Nick’s Pizza is open on Newport Gap Road, but hours are not yet standardized.
There’s no business like the food business. At least that was the case on Monday, Oct. 23, when the Delaware Restaurant Association held its Cornerstone Awards.
And there’s much to celebrate.
Despite several years of hardships, new spots are opening.
The industry continues to give back to the community, and seasonal specials are tempting diners to venture out during the week.
Lewes Oyster House’s Sean Corea, Tim Bartley and Tom Little received the Restaurateurs of the Year Award.
Industry movers, shakers and supporters gathered at the Lighthouse Cove Event Center on Monday, Oct. 23, for the 21st Annual Cornerstone Awards.
Nicola Pizza and the Caggiano family received the 2023 Cornerstone Award, and the family was on hand for an emotional tribute.
The Lewes Oyster House’s Sean Corea, Tim Bartley and Tom Little received the Restaurateurs of the Year Award. In just over a year, the downtown establishment has become a destination that has increased the historic town’s culinary appeal.
The Industry Impact Award was split between the Food Bank of Delaware and three food writers: Patricia Talorico, Bob Yesbek—aka the Rehoboth Beach Foodie—and yours truly.
More than 20 DRA members had food stations with tempting tidbits.
Roja & Verde Taqueria in Newark is putting the finishing touches on its College Avenue space, which should open in November.
Almost taco time
Roja & Verde Taqueria in Newark is putting the finishing touches on its College Avenue space, which should open in November.
The restaurant is owned by Greg Vogeley, who has Drip Café next door and the flagship Drip Café in Hockessin.
The menu includes tacos, nachos, gordita, tamales and various sides.
If you sign up for the Roja & Verde newsletter on the website, you could win a $50 gift card.
Nick’s Pizza won’t be serving his tomato pie for a few days as the restaurant closes because he has jury duty.
Nick’s Pizza opens
Nick Vouras of Nick’s Pizza has slowly been testing the supply and demand for his Detroit and round pizzas as he prepares to open his brick-and-mortar restaurant at 1903 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington.
Those in the known—namely those who follow him on Instagram—have been keeping up with the limited hours and offerings.
Today, Wednesday, Oct. 25, Nick’s Pizza is open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with tomato pie, cheesesteaks and Detroit-style pizzas.
Vouras will be closed on Thursday and Friday for jury duty, and the shop will reopen for dining Saturday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m.
To be safe, call 302-842-2060 for hours and follow Nick’s Pizza on social media to view menu items.
Breast Cancer fundraisers
There’s about a week left to contribute to research, support and awareness initiatives during Breast Cancer Awareness month, with several dining locations participating.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is donating $1 per pint of Pink Brambleberry Raspberry Farmhouse Ale to Beer4Boobs. The organization has raised nearly $450,000 for breast cancer research and the American Cancer Society.
From noon to 5 p.m., the $5 entry fee at each location will go to The Red Devils, which supports families impacted by breast cancer.
Each site will have entertainment and discounts.
This year, 2SP Brewing Co. is donating $1 from each full pour or mug of Pony Gurl to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Pony Gurl is a golden coconut lager, and you can find it at Two Stones Pub locations and the 2SP Taphouse in Chadds Ford.
No loop? No problem.
The annual Halloween Loop is nothing more than a ghost, but you can still dress up.
Crow Bar in Trolley Square is hosting a Halloween costume contest with a $200 price on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 9 p.m.
La Fia Bistro on Market Street in Wilmington offers a three-course meal for $40 on Wednesday nights.
Wonderful Wednesday deals
Fixed price—prix fixe—multicourse meals have become a way for restaurants to create dining excitement, and on Wednesdays, La Fia Bistro in downtown Wilmington offers three courses for $40. Reservations are recommended.
Nalu in Rehoboth Beach is showcasing $10 ramen dishes on hump day. Pick your broth and your protein.
Also in Rehoboth, Drift is proving that it’s more than seafood. Chef Tom Wiswell has turned Wednesdays into pasta nights. Dishes run from $20 to $25 each.
The Farmacy Market will open in this building in Milford.
The Farmacy coming to Milford
Milford is continuing to expand its food scene, and for proof, consider The Farmacy Market, which will open on South Walnut Street this fall.
The market is the brainchild of two enterprising couples, Chantel and Patrick Helmick and Sherry and Bryan Shupe.
The Helmicks own Helmick’s Homestead; the Shupes have Fur Baby Pet Resort. (Full disclosure, Bryan Shupe is CEO of Delaware Live).
The new business will specialize in fresh, local and sustainable gourmet products, including produce, sustainable seafood, local meat, artisanal cheeses and home and beauty supplies.
DTO relaunches beverage trail
The Delaware Tourism Office’s new Delaware On Tap Trail interface lets users find the state’s breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, and meaderies.
“Delaware’s more than $4 billion tourism industry is a key part of the state’s economy, and the craft beverage industry is an important element of that,” said Jessica Welch, Delaware Tourism Office’s director, in a press release.
Users can “check-in” at various craft beverage sites throughout the state to earn points they can redeem for prizes.
The office offers free Delaware On Tap T-shirts to the first 100 participants who check in at 10 participating trail locations.
Launched in 2010 with 12 locations under the Delaware Wine & Ale Trail name, the trail now boasts more than 35 participating businesses.
The Delaware Restaurant Association knows how to throw a party. 
