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Worth Trying

Acai of Relief!

Although I’m new to the acai bowl experience, I couldn’t be more excited about a new “superfood” juice bar now open in our area. Located in the Shops of Limestone Hills, Raw Essential offers local, organic, cold-pressed juices, superfood bowls and fresh smoothies. The products are not only fresh and delicious, but make you feel amazing! rawessential.com.

— Matthew Loeb, Creative Director & Production Manager

London Fog at Drip Café

Traditional Earl Grey Tea is frothily reinvented at Drip Café in Hockessin in the form of a steaming mug of London Fog. The hot beverage incorporates milk and Drip Café’s vanilla syrup into the tea. While I’m not typically a fan of sweet drinks, this tasty concoction has won me over and I can’t wait to go back. (Which is probably when I’ll order the caramel apple pancakes O&A Graphic Designer Tyler Mitchell is always raving about!)

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

The Valley Spirit Never Dies – MEGA

From rescued and refurbished parts of the band, The House, the Delaware five-piece called MEGA delivers an adventurous sense of introspection on its debut, The Valley Spirit Never Dies.

Kicking off with the energetic, pop-friendly “Winnie Cooper,” MEGA whisks listeners away on a road trip that offers a surprising variety of soundscapes. The journey features midnight escapes (“Oh No!”), cultural diversions (“Tetris”) and rearview-mirror regrets (“I Don’t Want to Get Married”).

Postcard highlights include “The Chromaticy,” a psychedelic lullaby lifted by lush vocal arrangements, and the humble finale, “The Cardinal,” a lovely folky ditty seemingly custom-fit for a future Wes Anderson film.

Catch MEGA during their Record Release Party on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 1984 with Arrows, Canyon and Worth. More at Mega.Bandcamp.com.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

Exodus Escape Rooms

close up key vintage on isolate white with clipping path.

Exodus Escape Rooms, with locations in Wilmington, Newark and Rehoboth Beach, is among Delaware’s leading escape room providers. Escape rooms require a group of people to solve a mystery within a limited timeframe in order to successfully escape the room they are locked in. It’s immensely immersive as you search for clues that are based on an intriguing theme within a room that’s packed with surprises.

My wife and I visited the Marsh Road location of Exodus recently and the experience was a collaborative struggle that we talked about for hours afterward. We were tasked with finding a serial killer, which is just one of the many themes Exodus employs to keep you fully engaged for an hour or more.

For details, visit axxiomescaperooms.com.

— Mathew Brown-Watson, Intern

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Worth Trying 2018

Welcome to our eighth annual Worth Trying Issue. Though we feature Worth Trying suggestions monthly, each January we devote much of the magazine to personal recommendations from staff, contributors and friends of Out & About. Below are suggestions on where and what to eat, drink, see and do.

Enjoy, and have a very happy New Year!

Picks of the Miscellaneous Variety

As the Crow Flies & Co

If the title isn’t cool enough, this home business, run by Mike and Wilder Scott-Straight, finds use for those discarded or tucked away bits of the past—specifically, vintage china. They fashion necklaces and earrings by taking bits of the china and soldering them with metal around the edges to provide a finished look. They also design vintage clothes for children and adults. The business is based out of West Philadelphia, but I discovered it closer to home at the Kennett Holiday Village Market at The Creamery in Kennett Square, where they were set up as a vendor. By the way: During the summer and fall when The Creamery is regularly open, the pop-up beer garden is also a definite must.

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

Not Your Mother’s Thrift Shop

Clothes Mentor, on Rt. 202 in West Chester, buys and sells high-quality, gently used name-brand and designer women’s clothing, shoes and accessories that are like new—for less. The national franchise is where savvy women shoppers go to get their name brand on and sell some of their old but still fashionable clothing. Unlike consignment, you get paid on the spot for items accepted. Sizes 0-26 and maternity are welcome, and if you need assistance in finding the right styles for you, a free personal shopper program can help with that. For details, go to clothesmentor.com/store-locator.

— Adriana Camacho-Church, Contributing Writer

Word by Word, by Kory Stamper

Kory Stamper is my kind of woman. On the first day on the job, when she realized the extremely high level of word nerdiness that would be required of her as a lexicographer at Merriam-Webster, her joyous reaction was, “This is the shit!” In Word By Word, The Secret Life of Dictionaries, Stamper indulges her not-so-inner geek, delving into the meaning and origin of all sorts of words and phrases. She reveals, for instance, that the first use of “OMG” was by Winston Churchill in 1917. She also sadly confesses that M-W now accepts “irregardless” as legitimate (along with a depressingly large number of other abominations). For the most part, the book makes the process of publishing a dictionary intriguing and fascinating, but, be warned: You will need a fair amount of nerdiness yourself to plow through all 321 pages.

— Bob Yearick, Contributing Editor

Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, Rock Hall, Md.

This refuge is home to more than 250 species of birds, from migrating to wintering waterfowl. Many trails are available on 2,285 acres that offer unique and picturesque views of the Chesapeake Bay and Chester River. The hour-and-a-half ride from Wilmington is well worth it. And take your bike.

— John Murray, Contributing Writer

Nicole Kristiana Studios

Check out the delightful blend of whimsy and sophistication in the alphabetical and animal-inspired works of Bellefonte artist Nicole Kristiana Logan. Her paintings and prints are playful enough for kids to enjoy and possess intricate detail that adults can appreciate. Her exhibit at the Main Stage Gallery of The Grand continues into January. Or go online to nicolekristianastudio.com or visit the shops at the Delaware Contemporary and the Delaware Art Museum.

— Larry Nagengast, Contributing Writer

Work the Nightshift

No, I don’t mean burn the midnight oil at the local factory. I mean change your display settings on your iPhone. Once you schedule this to activate during certain times of day, you’ll immediately notice the warmer tones and less stimulating colors. I set mine from 7 p.m. through 7 a.m. It helps me keep the constant connection to a minimum.

— Matthew Loeb, Catalyst Visuals, LLC

NextFab

After establishing two successful locations in Philly, NextFab came to Wilmington last year amid rave reviews. Think of it as a gym membership for your intellect and imagination. Whether you want to hand-craft a coffee table, build your own guitar, or learn how to assemble a small robot, NextFab is the place for your next project. They are currently offering tools, software and/or classes in the following subjects: 2-D printing and photography; 3-D printing and scanning; design software; electronics; jewelry; laser cutting and engraving; metalworking; textiles, and woodworking. nextfab.com.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

Delaware 87ers

Next fall, Wilmington will be the new home to this Philadelphia 76ers G League franchise and the team will be playing in a new, $26 million facility – the 76ers Fieldhouse. That’s a big deal. If you haven’t taken the time to check out the 87ers because you assume it’s a league for has-beens and never-will-bes, think again. I attended a recent game at the Bob Carpenter Center between the 87ers and Northern Arizona Suns and was blown away by the level of play. Both rosters were filled with recent All-Americans and players with some NBA experience. It’s quality basketball for as little as $10 a ticket. That won’t even get you parking at the Wells Fargo Center.

— Jerry duPhily, Publisher

Root: A Cultivated Collection

When it comes to plants, succulents are the trendy item. They don’t need much care (unlike me) but they offer a lot (also unlike me). If you’re looking for a local source of succulent arrangements to brighten your living space, look no further than Root. They’re the very picture of whimsy! Rootcultivated.com. @root_collection.

— David Hallberg, Special Projects

The Storm Before The Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic

The Romans did not give up their Republic in a day. In this New York Times best-seller, acclaimed history podcaster Mike Duncan describes how demagogues weakened the Roman Republic in the decades before Julius Caesar dealt it a deathblow. Duncan relates this under-told story in his characteristically engaging and thoughtful manner, and his readers need not look far to find parallels in modern day America.

