Ok, ok, I know we’re no where near to the warm, swampy days of our D.C. summers, but something’s got me in the mood for heat and an infant Vinho Verde!  Perhaps it’s Porgy and Bess coming to the Kennedy Center, or maybe it’s the croci popping up around the neighborhood, or maybe – just maybe – it could be that I just bought a beach house.  That’s right food lovers of the metro region, I have my own little shanty on a lot of sand.  And now it’s time to eat myself gouty from the turf all the way over to the surf.

Rehoboth Beach, my new second home,  has a surprising number of good restaurants.  And lord knows, I swear on Poseidon’s trident, you’re going to hear about them all.  Up first, Saketumi.  (**Warning: I have been here numerous times.)  Located on Route 1, this restaurant is about 5 minutes drive from the beach.  It’s a huge space with limited parking, that caters to everyone in Rehoboth – and if you’ve been, you know what I’m sayin’.  Gay or straight, young or old, sake or martini, there’s room for the whole family!  The service is quick and efficient and the space is comfortable and cool – whether a hipster or a grandma, or a grandma hipster, you’re going to find something aesthetically pleasing.

The sushi is fresh, if not all too inventive.  Let’s be real, it’s no Tono.  But IT IS where I fell in love with the Lychee-tini.  And the dumplings are freakin’ awesome.  Order the duck and noodle soup.  It’s got baby bok choy, duck, and noodles, all simmering in a delicious broth.  You can get whole fish, fried in an oddly erotic position.  They have vegetarian meals and carnivore platters.  I know, I’m gushing a bit.  But it’s heart-warming to see a good restaurant open up outside of the predictable beach traffic.  And survive!

We all love a carmel corn, and near or far Kohl’s Custard will always be in my heart, but sometimes it’s fun to walk off the boardwalk and and try something unexpected.  And you can always drive back to the waves and cool sand for a romantic beach wandering after dinner.  Try the Saketumi and, if you’re in the neighborhood, stop on by.  I’ll have my hose at the ready.

AEK