Dining Options Abound in Wilmington & The Brandywine Valley

Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley have long-been heralded for a rich culture, historic attractions and high quality of living. Brimming with expansive estates, grand theaters and quaint bed and breakfasts tucked amid miles of rolling countryside, this beautiful area has been a major trading hub since colonial times.

While visitors arrive in droves for outdoor adventures and cultural offerings, they’re also coming to experience the food.  The Wall Street Journal recently chronicled The Rise of Mid-Atlantic Cuisine, praising local restaurateurs and chefs who are staking their claim to culinary greatness. The region’s gastropubs, cafes and restaurants still showcase their local heritage, paying homage to bountiful fresh seafood. But diners are also treated to global fare and innovative twists on some of their favorite dishes (crab cakes or scrapple anyone?), prepared by talented new chefs.

Wilmington cuisine showcases creativity & passion

What sets these restaurants apart from the rest? For one, chefs shop locally and sustainably, sourcing locally-grown meats and produce from Delaware farms and waters, ensuring the freshest flavors of the season, not to mention a smaller environmental impact.

Farm-to-table traditions combined with modern culinary techniques are an integral part of many of these standout restaurants:

• Ulysses American Gastropub – open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, this Wilmington hotspot serves everything from smoked chicken wings to New England style lobster rolls and signature crab cakes heaped with tender chunks of lump crab meat. The star of their tempting brunch menu is their Scrapple Mac & Cheese – a rich cheddar fondue made with beer and crispy pieces of pork. Their draft beer selection is impressive, with a nice mix of hoppy ales, stouts and lagers from regional microbeweries.
• River Rock Kitchen – Farm fresh ingredients reign supreme in this Riverfront restaurant that highlights produce and products from orchards and co-ops in the Mid-Atlantic region. Chow down on a perfectly grilled steak frites with truffle-scented fries, or savor steamed clams with hand-made lamb bacon, herbs and white wine. The menu at River Rock Kitchen includes a variety of small and large plates that are based on healthy, indigenous fare. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Home Grown Café – Tempura fried avocados, California Cobb salads and Power House wraps are some of the most popular dishes at this Newark haunt, which has won several awards for its inspired vegetarian cuisine. Their menu features homemade soups, amazing salads and some tasty non-veg dishes like braised lamb, Angus burgers and seared sirloin tips. Check out their weekly specials that spotlight the best in seasonal fare. They also have an awesome Happy Hour menu that includes favorites like Crabby Fries and Thai squash bisque with roasted pumpkin seeds.
• Buckley’s Tavern– This popular Delaware tavern is a great choice for comfort food and cozy ambiance. Located in an old blacksmith’s shop dating back to 1817, Buckley’s serves much more than your traditional pub fare, and the owners are proud to support regional growers and farmers. Their menu boasts an eclectic mix of healthy salads, filling appetizers (panko-crusted onion rings, clam chowder, and roasted garlic humus to name a few), along with shrimp and grits, seared salmon and their special house made meatloaf served with gravy. On Sundays they even host a family-style Pajama Brunch, with a 50 percent discount for those who dine in their sleepwear!

It’s time to rediscover Wilmington

A vibrant culinary scene is just another reason why Wilmington is a great place to call home. Darley Green is one of the area’s newest master-planned developments, offering residents affordable luxury in the beautiful Claymont Renaissance District.

To learn more about Delaware condos and townhomes by Montchanin Builders, please call our sales office at 302-472-7213 or swing by for a home tour any day between 11am and 5pm.