine for the evening. Paige, our waitress was so attentive and her suggestions were a hit.
I had the baked salmon, stuffed with grilled asparagus, peppered tomato basil coulis, and roasted garlic rissotto cakes. Truly loved it and salmon is a dish I usually order and if it is recommended, then more so.
The Rock Shrimp & Langostino, sauteed with smoked tomatoes, tossed in a light Chive Cream Sauce over Jasmin Rice. I want to let you know that this dish is usually served over pasta, but because of the gluten allergy, it was over rice, instead. The Chef sent 2 types of rice to see which one would be the preferred rice; the bamboo or jasmin rice. Jasmin won. I liked them both.
Venus has a full bar and the wine chosen was very good.
If you were to ask me tonight what has been the best place to eat at the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland, I would have to say Venus. The unplanned evening had great food, amazing service by Paige, the setting, well you are looking at the pictures; I hope, the light breeze and the sunset over Rehoboth Bay. Priceless!!
Best Spot
Talk to you later….
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