Mailbag: Cravings for tiramisu, pot roast

Catering was a main discussion last week with readers sharing ideas and companies they’ve used for parties.

Before we move on, we had two more suggestions.

Joan Hicks called to talk about Delaware Provision Co. at Duncan Street and Ninth Avenue in Wilmington.

“I’ve done a lot of parties,” she said. “They do wonderful food and the prices are very reasonable. They deliver [the food]. You just have to set it up.” Call (302) 658-6037 or visit www.delawareprovisioncoinc.com.

Another reader suggested Pineapple Catering, which will provide food for parties in New Castle and Kent counties. Call (302) 261-5600 or visit www.pineapplecatering.net

Now, let’s reach into the mailbag. Remember, you ask, we answer. Most Fridays. Send your dining/food/beverage questions to me at ptalorico@delawareonline.com.

Hoping for a return to Casablanca

I was just reading your April 15 article that mentioned The Casablanca Restaurant.

About two months ago, when I was eating at their sister restaurant Ali Baba in Newark, I asked the owner if Casablanca would reopen. His response was ‘yes, probably in the spring.’

Meanwhile, I drive by there on Wednesdays when I volunteer at the Delaware Humane Society, and there are people working in the building.

So, I’m hoping for the best, and soon. I really enjoyed the place.

Joyce Heron

Joyce, another reader, via Facebook, told us about activity at Casablanca, a Moroccan restaurant which operated at 4010 N. DuPont Highway in New Castle.

“I drive by there frequently, the sign is still up and I ocassionally see some activity around the building, so there is still some hope. One of our favorite restaurants in Newark is Ali Baba. If I’m not mistaken, Ali Baba is owned by the same family and they serve all the exact same dishes as Casablanca, plus many more.”

I tried reaching Ali Baba to get more information, but haven't been able to talk with anyone at the restaurant yet. Stay tuned.

Wrong address for BYOB, new Mexican eats

The Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, address for Fellini’s Cafe was incorrect in your April 2 column. It’s 1620, not 620 Baltimore Pike.

We had a heck of a time finding this BYOB since we’re not familiar with the area. But we finally made it and they still honored our reservation even though we were 45 minutes late. Food and service both excellent.

I would also recommend the new El Maya Mexican restaurant at 1300 Centerville Road. It recently opened in the Prices Corner Acme/TrueValue shopping center.

I especially liked the fact that they have a menu for side orders such as one taco or one burrito, for example. You don’t have to get a whole meal.

And the best part for me, they have hard and soft shells.

Christine

Christine, sorry about that and thanks for the correction. In January, a reader asked about El Maya. I went to the site at the Prices Shops shopping center at 1300 Centerville Road. El Maya Mexican Grill is in the old home of the now-closed Lamberti’s Italian Bar & Grill, next door to True Value Hardware.

Need Tony’s tiramisu recipe

I have followed and enjoyed your column and reviews for years. Today, I indulged in a slab of tiramisu from an Italian place called Tony’s Cafe (366 Possum Park Road, Newark), hence this message.

I absolutely adore their pizza. I do think it is the best in this part of Delaware. Their red peppers and tomato medley, well, I just cannot stop eating it.

Their tiramisu, however, is like no other, ever. Obviously, I cannot afford to indulge too often, I would have to spend even more time in the gym, so I treat myself several times a year. I literally have to put myself on a Tony’s tiramisu quota.

I would love , love to have the recipe , if you can get it for me. EVERYTHING about their rendition of tiramisu is perfect down to the last drop of espresso that remains in the container that drips off from the lady fingers.

Please, please work your magic to get this recipe for me and please do visit Tony’s if you have not already. You will love it.

I do hope you can indulge my request I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you

Sincerely

Linda Sequeira

I recently stopped into Tony’s Cafe for a takeout cheese pizza after hearing Boston Globe editor Walter Robinson speak at the University of Delaware. Robinson was the editor of the “Spotlight” team that investigated the priest sexual abuse scandal in Boston and won a Pultizer Prize. He was played by Michael Keaton in the Oscar-winning movie.

My pizza was very good, very cheesy. I didn’t get the tiramisu, but it did look good. Linda, I will pass your recipe request onto our food columnist Nancy Coale Zippe who hunts down recipe requests for readers. Her column appears Wednesday in The News Journal and on delawareonline.com. Thanks.

Who makes great pot roast?

I am searching for a homestyle restaurant that serves slow-cooked pot roast (the kind that falls apart) with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy.

I used to drive from Wilmington to Dover -- to get this meal -- at Kirby & Holloway in Dover. Their pot roast was exceptional! Unfortunately, they had a fire a few years ago and have yet to rebuild.

Another place I tried recently was Katie’s in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Their pot roast and spuds were excellent, but it’s a hike to get there.

I’d like to find a place close to Wilmington that serves this dish.Maybe your readers can help?

Thanks!

A.C.

Wilmington

A.C., that’s a dish I haven’t seen on a restaurant menu in some time. I’m sure there is someplace that does pot roast very well, but I can’t seem to think of where it might be.

Let’s toss this question out to readers. Where is the best place for pot roast with mashed potatoes and gravy?

Contact Patricia Talorico at (302) 324-2861 orptalorico@delawareonline.com and on Twitter@pattytalorico.