Happily, culinary treats along the coast are available outside of restaurants. From fine chocolate to spices to high-quality cheeses, there are several shops with delectable wares. In April, The Olive Orchard (70 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth; 824-3012, the-olive-orchard.com) in First Street Station joined the feast. Owner Laura Hannu-Eckrote, a nurse, got the idea for the store while doing a presentation with colleagues in Bar Harbor, where she found a shop selling quality oils and balsamic vinegars. “I loved all the flavors,” she recalls.
The Olive Orchard sells a variety of extra-virgin olive oils with flavors ranging from moderate to robust. Shelves are also stocked with infused olive oils and a collection of balsamic vinegars. Jams, jellies, chutneys, syrups and even bath and body products made with olive oil are in the mix.
Just up the road, the Donut Connection has opened on Del. 1 (34401 Tenley Court, Lewes; 703-6571) in the space that once housed Tijuana Taxi and, before that, Lazy Susan’s Hot Fat Crabs. Owner Chuck Davidson knows his stuff. His family has been in the doughnut business since 1972, when his parents opened the old Mr. Donut at Midway, and they’ve owned several Donut Connection stores throughout Sussex County.
Davidson, who did much of the renovations on the property himself, in spring installed an ice cream case. He also hopes to offer breakfast and lunch sandwiches in the future. There’s a drive-through for those who want to grab and go. “We have the southbound traffic,” Davidson says. “It should be good for the tourist season, when folks are driving to the beach.”
