Breakfast + the beach = perfect partners

One of the fun indulgences of a beach vacation is a leisurely breakfast. Believe it or not, I still remember being a little kid and smelling the coffee, pancakes and sausage as I waited in line with my parents outside of the long-gone Avenue restaurant. Mmmm … I wonder if that’s how all this foodie stuff started…?

There’s nothing like the first meal of the day at the beach, and the attraction is probably as much about NOT having to be anywhere afterwards, as it is about the food. And the Rehoboth area is loaded with choices to fit every wallet. For bountiful breakfasts that won’t bust your budget try Georgie Stakias’ Goolie’s Grille in Rehoboth at the corner of First and Wilmington. In Dewey Beach, the unassuming Sunrise Restaurant at the corner of Swedes St. and the Highway is a great way to wake up with some of the best cinnamon french toast around. Back in Rehoboth, omelets, pancakes and bottomless coffee are king at Crystal Restaurant. Sometimes I even get the fruit plate. Stop laughing. I actually do. Sometimes.

No morning would be complete without the Robin Hood, just steps from the Boardwalk in the first block of Rehoboth Avenue. Tell Kosta Tsoukalas that The Foodie sentcha. (It won’t get you anything for free, but it’ll make me look good.) Back around the corner on Wilmington Ave. is Royal Treat. This full-service landmark morphs into an ice cream store late in the morning, so get there early. Rain or shine, there’s always a line. A couple of doors west, enjoy Saturday and Sunday brunches with a Mexican accent at Yolanda Pineda’s Mariachi. Out on the highway, the new Jimmy’s Grille evokes travelers’ memories of a quick stop in Bridgeville for ‘cakes and scrapple. Now you can get it here in Rehoboth - at the Bridgeville prices, yet! Take home a freshly baked pie for good measure.

Saturday AND Sunday brunches are one of the perks at the new Fork & Flask at Nage, and pastry guru Dru Tevis’ sweet creations will wow you. Same location as Nage – but brighter and bigger. Just up the Highway a bit is one of the beach’s best-kept secrets: The Sunday brunch at Bethany Blues! Everything from traditional breakfast items (waffles & omelets crafted before your very eyes!) to bagels to cornbread to BBQ favorites. Something for everyone.

First-rate breakfasts can be found at Victoria’s Restaurant in the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel. Plop yourself right smack on the Boardwalk and watch the world go by with the Atlantic as your backdrop. Go to the other end of the Boardwalk for the delightfully downscale Gus & Gus’ Place. This family-run short-order spot with in-season breakfasts has been a part of Rehoboth since the ocean was installed. Another longtime tradition is Sunday brunch at the Blue Moon on Baltimore Ave. Around the corner, Sunday brunch al fresco at the multi-level Back Porch Café is also a must. Get the scones. Trust me. Reservations at both places are strongly suggested.

Back down the road in Dewey, The Starboard has kicked things up with a new chef and a professional staff crankin’ out breakfasts every day in-season. Back by the ocean on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth, Café Azafran has a long tradition of delicious breakfasts served Friday thru Monday from 8 ‘til noon. Wilmington Avenue sports Sammy’s Kitchen, open 24/7 in June, July and August. Take a look at the table arrangement of the pancake syrups and guess Sammy’s history in the breakfast biz. And of course, his alma mater is properly represented on the Highway next to Fork & Flask @ Nage and Touch of Italy. Yes, I am referring to iHOP.

In the last couple of weeks, downtown Rehoboth has been treated to two new juice bars. For a quickie breakfast, check out Lisa Daisey’s Juice Box behind Scandinavian Occasion where Second St. intersects Rehoboth Avenue. Julie Harrigan’s Twist Juice Bar is tucked into First Street Station across from Olive Orchard Tasting Room.

I’m out of ink, but more hidden gems are waiting to be discovered! Grab a house- blended and roasted coffee from The Point up by the Highway and work up an appetite with a little exploring of your own.