Reader mail

Hey food fans. So sorry for the very late Friday version of Reader Mail, but you know what they say about better late than never.....

I've had to take some very unexpected, beyond-my-control time off and probably won't be blogging regularly again for at least a week. I'll try to post when I can, so please keep checking back.

Remember, Buddy Hurlock's Regular Guy Grub runs every Tuesday.

Send your dining questions to me at ptalorico@delawareonline.com.

Every Friday. You ask. We answer.

In other food news: I've already heard raves about Julio Lazzarini's new tapas restaurant, Orillas, on Market Street in Wilmington. (And not from Julio and his family members.) These are kudos from trusted Second Helping fans and food lovers who aren't getting paid to say nice things and who are NOT related to Julio.) I can't wait to check it out.

Also, a big shout-out to Marvin, our server at Harry's Seafood Grill.

Marvin, my man, you are wonderful at your job. It was a pleasure sitting at one of your tables. (Note to Harry owners Xavier and David: Give this guy a raise. When the food and the service is this superb, you don't mind spending hard earned cash to dine out.)

Here's the mailbag:

QUESTION: Hi Pat.

In your column of Friday, October 17 - [and in Second Helpings in September] - one of your readers asked for information about Vincente's Restaurant. I am pleased to tell you that Vincent Mancari and family will be re-opening Vincente's at a new location - Library Plaza on Kirkwood Highway, near the entrance to Delaware Park, next door to the (under renovation) New Castle County Library. They expect to open within a month or so. More details to follow from Mr. Mancari.

John Osborn, Property Manager for Library Plaza.

ANSWER: For those who don't know, Vincent Mancari - who, for years, ran Vincente's on Lincoln Street in Wilmington and later at restaurant in Glen Mills, Pa. - is well-known for his "talking menu" and tableside Caesar salads. Longtime Vincente's fans with fond memories are going to be very, very happy about this news.

QUESTION: Hi Patricia, over the decades I've been a faithful breakfast patron at the Hollywood Grill at U.S. 202 and Murphy Road in Fairfax [formerly the old Howard Johnson's] next to the Best Western Brandywine Valley Motel. This past Friday I discovered a whole new dimension to this favorite "breakfast comfort food" eating establishment.

Friday, (Nov. 7) I was invited to the 90th birthday dinner of Helen "Chiquita" Kingshill - longtime (five decades) Fairfax resident and mother of a good friend and fellow BHS Class of '67'er - Bruce Kingshill. The event was held at the Hollywood Grill. Not only did I discover you could order a good drink (martinis and Dogfish Head Beer), but the dinner entries consisted of broiled and fresh seafood that rivaled any Maryland seafood (red snapper, tilapia and crab cakes). The food was delicious, reasonably priced and filling. What a great (culinary) surprise for this former Wilmingtonian (frequent visitor) and current Ellicott City, Md., resident.

A great birthday celebration was had by "Chiquita", the extended Kingshill family visiting from North Carolina along with myself and other honored guest and friend and BHS classmate; Bill England, also visiting from North Carolina.

Best regards,

Kevin F. Donohue

ANSWER: Great letter. Thanks Kevin. (And I'm forever grateful to you for encouraging me to eat a cheesesteak at the Claymont Steak Shop. One of the best cheesesteaks I've had outside of South Philly.) I have friends who keep telling me the Hollywood is so much more than a breakfast spot. And here's another endorsement. Readers? Similar experiences? I think the News Journal is picking up the tab soon at Hollywood.

QUESTION: Dear Patricia,

Our favorite Chinese resturant, Shang Hai, had a fire a few months ago and is now closed. It was located on Philadelphia Pike in Claymont near Burger King. Shang Hai was the best Chinese restaurant in Delaware and we went at least once or twice a week. The chef is extremely talented and his wife is so nice and welcoming. The "soup dumplings", steamed pork buns in Shang Hai style are the best and the fried New Year cake (which is not fried or a cake but a homemade delicious noodle dish) are some of our favorites. Do you have any idea what has become of the chef and his wife and the resturant? We miss Shang Hai!!!!!!

Toxicdeb

ANSWER: Toxicdeb (now there's a screen name!), you are not alone in mourning Shang Hai. I wish I had more news - or any news - about any plans to reopen. Owners if you're reading this - or anyone else with information - please email at ptalorico@delawareonline.com and I'll get the word out.

QUESTION: Hi Patricia, I recently went to the James Street Tavern, 2 W. Market St., in Newport, Del., 19804.

It is in the site of the old Hi-Ho Tavern and is totally renovated and beautiful. The food is top notch. Everything on the menu is good and the service is wonderful and friendly.

I highly recommend this "new" restaurant.

Susan

ANSWER: Good dining tip. Thanks Susan - and I'll forgive you for the shameless plug if you're related to anyone who owns or runs the eatery - because the buzz has been good about James Street. Just one thing to note: James Street still has a tavern license - so that means you must be 21-years or older to eat in the restaurant. But I'm fairly certain there is also take-out in another part of the building that is not the tavern.