— Dan Linehan, Contributing Writer

Kinetic Skateboarding

I used to skateboard a lot when I was younger, but as I grew up, I grew out of trying new tricks because falling hurts a lot more and now I just like to cruise around on a board. However, I still love skateboard culture and supporting local skate shops. Kinetic Skateboarding, on Rt. 202, is my go-to spot for skate shoes because they’re my preferred shoe and the most comfortable to me. But it’s also a great shop for kids to get into skateboarding because they have all the latest and best gear in stock. Want your kids to put the screens down and go outside? Take them to Kinetic, pick out a complete, customized skateboard and encourage them to use it.

— Tyler Mitchell, Graphic Designer

Wolfenstein: The New Colossus

Most people remember Wolfenstein as an early success story for 3D gaming. That and mecha-Hitler. But in the time since, especially with the most recent game, the franchise has evolved into a heartfelt and emotional one, with strong, intelligent characters and an affecting story about a small group’s attempt to reclaim the soul of America. It’s still extremely violent, so that hasn’t changed, but I play video games for the stories, and The New Colossus tells the best I’ve ever played. It’s available for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

— Dillon McLaughlin, Contributing Writer

Route 9 Library & Innovation Center

There are plenty of books, to be sure, but you won’t find them arrayed in row upon row of traditional shelving. Besides the study rooms and computer access that are staples at all New Castle County libraries, this facility features a maker lab, a STEM room, a sensory room, a bookatarium and a scriptorium. If you don’t know what they are … well, just visit and see for yourself.

— Larry Nagengast, Contributing Writer

Trap Pond State Park

The country’s northernmost bald cypress swamp is just a 90-minute drive from New Castle County. Be sure to reserve your campsite fast, because the best spots (especially the tent-only walk-in sites) go fast. If cabins or RV spots are more your speed, you’ve still got options at Trap Pond, which also has plenty of hiking, canoeing and bicycling options. 

— Dan Linehan, Contributing Writer

Delaware History Museum

The Delaware History Museum on Market Street, run by the Delaware Historical Society, underwent a lengthy renovation from 2014 to late 2016, but it’s open again and has plenty to offer families, couples, and inquisitive solo travelers. There are self-guided tours, professional programs, themed events, and community outreach, along with the best collection of Delaware themed gifts you’re likely to find. For more specific historical events, there’s a rotating exhibition on the second floor, currently devoted to the contributions of Delawareans to the War to End All Wars—WWI. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

— Dillon McLaughlin, Contributing Writer

Russell Peterson Wildlife Center

Wilmington’s Riverfront has become a well-known destination, but many have yet to discover this 212-acre wildlife center and its accompanying DuPont Environmental Education Center. The facility is free and open year-round and offers a beautiful 10-acre garden, a quarter-mile pond loop that weaves through the marsh, and an impressive four-story structure with panoramic views of the marsh and the city skyline. It’s an intriguing sanctuary that peacefully sits between hectic I-95 and the ever-expanding Wilmington Riverfront.

— Jerry duPhily, Publisher

Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ

Forget the old crock pot. Today there are a variety of all-in-one multi-cookers that can make your life so much easier. My favorite is the Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ, which has functions for slow-cooking, steaming, stove-top searing, sautéing and baking. I’ve used it for quick one-pot meals that include rice and shrimp. I’ve seared meat on the stovetop function, added veggies, and then hit the slow cook button. I’ve even used it instead of a frying pan to fry fish. Who needs a range or oven? Cleanup is a breeze. The MSRP is $179.99.

— Pam George, Contributing Writer

Hidrate Spark 2.0 Smart Water Bottle

I try my best to do the healthy thing this time of year, which often includes making sure I drink enough water. At the risk of people calling me lazy or ridiculous, I introduce you to my newest “health assistant,” and I’m quite hopeful about our relationship. Meet the Hidrate Spark 2.0, a “smart” water bottle that keeps track of how much you drink, glows to remind you when you need to up your water intake, and keeps you on par to meet your daily goal. It syncs to an app on your phone (iOS and Android) and can integrate with trackers like iWatch, FitBit and others.

— Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Contributing Writer

Picks of the Food Variety

De la Coeur Café et Boulangerie: Butter, Sugar, Flour

Wilmington has a new reason to celebrate. Popular Trolley Square French eatery De La Coeur Café et Pâtisserie has opened a second larger and more robust location in Talleyville Shopping Center on Route 202 and Silverside Road. Occupying the former Bon Appétit space, De la Coeur Café et Boulangerie offers a wide assortment of house-made goods, including French baguettes, croissants and other pastries, in addition to sandwiches, coffee and espresso drinks. I’m a sucker for their massive vanilla scones, buttery almond croissants or special hand pies (last time it was a blueberry and almond paste). You know where to find me on Saturday morning.

— Leeann Wallett, Contributing Writer

Iron Hill Brewery: Kennett Square Mushroom Soup

Though I’ve been ardently anti-mushroom all my life, at the ripe age of 27 I find that they have finally become palatable, a borderline menu staple even. Mushrooms as a garnish, mushrooms on the side, mushrooms with breakfast, lunch or dinner—sure. So, I recently gave Iron Hill’s Kennett Square Mushroom Soup a try, and it’s a kaleidoscope of taste you can’t go wrong with. Made of oven-dried shiitake and flavored with herbed truffle oil, this soup makes for a great winter appetizer.

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

Kindred Cheese

Based in Wisconsin, the Meister family has been making cheese for more than a century. In the ‘90s, siblings Vicky and Scott Meister decided to branch out into the gourmet cheese market, hence the birth of the Kindred brand. They offer cheddar, Gouda and Jack varietals but it’s the Ghost Pepper, Spicy Sriracha and Sweet Fire Mango titles that stick out. Bonus points to Kindred for paying premium rates to dairy farmers who follow the company’s sustainable and ethically-minded “Cows First” protocols. kindredcreamery.com.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

George’s Restaurant, 703 Philadelphia Pike 

It doesn’t look like much from the outside—it’s located on a strip mall on Philadelphia Pike near Bellevue—but inside it serves made-from-scratch comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. George’s—formerly Jimmy’s Restaurant —has a friendly, veteran staff and loyal customers. The food they serve—with emphasis on Greek cuisine—isn’t fancy, but it’s good and reasonably priced and comes in generous portions. The daily dinner specials, at $11.95, are always good and include chicken and dumplings (Monday) and stuffed pork chops (Thursday). Plus, George’s has an open seating area and isn’t as crowded or noisy as some other restaurant-diners in the area.

— Kevin Noonan, Contributing Writer

Lotus Biscoff Cookie Butter 

Like Frank’s RedHot sauce, I spread this sh*t on everything. In fact, Lotus Biscoff cookie butter may even replace your jar of Nutella (gasp!). First came the cookies, then the butter. Started in Belgium, Lotus Biscoff cookies made their way to the United States in the 1980s via in-flight snacks. These lightly sweet, crunchy cookie-biscuits are a delight, best served with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. Recently, they became a spreadable treat, a special alternative to nut butters and chocolate spreads. The cookie butter is available in original or honey locally at Giant Food, ShopRite, Target and Walmart. Try it—you won’t be disappointed.

— Leeann Wallett, Contributing Writer

Cajun Kate’s on Philly Pike

I wrote about Cajun Kate’s a few years ago when it was holed away like some delicious speakeasy in the Booths Corner Farmers Market. Last year it opened its first full restaurant on Philadelphia Pike and now it’s a weekly visit for me. Chefs Don and Kate Applebaum have all their standards (the jambalaya, gumbo, and muffulettas are unmatched in Delaware or Philly), but don’t miss out on the specials: the frog legs and pork gumbo with collard greens are culinary perfection. Yes, there are tables now, but time is better spent at the bar, where the conversation is as interesting as the food is sublime.

