When you live near the Baja California border, there’s no shortage of authentic Mexican fare—from fresh-baked sea bass reeled in that morning to mom-and-pop taco stands serving up all the traditional toppings on house-made tortillas. Jalapeño Grill is like a taste of San Felipe in downtown Wilmington, including the warm and welcoming waitstaff. You can’t go wrong with the menu here, but the Baja Fish Tacos have become a lunchtime favorite, served with either Mexican soda or a Pacífico—depending on how much editing I have to do that afternoon.
—Ashley Breeding, Senior Editor
Bardea has really changed the landscape of dining in downtown Wilmington, and I love to stop by their Pizzeria Bardea stall in DE.CO for a quick but out-of-the-ordinary lunch. I’m obsessed with the Tuna Poke bowl, which includes farro, English peas, scallions, mango, cucumber, sesame and spicy ponzu aioli. It’s light and refreshing, with a little bit of spice, and makes my lunch feel a bit more special than a typical salad.
— Meg Ryan, Associate Editor
Hot dogs are by no means health food, but their status as a “sometimes treat” might slot them into the category of mental health food for that forbidden thrill they give us. When that craving comes on, the Southern Comfort dog at Johnnie’s Dog House and Chicken Shack—topped with a healthy portion of beef chili and creamy coleslaw—rocks it just like the drive-ins and burger joints in the Carolinas. Pair it with fries and a Coke. You won’t win any healthy heart points with your doctor, but your soul will be satisfied.
—Scott Pruden, Executive Editor
Published as “Order Up” in the February 2020 issue of Delaware Today magazine.
