miscellaneous

miscelaneous wilmo stuff

IN THE KNOW

~ In DE Restaurant News…One of the best vacant restaurant locations in Wilmington is likely to live again, thanks to one of the most revered casual dining spots in New Castle County. Hockessin’s family-favorite 2 Fat Guys American Grill, will no doubt be a hit in the food-mad streets of Wilmington’s Little Italy, where it is planning to open in early spring 2010 in the Union Street building that once housed Pala’s (which bore the legendary slogan, “World’s Worst Pizza.”) 2 Fat Guys image and ambiance will remain the same, but city diners may see more nightly specials at the 60- to 70-seat location, which is being renovated right now.

~ AR Morris Jewelers at 802 Market Street will hold a ribbon cutting event on Friday, Oct. 23 at noon to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly renovated store. The celebration will continue into the evening with wine and hors d'oeuvres from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 302-888-2436

~ The New Castle Jaycees are hosting a Charity Date Auction and they are looking for folks from local businesses (Chase, ING, Barclay’s, etc) that would be interested in volunteering to be auctioned off as one of their ‘Business Professionals/Executives.’ Date for a Cause will be held on Sat, Nov 7^th from 7pm-11pm at the Deerfield Country Club in Newark. All of the proceeds will benefit Faithful Friends, the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, and the New Castle Jaycees. They will be auctioning off dates with bachelors and bachelorettes and auctioning off career related "dates" with business professionals and executives from various industries. There will also be a VIP mixer with bachelors prior to the auction, appetizers, cash bar, and an after party with DJ Amaze. If you are interested, please contact Hannah at hannah.messner@gmail.com

~ New Online Hub for Center City Parents - The Center City District, with funding from the William Penn Foundation, has launched a new Web site, KidsInCenterCity.com. Find info about neighborhood and recreational activities, summer camps, museums, doctors, retailers, exhibits, sports leagues, after-school classes and more. There's also a searchable calendar of family-friendly events and information on all preschools and K-12 public, private, parochial and charter schools in Center City.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

What's going on in and around the area...new additions in red:

Wed, Oct 21^st ~ Annual preview of Le Cadeau wines at Domaine Hudson. Join us for a 5-course dinner paired with small-production wines from this acclaimed Oregon winery. Special guest: vintner Tom Mortimer of Le Cadeau at 6:30 p.m. This much-anticipated event is expected to sell out quickly, so make your reservation ASAP. $95 pp + gratuity.

Wed, Oct 21^st ~ Mushroom wine dinner at Union City Grille featuring Lobster Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, 3 layered Lasagnette, and Rosemary crusted Lamb Sirloin with Hen of the Woods mushrooms and black truffle demi all encompass this delightful menu. Frank Pagliaro from Frank's Union Wine Mart chimes in with perfect pairings (six in all). Once again $75 gets you in fed and thirst quenched. Oh yes it also includes the tip!

Wed, Oct 21^st ~ Firecreek’s executive chef, Carlo deMarco is introducing their first Sierra Nevada Beer Dinner at 7PM. The cost is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Call (610) 269-6000 to reserve your table now.

Thurs, Oct 22^nd ~ Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) will hold the 2009 Christi Awards at 6:30 p.m. in the baby grand to celebrate the Arts and honor four unsung heroes of the Arts. A bi-level reception with performances, light fare and drinks will be held at CCAC immediately following the Awards Program. Tickets are $60 for one and $50 each for two or more tickets and they are available at the Grand Box Office. For more information, visit www.ccacde.org.