— Joe del Tufo, Contributing Photographer

Crab Guacamole at Cocina Lolo

Who doesn’t love crabmeat and who doesn’t jones for a great guacamole? But imagine putting those twotaste sensations together. Cocina Lolo, Bryan Sikora’s Mexicali restaurant on King Street, does exactly that with its creamy but still chunky avocado appetizer generously augmented with sizable bits of succulent jumbo crab. But wait, that’s not it. Sikora tops the guac with queso fresco and mango, then serves the dish with hearty homemade tortilla chips. A masterful offering on a menu full of them at one of downtown’s dining gems. Cocina Lolo, 405 N. King St.

— Mark Fields, Contributing Writer

Taste Artisanal Market Honey

Ever since writing November’s “Foods that Fight Colds” article, I’ve been on a turmeric kick. Due to its supposed anti-inflammatory properties, this spicy rhizome is in everything I eat nowadays, including my new favorite spread, ginger turmeric honey from Taste Artisanal Market. This sweet and spicy concoction is made by local food purveyors Lisa Ferraro Klinge and her husband, Steve Klinge. Other products include additional flavored honeys like cinnamon and lemon walnut, and spreads like blue cheese walnut and marinated Asiago trio. Find a full list of the products here: tasteartisanalmarket.com/stockists.

— Leeann Wallett, Contributing Writer

Big Sky Bread Bakery and Café

On those winter days when I’m not in a mood to cook, but I’m craving a warm, hearty bowl of soup and fresh-baked, crusty bread to dip into it, I head to this Brandywine Hundred standout. The smell of wholesome baked breads and healthy, homemade soups invites me in. I usually get lentil soup, or the vegetarian chili with beans, which are my favorites from the wide selection. The homemade chips are always tempting, and the tasty sandwiches, made with your choice of bread, are equally irresistible.

— Adriana Camacho-Church, Contributing Writer

El Diablo Burritos

I wrote about El Diablo shortly after it opened seven years ago, but as long as it continues to serve yummy burritos—and actually finds ways to improve doing so—continual recommendations are well deserved. In addition to opening new stores in Newark and Pike Creek over the past three years, El Diablo has introduced more delicious sauces and healthier options like mahi-mahi, whole-wheat tortillas and brown rice. Similarly, as the menu states, the steak, short rib, braised pork and chicken come from animals that are 100 percent antibiotic-free as well as “respectfully raised and responsibly farmed.” eldiabloburritos.com.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

Bread & Buttercream, 170B Marsh Road

This bakery-eatery is the latest addition to what has become an impressive array of restaurants in the Graylyn Crest Shopping Center area. Bread & Buttercream is a typical bakery in that its main offerings are bread and cakes, but they take it up a notch with a home-made touch and enticing flavors. Bread items include cranberry-walnut-flax seed rolls ($1 each) and a diverse assortment of muffins, croissants and Danishes. Small cakes are $4.99 and include Caramel Mousse, Moroccan Lemon, Raspberry Crème and Kiwi Heaven. And this place isn’t just for breakfast or dessert—they plan to add a sandwich menu soon.

— Kevin Noonan, Contributing Writer

Picks of the Film & TV Variety

Movies On Tap

Seeing a classic movie that you haven’t seen on the big screen before is a whole new experience, especially with a beer in your hand. I had the pleasure of attending the December Movies On Tap, featuring Dogfish Head, showing the classic film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at Penn Cinema on the Riverfront. In partnership with Premier Wine & Spirits, Penn Cinema, and Out & About Magazine, this one-of-a-kind event was great. For $20, you get beer samples from the featured brewery, free popcorn, and admission to the theater. All proceeds go to a local charity of the brewery’s choice, which this time was the Urban Bike Project.

— Tyler Mitchell, Graphic Designer

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime is my new favorite series. Maybe that’s because it was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino of The Gilmore Girls fame. The story, which takes place in the late 1950s, is about Miriam “Midge” Maisel, who seemingly has the perfect Upper West Side life until her husband leaves her for his secretary. With her world shattered, the picture-perfect Jewish housewife suddenly starts a career in standup comedy. It’s witty, quick and beautifully shot—and the period clothes are amazing.

— Pam George, Contributing Writer

Mindhunter on Netflix

Netflix continues its impressive run of excellent programming with the crime drama Mindhunter (based on the novel of the same name). Set in 1977, this David Fincher-directed series traces the origins of the FBI’s behavioral science department and the federal agents who coined the term “serial killer.” The show’s subject matter—including intense interviews with some of the 20th century’s most notorious murderers—is somewhat unsettling, and Fincher’s cold and clinical style enhances that atmosphere. Mindhunter isn’t just binge-worthy, it’s darned near binge-obligatory.

— Rob Kalesse, Contributing Writer

The Newspaperman

This HBO documentary about the fascinating and apparently irresistible Ben Bradlee, editor of The Washington Post during the Watergate era, is a must for every journalist or, indeed, anyone remotely interested in American history. Bradlee, who died in 2014 at the age of 93, narrates most of the doc, which traces his Bostonian beginnings to his Harvard years, his Navy service in World War II, his close (and inappropriate for a journalist) friendship with John F. Kennedy, his three marriages, and, of course, his ramrodding of the Post’s historic and heroic uncovering of the sordid details surrounding the Watergate Hotel break-in. A Renaissance man who could swear like a sailor (which he had been) while choosing the right fork, Bradlee was loved by women, idolized by men, and respected by all except Richard Nixon and his White House henchmen.

— Bob Yearick, Contributing Editor

Kevin (Probably) Saves the World

The latest show to put an everyman twist on divine intervention, Kevin follows Kevin Finn (Jason Ritter), a former Wall Street hot shot who’s returned to his Texas hometown after a suicide attempt. While there, an angel enlists him for a mission to find the next generation of righteous souls on earth by doing good deeds, each of which gets him closer to his final goal, while navigating the realities of his return to small-town life. Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

— Scott Pruden, Contributing Writer

The Deuce (HBO)

This HBO series, created by George Pelecanos and David Simon and starring James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal, takes you on a gritty street-level tour of Manhattan in the early- to mid-‘70s, when prostitution, pimps and peep shows were staples on “the Deuce” (42nd between 7th and 8th Avenues). But this series isn’t just a sex romp with loads of gratuitous nudity—it details not only the ravages of the sex trade but also the rise of the porn industry as public morals, laws and technology begin to change. It’s an eye-opening, often rough trip through an equally rough era for the Big Apple, but you do get to see James Franco play opposite himself as his twin brother. Available On Demand.

— Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Contributing Writer

Three Lesser-Known TV Treats

I may be the movie critic for Out & About, but this cinephile appreciates an inventive, well-structured narrative no matter what the medium, and truth be told, some of the best storytelling these days is happening on TV and not at the local multiplex so much. Game of Thrones, Mr. Robot and now Stranger Things have gotten much of the public’s attention, but there are lesser-known gems worth exploring.

Catastrophe (Amazon) is a bawdy, candid sex comedy starring Sharon Horgan (who also created the series) and Rob Delaney. Their torrid fling turns into an ongoing relationship when she gets pregnant. Humans (AMC) plumbs a borderline between human and android similar to the glitzier Westworld; but being a British import, it is a more thoughtful contemplation of the meaning of humanness and the perils of cyber-technology. Casual (Hulu) is a modern character comedy about two stunted adults, brother and sister, and their extended dysfunctional family and friends…not much plot but fascinatingly flawed characters.

