Labor Day weekend is here. It’s time to party, not time to cook (unless you’re grilling). So the Dining Insider went in search of some deals. Here are a few:
Start the weekend early to beat traffic on SR1. Thursday, head straight to Rehoboth’s iconic Back Porch for its weekly prix fixe ($38 per person). Here’s a sample of the menu from last week:
First Course: Choice of char grilled octopus, chorizo and borlotti bean ragout and gremoulata; or roasted eggplant and feta ravioli with cinnamon-basil pesto; or
buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto and pickled grapes; or brown sugar and tea-smoked duck breast with pickled ginger, sesame shiitake and jicama. Whew.
Main Course: Choose oven-roasted Guinea hen, pancetta-corn pudding, and stewed green tomato; or chili-cocoa rubbed wild king salmon with hearts of palm, sweet potato, and roasted poblano topped with salsa verde and watermelon jus; or grilled hanger steak au poivre with roasted garlic rapini and gorgonzola-sage polenta.
Then there’s dessert, and the choices are all just as tantalizing as the apps and entrees. For more, call 227-3674, or visit backporchcafe.com.
The first Friday of each month, Harry’s Savoy Grill in North Wilmington celebrates—what else?—First Friday, with a happy hour of live music, hors d’oeuvres and drink specials. Labor Day weekend is no exception. Party indoors or out in the beautiful courtyard. Either is a great way to start the weekend. Call Harry’s at 475-3000, or visit harrys-savoy.com.
Saturday night brings the usual Lobster Feast at Deep Blue Bar and Grill in Wilmington, which means $29 for three courses. The menu changes. Last week: gazpacho with lobster, egg and bacon; lobster macaroni and cheese; then roasted lobster tail with creamy corn and brown butter. It’s a deal. Call 777-2040, or visit deepbluebarandgrill.com. Or hit Doc Magrogan’s at Dover Downs for ladies’ night drink specials. Call 857-3223, or visit doverdowns.com/dining/doc-magrogans-oyster-house.
Sunday means the famous Pajama Brunch at Buckley’s Tavern in Centreville. Wear your PJs to eat your brunch for half price. Call 656-9776, or visit buckleystavern.org. If the weather allows dining outdoors, by all means…
More lobster—whole, fresh lobsters—$10 softshell crabs, $18 clambake pots and more during Sunday Seafood Suppers at delicious Nage in Rehoboth Beach. That’s not to mention specials on local seafood. Call Nage at 226-2037, or check nage.bz. Upstate, Sunday night also means a king cut of prime rib—14 whopping ounces—with soup or salad, potato, vegetables and a pint for $19.95 at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Wilmington and Newark. See more at ironhillbrewery.com.
Monday, Monday. You’re on your own. Meding & Son Seafood in Frederica has been running a special on crabs—half a dozen free with a dozen at regular price—but they’re not saying if they’re running the deal on Labor Day yet. You’ll have to call: 335-3944.
Party on.