July 2023 - Splashy Summer Sipping

Splashy Summer Sipping

19th Newark Food & Brew highlights appetizing list of area sampling events

Sweet Summer Stroll Through Hagley

THURSDAYS: JULY 20

AUGUST 17

SEPTEMBER 21

5PM–7PM

The Brandywine Zoo invites you to Sip & Stroll through the zoo and enjoy a laid-back eve at our Thursday night happy hour series. Adult beverages will be available from Bellefonte Brewing and others, as well as food from local vendors, and ice cream from Hy-Point. This family friendly event will have animal encounters, live music, and fun for all ages! Limited number of tickets will be sold. Drink and food purchases sold separately. Check out our web site for more fun-filled events!

Tickets: Non Member Adults $10, Children $ 7

Brandywine Zoo Member Adults $ 5, Children $3

Tickets: brandywinezoo.org/events/sip-stroll/

Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington, DE • FREE PARKING

The Brandywine Zoo is managed by the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation, with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society

From The Publisher

LASTING IMPRESSIONS

In the fall of 2003, I sat down with then Newark Mayor Vance Funk to discuss the possibility of creating a summer food and beer festival for his town. That meeting was the birth of what has become a Newark tradition — the Downtown Newark Food & Brew Festival.

From the beginning, the goal of the event was to provide a boost to Newark restaurants during a slow time for business. After all, even today Newark is a vastly different town when the students are gone for summer break. In 2004, the diminished business activity was even more dramatic.

But beyond the boost to business, I felt the festival could boost Newark’s profile. By inviting nonresidents to an event that showcased Main Street and its assortment of restaurants — with no admission fee — many would discover Newark’s appeal beyond its well-established college town reputation. When I asked Mayor Funk for the meeting, I knew that angle would appeal to him. Newark has no bigger cheerleader.

In fairness, the beer festival concept was not mine. It was suggested to us by UD student Todd Motto, an intern for Out & About at the time. (Todd wound up in our sales department for a couple of years after graduation before leaving the area to pursue a career in teaching. He’s currently an associate professor at Long Island University.) Todd knew of O&A’s success with collaborative events in Wilmington. He wanted us to try to do the same in Newark.

It was a risky idea. First, the craft beer movement may have been flourishing elsewhere, but in Delaware it was in its infancy. Furthermore, a beer-focused event ran a bit counter to a

university working to curb its reputation as a party school (That battle continues. As recently as 2019, the Princeton Review ranked the University of Delaware as the nation’s No. 1 party school).

And, of course, there was the obvious challenge: With all the students gone, would enough people show up to make our efforts worthwhile? An arts and crafts festival would have been a safer bet.

However, the good mayor bought my argument that a food and brew festival need not be a keg party. And the restaurants, well, they did need the hit.

So, in July of 2004 the Downtown Newark Food & Brew Festival made its debut. How did things go? Well, on July 29 we will present our 19th edition — that speaks volumes.

I’ve always maintained that events help define a place. In group presentations, I’ve underscored that point by showing the audience a slide of Max Yasgur’s farm and asking if anyone can identify it (no one ever can). Then I show the next slide — the farm in full concert mode. “Woodstock!” they exclaim. Thus, the Yasgur farm has been redefined into eternity.

Certainly, the Food & Brew is no Woodstock. Just like the 15-year Wilmington Grand Prix is no Tour de France and the three-decades-plus City Loop Series is no Mardi Gras.

But for some, those events were an introduction to our communities. Just like in 1979, when the Halloween Loop was my introduction to Wilmington.

First impressions are, indeed, a unique opportunity. And their impact may be greater than first imagined.

— Jerry duPhily

It was a risky idea. First, the craft beer movement may have been flourishing elsewhere, but in Delaware it was in its infancy.

THE WAR ON WORDS

A monthly column in which we attempt, however futilely, to defend the English language against misuse and abuse

By Bob Yearick

MEDIA WATCH

•Barbara VanDenburgh, in USA TODAY, commenting on the book Raw Dog: The Naked Truth about Hot Dogs, by Jamie Loftus: “Podcaster and comedian Loftus turns her curiosity and whit on the humble hot dog.” That’s wit. Whit is “a very small part or amount.”

•Filmmaker Ben Berman, quoted in The Inquirer: “The amount of times the word exploitation left our mouths when we were making this documentary were, well, you couldn’t even count.” For plurals — in this case, times — use number

•And then there was this internet headline: “Sophie-Alexandra Evekink marries Prince Ludwig of Bavaria in beautiful floral dress.” I’ll bet the prince looked smashing in that dress.

PHONY SOPHISTICATION: WHOM/WHOMEVER

There are words, like whilst, amongst, and of-ten (with a hard t), that people sprinkle into their conversations in a vain attempt at sophistication. While they may sound phony, these words are usually used correctly. Not so for two other words that are favorites of would-be sophisticates: whomever and whom These relative pronouns are often misused. Here are two recent whomever examples:

•From a North Wilmington neighborhood Facebook page: “Thank you to whomever (whoever) put this sunshine sticker on the telephone pole!”

•Michael Smerconish on his eponymous CNN Saturday morning show: (Speaking of the next presidential election) “Our support of Ukraine may be endangered by whomever (whoever) wins this thing.”

The presence of whoever/whomever indicates a dependent clause, and the rule is to choose the pronoun that agrees with the verb in that dependent clause, regardless of the rest of the sentence

These are, admittedly, tricky choices. In the first sentence, the preposition to precedes the dependent clause, so you may think the objective whomever is the right choice. But remember, the relative pronoun is linked to the verb put. Thus, whoever would be the choice.

Word of the Month opprobrium

Pronounced ahp-pro-brium, it’s a noun meaning harsh criticism or censure.

Similarly, in the second instance, the preposition by precedes the dependent clause, but the relative pronoun is linked to the verb wins. So, once again, whoever is correct.

HOW LONG, OH LORD, HOW LONG?

(In which we address the ongoing abuse of the apostrophe)

•A chyron (a graphic that overlays video content) on NBC’s Today: "THAT 70’s SHOW ACTOR GUILTY IN RAPE RETRIAL.” We get a two-fer here. Numerals indicating decades are plurals, so there is no need for an apostrophe after the number. But they do require an initial apostrophe, indicating the missing 19 or 20. So it would be “That ‘70s Show.” Incidentally, the show itself got the apostrophe placement right.

•A reader sends this headline from a Sports Illustrated email to golfers: “Rory’s Take on LIV’ers in Ryder Cup.” In this case, the apostrophe would seem to indicate a missing letter or letters, but none are missing. It’s simply a plural. So, no need for the apostrophe.

•Also, see the photo at the bottom left.

REMINDERS

To review:

•It’s "first come, first served," not first come, first serve. The latter implies that the first to arrive will do the serving.

•It’s “shoo-in,” not shoe-in. As in, “Shoo, move along.” Shoes have nothing to do with it.

•And please remember, it’s “I couldn’t care less,” not I could care less. If you could care less, it means you care at least a little bit.

DEPARTMENT OF REDUNDANCIES DEPT.

•Mike Sielski in The Inquirer: “'What’s past is prologue’ has become a popular cliché.” A cliché, in addition to betraying a lack of original thought, is “a phrase or opinion that is overused” — i.e., popular.

•From reader Jane Buck comes this Washington Post headline: “Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) formally kicks off presidential campaign, saying, ‘Our nation is retreating away from patriotism and faith.’” As opposed to retreating toward patriotism and faith?

•Doug Smith, of the Toronto Star, commenting on the defensive strategies employed by Nick Nurse, new head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers: “Probably the most favorite example was using a box and one defense on Stephen Curry.” You can only have one favorite, Doug.

Follow me on Twitter: @thewaronwords

Whoever created this ad from a few years ago for a local restaurant seemed to think that plurals for days of the week (Sunday’s, Monday’s) require an apostrophe. Not so.

A L

K R E G I S T R A T I O N I S O P E N F O R O U R P O E T R Y W O R K S H O P S E R I E S J u l y 1 6 t h , J u l y 2 3 r d , A u g u s t 6 t h , & A u g u s t 2 0 t h a t t h e A r t O M a t R e g i s t e r h e r e : h t t p s : / / w w w . w i l m i n g t o n a l l i a n c e . o r g / p o e t r y - w o r k s h o pr e g i s t r a t i o n

A R !

A L E N D A R !

