The 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.

by Matt Amis, Maria Hess, Drew Ostroski, a host of guest critics (click on page 52 to meet them) and, of course, you Published June 16, 2009 at 08:21 AM

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Best Elegant Classic

Critics, upstate: The clout of Harry’s Savoy Grill hasn’t diminished since it opened in1988, and that allows the staff to please regulars with prime rib and lobster while simultaneously attracting a new breed of diners with a taste for more exotic ingredients and a fresh approach to wine. Even after expansions, renovations, recessions and a few experiments with ostrich meat, Harry’s has more swagger than ever. And the prime rib still rocks. (2020 Naamans Road, Wilmington, 475-3000)
Critics, downstate: Guiseppe Garramone opened a little pizza shop in 1973, and it became a Dover landmark. After all these years, there’s still no place like Roma. It’s a classy, yet comfortable place to go for a business lunch or for any special occasion. Roma’s servers, wearing traditional black-and-white uniforms, are friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Chef Joe Garramone, Guiseppe’s son, continues to produce awesome traditional Italian fare, plentiful seafood dishes, and popular specials such as seared Alaskan halibut served over lobster macaroni and cheese drizzled with truffle oil. All of the five veal entrées are a hit. The appetizers and soups are delicious and the bread, oh, the bread. And the antipasti and the… (3 President Drive, Dover, 678-1041)

Best Family Place

Readers, upstate: Johnnie’s Dog House (3401 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 477-1440)
Readers, downstate: (tie) Big Fish Grill (4117 Highway One, Rehoboth Beach, 227-9007) and XBOS (456 W. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna, 653-1800)
Critics, upstate: Borin respects the hard-working family that owns Mazzella’s Italian Restaurant. “The family has brought just the right taste of Italy to our community, serving over-the-top portions of pasta, chicken, veal and seafood at wonderful prices that give enough leftovers for the week,” she says. “Owners Domenico and Mafalda often bring their mothers over from Naples to help create the newest dishes.” Borin’s one complaint: “I know the family needs a day of rest, but I wish Mazzella’s was open on Sundays.” (729 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, 762-8722)
Critics, downstate: Tiny Villa Sorrento is a regular haunt for the Leishear family. “We take the kids there. It’s old-school Italian,” Mark Leishear says. “They do great, Italian family-style dinner. Kelly will typically get a margarita pizza. The white pizza is good. The pasta is great. There are big salads and great bread. And they’re not afraid to use the garlic, so be prepared.” (1551 Savannah Road, Lewes, 644-7051)

Best Flaming Coffee Drink

Critics, downstate: There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee, right? How about a flaming coffee? And by flaming, we mean coffee that is literally set on fire tableside. Paul and Bonnie Cullen will fight for a table at Back Porch Café just to sip its Café Flambé, a coffee tweaked with Kalúa, Galliano, Lewes Dairy whipping cream, sugar, lemon, cinnamon, and, of course, fire. (59 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-3674)

Best French Restaurant

Readers, upstate: The Green Room (11th and Market sts., Wilmington, 594-3154)
Readers, downstate: Béseme (142 Second St., Lewes, 645-8108)
Critics, upstate: The Grays enjoy Bon Appetit Gourmet Food Shoppe for its convenient location and relaxed atmosphere. “When you eat its sandwiches and phenomenal desserts, you can almost see the Avenue des Champs-Élysées,” Linda says. Manager Louisette Amblard’s entrées include vegetarian or meat quiche, salmon with dill, rich pâtés, and vegetarian soup made fresh daily. Her homemade chocolate croissants rule. (3629D Talleyville Shopping Center, Wilmington, 478-4344)

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