— Mark Fields, Contributing Writer

Marvel’s Runaways

What do you get when you combine the teen-tastic melodrama of Riverdale with the superhero-powered antics of Agents of Shield? Answer: Hulu’s original series Runaways, based on the comic of the same name. The show follows a group of Los Angeles friends who have fallen out with each other over the death of a peer and discover their parents’ annual “charity” event is actually a meeting of a secret sect called “The Pride.” Trying to foil the adults’ schemes, they discover previously unknown powers of their own. New episodes stream Tuesdays on Hulu.

— Scott Pruden, Contributing Writer

Picks of the Music Variety

Jupiter Records, 2200 Marsh Road

This is a browser’s paradise—rooms and rows and rows of records, including CDs and vinyl, of every music genre you’ve ever heard of and even a few you haven’t. Jupiter Records has filled a void in North Wilmington that was left when Jeremiah’s Record Exchange on Philadelphia Pike closed many years ago. Now there’s another place where you can just poke along and explore and get your hands on real vinyl. It’s also located in an old, historic building at the corner of Marsh and Grubb roads that gives the place an added ambiance. Just make sure you give yourself enough time, because this is not a place you want to rush through.

— Kevin Noonan, Contributing Writer

Vita and The Woolf – Tunnels

The debut full-length Tunnels from Philly’s Vita and the Woolf has largely flown under the radar this year, but it is not to be missed. Vocalist Jen Pague is a force of nature, and the music comes off something like Phantogram with Florence and the Machine on vocals. Brett, Sundrop, Qiet and the choir-enhanced re-envisioning of their earlier hit, “Mary,” are standouts. Catch them live before they are too big to see. Dates available at vitaandthewoolf.com.

— Joe del Tufo, Contributing Photographer

Grace Vonderkuhn

This leading area musician and her band will bring the glories of gritty garage rock to your ears. Catch them between Mid-Atlantic tours at Wilmington venues like 1984. Their new single, “Worry,” is a prelude to a full-length album slated for a Feb. 23 release through EggHunt Records. Have a listen at gracevonderkuhn.bandcamp.com.

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

WMPH Radio – 91.7 FM

This student-driven radio station was started in 1969 by students at Mount Pleasant High School and was overhauled in 2011 with better equipment and a stronger commitment to serving the students of the Brandywine School District. And even though its 100-watt signal is hard to pick up outside the immediate area, it’s worth your time to find it. The station airs district sports events—with students doing the play-by-play and color commentary—and is also affiliated with Delaware Public Media, which gives it access to National Public Radio. But what makes WMPH special for listeners is its diverse play list. Naturally, it appeals to its student audience with newer music, but it also plays older stuff and doesn’t just regurgitate the played-to-death hits that you hear on most classic rock stations. I’ve heard it play Muddy Waters, the Grateful Dead, Glenn Miller, the Allman Brothers, Miles Davis and even Fairport Convention. Tune in and try it.

— Kevin Noonan, Contributing Writer

Picks of the Drink Variety

19 Crimes Wine

The “19 Crimes” wine is becoming popular, not only because of the quality of the wine, but also the experience. The brand has a historical aspect: The name refers to the British list of crimes that were punishable by transport to Australia. The labels on the wine bottles have the face of a real convict who was sentenced to Australia. Use the accompanying app, and it will animate the image to tell you the convict’s story. As a bonus, it’s also a very tasty wine. So stop in at your local liquor store and indulge in an evening of delicious wine and a historical tale.

— Zuny Jamatte, Catalyst Visuals Intern

Two Roads Espressway

Love a cup of coffee as much as a pint of beer? Why not have both in the same mug? Two Roads Espressway combines a delicious blend of Ethiopian and Sumatran coffee beans with the brand’s rich oatmeal stout, producing a silky, malty brew without any bitter aftertaste. How do they accomplish this? By using a German-built device called a “Brewnik,” which basically pressurizes the coffee and stout, steeping the two until cold-brewed coffee stout is ready for consumption. The Espressway is a new year-round addition to the Two Roads rotation, but the chilly weather makes for the perfect time to load up.

— Rob Kalesse, Contributing Writer

Bellefonte Brewing Company

A brewery you may not have heard much about yet is the Bellefonte Brewing Company. A nano brewery that focuses on making excellent beers with seasonal rotations, its calendar is densely packed with community events and educational offerings. If you consider yourself a beer sommelier, want to learn more about brewing your own stuff, or just want to get to know your neighbors better, a visit to the Bellefonte Brewing Company is well worth your time. The tap room is open Wednesdays through Sundays, though the hours fluctuate based on the day, so check times at bellefontebrewingco.com.

— Dillon McLaughlin, Contributing Writer

DIY Kombucha

My wife and I both realized we love drinking kombucha. It supports healthy gut bacteria and digestion and provides quick and easy energy, without the jitters that coffee can produce. Oh, and it tastes awesome. Most folks who like it find that it can be quite expensive (usually $4-$7 for a single serving). Au contraire, mon frère! I purchased a scoby (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast) for only $9 at the local organic market and I’ve already filled a few dozen bottles of my own. It’s fairly simple and takes just about a week to produce a gallon that’s ready to enjoy. Go with your gut… give it a try.

— Matthew Loeb, Catalyst Visuals, LLC

Home Craft Beer Tasting

There hasn’t been a better time to be a beer drinker than today. With breweries popping up left and right, finding great craft beer is easier than ever. I’ve been acquiring a variety of limited, hard-to-find beers and I have friends who do the same. So what do we do with all this beer? Share it, of course! But bars and restaurants usually frown upon this (unless it’s a BYOB) at their establishments, so we’ve been doing beer shares at home. Invite a few friends over, tell them to bring their selections, order some food and enjoy!

— Tyler Mitchell, Graphic Designer

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Worth Trying

Suggestions from our staff, contributors and readers

Terakawa Ramen

Next time you find yourself in Philadelphia, stop by Chinatown’s wildly delicious, low-key restaurant Terakawa Ramen. I opt for the Tan Tan Ramen ($11), a bowl filled with spicy miso and chicken broth soup with sesame, topped with minced pork, bean sprouts and chopped scallions. Alternative meat proteins are available, along with a range of vegetarian options and curry and donburi dishes.

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

Jim Carrey Channels Andy Kaufman

In 1999’s Man on the Moon, Jim Carrey famously portrayed provocative, eccentric, controversial, enigmatic, absurdist comic Andy Kaufman. In the just released documentary Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, behind-the-scenes footage demonstrates that Carrey became the performer who first rose to fame on the TV show Taxi. The doc began streaming on Netflix late last month.

— Bob Yearick, Contributing Editor

Cafe New Castle

The dining scene in historic New Castle is as constant as the architecture, so when there’s change people notice. This quaint eatery at 414 Delaware St. is worth the attention. The front of the house is charming, the back room is brightened by natural light, and the place makes a great c

up of coffee. The menu is limited but appetizing, and the items I’ve sampled were fresh and well-prepared. Café New Castle offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner (though it only stays open past 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday) and does serve wine and beer.

— Jerry duPhily, Publisher

 

That Performance Place

A music, theater and dance performance school with tons of enrollment options, it’s located in Elkton, Md. A family-friendly venue, this creative haven is a great example of the local music community. It’s a great place to support the scene and a wonderful place for children to learn music. Check for upcoming events at That Performance Place via the Facebook page.

— Ryan Alexander, Contributing Designer

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Worth Trying

Suggestions from our staff, contributors and readers

Kohlrabi

This root vegetable has been variously described as “the ugliest vegetable you’ve ever loved,” “what happens when broccoli and cabbage get married,” and “a cross between an octopus and a space capsule.” Kohlrabi is suddenly semi-trendy, but I learned about it years ago from my grandmother, who grew it in her backyard garden. It’s crisp and juicy either raw or cooked (it can even be used in pies), and it has plenty of nutrients and antioxidants. Hard to find, but usually available at the 7 Day Farmers Market on Lancaster Avenue—site of the former Pathmark.

