Rocca: One Michelin Star, One Flawless Appetizer, One Disappointing Duck
A one-star Michelin Italian restaurant in Tampa with a tableside mozzarella that belongs in the appetizer hall of fame — and a duck entrée that absolutely does not.
The Wilmington Greek Festival: Rain or Shine, Worth Every Bite
Over a decade of attendance, one legendary rain out year, and the best almond crescents in Wilmington — the Greek Festival is always worth showing up for.
Aqua New York: Japanese, Italian, Crystal Sushi, and a Mercedes I Should Not Have Fit Into
A business dinner in Manhattan that delivered crystal sushi unlike anything I’ve seen, a tableside tiramisu that didn’t deliver, and a ride home in a Mercedes coupe that almost didn’t deliver me.
Three10: One Block Away and Still Worth Every Visit
I moved one block from Three10 in April 2025. I consider it borderline Michelin star. This visit — two mocktails, sweet potato biscuits, oysters, and grilled halibut — reminded me exactly why.
Manna’s Cherry Blossom Dinner: Farm to Table Never Looked So Good
Manna’s spring cherry blossom dinner delivered from first oyster to last spoonful of compote — creative, balanced, and proof that farm to table done right is hard to beat.
Bonita Latin Fusion: Where the Quartz Bar Glows and the Ceviche Sings
A waterfront Latin fusion spot in Wilmington with a glowing quartz bar, three Colombian mocktails, and a Bandeja Paisa served on a wooden platter — Bonita earns every visit.
Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria: Vivian Howard Goes to Italy (Via Wilmington)
Vivian Howard trades Southern cuisine for wood-fired pizza — and the Kevin McCallister might be the best meatless pizza I’ve ever ordered.
Genki: The Best Sushi I’ve Ever Had. Anywhere.
I’ve had sushi in New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Tokyo. Chef Danny’s Genki in Wilmington is still the best — and the coconut cake his wife makes might be even better than the sushi.
Caprice Bistro: The French Gem I Keep Coming Back To
I’ve had nearly every entrée on the menu at Caprice Bistro — and the Mahi with Shrimp Provençal from the specials just became my new favorite.
Hawksmoor New York: A British Steakhouse That Earns Every Dollar
A last-minute solo dinner in Manhattan turned into one of the best meals of the year — thanks to a butter-washed double bourbon old fashioned and a Caesar salad you eat like a cracker.
Eternal Sunshine Café: When the Chef Says “Let Me Cook for You”
Owner Michael Pellegrino greeted me at the door at 8am with a new dish he wanted to test — maple braised pork belly, bourbon-poached apple, and ricotta blueberry French toast. It’s on the menu now. Go try it.
Pinpoint
On Thursday, I returned to another favorite of mine. PinPoint is located in the heart of Wilmington and is known