St. Anthony's Italian Festival - Sunday to Sunday

2011 Festival June 12th - 19th

Mon - Fri             5:30 - 10:30PM

Sun 12th & Sat     2:00 - 10:30PM
Sun 19th             2:00 - 8:30PM

Admission: $5.  There are discounts for seniors and small children.  Visit the website for details.

The Italian Festival needs no introduction, and frankly, I'm on vacation, so here's the festival's latest newsletter, after the page break.  My personal recommendation would be to go at least once, because there's nothing quite like it the rest of the year in Delaware, and to get the half carafe of wine instead of individual glasses, because it's a much better deal.
Your best bet may be to visit http://www.stanthonysfestival.com/ , but the newsletter tells all about the foods available (including some new stuff this year):ere is a preview of some of the specials that will be offered in our cafes.

Taste of Italy, a benefit for the West End Neighborhood House, is taking place later this week.

It takes place on May 17th, 18th, and 19th, and features 26 venues - 13 restaurants and 13 small businesses.  The restaurants will have special menus, and all businesses will donate a percentage of sales (generally 15%) to the community center.  Wilmingtonic's top pick is Pomodoro, which is easily the best authentic Italian restaurant in New Castle County, maybe the state.  But there is something for every taste.  Participating restaurants are:

Pomodoro, Pastabilities, Bang Kok House, Blue Parrot, Dead Presidents, Juliana's Kitchen, Kozy Korner, Madeline's, Mona Lisa, Mrs. Robinos, Tijuana Taco Shop, Union City Grille, and Walter's Steakhouse. 

Participating businesses include:
Yatz Steaks & Subs, Walt's Flavor Crisp, The Little Kitchen, Sansones Seafood, Papa's Pastry Shop, Fierro & Sons Cheeses,  El Toro Mexican Food, Crimson Moon Tavern, Black Lab Breads, and Capriotti's. 

For the full list, and details on what percentage each business will contribute to the West End Neighborhood House, visit:

http://www.atasteoflittleitaly.com/

Ravioli contest to benefit West End Neighborhood House, Friday May 13th

I'm posting this a little early so the cooks out there have time to plan.  I don't know about your families, but my husband has phone conversations with his ma in which the only thing discussed is "who has the 'rigot' on sale this week".  From West End Neighborhood House:

"West End is hosting the Best of Little Italy Ravioli Contest on Friday, May 13th, at 11:00 a.m. Community members are welcomed to enter their best renditions of ravioli! Participating Taste of Little Italy restaurants will compete against each other, and community members will compete in a separate contest. The contest is a fun way to kick-off a Taste of Little Italy."

To enter the contest and get more details, contact Monica Alvarez of West End Neighborhood House at 302.888.5305 or at malvarez@westendnh.org.

Soul food dinner to benefit West End Neighborhood House's track team this Saturday.

This community center on the western side of Wilmington apparently has a 67 member nationally-ranked track team, and they need to raise some money to attend a national track meet in New Orleanss.  It's a good cause, and the food doesn't sound like it would be hard to get down, so pick up a plate if you're in the area on Saturday from noon to 4.  The center is located on 7th & Lincoln in Little Italy.  From WENH:

"Do you like soul food? Sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, red beans and rice, and fried chicken? Well, come out to West End on May 7th and support our nationally-ranked track team - Above Xpectations - and buy a soul food dinner! All proceeds will help the team and its 67 members get to a national AAU track meet in New Orleans! Dinners are being sold on Saturday, May 7th from noon until 4:00 p.m. You can also pre-order and pick-up! Contact Antwain Flowers at aflowers@westendnh.org for more information or to place an order!  If you can't make it in to buy a dinner, monetary contributions are also being accepted, of course!  THANK YOU for your continued support of West End, our programs, and the people we serve."

Guest bartenders needed for a West End Neighborhood House fundraiser in mid-May

I will be posting something about the Taste of Little Italy benefit later in the month, but in the meantime, guest bartenders are being sought for two Little Italy bars.  From West End Neighborhood House:

"GUEST BARTENDERS NEEDED: No experience necessary!

Opportunities are available to sling some drinks, have some fun, and support one of Delaware's most well-respected and innovative social service agencies. Show your friends and families what you can do behind the bar, instead of in front of it! As part of a Taste of Little Italy, guest bartending slots are open at Dead Presidents and Blue Parrot from 6:00 p.m.  through midnight (May 17-May 20).
Contact Hayley at 302.658.4171 x-181 or at hschmittinger@westendnh.org
for more details!"