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FeedThe Best of Delaware 2009
From crab cakes and cheesesteaks to prime rib and clam bakes, little Delaware is packed with great places to eat and terrific places to shop. Here’s the cream of the crop.
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Food, Food, Food
All-Time Favorite Italian Place
Critics, upstate: More than 31 years has cemented Giuseppe and Anna Martuscelli’s La Casa Pasta as a legend of Italian cuisine in Delaware. The husband and wife’s passion for flavorful, homemade coastal Italian cuisine has seduced generations of diners. Who can resist marveling at marble floors and stone statues while eating the hearty sopressata, seafood cannelloni or the famous paccheri alla Giuseppe, which combines extra-wide rigatoni, monkfish, shrimp, cannelloni, Collina tomatoes and marinara sauce? (120 Four Seasons Pkwy., Newark, 738-9935)
Best Appetizers
Readers, upstate: Six Paupers (7465 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 489-7287)
Readers, downstate: Big Fish Grill (20298 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach, 227-9007)
Critics, upstate: Poppiti enjoys Nonna Ristorante’s stuzzichini menu of small plates that is served all day. “Owner and chef Chris Peters is so creative and talented, and he’s constantly tweaking the menu,” Poppiti says. The menu offers pasta dishes such as gnocchi with Gorgonzola cream, vegetables like grilled asparagus, and seafood dishes that include crab cakes and applewood-smoked bacon shrimp. Poppiti’s favorite: scallops wrapped in bacon with a whiskey-liqueur reduction. (Del. 4 and Harmony Road, Newark, 737-9999)
Best Bagels
Readers, upstate: Fabulous Bagel Boys (4706 Limestone Road, Wilmington, 892-9303)
Readers, downstate: Surf Bagel & Deli (17382 Coastal Hwy., Lewes, 644-1822)
Critics, upstate: Bagelmania turns outright manic in the mornings, when fresh homemade bagels like the popular cheddar-dill flavor, coffee and warm bagel sandwiches fly. “They have a great selection, and it’s always fresh,” Keeler says. “And they are great supporters of the UD football program.” (416 Suburban Drive, Newark, 369-1950)
Critics, downstate: Inside the surf-themed Surf Bagel & deli (complete with boards), New York-style bagels achieve a perfectly satisfying chewy bite. “They’re hands down the best,” Livingston says. “They can give New York a run for its money. Great spreads and sandwiches, too.” Wax up your surf bagel with gourmet spreads such as lox, sun-dried tomato, and scallion. (17382 Coastal Hwy., Lewes, 644-1822)
Page 2: The Best of Delaware 2009, continues...
Reader Comments:
how could anyone possibly vote for fabulous bagel boys as a 'best' of anything?? they must have had their family and friends vote repeatedly. their bagels are mediocre and their service is so freaking slow! i've lived near that place for five years and i've only been there three times because i get so frustrated waiting 10 minutes when there's only one person ahead of me. i'm getting cranky just thinking about that terrible place.
surf bagel is another story...they rock!
delaware today keep mention thai,chinese.indian and japanese food, what happen to 3 malaysian reataurant in delaware!!!
How can Okura be the best traditional restaurant? all the sushi and rolls are fusion, is all made to cater for the western marker. and must i tell everyone that place is not even own by a japanese and none of the sushi chef and chef is from Japan. Utage used to be the only traditional restaurant in whole wilmington. too bad they closed down....
Michael Waite & Jill Quale for best morning dj? Yeah, if you want an automatic snooze button..zzzzzzzz
I ate at Capers and Lemons and have been to Dome 2 times since its opening
The Water feature at Capers and Bar at Dome are the best and only positive parts associated with my dining experience they are both bars that offer food I guess if you drink enough you wont notice the food
CAFE Gelatto is the most over rated restaurant in Delaware. Ryan (Owner) doesn't even have a decanter for patrons who want to enjoy rare and fine wines. Bet Wine Spectator didn't know that when giving an award to you.
Secondly, the service is so-so bc the servers usually are local college kids who usually don't have the slightest culinary aptitude to describe menu items.
Last: To even mention the chef in the same syllable with Jay Caputo from Espuma is laughable..lol
A better upstate selection would have been Michael DiBianca from Moro or Julio Lazarinni from Orillas Tapas Bar.
As for the down state selection: Matt Haley has a great philosophy keep it simple and mostly frozen. See Baby Lobstertails @ Bluecoast...lol
I would have to include the Penguin Diner in Bethany Beach for best breakfast place and best burgers! Their bacon cheddar burger is the best I have had!
I am incredulous Govatos is in the list. I only went there once and got inedible, stale candy. Maybe I picked a bad day or made a bad choice, but never going back.
How can you mention Del Rose and not mention their incredible home made ravioli? And great "gravy" too!
Glad to see Union City made the cut. Just had lunch there today and get over there whenever possible. Matt is a super nice guy and deserving of success. The decor is nice, it is comfortable, and you don't feel rushed. The food I've had there I've greatly enjoyed.