Foodies can dig into Delaware food & drink news all summer right here

Close your eyes a moment, and think of your ideal summer meal.

Is it a perfectly toasted lobster roll? A tub of Thrasher’s French Fries? An over-the-top sundae or a cocktail on the rocks?

Whether you want to spend the next few months revisiting “can’t miss” seasonal favorites, or you’re seeking new culinary adventures, we’ve got you covered.

Did you miss some recent food news? Find it here.

And while each week we will continue to share coverage of the First State’s food and drink scene through our Delaware Eats newsletter, this summer, we are doubling down on our local dining/drink coverage.

That means more tasty stories, profiles, roundups and videos to keep you satisfied, and feed your spirit, too.

This list, updated as often as possible, focuses on the dining scene as it rebounds including restaurant closings, new openings and continued changes.

What’s tasty in Delaware?

One of Wilmington’s most anticipated restaurants, Bardea Steak, has opened at 608 N. Market St. The steakhouse from partners Scott Stein and Antimo DiMeo has a meat-dominated menu with intriguing entries like kangaroo chili and “meat” noodles and a wide variety of beef and beef cuts.

Also coming later this summer to downtown Wilmington at 519 N. Market St. is The Quoin, a luxury boutique hotel and rooftop bar and restaurant. It will be located in a building designed by architect Frank Furness in 1885. The building was originally the Security Trust & Safe Deposit Company and in more recent years the home to Kuumba Academy Charter School.

Korean fried chicken has been a trendy food item since it was introduced in New York City in 2006. Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, a global fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in crispy chicken, has opened its first Delaware location in Newark’s College Square shopping center.

A historic mansion on preserved farmland in Medford, New Jersey, will gain new life as a country estate business when it opens as the Stokelan Estate Winery. Owner Deepa Lal, who lives in Hockessin, said the long-waited winery opening, delayed more than a year by the coronavirus pandemic, is set for Saturday, July 16.

Story continues

Summer is the time for the beach, lounging by the pool, taking in a ballgame, and, of course, hot dogs. We have six, maybe new-to-you places to find some good dogs.

Whether you have spent the entire day on the beach or stayed inside all day in the A/C, ice cream is a staple of the summer season and can make any day that much sweeter. Have a cooler summer by visiting these 10 Delaware ice cream shops.

Hey, all you people wanting to make a dad happy. We’ve got your guide to the best cuts of meat and more from Delaware butchers for grilling.

One of the Dela-weird stories of the summer is probably the abandoned Burger King in Concord Mall. The fast-food joint closed in 2009, but, eerily, the restaurant still looked exactly as it did when it opened in 1987. It was hidden away for more than 10 years behind a “false wall.”

I scream, you scream: Nothing says summer is here like eating ice cream for dinner – or anytime! Check out our scoop on where to score the best cones and sundaes and most unusual flavors in Small Wonder.

Dying to shop at Lidl? Here’s the latest on when the Bear supermarket may open its doors to Delaware shoppers.

It’s a berry good idea to take full advantage of strawberry season. From strawberry shortcake to savory gourmet fare, find all the best strawberry-inspired dishes in Delaware with our delicious guide.

Here’s your look ahead at dining and other things coming to downtown Newark, from 2S Pizza to bb.q chicken and much more. Don’t sleep on the Mochinuts! Plus, an update on the Green Mansion.

New stores and restaurants are headed to Christiana Mall later this year. In the mood from tacos and tequila? That and more are coming from two N.J. restaurant groups ready to satisfy your hunger after a day of shopping.

A $29 fried lobster tail doughnut sandwich? Delaware’s newest beach brewery has it:  Aptly named “Naptime,” the newly opened Bethany Beach-area Ocean View Brewing Co. offers a $29 sandwich unlike any other. It starts with a 4-ounce butterflied and buttermilk fried lobster tail on a toasted and buttered house-made glazed doughnut before it’s topped with a sunny-side-up egg and chili crisp.

12 food trucks to check out this summer in Maryland and Delaware: Whether you’re craving an açai bowl, waffles, tacos or a juicy burger, here are a dozen food trucks hoping to serve you right this summer and beyond.

