Reader Mail: UPDATE

Lewes as a culinary destination? You betcha. From the Lewes Dairy to the (fairly new) Agave Tequila Bar & Mexican Grill, the sleepy Sussex County resort has much to offer.

Read it here.

Restaurant critic Eric Ruth is using his noodle - and sampling some too- in his Friday Taste column.


Capers & Lemons gourmet market opened today.
The market at 301 Little Falls Drive (in the Little Falls Park off Centerville Road) is open Mon-Sat: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call 256-0524 or visit http://www.capersandlemons.com/.

UPDATE: Looking for your dream job? Frank Bruni is putting down his fork after five years as The New York Times restaurant critic. Bruni is a cool cat. We had an email exchange a few years back after someone dissed him in an interview I was writing. I had to contact him for a comment and he was very gracious. Not all foodies were psyched about Bruni's reviews when he first started - and YOU try following in Ms. Ruth Reichl's footsteps - but he began to grow on me in recent years. The search is now on for a new paid eater. Hmmmm......

Now onto to the mailbag. Keep reading to see what inquiring minds want to know. Remember: You ask. We answer. Send your emails to me at ptalorico@delawareonline.com.

A GOOD RESTAURANT FOR A SHOWER

QUESTION: Hi Patricia! I would love to have your suggestions for a bridal shower. I am planning a shower for my sister, who will be getting married on New Year's Eve at the Hotel du Pont. I would like to keep the guest list between 40 and 50 women. I have contacted a few places and have received their menu suggestions. I love reading your blog and I always agree with you. I thought you would have some good ideas! Thank you for your help. Kim Boessman

ANSWER: A New Year's Eve wedding sounds like a ball. And at the Hotel du Pont. What a fun evening! Kim, I'm not sure what your price range will be - and how close the shower's date will be to the wedding. And do you want to stay in or near the city? But.....the new Pizza by Elizabeths is a very cute/girlie space that is sure to please. If the ladies like the idea of small plates and sangria, you certainly can't go wrong at Orillas Tapas. Deep Blue should also easily be able to accomodate you - and it's right across from the Hotel. Or Krazy Kat's in Montchanin is another option.

FIREBIRDS SHARES A RECIPE

QUESTION: Hello Patricia,

There was a request a few weeks ago from one of your readers for Firebirds tortilla slaw recipe. There was an article online saying they really wished we and another local restaurant would share our recipes. It was written by a staff member other than you, but I can't seem to find that article anywhere to find her name. I sent a post saying we'd be happy to share it, but have not heard back. Do you happen to know where I can email that recipe or would sending it to you be the best route? Thanks for your help.

Tyler Fray

Director of Marketing

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

ANSWER: Thanks Tyler. The request ran in Nancy Coale Zippe's column and it appeared on Wednesday, along with the recipe.

THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE IS A MEAT MARKET

QUESTION: Just a comment; Del Frisco's of Philadelphia has the best atmosphere for relaxation including music (contemporary jazz), aesthetics (European architecture as if in a coliseum or amphitheatre) and the food is good too.

Carolyn

ANSWER: Thanks for the tip, Carolyn. Philadelphia has certainly been seeing a steakhouse boom in recent years. I have heard many good comments about the new Butcher & Singer.

But not everyone is a Del Frisco fan. Here's a review from Philadelphia Inquirer critic Craig LaBan.

NEW HOME FOR THE BBC

QUESTION: Good afternoon! I just read your blog and was excited to read about the BBC Tavern and Grille opening in the summer. Do you know where it will be located? Any other information you can pass along would be great. Thank you. Steve.

ANSWER: Steve, I wrote a story on May 13 about David Dietz moving into the former Pizza by Elizabeths space for his BBC Tavern and Grille. Here's the link. I just talked to David today and he says the response about his restaurant comeback in Greenville has been amazing. The opening is scheduled for July. Stay tuned.

CALIFORNIA FRIEND WANTS GOOD EATS


QUESTION: An old friend, who formerly lived in Chadds Ford, Pa., is coming to town for one evening (he now lives in Marin County, Calif.) I want to take him someplace special for dinner and since he is staying in Chadds Ford, I thought of Brandywine Prime. He is quite a wonderful cook, and I know he loves crabcakes but I see that the crabcakes there are made with jumbo lump and claw crabmeat. What's with this, do you know? Claw meat?

I would take him to the Farmhouse, which he really liked when he lived here, but I was disappointed in their crabcakes a few months ago. (Realizing of course, that no place makes as good a crab cake as G and M in Baltimore!)

Any suggestions for a super meal? (Not just based on crabcakes, though). We eat out a lot, and you would think I could come up with a place! But I want it to be really special.

Thanks, J

ANSWER: According to Michael Majewski of Brandywine Prime, the crab cakes are made with claw meat because "it has a lot of flavor. That's why we use it." The crab cakes are 75 percent lump crabmeat and 25 percent claw meat.

What about Sovana Bistro, 696 Unionville Road (Rte. 926) in Kennett Square, Pa.; (610) 444-5600? Foodies are always raving about owner Nicholas Farrell's food - a French-Mediterranean combo - and his seasonal menus. It's a BYOB, but now they also have a wine list.

I've always like the Blue Pear Bistro, 275 Brintons Bridge Road (Old Wilmington Pike), (610) 399-9812. But make sure you call for reservation - both are very popular.