“It’s a huge honor,” says Bill Hoffman, chef and owner, with his wife, Merry Catanuto, of our editors’ 2016 award for Best Restaurant in Delaware. Their House of William and Merry in Hockessin copped one of the most coveted categories after only five years in business. “We were so surprised,” Bill says. “There are a lot of really great restaurants in Delaware.”
And he has worked at several of them. On his way up, Bill watched many of his previous employers take Best Chef and Best Restaurant slots—iconic chefs such as Dan Butler of Piccolina Toscana and Tonic, Tom Hannum of Buckley’s Tavern and, in the past, the esteemed Hotel du Pont, and Patrick D’Amico, formerly of Eclipse Bistro, the hotel and the Harry’s Group, now owner of the much ballyhooed Metro Pub in Middletown.
“I’ve cooked in Delaware my whole life,” Bill says. “Now here we are. It comes full circle.”
If you want to test Bill’s talents, you can visit the cozy House of William and Merry, where the produce of local farms and seasons drive a menu that always offers something fresh and new. You can also visit his table at the Best of Delaware party at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino on July 21. Bill plans to serve a foie gras torchon with a strawberry preparation—something either pickled, geléed or powdered.
“I want to do something dynamic and luxurious,” Bill says. “Foie gras is a passion of mine. This will be cool on a hot day, and it hits the appetizer and dessert notes with the combination of sweet and savory flavors.”
Come see The House of William and Merry — and many other Best of Delaware winners — at our Best of Delaware party on July 21. Head to our Best of Delaware party homepage to purchase tickets and find more information. Browse the 2016 Best of Delaware winners here.
