STAFF WRITER MARK NARDONE DISHES ON THIS WEEK’S
BEST WINE EVENTS AND MORE
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05/21/13Great Eats at the BeachGet your foodie kicks in with Brazilian, Greek, Italian and other specialties without leaving the coastline. Matt Haley in May opened Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria in a former oyster warehouse across from Catch 54 in Fenwick. “We’ll have 18 different kinds of tacos, ranging from lamb mole to lobster to fried clams to tongue,” Haley says. “Rice bowls” include a dish made with pork belly, pineapple and plantain. Expect an impressive list of rums and tequilas, as well as fresh juices for virgin cocktails. Haley could have torn down the barn-like warehouse for much less than it cost to restore it, but he appreciates the old wood building. (436-7272, papagrandes.com) Would-be gauchos and hard core carnivores will be happy to hear about... |
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05/14/13Hitting the Trail—AgainThe Delaware Dining Trail includes eight restaurants in each county that exemplify fine dining or local flavor. For instance, there’s The Charcoal Pit in North Wilmington. Why? Because The newest full-time server at the original Charcoal Pit on Concord Pike has worked there 10 years. Some have been there 25 years. If that means things change slowly at The Pit, that’s a good thing. The place looks much as it did when it opened in 1956. The counter was long ago moved from the bank of windows up front to make room for lots of cozy booths, but the place still feels like the place you hung out at as a teen, because you still hang out there when you need a good char-grilled burger and ice cream. So do your teenaged grandchildren. And you often you hang out there together.... |
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05/07/13Lovin' TavernaWho are you going after, the students or the teachers? For anyone planning a restaurant on Newark’s Main Street, the downtown pulse of the University of Delaware, it’s a question that needs answering. Beer and nachos or wine and cheese? Suits and ties or sweatpants and Uggs? You can’t usually have both. Unless of course you happen to be Carl Georigi and the Platinum Dining Group. “Our mission was to create an environment that’s warm and comfortable,” he says, “with food that’s well-prepared and approachable. Whoever that appeals to that’s who we’re going after.” Sixteen years after forming his company, the charismatic CEO is like a veteran card-counter at a blackjack table, drawing on proven methods, trusting a... |
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04/30/13Delebrity Chefs Throw Down for Premier WinesLast year, 16 Mile Brewery, Standard Distributing and Meals on Wheels partnered with some of southern Delaware’s top chefs to create a competitive culinary series inspired by their favorite Food Network television shows. Start with a basket of mystery ingredients, then, in 30 minutes, create a delicious gourmet plate to be tasted by Delebrity judges. The events were a smash, so this year Meals on Wheels and 16 Mile are moving them north with the help of Out & About Magazine, Premier Wine & Spirits and World Cafe Live at the Queen. Chefs from participating restaurants will be chosen to compete in front of an expert panel of judges. The series winners will compete in a final showdown to determine who is the Top Chef of northern Delaware, who will then go head to head with... |
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04/23/13City Restaurant Week is HereIt’s City Restaurant Week in Wilmington, which “puts spirit in our community, encouraging people to get out, connect with friends and try new restaurants,” says Xavier Teixido, owner of Harry’s Seafood Grill on the Riverfront. This year, the week includes restaurants in the west end, making for a more diverse lineup of participants than ever. You know the drill: three-course meals for $35 (with lunch deals, too). The 17 restaurants range from Deep Blue and Domaine Hudson to Walter’s Steakhouse and Washington Street Ale House, with food from fine beef to fresh seafood to sushi. See you around town. The deals last through April 27. cityrestaurantweek.com Celebrating Spring Abbott’s Grill is kicking off spring with Farm-Fresh Spring Fest... |
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04/16/13Spring Dining at Abbott's Grill in MilfordAbbott’s Grill is kicking off spring with Farm-Fresh Spring Fest on its patio April 25. Described as “part social mixer, part dinner party, with a trip to the local farmers market thrown in,” it allows guests to enjoy small plates featuring spring produce paired with local beers, specialty cocktails and wine while meeting and mingling with local farmers. Fresh produce from the farms will also be available for purchase. Abbott’s Grill paired with Local on the Menu, a Southern Delaware Tourism initiative, to highlight the produce that’s becoming available now. “It’s an amazing opportunity to show our community where their food comes from,” says Paul Gallo, executive chef at Abbott’s Grill. “We are lucky enough to be... Posted at 09:00 AM | Permalink |
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04/09/13Wine Fest at NageMark off April 28 as the fifth annual Spring Food & Wine Festival at Nage Bistro & Wine Bar in Rehoboth Beach, featuring more than 50 wines from around the world. “I have assembled representatives from multiple different wineries in one place for one evening of food, drink and fun,” says Mark Harrison, general manager of Nage. “Come in and try some terrific wines and, of course, amazing Nage food.” Nage executive chef Ted Deptula will pair these wines with an array of seasonal and freshly prepared foods. “I look forward to this event year after year,” says Deptula. “It truly is a great party. Aside from getting to prepare delicious foods, I get to taste wines that may not be readily available in our area.” “We are so lucky... |
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04/02/13A Week of HeavenWho was in on Rehoboth Restaurant Week last year? Let’s say it was nothing short of a who’s who, and it was such a rousing success, it’s back. Restaurant Week 2013 will happen June 2-8. Hit your favorite participating place for a delicious prix fixe dinner of $20 or $30 for three courses. From Italian to Irish to Asian, Latin and something in between—not to mention vegetarian and cutting-edge fare—there’s something for everyone. This year’s line-up isn’t final yet, but expect many return places from last year. They include Adriatico Ristorante & Cafe, a(MUSE.), é, Blue Moon, Cabo Modern Mexican Tequila Bar, Café Azafran, Catchers, Corner Grille, Cultured Pearl, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, Dos Locos Fajita &... |
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03/26/13Burgers are BackIt’s back. The second annual Wilmington Burger Battle will take place Aug. 24 at Twin Lakes Brewing Co. in Greenville. Area restaurants—including last year's critic’s choice Kildare’s Irish Pub and people’s choice Union City Grille—are expected to throw down again for an outdoor, rain-or-shine charity event. Proceeds support the Ministry of Caring’s Emmanuel Dining Room. Admission prices will include food, beer tastings, soft drinks, and music; tickets to this limited-capacity tasting event will be available in early summer through wilmingtonburgerbattle.com. Event co-founder Matthew Curtis, chef-owner of Union City Grille, says, “I consider the burger to be the perfect food, and a restaurant’s burger can really tell you a lot... |
03/19/13Newark's Wine and Dine is HereComing this week: Newark’s Annual Wine and Dine Downtown. Billed as a “culinary and wine extravaganza featuring a dazzling array of tasty delights prepared by the chefs of downtown Newark’s very own restaurants” the event pairs great food with complementary fine wines from around the world. Seventeen downtown restaurants have selected unique wines to feature with their special menus. Restaurant-wine pairings will offer a $2 per 2 oz. taste of wine. Premium tastings and flights may also be available at varying prices. Special guest Julie Johnson, owner and winemaker of Tres Sabores Winery in Napa Valley, will be at the Stone Balloon Winehouse pouring her very special wines. No tickets necessary. Pick up a glass at any participating restaurant, then pay as you... |
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