Despite the increase in year-round residents, coastal businesses bank on summer for income. That’s particularly true for new restaurants, which hustle to open in May so they can leverage the season. At least five eateries began serving customers just before Memorial Day.
The intimate 24-seat Lago Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar in Milton opened May 20. Located at 105 Federal St. in Milton, it’s the latest eatery from Preston Russell, owner of Zava Café in Milton and Rehoboth, and two Changing Mains food trucks.
Russell’s decision to focus on sushi was practical – the space lacks a fryer and hood. “I don’t need that for sushi,” he notes. Moreover, he loves to eat it.
The sushi includes the familiar Cali Roll with crab stick, avocado, and cucumber, and the innovative Dancer Roll – smoked salmon, lump crab, cream cheese, avocado, Japanese mayonnaise, and eel sauce. The beverage menu includes sake shots and sake-based cocktails.
The restaurateur has his hands full. That’s fine by him. “I have the will to win, and the smiles I see at every location make it worth every second of work,” he says.
Tea-Aki debuted in May at 24145 Zinfandel Lane near Redner’s in Lewes. The restaurant’s signature beverage, bubble tea, contains chewy tapioca pearls called “boba” and often contains milk. Get it with orange fruit tea, jasmine tea, Earl Grey, or guava fruit.
Tea-Aki also specializes in hibachi (grilled) options, including shrimp, steak, chicken, scallops, and salmon. The dishes come garnished with a purple flower, a traditional presentation that contrasts with the contemporary décor. There is exposed ductwork next to the black ceiling and moonscape art on marble-looking walls that match the floors.
The Fins Hospitality Group opened Fins Oyster Bar & Grill in JD Shucker’s Georgetown location at 21710 Roth Ave. Yes, there are oysters – raw, fried, in a po’ boy sandwich, and as an entrée. However, there are also smash burgers with an extensive list of toppings.
Flora & Fauna Rehoboth moved into the storefront at 33 Baltimore Ave., most recently occupied by Lydia’s Grab & Go Bistro. The new business specializes in cheese and sells prepared baguette sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and gourmet groceries.
Ocean 99 is the latest restaurant to move into the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn at 99 Hollywood St. The upscale 99 Sea Level was the opening restaurant, and the next, Via Sophia, was short-lived.
Ocean 99 Restaurant is owned by Derek Fink and Zach Diogo of Anchor Hospitality, who also have SoHo Slice in Rehoboth Beach. Their new incarnation is more relaxed than 99 Sea Level, and executive chef Norris Anthony has crafted a menu with hot sauce-brined wings, tuna ceviche, flatbreads, and a captivating catch of seafood selections: seafood carbonara, crab cakes, seafood stew and salmon.
Thanks to the five newbies, we have plenty of fresh places to say “Bon appétit” at the beach.
