Budget-tightening is certainly back on menus, but much too often diners seem to forget that you get what you pay for. We've been served some terrible, careless dishes -- a recent plate of dry, fishy-smelling salmon and limp, overcooked vegetables, immediately comes to mind -- at so-called "reasonably-priced" casual eateries that have left me steamed. Did we really just pay for something so unsatisfying and forgettable? Why are people eating here?
But we've never felt that way after leaving Moro, easily one of the classiest and best restaurants in the state.
Moro owner Michael DiBianca is a thoughtful, detail-oriented chef who carefully considers each ingredient before he puts it into a dish or on a plate. The end result is a balanced and memorable harmony of tastes and textures that, more often than not, perform together brilliantly.
DiBianca and general manager Corby Spruance understand that fine dining has taken a serious hit in a down economy -- and people may view their eatery as special occasion only -- so they've crafted a plan that should satisfy palates looking for sophisticated, high-quality dishes at lower prices.
On Thursday evenings, the second-floor of this stylish and elegant restaurant becomes a tapas and live jazz lounge. While acoustic guitarist Bruce Anthony performs from 7 to 10 p.m., DiBianca offers a "top-floor" only tapas-style menu featuring $15 and under dishes. This may be one of the best deals in Delaware for food of this caliber, though the bill can escalate, especially when you add in drinks. The evenings should continue through Memorial Day.
