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The Blue Moon restaurant in Rehoboth Beach is well into its 28th season, but its new owners say they’re prepared to continue seamlessly serving guests for another 30 years, despite the recent change of ownership.
Tucked behind overhanging shade trees in downtown Rehoboth, the fine-dining restaurant – owned by Joyce Felton since 1981 – is housed in a Sears Craftsman home built in 1907.
In April, four of its former employees became its new owners.
“I think we’re all excited about the next chapter of the Moon. We had the energy to keep it going. We all worked together – worked so well together. We all have the things we like to do,” said co-owner Meghan Gardner. “It’s such a community icon. I mean, working here you take it for granted, but I see it in a different way. We’ve all learned from Joyce. I know I have.”
Gardner is a six-year restaurant veteran and is married to executive chef Lion Gardner, another new owner. Joining the couple are co-owners Tim Ragan and Randy Haney, who have been partners for nearly 30 years.
Ragan and Meghan Gardner manage the restaurant and bar. Haney is the comptroller and entertainment booker.
However, all operating duties are collectively divided, said Meghan Gardner. “We all share so many things. We work so well together.”
White-clothed tables and intimate banquettes sit upon refurbished wooden floors. Low-lit lamps glow under local, contemporary artwork.
Before dinner, guests can visit the bar next door and enjoy a Blue Moon martini. The house specialty drink is served with a floating blue light and consists of mandarin-flavored vodka and blue Curacao.
A top-selling appetizer is fried green tomatoes served with an onion compote and balsamic vinegar glaze. For $38, diners are treated to a roasted rack of lamb, plated with a zucchini and onion gratin and stuffed squash blossom.
Pan-seared Pacific halibut, served with a corn, tomato and pea ragout, sells for $30. The Moon Pie is a house dessert not to be missed. Three layers of ice cream inside an Oreo-cookie crust are topped with meringue. “Everyone has to try this – at least once,” said Gardner.
After dinner, guests can hear singer Pamala Stanley croon cabaret tunes from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Karaoke is also a popular Thursday night venue.
Throughout the summer, rotating acts perform on stage every Wednesday night. Drag shows are held every other Friday.
“It’s a Rehoboth Beach destination. It’s an icon of Rehoboth Beach. The chance to continue that legacy is just great,” Gardner said. “It’s something about the fact that we see children grow up, we cater their weddings, we see people celebrating their anniversaries, year after year.”
The Blue Moon is located at 35 Baltimore Ave. For more information, call 302-227-6515 - www.bluemoonrehoboth.com.
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