Yoga: All levels welcome! Saturdays | 10am - 11:30am at the Art O Mat (Corner of 7th & Washington)

Drum Circle: Tuesdays through October 17th | 6pm -7pm at the Rock Lot (305 W 8th St.)

Chess Club: Saturdays | 12pm- 3pm at the Art O Mat (Corner of 7th & Washington)

Taste & See @ WKC Lunchtime Market: Thursdays and continues every Thursday through October 26th | 11am-2pm at Grace Church UMC (900 N Washington St.)

SO.CO Arts Market: July 8th and August 26that the Rock Lot (305 W 8th St.)

Open Mic: July 15th, July 29th, and August 19that the Rock Lot (305 W 8th St.)

Summer Concerts: 6pm-7:30pm at 7th & West Park

July 27th - Sug Daniels

M A R VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION!

of individuals from the state who have passed away from a drug overdose/ drug poisoning.

Things worth knowing

These stories become part of a statewide art exhibition featuring that person’s portrait and narrative.

FIND THE PINTS!

In honor of the 19th Newark Food & Brew Festival — and the other splashy summer sipping events we have featured this month — we’ve hidden four pints of beer on the pages of this issue. Tell us what four pages (the image on this page doesn’t count) and we might buy you lunch. Three winners will be selected from those who answer correctly by July 10. Email your answer to Contact@TSNPub.com

Date: June 1, 2023 – Dec 3, 2023

MURAL PROGRAM SPRUCES UP WEST WILMINGTON NEIGHBORHOODS

Location: Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington DE

Sponsored by: DE Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health with support from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield DE

The Delaware Art Museum has partnered with Wilmington City Councilperson Nathan Field on a mural project, Nature’s Palette, with images and words inspired by nature. The works will be on view throughout the Trolley Square-HighlandsWawaset area (District 8) through the remainder of 2023.

Theresa Clower was inspired to create INTO LIGHT Project shortly after the death of her son, Devin Bearden, to an accidental drug overdose in February 2018 in Baltimore. Having never attempted portraiture work before, she picked up her graphite pencil and began drawing. It was a cathartic experience that allowed her to say goodbye to her son. In so doing, Theresa tapped into an entirely new calling – drawing the faces of others who had lost their lives to drug addiction. From there, INTO LIGHT Project held the first exhibition in Baltimore in 2019. Since then, exhibits have been held in 7 states, with more booked for 2023.

To find out more about INTO LIGHT Project’s founder and Executive Director

In Partnership: DE Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Office of the Lt. Governor of DE, and the DE Art Museum

For more information contact:

Jane Donovan DE State Ambassador, INTO LIGHT Project 302-438-5537 ajanedonovan@verizon.net

Theresa Clower Founder, INTO LIGHT Project 302-455-9595 tclower@intolightproject.org

Congratulations to last month’s winners of the Find The Hiker contest: Dolly Scarborough, Beth Roberts and Mandy Gillin. Cheers!

Theresa Clower, watch this biography

Or visit https://intolightproject.org/

Nature’s Palette features enlarged intricate and vibrant details of paintings and drawings from DelArt’s Pre-Raphaelite collection, combined with quotations inspired by nature and poetry penned by Victorian-era writers. The murals include PreRaphaelite works by artists Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon, Walter Crane, Henry Farrer, George James Howard, John Everett Millais, and William Henry Millais. Paired with these are quotations from authors Emily Brontë, George Eliot, Felicia Hemans, Christina Rossetti, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and John Ruskin.

Thank you for considering a submission to our project. We look forward to working together to change the conversation about drug addiction and erasing the stigma of SUD by helping others to better understand this insidious disease.

INTO LIGHT Project, a national non-profit organization to changing the conversation addiction and erasing stigma, the personal stories.

Mural locations include Gilpin Liquors, Luther Towers, BrewHaHa Trolley Square, Lincoln Towers, Southeast Kitchen, Joseph E. Johnson Jr. School, the intersection of Del. Ave. and DuPont St. and the intersection of Pa. Ave. and Greenhill Ave (outside the Marian Coffin Garden).

Throughout 2023, the Delaware Art Museum is celebrating the “Year of Pre-Raphaelites,” which began in late 2022 with the special loan exhibition, “A Marriage of Arts and Crafts: Evelyn and William De Morgan” and the collections show, “Forgotten Pre-Raphaelites.” The celebration continues in fall 2023, with DelArt hosting the only U.S. appearance of “The Rossettis,” a major international exhibition organized in partnership with Tate Britain, on view from October 21 through January 28, 2024. Visit DelArt.org.

A STEAMY NIGHT AT DE MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE

The Delaware Museum of Nature and Science continues its N3RD Thursdays series with A Midsummer Night’s STEAM on July 29 from 6-9pm. Prepare for a steamy evening of science, technology, engineering, art, and math as DMNS looks at the science of mating, reproduction, and sexual health. Th evening includes sex-ed talks, figure drawing, burlesque, steamy games, and a contest you must see to believe. Must be 21 or older and OK with some nudity to attend. Visit Delmns.org.

FOUR NATIONAL TOUR PRODUCTIONS MAKE WILMINGTON PREMIERES

The Playhouse on Rodney Square, which has the distinction of being the longest continuously operating Broadway touring house in the U.S., will open its 110th season in October with the North American tour of Pretty Woman: The Musical (Oct. 13-15). Another season highlight is the production of On Your Feet (March 7-10), which follows the lives of Cuban-American musicians Gloria and Emilio Estefan and their rise to stardom. The smash-hit musical Come From Away is set for April 19-21, telling the inspiring true story of a small town that welcomed the world. In May, the season closes with Little Women (May 9-12), bringing Louisa May Alcott’s classic story to musical life on stage. All four shows are Wilmington premieres.

Several season specials round out the 2023-2024 Broadway season: Million Dollar Quartet Christmas kicks off the holiday season (Nov. 17-19) and family-favorite Annie opens the new year (Jan. 5-7, 2024). For a complete list of 2023-24 performances at The Playhouse on Rodney Square, visit TheGrandWilmington.org/venues/the-playhouse.

A Nature's Palette mural at Greenhill and Pennsylvania Ave.

Pretty Woman: The Musical plays The Playhouse on Rodney Square this fall.

Photo by Shannon Woodloe

Things worth knowing

MACBETH COMES TO LIFE IN ROCKFORD PARK

Shakespeare’s magical thriller Macbeth comes to life in an innovative production by Delaware Shakespeare at Rockford Park July 21-Aug. 6. The production, outdoors and under the stars, is directed by AZ Espinoza and is part of DelShakes’ 21st Summer Festival. General admission tickets are $25 with a Wednesdays Pay What You Can program on Wednesday.

Saved seats (45) and festival passes (55) are also available. Visit DelShakes.org.

WDEL COVERAGE SPEAKS VOLUMES AT BROADCASTERS CONFERENCE

Wilmington’s WDEL-FM/AM earned 10 awards at last month’s Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association conference in Ocean City, Md., including Outstanding News Operation of the Year in the Radio II (nonmetro) division.

“We were impressed with the broad scope of coverage the station offered to its community,” the AP judges wrote. “It is clear that they have an internal goal to provide focused news coverage of their community and their entry demonstrated that they executed on that vision.”

Delaware's Morning News with Peter MacArthur won the award for Outstanding Newscast. MacArthur was also named Best Anchor. Other winners included Sean Greene (Outstanding Spot News Reporting), Mike Phillips (Outstanding Coverage of a Continuing Story for his coverage of the Fort DuPont redevelopment) and Rick Jensen (Outstanding Talk Show).

UNTAPPD APP USERS LOVE FIRST STATE BREWING

First State Brewing Company, a Middletown-based brewery and taproom, was among the top 25 fastest growing breweries in the U.S from 2020-22 based on user check-ins on the app Untappd. The study was conducted by the app’s parent company, Next Glass. According to the study, First State saw more than a 3,000% increase in app check-ins, making them among the top brewers in the U.S. based on check-in growth. First State beers are currently available throughout Delaware as well as Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and D.C. Visit Firststatebrewing.com.

Arden’s Shady Grove Stage promises a lot of excitement this summer — along with some serendipity.

It turns out that the Congolese Afropop band Jupiter & Okwess, which brings its international tour to Shady Grove on Saturday, July 1, inspired the song “Jupiter's Dance” on the latest album by Hurray for the Riff Raff — who just so happens to be playing the same stage on Thursday, July 19 (with Squirrel Flower opening).

