Triple D's in the First State

My work travel schedule continued, just 48 hours after coming home from Honolulu I was scheduled to work the next week in Philadelphia.  I decided to drive since there were no nonstops between Dulles and Philadelphia and it would take 6 to 8 hours to make the trip via Chicago or Houston and less than 3 hours drive from home.

A few months before my trip Guy had debuted 5 places on Wilmington, Delaware, so I decided to stop and try a few of them.  When I plan a trip I make sure that I have information for all of the places I might visit.  I check the websites and use Google Maps in my planning.  I write down the address and hours the places ae open.  As I headed into Wilmington my first stop was at a place in the midtown area.  As I walked up to "Locale BBQ Post" there was little activity.  It was a Sunday and the website showed the place open from 10a=4p on Sundays, I was a little confused, since the etching on the front window showed those hours!.  It was closed!  I was very disappointed because I really wanted to try some good barbecue.  I headed out for the other pace in the city that was open on Sundays.

The sign says it all!  But no not this Sunday!

My next stop was a short drive away in the Little Italy section of Wilmington.  "Mrs. Robino's" is a family run place in a quaint neighborhood.  I got out of the car at the posted opening of 11a and the hours had changed to 12n opening.  I guess I'd have to wait and not trust the Google site!  I took a photo of the restaurant and was about to walk away when a lady opened the door and asked me if I wanted to come in and wait.  It was Mrs. Robino!  She invited me in to wait, what a wonderful treat!  We chatted a little abut Guy's visit and  what they made.  The place is like going into someone's home.  Family and old time photos decorate the walls.  There is a large bar as you enter.

Mrs. Robino's, A family run restaurant in the Little Italy section of Wilmington, Delaware

As I waited she brought me a basket of fresh bread and butter along with an olive oil dip.  I thought that I would be waiting until noon to order but she insisted on taking my order so I decided to they what they call the "Tour of Italy" a platter that included Spaghetti, Meat and Cheese Ravioli, a meatball and Italian sausage.  I was surprised how quickly the meal had come.  The ravioli are made on site and was very tasty.  The meal was so large that I too most of the spaghetti to go! As I was getting ready to leave she brought me a small slice of their house made Tiramisu.  The dessert was awesome!  Flavorful and delicious!  After getting Mrs. Robino to sign my book I headed out with plans to go to a few places the next day.

Fresh and delicious bread appetizer

Tour of Italy - Spaghetti, Meat and Cheese Ravioli, meatball and sausage

Delicious Tiramisu compliments of Mr.Robino

Near my hotel in Newark I noticed a Metro Diner.  Guy went to the original Metro in Jacksonville in the early years of the show.  I have been to that location twice and I decided to go there for dinner.  The Metro is probably the best example of what I call the "Triple D" effect.  Since their episode aired the Metro has grown in a huge way.  They now have locations all over the country.  I decided to try the classic Philly breakfast meal for dinner, Creamed Chip Beef on white toast.  It was very good and filling.

The Metro Diner - A DDD classic from Florida in Newark, Delaware

That's the Metro!

The Philly Classic - Creamed Chip Beef on Toast

After a night's rest I headed out to Philadelphia for work but had a couple of more places to try.  My first stop was at a small deli in the northwest area of Wilmington.   "Maiale Deli and Sumeria" is a family run place featuring sandwiches with the meats cut and cured on site.

Maiale Deli nd Sumeria in Wilmington, Delaware

Inside the restaurant

The Guy Ate Here stencil with a local award

I ordered a sandwich called the "Ricky Bobby", turkey sausage on a fresh toasted roll with sweet peppers, white cheeses and a mayo sauce.  It came with pasta salad and some house made and cured pickles.  The sandwich was really good and the turkey sausage was very mild and I really liked it, the sweet peppers made it so much tastier!  The pickles were sweet and spicy.  I was able to meet the owner when he signed my book and was told that the place has exploded since they were on the show.  They had been  local success but since airing they have had to expand, more of the Triple D effect!

The Rickey Bobby platter

Mild Turkey Sausage with sweet peppers, sauce and cheese

I headed out to the other side of Wilmington to a place that is basically a bar with excellent food, specializing in burgers and meat.  "Farmer and the Cow" boasts over 200 different types of Whiskeys.  They also feature burgers and milkshakes, but I would try other items,  I took a seat at the car and decided to try something a bit different,  I chose the Crispy Ribs, 5 large meaty pork ribs in a sweet Asian barbecue sauce.  They were good, and messy which is what you want in a rib!

Farmer and the Cow in Wilmington, Delaware

The huge bar area

Inside Farmer and the Cow

My Crispy Rib meal

After a very good meal I headed out for the drive to Philly and my work week.  I had been able to try a few really good places, the highlight being Mrs.Robino's, but all were very good.  At then end my Triple D count was at 718.