Reader Mail

I was such a slacker last week that I've decided to give you an appetizer on the house today - Reader Mail, a little earlier.

But first, let me take care of some business.

Friday's Taste column is about the Dumpling House at 1828 W. 11th St. in Wilmington; 888-1828.

Here's a link to the column.

After three visits, I'm already a fan - though I debated sharing this restaurant with readers.

A few reasons: I probably won't get a seat there again and I'm not sure if the restaurant can handle an increase in business. Also, the four-month-old Dumpling House already has very loyal patrons who aren't going to be happy that I spilled the beans about this hidden restaurant (it almost feels like a private club.)....Please, don't kill the messenger, people, it's my job.

Just an FYI: I hear that Takumi, the Brandywine Hundred Japanese eatery taking over the Independence Mall location that formerly housed Utage, opens Monday. Get the chopsticks ready.

If you're a fan of Los Angeles Times food writer and author Russ Parsons, who penned "How to Pick a Peach: The Search for Flavor from Farm to Table", then head to his 7 p.m. Monday night "dessert" lecture at Longwood Gardens. I'll be there!

And a note to the Second Helpings reader about the La Tolnateca/La Tolteca query: I'm still working on an answer and I'll hopefully post it by Friday.

Now, onto the mailbag:

QUESTION: Patricia -- I heard that Vincente's closed. Do you know the story? I hope all is well with Mr. Mancari and his family. Any info you can share would be appreciated. T. Miller

ANSWER: Hi T. Vincente's has a long Delaware history. For years, the Italian eatery was on Lincoln Street in Wilmington and it was famous for its "talking menu" - that would be owner Vincent Mancari - as well as Mr. Mancari's theatrical tableside, homemade Caesar salads. I remember once one of my family members asked Mr. Mancari to explain the veal special he was offering that night and he actually drew a picture of it on the white tablecloth. Very endearing.

In recent years, the restaurant moved to Glen Mills, Pa., and, according to some readers and critic Eric Ruth, it had lost its luster. I tried to call the restaurant, but the number has been disconnected. Here’s the message posted on the web site:

Welcome To Vincente's Restaurant

We would like to thank everyone we had the pleasure to serve at our restaurant. Visit here for any updates if we reopen anywhere it will be posted here. You may still E-mail us at vincent@vincentesrestaurant.com and also to leave a comment visit our guestbook.

Thank you very much Vincente.

QUESTION: I got a call from David M. who wanted to know where to find good hush puppies... Also, when he lived in Key West, Fla., he said he ate snacks that were similar to hush puppies but flavored with garlic.

ANSWER: Anyone know where to find something like that around here? I'm drawing a complete blank....I know some local crabhouses offer hush puppies, but when I get crabs, my main concentrations is on the crustaceans and not any side dishes.

QUESTION: Dear Ms. Talorico: As a transplanted Washingtonian/New Yorker (missing the food of those two cities), I read your column with great interest. Last night, my husband and I ate at the Korean Barbeque and Sushi Bar at Liberty Plaza in Newark, where we have been many times. Since I haven't seen anything in the paper recently, I just wanted to let you know-the food is really fabulous there. The dumplings are the best I have had in this area, and the stir-fried pork with tofu is delicate and spicy. Perhaps you know this already! Best, Jessica W. Graae

ANSWER: Hi Jessica. Welcome to Delaware. I haven't been to the Korean Barbecue in years, but it's on my radar and we'll have something about it in an upcoming story. I can't say more yet, but keep reading The News Journal, www.

delawareonline.com.; and www.delawareonline.com/secondhelpings! Also, if you love dumplings, go to the Dumpling House. (See above.)

QUESTION: I visited the new restaurant today called Hot Plate not knowing what to expect, thinking it would be like the old Denny's. What a surprise. The food was great, service was polite, and the managers were ever present.There somethimg strange going on here - the employees love their jobs, the food was good, and the atmosphere was relaxing and family oriented, and the parking was plentiful. What a wonderful suprise! I suggest that you try it, and I'll guarantee that you'll like Hot Plate.

ANSWER: Thanks for the tip. You don't say where it is, but I'm guessing it's Hot Plate Family Restaurant, 1502 N. DuPont Highway (U.S. 13), New Castle; 322-8061.

Looks like I'm hopping in the car and checking this one out soon.