“Jupiter’s Dance” can be heard on Life on Earth , which Hurray for the Riff Raff released last year. The song was evoked by a 2006 French documentary of the same name, which focused on Jupiter & Okwess.

Hurray for the Riff Raff has released eight albums and one EP since 2007, when band-leader Alynda Segarra moved from the Bronx to New Orleans. In that time, the band has earned praise from sources as varied as Pitchfork and the Wall Street Journal .

Last year, Life on Earth was one of Stereogum’s albums of the week, an honor to which they added saying “these tracks come across earthy and alive… even at their smallest and quietest, they feel huge.”

Note: Saturday, July 15 will see Toby Leaman of Dr. Dog bring his new band, Purling Hiss, as a headliner to Shady Grove Music Fest. For details on all Arden shows, visit ArdenConcerts.com.

ARDEN’S SHADY GROVE IS SOMETHING TO SAY ‘HURRAY’ (AND MORE) ABOUT

Alynda Segarra

Friday, July 7

Start

DOWNTOWN

Chris White Gallery

701 N. Shipley Street

475-0998 • chriswhitegallery.com

Artist:”Wilmington and Beyond”

featuring Edward Loper Jr. with Dakeim Tolson and Jefiah Bordley

City of Wilmington’s Redding Gallery

800 N. French Street

576-2100 • cityfestwilm.com/redding-gallery

Artist: Clifford Brown Jazz Festival Through the Years: A Photographic Journey

Gallery at Grace Church

900 N. Washington Street

655-8847

Artist: Within the Intimate Realm: Works by E. Schwinn

The Grand Opera House

818 N. Market Street

658-7897 thegrandwilmington.org

Grand Gallery: Andre Jones “Metaphorical

Imagery: The Intersection Between Hip-Hop Lyricism and Superheroes “

baby grand Gallery: Jocelyn VastaKern “The Rock Collection”

BEYOND THE CITY

Bellefonte Vintage

901 Brandywine Blvd

983-5059

Artist: Indoor & Out by Sarah Baptist

Finist and the Owl

811 Brandywine Blvd, Bellefonte

954-804-5410 • madebykasumi.com

presented by

Cleaning Up

Through creative programs and partnerships, Keep Delaware Beautiful is sprucing up the state

By Ken Mammarella

Nearly 50 smart recycling containers will be installed this summer in public spaces in downtown Wilmington’s Business Improvement District and the Wilmington Riverfront, thanks to a $250,000 Keep America Beautiful grant awarded to Keep Delaware Beautiful in partnership with the City of Wilmington, Downtown Visions and the Riverfront Development Corporation.

The new receptacles have heat and weight sensors — that’s why they cost about $5,000 each — to monitor and report their fullness to Wilmington’s Department of Public Works for pickups, says Julie Miro Wenger, executive director of Keep Delaware Beautiful, an affiliate launched in 2017.

They’re sized for beverage containers — plastic, can and glass — and will be co-located with existing trash receptacles. The purpose of the program is to encourage visitors and residents to separate their beverage containers from their trash and encourage recycling in public places. The recycling receptacles will include messaging that reminds people to only use the recycling receptacles for beverage containers. ►

Allen Frear Elementary students join a host of state officials, including Governor John Carney (6th from right), for the launch of KDB's Litter Free School Zones.

Photos courtesy Keep Delaware Beautiful

The containers are one of several new initiatives of Keep Delaware Beautiful, which stresses three goals on its website (KeepDelawareBeautiful.com): End littering, increase recycling and beautify the state.

Wenger is “super-excited” about a new partnership with Delaware Libraries that enables litter cleanup kits to be checked out from every public library statewide. The kits, which include two safety vests, two foldable litter grabbers and instructions, have been checked out 36 times since their April debut and are a safer, more back-friendly way to clean up roadways, parks and other areas.

“We have been working with our elected officials to conduct community cleanups throughout the state, says Wenger. “We set a goal for ourselves to try and hold a community clean up with every state senator and state representative statewide. We’ve been fortunate that the Governor has played a vital role in bringing litter to the forefront of conversations. Making Delaware litter free is an actionable responsibility for every resident.”

In a litter assessment KDB conducted in 2018, it was determined that cigarette butts were the most littered item. To combat the problem, KDB has been partnering with beach communities, municipalities and restaurants and bars to offer free cigarette litter receptacles. In the month of May, Wawa aired a litter-awareness public service announcement in all its Delaware stores. The result: In one week 50,000 cigarette pocket ashtrays were distributed — the hope is they will reduce the frequency of cigarette butts being thrown out of car windows.

In addition, four new KDB programs target schools, with the goal of developing young ecological stewards.

A poster contest for grades K-8 drew more than 500 entries. The contest, co-sponsored by the Delaware Department of Transportation, asked for drawings tied to Keep Delaware Beautiful’s three priorities, with three winners announced for each grade, getting gift cards worth $100, $50 or $25 — and

Keep Delaware Beautiful reinforces the notion that it is every resident's responsibility to combat litter by conducting community cleanups throughout the state.

litter pickup kits. The winning posters will be posted on the group’s site and promoted on social media.

The Litter Free School Zone asks for schools to conduct a litter clean up on their campus at least twice a year and, more importantly, teach “children that they have a responsibility to keep their campus and surroundings litter free. Our goal is to educate children at a young age so that they will not think of littering as an acceptable behavior.” Out of the 28 schools that have signed up, two — Holy Angels near Newark and W.B. Simpson Elementary in Wyoming — have done enough to receive signage designating them as Litter Free School Zones.

A $1,000 scholarship is going to a high school senior who has been active to improve Delaware’s beauty. The first winner is Kaitlyn Lynch of Saint Mark’s High School, who will be studying nursing at the University of Delaware. “Delaware is my home, and it is important to me that we keep it in the best shape possible,” she began her essay.

A free app developed in conjunction with Postlethwait

Middle in Kent County allows for students across Delaware to track their volunteer hours on campus beautification, litter prevention and recycling work. (Many Delaware schools have community service requirements for graduation and this app helps track their progress, including the ability to capture beforeand-after photos.)

Keep Delaware Beautiful has seven founding partners: The Delaware Solid Waste Authority, Waste Industries, Waste Management, the MarylandDelaware-D.C. Beverage Association, ShopRite, Wakefern (a cooperative that counts ShopRite among its members) and Wawa.

“Supermarkets and convenience stores are wonderful partners in recycling,” says Wenger, who is also executive director of the Delaware Food Industry Council and the Delaware Association of Chain Drug Stores. “They’re the strongest stewards in many ways, phenomenal recyclers,” she adds, citing their work with all those cardboard boxes and plastic bags.

To battle one of the prime sources of litter, Keep Delaware Beautiful distributes cigarette butt receptacles.

Splashy Summer

More than 25 seasonal releases, events and promotions for your explorations into beer, wine and spirits

What’s summer without the suds? The spritzes? The sangria? Certainly not a summer the Out & About crew wants to be part of.

After all, it’s sipping season. And while we are proud to again present two annual traditions — 19th Newark Food & Brew Festival; 13th Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival — there are many other sampling celebrations you should put on your calendar.

There are also plenty of new releases — we have you covered there, too.

So, read on. And … cheers!

WILMINGTON BREW WORKS SUMMER SERIES & 5TH BEERTHDAY

Varying dates in Wilmington

WBW’s Summer Music Series invites guests to gather on the back patio every Friday and Saturday evening, grab some brews, and relax with the tunes. Brew Works is also celebrating its 5th Beerthday August 4-6, where they’ll unveil some special beer releases on tap. Details at WilmingtonBrewWorks.com.

BEER, BOURBON, & BBQ FESTIVAL

Saturday, Aug. 19, noon-6pm, Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park

Head to the Wilmington Riverfront and get smokin’! Baltimorebased Drink. Eat. Relax. Events presents this afternoon of food and drink sampling, a souvenir tasting glass, and live entertainment. More at DrinkEatRelax.com.

Sipping

DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON BREW FEST

Saturday, Aug. 12, noon-7pm in Wilmington

Taking over the 800 block of Wilmington is the 4th Annual Downtown Brew Fest. This block party includes more than 50 breweries pouring their favorite creations, as well as food trucks, an impressive roster of live music, a homebrew competition, axe-throwing, and cornhole games. Restore the King will again be the event benefactor. Tickets available July 1 at BrewFestWilm.com.

