Annie's Deli

Bad news for Wilmington... due to the lagging economy, my beloved place of business, Annie's Deli (11 Sanders Rd. Elsmere DE) may soon be out of business. SUCKS. I get paid like a Mexican grade schooler, but like most of my life decisions, I did it for the art. I wanted to know the secrets of the finest Jewish themed sandwich, the Reuben. So, get 'em while they're still hot, schmohawk!

All this and more available! Click menu to enlarge! Order up and have a genuine punk rocker make your sandwich!

Make Fish Tacos, Cinderelly!

Oy! So, my summer vacation has so ended. I'm back to work behind the line, making money in an attempt to vanquish a level of angst from my situation. Ask those closest to me, and they'll tell you, I'm not what you'd call "Good with finances." I remember when that was pretty okay. I mean, it's never been cool. It's really not good to not understand the system, even if you hate it, but when I was younger, nobody got hurt ya know? But now people count on me, and the government is holding back me and Todd's imagination-powered car, so I cook. At the Forty Acres/Trolley Square border, at 1717 Delaware Avenue (our name is our address!), I cook thirty dollar dinners, like peppercorn crusted filet with rosemary whipped potatoes, spicy broccoli rabe, and Gorgonzola fondue, and tapas like Tempura shrimp atop wasabi risotto with a ginger-honey drizzle. Drizzle is probably not the real word for it. Chef Toby is really, really talented and never busts me for my down-home ways, and I'm learning more than I ever have about the culinary arts.

But, get this: 1717 has stinkin' direct TV, which means, you guessed it- no PHILS, who are exclusive through Comcast. When I'm at work (Tuesday through Saturday nights, excluding Thursday for band rehearsal) I get my updates from the ESPN bottom line or other peoples iPhones (my land-line offers me no such help). No fear though, tonight I bring in the transistor sister and the Phils are at my fingertips. Wednesdays and Saturdays have the added bonus of bartender Aaron "Ace" Marshall of Iron Hill fame, noted baseball fan and philanthropist.

This silver lining, as it were, is huge. 1717 is the bast damn martini bar in Delaware because, on tap, M.F.'n PEPSI. Yup, no lame-o Coke Classic, it's pure Pep! It is so sweet and delicious, it's a deal-maker. SO, after the Phillies beat up on the Florida Fish tonight, come in for a Pepsi, why not.

New Digs - 1717 Delaware Avenue

Local hot-shit chef Dan Robinson has a new kitchen. Starting Tuesday, July 29, Dan will be cooking at 1717 Delaware Avenue, at the eponymous martini bar in Trolley Square. The menu features a broad array of modernist fare, with tapas like sauteed edamame, house-made hummus, and crab spring rolls. Light fare featuring wild boar sausage with a pickled cabbage slaw, white wine plumped golden raisins and sweet potato fries, everybody's favorite - fish tacos with a delicious pineapple-habanero sauce, and Dan's specialty - the Chef's Burger with bacon and cheddar. Finally, entrees such as a sesame-crusted tuna steak, served atop sesame noodle salad with wasabi crema and a soy glaze, or house-made whole wheat pasta with sauteed shrimp and scallops in a white wine lemon butter sauce. All meant to compliment the endless designer martinis offered and mixed to perfection by bartender Jen, not to mention the plethora of fine wines and beers. You can check out all the full menus online. (http://www.1717delave.com/)

And never fear - chef Dan and bartender extraordinaire Karl Dettbarn will reunite professionally every Sunday night in August at their home away from home - Dead Presidents Pub - 618 North Union Street in the West Side. (http://www.deadpresidentspub.com) Karl recently handed in his resignation at Iron Hill on the Riverfront, ending a near fourteen year relationship, as far as he can tell. Dan employs gonzo-southern soul style cooking at Dead Prez, where there are personal nightly specials and nothing is taboo! Come into DP for Sunday night baseball, HBO, Chicken Nixons, and two very good-looking boys. You know what yer gettin'!

Last but not least local punk rock legend Billy Frolic is in control of the bar at Chef Luigi Vitone's amazin' Pastabilities at 415 N. Lincoln Street in Little Italy. (http://www.ljv-pastabilities.com) Not only is this, in my opinion, the best Italian food in Wilmington, but every Friday night features live music a la Billy and friends and a special shortened rock and roll menu. This is the most intimate of these three hip establishments, with nice low lighting and Frolic's bedroom eyes, an unforgettable experience!