Welcome to Home Skillet, where all the chocolates have little finger holes poked in them. Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all (especially all the ladies). Plenty of area restaurants are celebrating with special dinners, and there’s one great chance to pig out on chocolate, so let’s get right into it.
Thursday, February 12: What better way to kick off Valentine’s weekend than with a heaping dose of chocolat. The third annual Wilmington Chocolate Festival invites pro chefs, bakers and amateurs to the Wilmington Library to show off their waistline-expanding, endorphin-releasing best in cakes, cookies, candy and brownies.
Wilmington dessert luminaries like Serpes Bakery, Papa’s Pastries, and Cakes by Kim will be in attendance, says Neda Green, who works with the Friends of the Wilmington Library.
The fest opens to the public at 11 a.m., but special activities for kids start at 9 a.m. Things wrap up at around 3 p.m. or while supplies last (in other words, get there early to get the good stuff). The entrance fee is a mere buck, and taste tickets are 25 cents each. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Wilmington Library. Call 571-7407 for more and click here to register. I’ve been asked to judge the contest, so look for a recap and photos next week.
And hey, while you’re at the library, here’s some recommended reading: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Like Water for Chocolate,” “Chocolat,” and, of course, the timeless classic, “The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse.”
Thursday, February 12-Friday, February 13: The first in our V-Day restaurant package extravaganza comes from Brandywine Prime Seafood and Chops, which is hosting a six-course champagne dinner that includes sexy foods like oysters, mushroom caps, beef tartare and, um, osso bucco. Full menu here.
The cost is $65 per person, plus tax and tip, OR you can upgrade to the Prime Package for a mere $295 per couple. This gets you a overnight stay in a king fireside Jacuzzi suite at nearby Brandywine River Hotel. Hubba hubba! Reserve by calling 610-388-8088
Friday, February 13-Sunday, February 15: Newark’s primo Valentine’s Day spot, Caffe Gelato, is offering a special Valentine’s dinner all weekend. Each dinner, which runs $129 per couple, includes a glass of Domaine Chandon Rosé Champagne and a full bottle of Sterling Riesling. The only catch is, the Caffe is only doing six seatings per day, so reserve fast, reserve early and reserve often. Do it here.
Friday, February 13: Dudes, grab your bottle-openers and camping gear—it’s Bubblefest! Head to Deep Blue Friday beginning at 6:30 p.m. to taste champagne and sparkling wine hand-selected by Moore Brothers Wine Company. It’s only $40 and light hors d’oeuvres will be served.
A full wine list is here http://www.deepbluebarandgrill.com/090213_Bubblefest.pdf
To reserve, call 777-2040, or click on this.
Saturday, February 14: In a stunning development, classy Harry’s Savoy Grill also has a Valentine’s Day special prepared. The restaurant’s four-course, price-fixed menu features its famous prime rib au jus, Fanny Bay oysters, Maine lobster, seared juniper-scented Blue Star Farm white tail deer, and much, much more. Reserve early at 475-3000.
Saturday, February 14: For true, unbeatable Valentine’s Day swankiness, it has to be the Green Room. Hotel du Pont’s most famous restaurant is featuring the One Night package that includes parking, overnight accommodations and an “opulent” six course dinner for two at the Green Room. Depending on the room choice, costs can range from around $430 well into the $1,000 range.
Call 594-3154 to make a reservation.
Also: Six Paupers in Hockessin is dishing out a special menu for the occasion, as is Blue in Rehoboth Beach—which will serve entrees like miso-glazed Hawaiian sea bass, grilled rack of lamb, lobster tail stuffed with crab imperial and more.
Slightly altered digs: Ameritage Bistro is now Ameritage Restaurant and Lounge. The new menu has an international flare. In fact, the chefs will take diners to a different culinary destination every two months. The first stop: France. Check them out. More to come as we gather some details.