— Bob Yearick, Contributing Editor

Desert Rose, Media, Pa.

Desert Rose is a Mediterranean restaurant that opened a couple of years ago on State Street in Media. They are famous for their chicken shawarma that comes with cabbage slaw, cucumbers, tomato, hummus and tahini. The chicken is cooked on a spit for a long time and tastes amazing. The restaurant also offers exquisite appetizers, such as grape leaves. And to finish off any meal at Desert Rose, I highly recommend their authentic Turkish coffee. Worth the trip across the Pennsylvania line.

— Zuny Jamatte, Catalyst Visuals Intern

Maiale’s Mexicano Burger

No pun intended, but Maiale is on a roll. For our Breakfast Edition in April, we highlighted Maiale’s hearty breakfast sandwich, which was so satisfying and filling that our production manager, Matt Loeb, said he “didn’t need to have another meal until dinner.” Little did we know, but more accolades were to come.

Last month, Maiale won in the Restaurant Division in the 10th Annual Farmer & The Chef competition. The first-place finish came just weeks after their People’s Choice win at the annual Delaware Burger Battle. That champion burger—The Mexicano—is now available at Maiale (at the Cannery on Lancaster Avenue) for just $10. With pickled onions, cheddar and chipotle mayo atop a chili-and-cilantro-flavored beef patty, it’s packed with flavor.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

A Farm Fresh Experience

Strolling around bucolic Ramsey’s Farm, you wouldn’t imagine you are less than a mile from the hustle-bustle of the Route 202 corridor. And that is why Ramsey’s (500 Ramsey Rd., Wilm.) is such a local treasure. Fall is prime time for the Ramseys, who have operated the farm for 180 years. The six-generation farmstead offers city dwellers and suburbanites the complete farm-fun menu, including evening hay rides, bonfires, multiple mazes and pumpkin picking. You can simply pop in (check hours first) or plan a group outing by visiting RamseysFarm.com.

— Jerry DuPhily, Publisher

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Worth Trying

Suggestions from our staff, contributors and readers

The Wilmington Riverfront

It’s easy to forget how much the Wilmington Riverfront has improved over the last two decades. It’s gone from looking like a set piece from an Irwin Allen disaster movie to an attractive place where people want to live, work and play.

A reminder of this transformation came with the recent visit of friends of the family from overseas. During their time here, we found ourselves going back again and again to the Riverfront: for lunch; for dinner; for ice cream; for the trampoline park, the wildlife refuge and Penn Cinema. Our guests simply loved it. There was a look of amazement in their kids’ faces when they first saw the Kalmar Nyckel cruise past us on the river.

As locals, we are all so close to the Riverfront—in more ways than one—that it’s easy to see past that sense of amazement. The Riverfront is a place in which we all can take pride. And it gives us a sense of what we can accomplish as a city in a short time.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

Tri-Valley Trail

The much-anticipated Tri-Valley Trail, located in White Clay Creek State Park north of Newark and accessible from the Paper Mill Road entrance, opened this summer and does not disappoint. Whether you’re bicycling or walking, the experience is a pleasant one, allowing you to drift through diverse terrain—meadows, forests, valleys, past historical stone buildings and fields of wildflowers. The trail structure varies, too, from paved to stone surfaces, narrow to wide. You don’t need a mountain bike to ride the trail, though it would probably be a little smoother. Recommendation: go for a sunset walk or ride, or pack a picnic for an early fall snack beside the trail.

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

Produce Express

A new and much-welcomed option for downtown fruit and veggie enthusiasts is The Produce Express at 340 S. Market St. It sells fresh produce at competitive prices, and much of it is both organic and local. The owner/operators are friendly and accommodating. Since becoming a weekly regular, I have suggested several additions to the inventory that are magically available on my next visit. Besides the excellent produce, the store offers a variety of Greek grocery items, including some home-baked specialties. The Produce Express is nestled next to the Celebration catering business, owned by the same family, an easy walk or drive from all of downtown, especially the Riverfront. The Produce Express, 340 S. Market St., open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., M-F, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 482-1876.

— Mark Fields, Contributing Writer

Marley Salad from Drop Squad Kitchen

This small kitchen on the Riverfront kicks out some seriously great vegan food. Located inside Molly’s Ice Cream Shop, DSK offers a bunch of fantastic, soul-inspired food—so good that you might be shocked to find out it was made without any animal products. I love the Caribbean-style kale salad with grilled ChickUn (their signature meatless chicken) with avocado, mango, tomato, onion and red peppers. Their signature dressing brings all those ingredients together for one tasty, flavorful salad. I also recommend the V-Steak, their meatless cheesesteak sub.

— Tyler Mitchell, Designer

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Burgers Worth Trying

We think you’ll like these local creations

Chelsea Cheeseburger – Chelsea Tavern

Arguably the best burger you can get in downtown Wilmington, the secret here is quality ingredients. Premium beef patty, beer-braised onions, aged white cheddar cheese and on a fresh brioche bun, with of course the bacon add-on. Pair it with hand-cut trio fries and a few of the quality craft beer selections. Makes for the perfect burger experience.

— Tyler Mitchell, Graphic Designer

Kid’s Famous Charcoal Grilled Burger – Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon

What sets it apart? Is it the simplicity of quality, fresh ground chuck? Is it the famous char-grilled flavor? The powerful Wisconsin cheddar? Is it the vine-ripe tomato and crisp iceberg lettuce? Yes, it’s all of these. Simply delicious.

— Matt Loeb, Creative Director & Production Manager

The Dirty Burger – Home Grown Café

This burger is piled with brisket and short rib, cheddar Jack cheese, bacon, tomato, caramelized onions, a secret sauce, and topped with a sunny-side-up egg. Somehow this is also available in vegetarian form, although I haven’t tried that option yet. Arguably a little pricey at $16.50, but remember, this is Home Grown (Main Street, Newark), which means ingredients always made from scratch, with a local, health-conscious focus.

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

Turkey Burger – Buckley’s Tavern

I know, I know, this historic Centreville tavern has long been known for its Buckley’s Burger. However, I’m a bit of a turkey burger fan and this is a go-to sandwich for me. The key to Buckley’s turkey burger is the lemon herb vinaigrette coupled with arugula. They add guacamole and top with Monterey Jack to provide a healthy yet satisfying alternative to their house favorite.

— Jerry duPhily, Publisher

The Tavern Special – UDairy Creamery Market

The Tavern Special is my favorite burger at the UDairy Creamery on Market Street. It’s a simple, straight-forward burger, just Monterrey Jack cheese, mushrooms and caramelized onions. But three things make it a standout: wonderfully fresh beef, coming directly from the farms of UD’s Ag Department; a choice of regular, ranch, or Old Bay-flavored handmade potato chips, and the option to easily (perhaps too easily) add an ice cream chaser at the same counter. 

— Mark Fields, Contributing Writer

Hereford Beef Burger – Goat Kitchen and Bar

There aren’t a lot of special components to this delicious burger, but the meat is fresh and tender and cooked to juicy perfection. The Hereford Beef Burger ($13.50) does come with one magic ingredient—pimento cheese, which gives an added flair to what would have been a great burger regardless. It also comes with bacon, lettuce and tomato and, for an extra 50 cents, you can add a fried egg to the combination. And the house-made pickles are worth the price of admission to the North Wilmington eatery all by themselves.

