Read the Delaware Today Editor’s Letter: August 2013

A word from Delaware Today Editor-in-Chief, Maria Hess.

Diets, diets, diets. Most of us have struggled through them—some more successfully than others. There are months of low-carb, low fat, low, low, low. This is not one of those months.

I have to give credit where it’s due. My boss, publisher Rob Martinelli, came up with the theme of this month’s dining guide. Our colleagues nationwide produce excellent “Cheap Eats” features, but most of them go for the true cheapie stuff: the hot dogs, burgers, etc. Rob’s idea was to go upscale by finding the best deals for the best food. It made sense to me. There are so many upscale and iconic restaurants in Delaware, but there’s no crime in getting the most for our money when we patronize them.

We embarked on the hunt for deals by eliciting the talents of Pam George, one of the hardest working freelance writers in the state. She scoured our three counties, did taste tests, put notes out to her Facebook friends—I’m one of them— and got the goods. The trick is not about knowing where to go, but when. You won’t believe the deals that some of our best chefs are cooking up.

- Advertisement -

I suggest you keep this comprehensive guide around the house, since we mention bargains that hit year-round. Some of our downstate restaurants boast off-season bargains, some don’t. (Many close in winter.) Keep this for future reference.

We did chose to add a bonus section that includes the burgers, dogs, burritos and tacos—because we admit to loving those foods, too. There are those days when a juicy burger is just what the doctor ordered (well, maybe not the doctor). Mostly, though, this guide focuses on upscale food—and, with all that newfound cash you’ll save by reading this, I hope you’ll visit our local restaurants more.

Another incredible writer, Bob Yearick, offers a great read about UD’s new football coach, Dave Brock. Thanks to Bob’s investigative skills, we reveal facts about the hiring (and previous coach) seen nowhere else. The story will appeal to everyone. I don’t know a thing about football, yet I found the story well-paced and exciting. And it comes just in time for the season’s opening game on Aug. 29.

Finally: the pets. I want to thank the readers who sent photos of their beloved pets, and those who voted. There were 1,491 votes for the 148 nominees. Our job was to choose 10. We did this after much debate, but it wasn’t easy. I know some of our pet owners will be disappointed. Just know that we were thrilled to ooh and ahh over every single animal, but space prohibited us from showcasing all of them.

The pet feature, is a masterpiece designed by art director, Beth Weiss. The owners brought their pets to our office for the shoot, and we thank them for the treats—not for us, sadly—for their pets. I especially want to salute our staff photographer, Ron Dubick, for his tremendous work. I always knew Ron had a way with people—now I see he has a way with cats and dogs, too. If you think getting some of these animals on a table about 3-feet high, and then getting numerous shots is easy, think again. I also want to thank the entire Delaware Today staff for allowing the pets to take over the office for two days.

- Partner Content -

This month’s issue is packed with great stories. I hope you’ll explore it and share your thoughts. We welcome all comments—positive or negative—and we love to print your letters, tweets or emails in the magazine.

Enjoy this last month of summer.

♦ For more from the August Issue click here.

Our Best of Delaware Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.