Edible Picasso – A Culinary Masterpiece in Cape Charles
What makes good art? The critic may consider intention, motivation, or skill. But true art also has a magical quality—that special something that draws you to it again and again. It’s no wonder that Edible Picasso, on Cape Charles’ own Strawberry Street, has attracted a large and loyal following with its masterful take on fresh cuisine. You could call it a work of art and downright delicious.
The Art of Fresh
Step inside Edible Picasso and take in the sights and smells of something extraordinary. It’s so much more than amazing flavors—it’s fresh food that’s good for you.
“We’re not fast food, we’re just faster food,” says Lenore DeBellis, owner and creative force behind Edible Picasso’s exciting menu. “We pride ourselves on the freshness of our food. We focus on healthy, delicious, and fresh.”
This philosophy is apparent in every dish they serve, from their vibrant poké bowls to their tantalizing charcuterie boards. The entire menu at Edible Picasso is a testament to their quality and culinary innovation.
Edible Picasso is the brainchild of a creative couple who seem to have been made for this moment – Rocco with decades of renowned culinary work in his own delis, cafés, and restaurants, catering for the stars in New York, and Lenore with her passion for food, service, creativity, and extensive experience in the corporate world.
When Lenore and Rocco DeBellis traded life in New York for the fresh Eastern Shore breezes of Cape Charles ten years ago, they brought more than just their belongings—they brought creativity and a vision.
“I started creating take-out charcuterie boxes as a side business while I worked my corporate job remotely from Cape Charles,” says Lenore. “The wooden boxes looked like a frame, and all the different kinds of charcuterie arranged inside looked like a painting. So, I called them ‘Edible Picassos,” she recalls. The artful charcuterie boxes were an instant hit, but there was much more to come.
When her corporate job situation changed, Lenore had a blank canvas. “It allowed me to try something I was passionate about full-time,” says Lenore. She left the desk for good, and she and Rocco opened Edible Picasso in January 2023. Edible Picasso isn’t just a place to grab a meal; it’s a community hub where locals and visitors gather to enjoy wholesome, delicious food. “We wanted to offer available, convenient food that’s fresh and good for you,” Lenore says.
“When we lived in New York, there were several places we liked where you could build your own salad. We also love sushi. I’m not a sushi chef, but we make a damn good poké bowl,” laughs Lenore. “We wanted to bring these things to the Eastern Shore.”
The DeBellises’ emphasis on farm-to-table freshness shines through in their partnerships with several local farmers, supplying them with organic greens, herbs, and gorgeous flowers. Drawing from their culinary experiences in New York and their love for simple yet divine fare, Lenore crafted a menu with enormous variety. And though their menu is inspired by many different cultures, it also embodies the essence of Cape Charles: unique, fun, and full of character.
Signature dishes include their acclaimed poké bowls, which feature ahi tuna, a variety of fresh vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice. Then there are the pastries, chocolate-dipped cannolis, make-your-own-salad, and amazing paninis. New items join old favorites all the time.
Just before this writing, they debuted a new Souvlaki, a Greek pita sandwich with grilled shrimp or chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and Tzatziki (a tasty yogurt, garlic, and cucumber sauce). This is the unexpected and delicious variety customers have come to enjoy from Edible Picasso.
Expect the Unexpected!
Lenore genuinely enjoys being the artist behind all the ‘awesome’—especially for those custom orders that aren’t always on the menu. She recently crafted a birthday cake for a client who didn’t like the cake. An artist is nothing if not creative, so Lenore, who knew her client was a cheese lover, created a grand three-tiered ‘cake’ of fine cheeses garnished with figs, berries, and fresh, local flowers from Coastal Flower Company.
Edible Picasso also makes an incredible charcuterie board. Their boards are 3 feet of deliciousness and are a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate. Options like the Tuscan Italian and Mykonos Veggie boards offer a delightful assortment of antipasti and Mediterranean dips. The gorgeous flowers and garnish make these boards as lovely as they are delicious.
Many of the dishes Lenore creates are garnished with fresh herbs and flowers. Their partnerships with local growers like Coastal Flower Company in Eastville add to their homegrown, artful flair. In fact, Coastal Flower Company’s subscribers can now pick up their orders at Edible Picasso. “We all work together here,” says Lenore. “We also are fortunate to work with Revival Farm in Cape Charles. They are an organic family farm that does all our greens for their entire season.” Partnerships like this are typical in Cape Charles, where business owners and residents are all part of the same community.
Amazing Autumn Fare—For All
You couldn’t pick a better time to give Edible Picasso a try. Why? In a word: soup! As fall approaches, Lenore’s husband and biz co-owner, Rocco, steps in and makes their homemade soups. ‘Black bean and bacon’ is a favorite… there’s also a refreshing ‘lemongrass chicken and rice’ and plenty of Italian flavors. You’ll want to try the ‘white bean, sausage, and kale’ and their incredible ‘vegetable minestrone.’ If you’ve tasted Rocco’s soup, you’re already gearing up for those tasty bowls of comfort that make fall fabulous.
This year, they’ll also have soups that are gluten— and dairy-free. Did we mention… it’s not just great food that’s on the menu here, but genuine care for their community, too? “We’re mindful of our customers’ needs,” says Lenore. We offer many gluten-free options, like Asian noodle bowls, which we make with rice noodles.”
“Except our paninis, everything can be vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free here. Many of our clientele come to us because they have special dietary needs. So, we try to mix it up and offer a great variety for them.”
Sweets and Sips
In addition to their entrees, salads, and savory fare, the café also makes a fantastic mimosa and all kinds of cocktails, adding a touch of sophistication to the laid-back dining experience. And for those with a sweet tooth, their cakes and desserts are as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the taste buds.
Greatness on the Go
Edible Picasso also takes call-in orders for pick-up. If you’re headed to Cape Charles’ Central Park for a concert or want to elevate your beach picnic, pick up a ‘share box’ and make things extra special. It’s a perfect fit for an easy-going town like Cape Charles, where there’s no shortage of opportunities to break bread—or paninis—with family and friends.
A Masterwork of Flavor
Edible Picasso is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of food as an art form. From the eye-pleasing presentation of each dish to the carefully curated ingredients, every bit of this place reflects the DeBellises’ passion for good food done right. As Lenore and Rocco continue to delight Cape Charles with their culinary creativity, Edible Picasso is a proper stroke of brilliance.
Planning a visit to Bay Creek? Lenore and Rocco invite you to stop by and say hello and discover some exciting new flavors. You’ll always enjoy a warm welcome and a great experience.
Bon appétit!
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