Kalmar Nyckle PHOTO COURTESY: ANDREW HANNA
Banks’ Seafood Kitchen
Delaware Contemporary PHOTO COURTESY: TATIANA MICHELS
menu, opened on March 22nd in the wake of one of our several rogue snowstorms. One of the owners, Mike Day observed, “So far, we’ve opened the doors and they showed up. They loved the food, they loved the atmosphere, they loved the renovations, and they loved the beer and bourbon selections.” He continues, “There’s a lot of business getting ready to open here. … The more business you have open, the more restaurants and bars and places you have to bring people downtown. It gives everybody more business.” Another anticipated development is the new 2.3-acre Wilmington Brew Works, opening later this year in northwest Wilmington. Craig Wensell, an owner/brewer formerly with Bellefonte Brewing, described the current plans, “The brews will be on draft at the brewery, and the beers will eventually be available at liquor stores and restaurants.” Expect fresh beer in the tasting room, live music and perhaps a restaurant on the site. Look for the building, which will retain the iconic Spanish colonial-style look and red tile roof. “We’re proud to be a part of the continued revival of the city and bring new life to Wilmington. We’re going to make history. We’re the first production brewery to package and deliver off-site in Wilmington in 64 years,” says Craig. “Our products will be unique and will embody our attitude of ‘Playfully Pretentious and Easily Enjoyed.’” FAMILY FUN Playful is also an apt description for the Riverfront Walk, Rockford Park and Brandywine Park, all providing natural beauty along the walking trails that double as bike trails.
There’s more space to play at the Brandywine Zoo, dating back to 1905. The Riverfront has special attractions for warm weather family fun. You’ll spot the bright yellow Delaware Children’s Museum next to the Riverside Walk miniature golf course. And Constitution Yards’ beer garden includes backyard games like corn hole, bocce and badminton. Ride the Riverboat Queen or tour on the River Taxi. There’s big boating fun when the tall ship, the Kalmar Nyckle, is in port. Art lovers of all ages will enjoy the eclectic displays at the Delaware Contemporary, just a short jog from the Riverfront Riverwalk. DINING AROUND THE CITY If you work up an appetite, you’ll find dining options at every turn. The Riverfront restaurants—like Chef Dave Banks of Banks’ Seafood Kitchen (formerly Harry’s Seafood), Big Fish Grill and the Farmer’s Market— offer a fitting fresh catch menu. Veteran fine dining restaurants—like the Columbus Inn, Domaine Hudson, Walter’s Steakhouse, and Tonic Bar and Grill—are known for extensive menus and old-school ambiance. More casual options—like Ernest and Scott, The Taproom, Kelly’s Logan House and Chelsea Tavern—also offer a side of music, inspiration and distinctive character. Meanwhile, the Trolley Square area mixes a bit of art and entertainment with its dining choices. You’ll find sustenance for the soul at the Delaware Art Museum and handcrafted art and gifts at the Blue Streak Gallery. Nearby are old guard restaurants—
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PHOTO COURTESY: MOONLOOP PHOTOGRAPHY
County Lines | June 2018 | CountyLinesMagazine.com