Reader Mail: UPDATED

I'm an early bird with Reader Mail again this week. (Anyone else, uh, preoccupied with their NCAA bracket?)

March Madness is the most wonderful time of the year. Well, after the start of baseball season, that is.

What's going on:

Eric Ruth visits the new Capers & Lemons restaurant. I'll post a link to his Friday Taste column as soon as it goes online.

UPDATE: Here's the link to Ruth's column on Capers & Lemons.

Hey, I just noticed that Niwano Hano, a sushi restaurant at 3602 Kirkwood Highway (long, long ago it was Mikasa) has closed its doors.

And it looked like paper was taken off the windows at Pho Cali - soon-to-be Vietnamese beef noodle house on Kirkwood Highway (next to Pathmark, in the same shopping center as the Kohl's store.) Don't know if it's opened yet. I just did a very quick drive by. More details as they come.

Every Friday (and sometimes earlier) is Reader Mail. You Ask. We Answer. Email me at ptalorico@delawareonline.com.

Here's what's shaking:

Not necessarily Reader Mail - more like reader phone calls. But I received a few recent queries questioning ingredient amounts in two recent columns by Nancy Coale Zippe that I'd like to address:

IS THIS RIGHT, NANCY?

QUESTION: Reader Ronald Case wondered if 1 tablespoon of nutmeg was correct in the buttermilk coffee cake recipe - on March 11 - that was provided by Marie Gilbert. (Case said his cake tasted bitter.)

ANSWER (PER ZIPPE): I called Marie and questioned her about the amount of nutmeg before using her recipe, and she said it was correct, and that's what made the cake smell so heavenly.

QUESTION: Two readers wanted to know if the ingredients in Valerie's custard-style rice pudding recipe which appeared on March 18 were correct: 1 quart of milk and 5 tablespoons of rice. Both thought it sounded like too much milk and not enough rice.

ANSWER (PER ZIPPE): The ingredients are correct. People who slow cook or bake rice pudding have learned it takes very little rice to make a whole bowl of pudding. Not at all like quick top-of-the stove-style rice.

IS SHANG HAI COMING BACK?

QUESTION: Hi, Ms. Talorico,

We were regular, enthusiastic customers of Shang Hai, particularly enjoying the Chinese (versus American-Chinese) menu before their fire last fall. We have been wondering whether you know - first, whether everyone was OK and/or has recovered from the fire; second, whether it is anticipated that Shang Hai will re-open; third, if not, whether the primary chef is producing his wonderful food elsewhere nearby?

Thanks so much!
Donna Pelletier

ANSWER: Donna, I wish I knew more details about Shang Hai, formerly on Philadelphia Pike in Claymont, but I don't. I know this was one of Eric Ruth's favorite Chinese restaurants. This question came up in a November 2008 Reader Mail post, and I'll repeat what I said then: 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.

FRIEND OR JUST DELIGHTED FAN?

QUESTION: Just wanted to let you know about my visit to Lamberti's Cucina on Centerville Road. Last Tuesday night after work, I stopped in and talked to Rossana, one of the owners, and met Giovanni, possibly the best chef ever. It was a slow night and Giovanni came out from the kitchen and asked me what I would like. I asked him to decide. Oh, my gosh. I am so lucky I did. He prepared fish with a cream sauce to die for, spinach and rice. It was wonderful! The best.

Dessert was prepared by Giovanni's roommate - a banana dish that was heavenly. It may be out of the way, or forgotten, but it is worth the visit.

Becky

ANSWER: Thanks, Becky. I appreciate your enthusiasm. But a suspicious part of me - (can't help it, I'm a journalist, it's in my DNA) - suspects that this could be a shameless plug for the restaurant. (Are you a friend? Neighbor? Relative?) My apologies if you are not, but this isn't the first time I've gotten an email about Lamberti's in recent months. But I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt - especially since you seem so happy with your meal. Just an FYI, readers. Please take note.


WHERE TO GET JUICED

QUESTION: Hello, I enjoy reading your blog on delawareonline.com. Thank you. I over ate this winter and would like to take a break and detox a bit. I read that juices are a nice way to feel more alert, energized, and full of vitality. Is there anywhere in Wilmington or Newark area to get fresh squeezed juice? There used to be a juice bar near the Co-op in Newark.

Any thoughts on kombucha?

Thanks for your answer,
Emme

ANSWER: I remember seeing a sign for Magpie Tea Garden, 1715 Delaware Ave. in Wilmington's Trolley Square; 654-2911; which I believe was (and still is??) a juice bar. But I just called the number and there's no answer.

Main Squeeze Juice Bar at 280 E. Main St., Market East Plaza, Newark, 453-8981, was (and still is??) the place next to Newark Natural Foods (formerly known as the Co-op). I tried calling the phone number and - again - no answer.

I do know that Greenman Juice Bar & Bistro; 227-4909; 12 Wilmington Ave, Rehoboth Beach; is popular, but that's about a two-hour drive from Wilmington.

I've never tried kombucha. I suggest you try calling Newark Natural Foods, 368-5984; or the Harvest Market in Hockessin; 234-6779.

JUST CALL ME ANGEL OF THE MORNING

QUESTION: Hi Patricia,
I was wondering what your thoughts were on Angel's Restaurant on Silverside Road (across from Branmar Plaza). We have eaten there a few times for breakfast and the food has been great- their sweet potato pancakes are awesome. I know they serve lunch and dinner, too- have you been here before? I'd love to know what you think.
Thanks,
Anne


ANSWER: Hi, Anne. No thoughts, because I haven't been there. Readers? What say you about Angel's?