5@5 TASTINGS AT SWIGG

Fridays, 5-8pm in North Wilmington

Swigg wine shop owner Dave Govatos and his friendly and savvy team host weekly complimentary tastings of five select wines, often with special themes. Details at Facebook.com/SwiggRealWine.

OLE’, EL SULLY

The creative brewers at California-based 21st Amendment are introducing El Sully, a Mexicanstyle lager with a can as colorful as the beer. It’s a refreshing summer lager and is available in six packs and on draft. El Sully checks in at 4.8% ABV.

LAGUNITAS DELIVERS ISLAND BEATS

Fruit-forward beers continue to be a popular trend, and California-based Lagunitas hopes its brewed another winner with Island Beats. This tropical IPA offer robust fruit flavors without the bitterness of traditional IPAs. The ABV is a modest 5%.

NEW BELGIUM GOES ATOMIC

The creators of the Voodoo Ranger craft beer series now present Atomic Citrus, a blood orange ale brewed with citra and phato hops that packs a serious yet refreshing citrus punch. Hazy orange in appearance with an aroma of tropical fruit, grapefruit and orange citrus. ABV is 7%.

Splashy Summer Sipping

SUDS & CINEMA FOR CAUSES THAT MATTER

TWISTED EVENTS

Varying dates at Twisted Irons Brewery in Newark

The brewery is hosting a number of events now through fall, including their Kickoff to Summer 5K on Saturday, June 24 and their 2nd Annual CANCER SUCKS! Benefit on Saturday, Sept. 23 — both in support of the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Twisted’s summer days are also filled with open mic nights, live music, food trucks, and more! More info at TwistedIronsBrewery.com.

WHISKEY WITH FRIENDS

The fledgling Wilmington Whiskey Club began in the spring of 2021 — smack in the middle of COVID — as a way to socialize, engage in community activities, and share an appreciation of whiskey. The concept struck a chord as two years later the club boasts more than 50 members, meets monthly and is planning a Gatsby Gala for Oct. 28 (see feature story on WWC, page 41). New members are welcome. More at WilmingtonWhiskeyClub.com.

July 27, Aug. 24 & Sept. 22 at Penn Cinema Riverfront

Merging classic movies, craft beers and charitable causes, Movies On Tap is now in its eighth year. On Thursday, July 27, Monty Python is the featured film with Dew Point Brewing Co. the partner brewery. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Delaware. Thursday, Aug. 24 will feature Beverly Hills Cop to benefit Save Mickey. And Friday, Sept. 22 MOT will be showing Grease with proceeds benefiting Gals That Give. The partner breweries for the last two events mentioned are to be announced. Tickets and more at PennCinema.com.

SIP & STROLL AT THE BRANDYWINE ZOO

Thursdays, July-Sept., 5-7pm. in Wilmington

Roll through a family-friendly, casual eve at the Brandywine Zoo’s monthly happy hour series. Adult bevvies are poured by Bellefonte Brewing and Dogfish Head, as well as wine and food from local vendors and ice cream from Hy-Point, highlighted by zoo animal encounters, live music, and plenty fun for all. More at BrandywineZoo.org.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

July 28, Aug 25 and Sept 29 at Peco’s Liquors

The success of this long-standing series could be the product of its bread-and-butter simplicity: Match quality area food trucks with free in-store samples and pairings. On the last Friday of each month, guests can sample new releases will grabbing a bit from some of the area’s most popular food trucks, including Burgers By Wildwich, Delaware Provisions and Kapow!

A REFRESHING OPTION FROM VICTORY

The creative team at nearby Victory Brewing (Downingtown & Kennett Square, Pa.) have come up with a refreshing summer ale, Motel Paloma. This cocktail-inspired brew has notes of bright grapefruit, blood orange and tang lime. The hops used are mandarina; the ABV is 5%.

PEACH OF A BEER

Chichester’s 2SP Brewing is back with a summer favorite —

NEWARK FOOD & BREW FEST

Saturday, July 29 at Newark Eateries

Now in its 19th year, this annual festival celebrates “the unique relationship between the culinary arts and the brewing sciences.” More than 50 beers will be paired with creative food offerings from a dozen Newark restaurants. Beer tastings and special menus begin at noon and run until 7pm. More at NewarkFoodAndBrewFest.com.

FRIDAYS AT FAIRE & GIRARD CRAFT and CORK

Varying dates in Wilmington

Faire has opened an outdoor seating space for guests to enjoy libations as early as 9am Tuesday through Saturday (no judgment here). Girard Craft and Cork offers Free Friday Tastings at the adjacent 9th Street shop, and wine lovers can join the Unrivaled Society of Spirits subscription for special selections and discounts. More information at fairecafe. com and GirardCraftAndCork.com.

WITH YARDS

Philly-based Yards Brewing is boasting the “summer’s perfect pilsner,” with High Dive. Pilsners are enjoying growing popularity nationwide, especially during summer when many prefer a a lighter beer that’s crisp and clean. High Dive checks that box and has an ABV of just 4.8%.

SUMMER NIGHTS AT HAGLEY

Wednesdays (5-8pm) through August

Previously named Bike & Hike & Brews, Hagley Museum & Library continues to open its sprawling 235-acre property for guests to enjoy on Wednesday evenings through August. You do not need to bike or hike to participate, simply show up and enjoy the gorgeous grounds along with live music, food trucks, craft beer and cocktails from Dogfish Head, and ice cream from Woodside Farm Creamery. And in response to popular demand, dogs are now welcome for every Summer Nights affair. More at Hagley.org.

FRANK-A-PALOOZA

Saturday, Aug. 26, 7-11pm. in Wilmington

Join in the fun at Stitch House Brewery’s second annual Frank-A-Palooza, in honor of their late colleague Frank Kaszeta. Music by Kris V and Richie D, plus games, raffles, drink and food specials will be in abundance, and all proceeds benefit the Delaware Ronald McDonald House. More at StitchHouseBrewery.com.

DELAWARE BEER, WINE & SPIRTS FESTIVAL

Saturday, August 26, 4-7:30pm in Dover

As the only statewide celebration of the craft alcohol industry, this annual festival celebrates producers on the Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail. Continue the tradition at the Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village with a wide selection of tastings, live music, food trucks and an artisan village. VIP and general admission options available. Lyric Drive (4-5:30pm) and Earth Ham (67:30pm) will provide the tunes. More at DeBeerWineSpirits.com.

40th ANNIVERSARY AT BREWERS OUTLET

Saturday, August 5 (noon-4pm)

Just over the Pa. border on Route 202 is a gold mine, where beer lovers can find stuff not available in Delaware. For their 40th Anniversary Party, Brewers Outlet will be offering beer sampling, giveaways, food and other specials.

WHAT A BEER WEDNESDAY

State Line

Liquors, which is minutes from Newark on Newark-Elkton Rd. and boasts one of the most robust beer inventories around, has a great program for those interested in sampling. Every Wednesday, customers can select a single craft, import beer, cider or mead and get 20% off. Cost-conscious way of determining whether you like a product before springing for a six-pack or case. More at StateLineLiquors.com.

Sidestream IPA

2SP has just come out with this hazy IPA made with wakatau and mosaic hops. Sidestream features a juicy, earthy sweet floral character underscored by tropical fruit aromas. Grab one soon as Sidestream is a highly-limited release limited to select retails and 2SP Group restaurants.

DOGFISH IS CRUSHING IT

Ready-to-drink canned cocktails is one of the fastest-growing alcohol segments and Dogfish Head Distilling is all in with its Crush variety pack. The pack features two vodka crushes, a gin crush and a rum crush — with two full proof shots in every can. The Dogfish Crush checks in at 7% ABV.

HISTORIC ODESSA BREWFEST

Saturday, Sept 19, noon-5:30pm in Odessa

As a festival that celebrates both history and beer, it appears the Historic Odessa Brewfest has earned its own place in the books. Each year on the first Saturday after Labor Day, some of the best craft breweries in the region come to show off tasty brews. Proceeds support the Historic Odessa Foundation. More at OdessaBrewfest.com.

HELLO BEER, MEET COCKTAIL!

The trend of combining beers with various cocktails continues this season with three area highlights: (1) The Repeal of Prohibition, with Bulleit and 21st Ammendement’s Hell or High Watermelon Wheat served at Tyler’s in Pike Creek; (2) The Delaware Margarita, also with Hell or High Watermelon Wheat, but mixed with Dano’s Dangerous Tequila; (3) and The Aperol Spritz at Dorcea, a combo of Brooklyn Brewery Bel Air Sour and Aperol.