Moving beyond bacon and eggs: Scrambled eggs and bacon. Home fries and hot coffee. Greek omelets with onion, tomatoes and feta cheese. These have long been staples at Wilmington’s landmark Kozy Korner. The old-school city restaurant is well-known for its hearty and affordable breakfasts. But did you get to try their pizza? Pizza has recently proved so popular, Kozy Korner owners have their eye on a new location to focus on it. Meanwhile, they still offer tomato pie, but not pizza, at the original location.

‘Same family, same recipe’: Wilmington water ice stand reopening after a 7-year absence: Getting a cool and refreshing cup of velvety lemon ice studded with chunks of lemon rind from the iconic Fusco’s Italian Water Ice stand in Wilmington was once considered a rite of passage for Delawareans.

Ocean City, Rehoboth get new eateries, but ice cream fav is closing: From Lewes to O.C., there are new places to dine along Delaware, Maryland beaches.

Wilmington’s Trolley Square area adds new bar with a pretty patio and some new Magoos: For longtime Wilmington bargoers, a new watering hole is about to bring back old memories. All it will take is one look at a collection of tchotchkes on a shelf to stir a smile. While patios in the Trolley Square area usually mean live music and cornhole games, the patio at Grain will be more of a refuge.

Top 12 places in Delaware to munch on a cheesesteak: It’s like a disco in your mouth, except there’s no pressure to dance. Here are a dozen places in the First State where your taste buds can get their groove on for cheesesteaks.

More Delaware dining news

Guy Fieri-approved ‘Sausage King of Delaware’ closes his Wilmington eatery: The Sausage King of Delaware has lost one of the jewels in his crown. After 13 years of serving sizzling handmade sausages, chef Billy Rawstrom announced the closure Wednesday of Maiale Deli & Salumeria, his Cannery shopping center restaurant in Wilmington.

Hollywood Grill closes for ‘major renovations.’ It was the home of Delaware’s last HoJo’s: The Hollywood Grill, which in 2003 changed its name and ownership after operating for 48 years in Fairfax as Howard Johnson Restaurant and Ice Cream Shop, closed its doors at the end of April. A sign posted on the restaurant door said the restaurant on Concord Pike near Murphy Road was closed for “major renovations,” but apparently has not closed permanently.

There’s family to blame for the lively Puerto Rican bakery satisfying stomachs in Milford: Whether it was the traditional almond amaretto cakes, flan or even puff pastries, Rous Robles could never seem to find local baked goods that reminded her of home. So, one day she decided to give it a shot and try to bake them herself.

Caesar Rodney High School team nabs national honors in culinary competition  A Delaware high school team scored a historic win, beating out 80 other teams, in a national culinary competition in Washington, D.C.

When foodies love too much: The problem with ramps and other trendy foraged plants: That ramp butter may be trendy, but an uptick in interest in picking native plants can be devastating to nature.

Dining beyond Delaware

South Philly Barbacoa owner and chef Cristina Martinez takes home the coveted Best Chef Mid-Atlantic from the James Beard Awards in Chicago. Martinez is a strong advocate for immigrant’s rights and an undocumented immigrant herself, emigrating from the town of Capulhuac near the central Mexican city of Toluca.

Salisbury favorite Taylor’s BBQ making big move, find out where. SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate has announced a big move for the longtime Salisbury favorite, which has been open in Salisbury since 1995.

What’s new and what’s still coming to Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal dining scene: Exit 0 makes headway at Cape May – Lewes Ferry Terminal with new restaurants

Six Flags Meal Plan is no more: One of the N.J. park’s best deals was the special meal plan. For a one-time fee of $80, season pass holders could get two meals, a snack and unlimited drinks every day they came to the park. But after a video went viral, Six Flags announced that they’re discontinuing the unlimited dining plan.

Can’t get enough Old Bay in your food? How about in your vodka?  While blue crabs with Old Bay is classic, it’s also eaten on everything from potato chips to cheese curls. It’s even in hot sauce. Now McCormick & Co. Inc. is launching Old Bay’s own vodka.

6 new restaurants to try on your next visit to Wildwood: If you head to Wildwood for sand and sun, you may notice some new restaurants eager to serve you and your family.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware restaurants: Stay on top of dining, drinks news this summer