An Evening with Anthony Bourdain: Delaware Style

Back in November, my Mom and I bought tickets to spend an evening with somebody you may have heard of if you're a traveler: Anthony Bourdain. The former chef spends most of his time these days hosting the Travel Channel's smash hit "No Reservations," as well as promoting his latest book, "Medium Raw," a followup to his breakout bestseller "Kitchen Confidential," which originally put him on the map.

I became an earnest viewer of the show about three years ago, when I had returned from my semester in England in a state of borderline depression, the bottoms of my feet itching to go somewhere, anywhere, new. That's when I began living vicariously through the show and through Anthony. I've followed him around Vietnam, Russia, India, the Pacific Northwest (which is still my favorite episode), Ireland, France, Italy, and so many other places.

When he's got the time, Tony blogs about his experiences traveling for No Reservations, and this season serves as a judge on Top Chef: Masters. And by the way, if you're a fan of Top Chef, you have got to read Anthony's blog on the show, which can be found on Bravo.com. Insightful, yet still hilarious.

But anyway, the event we attended began Tuesday evening just after 8 PM, and Tony talked straight through to nearly 10:00. After that, there were 20 minutes of questions before the audience was dismissed. Questions ranged from the predictable ("Where's the best place you've ever been?" [Vietnam]) to the bizarre ("You never seem to gain any weight on the show; have any tips?" ["No."])

My Mom and I with Anthony Bourdain! DuPont Theater 2/22

 

Those of us with VIP tickets stayed in our seats to "await further instruction." Once the rest of the crowd had dispersed, Mr. Bordain came back out for what had been advertised to we buyers as a "meet and greet and book signing." It was mostly the latter, though; we were blown past the table with such speed that there was barely time for a picture and a handshake. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand why they would want to get him out of there quickly; the guy was driving back to Manhattan right afterward, for God's sake; but it really shouldn't have been advertised as a meet and greet. We didn't even have the opportunity to tell him our names. If we wanted a book personalized, we had to use a "personalization form," onto which we copied our names exactly as we wanted them to appear on the title page. He still spelled Mom's wrong, which we both got a kick out of. Now, maybe I'm just naive, because this was my first event of the kind, but I thought I'd be getting more than ten seconds with the guy. I didn't even get to tell him that I want to be him when I grow up!

The seconds that I did get with Anthony were somewhat awkward on my end. He was smiling and obliging and shook our hands and thanked us for coming. Mom introduced us as "a mother and daughter who enjoy his snarky humor," and I chipped in "yeah, emerging snarkologist here." When he chuckled it and said "oh yeah?" I immediately regretted it. Why am I such an idiot around famous people? But hey, I'll show him. I'll be snarky. Cynical bastard.

But in all, snark-free honesty, I had a great time. If you're a fan of his writing or of the show and he's coming to your area, I highly suggest that you go and see him. He'll make fun of various Food Network personalities, give some insight into Top Chef, give you some obvious travel tips, brag about his wife and daughter and his parenting style, and have you laughing the whole way through. You won't regret it.

Home Grown: Newark's Hip, Veggie-Friendly Eatery



Main Street Entrance in Newark, DE



If you live in or around Newark, Delaware or are a UD student, you probably know Home Grown Cafe as a local institution. While I've never experienced nightlife there, I've experienced several great meals. Last night I took my friend Megan, a vegetarian with very good taste who's been dying to get in hre.

Home Grown has been providing fresh local food and vegetarian nosh for nearly 11 years. On the web site, the restaurant describes itself as "casual dining with a unique hip decor." Aforementioned decor is modern and colorful. The atmosphere is relaxed, and in the evening, slightly loud. It is easy to tell that Home Grown is committed to the surrounding community; they sell jewelry from local crafters in glass cases, and each month they hang art by a new, local artist. These artists sometimes hold openings, giving diners an opportunity to learn more about and support their work.



Thai Chicken Salad at Home Grown

Probably the best thing about Home Grown is that almost everything on the menu can be made vegetarian or vegan. Megan was thrilled. "I haven't picked something off of a menu based on what I want in forever!" she said. And even if she was passing by, with no time to sit down, she'd have just as many options; the full menu is available for take-out anytime.

Megan and I were puzzled, however, by a menu option that advertised free-range veal...does someone care to explain that one for us?

We opted for "tacos locos" for an appetizer: two helpings of rice, beans, corn and cheese wrapped in a soft taco and fried, served with ribbons of sweet peppers and dollops of sour cream with chives. For the main course, I dove fact-first into the blackened ahi club (rare, of course), while Megan tucked in to some tasty-looking falafel. We both chose the healthy option of a side salad, served with house vinegarette.

On previous occasions I've dined here, I've eaten (and would recommend) the following:
1. Grilled cheese. Don't let its simplicity fool you; it's stacked full of cheddar, mozzerella, and other fine cheeses. No American in this sandwich.
2. Green Apple: my favorite salad. Greens, bacon, green apples (obviously), brie, and walnuts, served with raspberry vinegarette. YUM
3. The po boy: yummy, flaky cod on a roll served with homemade sauce.

Home Grown also supports local musicians. As we were finishing up, a band started setting up for a 10 o'clock set. We didn't stay, but perhaps another evening we will.

I highly recommend making reservations on the weekends; i tried to take friends there a couple of Saturdays ago, and we were met with a 40-minute wait, even after 8 p.m.! Reservations can be made by phone at 302-266-6993 or online through the website.

Nonetheless, if you're looking for a menu that offers more than one or two veggie or vegan options, look no further. If you're committed to locally-sourced cuisine, look no further. Make Home Grown your home.