Thurs, Oct 22^nd ~ The 7th annual Wilmington Jaycees Brew Review will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Union City Grille, 805 N. Union Street. Proceeds from the event benefit the Thanksgiving Food Baskets Program, a joint project of the Jaycees and the West End Neighborhood House to provide Thanksgiving meals for 500 poor families in Wilmington. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door

Thurs, Oct 22^nd ~ The Wines of Hendry wine dinner at Moro $85.00 Per Person Guest Speaker Susan Ridley of Hendry

Thurs, Oct 22^nd – 24^th ~ The excitement continues at the 24th annual Great Pumpkin Carve as talented carvers converge on the pumpkin patch to compete in the most prestigious pumpkin-carving competition in the Brandywine Valley. On October 22, carvers will gather to sculpt, saw and chisel giant pumpkins into fantastic works of art. As darkness falls, pumpkins are lit and prizes awarded. The following two evenings pumpkins are on display in all of their ghostly glory. Live entertainment, hayrides and hot food are featured all three days. $5/adults; $3/children ages 7-17; free/children ages six and under. www.chaddsfordhistory.org

Thurs, Oct 22^nd ~ After-Carve Party at Brandywine Prime. Your agenda - Park at Brandywine Prime, Hang out for a bit, Then head up to road and See what local artists carved up this year Or hit the patio, and carve your own! Menu features $2 sliders, $5 Tavern Sandwiches, $2 Sam Adams October Fest Bottles, $2 pumpkin beer, $2 Miller Lite bottles, $3 Chaddsford Apple spiced wine and caramel vodka martinis

Live Music

Frid, Oct 23^rd ~ Bark in the Dark Halloween Costume Party, 7pm - 12pm at Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway, Arden. Tickets/Registration: $50 includes hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, silent auction, haunted house, fortune teller, DJ, dancing and costume. This event is a people only party. All proceeds benefit the Delaware Humane Association

Frid, Oct 23^rd ~ Circuit Artist Networking Happy Hour at Deep Blue to meet other area creatives and discuss issues facing local artists or find your next collaboration partner or possibly your next muse! 5-9pm

Frid, Oct 23^rd ~ Help welcome Public House to the neighborhood while helping to raise much-needed funds for The Ministry of Caring! This Happy Hour event features complimentary beer, wine, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and take part in the Welcoming Toast at 6:30pm. Space is limited: Reserve your place today with a $15 donation ($20 at door) to benefit The Ministry of Caring. 5:30-8pm, 902 Market St.

Sat, Oct 24^th ~ City Theater Company will host the CTC Prom Night at 7 p.m. at the Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts (DCCA). Big hair, check. Poufy dress, check. Ruffled tux shirt, check. Get your dance on with CTC's annual evening of dance-offs, catfights, good food, spiked punch, and the occasional OMG moment. Bring a date or come stag. Dress to the nines or keep it casual. DCCA is located at 200 S. Madison Street and tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. For tickets or information, visit www.city-theater.org.

Sat, Oct 24^th ~ Francis Ford Coppola fans take note: you should be at Theatre N in Wilmington on Saturday. Not only is the cozy downtown theater (11th & Tatnall streets) screening “Tetro,” the latest film by the man who brought us “The Godfather,” but Coppola will be interviewed live via the video conferencing program Skype. Coppola, who will be talking to Wilmington theatergoers from Turkey, will be interviewed immediately following the film by University of Delaware film professor Tom Leitch and Michael McGonigle, a film historian from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Saturday’s screening will be held at noon and costs $15, which includes lunch from Toscana Kitchen + Bar and a tasting of wines from the Francis Ford Coppola Winery.

Sat, Oct 24^th ~ Come celebrate with your pets at the Furry Fall Festival at Twin Lakes Farm and Brewery in Greenville, DE. Live music, great food, wine and beer tastings, vendors, fun games for the kids and more. 12-4pm $20 pp

Sat, Oct 24^th ~ Texas Hold’Em Tournament to benefit SafeHome Philadelphia. Sign up for the ‘Poker Players with a Heart Tournament’ benefiting the Philadelphia Committee to End Homelessness. Eat, drink and play poker with the pros to win great prizes! Special guest appearances by Lawrence Taylor, Bill Chen, Adam Gerber and others. 2pm. Table 31 at the Comcast Center. 215.232.2300

