Nage emerges from season with new look and name
The traditional summer tourism season has come to an end despite the warmer-then-usual temperatures.
The days are noticeably shorter and locals have reclaimed the roads.
As Delmarva settles into the offseason, those venturing back out might notice a few changes.
Rehoboth Beach's former Nage restaurant, now known as Fork + Flask at Nage, is not only sporting a new name but a new look, drink program and menu.
Owner Josh Grapski said he wanted to, "keep up with the times," and offer guests a more casual dining experience.
For more than a decade, his restaurant has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, boasting serious food with serious service. But Grapski no longer felt the atmosphere matched its concept. So his team transformed the space into a bungalow-inspired bistro, with an open floor concept, bright pops of color and vintage decor.
"It was time for a change," he said. "Business is as usual, just a little more bright and airy."
The restaurant's new laid-back, beach vibe is an ongoing theme at other Grapski establishments within his La Vida Hospitality Group, which includes Rehoboth’s Big Chill Surf Cantina, Taco Reho food truck and the Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes.
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The renovations at Nage mainly focused on expanding the bar and reconfiguring the smaller dining room, which had previously been used for private parties.
Now, the space features high-top tables, booths and several large, communal tables, all situated around an intricate, hand-carved bar. Accented with teal tiles, white marble and yellow trimmed bar stools, the one-of-a-kind bar is the gleaming focal point of the room.
With all of the extra space now behind the bar, Fork + Flask at Nage has been able to implement a drink program focusing on small-batch spirits, a variety of wines and craft brews from local breweries, including the Crooked Hammock.
Spearheading the program is Fran Ghilardi, Fork + Flask at Nage's new restaurant manager.
"It's been incredibly rewarding," he said. "The community has embraced the cocktails and my vision."
Originally from Pennsylvania, Ghilardi moved to Rehoboth Beach in June. He may be new to the area, but is no stranger to the industry. In 2004, he was accepted into the Court of Master Sommeliers in New York, and used his training to create a beverage program at a restaurant he operated for more than 12 years.
"Restaurants have always been in my blood," he said, referring to his parents' family-owned eatery in Pennsylvania. "I learned how to walk in one. I did my homework there. To me, restaurants are home."
Unlike the bar area, Fork + Flask at Nage's main dining room essentially remained the same. However, a newly added dessert station allows diners to watch pastry chef Dru Tevis in action.
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The new menu has a heavy focus on "Delmarva caught and cultivated foods," but many favorite dishes are still available, such as the French onion soup, the warm vegetable salad and the award-winning Nage burger.
"The renovation was a chance to take a step back and hone in on what we do best," said Sean Corea, Nage's executive chef. "We are still an elegant farm-to-table-style restaurant, just with a more causal approach."
Unlike Ghilardi, Corea stumbled into the restaurant industry and became instantly infatuated with it.
He began studying at Delaware Technical Community College, while working in several prestigious area restaurants. He took his training to the next level in New York, and attended the Culinary Institute of America. After graduating, he returned to Delaware and landed a job at Nage.
Grapski gave Corea creative freedom when it came to revamping the menu, which features elevated dishes like burrata mac and cheese, sweet corn ravioli, pan roasted chicken and bacon tater tots. The menu will be complimented by fresh and local daily features, and will change seasonably.
Fork + Flask at Nage is open daily from 4 to 10 p.m., and now offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, and a new late night service with food and drinks available until 1 a.m. For more information, call 302-226-2037 or visit forkandflask.com.
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Fork + Flask at Nage
Where: 19730 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach
When: 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Call: 302-226-2037
Visit: forkandflask.com