MAGAZINE
April
22-27 this issue
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2013
• Fine Dining for a Deal at CRW 2013 • DCCA Presents an imPERFECT City • Spring in Full Bloom on The Riverfront
APRIL 2013 Vol. 4 ISSUE 10
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For ed
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Produced by
all rights reserved
TSN Publishing, Inc. President Gerald duPhily
Contributing Editor Bob Yearick
Art Director Shawna Sneath
Production Manager Matt Loeb
Advertising Sales Jim Hunter Miller Marie Graham
April 2013 volume 4, issue 10
4 Cover Story
A Taste of the City Wilmington’s fine-dining scene showcased April 22-27 during 9th annual City Restaurant Week.
7 The Arts imPERFECT City New interactive exhibit at the Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts challenges visitors to build their own city. By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald
8 On the Riverfront South Pacific, Earth Day Celebration, Blue Rocks’ season-opener... the Riverfront’s April calendar features a full slate of activities.
Contributing Writers Barb Bullock, Krista Connor, Josephine Eccel, Christine Facciolo, Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Larry Nagengast, Scott Pruden
Contributing Photographers Joe del Tufo, Tim Hawk Les Kipp, Matt Urban
Departments 2
“in” Calendar
10
Riverfront Events
12
City Notes
ON THE COVER For editorial and advertising information: p (302) 655-6483 f (302) 654-0569
TSN Media, Inc. 307 A Street Wilmington, DE 19801
Fine dining for a deal is the focus of City Restaurant Week 2013.
ABOUT THE “IN” CAMPAIGN
Wilmington is truly in the middle of it all, and the “in” campaign is a celebration of the accomplishments we continue to achieve as a community to make our city stronger and more attractive. From neighborhood and business development to our arts and cultural scene, the people of Wilmington are working together to support our city’s ongoing growth and prosperity.
ABOUT WILMINGTON MAGAZINE
The mission of Wilmington Magazine is to capture, through stories and images, the ongoing energy present in the city. We aim to inform readers, both inside and outside Wilmington, of the city’s residential, financial, and cultural progress while remaining entertaining and vibrant. 3
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WHAT’S ‘IN’ FOR
APRIL 2013
MUSIC
TUES, APRIL 2 - SUN, APRIL 7
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
FRI, APRIL 5 - SUN, MAY 19
FOOD & DRINK
FRI, APRIL 5 - SUN, APRIL 7
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
OperaDelaware Studio Series
Nylon Exhibit Opening: Fashion, Sports, & Fun!
Dreamgirls
Legally Blonde: The Musical
DuPont Theatre • 11th & Market Streets 302.656.4401 • bitly.com/VICBBY
New Candlelight Theatre • 2208 Millers Rd. 302.475.2313 • bitly.com/VICA0O
OperaDelaware Studios 4 South Poplar Street • 302.658.8063 bitly.com/mV4lPe
Hagley Museum & Library • 200 Hagley Rd. 302.658.2400 • bitly.com/YTb8uN
WED, APRIL 10 - SUN, MAY 5
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 8PM
THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 5:30PM
FRI, APRIL 12 - SUN, APRIL 14
South Pacific
BCTA & WCL present Dave Mason Unplugged
Spring 2013 Fundraiser: From My Collection to Yours
Delaware Theatre Company 200 Water Street • 302.594.1100 bitly.com/VICBC7
SAT, APRIL 13 & SUN, APRIL 14
First State Ballet Theatre: A Midsummer Night's Dream
DSO: Tchaikovsky's World Laird Performing Arts Center at The Tatnall School • 1501 Barley Mill Road 302.998.2292 • bitly.com/YTb6TF
World Cafe Live at the Queen 500 North Market Street • 302.994.1400 bitly.com/VICBSl
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts 200 S. Madison Street • 302.656.6466 bitly.com/VICA0W
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 6:30PM
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 8PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 20 1-3PM
Evening with The Masters
Ralphie May: Too Big To Ignore Tour
Brandywine Creek State Park's Annual Kite Day
The Grand • 818 N. Market Street 302.658.7897 • bitly.com/YTb8uT
DoubleTree Downtown 700 King Street • 302.656.6451 bit.ly/VICCWt
DuPont Theatre • 11th & Market Streets 302.656.4401 • bit.ly/ZvAP6V
41 Adams Dam Rd • 302.577.3534 bitly.com/VICy9k
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 7:30PM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 7:30AM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 8PM
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 12:30PM
The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet
WRC's State of the Downtown
Esperanza Spalding
World Cafe Live at the Queen 500 North Market Street • 302.994.1400 bitly.com/YTb4Lu
The Grand • 818 N. Market Street 302.658.7897 • bitly.com/YTb4Lw
Market St. Music presents: Copeland String Quartet
Trinity Episcopal Parish • 1108 N. Adams St. 302.652.8605 • bitly.com/YTb4vf
