 Half-Full is the most recent (and smallest at 500 sq. ft.) brain-child of Matt and Ali DiSabatino, Ian Crandall and Joanna Goode. They also own (in various combinations) Kindle and Striper Bites restaurants in downtown Lewes.
You go to Half Full for the pizza--which works out just fine, since that's all they serve. You're on your own when it comes to starting a tab and ordering: Just belly-up to the counter, give 'em your
 It's all about the pizza at Mr. P's. Not that everything else isn't alright, but the pies definitely stand out as "what to get." I go back and forth between the San Giorgio (Italian sausage and pepperoni) and the Alla Puttanesca with Goat Cheese (artichokes, capers, black olives, garlic and chevre).
On my first visit under the new ownership, Mr. P's pizza reminded me of a pizza joint I used to frequent in Bethesda, MD as a young Foodie-in-Waiting. I am not making this up: Turns out that Rick Thomas (owner/operator of Mr. P's, along with his brother Ray) was a partner at Il Forno Pizzeria--the very same place where this (now fully-formed) Foodie happily munched many years ago. Il Forno means "oven," and at Mr. P's, it's the handmade Italian Ambrogi wood-burning oven that makes it all happen. There's nothing like the texture and taste imparted by the intense heat of burning hardwood. The homemade dough puffs up to a satisfying crunch and "pull" with a yeasty flavor that stands up to the toppings. They offer a large selection of pizzas and calzones (21--count 'em)--all baked in that imported oven.
Unlike the pizza, however, the pasta dishes are pretty ordinary. Several members of our party ordered the spaghetti. They didn't
 Striper Bites is one of the DiSabatino family's trinity of popular Lewes eateries, and it's as much a bar as it is a restaurant. The menu entreats you to "Please Your Palate...Raise Your Spirits," and you can do both fairly well at Striper Bites. Entering the restaurant is almost like walking onto a dock, with wide plank wooden floors, multiple levels and lots of maritime tchotchkes.
Striper Bites offers a selection of pretty standard appetizers, with three notables: The first is the Lewes Beach Bruschetta. Grilled squash, tomatoes and cheese are stacked on toasted sourdough and drizzled with pesto and a pungent balsamic reduction. I suggest ordering it "for the table," as it's as filling as it is tasty. The other standout is the Bacon Wrapped Scallops. Except for one time when the scallops were kind of
 Owner Mara DePace's childhood memories of Sunday Italian dinners with family and friends inspired her to go into the restaurant business over 25 years ago. Her latest venture, Villa Sorrento in Lewes, is a friendly, crowded little spot that is testament to her love for food and fun (more about that later). Tucked-in next to Happy Harry's on Savannah Road, just past the Villages of Five Points, this is basic Italian with burgers, cheesesteaks and parm sandwiches for lunch, plus all the required Italian main courses for dinner.
My latest visit was with a party of 10. I started with the Chopped Antipasto Salad. I cannot tell a lie: It was
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 A few people have scolded me for saying "too many" good things about some of the local restaurants. As I explain in About the Foodie, I believe that the fierce competition here in Rehoboth Beach actually does make most of our restaurants pretty good. Indeed, "only the strong survive," and the marginal ones tend not to last very long anyway. I do write critical things about places, and you'll see them as you browse the reviews and commentary. (And by the way, you can always add your own comments -- good or bad -- after any review.)
Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I will further annoy the Chronic Complainers by proceeding to
 Bethany Blues first location in Bethany Beach was a smart move, as there's not a whole lot going on down there in the off-season. The bar quickly became a "Cheers"-like watering hole for visitors and locals alike. The food was consistent and, for the most part, good, except for some temperature issues that I'll address later. As a former BBQ restaurant owner myself, I tend to set the bar pretty high, so I was excited when they opened their new Rehoboth Beach location.
 Kindle's original location was spacious, dramatic...and way too far from Rehoboth Beach. People found it too long a trip, especially considering that one might imbibe while there. Well, the new space in downtown Lewes (formerly "Books By the Bay") is much smaller and noisier. But owners Matt and Ali di Sabatino, along with partners Ian Crandall and Joanna Goode have managed to preserve the dimly lit "bistro" atmosphere that the larger space was amazingly able to pull off.
Kindle is part of the di Sabatino's trinity of Lewes eateries (joining Striper Bites and Half Full, all 3 within waddling distance of one another). Though I was a "regular" at
 Picture the upscale setting of a petite bistro in Manhattan or in a sparkling casino in Las Vegas. But Agave Restaurant isn’t in the Big Apple or Sin City—it’s right on Second Street in downtown Lewes. And the real surprise is that the moderately priced cuisine is unquestionably Mexican.
Most of the drinks involve Agave’s huge selection of tequilas (over 70 varieties). One of the favorite drinks at our table was the "Tequila Sunset," a multicolored blend of juices and spirits. The margaritas come in three sizes. Bring a designated driver (or an ambulance) if you plan to experiment with the "extra large."
The Super Nachos, built around their crispy homemade chips, are presented in a colorful metal serving tray with a combination of black beans, creamy white queso, smoky salsa, cool sour cream and warm roasted peppers. The guacamole appetizer was served
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Sunny (87 oF • 31 oC)
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JD Shuckers is a member of the restaurant group that operates Jimmy's Grill, the Rusty Rudder, Northbeach and the more upscale Venus on the Half Shell. Shuckers is visually interesting: Captive (yet blissfully resigned) lobsters greet you at the door, and an elevated loft-style dining area overlooks the bar and the main dining level. They have a regular entertainment schedule, featuring guitarists
