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The Blue Hen

/ Updated on July 2, 2017
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Joe Baker and Chris Bisaha's Blue Hen is open in The Avenue Inn at 33 Wilmington Ave. The 2016 Delaware Restaurateurs of the Year singlehandedly made Henlopen City Oyster House one of Rehoboth's go-to spots for great seafood. Their expansion involves the existing lobby and additional space in the new section of the Avenue Inn. HCOH Exec. chef Bill Clifton also oversees the kitchen at The Blue Hen.

Listen to Joe and Chris introduce the new Blue Hen on Delaware 105.9's Sip & Bite with the Rehoboth Foodie.

The Blue Hen is about the same size as the existing HCOH, but with less of a focus on seafood. There are a number of small plates, including an interesting hors d'oeuvres and appetizers section. The menu is cleverly thought out with lots of comfort food items. I suggest you leave your diet at home when you come here if you really want to experience some great tastes. Like the Beef Fat Fries, for example. Don't let the meddling food police intimidate you: Indulge yourself and you will experience some of the lightest, crispiest fries you've had in a long time; slightly redolent of peanut oil with a firm outside and a creamy inside.

The menu sports an interesting selection of charcuterie, including three (count 'em – 3!) kinds of ham and three kinds of sausage – including one cured with sangiovese.  There's no raw bar, but there is carpaccio (venison, yet), a tartare of beef made with Wagyu and an ahi crudo with … wait for it … fried artichokes. This one's a must-get. The user-friendly menu reflects the same philosophy that has made HCOH so popular (just TRY getting a seat at happy hour!). Of course the craft beers (6 taps) and wines (2 wine taps) are all there – PLUS a nitro cold-coffee machine (introduced at last year's CARNEVALE charity event at Touch of Italy – the stuff is DELICIOUS).

We started with the Lobster Toast. I am not lying – there are almost 25 emails in my email box telling me to get that dish. And it's no wonder. Lightly crispy toasted brioche gives way to a cream cheese filling spiked with scallions, water chestnuts and a bracing hot pepper jelly. I do NOT suggest you order this to share. As is so often the case, sharing can turn to fork wounds. OR, share it and get the Duck Wings too. If you like duck, these savory little bites represent everything good about the little bird. A peppery sauce accompanies and actually adds to the flavor.

For out first entrees I started with what they call Amish Fried Chicken. Ridiculously tender (obviously brined), and with a delicately crunchy exterior. One of the values added is that the breast portion (you get a wing, a leg and the breast) has been separated from the ribs, so it is breaded all-around. The coating is quite flavorful, so you want all of that you can possibly get. A mild hot sauce accompanies, and I found myself dipping that meaty breast into the sauce without having to battle bones. A little messy? Yes. Did I care? You know the answer to that….

It was a double-duck night (I made that up…), so we also ordered the Roasted Rohan Duck (the Rohan breed is a hybrid of several Heritage breed birds). The meat was tender and cooked to a perfect medium. The meat was topped with an arugula salad, sprinkled with marcona almonds, little red Craisins, and a delightful drizzle of blood orange Gran Marnier dressing.

Check out the gallery for some of the photos. With everything going on around here in this busy spring of 2017 it took us a while to get over to the Blue Hen, but we will certainly be back.

Look for the outdoor 20-seat patio and fire pit soon to open on the Wilmington Avenue side entrance to The Avenue Inn. If you see it open, let me know.

The Blue Hen is open at 5 for dinner only. Call 302-278-7842 for hours.

Follow The Blue Hen on Facebook.

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 joel fradin says:

    This is a terrific place; suggest you disregard the old negative reviews. Outstanding cocktails. The soft crab appetizer is excellent. The fried chicken entree: I’ve never had better.

  2. Avatar Catherine says:

    We went there last night before the crazy season starts and the parking is still free. Shared 4 apps- the Duck Wings- Amazing!, grilled Octopus- Outstanding!, Devils on Horseback (chorizo-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon)- more Outstanding!, and Lamb Meatballs- OMG, really Outstanding! Will definitely be back in the Fall. Great wine list and service too.

  3. Avatar Tom Schwab says:

    My wife and I recently tried the new restaurant. We had to go to Henlopen City Oyster House to get directions. We should have stayed there. My wife had hamburger-very mediocre. French fries burned to a nasty tasting crisp. We asked server if this was intended. He said no and agreed way over fried. He did offer another order,but at that point dinner was over. I had the scallops entree. Good but no where near what I expected. We have dined numerous times at the HCOH and have always had an excellent experience. The owner’s have their work cut out for them to make The Blue Hen survive.

    • Avatar Anne B says:

      Have to agree, Tom. We too love HCOH so had high hopes for Blue Hen. We went a few weeks after they opened so eventually may give them another chance. My husband had the fried chicken. He would agree that’s it’s tender inside, but the outside crust was so hard that he needed my steak knife to get through it.
      And my steak was one of the worst I’ve ever had. Came out purple (asked for barely medium) and the waiter seemed put out when I sent it back. Then the same piece of meat came back to me completely overdone. I could only eat about 3 bites. The waiter didn’t ask how it was or question why I barely ate it. I told him (unsolicited) that it was overdone and he just said sorry. No offer for something else and no credit on the bill of any kind.
      Very disappointing.

  4. Avatar Bill and Denise Opet says:

    Congratulations, Chris, Joe, and Team ,

    We are excited to visit the new restaurant and really happy for the HCOH family.
    Bill and Denise

  5. Avatar karen mcdonnell says:

    Wondering if Julia Robinson is going to be the chef here? Does anyone know?

    • Avatar Lea Rosell says:

      Hello – Julia is the Sous Chef. Bill Clifton is the head chef of both Henlopen City Oyster House and the Blue Hen.

  6. Avatar Jonathan Spivak says:

    Can’t wait to visit Joe and Chris’ new place when it opens. They are two of the most exceptional restaurateurs I have had the pleasure of knowing. Best wishes to you both and the entire Oyster House staff.

  7. Avatar Leo Strine says:

    Terrific news. These guys run a class operation with great food and great service.

    • Avatar Bill Pfaff says:

      I can’t agree more Leo Strine. I am proud to say Joe and Chris worked with the Delaware Small Business Development to get HCOH off the ground. The are hard working guys and the results show it….. Congrats with Blue Hen!

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