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First & Central Presbyterian Church 1101 N. Market Street • 302.654.5371 bitly.com/YTb4Ly
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ART IS IN - EXHIBITS OPENING & CLOSING THIS MONTH Delaware Art Museum
• The Storyteller’s Art: Reimagining America through Illustration thru Apr 30 302.571.9590 • 2301 Kentmere Pkwy
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts
• Kerry Adams’ This Space is Intentionally Left Blank thru Apr 21 • Sam Blanchard thru Apr 28 • Taxonomy of Trash Apr 6 thru Jul 21 302.656.6466 • 200 South Madison Street
The Station Gallery
• Helena van Emmerik-Finn thru Apr 27 302.654.8638 • 3922 Kennett Pike
SUNDAY, APRIL 7TH
Museum • 550 Justison Street • 302.654.2340
Family In Conflict: Rockwood & The Civil War daily thru May 25
Delaware Art Museum 2301 Kentmere Parkway• 302.571.9590
(Artsy) Noise! • DCCA 300 S. Madison St. • 302.656.6466
Melomanie presents Alfred: A Masque by Thomas Arne
Cauffiel House Tour • Bellevue State
Delaware Historical Society (Old Town Hall) 5th & Market Streets • 302.655.7161
Arturo Sandoval
The Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND
Rainbow Chorale of Delaware: Family Gathering First & Central Presbyterian Church 1101 N. Market St. • 302.654.5371
SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH Christina River Cleanup Bellevue State Park 800 Carr Rd. • 302.761.6963
Classic Albums Live - Who's Next The Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND
Melomanie Wilmington Series: April Concert Grace United Methodist Church 900 Washington Street • 302.655.8847
XPN Welcomes Spinto Band w/ special guest, Buried Beds Arden Concert Gild 2126 The Highway • 302.475.3126
World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
FRIDAY, APRIL 26TH Clay Date
Delaware Art Museum 2301 Kentmere Pkwy • 302.571.9590
Exhibited - The Play
Brandywine Hundred Library 1300 Foulk Rd • 302.477.3150
Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz w/
Mama's Blacksheep • World Cafe Live at The Queen • 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
World Cafe Live & Bob Rose Productions present Renaissance 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH
SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH
Blue Grass Jams
every Sat 1-5pm • Woodside Farm Creamery 1310 Little Baltimore Road • 302.239.9847
Dare 2 Draw: Drawing for Kids Who Don’t Stay in the Lines
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts 300 S. Madison St. • 302.656.6466
Gateway to the Stars
Gateway Lab School 2501 Centerville Road • 302.633.4091
Inside the Artist’s Studio
Delaware Art Museum 2301 Kentmere Pkwy • 302.571.9590
Festival Concert: Mastersingers of Wilmington – Rich Increase: Shakespeare to Spirituals
TUESDAY, APRIL 16TH
First & Central Presbyterian Church 1101 N. Market St. • 302.654.5371
IN the Classroom: Teaching Opportunities for Artists
The Melton Brothers Band w/ Alfie Moss
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts 300 S. Madison St. • 302.656.6466
World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
Diana Krall FRIDAY, MARCH 8TH
The Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND
THURSDAY, APRIL 18
Monthly Birdwalk
Brandywine Creek State Park 41 Adams Dam Rd. • 302.577.3534
TH
SUNDAY, APRIL 28TH
Thursday Noontime Concerts: Dave Posmontier Quartet
Dave Holland - Kenny Barron Duo
First & Central Presbyterian Church 1101 N. Market St. • 302.654.5371
The Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND
Candlelight Comedy Club
TUESDAY, APRIL 30 TH
2208 Millers Rd. • 302.475.2313
Memphis
SATURDAY, APRIL 20 TH
thru May 5 • DuPont Theatre 11th & Market Streets • 302.656.4401
Common Destinations: Maps in the American Experience
An Evening with the DSO Winds
thru Jan 2014 • Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library • 5105 Kennett Pike • 800.448.3883
Gold Ballroom at the Hotel du Pont 11th & Market Streets • 800.37.GRAND
New Castle County’s 7th Annual Safe Kids Day Bellevue State Park 800 Carr Rd. • 302.761.6963
Peanut Butter and Jams welcomes Alastair Moock • World Cafe Live at The Queen • 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
Attracting Butterflies Bellevue State Park 800 Carr Rd. • 302.761.6963
What Are You Working On?
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts 300 S. Madison St. • 302.656.6466
Graham Parker & The Rumour World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
find more at { inWilmingtonDE.com }
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Leo Kottke & Jake Shimabukuro
2301 Kentmere Pkwy • 302.332.3788
The Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND
Fine Art Sale
World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
Quizzo • Delaware Art Museum
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Buses leave 5:45pm from the DCCA, making the last return at approx. 9:10pm 302.576.2135 • 200 S. Madison St.