Sat, Oct 24^th ~ CSNPhilly.com and PSSC present the Inaugural Philly Football Fest. The Philly Football Fest Coed Touch Football Tournament is a single-elimination tournament. Games will begin at 8:30am, run all day, and championships will be finished around 4:30pm. The rest of the day includes a Fun-filled Festival with Music, Food, Obstacle Course, Punt, Pass & Kick, Tailgate Games and Much More! Check out www.phillyfootballfest.com

Sun, Oct 25^th ~ Taste of SJ Wine Expo “Wines for Pines” benefiting Pinelands Preservation Alliance Noon – 6:00 p.m. located at Elite Catering. SJ is home to more than 25 wineries & vineyards. Come out to experience wines made right in your backyard. Cleanse your palate with various cheese, breads, crudités and fruit. For tickets or more information, please visit www.mywinetastesbetter.com/tasteofsj.html $35 in advance (advance sales end Wed, Oct. 21st, 2009) $45 at the door

Sat, Oct 24^th ~ Do your prom right this time around…with City Theater Company. Food, open bar, music, dancing, silent auction at the Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts, 7pm. Prom attire from any era is encouraged but not required. Come dressed for fun. $50/advance, $60/door www.city-theater.org

Sat, Oct 24^th – 25^th ~ Philadelphia magazine's Open House Weekend - Ten of the most prominent properties in the region will open their doors to the public for complimentary weekend tours to showcase the newest rentals, condos and townhouses. Philadelphia magazine has teamed up with Center City District to offer parking, retail and restaurant discounts within the Center City District. Retail & restaurant discounts are valid October 24 - November 1. Parking valid during Open House Weekend Only. October 24 & 25. 12-5pm.

Sun, Oct 25^th ~ Help E-Race the Blues 7^th annual Run/Walk at the Wilmington, Riverfront in support of Mental Health Association in Delaware for their 7th Annual E-Racing the Blues'© Event. www.giggleon.com

Sun, Oct 25^th ~ Brandywine Prime has teamed up with Wellness Delaware to host a fall wine dinner. Join us at Chaddsford Winery for the reception and barrel tasting. The dinner finishes at Brandywine Prime with some great wines and more seasonal pairings. $100/pp Visit brandywineprime.com or give us a call to make a reservation.

Sun, Oct 25^th ~ The Delaware Museum of Natural History's Wine & Dinosaurs festival returns from 12-4 p.m., featuring specialty wines and beers from around the world. Wine & Dinosaurs admission includes sampling of wines and beers, beer expert learning sessions, tantalizing hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, and live music. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.delmnh.org or call (302) 658-9111.

Sun, Oct 25^th ~ Join the dance community, friends, family and fans as we celebrate life with an extravagant evening of belly dance performance and a scrumptious 3-course Middle Eastern dinner at Casablanca Restaurant in New Castle for Shimmies for a Cure. The 2 ½ hour performance is a benefit to Breast Cancer Research. All proceeds will be donated. Ticket price ($28) includes donation, 3 course meal and performance. Purchase tickets at http://shimmies4thcure.eventbrite.com 5pm

Thurs, Oct 29^th ~ Moro Wine Dinner Join us for a delicious and creative four-course dinner (plus dessert) featuring the wines of Quintessa & Huneeus Vintners. Indulge yourself with seared Idaho trout, beef carpaccio, veal osso bucco, and a herb-garlic Roasted Barrel Cut Rib-Eye with wild mushroom tart, wilted greens and peppercorn-pear jus. And dessert? How's caramel Apple Tart with candied walnuts and vanilla gelato sound to you?

Frid, Oct 30^th ~ 16th Annual Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza featuring over 80 rare & exceptional single malt Scotch whiskies. The evening includes a delicious dinner buffet as well as a selection of premium imported cigars for our guests' enjoyment at the conclusion of the event. Tickets by advance purchase only 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. $115 Society Members; $130 Non-Member Guests Call 800-990-1991.

