Itâs not often that you get to meet your idols. But during the James Beard Awards events in Chicago this past weekend, Delawareâs Matt Kern chatted with Elizabeth Faulkner, a âTop Chefâ alum and âa hero of mine for probably 20 years,â said Kern, chef-owner of One Coastal in Fenwick Island. He met Michel Nischan, another hero, and Kevin Tien …
Matt Kern, chef and owner of One Coastal in Fenwick Island, is a semifinalist for a James Beard Award in the Best Chef Mid-Atlantic category. This is Kernâs third semifinalist nomination. He was a semifinalist in 2019 and 2020 while working at Heirloom in Lewes. âItâs way different,â this time, said Kern, who purchased One Coastal from Scott and Carlie Carey in 2022. âI have …
When Heirloom opened in 2015, some wondered if Lewes could support a fine-dining, farm-to-table concept. The town rolls up the streets by 10 p.m., even in summer, and Rehoboth Beach had claimed culinary bragging rights. Not only did Heirloom prove them wrong, but Meghan Leeâs restaurant remains fresh and inventive. Clearly, customers havenât suffered from a seven-year itch. Indeed, although …
As Delaware slides into August, our appetite for fresh produce and easy meals expands. Enter restaurants and food festivals, which offer a place to eat and socialize. Hereâs the skinny on Delawareâs dining scene.  Beefsteak tomatoes, burgers & blueberry pies The Delaware State Fair continues through July 29, and while the fair boasts a heavy roster of entertainment, it also …
As my friends persistently point out, I eat out â a lot. But, hey, itâs part of my job and something my husband and I enjoy doing together. Consider it a hobby. While Iâve 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 …
In the mid-20th century, Lewes, Delaware, was known for menhaden fish factories, and locals referred to the distinct aroma as the âsmell of money.â The odor kept many tourists away, which in turn kept developers from tearing down city blocks to build motels. Bicentennial-related activism â and the death of the local menhaden fishery â led to preservation initiatives and a listing …
Thompson Island is one of many places in or near Delaware where diners can celebrate spring. Restaurants are gearing up for a busy spring season â Easter, Motherâs Day and grads-and-dads events are on the horizon. Menus are now full of seasonal flavor â think ramps, asparagus, fiddlehead ferns â and as the calendar flips to April, dining outside …