An Evening with Janis Ian
FRIDAY, APRIL 12TH
First & Central Presbyterian Church 1101 N. Market St. • 302.654.5371
Art on the Town
THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH
World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
THURSDAY, APRIL 4TH
2301 Kentmere Parkway • 302.571.9590
World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
Thursday Noontime Concerts: Celtic music w/ Charlie Zahm
Chelsea Tavern • 821 N. Market Street
Art is Tasty: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Grace Hartigan • Delaware Art Museum
Aimee Mann
THURSDAY, APRIL 11TH
Flight Club every Tuesday 5:30-7:30
FRIDAY, APRIL 5TH
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24TH
The Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND
TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH
Blue Ball Barn 1914 W. Park Drive • 302.456.3242
Church of the Holy City 1118 N. Broom Street • 302.654.5014
Hot Club of Cowtown
thru April 5 Brandywine Creek State Park 41 Adams Dam Rd. • 302.577.3534
Jim Malcolm (Green Willow 30th Anniversary Concert)
800 Carr Road • 302.761.6963
Copeland String Quartet FRIDAY, MARCH 8TH
The Music School of Delaware 4101 Washington St. • 302.762.1132
The Reverend Horton Heat
Art Salad 12pm every Thurs Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts 300 S. Madison St. • 302.656.6466
Earth Day Hike • Bellevue State Park
MUSIC MASTERS: Lotus, Lynne & Friends—Celebrating 30 Years!
Spring Break Camp
Market Street Music Noontime Concerts: No Name Trio
Cashore Marionettes • The Grand 818 N. Market • 800.37.GRAND
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 TH
First & Central Presbyterian Church 1101 N. Market St. • 302.654.5371
Spring Break Camp
Park • 800 Carr Road • 302.761.6963
Barn at Flintwoods 205 Center Meeting Road • 877.594.4546
4651 Washington St. Extension • 302.761.4340 thru April 5 Bellevue State Park 800 Carr Rd. • 302.761.6963
Surround Sound: Make Some
Poetry & Painting
MONDAY, APRIL 1ST DCM Gym thru Apr 28 • Delaware Children's
SUNDAY, APRIL 21ST
MUSIC
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
FOOD & DRINK
3/22/13 3:28 PM
W 2013
APRIL 22-27
ilmington’s fine dining scene is marked by a distinguishing characteristic: It is dominated by owner-operators. In other words, there is not a chain restaurant in the bunch. So each spring, when those restaurateurs team to present City Restaurant Week, they view it as a personal invitation. It’s the equivalent of your neighbor inviting you for dinner. “City Restaurant Week puts spirit in our community, encouraging people to get out, connect with friends and try new restaurants,” says Xavier Teixido, an owner of Harry’s Seafood Grill on the Riverfront. “It highlights the diversity and depth of quality of dining options in our neighborhoods.” This year, that diversity will be front and center because for the first time in nine years, City Restaurant Week has expanded to include fine dining restaurants on Wilmington’s West End. Previous years were focused on fine dining establishments Downtown and the Riverfront. The result is a menu of 17 restaurants to select from, offering everything from Thai to Chilean to Italian. Better yet, you get to sample the creative cuisine of these fine dining spots with prix-fixe prices of $15 for lunch and $35 for dinner. “CRW is the great reminder of what a wonderful, interesting, eclectic city Wilmington is,” says Beth Ross, co-owner of Domaine Hudson. “CRW is not just about experiencing what the city has to offer for a discounted price, but reminding everyone of just what Wilmington is about.” This year’s City Restaurant Week will begin Monday, April 22, and continue through Saturday, April 27. For an overview of the restaurants participating, read on.
BIG FISH GRILL
COLUMBUS INN
720 Justison St. 652-FISH
2216 Pennsylvania Ave. 571-1492
After years of success in Sussex County, the Big Fish Restaurant Group has brought the great Big Fish Grill experience to Wilmington. Stop by the new location on the scenic Wilmington Riverfront for the freshest seafood, juicy, hand-cut steaks, savory pastas and delicious salads. The reasonably priced menu, generous portions, family friendly atmosphere and impeccable service make Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront a casual dining destination and a great addition to the Wilmington restaurant scene.
CAFE MEZZANOTTE 1007 N. Orange St. 658-7050
Since opening in June of 2003, Café Mezzanotte has built a reputation as Delaware’s premier spot to enjoy classical pan-Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Sergio Pellegrino immigrated to Wilmington 18 years ago from the small town of Scalea, located in the southern region of Calabria, Italy. For the past 10 years, Sergio has been bringing a piece of his hometown’s cuisine to Wilmington. Scalea is a town known for its fresh seafood mixed with hearty vegetables, pasta dishes and filling soups. With intimate atmosphere and exceptional service, Café Mezzanotte is the best place to enjoy pan-Mediterranean cuisine.
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Columbus Inn, a Wilmington tradition since 1849, is a premier American tavern and restaurant that seamlessly combines the best of “old and new,” serving seasonally inspired, market fresh, progressive yet playful modern cuisine paired with an amazing selection of old and new world wines, micro and macro brews, as well as traditional and new style spirits. The creative menus for dinner, brunches and private events feature new and classic dishes with an approachable, new age twist at an affordable value. From happy hour to special events, there is always a good reason to come “inn.”
DEEP BLUE BAR & GRILL 111 West 11th St. 777-2040
Featuring innovative preparations of fresh fish, a selection of oysters from around the world, and a newly added steakhouse menu, Chef Dan Butler’s Deep Blue Bar and Grill is one of Wilmington’s most creative restaurants. Its location in the heart of the city makes it a convenient choice for patrons of the DuPont Theatre and the Grand Opera House. Business entertaining and special events, sophisticated happy hours and special weekend dining are a natural fit in this upscale locale.