SIPPING FOR A CAUSE AT FRANK’S WINE

Varying dates in Wilmington

Frank’s is busy this summer with in-shop charity events. The first is Monday, July 10 benefitting Rotarians of Brandywine Naamans; the next is Monday, July 31 with proceeds going to Delaware Special Olympics. Each boasts multiple beer, wine, and bubbly stations and their popular barNA for ZeroProof libations. On Thursday, Aug. 24, FranksWine Downhill Mile runs through Rockford Park and then to Frank’s for post-race fun. Finally, on Sunday, Sept. 17, Frank’s honors the waning days of sun with Last Sips of Summer — an epic event of 30 vendors pouring wines, beers, and spirits, live music, and food trucks. All proceeds benefit West Side Grows. Details at FranksWine.com.

Sweet Summer Stroll

Hagley invites guests to explore its scenic and historic grounds

By Catherine Kempista

Spending summer evenings along the Brandywine River on Hagley Museum & Library’s sprawling 235-acre property has been a staple for families and outdoor enthusiasts for decades. This year, in keeping with its commitment to offer fresh and relevant programming for visitors, it launched its newly rebranded Summer Nights at Hagley presented by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery series on June 14. The series will run Wednesday evenings from 5-8 p.m. through August.

Previously named Bike & Hike & Brews, the event focused on the activities guests could enjoy during the extended evening hours, namely the biking and hiking. Sprinkle in cold craft brews from its longtime presenting partner Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, dinner options from local food trucks, dessert courtesy of Woodside Farm Creamery and lawn games, Hagley had the makings of a fun, active and affordable evening for families and adults. However, there was something else their attendees were looking for — a chance to relax and unwind. ►

Bike & Hike & Brews has been rebranded as Summer Nights at Hagley. Photo by Kerry Harrison

“At the end of each event series, we survey our guests to gather data on what they enjoyed, what they participated in, and how we could improve their experience,” says Jeremy Cleghorn, Hagley’s public programs coordinator. “Through this process, we found only 4% of the participants biked during the events, and people were looking for an overall more relaxed approach to the event.”

Hagley embarked on a rebrand involving a refresh of all aspects of the already popular series to give its visitors a slower, more relaxed pace to reflect the speed of the dog days of summer. Working with Dogfish Head and an expanded range of local vendors, musicians and community partners, Hagley launched its new event format in June to deliver on its commitment to guest satisfaction.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for our guests to come and enjoy the evening however they saw fit, whether that’s grabbing dinner from a food truck and just listening to music or taking a stroll with their dog,” says Laura Jury, marketing manager at Hagley. “We wanted it to be a fun, easy and casual night out.”

With the Summer Nights’ rebrand, everything except the price of entry and access to Hagley’s expansive property has changed or been upgraded. Event admission remains at $5 per person for non-members and free for members and children 5 and under. All of Hagley’s grounds are also still open for hiking, biking and exploring for those interested.

To deliver on its promise of a laid-back feel, one of Summer Nights’ most prominent changes is the addition of live music each week. Featured performers include local musicians and cover bands, such as Adam McCue, Anthony Sophy and The Acoustic Jam. Updated weekly line-ups are available on Hagley’s

Dogs are now welcome for every evening of Hagley's Summer Nights series.

Photo by Becca Methias

Hagley also extended its popular dog-friendly option throughout the series instead of just select evenings.

“People really enjoyed the nights they could bring their dogs, so we decided to extend that option to every night of the series,” says Jury.

Hagley’s grounds include over three miles of paved trails, in addition to acres of open space, making it perfect for an evening walk with your four-legged friends.

Engaging with local community organizations had always been a popular hallmark of Hagley’s summer events, so its role in Summer Nights was also expanded. According to Cleghorn, “Our visitors enjoyed engaging with our community partners, so we added more groups to our roster than ever before.”

This year’s featured partners include Brandywine Valley SPCA, Special Olympics, Urban Promise, Tri-State Bird Rescue, Outdoor Afro, Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, Wilmington Trail Club and DSWA. Urban Bike Project is also back again on select evenings to lead bike rides throughout the property for interested guests.

Dogfish Head, which has partnered with Hagley on this event for eight years, also expanded its selection of available adult libations beyond their canned brews to include a variety of canned cocktails. Dogfish Head’s support of this event comes through its Beer and Benevolence Program.

“Dogfish Head’s Beer & Benevolence has supported Hagley events for quite a few years,” says Mariah Calagione, Dogfish Head co-founder and social impact leader for the Boston Beer Co. “As a program, our three areas of focus are arts, environment and community building, and we love that Hagley invites the community to their beautiful campus to enjoy the great outdoors on a summer night. When Hagley explained that they were evolving the event series, we thought it was a great time to expand our offerings for their guests.

“We’re proud to support great work taking place in our home state by collaborating with nonprofit organizations that build community, amplify the arts or improve our environment,” said Calagione.

Visitors can also find an expanded variety of local food trucks to purchase dinner and snacks, including Zaikka on Wheels, Natalie’s Fine Foods, and Dixie’s Down Home Cooking. Woodside Farm Creamery, a consummate presence at Hagley events, is also back serving delicious ice cream.

“The rebrand gave us an opportunity to refresh the event and create something we can build on in the future,” says Cleghorn. “We are just excited to see how people will engage with the new format.”

Summer Nights is just one part of Hagley’s seasonal line-up for families and adults.

“We welcome guests to stroll back in time on a visit to our museum’s historic powder yard or our Nation of Inventors exhibition,” says Jury. “Families can also engage in hands-on STEM challenges during our Science Saturdays or enjoy the outdoors during our Fishing on the Brandywine events.”

Hagley is open seven days a week. For a full schedule of events, visit hagley.org.

C o m e s e e o u r

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A Chef’s Tale

Delaware’s Robert Lhulier built a diverse resume by following his dreams

Some chefs are content to stay sequestered in the kitchen. Robert Lhulier isn’t one of them. On a Friday evening, the co-owner of Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar was busy “touching the tables” — restaurant parlance for chatting with customers.

It would be hard for Lhulier to avoid the conversations; the guests expect it. Not only has the well-known chef cooked in many of his customers’ homes, but many of them have enjoyed pop-up events in his apartment. In short, he and his guests are friends or friends of friends — the classic Delaware scenario.►

Robert Lhulier has established himself as a "leading culinary authority in the area."

By Pam George

Photos by Justin Heyes

Before opening Snuff Mill, Lhulier was fine following his muse. The Delaware native had worked in some of the area’s finest restaurants, and from 2005 to 2007, he owned The Chef’s Table in New Castle. As a personal chef and caterer, he was his own boss without significant overhead.

Then seasoned entrepreneur Bill Irvin shared his plan to open a restaurant specializing in high-end beef. The concept and the Brandywine Hundred location on Concord Pike convinced Lhulier to get back in the game — and he and his customers are glad he did.

Artful Endeavors

Lhulier is the third of four children — two boys and two girls. His mother, Barbara, organized events for the DuPont Co.’s polymer division, while Robert T. Lhulier was director of the Small Business Development’s mid-Atlantic region before starting his own business. The senior Lhulier and four other directors were dismissed during an administrative turnover on April 1, 1986, a date the family has dubbed the “April 1 massacre.”

The Lhuliers lived in Carriage Run community near Christiana, but holidays were often spent around the table with Barbara’s Italian relatives in South Philly. Summers were spent in Cape May. The family had a love affair with the Jersey resort town, and Lhulier’s parents had a vacation home there.

When Lhulier was a toddler, he used a plunger to open the refrigerator door to access food. A chef in the making? At the least, the story proved he was determined and resourceful. But he was more interested in art and music than cooking. After graduating from William Penn High, he went to the University of Delaware, where he studied fine arts with a concentration in printmaking. Lhulier would use his artistic talent to compose a dish, and his design skill would shape his restaurants. But in the late 1980s, he didn’t want to be a starving artist.

So, he entered the hospitality industry.

From Server to Chef

Lhulier worked at the Air Transport Command near the New Castle airport, a kitschy concept built around a World War II theme. The sneering manager griped about the 22-year-old’s peroxide hair. (It was the Flock of Seagulls era, after all.) Lhulier could never get a job at a posh place like the Hotel du Pont with such a hairdo, the manager maintained.

Lhulier took the bait and applied at the hotel, where he worked under the formidable Berndt Mayer, the hotel’s banquet director, and maître d’ Ed Barba, who had a desk plaque that read: “Listen.” Lhulier did just that.

