In case you missed it—and we can’t believe you did—The Best of Delaware Party is coming. Celebrate everything that makes this a great place to be—especially food—July 17 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. It’s the fete of the year. Just to whet your appetite, here are a few of the winners, as chosen by Delaware Today’s food critics. We start with the fun stuff.
Burgers
Critics, downstate: Of the three beef burgers at the Rose & Crown, we can’t get enough of the Best Damn Bacon Burger. The bacon is ground into the beef, so every bite bursts with smoky goodness. The cheddar cheese and carmelized onions on top are classic.142 Second St., Lewes, 827-4475, roseandcrownlewes.com
Critics, over the line: You won’t find it on the dinner menu at Brandywine Prime Seafood & Chops (unless you’re looking at the kids’ menu), but you can ask for an adult-sized sandwich of prime beef flame broiled your way. Perfect. 1617 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pa., (610) 388-8088, brandywineprime.com
Cheesesteaks
Critics, upstate: No matter where you live, Naamans Pizzeria is worth the drive to North Wilmington. The steaks are generously portioned, the rolls are delicious and the cheesy is so, so cheesy. 3100 Naamans Road, No. 9, Wilmington, 477-0288, naamanspizzeria.com
Critics, downstate: High Stakes Bar and Grill originated in the Philadelphhia area, so it’s only natural that it should make a mean cheesesteak. That means yours comes topped with Cheez Whiz, not melted American. You may be enjoying it while watching a game at the beach, but it’s still Eagles-Phillies-Flyers-Sixers country here. 5799 Lighthouse Cove, Fenwick Island, 537-6971, highstakesbarandgrill.com
Crab Cakes
Critics, upstate: Chefs come and go, but, fortunately, not at the Courtyard by Marriot Newark-University of Delaware, where chef Mark Chopko creates crab cakes we’d die for. The recipe is a secret, natch. 48 Geoffrey Drive, Newark, 456-3800, marriott.com
Critics, downstate: At David Twining’s Nantuckets, you’ll get Nanny’s recipe and garlic aïoli in the sandwich. For dinner, you’ll enjoy the secret Maryland recipe with caper remoulade. Either way, you can’t miss. 601 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island, 539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Fried Chicken
Critics, upstate: Lettie’s Kitchen is all about home cookin’. Outside of Wilmington, it’s the go-to place for great fried chicken to go. 1318 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 239-7816, lettieskitchen.com
Critics, downstate: Jimmy’s Grille sells a quarter-million pieces of fried chicken a year. There must be a reason. Order it solo, with barbecued ribs or with a crab cake, which is just as good as the chicken. 18541 S. Main St., Bridgeville, 337-7575, jimmysgrille.org
Ribs
Critics, upstate: The contemporary wood work at Ulysses American Gastropub, puts us in mind of wood smoke, which puts us in mind of their delicious ribs. Chef Alex Shimpeno coats them with a zesty sauce based on Palm Belgian Ale or a Moroccan barbecue sauce. Your choice. And the price is right. 1716 Marsh Road, Wilmington, 691-3456, ulyssesgastropub.com
Critics, downstate: Simply put, it’s what they do at Bethany Blues BBQ. Whether you choose hickory-smoked St. Louis style ribs or braised baby backs with the zesty house sauce, you won’t go wrong. Bethany Blues BBQ Pit, 6 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Bethany Beach, 537-1500, bethanyblues.com; Bethany Blues BBQ, 18385 Coastal Hwy., Lewes, 644-2500, bethanyblues.com/lewes/
For more winners, click here.
