The Dining Insider: A blog about Labor Day restaurant specials at Back Porch Café, Harry's Savoy Grill, Deep Blue Bar & Grill, Doc Magrogan's and more.

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.

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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.

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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.
 

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