Rehoboth Foodie

The owners of Big Fish Grill have worked wonders with Summerhouse. Located in the third block from the ocean on the south side of Rehoboth Avenue (across from the fire house), things are hoppin' year 'round.

In the off season, Monday nights are the nights for the "locals" to see and be seen. Though it's a little noisy with what seems like 325 TVs and the lively bar crowd, it's also 1/2 price burger night. I've done burger night many, many times. The meat is cooked to order and is plopped onto a nice fresh soft roll. I'm a bit of a nut about sandwich rolls. These brioche buns are toasted, and are good. There are lots of toppings, including bacon, cheese, pickles, etc., etc. I also get the hot cherry peppers. Sometimes they will partially pre-cook the burgers when they anticipate a huge crowd. Though I certainly appreciate the intention of getting the food out quickly, I hope that doesn't become a habit. You can tell the difference. 

The first thing I ever had at Summerhouse was the "Signature" homemade potato chips with blue cheese appetizer. Unfortunately, the chips did not travel to the table well. They were soft and some were underdone and stuck together--the result of not being stirred constantly in the fryer. That's got to be a difficult thing to do in a busy kitchen. I make them at home all the time, but then I don't have a restaurant-full of patrons wondering where their food is while I stand at the fryer and stir.

I have since had their sweet potato chips (always ask!), and apparently somebody is stirring, because they are great. There are lots of goodies that shine, none the least of which the scrumptious "Neva's Potatoes." Served en casserole, they are a rich, buttery mixture of home-fry cut potatoes, butter (of course), maybe a little cream cheese, milk, more cheese and spices. It's creamy on the inside, and slightly broiled and crispy on top. If you feel like trading off from the Neva's, they often have shoestring-cut Sweet Potato Fries, a nice accompaniment to just about anything on the menu.

Another star on the sandwich menu is the Turkey Club Sandwich with bacon, cheese and lots of other stuff. You can't beat that ciabatta roll with its fresh, sourdough-like consistency. Accompanying diners have enjoyed the crab cakes, the 8 oz. filet mignon (NOTE: check out the various sauces and preparation methods for the steaks, including Kona Coffee crust with herb butter), and the Veal and Wild Mushroom Meatloaf served atop mashers with mushroom gravy. If you're looking for a filling dinner, this is it.

A shining star on the salad menu is the Baked Goat Cheese and Mesclun greens Salad. It is delicious. (Thanks, Summerhouse, for fixing the scary spelling on the menu. "Mescaline" is something entirely different. Take my word for it.) A crispy filo-wrapped pillow of warm chevre lurks at the bottom of a cool pile of semi-bitter greens. A mild dressing makes it all work, and is not to be missed.

UPDATE! Well, much to my sorrow, as of fall 2011 they have removed the shrimp salad sandwich from the menu. It's a fond memory, with that fresh grilled ciabatta bread and the lightly mayo'd salad loaded with shrimp and just a touch of crispy celery. If there is a silver lining to this dark cloud it's that they replaced it with a pretty tasty Grilled Salmon BLT [pictured, right]. I suspect this is just a lunch item. It comes with one side, and it is quite good. Salmon and crispy bacon were made for each other, and this sandwich lets them both shine. There are other things on the menu (including BBQ ribs and the great "steak night" choices), but I only have so much space, and I don't want to give away all the surprises. Believe your Foodie when he tells you that you will not leave Summerhouse hungry.

UPDATE #2 I was at Summerhouse last night, and one of my dining companions received her hamburger much less well-done than she wanted it (it happens...). There are many restaurants that would have microwaved the daylights out of the partially eaten burger, and sent it ignominiously back. Not Summerhouse: The waiter returned a couple of minutes later with a totally fresh hamburger, cooked to perfection with brand new sides on the plate. Now that's the way to do it.

UPDATE #3 Went to Summerhouse again last night and, in spite of my previous comments about their fresh potato chips I ordered the sweet potato chips. They were great. None of them were stuck together, and they were light, crispy and not greasy at all. Do 'em that way every time, guys!

Click here to choose the best wine to go with your dinner.

Summerhouse is located at 228 Rehoboth Ave. They don't take reservations, but they might appreciate a call for a big party (302) 227-3895. They have lots of "specials" nights, Check out the menu. (L., D., Bar) Price Range: Moderate +.