3/22/13 5:00 PM
DOMAINE HUDSON WINE BAR & EATERY 1314 N. Washington St. 655-WINE Domaine Hudson opened in 2005, with the idea that it’s possible to enjoy fine wine and award-winning food for a reasonable price. DH is Wilmington’s wine tasting destination, with an expansive cellar that holds 2,000 bottles with 40 wines offered by the glass (to pair with a farm-fresh cheese plate, perhaps?). Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or the special occasion of a lifetime, Executive Chef and sommelier Roger Surpin artfully prepares world-class cuisine, with complementing wines. Zagat rates the food as “perfection” and service as “excellent.”
FIRESTONE 110 S. West St., Riverfront 658-6626
Sit along the water, soak in the sun and sample some of the signature brick oven pizzas, fresh seafood and slow roasted meats. More in the mood for nightlife? FireStone offers live entertainment every weekend, featuring some of the best up and coming artists in the area. No other venue in the city can offer a little bit of the beach in your own backyard.
HARRY’S SEAFOOD GRILL 101 South Market St. 777-1500
The name Harry’s has always been recognized for its tradition of fresh ingredients, innovative cuisine and unsurpassed service. That tradition can be found on Wilmington’s Riverfront at Harry’s Seafood Grill. Adjacent to the Riverwalk, Harry’s Seafood Grill is the place for lunch, dinner, cocktails and a late night in Wilmington. A chic atmosphere, fresh raw bar, award-winning crab cakes, outstanding lobsters, imaginatively prepared seafood, great martinis and 50 wines by the glass are some of the keys to an exciting experience. Harry’s is a coveted spot for patio dining or cocktails on the waterfront.
MORO RESTAURANT 1307 N. Scott St. 777-1800
Moro Restaurant opened in 2002, and over the past 10 years has received many accolades—three bells from Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan, four stars from The News Journal, four stars from Delaware Today, and two James Beard nominations. The approach to food involves sourcing seasonal ingredients, while the menu changes weekly to reflect what is available at the market. The culinary team comprises people who are inspired by food and have a strong work ethic. It is best known for its “Maple Glazed Salmon” and “Duck Confit Salad,” which have been on the menu since day one.
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Eclipse Bistro 1020 N. Union St. 658-1588
A cornerstone of the Wilmington dining scene since 1996, Eclipse Bistro has cemented its reputation as a neighborhood hangout as well as a destination for travelers near and far. The kitchen, led by Chef Ryan Marchetta, sources the finest ingredients while employing classic and modern techniques to create a menu sure to satisfy guests of all tastes. Eclipse offers a well-regarded and flexible wine list thoughtfully designed to pair with its diverse and familiar fare. Its hospitable, knowledgeable staff complements the food, consistently delivering an excellent dining experience.
THE GREEN ROOM 100 West 11th St. 594-3154
Enjoy French cuisine in the 100-year-old Green Room at the Hotel du Pont, an unforgettable setting of oak paneling, coffered oak beamed ceilings, gold chandeliers, and original oil paintings. The world-class Green Room is a winner of the Four-Diamond AAA Award for 28 consecutive years. Featuring a colorful combination of shimmering draperies, wingback chairs, and Versace patterned china, the historic elegance of the Green Room is complemented by a fresh, seasonallyinspired menu under the direction of Executive Chef Keith Miller. An award-winning wine collection and impeccable service will further enhance your fine dining experience.
MIKIMOTOS 1212 North Washington St. 656-8638
In August 2000, owner Darius Mansoory added a second restaurant to his portfolio when he opened Mikimotos Asian Grill & Sushi Bar. Like its older sister, Washington Street Ale House, Mikimotos continues to surpass the expectations of its guests. Mikimotos is a high-energy restaurant sheathed in contemporary urban décor. Walls and tables are dressed in bold reds and yellows with black accents. The half-moon bar, a Wilmington hotspot, delivers creative cocktails along with old favorites, and the unusual circleshaped 24-seat sushi bar serves the freshest fish in the city.
VIEW RESTAURANT MENUS AT
CityRestaurantWeek.com
3/22/13 3:47 PM
PICCOLINA Toscana
Pochi
1412 N. DuPont St. 654-8001
220 W. 9th St. 384-6654
Dan Butler opened Toscana upon returning home to Wilmington in 1990. His vision was a contemporary Italian restaurant with the big city feel of the places that he had seen in his travels and work experience in Europe, Washington, D.C and Florida. His education and the kitchens he has worked in since taught him to cook everything from scratch, using the best, freshest ingredients in a simple way that lets the natural goodness shine. Toscana has been renovated and updated several times over the years, including a to-go and catering shop adjacent to the restaurant, but the core concept of nice people serving “really good food” has never changed.
Owners Patricia and Braulio were both raised in Chile, one from the north and one from Santiago. Their experiences gave them a unique insight into the vast contrasts of food that Chile has to offer. Their philosophy is “Do the best you can, and then do it better.” This enables them to give customers the best Chilean wine selection and 100 percent fresh traditional Chilean cuisine, with a twist.
