Dogfish Head Follows Off-Centered Theme with Chesapeake & Maine Restaurant Opening Doors March 7

Whether it’s the boat cleat door knobs, the sea characters painted on the walls or the large raw bar you encounter as soon as you walk inside, the theme of Rehoboth Beach’s newest eatery is obvious — seafood, and lots of it.

Chesapeake & Maine will open its doors to the public on March 7, 2016, offering fresh seafood sourced exclusively from the Maine and Chesapeake regions.

The new restaurant is inspired by Dogfish Head founder and president Sam Calagione’s summers spent in Maine, as well as Dogfish Head’s connection to the Chesapeake region.

“We’re excited to combine our love for our two favorite maritime regions in the world into one restaurant concept,” Calagione said. “We’ve had a blast drinking many beers and eating many oysters with the fisherman from both regions with whom we will be working closely at Chesapeake & Maine.”

If you’re wondering if the Dogfish Head off-centered approach will continue on in the new Rehoboth eatery, rest assured it will.

Chesapeake & Maine will incorporate Dogfish’s off-centered ales throughout the menu. Guests can enjoy a Beernaise, a Dogfish twist on a classic bearnaise while indulging in Namaste Steamed Ebencooke mussels, obtained from the Dogfish Head peninsula in Maine and delivered fresh within 48 hours of ordering. What could be better?

Chesapeake & Maine will feature its off-centered Dogfish oyster collaboration with Hooper’s Island Oyster Farm. An interesting and perhaps little-known fact: 91 percent of the seafood sold in the U.S. does not come from the U.S. But no worries here, as Johnny Shockley brings oysters from the Chesapeake and Colin Yentsch brings food from Maine – right here in the the U.S.

When you walk through the doors of the new hot spot, you’ll notice the specially-built raw bar, featuring lobsters and oysters directly from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Maine regions. Chesapeake & Maine serves its oysters with a golden beet cocktail sauce, as well as a Midas Touch mignonette made with Ancient Ale, and a Namaste Yuzu granita, which is a shaved ice topping with hints of coriander, lemongrass and organic oranges.

Wondering what to order? Try the seacuterie — a dish including crab cake scotch eggs, lobster sausage, smoked bluefish rillettes and scallop chip and pickled seabeans.  If you’re looking for a lobster dish, check out the lobster poutine, served with fries and cheese curds. If you’re a catfish fan, Chesapeake & Maine serves a cornmeal-crusted bluenose catfish. The dish is served with sweet creamed corn succotash, crispy hushpuppies and ancho chili remoulade.

Chesapeake & Maine’s cocktail program will incorporate the new line of scratch-made spirits from Dogfish Head Distilling Co. Celebrity bartender Mia Mastroianni personally crafted each drink on the menu.

Oyster shell chandeliers hang from the ceilings in the dining rooms and the walls of the restaurant are filled with original artwork from artist Jon Langford.

Lighthouse Construction of Magnolia, Del., managed the Chesapeake & Maine construction project. The design of Chespeake & Maine is a collaboration between OTTO Architects and Dogfish Head. The front facade was made to look like you’re walking into a lobster trap — once you’re in, you won’t want to leave!

Chesapeake & Maine serves as the upscale, seafood complement to Dogfish’s casual brewpub next door and is located at 316 Rehoboth Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach. The restaurant will open for dinner service from 4 – 10 p.m. To learn more about the restaurant, check out its Facebook page!