Under One Roof: Difebo's Market
One of the most extraordinary things about DiFebo’s Market in Bethany Beach is that when you step through the front door, it feels as if it has been there forever. Which is a pretty good trick, as the upscale location that is half an Italian market and a half take-away restaurant opened in May.
“I have to say, maybe it feels that way because it’s been in my mind for a long time,” said owner Lisa DiFebo, owner of DiFebo’s Restaurants in Rehoboth Beach and, just across the street, in Bethany. “I wanted something beautiful that could include all my passions under one roof and it’s the culmination of my experiences and those of my family.”
DiFebo says the impetus for the market happened seven years ago when she had a small crisis of faith. “There were all these young male chefs coming up and getting a lot of attention, and I started second-guessing my food. So, I made myself stop and went to Italy to see my extended family in Abruzzi. I realized that the food they make is really identical to how we are cooking here – I have been using my family recipes,” which, it turned out, is exactly what makes her cooking special.
“What I learned was I did not have to redefine myself – I needed to appreciate what I have been given and what I have to give,” she said with a smile.
When she returned to the States, she began contemplating how the store could look, how it could feel and what it could carry. When the Shore Stop across the street from the Bethany restaurant closed, Lisa knew she had the perfect location.
As with her restaurants, it is completely a family affair. “My Dad still makes all the gravy and meatballs” as the men in the family – as seen in a black and white photo above her office door – have done for generations. Her mother Charlotte and husband (and “rock”) Jeff Osias work with her daily. Her sister drops by to set up the merchandise on the market side.
The staff make many of the dishes from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. There are pastas and paninis and other prepared food in the cases, and gorgeous pizzas come from the beautiful brick oven (including gluten free and vegan.) A bakery display can tempt a strong will and this summer they will add to that a homemade ice cream brand. DiFebo also plans to offer cooking demonstrations in a dedicated area of the Market starting in the coming months.
A sense of joy comes through in every corner of the building. “It’s super important the staff greets guests into a welcoming environment,” said DiFebo. “This community has supported us all this time and through the pandemic, and I am still so happy to be feeding people here after 32 years.”
DiFebo’s Market
788 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, Delaware
302-539-3220
Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, Friday and Saturday, 8:00am to 8:00pm. Closed Tuesday.
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