Union City Grille 805 N. Union St. 654-9780
Ubon Thai Cuisine 936 Justison St. 656-1706
Jeenwong Thai Cuisine has been in Wilmington for about 13 years now, and is proud to have chosen to stay here and present Ubon Thai Cuisine. The culinary team consists of Executive Chef Norrawit J. Milburn and Sous Chef Marco Escofie’. Their goal is to bring exotic flavors to Wilmington, such as “Thai Guy’s Wings” and “Yai’s Rolls,” with service that makes customers feel like they’re with family. They take all the fresh ingredients that you would see in Thailand, along with local produce, to create family Thai dishes, including“Yai’s Rolls” and the “Momochas” —from scratch.
Matthew Curtis opened UCG in Wilmington because he loved the warm feel of community. Executive Chef Matt Crist, who recently left his chef position at Deep Blue and spent the last year on a culinary journey in Spain, heads the kitchen. UCG is a place “where food tastes the way it should.” Wilmington’s most exciting bar menu, handmade pasta and the tastiest steaks are UCG hits. Then there’s the award-winning short rib chili and silky crab bisque. Sunday features include the area’s only “name your cut” filet for $2 an ounce. Come casual or come ready for hand-picked, elegant wines and craft brews (72, to be exact).
WASHINGTON STREET ALE HOUSE Walter’s Steakhouse 802 N. Union St. 652-6780
Walter’s Steakhouse is synonymous with great beef in Wilmington and throughout the world. Serving the finest beef available guarantees the two things customers desire most: flavor and tenderness. The slow-roasted prime rib is the sweetest and juiciest, the filet is so tender you can cut it with a fork. Or enjoy the New York strip or Delmonico for a more savory cut. Seafood and poultry entrees are available, also. Every Sunday, Monday and Thursday features a complimentary seafood bar (with oysters and clams on the half shell). Every Friday night is Prime Rib Night. Choose from 250 highly-rated wines by the bottle or 24 wines by the glass.
1206 North Washington St. 658-2537
Opened in 1997 by Darius Mansoory, Washington Street Ale House specializes in great food and handcrafted beers. With an extensive selection of 24 beers on tap, this is the best place in the city to enjoy great drinks with family and friends. Guests are able to relax and unwind in the inviting dining room, which is the perfect location for evening dates, family outings and friendly get-togethers. And the year-round deck offers a premier atmosphere to enjoy dinner and appetizers for any occasion.
VIEW RESTAURANT MENUS AT
CityRestaurantWeek.com
6 . Cover Story
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There are at least a dozen elements to the current exhibition: • A”disORIENTATION desk,” where you are welcomed with an exhibit map and a customized YOUtopian tour, complete with fun courses like civility treatments, unpopular behavior lessons, spontaneous athletics and mad vegetable farming • The People’s Park project, where visitors and artists have collaborated to create a semi-permanent public space on the 400 block of Market Street (installment will happen this month and will include a mural, seating and greenery) • Civic Seats, a restructure-able seating circle that promotes spontaneous exchange • The DCCA Athletic Club enables visitors to actually “get fit” inside the galleries with yoga, aerobics, and other activities • Museum of the Hand invites visitors to type on a keyboard while their text is simultaneously transcribed into cursive by a computer-controlled machine • The Radical Reading Room, a library of formerly-banned books and other texts • A micro-farm of mobile vegetable and fruit planters within the DCCA Cyber Café • imPERFECT CITY/imPERFECT STATE, an exhibit of roadside memorials in Delaware.
imPERFECT City… the Perfect Addition to Wilmo Art Scene By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald
I
’m a lover of the Arts in all its forms. But I have to admit, when the Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts (DCCA) launched its current interactive exhibit, imPERFECT City—I didn’t get it. By Michelle How couldKramer-Fitzgerald building a city really be considered “art”? In investigating a bit more, I’ve found this project is all about art: The art of imagination, the art of collaboration, the art of looking beyond ourselves, the art of creating for the greater good. imPERFECT City—funded by a grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation and running through June—is an ever-evolving, community participatory exhibit that will eventually develop into a museum-scale city. It relies not only on the talent of its visiting artists and scholars but also on the creativity and imagination of visitors to create their vision of what constitutes a “perfect city.” As I sat in the middle of imPERFECT City at the Wilmington INBassadors meeting in March, it was apparent to me just how much a part the visitor plays—meeting on the Civic Seats, we became a living part of the exhibit. Whether sharing a comment on the UTOPIA wall, joining a yoga class in the athletic club, adding a “banned” book to the Radical Reading Room, or simply walking through and taking it all in, we participated in the exhibit at many levels. “This is a people-powered exhibit, created by and for the people of Wilmington,” says Sara Teixido, director of marketing and communications for DCCA. “Our ‘city’ comes alive with your participation.” And it will continually evolve; Exhibit Curator Maiza Hixson encourages repeat visits to see how the exhibit grows and changes with each week.