In 1991, he joined Griglia Toscana in Trolley Square. “We had a magical staff back then,” recalls owner Dan Butler, who dubbed Lhulier “Ro-Bear.” “I call it lightning in a bottle. Everyone wanted to learn about food and wine.”

Hungry for knowledge, Lhulier enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and externed in Biarritz, France, under Michelin-starred chef Didier Oudill. He also worked at the Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel in Cape May and pictured himself opening a restaurant in the resort.

However, in 1998, Butler hired Lhulier to open Deep Blue

Bar & Grill, a seafood restaurant in Wilmington’s business district. Did the restauranteur take a chance on the new grad? Butler doesn’t think so.

“It was an informed decision,” he says. And the accolades proved it was a wise one. Once again, Butler says he benefited from “lighting in a bottle,” the charismatic combination of a young, ambitious staff and a talented kitchen.

Lhulier was checking all the career boxes. In 2000, he interned with trailblazer Charlie Trotter at the famous chef’s Chicago restaurant, and on March 18, 2003, then-36-yearold Lhulier made local headlines when he cooked at the James Beard House in New York, an invitation-only honor.

The meticulous Lhulier spent six months refining the fivecourse meal, which included lobster-walnut spring rolls, Maryland wild striped bass with sweet pea-watercress emulsion and Australian lamb loins.

Ups & Downs

Lhulier was on a roll. So, when his plans to open Odeon in Trolley Square met neighbors’ resistance, it was a setback, considering he’d left Deep Blue to pursue his vision. The chef pivoted and offered pop-up meals in his apartment until he and Julie Borsos found leased space in the David Finney Inn and opened The Chef’s Table.

The art student relished selecting the wall art, tableware and finishes for the restaurant, which opened in 2005. “Creatives like to create,” he explains. The menu included lobster gnocchi with peas and grape tomatoes, striped bass over lump crab, ►

Originally a fine arts major, Lhulier soon discovered hospitality was his calling.

PRESENTED BY DOGFISH HEAD CRAFT BREWERY

white corn and oyster mushrooms and organic chicken breast with wilted spinach and white beans.

Craig LaBan of The Philadelphia Inquirer gave The Chef’s Table two bells (very good), and within a year, Lhulier graced the cover of Delaware Today for his duck dish.

“I couldn’t have been more thrilled,” he recalls. “It was sweet, and it was bitter.”

Twenty-one months after opening, The Chef’s Table closed. The overhead wasn’t sustainable, and there wasn’t enough traffic at that time.

Learning on the Job

Lhulier and Borsos were young parents, so Lhulier wasted no time getting a job. At each location, he “listened,” learned and developed more skills. For instance, at Talula’s Table in Kennett Square, he prepared meals for the farm table in the shop and the kitchen table in the back. Bryan Sikora and Aimee Olexy’s fixedprice dinners were in red-hot demand.

“It got me closer to where I wanted to be,” Lhulier says of the concept, which was similar to pop-up parties.

At Harry’s Savoy Grill, he was exposed to the banquet business, which was helpful when he joined the University & Whist Club, which is known for its banquets. In between the gigs, he worked at Domaine Hudson and Union City Grill.

“The majority of the job changes were driven by trying to find some security as well as a creative outlet,” he says. Indeed, the Whist encouraged him to flex his culinary muscles, and Lhulier’s themed multicourse events — posted on a fledgling social media — made non-members envious.

But Lhulier found true freedom when he left the club to offer intimate fixed-price dinners for eight guests. Nearly every night, he threw what amounted to a dinner party, complete with a musical soundtrack to accompany the meal. (Lhulier is also a DJ.) He wrote menus inspired by Julia Child, the Beatles’ White album, and Charlie Trotter.

Inevitably, people asked him about opening another restaurant. “It would have to be a blue-chip location, and I would want to share some responsibilities with a partner,” he replied.

In January 2021, he had no intention of being a partner in a restaurant. But by the summer of that year, he was in the kitchen at Snuff Mill Restaurant, Butchery & Wine Bar, which opened on July 20.

The Next Chapter

So, what flipped the switch? In part, Bill Irvin, a sommelier and hospitality veteran who’d worked for Remy Cointreau before joining Ruth’s Chris and Phillips Seafood. The energetic Irvin had also developed culinary concepts before moving to Delaware in 2019.

The duo met through mutual friends, including David and Joanne Govatos of Swigg in the Independence Mall center. A space in the complex had recently opened, and Irvin told Lhulier about his idea for a steakhouse and butchery.

“Well, that’s interesting,” Lhulier said. When he learned that the Govatos were partners, Lhulier was very interested. “The thing that sold it for me was the team,” he recalls. “We all ran the numbers, and before I knew it, there was a lease in front of us.”

Irvin was equally intrigued by Lhulier. “He’s a leading culinary authority in the area,” he says. “Robert’s inspiration remains grounded in the rhythm of the seasons, and I love the contemporary appeal he brings to soulful dishes rooted in the French tradition.”

Lhulier, in turn, respects Irvin’s high standards for Snuff Mill. “I don’t think I’ve ever cooked with the quality of meat we serve,” he says. “It was very eye-opening for me.”

He was delighted when appreciative diners paid for the highend products. Irvin, however, never doubted that there was an audience eager for them.

From the logo to the dishes — some of which are made by Lhulier’s sister, Michele — the partners have left their imprint throughout Snuff Mill. The lushly landscaped sidewalk seating is a boon, considering the intimate eatery has fewer than 30 seats — a challenge in an industry with slim profit margins.

The Govatos have since left the business — on amiable terms — but even so, expansion was always part of the partners’ plan. Irvin is now involved with Waterman’s Crab House in Rock Hall, Maryland, and has plans for a project at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave., home to Santa Fe Mexican Grill.

Lhulier will assist with the Wilmington restaurant’s menu and kitchen. “We’re still fleshing out the details,” he explains. Irvin has said the Pennsylvania Avenue concept may serve all three dayparts. “There’s a need for that in the area,” Lhulier agrees.

Lhulier isn’t averse to replicating Snuff Mill in another part of New Castle County or starting another concept with an homage to the mills that once dotted the region. Snuff Mill is a wink-wink way to root the restaurant in the area without including “Brandywine Valley” in the title. In short: If you know, you know.

For now, he’s happily absorbed with the Independence Mall eatery. “I’ve never really thought about the long hours I work,” he says. “I like being where I’m needed and where it’s busy. I’m not here to hold the reins and babysit. I enjoy what I do.”

Lhulier's carpetbagger appetizer is a crowd favorite at Snuff Mill Restaurant. Photo provided

Wilmington Whiskey Club promotes conversation, community and, of course, whiskey

By Steve Lanahan

per fashions for the ladies. There will be champagne towers, Gatsby-themed cocktails, unique food stations, auctions, raffles, and photo ops. Period vehicles from Goober’s Garage in Wilmington will be on the grounds. And, of course, everyone will have a chance to dance the Charleston. ►

Photos by Lindsay Rudney duPhily

Confusing Terminology

The WWC happily educates its members about whiskey — its history, how it’s enjoyed, and its terminology, which can be confusing. The libation is distilled around the world, but whiskey originates in America and Ireland. Whiskey from Tennessee is called bourbon, but only sometimes. In Canada, Japan, and Scotland, they prefer the spelling whisky, though scotch is from Scotland. These distinctions are points pedants like to argue about, which can be confusing and intimidating for a novice.

Most WWC members do love their whiskey, but surprisingly some don’t, and around 10 percent don’t drink at all — testimony to the fact that the club is as much about community and the aforementioned “good conversation” as it is about whiskey. In

fact, the isolation brought on by the COVID pandemic was a driving factor behind the formation of this club.

Where it all Began

In early 2021, lockdowns and health concerns persuaded many people to stay in their homes, which led to a feeling of disconnection. WWC founders Dan Young and Jill SladerYoung wanted to find a way to re-engage with friends and build a new sense of community. As whiskey fans, they checked out local whiskey clubs to see if any of them had what they were hoping for.

Says Young: “We wanted an event-forward club for the social aspect, one filled with couples who wanted to go out together.”

Local options tended to focus more on the whiskey than on connections among people. So, Slader-Young suggested they start their own club. Young admits with a laugh, “Yes, it was technically my wife’s idea.” They discussed the idea with friends and found that many of them wanted to reconnect as well. Though whiskey was a common point of interest, Young says it’s not the focus.

