Each October, parents, family members, and guests are encouraged to join their young Hens for Parents and Family Weekend at UD for three full days of celebration and festivities. The events kick off Friday evening, when the UD community will welcome comedian Joel McHale to the annual comedy show. Barnes and Noble University Bookstore will host an “Ice Cream and Authors” program, complete with a plethora of exclusive UDairy Creamery flavors (need I say more?!) The headlining attraction, of course, will take place Saturday afternoon, when the Fightin’ Blue Hens take on Elon University at Delaware Stadium.
In the meantime, you will need energy to sustain you and your folks through this jam packed few days. And by energy, I mean FOOD; everyone’s favorite four letter word. Keep reading for 7 restaurants to take your parents to during family weekend at UD! They’re sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
1. Brew Haha!
Location: 45 East Main Street Suite 205 Newark, DE 19711
Atmosphere: Relaxed casual
Recommendation: Mocha latte with a slice of cinnamon coffee cake
Inspired by the master espresso bars of Italy, Brew Haha! offers every coffee snob a boutique experience, where every drink is a a work of art and individualized attention is paid to all who step through the door. So if you have grown impatient with the obnoxious waits and “pumpkin spice” mania of popular chains, this is the coffee shop for you. The café is the perfect blend of authentic Italian quality and down home Delaware hospitality. From lattes and cappuccinos, to hand crafted sandwiches and tempting pastries, Brew Haha! is the place that will give you not only specialty grade coffee but a reason to get an early start.
2. The Green Turtle
Location: 250 South Main Street Suite 101 Newark, DE 19711
Atmosphere: Sports bar casual
Recommendation: Fleet Street Chicken with house mashed potatoes and green beans
The Greene Turtle exceeds the standard sports bar and grille. It’s a neighborhood hangout that embraces all ages and serves outstanding food and beer, built on the excitement and unity of sports. Fun fact: the Turtle invented the bar crawl back in 1976; therefore, the bar tenders pride themselves on the craft of a made-to-order drink. Happy Hour drink specials (3-7 p.m), a diverse beer menu, and creative specialty drinks… it’s sure to be a good time, whichever night you choose to go. For those who can’t yet participate in the over- 21 fun, the food menu is just as stimulating to the tastebuds. Go ahead, raise a little shell!
3. Catherine Rooney’s
Location: 102 East Main Street Newark, DE 19711
Atmosphere: Casual; not suggested for young children
Reservations: Yes
Recommendation: Beer Battered Fish and Chips, an Irish tradition
Conveniently situated in the heart of Main Street, Catherine Rooney is a quaint pub that exemplifies the meaning of genuine Irish cuisine. The staff carry on the spirit of Gerry Rooney (for whom the restaurant is named) by going out of their way to make each and every visitor feel at home. So kick up your feet, enjoy the atmosphere and the hearty portions of comfort food. Let this be your home away from home!
Bonus: Catherine Rooney’s also hosts brunch on the weekends from 10:00 A.M-2:00 P.M. While I have not yet had the pleasure of sampling this section of the menu, any of the locals will vouch for its deliciousness.
4. Blue Crab Grill
Location: 322 Suburban Drive Newark, DE 19711 (about a 10-minute drive from campus)
Atmosphere: Casual
Reservations: Yes
Recommendation: Lump Back- Fin Crab Cake
Blue Crab Grill, a brief drive down Elkton Road, is a modest seafood restaurant established in the Suburban Shopping Plaza. If your family members are seafood connoisseurs, then this joint certainly will not disappoint during family weekend at UD! The menu is revised to feature in- season varieties, most of which are sourced from right along the Delaware and Maryland coasts. The exterior façade may not be appealing, but you can’t judge a book by its cover. Or a crab by its claw?…
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5. Caffé Gelato
Location: 90 East Main Street Newark, DE 19711
Atmosphere: Intimate; dressy casual; not suggested for young children
Reservations: Yes
Recommendation: Four- cheese Tortellini in Parma Rosa sauce and Mokka Cappuccino gelato
Expanded and renovated in 2008, Caffé Gelato includes a 1,500 bottle wine cellar with over one hundred varieties and a vibrant granite top bar. The ambience is warm and enticing complete with amber lighting, candles, and an outdoor dining patio that runs parallel to the bustle of Main Street. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, as well as an a la carte brunch. Prepared under the influence of artisan chefs from Italy, the all- natural cuisine is well- crafted and bursting with complex flavors.
As far as dessert goes, you absolutely MUST taste the homemade gelato (made on premises fresh each day.) There are twenty- four daily varieties, taking into account the featured gelato of the month. While the eatery may be slightly overpriced, graciously remind you parents that you have endured the dining halls for the past five weeks. Make sure you place a reservation before family weekend at UD! A splurge is definitely in order.
6. Bing’s Bakery
Location: 253 East Main Street Newark, DE 19711
Atmosphere: Casual, family- oriented
Recommendation: Peanut butter cupcake
Speaking of dessert… After a tough first few weeks of the fall semester, you deserve a toast to all that you have accomplished thus far. And what better way to do that than with a rustic pastry or a decadent layer cake iced in home-style buttercream?! Bing’s Bakery is a full- line scratch bakery, retailing freshly baked goods such as torts, breads, fine chocolates, and more. A new service offered this year is Campus Cakes, which allows parents to surprise their student with delectable goodies delivered to both on-campus and off-campus residencies. Bing’s can satisfy ANY sweet tooth. It’s absolutely perfect after a great dinner with your parents during family weekend at UD!
Where are you going to take your parents during family weekend at UD? Feel free to comment below and share the article!
Featured photo source: yelp.com and ournewarkde.com
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