autumn

As summer wanes, autumn dining promises more fun

Pam George Culture, Headlines

The dining scene has been so active in August that autumn promises to bring more openings, closings, fundraisers and special events. This week, menus have expanded, new eateries opened, and a brewpub pays tribute to a beloved member of the hospitality industry. On Saturday, Aug. 26, Stitch House Brewery will hold the second FrankaPalooza to honor director of operations Frank “The Tank” Kaszeta, …

outdoor

10 new or improved spots in Delaware for outdoor dining

Betsy Price Culture, Headlines

Even before COVID-19, Delaware diners upped the demand for outdoor dining options, and alfresco spaces have become essential to many restaurant designs. Not surprisingly, space affects the size and style of the seating. Here are 10 to consider.   Quoin Rooftop The Quoin Hotel & Restaurant in downtown Wilmington covers a lot of bases.  The renovated Romanesque brownstone sports a …

Hammerheads Dockside Indian River Marina state contract Big Fish

Big Fish wins restaurant contract at Indian River Marina

Betsy Price Culture, Headlines

In a move that upset a lot of beach diners, the state has awarded a 10-year restaurant contract at Indian River Marina to Big Fish Restaurant Group, essentially booting Hammerheads Dockside out of a location it’s had for a decade. The contract, open to all bidders, came under scrutiny at the end of January when Hammerheads went public with an …

Uncle John's

Uncle John’s BBQ opens in former Claymont gas station

Pam George Culture, Headlines

John Berl doesn’t like to sit still, and his average walking pace would make some breathless. A few weeks after the long-awaited Uncle John’s BBQ Stand finally opened, he was zipping from the dining room through the open kitchen to the area holding the giant smoker — and back again. The restaurant at 2509 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont debuted Nov 15, but …

Festive holiday dining for 2022

5 festive holiday places to drink, dine

Pam George Culture, Headlines

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in these tasty Delaware spaces decorated for a festive holiday. Klondike Kate’s Sleigh Bar in Newark and Blitzen in Wilmington have returned to serve a cup of good cheer. To the south, Above the Dunes in Rehoboth is debuting a Miracle Pop-Up on Nov. 21. Schellville in Rehoboth has expanded its food and beer offerings, and Benvenuto in Milford has become a …

Summer House

Beach’s iconic Summer House sold to Nalu’s owner

Pam George Culture, Headlines

  When Regan Derrickson was 21, he left work at the SandCastle Motel and crossed Rehoboth Avenue for his doorman shift at the Summer House, where he checked patrons’ identification. It was a fast-paced job. The restaurant, which had opened in 1977, was a happening nightspot after 9 p.m. The establishment personified the beach vibe, and it was the inspiration …

Bellevue Diner (Ken Mammarella photo)

Bellevue Diner opening on Philadelphia Pike

Ken Mammarella Headlines, 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 George Food, 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 …

Delaware Burger Battle returns Aug. 27

Burger Battle returns Aug. 27 after pandemic hiatus

Betsy Price Culture, Headlines

  The Delaware Burger Battle, which spawned winners such as Maiale Deli’s Mexican Burger and Metro Grill’s Peach Burger, returns Saturday, Aug. 27. Ten entries will vie for the burger trophy, with three others going for the alternative burger title. A fundraiser for the Food Bank of Delaware and the Delaware ProStart Program, the battle will start at noon at …

46B3CEDB 40DD 4C92 BC66 A324FFF507AB 1 201 a

Bardea Steak’s ‘meat kingdom’ wows guests during soft opening

Pam George Food, Headlines

In any good story, the main characters face an obstacle or two. In this tale, restaurateur Scott Stein and chef Antimo DiMeo, founders of Bardea Food & Drink in Wilmington, encountered more than their share while opening another restaurant. Take, for instance, an unexpected pandemic, rising food costs and supply chain issues. These adversaries seemingly conspired to keep the partners …