It took us far too long to find The Kitchen, but we’re glad we finally did. The latest from chef Ray Richardson and his wife, Lisa, former owner of the excellent Second Street Grille in Lewes, is a comfortably contemporary place where classics are prepared with all the care and flair as they were at its fancier forebear. That means your chicken pot pie comes with large chunks of fresh-roasted poultry topped with a delicious homemade biscuit, your shrimp and grits gets roasted peppers and shaved Romano, and your crab cake comes with Sussex County succotash. (What could be more appropriate?) You’ll find higher-end items such as filets, too, as well as an ever-changing gallery of local art curated by builder-landscape designer Libby Zando of Milton. All together, it makes for a very tasteful experience. The locals know. Visitors are finding it out, too. (16388 Samuel Paynter’s Blvd., Milton; 827-4050, thekitchen-atpayntersmill.com)—Mark Nardone
Ray and Lisa Richardson: Owners of The Kitchen in Milton
