Happiest of New Years to you!

With all the entertaining one does in December, it became the month to Just. Dine. Out. Have returned many times to Secret Sauce Thai Kitchen and it continues to delight. The food is consistently great, and the prices are reasonable.

Finally made it to DRIFT, and wow! It did not disappoint. We landed on a Tuesday which is pasta night and could not have been happier. Cocktails were amazing - the table favorite was Que Sera Sera - a tequila-based nectar of the gods. The Tuesday menu rotates, but if it's available, get the mushroom skewer appetizer. Incredible. From there it was, without a doubt, the best focaccia, best gnocchi, and best after dinner espresso martini the Buzz has ever had. The Washington Post food critic, Tom Sietsema, gave DRIFT a rave review last August, then included DRIFT again in his list of seven faves for 2023. Highly recommend.

Pizza options abound in this beach town so when a new place opens one doesn't necessarily rush out the door. However, one was pleasantly surprised by the newest arrival, Henlopen Pizza Kitchen, located next to Coastal Tap Room on Route 24. What makes a good pizza gets hotly debated on all the local social, so let one just say that the crust, sauce and cheese were immensely satisfying. And it's available by the slice. They also offer a gluten free and vegan option, as well as wings, sandwiches and salads. Yum.

Starboard Claw in Dewey is so pretty inside and out - casual elegance would be the Buzz word. Couldn't resist trying something you don't find everywhere - the ale battered crispy delicata squash rings - deelish. Their version of the mozzarella stix (the Chef Paul's Famous Mozzarella Logs) was also very tasty, as was the Winter Burrata Salad and the Pear and Gorgonzola Salad. Will definitely return.

Another appetizer one encounters frequently is the Spinach Dip (or the spinach/artichoke dip). The Buzz's new top pick for this would be Ava's in downtown Rehoboth. Known here as the Spin Dip, this tasty version is served with focaccia AND crispy bow tie pasta. Oh.My.God. A fight almost broke out in our frenzy to devour each and every one of those tiny, toasted delights. Who knew? Head over for happy hour - get the house Cosmo, the Spin Dip and the Detroit style pizza. Your taste buds will thank you.

The Lewes location of La Baguette is packed from the time they open till whenever they sell out, and for good reason. The breads, the pastries, the croissants ... everything is sublime. The Lemon Meringue Tart is absolutely amazeballs. There's also salads and sandwiches if you can make it past the pastry case.

My oyster loving friends are wild about the extraordinary Rehoboth Bay oysters served at the Lewes Oyster House. I believe they were called Nancy something or other. (Did you know an oyster expert is called a mermmelier?)

In downtown Millsboro on Main Street - Raices Latin Kitchen is getting rave reviews. Rumor has it the guac alone is worth the trip. Also on Main is the new Nectar Cafe. (The Lewes location remains open.) And just steps away is the uber fabulous House of Modern Living - a mecca for mid-century modern furnishings, decor and more. Kaisey's Delights closed their Rehoboth location and will open at 303 Main early next year in the cool 1904 bank building on the corner. (Lewes is still their main location.)

Going into Kaisey's Rehoboth space will be a shop specializing in French Macarons. Here's their main site (they have stores all over the country). Plus - coffee, cakes, candies, pastries and GELATO! Oh la la!

Lasher's opened in the former Ada's Picnic space in Millsboro with the tagline, "Homecooked From the Heart." The menu features a full line of deli sandwiches, pulled pork, barbecue, ribs, gumbo, Creole pasta and collard greens, as well as tacos. If you go, let the Buzz know!

A brand-new Planet Fitness opened Dec 15 in Millsboro. The 17000 sf club features state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength equipment, a 30-Minute Express Circuit, fully equipped locker rooms and flat-screen televisions. This is their tenth Delaware location.

Rumor has it that the former Bed, Bath & Beyond might become a new Planet Fitness. The Buzz has also heard Dick's Sporting Goods as well. We shall see.

Looks like they're making great progress at the Lewes Brewing site - will keep you posted.

The Milford location of Buffalo Wild Wings is rockin' and rollin'. I believe that makes seven locations in the state of Delaware. (Texas has 112!)

