Good morning,
Dining writer Pam George’s Facebook page Small Wonder, Big Bites has a few spirited discussions on dining.
The latest came after George posted a link to the Daily Meal website listing the most expensive restaurant in every state.
Such rankings are commonplace and are designed to draw clicks, with search engines often used for research. To its credit, the Daily Meal did not require a separate click for each state.
Earning the title of the most expensive restaurant in the state was Harry’s Savoy Grill off Naamans Road in north Wilmington.
The designation was debated, with the Hockessin’s House of William and Merry and Sullivan’s Steakhouse on Concord Pike near the state line coming in at the same price point. Beach restaurants were also mentioned.
A quick look at menus shows that Sullivan’s topping the list of most expensive menu items, with a birthday or expense account steak selling for $59. The Hotel duPont’s Green Room, which once had the reputation of commanding the highest prices, is in Harry’s territory these days.
A look at other top end restaurants did not find $60 steaks, although I did see $36 veal parmesan at V&M in north Wilmington and $24 fried chicken at the Blue Hen in Rehoboth. The Blue Hen’s sister restaurant Henlopen City Oyster House offers king crab legs for a hefty $99.
You can’t go wrong at any of the dining destinations listed above. But if you want to find truly expensive restaurants, drive to Philadelphia, Baltimore or Washington, D.C. and don’t forget parking charges that can run the price of an expensive appetizer.
Finally, last Saturday I stopped by Total Wine in Claymont at the invitation of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.
Reps of the Milton brewery were on hand to offer samples of the company’s flagship beers that include Flesh and Blood, 60 Minute IPA and its hot seller SeaQuench.
I skipped SeaQuench, since a six pack is already in the fridge. The Ale, a refreshing brew, has notes of lime and black lime. If you are OK with drinking something on the tart side, it is ideal on a summer day.
Another aisle away, samples of Dogfish’s distilled beverages were being offered. One standout was rum with a touch of honey. All Dogfish offerings are worth the price and sampling is a good way to see if their off-centered creations are a good fit for your palate.
Enjoy the weekend and put the restaurants listed above on your list. – Doug Rainey, publisher.
