Who Are We?

Eban, Mike and Tammy. We make Lewes our home. Eban grew up in Downstate Delaware, spending his summers at the beach. For several years he knocked around cool places like New Orleans and Santa Fe where he gained a lot of restaurant experience. He never quite got rid of the sand in his shoes, though, and it eventually lured him back home where he is manager-owner at Béseme.

Mike is the owner-chef at Béseme. Although he's from upstate New York, he's put in a lot of time in Lewes so we've officially designated him almost local.

Tammy is Eban's mom and Mike's wife. She grew up here, graduating from Cape Henlopen High a L-O-N-G time ago.

Why Béseme?

Béseme means 'kiss me' in Spanish. We think this name is romantic and fun. And like a memorable kiss, we hope our food lingers in your mind long after it's gone from your lips. Our kissing swans logo is a nod to the history of the hotel in which our bistro resides.

For many years it was named the Zwaanendael Inn. Béseme is pronounced like this: Bessa Mae.

About the menu…We believe in fresh food simply prepared, and moderately priced. Like so many people today, we prefer lighter, healthier fare that nourishes the body as well as the spirit. Hence the selection of omelettes, crêpes, soups & salads.

And we love to graze, experiencing many taste sensations over the course of a meal. A few years ago, while in Europe, we were charmed by the whole concept of small bites. In Venice people literally ate their way home, stopping off at local shops for a tiny taste and a glass of wine. With our evening Small Bites Menu we hope to recreate a little bit of that experience for our friends and neighbors in Lewes. But we also know that people enjoy "large plates," so we have a selection of signature entrées for dinner as well.