DELAWARE, February 6, 2011 — Lewes, Delaware prides itself on being “The First City in the First State”. Along with its distinguished history, engaging Victorian architecture, and easy access to beaches, Lewes also stands as a prime culinary destination and the hub of a foodies’ daytrip across northern Sussex County.
The Delaware Historical Society hosts the Lewes Farmers Market
Culinary explorers find simple pleasures amid the shops and galleries along Lewes’ Second and Front Streets. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Kings Homemade Ice Cream are obvious choices, while Lewes Gourmet and Notting Hill Coffee Roastery offer something a bit more esoteric. At Notting Hill, the folks bake their own pastry goodies and make their own sandwiches, salads, and soups. Owner Amy Felker also roasts more than 100 types of coffees including flavored, decaf, and regular.
There are gustatory delights outside of Lewes’ Historic District. Though it looks like a typical neighborhood grocery, Lloyds Market on Savannah Road carries a number of local specialties including Saps Puddings, creamy rich confections made by John Sapienza. Try the rice pudding with brown sugar for a traditional treat, or pick up a loaf of Old World Breads crafted by Steve Kogler, the owner of Tellers Wines. Tellers also conducts wine tastings every Saturday afternoon. In the same building, Annabella’s Italian Restaurant offers a range of specialty cakes, cookies, and pastries, all with an Italian flavor and all baked on the premises.
Lewes’ Historic District holds an ample supply of quality restaurants. Café Azafran is making a name for itself with its tapas and Mediterranean dishes. Try Striper Bites or Fish On for fresh seafood, while Kindle, Agave, and Beseme add depth and range to the culinary scene. Second Street Grill is the place for lunch while shopping, and The Buttery has long been an upscale favorite.
Every Saturday through the first week in October, join the throngs at the county’s biggest farmer’s market. Find locally grown produce, meat, chickens, dairy products, baked goods, flowers, and herbs, at the Historic Lewes Farmers Market, “where being fresh is socially acceptable”.
Nottinghill Roastery roasts and brews excellent coffee
Held at the Lewes Historical Society Complex, the market also features workshops, demonstrations by local chefs, and kids’ programs.
Heading west from Lewes on Route 9, culinary explorers quickly find much to enjoy. Hopkins Dairy Farm & Creamery proves that its ice cream is homemade by showing you their cows. “We make everything here,” said manager Molly Lingo, pointing to a menu of frozen creations that includes classic milkshakes and banana splits. Hopkins has a playground for kids and hosts Dairy Days on the third Monday of the month, with cows and calves waiting to meet the public.
The Good For You Market, west of Hopkins on Route 9, stocks health foods, organic produce, and personal care items. Good For You has developed a following of cheese aficionados who attend regular cheese tasting classes and other events. The market also posts a full menu of healthy sandwiches, smoothies, and juices.
For More Information:
Southern Delaware Tourism, 800-357-1818, www.visitsoutherndelaware.com
Lewes Chamber of Commerce, 302-645-8073, www.leweschamber.com
Notting Hill Coffee Roastery, 888-99-LATTE, www.nottinghillcoffee.com
Historic Lewes Farmers Market, 302-644-1436, www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org
Annabella’s Italian Restaurant 302-645-1980
Good For You Market, 302-684-8330, www.good4uorganic.com
Reed Hellman is a freelance writer living in Alberton, Maryland. For more of his signature culinary escapades, read his articles in Adventures in Dining at the Communities of the Washington Times, and in Recreation News, in print or online. Visit his Recipe for Adventure Website at www.reedhellmanwordsmith.com. You can find more recipes in The Recipe Box on his Website.
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