Hixson is thrilled with the exhibit’s progression, which launched with a series of open town hall meetings in February. “I started this project to call attention to the fact that exhibitions can be more than stuffy displays of art,” Hixson notes. “They can be a creative medium for political and social engagement.” The project requires people from all walks of life to converge around a common goal. It allows everyone—not only artists—to use their imagination and build a “city” that challenges existing paradigms. The town hall meetings are some of Hixson’s favorite aspects of the exhibit. “I love the idea that anyone can suggest ‘weird’ ideas for the city, and we’ll try to implement them,” she says. “For example, our micro-farmer invented a new currency called micropia. I have no idea what it means but it instantly makes me rethink our existing monetary system—what it’s based on and why it couldn’t be based on something else.” Hixson feels the DCCA’s role in the project is to make people aware of the museum’s relevance to the city: Museums are spaces of free thought where powerful ideas are allowed to emerge; a lot of significant change can come from people simply being exposed to new ideas. DCCA Artist in Residence Eric Leshinsky is overseeing the People’s Park component of the exhibit and is excited about the community’s response to it. “I probably talked to a few hundred people over four weeks [of the project’s development]; I was inspired by folks’ willingness to participate—how eager people were to share ideas for a park that will be temporary, on a narrow piece of land, which many of them will never use,” he says. “For me, that’s a real testament to how people value public space and their desire to have some role in how it gets created.” Leshinsky anticipates that the actual site installation on Market Street will have the most impact because of its visibility and accessibility. “If [People’s Park] works the way I’m envisioning it, a formerly vacant lot on Market Street will become a functional piece of the city again.” I asked both Mazia and Eric what they would to do make Wilmington a “perfect city.” Here’s what they said: Maiza Hixson: “I would provide cheap studio space to artists downtown, provide seed money for innovative businesses in Wilmington, and encourage everyone to walk more rather than drive.” Eric Leshinsky: “I’d ask every person in Wilmington what their idea of a perfect city is…and then make a To-Do list.” I encourage you to visit and become part of this exhibit. But before you do, visit the imPERFECT City blog (imperfectcitydcca.wordpress.com) and LIKE the Facebook page (facebook.com/ImperfectCity). Want more ArtStuff ? Follow me @ArtsinMedia! 7
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MAP OF
1. Amtrak Station 2. Opera Delaware Studios/City Theater Co. 3. Wilmington Youth Rowing Assn., WYRA.ORG 4. Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park 5. Residences at Christina Landing 6. Harry’s Seafood Grill / Riverfront Market, HARRYS-SAVOY.COM 7. Delaware Theatre Co., DELAWARETHEATRE.ORG 8. FireStone Roasting House, FIRESTONERIVERFRONT.COM 9. Cosi at the Barclays Crescent Building, GETCOSI.COM 10. Hare Pavilion/Riverwalk
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11. AAA Mid-Atlantic Travel Center, AAAMIDATLANTIC.COM 12. Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, THEDCCA.ORG 13. Justison Landing, Currie Hair, Skin & Nails, CURRIEDAYSPA.COM Veritas Wine & Spirits, VERITASWINESHOP.COM 14. Kooma, KOOMASUSHI.COM 15. Delaware Children’s Museum, DELAWARECHILDRENSMUSEUM.ORG 16. Joe’s Crab Shack, JOESCRABSHACK.COM 17. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, IRONHILLBREWERY.COM
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18. Public Docks 19. Big Fish Grill, BIGFISHRIVERFRONT.COM 20. Frawley Stadium, BLUEROCKS.COM Delaware Sports Museum & Hall of Fame 21. Chase Center on the Riverfront, CENTERONTHERIVERFRONT.COM 22. Dravo Plaza & Dock 23. Shipyard Center Planet Fitness, PLANETFITNESS.COM 24. Timothy’s Restaurant, TIMOTHYSONTHERIVERFRONT.COM
Molly’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, MOLLYSICECREAM.COM Ubon Thai Restaurant 25. Wilmington Rowing Center, WILMINGTONROWING.ORG 26. Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge/ DuPont Environmental Education Center, DUPONTEEC.ORG 27 DART Park-n-Ride Lot 28. Penn Cinema Riverfront IMAX, PENNCINEMARIVERFRONT.COM 29: CrossFit Riverfront, CFRIVERFRONT.COM Photo by Dick Dubroff of Final Focus Photography
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APRIL RIVERFRONT EVENTS
Spring Break: Nature Day Camp at the Riverfront April 1-5, 8:30-3:30pm Spend all or part of your spring break exploring the freshwater tidal marsh and Wilmington’s Riverfront. • Monday, April 1: Reptiles Revealed • Tuesday, April 2: Aquatic Exploration • Wednesday, April 3: Marsh Mammals • Thursday, April 4: DEEC Treasure Hunters • Friday, April 5: Nature Photography Registration fee required. DuPont Environmental Education Center DuPontEEC.org 8th Annual Race Judicata 5K Run/Walk April 6 Sponsored by Delaware State Bar Association Registration opens at 8am, Race begins at 9am Joe’s Crab Shack Races2run.com BBB of Delaware 48th Annual Dinner April 9, 4:45pm Network with 250 business and community leaders; Enjoy a fabulous silent auction and reception prior to dinner; and Celebrate the winners of the BBB Student Ethics