Breaking Down the Best Breakfasts, Bloody Marys and Signature Dishes in Delaware

PLUS: Delaware Today’s Annual Pet Guide and a personal look at Delaware-bred Pat Ciarrocchi

If you’re not hungry after reading this issue, we’ve done something wrong. Yes, spring is here. We’re braced for swimsuit season. But you have to eat. Why not explore Delaware’s culinary wonders?

I knew that assigning Pam George to the “What’s for Breakfast?” feature was a good idea when she suggested the Bloody Mary sidebar. If you happen to enjoy the cocktail, you’ll learn whose Marys are the spiciest and most exotic. We’ve also paid homage to our diners, Sunday and brewpub brunch spots and bagel joints. Of course, we have a rundown of Delaware-made breakfast products, so you’ll know where to find them.

The food reporting doesn’t stop with breakfast. Matt Amis’ review of Cabo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar in Rehoboth Beach proves that once again, Chef Jay Caputo is the supreme foodie. In “Unmistakable Signatures,” Mark Nardone details online his list of signature dishes, like the whole fish at Soffritto Italian Grill in Newark, the cioppino at Roma in Dover, and the fried baby lobster tails at Matt Haley’s Blue Coast Seafood Grill in Bethany Beach. You can see the complete list at delawaretoday.com.

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Corner Bistro, my personal favorite spot in North Wilmington, gets some ink for its Parmesan-crusted chicken, but sadly, the basa fish with lemon basmati rice entrée is no more. I’ve been nagging owner Mickey Donatello about my former meal obsession for at least two years now, to no avail. I see those eyes roll every time I mention it, Mickey. I swear he sprints to the nearest emergency exit whenever he sees me coming.

We do step away from the table for some interesting reads. Theresa Gawlas Medoff offers a piece on KYW’s Pat Ciarrocchi. Pat may be the queen of Philly TV news, but her heart belongs to Delaware. Theresa met with Pat on the KYW set, and we’re thrilled that this formidable personality shared her Delaware stories.

We also welcome two new talents to the fold: Writer Colleen Gourley produced the best pet guide you’ll see anywhere, and art director Beth Weiss designed our elegant feature well. Welcome to the family, ladies. We applaud your considerable talents.
Enjoy the issue.


Mark Nardone 
I’m not one to turn down a free lunch, so it was an extra pleasure to celebrate the launch of the Delaware Culinary Trail at Harry’s Savoy Ballroom with Linda Parkowski and Heather Kenton of Delaware Tourism, their boss, Alan Levin, contributor Pam George, several local restaurateurs and others. The food was great. The conversation with Matt DiSabatino of Striper Bites and other fine places was better.

Ron Dubick
On a hot day last July I had the pleasure of photographing the home of Stephanie Antosca Boright and her family in Lewes for this month’s home story (page 32). They’ve done a fabulous job renovating their beautiful home on Mulberry Street. It shows what determination and a lot of hard work can do to create a terrific living environment. And, it helps keep this quaint little Delaware town looking good.

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Drew Ostroski
Helping gather local products for this month’s food feature was a hoot. I found some Kirby & Holloway scrapple, then grabbed a gallon of Hy-Point milk at Walgreens. After the photo shoot, I enjoyed delicious oatmeal-raisin cookies from Big Sky Bread Co. But the coolest thing was grilling turkey sausage from T.A. Farms in Kent County. It was very tasty. Now, let’s crack open The Starboard’s famous Bloody Mary mix.
 

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