Sat, Oct 31^st ~ Halloween Party at Brandywine Prime from 5pm – 10pm featuring buffet & pumpkin carving on patio. $24.95/adult, $12.95/kids under 10, free to kids under 4 then from 9pm – Midnight there will be a Halloween Party in the bar. $24.95 Open Bar, Spooky DJ, Costumes encouraged, regular menu also available until midnight

Sat, Oct 31^st ~ An American Werewolf in Tuscany at Toscana starting at 9pm and continue ‘til last call. DVDs of your favorite chilling movies will make you feel like you are in Toscylvania, and DJs Zip (10:30 to close) and PDub (9-10:30) will get the monsters mashing with danceable thrillers. No cover; a menu of “Spooky Cocktails” will be available for $5, and half-priced pizzas will quell your monstrous hunger. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes, and one person will be selected at random for a gift card. Toscana Bar is located at 1412 N. DuPont Street

Sat, Oct 31^st ~ The first ever Union City Grille/Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation 5k. Start line and finish line will be at the Union City Grille with awards, a children’s Halloween parade, food, refreshments, and live music by Paul Lewis to follow. http://www.ucgkhg5k.com/index.html

Wed, Nov 4^th ~ Meet national food writer Roger Morris at Domaine Hudson for a special signing of his new book, Brandywine Book of Food. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Frid, Nov 6^th ~ F&N Wine & Spirits presents Winefest. Taste over a hundred different wines and champagnes from all around the world. Indulge yourself in Harry's special lamb chops accompanied assorted foccacia bites, creamy spinach & artichoke dip and beautiful display of imported cheeses, meats, breads. For reservations call F&N Wine & Spirits at 302.475.4496. Price: $55 per person; Late reservation $69 per person (starts Nov 1) at Harry’s Savoy Grill Ballroom 7pm – 10pm

Sat, Nov 7^th ~ The New Castle Jaycees are proud to present "Date for a Cause" from 7pm-11pm at the Deerfield Golf & Country Club in Newark. All of the proceeds will benefit Faithful Friends, the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, and the New Castle Jaycees. Attendees will be able to bid on select bachelors and bachelorettes for a one-time date, provided by the Jaycees. Attendees will also have the chance to bid on Business Professionals and Executives from various industries for a career-related/mentoring "date". There will be a special VIP Meet and Greet Mixer with the bachelors that include early admission at 6:30, champagne and appetizers. General admission includes appetizers and an after party with local DJ Amaze; Cash Bar. Must be 21 or older. Tickets prices are $25 in advance, $30 at the door for VIP, $20 in advance, $25 at the door for General Admission, and $15 for Delaware Jaycees members. Advanced tickets must be purchased by Monday 11/2/09. www.newcastlejaycees.org.

Sat, Nov 7^th ~ Walter’s Steakhouse has brought back a fun tradition – a “speakeasy” that requires a secret password and a special knock, and where the females flaunt finger-waves and flapper fringe while the fellas don fedoras and fine frippery. While a costume is not required, the 20s vestments really make the ladies want to dance and the men want to strut. Food and prizes are given away, and specials are offered on drinks (a “bathtub gin martini,” for example) make the twenties roar again. The special speakeasy entrance and private party room add to the feeling that you’re doing something that the coppers might not be too keen on. The fun begins at 9pm and continues until last call. For more info, brush up on your Jazz speak, then call hostess Vita Notturna at 302-588-3266, email wilmonites@gmail.com or search “Walter’s Speakeasy” on Facebook.

Sat, Nov 7^th ~ Poolside WineExpo – taste over a 100 different Wines and Champagnes from around the world. Enjoys Prime Rib Carving Station, Imported Cheeses, Breads, Spinach and Artichoke Dips and Tons of other savory Hors d’oeuvres. Tickets - $55 per person, $70 per person after Oct 31^st at Hockessin Athletic Club, Poolside, 7pm- 10pm. Call 302.239.5478 to make reservations

Sat, Nov 7^th ~ Wilmington Renaissance Corporation and its partners, City of Wilmington, The Grand Opera House and the Delaware Historical Society (DHS), will bring the Downtown Fall Fest back to Market Street from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will include hayrides, face painting, moon bounces, train rides, live music, a skate jam, artist vendors, scavenger hunt and many other kids' activities. The Grand will have skits on the big stage every half hour and DHS will have activities and a boat display to highlight their current maritime exhibit. For more information and parking map, visit www.downtownwilmington.com.

