Since I often write about beach restaurants, many assume that I’ve moved here full time. In reality, I split my time between my north Wilmington home and the Lewes-area condo that my husband and I purchased in 2013 – primarily to eat in coastal restaurants. Some of my favorite spots fly under the radar and are away from the crowds.
Po’ Boys Creole Restaurant in Milton is one of them. Housed in a modest strip mall near farmland, Po’ Boys first opened in 2009. Lee Stewart had cooked Cajun and Creole cuisine on Florida’s Panhandle, and he and Amy Stewart struck out on their own after the chef left Café Sole.
In 2014, Michael Clampitt took over, keeping the recipes but adding his charisma, which helped cement Po’ Boys’ “hidden gem” reputation. Today, owner Chase Nelson, formerly of Eden in Rehoboth, stays true to the original spirit, though his fine-dining pedigree sometimes sneaks onto the specials board. Consider such dishes as blackened ahi tuna, filet mignon or bone-in pork chops.
A newer addition to the if-you-know-you-know category is Palm Beach Bar & Grill in Midway Shopping Center. The space’s long restaurant lineage has included Adriatico, Betty’s (briefly), Hooked Seafood & Martini Bar, and then Shrimpy’s. The décor is playfully Floridian, almost Disney-esque, which is fitting since owners Katheryn Robinson and James Petion hail from South Florida.
Start with the flaky Jamaican beef patty, a folded pastry packed with spiced, savory filling. Another standout: their crispy corn ribs, a tribute to their other business, First State Corn & More. Each rib is fried on the cob and dressed with garlic, herbs, sauce, and Parmesan. (Pro tip: Skip the knife – just pick them up.)
Michy’s, also known as Michy’s Relaxed Dining, proves that great food hides in unassuming shopping centers. Chef Richard Davis and his wife, Michel McFarland-Davis, have cultivated a spot where regulars feel at home and visitors are quickly welcomed. Richard’s seafood is a highlight – the horseradish-crusted salmon has been on the menu since day one. Don’t miss the Hawaiian-style poke.
Finally, for both scenery and cuisine, The Clubhouse at Baywood in Millsboro delivers. Managed by Highwater, part of the SoDel Concepts family, the restaurant mirrors the polished flavors you’d expect from sister spots, including Fish On and Bluecoast. The sweeping view from the second-floor veranda includes a water feature and lush, colorful landscaping. The Clubhouse often holds wine dinners.
Yes, people keep asking when I’ll finally move to the beach. At this point, the better question might be: Where should I eat next?
