 |
|
Courtesy of Bardea
|
Bardea Food & Drink, the long-planned Italian restaurant by Scott Stein and Chef Antimo DiMeo, opened on Friday, Sept. 14, at 620 N. Market Street.
The 5,000-square-foot eatery boasts 120 seats, plus a rectangular bar with 20 stools and outdoor seating. The refurbished building looms over the corner of 7th and Market streets, inside the former location of Kennedy Fried Chicken.
The menu includes “interpretive” takes on classic Italian dishes, with most ingredients sourced from Delaware Valley farmers and food purveyors, DiMeo says.
“Scott and I always try to set ourselves apart from everyone else, and while the perception of Italian food may generally be pasta with red sauce, we are going to purvey a much different type of Italian dining experience with our inspired interpretations of classic Italian dishes,” DiMeo says.
RELATED: Why Stitch House Brewery Is So Buzzworthy
Food and travel journalist Brian Freedman crafted the drink menu, which features craft beer, wine and cocktails developed to match with the entrees.
Stein and DiMeo first envisioned the project five years ago. Their concept was to look beyond “old-school, red-gravy Italian classics” and contribute something new to Wilmington’s burgeoning nightlife and restaurant scene.
“We love food and the process of creating innovative, delicious cuisine which our guests can share,” Stein says. “We encourage sharing pastas and dishes for the table so that our guests can try many of our menu items and experience a multitude of flavors and preparations.”
An earlier version of this article first appeared on the Delaware Business Times.