Scholarships as well as the Torch and Rush Award winners. Chase Center on the Riverfront Delaware.bbb.org/annualdinner 2013 Catholic Charities Annual Tribute Dinner April 10, 5pm Catholic Charities is pleased to honor Terri Kelly, President & CEO of W. L. Gore & Associates, with the 2013 Msgr. Thomas J. Reese Award for Community Leadership. Chase Center on the Riverfront cdow.org/tribute.html South Pacific Opens April 10 thru May 5 Music by Richer Rogers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein & Joshua Logan Directed by Bud Martin An island paradise is the setting for two enchanting love stories, both threatened by the perils of World War II and racial prejudice. Spunky and charming Nellie Forbush falls in love with French planter Emile de Becque, as the bewitchingly beautiful Tonkinese girl, Liat, steals the heart of strapping Joe Cable. For tickets and show times, please visit our website. Delaware Theatre Company DelawareTheatre.org 10
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Parents Night Out- Hunt for Reptile and Amphibians April 12, 6:30-8:30pm Set mom and dad loose to have dinner along Wilmington’s Riverfront while you stay at DEEC and have all the fun with games, a scavenger hunt and an evening hike. Dinner provided. Parents receive a coupon for Timothy’s Riverfront Grill. Registration fee required. DuPont Environmental Education Center DuPontEEC.org Blue Rocks vs. Frederick Keys 2013 Season Opening Weekend April 12-14 Visit BlueRocks.com for more information on game times and promotions. Frawley Stadium Walk MS: Wilmington Riverfront 2013 April 13 Registration begins at 8am Walk begins at 9am When you participate in Walk MS, the funds you raise give hope to the more than 1,550 people living with MS in Delaware. The dollars raised support life-changing programs and cutting-edge research. Frawley Stadium Walkded.nationalmssociety.org 3rd Annual Thin Mint 5K April 14 Registration begins at 9am Race begins at 10am Benefits Girls Scouts of Chesapeake Bay Dravo Plaza Races2Run.com Blue Rock vs. Carolina Mudcats April 15-17 Visit BlueRocks.com for more information on game times and promotions. Frawley Stadium From Tadpole to Toad April 17, 10-11:30am Search for tadpoles in the marsh and learn how they live and grow. Feed a toad a tasty snack. Then enjoy your own snack. Registration fee required DuPont Environmental Education Center DuPontEEC.org 3rd Annual DNS Earth Day Festival April 20, 11-3pm As a tribute to Delaware’s Governor Russell W. Peterson, DEEC will host an Earth Day festival and offer free programs to educate the community and families about Delaware’s marshes and its residents, and more! Festival Activities: Composting demonstrations, canoe trips, hikes to a beaver lodge, live
critters and creepy crawlies, catching fish and aquatic insects with nets, green living exhibitors, face painting and crafts and music DuPont Environmental Education Center Delawarenaturesociety.org/earthday 24th Ronald McDonald House of DE 5K April 20 Registration begins at 8am Race begins at 9am Benefits Ronald McDonald House of Delaware Frawley Stadium Races2Run.com Surround Sound: Make Some (Artsy) Noise! April 21, 12-3pm POP! CRINKLE! CRUNCH! Join us as we make a symphony of sound during this unique (and noisy!) family program inspired by the exhibition Taxonomy of Trash. So go ahead and pop that bubble wrap, snap those rubber bands, and bang those cans all the way to the DCCA! Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts TheDCCA.org Blue Rocks vs. Winston-Salem Dash April 26-28 Visit BlueRocks.com for more information on game times and promotions. Frawley Stadium Brain Tumor Walk April 27 Registration begins at 11:30am Program and Activities begins at 12:30pm This family-friendly walk and community day benefits the National Brain Tumor Society Dravo Plaza BrainTumorCommunity.org Canoeing the River and Marsh April 27, 12:30-4:30pm Canoe along the Christina River and through the marshes’ winding channels in search of wildlife. No experience necessary. Registration fee required DuPont Environmental Education Center DuPontEEC.org Delaware Hope Ball- Port of Call: A Cure April 27, 6:00pm An elegant evening of auctions, cocktails, fabulous food and of course, raising money to help cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes. Chase Center on the Riverfront Delaware.jdrf.org Blue Rocks vs. Salem Red Sox April 29-May2 Visit BlueRocks.com for more information on game times and promotions. Frawley Stadium April 2013
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FRIDAY, MAY 17 MONKEY HILL TIME TRIAL
4-8PM Tailgate Party in Brandywine Park and watch racers race against the clock on a course made famous by the Tour DuPont
SATURDAY, MAY 18
DOWNTOWN’S BIGGEST STREET FESTIVAL Opening Ceremonies Parade 1PM Races & Six-Block Street Festival 12:30PM-5:30PM BMX STUNT SHOWS • SLIDES • MOON BOUNCES OBSTACLE COURSE • ROCK WALL • COURSE CAFÉS
SUNDAY, MAY 19
GOVERNOR’S RIDE & GRAN FONDO
8AM Spectacular 15-, 30- and 62-mile bike rides through Brandywine Valley Finish Line Party at the Delaware Art Museum 10AM-2PM
An event that benefits the 21st Century Fund for Delaware’s Children and Food Bank of Delaware
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CITY NOTES Welcome to the Neighborhood! Wilmington continues to grow with new friends and neighbors. Take a look at who’s just moved in:
Big Ideas?