“Whiskey is more of a club mascot,” he says. “The real goal was to create a way to be social and do something new and interesting.”

In April 2021, the WWC was born with 45 founding members. The club has grown to around 140 and is a diverse group, evenly divided between men and women whose ages range between ages 35 and 55. They include doctors, PH.Ds, CEOs, lawyers, legislators, and the highest-ranking female executive in the NFL.

Whiskey is a backdrop for the club, but conversation and community are the focus. This is their USP (unique selling point), ►

WWC members (l-r): John Fannin, Karly Keenan and Joelle Fitzsimmons share a double rye.

a marketing term that you can learn about in one of Young’s classes at the Wharton School or at one of WWC’s happy hours or events.

Monthly Get-Togethers

The WWC usually meets once a month, with a few big events throughout the year. Happy hours are a regular occurrence, generally every fourth Friday at the Rockwood Carriage House, 4671 Washington St. Extension. Members also get together at the Simmer Down Lounge on Market Street from time to time.

Tasting events, such as an upcoming Japanese Whiskey tasting, allow members to sample and learn more about whiskey — the distilling process, distribution, and how the drink is enjoyed. Each event provides a “whiskey sheet” for noting details about each tasting option. That sheet comes in handy at the end of the year when the club holds a blind-tasting contest. The winner takes home a bottle of whiskey, a small trophy, and a year’s worth of bragging rights.

Club events often support nonprofits. “We look to attach a philanthropic component to the large events we have,” Young says. “Our Gala last year included a silent auction, and the proceeds went to support Safe Haven Healing, a charity that my wife Jill started that helps survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and rape. In the future, we’re looking to help other charities whose missions and values are similar to the group's.”

— For information on the Gatsby Gala, as well as WWC membership details, visit wilmingtonwhiskeyclub.com.

A wooden placque recognizes WWC's founding members.

A REWARDING ROAD TRIP

By Mark Fields

Hollywood films showcasing Asian characters or themes that are intended to cross over to appeal to mainstream white audiences (this writer included) tend to fall into a relatively few discernible genres. There are the cultural historical pageants such as Crouching Tiger Hidden Drago n. Then there are the martial arts films such as the Ip Man series or the subgenre of Jackie Chan comedies including King Fu Yoga . And in recent years, there have been a handful of prestige films including Crazy Rich Asians , Parasite , and this year’s Oscar-winner Everything Everywhere All At Once that resist easy categorization yet still find a significant crossover audience. To the studio executives who greenlight movies with profit foremost in mind, this last group are seen as outliers. For many people seeking representation on Cineplex screens, each of these films has been hoped to be a tipping point to the availability of more Asian-oriented movies in general, and an expansion of the kinds of stories that can be told. Perhaps, just perhaps, the existence of Joy Ride signals that a tipping point has been reached. The unexpected comedy — which centers on an all-Asian, allfemale central cast — is bawdy, raw, vulgar (in a mostly funny way), overtly sexual, and laugh-outloud hysterical in ways that play off, and even defies, cultural expectations. ►

Joy Ride is a bawdy Asian all-female comedy that plays off and even defies cultural expectations

tells the story of four young friends and/or acquaintances: Audrey (Ashley Park), an over-achieving attorney and adopted daughter of white parents; Lolo (Sherry Cola), an unconventional and frank artist and Audrey’s childhood friend; Kat (Stephanie Hsu), an upand-coming celebrity known for her demure screen performances; and Dead Eye (Sabrina Wu), a socially awkward K-Pop fan.

Audrey is sent to China to close an important deal for her law firm, and her assignment turns into an accidental girls’ road trip. Along the way, the quartet has comical run-ins with hard-drinking Chinese businessmen, an unlikely drug dealer, a touring basketball team, Lolo’s extended Chinese family, and a surprise K-Pop musical number. Hijinks are had, lines are crossed, uncomfortable truths are spoken, and everything gets resolved amicably in the third act (not really a spoiler for a comedy, is it?). The movie has a similar vibe to other female-centric comedies like Bridesmaids and Girls Trip but with a thoroughly Asian sensibility.

The screenplay — co-written by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, Teresa Hsiao, and director Adele Lim — knows and trusts its audience with hilariously aware bits of culturally specific and yet universal human experience. It is indicative of the filmmakers’ confidence that the film’s first joke is told in (translated) Mandarin. Lim, who makes her feature film directing debut with Joy Ride, has worked as a writer on numerous Hollywood projects, Asian and not, and her efficient direction reflects her writerly instincts to focus on character and dialogue.

The four Asian-American women who star in Joy Ride work well as an ensemble, and all enthusiastically dig into their roles (and the intentionally ridiculous machinations of the script). Although there are some great performances from supporting players here (and at least one kicky cameo), the movie is really a showcase for Park, Hsu, Cola, and Wu, and they deliver.

Like many universal comedies, Joy Ride’s humor and energy transcend the specific details of its story. One can only hope that it finds a deserved wider audience as well.

Joy Ride features an all-female, all-Asian cast. Pictured (l-r): Ashley Park, Sherry Cole, Stephanie Hsu and Sabrina Wu. Photo courtesy Lionsgate Publicity

KEEPING THE DEAD ALIVE

Dose Hermanos’ appearance at Weekend at Bertha’s features

Grateful Dead alum

Tom Constanten and Bob Bralove

By Matt Morrissette

With both members having indisputable links to the Grateful Dead family tree, the psychedelic, improvisational keyboard combo known as Dose Hermanos is returning to Delaware July 28-30 to headline the well-established counterculture festival Weekend at Bertha’s in Townsend.

Featuring Tom Constanten, who nominally replaced beloved Dead keyboardist, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, in the late 1960s, and Bob Bralove, a synthesizer guru who worked closely with Stevie Wonder before becoming the architect of the Dead’s forays into more modern keyboard textures in the late 1980s, the duo has released five albums over their somewhat sporadic recording and touring career, including their most recent effort, Persistence of Memory, from 2022.

We got a chance to fire a few questions at Constanten and Bralove before this month’s show. ►

Tom Constanten (l) and Bob Bralove have released five albums together since their Grateful Dead years.

How would you describe Dose Hermanos to people who may be interested in the show but unfamiliar with the music?

Bralove: Dose Hermanos is about the psychedelic view of the music from a different perspective. That perspective is so liquid in nature that we see it as non-stop improvisation. It is a constant riding of the waves of the moment and transcending the boundaries of musical expression. We are keyboard players steeped in the traditions of the Grateful Dead and an understanding of all schools of improvisation. We draw on all sorts of music for inspiration but always try to be original.  At the Weekend at Bertha’s Festival, we will be performing with a quartet with Peter Lavezzoli on drums and Paul Avrutin on bass. This will definitely increase the groove factor on this gig. I am very excited about playing with these guys. They are amazing improvisers.

Constanten: I’d seen Bralove around at Grateful Dead shows. He even invited me to join his band, Second Sight, for a show in San Francisco. At Jerry [Garcia’s] memorial we agreed that the way to go forward was to keep the music alive. There was no doubt but that it’s what Jerry would’ve wanted us to do. So, I went to Bob’s studio, and pretty soon we were improvising our way into new dimensions. Drawing on both our backgrounds, we brought it all to the table, and were delighted by the results. What we do is not so much a composition that is performed as a performance that is composed. There’s the excitement of discovery, knowing that we’re making it all up as we go along. We have discussions, insights, even an occasional argument here or there. Often, we’ll perceive musical ideas from different angles. Other times we’re obviously congruent. Yet others find us in different worlds. We tailor our efforts to the occasion — the venue, the audience — they all influence the paths we take.

Tom, you studied music with Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead bassist) at U.C. Berkeley, continued your education in Brussels and Paris, then joined the Grateful Dead in 1968. Describe those times.

Constanten: Phil was in the music department. I was there on a science scholarship. Strange as it might seem these days, there was a lot of interest in science then. Sputnik, ya know. The space race. I wound up sharing an apartment with him and music made its way to the front burner. Phil and I both signed up for renowned Italian experimental composer Luciano Berio’s class at Mills College in Oakland, California. After, Berio arranged for me to study with him in Italy and to attend the Darmstadt International Summer Courses for New Music.

You played on the Grateful Dead’s classic Live Dead album. How does it feel to be part of something so influential, particularly the quintessential version of “Dark Star”?

