STAFF WRITER MARK NARDONE DISHES ON THIS WEEK’S
BEST WINE EVENTS AND MORE
January 2012
 |
01/17/12The Dining Insider: A blog about a night in Argentina at Olé Tapas Lounge, haggis at Fair Hill Inn and Downtown Newark Restaurant WeekPure 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. Reservations are required,... Posted at 05:00 AM | Permalink |
 |
01/10/12The Dining Insider: A blog about changes at Eclipse, the buzz on Ulysses Gastropub, Newark Restaurant Week and Chinese New Year at The CrowneryTotal 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 have been the most... |
 |
01/03/12The Dining Insider: A blog about eating well at Deep Blue, Corner Bistro, Padi, Cool Springs and other great restaurantsThe 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 you’ve been a good eater at... |
 |
12/27/11The 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 PigOne 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 Eve and day, the Blue Moon is the place to be. Celebrate the eve... |
 |
12/20/11The 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 MoonA 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.) 477-6900, yipalace.com Here goes:... |