— Kevin Noonan, Contributing Writer

Aged Cheddar Burger – 8th & Union Kitchen

Inventiveness is the name of the game at 8th & Union when it comes to burgers, and several could likely make this list. The Smokey marries Gouda and a BBQ dripping aioli for delicious results. With bacon, egg, Swiss and mushrooms, the Kennett is basically two daily meals on one plate. But the Aged Cheddar Burger edges out the others with a sweet, earthy combination of caramelized onions, crispy shallots and sharp cheddar. Its flavor and texture make it a burger that will bring you back again and again.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

The Scorpion – Grub Burger Bar

For me, spice is the spice of life. That’s why I love the culinary adventure North Wilmington’s Grub Burger Bar serves up in the form of the “Scorpion,” a super-juicy burger topped with pepper Jack cheese, grilled jalapeños, and Grub’s own Trinidad moruga scorpion sauce. Not for the faint-hearted, but spice lovers, rejoice. P.S. Looking for something less adventurous but equally tasty? Grub’s Jive Turkey (ground turkey seasoned with pesto and topped with bacon, Swiss cheese, sprouts and avocado) or Guacapotle (cheddar cheese, chipotle aioli and house-made guacamole) burgers could be right up your alley.

— Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Contributing Writer

Big Bold Blue Burger – Iron Hill Brewery

Iron Hill Brewery on the Wilmington Riverfront is well-known for both beer and tasty burgers. One of the many burger choices is the Big Bold Blue Burger, which is quite a mouthful. For $15, you will have various flavors exploding in your mouth, thanks to the Danish blue cheese, the Applewood smoked bacon, fried onion rings and a soft brioche bun.

— Olivia Ingman, Intern

Best of Philly Burger – Brandywine Prime

Brandywine Prime’s reputation as a top steakhouse in the area is well established, but on Friday nights it’s the burgers that bring them in. That’s Prime’s Half-Price Burger Night, a promotion that started eight years ago and is still going strong. The beef is top quality, so you can’t go wrong with any of the selections. I recommend the Best of Philly, a burger topped with caramelized onions, local mushrooms and Monterey Jack cheese served with house-cut fries on a Le Bus-baked brioche roll. You can get burgers any night at Brandywine Prime, but other than Friday they’re available only in the bar.

— Jerry duPhily, Publisher

Hangover Helper Burger – Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen

My burger-and-fried-egg obsession continues with this tasty item from another Main Street eatery. It’s beefy goodness enhanced with tater tots, bacon, cheese and barbecue sauce. What more is there to say?

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

Peppercorn Blue Burger – Tonic Bar & Grille

For those of you who tend to order the wedge salad at restaurants where it’s offered, this is a burger for you. Gorgonzola melted on a black-pepper crusted beef patty, dressed with roasted red peppers. Tonic has earned a reputation in downtown Wilmington for its steaks, but their burgers should not be overlooked—particularly this one. It’s a burger with bite. For more, see tonicbargrille.com.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

Redfire Burger – Redfire Grill & Steakhouse

My first introduction to a Redfire burger was several years ago at Burger Battle, back in the days when the event was held on the grounds of Twin Lakes Brewery. It was the best burger I tasted that day and many others agreed, as it was named a People’s Choice winner that year. The Redfire features aged cheddar and maple pepper bacon, but it’s the addition of Redfire’s own Thousand Island dressing that sets this burger apart.

— Sophie duPhily

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Summer Cocktails Worth Trying

A few drinks we think you may enjoy

T.S.O.H. Mule – Trolley Square Oyster House

Like a drink that’s spicy yet refreshing? Yes, I realize that doesn’t make sense, but don’t knock it until you try it. With the T.S.O.H. Mule at Trolley Oyster House, you can build your own mule. My favorite is the Jalapeño Tequila with ginger beer and fresh lime.

— Matthew Loeb, Creative Director/Production Manager

Davie Jones’ Locker – Copperhead Saloon

Maybe it was the seafaring—or rather, sea-sinking—title that originally drew me to this house specialty cocktail at Copperhead Saloon, a refreshingly charming bar half-hidden away off Kennett Pike in Greenville. It’s the kind of place where Robert Louis Stevenson, Zelda Fitzgerald, Jesse James and Jane Austen could all sit down together and enjoy stimulating conversation, I’d like to believe. This particular cocktail is a rum-lemony blend, but there are others to choose from, too, featuring equally period-specific language like A Maiden’s Blush and Gallows Humor. The bar also includes classic cocktails categorized by pre-Prohibition, Prohibition and post-Prohibition styles. 

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

Lavender Drop Top – House of William and Merry

Made with Grey Goose, Chambord, lavender honey, fresh lemon juice and lavender sugar rim, this is a refreshing, unique cocktail that is not too sweet or overpowering but has an unusual summer twist. With the appealing scent of lavender—often used to help bring on sleep—this beverage has a calming effect at the end of a long day.

— Julie Wenger, Out & About Contributor

The Classic Margarita – Cocina LoLo

I make this recommendation with cautious optimism. Right now Cocina LoLo is “closed for the summer but will reopen in September.” I hope that’s true, because their Classic Margarita is exactly what a margarita should be: Blue Agave Tequila (Gold tequila? Who wants that?), Cointreau and fresh-squeezed lime. No neon yellow or green nasty sour mix. Perfection. If you like tequila and a little kick, I also recommend the Hey Mamacita, served at LoLo’s sister restaurant, Merchant Bar (currently open). Jalapeño-infused tequila, Mezcal, lemon, fresh pineapple juice and vanilla. It’s the perfect balance of not-too-spicy or sweet.

— Marie Graham Poot, Out & About Contributor

Frozé (frozen rosé wine) – Constitution Yards

As a vino enthusiast, it’s sometimes challenging to find other offerings to gratify my grape-loving palate. In the heat of the summer, I usually enjoy a chilled dry rosé. Now, I’ve found my wine in the ultimate summertime form—as a frozen drink. This recent national trend has hit Wilmington’s Constitution Yards, where the bartenders make the concoction themselves and assured me “it’s really made with a rosé, not white zinfandel.” (White zinfandel is often a cloyingly sweet wine; rosés can be either sweet or dry.) The slushy, just-a-hint-of-sweet Frozé is perfect for hot nights along the river. But I warn you, it goes down easily. Cheers!

— Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Contributing Writer

Basil Smash – Ubon Thai Cuisine

A local veteran in the restaurant industry recently shared with me a disturbing lament: the fear that bartending was in danger of becoming a lost art, and that newbies were relying too much on premade mixes for their drinks. That vet would be proud to meet Ty Naughton, Ubon’s young mixologist, who makes most of his drinks on the spot with fresh ingredients whenever possible. Other than the ingredients simple syrup and basil, Naughton’s recipe for the Basil Smash is a radical departure from the “traditional” version: replacing gin and lemon slices with Knob Creek Rye and lime—as well as adding bitters and a touch of St. Germaine.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

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On a Lighter Note

A tilt toward lower ABV sessions leads craft beer trends in 2017

If you’re a craft beer drinker, you know the struggle.

You relish the slow-drinking delights of a hoppy India pale ale with a hearty meal or a few drinks with friends, then call it a night, relatively unfazed by the 6 percent (or higher) ABV.

Then comes the barbecue. Or the day at the beach. You’re in for the long haul, and an afternoon of those IPAs you normally savor is going to hit just a little too hard for you to head home under your own power. It’s one of those moments as a craft beer fan when you think to yourself, “It sure would be nice to have a crisp, refreshing pilsner that went down easy like the ones dad used to drink, but still had some craft beer personality.”

The good news is that craft brewers, who helped launch the IPA craze, feel the same way, says Mike Piorunsky, brewer for Evolution Craft Brewing Co. The Salisbury, Md., brewhouse has introduced Delmarva Pure Pils to its lineup to entice the more session-minded consumer looking for clean refreshment with the quality of a good craft brew.

“You definitely are looking for that drinkability factor,” says Piorunsky. “And with this beer, the intent was to make something that would have a lot of the traditional characteristics of the pilsner style.” While not as heavily hopped as many of the craft beers people are most familiar with, there’s still that touch—mostly aromatic—that says this was a purposefully crafted brew.

