Reader mail

Happy early Fourth of July, my little firecrackers.

I know most of you are probably already starting the weekend early. That's my plan.

I'm taking a break until July 13. I may have some updates while I'm away, but, to be honest, I'm looking forward to some R&R, a few good books, a little 5K training, umbrella drinks and great meals with family and friends.

(Looking forward to seeing my good buddies from New York, Virginia and Miami! Great things are planned....)

Friday's Taste column is on the new Kooma Asian Fusion Restaurant & Sushi Bar at the Wilmington Riverfront.. Here's the link.

I promised you information on Chifa and Zahav, two wonderful Philadelphia restaurants that I recently visited. Please stay tuned - more is coming - but at a later date.

Meanwhile, the great crab cake search continues and I'm making some progress...I'll fill you in when I return.

Some places to ponder while I'm gone.....

- David M. Dietz's new BBC Tavern & Grill in Greenville - at the former Pizza by Elizabeths site in One Greenville Crossing, at 4019 Kennett Pike- should be coming soon. Executive chef is Mark Doto, formerly of Iron Hill Brewery, Domaine Hudson and Zanzibar Blue.

- The Club Bistro & Pub in Pike Creek from chef Jamie Wiest should be opening any day. Wiest purchased the former Three Little Bakers dinner theater last November and gutted the interior. The restaurant will have 120 seats in an upstairs dining room and 120 more in a downstairs room. Wiest, owner of DaddyO's and Chef Du Jour Catering in Elkton, Md., plans to be open daily for lunch and dinner and will serve Sunday brunch. Prices will range from about $12.95 for bistro chicken to $32 for prime-cut rib-eye. Other menu options will include day boat scallops and veal Milanese. Wiest says he has hired an executive pastry chef who will make all the breads and desserts for the eatery.

OK, onto the mailbag. You ask. We answer. Every Friday. (Unless it's a holiday or we have a pressing engagement with a blender drink and beach chair....) Email me at ptalorico@delawareonline.com.




QUESTION: Hi Patricia, I'm a huge fan of your reviews and I love the blog!

I was recently traveling through Dover and stopped into Pizzadili for lunch (for the first time). They had the best pastrami sandwich I have had in a long time. It was the real, fatty, tasty pastrami and I can't find it anywhere.

Do you know of any places where I can purchase pastrami like that (does Pizzadili sell it)? It seems all the supermarkets in New Castle County only sell the lean kind. Also, my dining companion said Pizzadili had the best cheesestake they have ever had.

Thanks,
Therese



ANSWER: Hi Therese. You're making me hungry and that sandwich sounds amazing. Have you tried Bachetti Brothers on Kirkwood Highway? It's an excellent meat market.


QUESTION: Patricia, Thank you for replying to my rambling question(s). I am truly sorry for not clearly stating what I was looking for in a restaurant. One that has a lovely menu consisting in hearty dishes made with love....fresh ingredients, succulent proteins (such as lamb shanks) that are flavorful and so very tender. I myself am not typically a fan of ANY of the three types Ds in which Guy Fieri has decided to dedicate his show - especially those I've vevtured to try around the tri-states. Many of the places he visits now (several seasons into his show) are "gems" and not what you might expect from a diner, drive-in OR dive.I thank you for your recommendation and look forward to trying it out :o)
I also look forward to keeping up with your finds :o)

Thanks again,
Lora

ANSWER: Lora, you weren't rambling. I just wasn't sure how to answer your query. I hope I helped. (Here's the previous letter.)