Finding a Good Restaurant in Wilmington: Or how I really don't enjoy cooking

Philadelphia is definitely an eater's city (I don't use the word foodie - it sounds pretentious and childish all at once).  And I miss it. It's been a long hard journey to find good restaurants in Wilmington. Each time a new restaurant opens, a kernel of hope grows only to be smashed to smithereens when we actually eat there.

So I've compiled the top 3 restaurants that I enjoy - if you know of any others that are better - by all means please comment. 

The House of William and Merry

This is probably the best restaurant in the area - and it's not even in Wilmington. It's owned by husband/wife chef team of Merry Catanuto and William Hoffman in a former house (thus the clever name). Fresh, local and delicious food.

Drinks on the veranda? I'm posh like that.

Location:

1336 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin DE 19707.

(302) 234-2255

Hours:

1-9:30 Tuesday - Saturday, 10-2 for Sunday brunch and 5-7 for prix fixe Sunday supper, 

Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday 3-6, closed Mondays.

$$-$$$

Do:

• Go for Brunch and order anything with bacon (unless you are vegan/vegetarian/or have religious dietary restrictions, in which case, they have plenty of other great food)
• Have their fries! (unless you don't eat carbs/starch in which case I am sorry because the fries are really awesome)

Don't:

• Go when already starving as I have found service to be slow. Very slow sometimes. It's the only real drawback. 
• Worry if their lot is full.  You can park in the lot by the park. 

Rasa Sayang

This Malaysian restaurant is a hidden gem in the Independence Mall on Concord Pike (not to be confused with Independence Hall in Philadelphia - they don't have food there). The food is tasty and reasonably priced. 

Roti - It may not look like much but it tastes great!

Location:

Independence Mall

1601 Concord Pike, Suite 73 

Wilmington, DE 19803

302 543 5286 t.

Hours:

Lunch: 

Monday thru Saturday 11:30am-3:00pm, Sunday 12:00noon - 3:00pm 

Dinner: 

Monday thru Thursday 3:00pm-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday 3:00pm-10:30pm

Sunday 3:00pm-9:00pm

$-$$

Do:

• Have their Roti
• Try their Pad Thai, Thai Basil Noodles, and Pineapple Fried Rice
• Have their fountain soda -it's among the best that I have had. (Unless you don't drink soda. Which I try not to but honestly it is so very good)

Don't:

• Worry - they have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options
• Feel overwhelmed by the service - they are very attentive. Very very attentive.

Two Stones Pub

Great draft beer and great food. Three locations in the Wilmington/Newark/Kennett Square areas.

Location:

2502 Foulk Road

Valley View Plaza

Shopping Center

302.439.3231

Hours:

Open 'til 1am

Lunch:

Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 5pm, Sun: 10am - 2pm

Dinner:

Sun - Wed: 5pm - 9pm,Thu - Sat: 5pm - 10pm

$$

Do:

• Have their pulled pork - best I have had!!! (only if you eat pork, of course)
• Ask for a taste of any of their draft beers
• Take advantage of Happy Hour! ( Happy Hour Monday thru Friday- 3 to 6 pm)

Don't:

• I don't really have any don'ts....
• Drink and Drive! (This is a given but I feel it does need repeating)

Honorable Mention:

Harry's Fish Market + Grill - good food at great prices in the riverfront market. Their $3 Monday burger deal has lines out the market.

Kid Shelleen's - Love their brunch if you can get in. Very crowded, and a little pricey. Also half-price burgers on Tuesdays. 

A.Kitchen: Or I really seem to write about food A.Lot

It's been a while since I last wrote.  Mostly because I am really really lazy. And I have a life, unlike you guys.

So my latest foray into Philadelphia was at A.Kitchen. Where there is a kitchen, and some tables, and lots and lots of waitstaff. (side note: there was this blond kid who looked exactly like the bad guy from the Karate Kid (original) and I wanted so badly to say, "Sweep the leg, Johnny!" but I was pretty sure that he would think I was crazy so I refrained)

Photo from their website

Fact:

• A.Kitchen is part of AKA Rittenhouse where many celebs stay.
• I saw Gerard Butler hanging outside AKA Rittenhouse a couple years ago. He looked like a scruffy dude - even though I was expecting King Leonidas.
• The food was really really good.

Do:

• Make a reservation as it is quite small.
• Have dessert - really totally awesome. Best poundcake I've ever had. No, really. I'm serious.

Don't:

• Wear black, as the cloth napkin left white lint.
• Be freaked out about the portion size - it's actually filling and you won't feel sick afterwards.

Not Gerard Butler

Location:
35 South 18th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Just north of Walnut Street at AKA Rittenhouse Square

Price:
Can be a bit spendy for the non-Rittenhouse folks but well worth it. Check out their menu for more info. (What? You wanted me to provide you with that too? Don't be so lazy. Look at their website!)