01/31/12

The Dining Insider: A Comfortable New Image for Cromwell's, star chef Dana Herbert's baking classes, and more beef than you can stand

Cromwell’s Redefines Comfort

We’re jazzed about some changes at the classic Cromwell’s Tavern in Greenville, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary and has since embarked on decade No. 3 with some tweaks to the menu. Chef Michael Mullen, a chef instructor at Delcastle Technical High School, has created two dozen new dishes that you’ll find familiar and new at the same time. “The homey, laid-back feel of Cromwell’s is part of what has kept us going for 20 years, and comfort food goes along with that vibe. But it’s 2012, and we don’t want to be serving the same comfort food that was in fashion 20 years ago, but we don’t want to scare our regulars away, either,” says owner Pat Nilon....

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01/24/12

The Dining Insider: Sunday Dinner at Toscana, Bento boxes at Potstickers, chef's tasting at Premier Wines and a special dinner at Nage

Premier Events

There’s cool stuff coming at Premier Wine & Spirits beginning February, when it launches The Chef Tasting Series. On the first Wednesday of each month, Premier will host a favorite local chef in its intimate tasting bar. The chef will prepare a signature dish to be paired with wines and beers from Premier’s inventory. It all begins Feb. 1, when chef Paul Egnor of Pizza by Elizabeths drops in to cook, chat, and show you a little about food. Best of all, most of the proceeds go to the chef’s charity of choice. Keep checking the Premiere Web site for a full roster of chefs. It’s coming soon. premierwinespirits.com

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01/17/12

The Dining Insider: A blog about a night in Argentina at Olé Tapas Lounge, haggis at Fair Hill Inn and Downtown Newark Restaurant Week

Pure Argentina

We love the gastronomic excursions coordinated by Olé Tapas Lounge in Newark. The restaurant enjoys periodic explorations of the regions of Spain and of places touched by the culture of Spain through special dinners such as those based on the cuisine of Segovia and Morocco. Next up on the itinerary: Olé goes to Argentina. On Jan. 18, enjoy three courses of traditonal Argentine fare—goat cheese and Portobello ravioli, asado Argentino and alforjes (a sandwich cookie of dulche de leche between two buttery pastries). Each is paired with a traditional wine. Better yet, enjoy your meal with representatives of the prestigious Philadelphia Argentine Tango School. Top students will present the art of tango throughout the meal....

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01/10/12

The Dining Insider: A blog about changes at Eclipse, the buzz on Ulysses Gastropub, Newark Restaurant Week and Chinese New Year at The Crownery

Total Eclipse

Little did The Insider and his lovely bride know that Tuesday nights at Eclipse Bistro mean half-price bottles of wine (under $50). What a most pleasing way to toast the anniversary of our nuptials. As we quickly learned, things have changed at Eclipse. Ryan Marchetta has taken over in the kitchen, which means some interesting tweaks to the menu. We were very glad to see some favorites remain, most notably the calamari appetizer with capers, olives and tomatoes in a light cream, as well as the entrée of pappardelle in a Bolognese sauce made with pulled short rib. Nonetheless, it was time to explore. The harissa-rubbed lamb sirloin, resting on a mound of Israeli couscous, was delicious. The braised short rib in Guinness gravy may not...

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01/03/12

The Dining Insider: A blog about eating well at Deep Blue, Corner Bistro, Padi, Cool Springs and other great restaurants

The Year of Eating Better

You’ve made the resolution yet again: You’re going to watch your diet—for real this time. If you think that means starving yourself or eliminating everything that makes food taste so good, don’t worry. Think less about avoiding the bad, more about embracing the good: fresh whole foods—lean meats, lots of vegetables and fruits—prepared without extra fat. And don’t think you have to avoid your favorite restaurants. They make plenty of good-tasting food that’s good for you. Some faves:

At Deep Blue Bar & Grill in Wilmington, grilled Atlantic salmon comes with bacon and black lentils, spiced apple slaw and apple cider-sherry gastrique. No need to hold the bacon if...

