Rehoboth Foodie

With all the buzz over Royal Weddings, it just seems right that there should be a little bit of Britain tucked into the south side of Rehoboth Avenue among the ice cream cones, cheesesteaks, T-shirts, taffy, pizza, fudge and corn dogs. And it's just a short waddle from the Boardwalk. go fish! is almost always a treat. Their signature dish is, of course, the English Beer Battered Fish and Chips [pictured, left, with the Caesar option). The white, flaky Cod is filleted right there on the premises and comes out crispy, crunchy and flavorful. The "chips," (OK, french fries, just don't tell them I told you) are hot and tasty. I also like the fish as a sandwich with cole slaw ("The Codfather"). The terminally charming owner, Alison Blyth, claims that her chips are the real thing. Not sure if she means the shape, how they are cooked, or the fact that they come from potatoes, but they are good, nonetheless.

Seveal of my Foodies-at-Large like the "Brighton Beach" (crab cakes), "The Tube" (fish tacos, light crunchy and crispy) and the "Bangers and Mash" (pork sausages with all the fixin's). My favorite dining companion never misses the Mushy Peas (think of a buttery, green pea hummus without garbanzos or tahini). Apparently Alison had to search high and low for the genuine "marrowfat" pea used to make this very British delicacy. When she finally found a source, she bought 3000 pounds of them. I can't help but wonder where she keeps them.

As appetizers, you've got to try the Black and Tan fried onion rings (yup, it's a beer batter, and ask for them well-done) and the Coconut Shrimp. Can't decide on the various types of shrimp? Go for The Ultimate Shrimp Appetizer. The name says it all. One of the special treats on the menu is their huge Shepherd's Pie [pictured, right]. The meaty base is deliciously spiced and quite filling. Don't miss it!

UPDATE! I mentioned in an earlier incarnation of this article that in the past I had had a couple of less-than-perfect meals where the fish was soft and greasy. I've been back quite a few times since then, and, try as I might I just can't get them to bring it out to me any less than perfect. The fish has been moist, and the lightly crispy, flavorful batter lets the mild taste of the cod shine through. About a year ago I whined about the dry sandwich rolls, and the rolls are now completely different; moist and grilled with a touch of butter. I'd love to think they changed because of The Foodie's commentary, but they probably knew the rolls were nasty anyway (I can dream, can't I?). When they're on their game, their fried fish stands up against any other eatery around here. And the whole Limey experience is fun--especially the cool tchotchkes from the London subway.

go fish! is just west of the Boardwalk at 24 Rehoboth Avenue. You can't miss the huge Union Jack. They have lots of deals off season, and they are open all year. Give them a call if you must (302-226-1044) and experience the closest thing to a real British Fish + Chip Shop you'll find in Rehoboth Beach. Click here to see the dinner menu at go fish! (L., D.) Price Range: Inexpensive +.