Fork+Flask is closing its doors after an 18-year run.
In a social media post, parent company La Vida Hospitality wrote that An opportunity has arisen for us to move on from Fork + Flask and allow the space to serve as a starting point for another great local business.”
Fork+Flask got its start as Nage, which at one time had a restaurant in Washington, D.C.
Nage added upscale dining options to the chain-dominated Coastal Highway area near Rehoboth but kept things less snooty with one of the best burgers in Delaware. The good news is that some of the chain spots are gone, and some have been replaced with local dining spots.
Over the years, La Vida expanded into operations that included a seasonal Delaware beach club, the recently opened Taco Reho in a nearby former Burger King, and a trio of Crooked Hammock brewery-restaurants, including a location in Myrtle Beach, NC.
The closing date is April 16.
Thompson Island Brewing opens
SoDel Concepts has opened its second brewing company in the fast-growing Ocean View.
Ocean View Brewing Co. joins Thompson Island Brewing Co. near Rehoboth.
In addition to its brews, Ocean View has a varied menu that includes Henny Penny fried chicken to meatloaf and “cafeteria-style” Sloppy Joes.
SoDel now has 16 restaurants in Coastal Sussex, along with a consulting service, craft soft drinks, and events.
A Friday-only bar at the Whist
The University and Whist Club treads a fine line in a changing world.
The venerable private dining club, like many of its counterparts, hosts weddings, and meetings. But is that enough to keep the lights on and keep its name in front of prospective members?
The Whist has been dipping its toe into widening its offerings and on April 1st will open the Carriage House on the property.
The Carriage House will only operate on Friday nights and will feature food trucks on the grounds, rather than using its dining facilities.
The club is located on Broom Street off downtown. The Wilmington landmark was the home of physician and Revolutionary War figure James Tilton. Legend has it that the hill the mansion sits on was under consideration as the home of the U.S. Capitol.
If you can wrangle a tour, the guide may show you what appears to be a surgical table that was probably used by Tildon.
James Beard semi-finalists don’t advance
eThe two Delaware Best Chef semi-finalists for the James Beard Award did not make it to the next round.
Norminted were Antimo DiMeo of Bardea Food & Drink, Wilmington and, Bill Hoffman, chef and co-owner of The House of William & Merry, Hockessin.
Click here for a full list of winners.