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Café D’Lish
1139 W. 7th Street; 691-5030 Hours: Tues.–Sat., 7am to 3pm; Sun. brunch, 9am to 1pm. Funky meets cool meets warm and fuzzy. Located in the Cool Spring/Tilton neighborhood (the 2011 CityLife Neighborhood of the Year), Cafe D’Lish serves delicious goodies for breakfast, lunch and brunch. Grab and go, or pull up a seat and hang out. Enjoy works by local artists, a good book from the pay-it-forward shelf of donated books, board games and puzzles. The menu changes with the seasons, with specials and homemade treats.
Lynn’s Cafe
115 Christina Landing Dr.; 888-1150 Hours: Mon.–Fri. 6 to 10:30am and 4 to 9pm; Sat., 8am to 8pm. Serving great breakfast items, including muffins, bagels, oatmeal and sandwiches. In the evening the focus is specialty home-cooked dinners as well as sandwiches, salads and homemade soup every night.
Fusion Restaurant & Lounge
BigIdeasWilmington.com
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837 N. Union St.; 777-5712 Hours: Mon. – Thur., 11am to 9pm; Fri. & Sat., 11am to 1am; Sun., 11am to 8pm. Latin Fusion Restaurant & Lounge is Wilmington’s newest restaurant catering to South American and Caribbean Cuisine. Located just around the corner from Trolley Square and in the heart of Little Italy, Latin Fusion sits in the City’s foodie district and provides a cozy atmosphere to lounge, relax, and enjoy delicious Latin foods.
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WRC News
DowntownWilmington.com
Staff Picks
Every month we highlight a few happenings in the City. Our favorites for April:
Dreamgirls at the DuPont Theatre, Tuesday, April 2, to Sunday, April 7 Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. With music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Tom Eyen. More information: duponttheatre.com/dreamgirls
OperaDelaware Studio Series at the OperaDelaware Studios, Friday, April 5 Enjoy a glass of wine at a cozy cabaret-style table while listening to your favorite arias and scenes presented up-close and personal by the best talent the region has to offer. Both general admission open seating and cabaret-style tables are available for this series. Seating is limited, and last year this series sold out quickly. More information: operade.org
First State Ballet Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Grand Opera House, Saturday, April 13
WRC’s Annual Meeting: “Bringing Big Ideas to Life” World Cafe Live at The Queen Wednesday, April 24 Breakfast: 7:30am Meeting: 8 to 10:30am
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re you an out-of-the-box thinker? Do you have the next Big Idea for Wilmington? If so, come share it and hear what your fellow Wilmingtonians have to say.
Tickets for the WRC’s annual meeting are $50 and include a full gourmet breakfast and complimentary parking at the Renaissance Center Garage on 5th Street immediately adjacent to World Cafe Live. For more information regarding tickets and sponsorship, to wrcbigideastolife.eventbrite.com/ Sponsored in part by: ab+c, Highmark Delaware, Colonial Parking, Delmarva Power, DuPont, M&T Bank, Newmark Knight Frank Smith Mack, Out & About Magazine, The Commonwealth Group, The Fun Department and Wheeler Wolfenden & Dwares.
This delightful and amusing tale of the transforming power of love will delight the whole family. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of the world’s most beautiful ballets, and this production is the first by a Delaware company. It is FSBT’s contribution to The Year of the Bard statewide festival of the performing arts. More information: firststateballet.com/news.html
Inside the Artist’s Studio at the Delaware Art Museum, Saturday, April 13 Join Allan Comport, chair of the Illustration Department at the Maryland Institute College of Art, as he interviews illustrator Sterling Hundley. They will share a lively discussion on topics relating to contemporary illustration, including emerging markets and media, and the role of illustration in today’s culture. More information: delart.org/ prog_events/adult_prog/artist_talk.html
Meals from the Masters at Various Locations, Friday, April 19, & Sunday, April 21 Now in its 16th year, Meals from the Masters is an entire spring weekend of culinary delights, including the Evening with The Masters, the Cellar Masters’ Wine Auction and the long-standing tradition of the Celebrity Chefs’ Brunch. Enjoy the exquisite cuisine by master chefs, wine and spirits, and special auction items. More information: mealsonwheelsde.org/events/meals-from-the-masters
WilmFilm Festival at the Penn Cinema Riverfront, Thursday, April 25-Sunday, April 28 From the creators of the Newark Film Festival, the WilmFilm Festival is back and bigger than ever. This year, the festival takes place at the all-new Penn Cinema Riverfront. Experience the best independent films and favorites from throughout the years. Featuring special features such as Q&A panels, an opening night party and special midnight screenings. More information: wilmfilm.com
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