Big Chill Surf Cantina ushers in 'March Madness'

“I decided, why wait for May? - let the madness begin now!” laughs Lincoln Rogerson as he looks over the calendar of March events at Rehoboth’s Big Chill Surf Cantina.

“Enough already! This winter has been too long and hard for too many people, so we’re bringing in March Madness to get a jump start on summer fun,” said Rogerson, who is general manager and owner. “Goodbye, icy cold snow days... hello to beach fun starting with St. Patrick’s Day” said Linc, as he’s known to the locals.

To get everyone to think spring, think green! Big Chill is making a full weekend of St. Patrick’s Day with fun food and drinks from Wednesday, March 17 through Sunday, March 22. Green beer? Yes. But according to Linc, Guiness and Irish Car Bombs will also add to the holiday madness, plus wow specials and prizes featuring Coors and Miller beers. “It’s a perfect time to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in while,” adds Rogerson.

And no one goes home hungry, thanks to Taco Reho - the new full-scale food truck parked just outside Big Chill’s door. Since his return from the West Coast, Chef Billy Lucas is the man behind the new food truck trend serving up St. Patty's specials including Drunken Guinness Fish Tacos and Irish Nachos. “And, you guessed it, Green Corned Beef Taquitos and Tacos. Green and very good!” says Lucas with a mischievous grin.

Rogerson wants everyone to know that a new video and sound system has been installed just in time for basketball’s March Madness games, throughout March to April 6. “We’ve made quite a few improvements over the winter. Now fans can enjoy Big Ball Action with friends, along with Lucas’ One-Hot-Mess Madness Wings and Carne Fries."

“They’ve made quite a few changes over the winter,” says Mike Ridings, who owns Liquid surf shop next door. “Improvements inside and out. And now we have the impressive Taco Reho food truck. Our little corner is really catching people’s attention. For many people, both locals and visitors, Big Chill is a favorite spot to relax with friends, after work, late night and weekends.”

The cantina’s popularity with local residents makes Big Chill a go-to favorite for happy hour. “Cool surf vibe. Relaxed and friendly, and I’m not even a surfer,” says James Law, who’s been a Chill regular since the first season. “And they bring in great live music! I especially like that they support musicians in the area.”

Rogerson said the March Madness music lineup, which begins around 8 p.m., offers a great variety. Cover charge? “No way. Not for my customers!” he’s quick to point out.

March Madness musical calendar includes: Friday, March 20, Anthony Carmen; Saturday, March 21, Dave Hawkins; Thursday, March 26, Chris Steele; Friday, March 27, Ward Ewing; and Saturday, March 28, Carla DiGiacomo.

Big Chill Surf Cantina is open daily at 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at noon. Located at 19406 Coastal Highway (Route 1) it’s next to Liquid surf shop, opposite Giant food store. For more information, call 302-727-5568.