Two new food trucks have arrived. Changing Mains, next to Big Chill Surf Cantina, opened in November with a menu focused on five core items – hot dogs, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, tacos and chicken wings – but will switch up throughout the year to include Caribbean items, and a backyard barbecue theme. Also, Squash Blossom, a Mexican food truck and catering service that features Mexican cuisine and plant-based options.

It's the New Year! Get some Buzz for your Biz! Advertise now on the Buzz website for just $50 per month! Cancel anytime. More info here.

Be Bold. Get Cold. Registration is now open for the Polar Bear Plunge!

Tanger Surfside (aka Midway) has a new coffee shop called Coffee Rendezvous. The Buzz visited New Year's Eve and met the lovely owner, Wanda Guyton. Every day they offer samples of three different blends in the most adorable sample cup ever, with little tiny lids too. Each sample has a matching recommended gourmet sugar for you to try as well. Lots of specialty coffees, loose leaf teas, gourmet sugars, gift baskets and more. Check out the Beach Brews: Rehoboth has notes of cinnamon, praline and pecan; Dewey has Bourbon and pecan.

Audrey Mason, the artist behind Pottery Mason, who currently sells her wares in Penny Lane, will be moving to First Street Station (also in downtown Rehoboth), sometime in March. Check out her IG page too! She'll be using the new space as both a working pottery studio and a retail boutique space, with plans to offer "date night"-style pottery wheel throwing classes for adults. How cool is that? The Buzz is IN.

Gay Women of Rehoboth announced a weekend event, the Womens’ Art Project, Jan 12-14 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. The lineup includes music, games and dancing, guitarist Yasmin Williams and comedian Jessica Kirson.

The latest Lewes Library newsletter announced new programs especially for Millennials (born between 1980-1994) including an Escape Room, Yoga, and a book club called Pints and Pages sponsored each month by a local brewery.

The Room at Cedar Grove will welcome the new year with a concert lineup that includes jazz, jam bands and rock, starting with a jazz brunch, Sunday, Jan 7. The events benefit Paul Kares, a local nonprofit that supports young performers and culinary artists. Read more here. Many of the 2024 shows are sold out, so sign up soon!

The Listening Booth (in Tanger Surfside/Midway) has launched a new educational program, starting with these classes: Songwriting for Teens, Group Vocal & Performance for both adults and teens, and Blues You Can Use & Guitar Overviews for adults and teens. Took a peek into their venue - what a great space!

The Summer House plans to have outdoor dining on the adjacent lot, calling it the Summer Garden. The Buzz likes this idea. The Buzz also likes their Wednesday special Grilled Cheese and Soup night (MANY choices of both) with half price martinis.

Revelation in Georgetown now offers MINGO (musical bingo) Family Game Nights on Wednesdays. Winner every round!

The Historic Village in Ocean View will host a presentation on the book 'A Narrative of Some Remarkable Incidents in the Life of Solomon Bayley, Formerly a Slave in the State of Delaware’, Jan 24 in Ocean View.

Rehoboth Breeze will be moving their fun shop of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and bags just across the street to 138 Rehoboth Avenue, next to the Parrot. They’ll reopen in February.

Southern Delaware Tourism 2024 Photo Contest is now underway. Categories include Southern Delaware Holidays & Events, Southern Delaware Amusements & Boardwalk Bites, and Southern Delaware Action Shots.

Joe Lertch, owner of the Vineyard Wine Bar in Havre de Grace, and for a brief, shining moment, The Vineyard Wine Bar in Rehoboth Beach (sadly lost to a fire), now has a YouTube Channel on Wine Education called The Wine Matrix. We miss you, Joe!

We now have Buzz merch! Pick one of two designs, then choose from twenty different tee shirts, hats and totes. Get Buzzed!

For years I have taken the most incredible classes through the Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild, and am in the process of finishing a novel. Now I'm learning the business side of becoming an author (query letters, agents, publishers and more). If that interests you, please feel free to join me as I venture down that rabbit hole. You can follow my IG page or check out my writer's website. Write on!

Don't forget to check out the Buzz FB page to catch what's happening between issues.