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12/27/11

The Dining Insider: A blog about New Year's Eve at Union City Grill, the Blue Moon and The Biggs Museum, plus Two Stones Pub and The Pickled Pig

One Hoppin’ Night

What’s a Key hopper? It’s a pink shrimp from the salty waters of St. Joe Bay. Easy to peel, firm and flavorful, they are a culinary treasure. You can find them for New Year’s Eve at Union City Grille on a special menu that also includes oyster, lobster and scallops, as well as the rgular dinner menu. The highlight? A list of flavored Proseccos and special pricing on Chandon Classic Brut. Bruce "the Jazzman" Anthony rings in the New Year. It’ll be a great party. Reserve now. 654-9780, unioncitygrille.com

Chase Away the Blues

We mentioned this last week, but find it worthy of mention again. Should you find yourself in Rehoboth around New Years’s...

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12/20/11

The Dining Insider: A blog about Chinese for Christmas, grilled cheese at World Cafe Live, Christmas Eve at Harry's and New Years at The Blue Moon

A Different Holiday Dinner

If you’re living your very own version of “A Christmas Story” this year, you’re looking for a good Chinese restaurant. The Insider can help. Recommendation No. 1: The Crownery in Hockessin. No place makes fresher Chinese food. Our choice: Peking duck—boneless, sliced duck served with shredded cucumber, scallions, pancake wrappers and plum sauce. 239-3825, thecrownery.com Choice No. 2: Yi Palace in North Wilmington. Its Mongolian beef gives a pleasant heat that will warm your day, as does its sliced lamb in a hot pot. If you’re daredevil enough to cook Chinese at home, Yi offers its recipe for beef with broccoli. (The secret, they say, is to marinate the beef in a bit of oil.)...

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12/13/11

The Dining Insider: A blog about Ernest & Scott Taproom, holiday gifts, The Chicken House's Peruvian food and Just Hooked in Fenwick Island

Earnest and New

Here’s one to get stoked about: Ernest & Scott Taproom, which owner Scott Morrison of neighboring Chelsea Tavern says is scheduled to open Dec. 19. E&S will be among the first restaurants in the country to adopt The Brewers Association’s guidelines for the craft brews that make it onto the beer list. And make no mistake—Ernest & Scott is all about the beer. “The depth and breadth of offerings and phenomenal growth of American craft beer propelled me to consider doing a restaurant that puts these beers at the forefront, without any mass market beers diluting the integrity of the beer list,” Morrison says. That means you’ll find popular craft brews like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Samuel Adams...

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12/06/11

The Dining Insider: A blog about a new tavern at 16 Mile Brewery, holiday treats at Cake Bar, and cheeses and more at Janssen's

Tavern Talk

Here’s big news from 16 Mile Brewery in Georgetown: It’s planning to add a tavern in January. Team 16’s Claus Hagelman describes it as “a tribute to the public house tavern of 150 years ago and back. They were a place were people came to communicate, learn, and enjoy a few pints.” An updated look and feel makes way for a pub, a stage, a prep area where chefs can cook for visitors and more. Look for more as the time draws near. Till then, check out 16milebrewery.com. If you’re looking for any of 16 Mile’s ales—Amber Sun, Old Court, Blues’ Golden, Inlet Indian Pale or one of the seasonal brews—check in with Standard Distributors. Then watch for new brewing partnerships, as well as new...

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11/29/11

The Dining Insider: A blog about Beaujolais Nouveau tasting at Irish Eyes, holiday food sampling at Janssen's Market, fun new cocktail kits from Chaddsford Winery, and gingerbread houses at the Hilton

'Tis the Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—Beaujolais Nouveau time. Sample some of this year’s finest during the 23^rd annual tasting on Nov. 29 at Irish Eyes in Lewes. There’s food, there’s music and, of course, there’s wine, all to benefit the Red Cross. The event runs 5 p.m. till 7:30. Tickets are $25. You’ll leave feeling happy—and with a commemorative wine glass. What better thing could you do after work on a Tuesday? 226-3333

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