Social media posts that tease “IYKYK” are wink-wink references to insider information — the acronym stands for If You Know You Know. Wilmington foodies are using the hashtag to refer to Nick’s Pizza, a pop-up started by Nick Vouras. The business has no brick-and-mortar restaurant, business phone or website. So, if you want to sample Vouras’s praise-worthy pizzas, you need …
Food takeout, delivery still strong, but comes with cost
During the pandemic’s peak, restaurant takeout soared. Partly, that’s because it was the only option in spring 2020. However, more than a few consumers still haven’t dined inside, and others have grown accustomed to the convenience of taking dinner home or having it delivered. As a result, takeout is still trending. However, the demand can stress the kitchen, which is …
Move over, pubs and taphouses. Two Stones debuts a pizza place
Michael Stiglitz is justifiably proud of the chefs behind his six Two Stones Pubs and 2SP Tap House, located in New Castle County and southeastern Pennsylvania. But the culinary wizards and corporate chef Chris Meyer shook in their shoes when faced with the prospect of making one common dish. “They were all definitely scared of pizza,” Stiglitz recalls. “You have to deal with …
Hell’s Belles becomes newest bakery on Union Street
Wilmington’s Little Italy section has been home to some of Delaware’s most iconic bakeries. Take, for instance, DiFonzo’s, which opened here in 1945. After the Wilmington site closed in 2004, Black Lab Breads moved in. Meanwhile, Sheila Papa opened Papa’s Pastry Shop in 2001. Stephanie Grubb recalls each bakery. “As a kid, I remember coming down and going to all …
Celebrity chef Robbie Jester reveals brunch board secrets
On a Sunday afternoon in January, about 30 men and women packed a room at Bellefonte Brewing Co. in north Wilmington. Although they were sipping pints of beer, they were there for more than the craft brews. It was another sold-out class on board making taught by Robbie Jester, owner of Pizzeria Mariana and In Jest Events. The attendees were brushing elbows with a TV …
Espresso yourself: 4 new coffee shops open in Delaware
In Delaware, the new year started with a jolt — and that’s a good thing. Three independently owned coffee shops opened last month, proving that you can never have too many lattes. Like cleaners, banks and drug stores, every neighborhood seems to need a coffee shop — which is as it should be, according to Nicholas Qaabar, owner of …
Delaware’s Robbie Jester wins ‘Pressure Cooker,’ $100,000
Robbie Jester is not one to sleep late. But on Monday, Jan. 9, he snoozed until 10:30 a.m. “I almost felt guilty,” the chef acknowledged. Almost. But just about anyone would forgive the owner of Pizzeria Mariana in Newark. After all, it’s not every weekend that you celebrate winning $100,000 on Netflix. Jester is the champion of “Pressure Cooker,” a culinary competition that is a …
12 Delaware dishes worthy of trying in 2023
As my friends persistently point out, I eat out — a lot. But, hey, it’s part of my job and something my husband and I enjoy doing together. Consider it a hobby. While I’ve had many excellent meals since COVID-19 restaurant restrictions relaxed, some dishes stand out for one reason or another. Some are seasonal, others are specials, and several …
Robbie Jester is next Del. chef to compete on Netflix
Delaware’s food fans have a new reason to subscribe to Netflix. Local chef Robbie Jester is one of 11 contestants on “Pressure Cooker,” a reality competition starting on Friday, Jan. 6. To celebrate his TV appearance, Jester and friends are throwing a premier party at Bellefonte Brewing Co.’s North Wilmington location starting at 6 p.m. The public is invited, but Jester isn’t allowed to comment until …
Rehoboth’s Dru Tevis wins Food Network’s baking title
Ultimately, it was the choice between a mountain in Switzerland or a hammock in the Caribbean. The countries were cake themes in the Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship” finale on Monday, Dec. 19. The ombre blue mountain cake belonged to Dru Tevis, director of the pastry program for Rehoboth Beach, Delaware-based SoDel Concepts, who had consistently wowed the judges during the eight-week program. …