After decades of thoughtful consideration (and too many helpings of Granny’s amazing pretzel-jello), I have come to realize that the truest expression of “the holiday spirit” isn’t gift-giving, or our predictably deluded New Year’s resolutions, or even smoochy family get-togethers.
The thread that truly binds the holidays together and keeps us sane through these hectic days is food – lots and lots of good food. For two glorious months, we eat as an excuse to get together; but also get together as an excuse to eat. Cookies are baked, cocktails are served, and before you can say “Bob’s your uncle,” Uncle Bob is snoring on the lounge chair again, bless his heart.
So as we lean somewhat unsteadily into this new year, it’s a fine time to remember that any season is a good season to embrace the magic of food and friendship. The new year has already delivered some solid new restaurants to Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, and so many more are coming in the year ahead.
To unrepentant cookie-monsters like myself, that just might be the best holiday gift of all.
Restaurants
The culinary scene of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley has its roots in the taverns and inns of Colonial times, where warm hospitality and…
WILMINGTON AREA
Hayworth & Finch Café, 1401 N. Dupont St., 11A Trolley Square Shopping Center, Wilmington. www.hayworthandfinch.com. Conceived by the same folks behind the mega-popular El Diablo Burritos, this counter-service “fast-casual bistro” seems the perfect pit stop for lunch. There are notched-up salads, wraps and smashburgers galore, and an absolutely scrumptious-looking Short Rib French Dip.
Spark'd Creative Pastry & Coffee, 1105 N. Market St., Wilmington. sparkdcreativepastry.com. This delectable little breakfast-and-lunchtime bakery/cafe has relocated from DE.CO Food Hall to the I.M. Pei Building, where executive pastry chef Leah Ferrara will impress you with her creative cupcakes, tarts and turnovers.
Nick’s Pizza Parlor & Bar, 1716 Marsh Road, Wilmington (Shoppes of Graylyn). nickspizza302.com. This one’s not quite open yet (target is February), but the buzz is already building about this pizza shop that went locally viral last year: After a brief stint south of Wilmington, Nick’s Pizza is relocating to the north side of town, where owner Nick Vouras will no doubt continue to amaze with his beautifully charred pies.
Spark'd
- 1105 N Market St.
Spark’d, brought to you by the creative minds at the HOTEL DU PONT Bake Shop, is Wilmington, Delaware’s most delightful and decadent destination to spark your sweet tooth and feed your caffeine fix…
NEARBY PENNSYLVANIA
1906 Restaurant and Bar & Lounge, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square (at Longwood Gardens). longwoodgardens.org/dine/1906. This quite possibly is the best “meal with a view” to come along in years. As part of a massive revitalization project, Longwood Gardens has unveiled an elegant dining room offering views of the spectacular fountains, and a “botanically inspired” menu highlighted by elevated French and Italian dishes. You may come for the foliage, but you’ll be glad you stayed for the truffles on your plate.
NEWARK AREA
Cafe Scalessa, 4414 Limestone Rd., Pike Creek (Linden Hill Station shipping center). cafescalessa.com. Scalessa’s original location in Wilmington was just too good for one town. This suburban spinoff stays true to its roots, touching on such comforting Italian-American delicacies as broccoli rabe with garlic, and a long-simmered Sunday Gravy with sweet sausage and pork.
The Greenhouse Gastropub, 102 E. Main St., Newark. thegreenhousede.com. Here’s the latest venture to occupy this unique setting inside a historic Main Street home (formerly Catherine Rooney’s/Hamilton’s on Main). Locally sourced ingredients drive the menu, and elevated ideals are embraced: Entrees swing from Italy (Wild Board Bolognese) to France (Seared Scallops with Apple Cider Buerre Blanc).
SOUTH OF NEWARK
Pithari Mediterranean Cuisine, 1 W. Main St., Middletown. www.pitharimc.com. For years I've wondered why more restauranteurs don’t embrace the healthy, vibrant flavors of Greece, Italy and the Middle East. Owner Dimitrios Tangalidis must have read my mind when he was crafting this menu highlighted by such temptations as Moroccan Shrimp, hand-cut pappardelle with braised beef, and roasted sea bass with red peppers, capers and olives.
Jackson House, 17 Wood St., Middletown. bluemezcalgroup.com/jackson-house. The owners of Southern Delaware’s popular El Azteca chain have made their way north and opened an outpost with a strikingly ambitious menu, ranging from Tex-Mex (naturally) to Italian to a lineup of more elevated entrees like Rack of Lamb and Duck Confit.
Augustine Tavern, 1919 St. Augustine Beach Road, Port Penn. www.augustinetavern.com. This stately 1814 brick building along the Delaware River has a great scenic location, a soothing historic vibe, and is near some of southern New Castle County’s best attractions (Lums Pond State Park, Historic Odessa and others). The familiar menu keeps a focus on favorites (wings, burgers, steaks, seafood), but really wins our hearts with its never-ending weekly specials (who couldn’t love a restaurant that offers a “Tomahawk Steak Tuesday”?)