Community Cocktail Party at Nage Jan. 31 to benefit Children's Beach House

Who says wintertime at the beach is boring? Not the fun-loving folks at Nage Bistro and Wine Bar in Rehoboth Beach. Mark Harrison, Nage general manager, is very proud of this annual event happening from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 31, at the popular restaurant. “It’s our premier winter party for the community," Harrison said. “The entire Nage team is working to make this event the best one yet.”

Harrison is quick to point out that last year’s sold-out party and record attendance were due to the relaxed, yet spirited environment. “The interaction between our staff and guests was wonderful - it’s like a party with old friends! And the crafted cuisine, plus open bar are always a crowd pleaser. This year will surpass that.”

“Reservations are a must.” says Peter Good III, assistant general manager. Good urges people to sign up online (NageRB.com) or in the restaurant. “For only $39 per person, partygoers will enjoy an open bar as well as passed hors d’oeuvres, handmade pasta, and a gourmet hot chocolate and coffee station.” An extra-value couples ticket is also available for $70.

Harrison said both Nage chefs will be on hand to showcase the restaurant’s menus, renowned for award-winning innovation. “Our executive chef, Sean Corea, has developed a selection of hors d’oeuvres that will not only complement the cocktails, but will astound your taste buds as well,” says Harrison. “For your sweet tooth, pastry chef Dru Tevis will provide his outrageously good desserts. It’s no wonder these guys have been recognized as two of the top 10 chefs to watch in Delaware!”

“This cocktail party features our new winter menu which we introduced Jan. 7,” said Corea. “It celebrates the Mid-Atlantic region and its cuisine, with an emphasis on what tastes great in the winter months. Cocktail party guests will get to taste some of our new items, including chicken and dumpling croquettes, buffalo oysters with a special blue cheese dressing, blue crab deviled eggs, pretzel rolls, goat cheese stuffed mushrooms and Old Bay polenta fries.”

Corea notes that each dish has ingredients from the mid-Atlantic, including oysters from Chincoteague, Old Bay seasoning, Kennett Square mushrooms, and Maryland crab. “In addition, I’ll be setting up a made-to-order pasta station. I am proud to say that we always make our own pasta. The dish I am featuring is one that I developed in a recent pasta cook-off with Chef Hari Cameron. It’s also on our new winter menu. I’ll be at the pasta station and looking forward to meeting everyone!”

Jesse Santiago, bar manager at Nage, will also have new brews from the Crooked Hammock Brewery and Restaurant available for sampling. “We plan to start carrying the Crooked Hammock’s beer as soon as there is enough to go around at all our places. We’re thrilled to have some of the regular and seasonal beers available for the party,” he said. Crooked Hammock is part of the La Vida Hospitality group which owns Nage as well as the Big Chill Surf Cantina and the Taco Reho truck.

“We are also going to be featuring the new Dogfish Head distilled spirits in our cocktails. They are very good.” says Santiago.  “We’ll be having a Dogfish Head Cocktail Contest, and we’ve invited local industry professionals to create a specialty cocktail using Dogfish Head’s new spirits. Have fun deciding which drink you’ll vote for!”

In addition to great food and drink, there will also be games to play and prizes to win. Harrison said, “More importantly, with just a small donation to Children’s Beach House of Lewes, people can win great gift certificates to Nage. The organization is so important to our community, so we’re always looking for ways to help their programs.”

"Every year we try to come up with a few games that get people laughing and everyone enjoys watching the competition,” said Harrison. Plus there will be a 50/50 raffle. Good reminds people not to wait until the last minute to buy their tickets. “In fact,” he said, “bring a friend, your partner or spouse and save. The couples' price is only $70.”

“We really love hosting the community at this party every year," says Harrison. “People get to see their friends and neighbors, try some new drinks, enjoy some spectacular food, and win prizes. One ticket gets you three hours of fun. Even though the holidays are over, it doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating our customers in Rehoboth. It’s a perfect midwinter event!”

Nage Bistro and Wine Bar is at 19730 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach. It's open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and dinner Monday to Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m.

For more information call 302-226-2037, go to www.nagerb.com, or email info@nagerestaurant.com.