Summer Lovin’
We’re sorry to see the seasonal end of the incomparable Sunday brunch at Deerfield, but we’re happy to see patio dining hours at the Pub & Grille expanded till 9 p.m. The view is exceptional, and the burgers—at 10 ounces of beef each—have to be the biggest in the state. Don’t forget to stop by after work for happy hour, 4:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. every day. Fridays feature live music from 9 p.m. till 9 p.m. by some of the area’s most popular bands, as well as the new Friday Rum Bar, with special prices on drink specialties. Or try desserts like the the chocolate rum trifle and flaming rum Baba. You’ll just have to taste them. So, till brunch returns in October, Friday is the new Sunday. Be there.
And speaking of Deerfield, big eaters will want to check this out: The Doomsday Burger—two 10-ounce Angus burgers topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and applewood smoked bacon and stuffed with a grilled cheese sandwich. If you can tackle it, Deerfield will put your name n the “survivors” plaque on the pub wall, then wheel you to your car. Your Insider can’t resist that challenge. deerfieldgolfclub.com
Square Deals
The Downtown Wilmington Farmers’ Market at Rodney Square is back in 2012 for its ninth season. That means Wednesdays from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. is the place to shop. There are more than 75 vendors from across the region, offering fresh produce, home baked goods, prepared foods, fresh cut flowers and plants, and handcrafted items. “The city is really pleased to sponsor the Downtown Farmer’s Market, which is a wonderful city tradition,” says Mayor James Baker. “The patrons really enjoy the convenience of the market as well as the quality of the merchandise. But equally enjoyable is the sense of community the market provides.” The Insider agrees. 425-0196, WilmingtonDE.gov
Start Wining
Here’s a first we expect will become the first of many: The Brandywine Food & Wine Festival, presented by The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail and The Town Dish, on June 9 in West Chester, Pa. About 15 area wineries will offer tastings while you graze on a variety of foods made by local artisan cheese makers, beekeepers, restaurants and caterers. There will also be local crafts, as well as local bands Big Package Band and Amy Ash & the Volcanoes. Among the highlights, Jonathan Amann, chef at Amani’s BYOB restaurant and two-time winner of Best Chef in Chester County, will conduct a demonstration pairing local foods with local wine. And Victor Ykoruk, winery and vineyard advocate for Pennsylvania, will conduct two wine seminars about locally grown and produced Chambourcin and Chardonnay grapes. Live and silent auctions feature such prizes as free rental of the special events room at Black Walnut Winery (value $375), season passes for Kreutz Creek Vineyard’s summer concert series (value $100) and private rental of the tasting room at Penns Woods Winery (value $250). All the fun happens from noon till 6 p.m. at Myrick Conservation Center. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. We’re stoked. (610) 444-3842, pawinefestival.com
Here’s to Beer
Here’s en event that reminds us that beer depends on agriculture (duh): The Botany of Beer at the Delaware Center for Horticulture. On June 9 Julie Jenney of Scott Arboretum will discuss the process of making beer and its botanical components, styles of beer, what glasses to use and why shape matters. If you’re a home brewer or aficionado of craft beers, you’ll get inspiration, tips and a darned fascinating history lesson. Admission includes and plenty of good food and drink from neighboring Scratch Magoo’s and Veritas Wine & Spirits on the Riverfront. Register online. Cheers. thedch.org
The Best Way to Begin Summer
We can’t wait for Downtown Rehoboth Beach Restaurant Week June 3-9. Look who’s in: Hari Cameron’s new a(MUSE.), the classic Adriatico, fun stop Arena’s, the sublime Back Porch Café, trendsetting Blue Moon, Jay Caputo’s new Cabo Modern Mexican Tequila Bar, charming Café Azafran—and that doesn’t even get us through the ABCs. Thanks to Rehoboth Beach Main Street, the best restaurants in every foodie’s favorite town will offer three-course dinners for $20 and-or $30 prix-fixe dinners, many with wine pairings (or beer, or sake) for s small upcharge. Some even offer a $10-$15 prix-fixe lunch menu. Who else is in? There’s Catchers, The Cultured Pearl, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, Eden Restaurant, Espuma, Jam Bistro, Lupo di Mare, Pig + Fish Restaurant Company, Stingray Sushi Bar & Asian Latino Grill, Victoria’s Restaurant and many more—over 30 in all. So mark your calendar. To see the menus as they’re announced, hit the website. downtownrehoboth.com