savor — guide to dining on the azalea coast
The Little Dipper
Opened for dipping in 2005, The
Little Dipper (138 South Front Street, 910-
251-0433) was the first fondue restaurant in
Wilmington. Owned by a business-savvy
group of friends, The Little Dipper is a
unique fine-dining experience, with an
impressive menu that includes premium
meats, fresh seafood, vegetables and
homemade sauces for dipping. For dessert,
strawberries, melon, and other fresh
fruit can be dipped in warm chocolate
sauce. The Little Dipper is a social restaurant,
with your party cooking together
in a communal fondue pot. Whether it’s
a large group celebration or a romantic
dinner for two, The Little Dipper is as
much fun as you can have in a fine-dining
establishment.
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WBM march 2011
Circa 1922
Circa 1922 (8 North Front Street, 910-
762-1922) has served sensational tapas
to a generation of fortunate Historic
Downtown diners. Served in small portions
meant for immediate gratification,
tapas are fresh, exquisitely presented and
highly creative small plates served a la
carte and offered in a variety of styles.
Tapas such as duck pastrami, brie cheese
squares and tuna tartare can be mixed
together to create the perfect meal for any
taste and any occasion. Circa 1922 also
prepares elegant dishes, such as grilled
filet mignon, seared Maine scallops and
escargot. After the meal, one of their
colossal confections such as the grand
mariner crêpe is a sweet au revoir. Winner
of many downtown restaurant awards,
Circa 1922 is one of the Port City’s finest
examples of fine dining.
The George
The George (128 South Water Street, 910-763-2052) is the only downtown dock-and-dine
restaurant. And it’s the dining part that you’ll remember. The George features a riverfront
deck that offers the most dramatic sunsets in town. The restaurant’s interior is stylish,
modern and casually upscale. With an outstanding menu for brunch, lunch and dinner,
one of the best martini menus in the Port City and Cape Fear River views to die for, The
George has it all. From prime-cut steaks to fresh local seafood, everything is made to order.
The restaurant is also a partner of the philanthropic Wine to Water project, which works
to bring water to impoverished nations. Visit The George on March 26 to take part in a
public fundraiser, and experience fine dining that will make a difference in the world.