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Bon Appétit

/ Updated on July 14, 2021
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After fifteen years of writing, kvetching, opining, broadcasting, chattering about and photographing what and where we eat here at the beach, few things surprise me. But from time to time there is an exception, and one of those exceptions continues to be Bon Appétit restaurant in … wait for it … Seaford, De. Nothing against the quaint burg of Seaford, of course, but it’s simply not a place where one would immediately expect to find such a well-run fine-dining French eatery. From the moment we arrived to the moment co-owner Karen Pedemonte handed us our coats, everything was perfectly executed.

Karen and her husband met on the job at a restaurant in New York. Chino started as a dishwasher and Karen was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. The couple purchased Bon Appétit in 1991, and though the theme is decidedly French, Chef Chino blends German, Incan, Chinese, Japanese and Swiss influences into his cuisine. He works only with the assistance of his sous chef, and if he isn’t able to work, the restaurant closes down. A guarantee of consistency if there ever was one.

Karen’s bailiwick is front of house, and she’s all about the details. From the fresh flowers to the crisp napkins to keeping water glasses and bread baskets filled, she works seamlessly alongside her seasoned waitstaff. And wait ‘til you see the vintage French prints and pin-ups that gently decorate this understated bistro.

On our first visit, we knew things were going to be interesting when our professional, but very funny server Maggie delivered carved butter flowers to the table. And it just got better from there. On our most recent visit in mid-2021, we started with the French onion soup, salads and the sausage-stuffed mushrooms. However, if the artichoke crostini (a choice engraved in stone after we perused the online menu) is on the menu, get that too! Artichoke hearts are perched on toasted French bread and enrobed in warm Parmesan cheese sauce. One of our dining companions treated herself to the poached mussels in white wine with shallots, garlic and cream. Bracingly spicy with a gentle creaminess. I will remind you that Chino loves sourcing local ingredients, so the menu will changes with the seasons. So use this only as a guide! Weekly menus are posted on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

On a previous visit, the chicken empanadas appetizer reminded us that it’s not all francophilic there at 312 High Street in Seaford. But rather than the traditional fried version, Bon Appétit’s are encased in an impossibly flaky puff pastry. After the salad course, our entrees included a perfectly-grilled-to-temperature Black Angus New York strip slathered with roasted garlic butter; veal scaloppini sautéed in lemon butter laced with capers, and crispy, slow-roasted duckling topped with warm cherries. All three were top notch and something I would expect in any big-city eatery. On the most recent visit, one of my favorite foodies got the duck (there was no doubt), and I had the veal with mortadella and provolone cheese. Think veal parm, but with a French accent featuring a savory brown sauce. Another star of the show that night was the baked salmon with a sesame & poppy seed crust. The textural variations were like a carnival in your mouth.

As an aside, if you find yourself looking at the menu and “warm peach cake” if printed thereon, order it! It's as a politely small portion, but absolutely delicious. See the pic in the gallery.

Considering that the Pedemontes have been operating Bon Appétit for over 30 years, they must be doing something right. And it’s no mystery what that something is: tireless dedication, skill, patience and an uncanny focus on customer service. And it keeps guests coming back year after year. It goes without saying that reservations are a must. (Of course I had to say it anyway.) By the way, ALWAYS call for reservations!

Check out their hours and dinner menus HERE, then call 302-629-3700. It’s well worth the drive.

The Rehoboth Foodie

About the Author

"My goal is to promote Rehoboth Beach dining while remaining honest and impartial. I don’t gush unless a place deserves it, and I don’t pull punches, either. With so many good places to eat around here, it just doesn’t make sense to waste the calories — or the money — on anything less." View all articles written by The Rehoboth Foodie

Add Your Comment
  1. Avatar Doug Parham says:

    Enjoyed my Birthday Dinner here Wednesday night with friends from Rehoboth and Lewes. The Decor and service made this a very special event for me. Wife and I shared the $45 fixed price filet meal so we could sample the desert menu. Been here many times with local friends and it was as good as ever. Not often folks will drive 40 miles for dinner when they live in Rehoboth but it’s worth every mile.

  2. Avatar Kenny Schnabel says:

    We tried Bon Appetit last night and it was excellent in all respects. We had the $45- 5 course special and enjoyed oysters on the half shell, smoked bluefish, cream of asparagus soup, potato kale soup, salad, lamb entree, steak entree, baked meringue and crabapple cobbler. Definitely a value for the quality and amount of food. Attentive service by Claudia and team. Decor created a nice relaxing, comfortable experience. Top notch!

  3. Avatar Elaine Kennedy says:

    Had the most wonderful experience of dining at “Bob Appetit” last night for our anniversary. The menu items were so diverse; it was very difficult to decide exactly which selections to make. Generally, I can narrow my choices to two items before deciding. Here I had five items I really wanted to try. So, we each decided on their wonderful $45@ fixed menu; which provided the opportunity to try one selection from each category: appetizer, soup, salad, entree (2 vegetables included), coffee, and dessert! The presentation was lovely and service was superb. Luncheons will not be served after Thanksgiving; so we will definitely need to return before then. It was easy to see why it has a 5* rating.

  4. Avatar Gladys Ward says:

    Our second visit did not disappoint. The optional 5-course dinner is a fun way to sample dishes one might not ordinarily think of ordering. I mean a choice of cold blueberry or hot carrot ginger soup in summer was a tough but pleasant decision. Lots of salad dressing choices, too. The entrees were well-prepared as were the desserts. The cozy French-inspired interior is just lovely and the service impeccable.

  5. Avatar Peter Issel Jr says:

    Karen and Chino are awesome.

  6. Avatar Doug Parham says:

    Many visits with a variety of friends- U of D, Neighbors and golf buddies. Everyone, yes everyone is blown away by the food, service, ambiance and the desert menu. My wife and I split the 5 course fixed price special. By the time we are finished we can only share one of the fabulous deserts from a long list of exquisite choices. If you like chocolate- this is for you- YYUUMMHH! Reservations are recommended.

  7. Avatar Pat Weekley says:

    Love Bon Appetite my late husband and I dined there often it was always great food and atmosphere.

  8. Avatar Pamela Tsimon says:

    We’ve been several times and absolutely love the place. Each time was better than the last! As mentioned the front of the house adds all the little extras to make your special occasion “special”. I mention this because for my 60th birthday they (re)arranged the dining room to accommodate our large party and even added confetti to the tables to add to the festivities! Don’t hesitate to make the drive, it will soon become a favorite.

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