Chef Antimo DiMeo was also named a semifinalist for the award in 2022. (All photos by Neal Santos)

Bardea’s Antimo DiMeo named James Beard Award semifinalist for 2nd time

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Food

Antimo DiMeo, the executive chef for Bardea Food & Drink on Wilmington’s Market Street, has been named a semifinalist for being one of the nation’s top chefs. He’s the only Delaware semifinalist this year for the prestigious James Beard Award, a recognition started in 1990 to honor leaders in the culinary and food media industries, and those in the broader …

Natural Sweeteners founderrs

Natural Sweeteners’ quest to save manufacturers money on costly sugar supplies gains momentum

Sara UzerBusiness, Food, Headlines, Health

NEWARK – The tipping point that told Kasia Biggin her idea to make zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia taste better came when her team attended the Natural Products Expo West in California in March. “We brought samples of our sweeteners and marketed them by approaching all of the companies that we wanted to get a review from,” says Kasia, who started …

Gingerbread man -- Joe Daigle

DE Gingerbread Man runs, runs, runs as fast as he can on Food Network

Ken MammarellaEntertainment, Food, Headlines

This article contains spoilers (down at the end). BRANDYWINE HUNDRED — Delawarean Joe Daigle, who in 2022 with a friend won $10,000 from the Food Network for his gingerbread skills, was invited back by the cable channel for another challenge. Alone. “No pastry chef this time,” Daigle said, referring to friend Sean McGovern, who has that job at the Urban …

Dana Herbert King of Cakes

‘King of Cakes’ Dana Herbert is back in TV competition mode

Pam GeorgeCulture, Food, Headlines

  NEWARK — Dana Herbert understands why Mike Tyson would reenter the spotlight. “You want to climb back into the ring every so often,” says the John Dickinson High School graduate. Herbert, however, wears an oven mitt, not a boxing glove, and his ring is the commercial kitchen on “Cookie, Cupcake, Cake,” on Hulu, which dropped the entire season Nov. …

Kevin Reading’s latest gives locals more tasty options.

Abbott’s Grill is Now Open in Milton

Pam GeorgeHeadlines, Food

It was a Sunday in summer, and diners cooled their heels at the bar for up to 30 minutes, waiting for a table. The standby status wouldn’t raise an eyebrow in Rehoboth or even Lewes. But the new Abbott’s Grill is on the outskirts of Milton, north of Lewes. Regardless, reservations were needed. The packed restaurant was a good sign, …

Tom’s Hand “Craft”ed Pizza Cones

Delaware food truck puts pizza in a cone

Pam GeorgeFood, Headlines

Tom Craft doesn’t stray far from the kitchen. The co-founder of 2 Fat Guys American Grill in Hockessin is a full-time culinary arts instructor at Delcastle Technical High School. Consequently, he has summers off. Since partner Jeff Cook handles the restaurant’s on-site operations, Craft wanted a productive part-time gig, which, of course, involves food. Introducing  a surprising twist on the traditional slice. …

Nicola Pizza

Nicola Pizza move to Lewes 1 year ago ‘better for everyone’

Katie KazimirFood, Headlines

Dan Huber of Wilmington, a self-dubbed “weekend townie” who’s had a second residence in Lewes since childhood, vividly recalls being at Nicola Pizza in Rehoboth Beach when it opened  half a century ago. He was 12 and said his family was the third or fourth group to be seated at Nicola’s First Street location on June 11, 1971. “We felt …

Jimmie Allen and The Frozen Farmer founder Katey Evans show off their new flavor.

Jimmie Allen, Frozen Farmer partner for new ice cream flavor

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Food

A Delaware country music star and a Bridgeville creamery are partnering to bring a new ice cream flavor to shelves across America.  Jimmie Allen, who topped the music charts with his singles “Big Shot” and “Make Me Want To” in 2018 andThe Frozen Farmer in are inspired by his mother’s cooking. Among his accolades are winning the Country Music Association Award …

Bellevue Diner (Ken Mammarella photo)

Bellevue Diner opening on Philadelphia Pike

Ken MammarellaHeadlines, Food

  The family that owns the Sungate Diner is replicating the popular menu of the Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, landmark in Delaware. The Bellevue Diner opens Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 703 Philadelphia Pike, north of Wilmington and less than a mile south of the historic Bellevue Hall that gives it its name. The space once housed Jimmy’s Restaurant, and George Argiroudis …

Falafel is having a moment in Delaware

Falafels seem to be having a moment in Delaware

Pam GeorgeFood, Headlines

  For me, it started with the 1995 film “Party Girl.” Parker Posey’s funky character, Mary, regularly visited the same food cart to request a falafel with hot sauce, a side order of baba ghanoush and a seltzer. I was fascinated, having never had a falafel. So, what was this dish that seemed so cosmopolitan? Why did street food sound …