A Brunch for the Books
News we can use: Sunday brunch is back at Deerfield in Newark, and we couldn’t be happier. Why? First, the view. With windows from floor to ceiling in the dining area, there is no better place to greet the morning sun, even if morning is almost gone by the time you get there. The view is of the rolling golf course, and it is one of the most picturesque around. Second, and more important, is the food. The Deerfield crew measures 111 linear feet of buffet space that brims with every kind of brunch food you can imagine. There are stations for Belgian waffles and omelets (you pick the fillings); a raw bar with oysters, clams, shrimp—even sushi—carving stations with roasted meats; and, for dessert, a chocolate dipping station. And that is by no means the end of dessert options. Need we mention all the traditional breakfast foods and cereal bar? This is one of our faves. Take our word for it and book a rezzie as soon as you can. Brunch is served 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. most Sundays until May. Call 368-6640.
Steaked Out? Never
Does the world need another steakhouse? When that steakhouse is a Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, the answer is yes. Those Northern Delawareans who found the Centre Pointe Plaza location a bit out of the way may be glad to learn that a new Firebirds is finally open at 91 Wilmington-West Chester Pike in Chadds Ford. Expect much of the same: beautiful contemporary design, steaks and seafood grilled on an open flame, bold flavors, big burgers, super-sized salads and more. Whether you choose prime rib or pasta, you are in for a treat. A signature dish: lobster-spinach queso, made with spicy pepper-jack cheese and served with tortilla ships. We like. For more, call (484) 785-6880.
Slow Cookin’ at Abbott’s
Looking ahead, if you’re interested in slow food, Abbott’s Grill in Milford is the place to be on Oct. 22, when the staff will show you, the student, why slow cooking over low heat makes meats like brisket, short ribs and pork belly so indescribably delectable. Class is in session 10:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. You’ll learn to cook like a pro. Call 491-6736, or visit abbottsgrillde.com.
The Beer-Wine Extravaganza of the Year
Next day, Oct. 23, the place to be will be the Delaware Wine and Beer Festival. “handcrafted” is the theme of festival 2.0, to be held at Pizzadili Winery in Felton from noon until 5 p.m. “This event is a showcase for locally made wines, beers and artwork by local artisans, and a place where those who appreciate Delaware-made products can sample and enjoy them in one venue,” says Cindy Small of Kent County Tourism, producer of the event. “It is the only place where you can meet all of Delaware’s brewers and vintners in a single setting.” That means more than 30 wines and brews, as well as food by Pizzadili, handmade cigars from Veritas Cigars and delicious cheeses from Cabot Creamery Cooperative. This one just gets better with age, folks, so don’t miss it. Tickets are $25 until Oct. 17, $35 day of. Both include 10 sampling tickets. And if you blow through them, don’t worry—you can buy samples and glasses. Hit visitdover.com/winebeerfestival.
Artful Dining, Indeed
One for the day planner: An Evening of Artful Dining: A Preservationists’ Approach to Historic Buildings in Delaware at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover. It won’t happen until Nov. 13, but you’ll be treated to a three-course dinner by Molly Mason’s in Kennedyville, Md. As you dine, preservation consultant Katherine Adams Masek will discuss her studies of paints in historic Delaware buildings such as Fort Delaware, Woodburn in Dover, John Dickinson Plantation and others. The dinner is a beautifully unique way to see the Biggs. Tickets are $65. Reserve at biggsmuseum.org.