But it’s not just the drinker preferences that brewers are aiming to satisfy, says John Leyh, craft and specialty brand manager for NKS Distributors in Wilmington. It’s also about the bottom line.
“More people are drinking craft beer every day, but not as fast as there are new beers available to them,” he says. “These brewers have kind of gotten into a place where they’ll make a really good IPA, but [thanks to traditionally higher alcohol content] people can’t drink a lot of it.”

Those brewers are also looking at beer sales figures showing that nearly 80 percent of the beer sold in the United States still falls under the heading of German-style pilsners—the Budweisers and Michelobs that combine smooth drinking with a lower alcohol by volume. Not wanting to give up their growing market share to the big brewers of the world, craft brewers are getting the message and ramping up production of their own pilsners, blonde ales and golden lagers, Leyh says.

“It’s effectively the same style of beer as Budweiser, it just might have a little more of a hop character,” he says. “The brewers are offering what the consumer wants and hoping they’ll pay for something that’s a better beer. They like making really good beer, but they also like selling a lot of it.”

Selling more also means finding a niche that isn’t being filled by other brewers, Leyh says. Those pitching a new IPA to a bar that already has several on tap in that category won’t get a positive response, but offering something different like a flavorful golden ale or pilsner gives a brewer a better chance of getting that foot in the door. Often, the hope is that a good experience with a beer that has broad appeal might lead to a tavern owner trying another beer from that brewer.

“This is kind of a course correction because it allows the craft brewing community to service more customers,” says Leyh.

Evolution’s Piorunsky concurs.

“When we put this beer together, we did it with the thought that it’s going to be approachable to everyday beer drinkers in the market and flavorful enough to capture the palate of someone who would normally buy an IPA,” he says.

Golden Delicious

Here are a few of the latest crop of golden brews sure to make your summer sipping more refreshing:

Fordham Gypsy Lager – Particularly here in the Northeast, saying “lager” denotes a specific brand that often is not up to snuff for many craft beer drinkers. What Fordham has done is take the traditional Munich-style Helles lager, with its distinctive Munich and Vienna malts, and created a honey-tinged sweetness that contrasts the hoppy bitterness. Clean and crisp, this brew checks in with a 5 percent ABV that won’t overwhelm your afternoon by the pool.

Firestone Walker Pivo Pilsner – As with any good pilsner, Pivo starts with the classic styles of Europe – in this case the Czech Republic, Italy and Germany. But the folks at Firestone have put a decidedly American spin on the Old-World flavors by adding hops at the end of the brewing process, thus delivering the aromatic floral notes of the hops without the bitterness.

Kona Big Wave Golden Ale – Hawaii wouldn’t seem to be a hotbed of heavy IPA brews, but the folks at Kona do offer their own spin on the venerable ale. This golden ale pairs a light body with floral hoppiness for easy-drinking refreshment that complements seafood, pasta dishes and poultry.
Goose Island Four Star Pils – Another take on the traditional pilsner, this one emerged, according to Goose Island lore, from its employees’ interest in brewing a beer “they could enjoy at the end of their shift.” Brewed with a blend of American and German hops and with an easy-drinking 5.1 percent ABV, this is a flavorful pick for your enjoyment after work and over the weekend.

A pair of 'juicy" IPAs.
A pair of ‘juicy” IPAs.

Give It Some Juice

Not all refreshment this summer will be had at the hands of a pilsner or golden ale, however. The venerable IPA has gotten a boost of summertime sparkle from the increasingly popular addition of fruitier hops varieties, resulting in a flavor that’s come to be described as “juicy.”

While not involving actual juices, these (often double) IPAs possess a flavor and aroma that departs from the usual piney overtones of traditional hops and comes off as more fruity or citrusy. Think pineapple or passionfruit rather than the floral notes that often accompany a traditional IPA.

But even though these newer arrivals might make it seem like juice is the hot new thing, using actual juices and fruit sodas in beers has been around for a while. Shandies—essentially a lager spiked with lemon soda—have been slow to catch on with the craft beer crowd because they go against much of what they strive for in the way of complex flavors and high alcohol content. But as warm weather is upon us and every bit of refreshment is appreciated, it’s worth noting that summer brings more of these juice-infused delights than any other time of year, and that some craft brewers are warming up to the idea of cooling off with some juicy creations of their own.

The Crowler

One of the pervasive challenges of loving your local brewpub has been enjoying their beers at home. Not long ago, the only option a devoted fan had was to purchase a “growler”—essentially a jug—from said brewpub and pay to have it filled. But as handy as growlers are for beer you plan to drink quickly, they’re not great at keeping beer fresh for longer than a few days.

And those craft brewers that focus more on bottled beers than on-site brewpub consumption have their own portability problems. What to do if you’re inclined to carry your favorite craft brew to an event that limits or prohibits glass containers?

The solution: The “crowler,” essentially a canned, sealed version of the growler that saves brewpub proprietors the hassle of dealing with customers who return unwashed growlers and likewise sparing customers the aggravation of beer that skunks after a few days in the fridge.

Still more convenient: Regular old cans that you can grab at your favorite retailer. Downingtown, Pa.’s Victory Brewing is offering a limited edition seasonal 12-can variety pack through August that includes four summer seasonals: Summer Love, Vital IPA, Hop Devil IPA and Prima Pils. Meanwhile, local brewpub chain Iron Hill has begun offering canned versions of its most popular brews, including Vienna Red Lager; Mahalo, Apollo!, and Rising Sun IPA.

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Worth Trying – Feb. 2017

Suggestions from our staff, contributors and readers

Keep It Local

I try to find small, locally-owned options whenever I can. During my inevitable weekend home repairs, I find myself at Wagner Hardware on Lancaster Avenue (formerly in Greenville). The staff brings an old-school approach of being helpful and knowledgeable, unlike the big-box hardware employees who avoid eye contact and turn the other way. These folks will hand your child a lollipop as they answer your questions and guide you to the items you need.

—Matthew Loeb, Creative Director/Production Manager

A Winter Hike

February is an easy month to feel cooped up indoors. For an extended period of time, that makes most people—like me! —miserable. So why not face the elements and get outside at a state or county park? Particularly after a snowstorm, Delaware’s trails, forests and meadows have a solitary allure in the winter that you just can’t find during the warmer months when they’re crowded with people and activity. So layer up, grab your dog, a friend, a loved one, or hit the trails solo for an outdoor adventure.

—Krista Connor, Associate Editor

Locale BBQ Post Breakfast Sandwiches

This place is the best for all your BBQ needs in the City of Wilmington. However, I think the best kept secret is its breakfast sandwiches. For five bucks, you get your choice of meat (usually bacon or sausage for me), topped with a perfect runny egg, cheese, an amazing remoulade sauce, on a fresh English muffin from La Fia’s Bakery, downtown. Served with a house pepper-vinegar sauce on the side, this thing will kick you in the mouth with flavor. If you find yourself on Lincoln Street during your morning commute, do yourself a favor and make a pit stop here.

—Tyler Mitchell, Graphic Designer

Jerry’s Artarama

A few years ago, my dog chewed our art director’s new sketchbook. Naturally I was mortified. In an attempt to reconcile as soon as possible, I ran to Jerry’s Artarama on Market Street. I have a hard time drawing a stick-person, so I was out of my element, but the staff was friendly and the store was filled with so much cool stuff. So when my son recently asked if we could make a cobra for his school project, I knew Jerry’s Artarama would be the place to go—and we didn’t have to deal with Concord Pike or Kirkwood Highway. The staff loved that there was a child there who was interested in art, and they enthusiastically guided us to the right supplies.