Constanten: There is only one “Dark Star” as far as I’m concerned. It isn’t a piece that has a beginning, middle, and end so much as a stream that you enter and explore for a while. The stream flows from a fountain that’s been going on for who knows how long. ►

of “Dark Star” on In Search of Intelligent Life, originally released by Relix Records and soon to be re-released. We certainly will reference that tune at Weekend at Bertha’s. It is a classic.

What was it about San Francisco in the late ‘60s that helped create so many great live bands?

Constanten: There are so many influences that came together. The postwar prosperity, the Beats, civil rights issues, and then there’s the fact that there was a war going on. Music was a significant part of a multiring circus. However that all parses out, it seemed like it wasn’t something you made happen, but something you let happen.

What’s next for Dose Hermanos?

Bralove: Tom and I are always doing different non-Dose projects. Tom arranges and performs material with a string quartet and is working on a record of piano music. He’s always doing something interesting. I am working on another museum installation of my video art, painting, and writing songs.

— Let your inner Deadhead (we all have one) loose at Weekend at Bertha’s on July 28-30 at Firebase Lloyd, 474 Fleming Landing Rd., Townsend, Del. For information on camping and tickets, visit weekendatberthas.com.

A FLYING SUCCESS

On Friday, June 2 the Ladybug Festival rocked Wilmington’s Market Street, which for 12 years has hosted the event — the country’s largest free celebration of women in music.

This time around, Ladybug brought lively sounds and extra energy to the 400 and 500 blocks of Market Street, up just a couple blocks from its usual location in LOMA.

More than 30 performers and bands played at seven locations including three outdoor stages, Merchant Bar, Farmer & The Cow, The Crown at The Queen, and the rooftop bar at The Quoin Hotel.

An afterparty was hosted up the street at Stitch House Brewery with DJ Shadylady spinning tunes.

“This year Ladybug brought music to some new venues and some favorites,” says Gayle Dillman, CEO & Founder of Gable Music Ventures, which organizes the event annually.

“Once again, about 3000 people came out to Downtown Wilmington to experience live, original music presented by women,” Dillman says. “We couldn’t be more proud of this event, which continues to shine a light on women.”

— Out & About

Top: Local sensation Nitro Nitra brought plenty of energy and glamour to the festival.

Bottom: Madhavi Devi of Ocean County, NJ, played the opening set on the main stage Photos by Joe del Tufo

THE CITY

MAYOR WELCOMES 3 SMALL MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES TO CITY

Mayor Purzycki joined the owners of 2 Much Boutique, Over the Border Tacos, and Exquisite Beauty Salon for ribbon-cutting ceremonies in June to officially welcome the new small businesses — all minority-owned — to Wilmington. In celebrating the openings, the Mayor said that cities thrive on small businesses and people who use their own enterprising initiative to build something. “The heartbeat of Wilmington’s economy is small business,” he said, “and to have these three entrepreneurs express confidence in our City by investing here is heartening to all of us who serve. These businesses will bring both new energy and jobs, and I wish these enthusiastic and enterprising young business owners much success on their journeys.”

RENOVATED HAYNES PARK OPENS

Mayor Mike Purzycki and Dir. of Parks & Recreation Ian Smith joined in celebrating the completion of renovations to Haynes Park, at W. 30th St. and Miller Rd. The park’s improvements include a brand-new playground as well as a renovated basketball court with perimeter fencing, and restoration of the City’s only lighted tennis court. These upgrades, totaling a little more than $870,000, are the park’s first since 2010.

“The improvements to Haynes Park are nothing short of amazing,” said Mayor Purzycki. “It seems like just yesterday that this area was devastated by one of the most severe storms to hit Wilmington in recent memory, downing more than a dozen trees, nearly destroying the tennis court, and severely damaging the playground. We’ve come a long way since August of 2020, completely restoring the tennis and basketball courts, and installing this beautiful new playground so that our young people once again have a safe, attractive, welcoming place to play.”

Mayor Purzycki (seated) joins with members of Moms Demand Action to proclaim National Gun Violence Awareness Day (Fri., June 2, 2023) in Wilmington. (From left, Isheta Smith, Bilal Hawkins, Kimmie Newell, Anne McWalter, Dr. Debra Mason, and Mayor’s Chief of Staff Tanya Washington)

AWARDS GALA RAISES $343,000 FOR HBCU WEEK

The 4th Annual HBCU Week Awards Gala was held at the Hotel Dupont in Wilmington in June and raised $343,000 to support the City’s annual HBCU Week initiative. Among those recognized at the Gala was Alahni Napier, the firstever recipient of the Mike Purzycki Changemaker Scholarship. Alahni, a graduate of the Charter School of Wilmington, will use her $10,000 award to attend Morgan State University in Baltimore.

With the Mayor’s support and leadership, HBCU Week was created to encourage high-school aged youth to enroll at HBCUs, to provide scholarship dollars for their matriculation, and to sustain a pipeline for their employment from undergraduate school to corporate America.

Since 2017, over 6,000 on-the-spot acceptances have been offered and more than $60 M in scholarships have been awarded from the HBCU admission staff and corporate partnerships. Most notably, HBCU Week Foundation has partnered with the American Chemistry Council to offer the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative. This scholarship totals $40,000 and is available to over 100 students annually who commit to attending an HBCU and declare a STEM major.

MAYOR PROCLAIMS LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH, GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY IN JUNE

Mayor Mike Purzycki proclaimed June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Wilmington and the Pride Flag was again raised in Rodney Square to mark the month-long celebration.

“Wilmington is an incredibly welcoming City that respects and values people of every background and advocates for equality for all,” said the Mayor. “We are pleased to recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month for the sixth year in a row, marked by the historic raising of the Pride Flag over Rodney Square. During this month, we recognize the important contributions that LGBTQ+ individuals and groups have made to our City – to the arts, economics and business, education, government, sports, medicine, law, journalism, science and technology, and so many other fields – all of which have made us a better, richer, and stronger community.”

Mayor Purzycki and Alahni Napier, recipient of the first-ever Mike Purzycki Changemaker Scholarship

Mayor Purzycki signs Proclamation recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Wilmington

Restaurants and Beer Garden

Banks’ Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar

Big Fish Grill

Ciro Food & Drink

Constitution Yards Beer Garden

Delaware Duck Café and Catering

Del Pez

Docklands

Drop Squad Kitchen

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Riverfront Bakery

River Rock Kitchen

Starbucks

Taco Grande

Timothy’s on the Riverfront

Ubon Thai

RIVERFRONT MARKET

OPEN

MON-FRI: 9AM-6PM

SAT: 9AM-4PM

Stop in and enjoy fresh produce, salads, sandwiches, pizza, sushi, Mexican, Thai cuisine, Peruvian Rotisserie, Soulfood and much more!

Dine-in or carry out

DuPont Environmental Education Center

The DuPont Environmental Education Center provides a 13,000 square foot facility along the 212-acre Peterson Wildlife Refuge, where guests can explore the marshes and look for various species of amphibians, birds and fish.

They offer guided tours, weekly drop-in classes, and have easy access to the Jack A. Markell Bike Trail.

Delawarenaturesociety.org/centers/dupont-environmental-education-center

The Riverfront is a perfect venue to enjoy the outdoors and walk our mile Riverwalk along the beautiful Christina River! Additionally, the DuPont Environmental Education Center is open to the public. DEEC’s nature trails, including the eight-mile Jack A. Markell Trail continues to be fully operational! Get out and enjoy some quality time in nature!

WIN A $50 GIFT CARD TO PIZZA BY ELIZABETHS!

Fill in the

You know the drill:

(1) Ask your friends to help “fill in the blanks” for the missing words needed below.

(2) Once completed, read aloud and watch hilarity ensue.

(3) Got a funny one? Take a photo and send it to us at Contact@OutAndAboutNow.com

Randomly drawn winner will get a $50 Gift Card to Pizza By Elizabeths

(One entry per person; must be 21+ to enter; due by the 21st of each month.). Have fun!

THE BARTENDER 5000!

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Your friends will ( verb ) and ( verb ) when they taste one of the ( adjective ) concoctions created by the Bartender 5000!

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But this isn’t a deal you should sleep on… The Bartender 5000 is selling fast! For just ( number > 1 ) dollars plus shipping, this ( adjective ) robot could be serving drinks for you and your friends before the weekend!

THE BARTENDER 5000! The future is in your hands… make sure it tastes ( adjective )!

Angelique Kidjo

Clifford Brown Jazz Fest

Photo by Joe del Tufo