Sat, Nov 7^th ~ Whale of a Sale is Delaware’s largest garage sale presented by the Junior League of Wilmington 8 am–1 pm at the Shipyard Shops Riverfront

Sat, Nov 7^th ~ Please join TEAMFOX at Pancakes for Parkinson's as they raise awareness and money for Parkinson's research. This is the first Parkinson's fundraiser for MJFF in Wilmington, so bring your entire family for all-you-can-eat pancakes and help find a cure for Parkinson's. A $5 donation per person at the door gets you in. Come hungry! 8:30am-11:30am Shipyard shops @ the Wilmington Riverfront

Thurs, Nov 12^th ~ Whiskey Festival - enjoy an elite collection of premium whiskies and spirits from around the world including Whiskey, Scotch, Bourbon, Tequila, Gin, Rum, Vodka and more! Shake hands with the industry’s top representatives and talk one-on-one with the Master Distillers at this exclusive event. 6:30pm. Union League of Philadelphia. 800.595.4TIX

Thurs, Nov 12^th ~ Phiz Fest 2009, the one-of-a-kind tasting event highlighting the finest in Champagne and sparkling wines, and showing their versatility with a variety of meals, makes its return to Philadelphia. Net proceeds benefit the NICU at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Cost $65/advance per person, $75/at the door, $120/advance two people, $220/advance four people at Park Hyatt Philadelphia at The Bellevue

Frid, Nov 13^th ~ The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is proud to present Grapes & Grain, at Rockwood Center. Guests of Grapes & Grain enjoy a relaxed, yet lively, evening, along with the opportunity of sampling a variety of fine wines and craft beer, expertly paired with gourmet cuisine. The night is highlighted by live entertainment and the chance to bid on some of the region’s most unique auction items. 6-11pm. Cost $75/general admission, $125/VIP

Frid, Nov 13^th ~ Brantwyn Wine Extravaganza 2009 Over 100 incredible wines from some of the worlds best producers. Enjoy sumptuous fare, including fabulous international cheeses, butlered Hors d’oeuvres, mouthwatering carving station and of course the famous mashed potato station! Brantwyn Estate on Rockland Road 6-9 p.m. $60 per person www.wineandspiritco.com

Sat, Nov 14^th – 15^th ~ Winter Beer Festival at the Philadelphia Naval Yard. All the winter seasonal beers under one roof! 50 breweries with a seasonal brew and another one of their choice. Something for everyone to enjoy! Virtual brewery tours, cooking demonstrations, games and music. Four sessions lasting four hours each. Cost is $45.00 for general admission and $75.00 for VIP. www.winterbeerfest.com

Sat, Nov 14^th ~ 17^th Annual Bridesmaid Ball for Leukemia and Lymphoma. Enjoy all the fun of a wedding reception without any of the hassles. Guests are treated to an evening of delicious desserts, open bar, live music by Split Decision, reception classics and dancing, raffles, silent auction and helping people with cancer for only $65. And don’t forget to break out your taffeta bridesmaids dress to compete in the Ugliest Dress Contest and gentlemen, don’t be afraid to dust off your pastel tux for the Tackiest Tux Contest. Order tickets http://epa.bridesmaid.llsevent.org

Sat, Nov 14^th - Single Malt Scotch Class at Veritas 6-9pm. This is the first RSVP and alcohol related fee based event. The cost is $40 and will include about 10 SMSs, finger foods and plenty of information for you to digest. Please email or talk to us to reserve your spot (we only have 20 spots) http://www.veritaswineshop.com/