—Marie Graham Poot, Director of Digital Media

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A Taste of Honey

Two new establishments are bringing an Old World beverage—mead—to today’s market

“I rose up in the morning and I felt a dire need
To dream away the dreary day
And drink a cup of mead.
Ignoring the sting of honey bees
I drank and drank some more.
Awoke the very next day and
My [expletive] head was sore.”

— 12th century English drinking song

Yes, they used expletives in the 12th century, and probably a lot of them after a long night drinking mead, the exquisite and potent honey wine that is making a comeback in the 21st century.

Throughout history, people have found a way to turn just about anything into a cocktail, including grain, grape, potato, rice and even something sweet like molasses or honey. And mead, made from honey, is one of the oldest recorded alcoholic beverages, dating back to 7000 BC in Northern China and 2000 BC in Europe.

To most people, the word “mead” conjures images of fur-clad Vikings sitting around a fire while they throw down the sweet drink from cups made of ox horn, or England in the Middle Ages, with bawdy inns and Robin Hood and his merry men draining pewter mugs of the stuff as they sing “I rose up in the morning…” and plotting against the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Like most great discoveries, mead probably was created by accident; some fermenting agent got into some honey, time passed and—voila!—it was cocktail hour. But because honey was hard to acquire (those darn bees), the drink, although still made and enjoyed, was soon passed in popularity by beverages that were made from fruits and grains and other non-stinging sources.

But now, two establishments in Delaware are trying to bring the ancient concoction to modern drinkers.
“It’s one of the oldest and most popular alcoholic beverages on earth, but not many people have ever tried it and a lot of people have never even heard of it. We hope to change that,” says Terri Sorantino, who, along with partner Dr. Jeffrey Cheskin, has opened Liquid Alchemy Beverages on Brookside Avenue in Elsmere.

Sorantino and Cheskin discovered mead by accident. Four years ago, the couple was on vacation in Maine and stopped at a café that served mead, which neither had ever tasted. Intrigued, they sampled some and immediately fell in love with it. And on the long drive back to their home in Old New Castle, they decided to bring mead to Delaware, and maybe make a little money, too. Even though they both have thriving careers—Cheskin is a chiropractor and Sorantino is a nutrition counselor—they wanted to invest in a food or beverage business where they could be creative and be their own bosses, but they knew the craft beer market was flooded. So, their trip to Maine proved to be serendipitous.

Dr. Jeffrey Cheskin and Terri Sorantino of Liquid Alchemy Beverages fell in love with mead the first time they tasted it. (Photo by Jim Coarse)
Dr. Jeffrey Cheskin and Terri Sorantino of Liquid Alchemy Beverages fell in love with mead the first time they tasted it. (Photo by Jim Coarse)

Growing Up with Mead

“You’re always looking for something new and different, something that sets you apart from everybody else,” says Sorantino. “As soon as we tried mead, we knew that we had found what we were looking for.”
Whereas Sorantino and Cheskin were amateurs who stumbled onto mead and its possibilities, Jon Talkington is a brewing professional who grew up with it—even as a kid he used to home-distill mead in his kitchen, as well as beer and wine.

“I’ve been making mead for over 20 years,” Talkington says. “Both of my grandfathers made different kinds of stuff over the years and I just picked up on it. They both lived on farms and made apple jack and cider and brewing has just been a part of my life ever since I can remember.”

That early exposure to the benefits of fermentation led Talkington, a native of Ohio, to become a brewer at Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, the undefeated and undisputed king of local craft breweries.

Talkington has worked at Dogfish Head for the last 12 years and he’s also a professional wine maker, so it was a relatively easy and natural move for him to make mead. And, like Sorantino and Cheskin, he saw that there was a market niche he could fill with the ancient drink.

Talkington has teamed with business partner Robert Walker Jr., who has worked at Dogfish Head for the last six years and currently has the title of Inventory Fulfillment Specialist. In the next month or two they will open Brimming Horn Meadery in Milton, with Talkington as the beverage specialist and Walker as the business specialist.

As the name indicates, they will emphasize mead’s Viking tradition in their marketing and décor at Brimming Horn. That’s why their meads are called things like Freya’s Kiss, Bjornbar and Viking Berry, as well as one with the gotta-try-it name of Goat’s Blood (made from grapes and cherries).

“I first learned about mead like a lot of other people did, from reading history books and mythology,” Talkington says. “Mead is mentioned in Beowulf, so you know it’s been popular for a long time when it becomes part of a mythology like that. And that mythology is a big part of mead’s appeal today. At the same time, we’re not just marketing this as some kind of trip back through history. It’s also like a sweet wine, and there are enough different kinds to appeal to all kinds of tastes.”

Kitchen-Inspired

Sorantino-Cheskin and Talkington-Walker have something in common when it comes to making different kinds of mead —both teams get most of their inspiration not from the brewery, but the kitchen.

“I love to cook and Jeff loves to experiment and that combination is a key,” Sorantino says. “We also get a lot of our inspiration from cooking shows on The Food Network. We’ll see somebody do something with a recipe, with different fruits and spices and flavors—like when we saw someone making a popsicle out of blackberries and lime—and then we’re like, ‘Hmmm…I wonder if that would work with mead.’ And then we’ll experiment and make a small batch. Sometimes it just doesn’t work, but some of our best meads have come from that approach.”

Says Talkington: “I’ve always cooked and I’ve always enjoyed trying different recipes and making my own recipes, and that’s a big part of my approach to making mead—don’t be afraid to experiment. That’s one of the real pleasures of doing this, when you can come up with a recipe of your own that really works. It’s a very creative process that just also happens to taste great.”

Variety is a key to making not only good mead, but also marketable mead. Basic mead is made from just fermented honey, but despite what one might think, it’s not thick and syrupy. Regular mead—at Liquid Alchemy Beverages it’s called “Sweet-Nothing” —definitely has sweetness about it, but there’s no mistaking the alcoholic bite. And that’s just one of many varieties available, and most batches of mead are some combination of fruits and spices and grains and, of course, honey.

“It’s like wine,” Cheskin said. “Some people like red and some like white. Some like a dry wine and some like a fruity wine and some like a spicy wine. It’s the same thing with mead. The key is to find out what works and what doesn’t and that’s all part of the process and part of the fun of doing this. It’s a great feeling when you have an idea and it ends up tasting delicious.”

Both Liquid Alchemy and Brimming Horn use local fruits as much as possible, but they also go exotic at times, which is why one of Liquid Alchemy’s meads will contain cinnamon from Sri Lanka and blackberries from Hockessin.

“You want the best of both worlds, so to speak,” Talkington says. “You want the freshness of local produce and you want to support local businesses. That’s very important because we want to be part of the community. But we also want to bring other worlds to Delaware. If you do it right, it makes for a great combination.”

Getting the Word Out

For Sorantino and Cheskin, one of their biggest challenges is to get people to sample their wares at their renovated warehouse. Their meadery is in the middle of a street lined with industrial garages and warehouses, and even though they completely redid their place and it has a warm, cozy feel to it, the location isn’t ideal for starting a new business. To compensate, they’ve gotten involved with local food fairs and festivals and other events where they’ve been able to introduce mead to a different and mostly younger crowd.

“That’s the most important thing of all—getting the word out,” Sorantino says. “Every time we go to some festival or event we get more and more fans of mead. People are intrigued by the idea and they love the taste and they love the idea that it’s different. And then they want to know where they can get it.”

“There’s a reason this drink has been around for centuries,” she adds. “And that, of course, is part of the allure of mead—its history and place in literature, that feeling of connecting with the Old World. What we’ve tried to do is bring the past into the present, and we’re having a lot of fun while doing it.”

For more information, including hours or operation and different varieties of mead, log onto brimminghornmeadery.com and liquidalchemybeverages.com.