A Different Kitchen offers a different kind of comfort food
Story Location:
16388 Samuel Paynter Boulevard
Milton, DE
United States
Asian-inspired comfort food is taking over Paynter's Mill.
A Different Kitchen, operated by Cape Region residents Deidre Smith, Mary Gaffney and Penny Reid, opened in mid-May at the former location of The Kitchen in the mixed-use development on Cave Neck Road near Route 1 in Milton.
Smith said she's been getting nothing but rave reviews since the restaurant opened.
“You don't call yourself different and then be more of the same,” Smith said, adding that the name was inspired by a song by English punk band the Buzzcocks. “When we say we're local and we know what we're doing, we mean it.”
The new restaurant's moderately priced menu offers everything from vegetable spring rolls and chicken pho to pork belly bao buns and teriyaki-spiced New York strip steak.
“Every country has its comfort foods, like mac-n-cheese. These are the Asian versions of that,” Smith said.
Often, people expect pan-Asian dishes to be spicy. Thai dishes, which are something chef Gaffney hopes to add to the menu in the future, are spicy, but A Different Kitchen's staple offerings are full of rich flavors.
“There are a lot of layers and depth,” Gaffney said. “The broth of the chicken pho, for example, has an earthy flavor to it. There's a pop of fresh cilantro; fresh, crunchy bean sprouts; and hot sauce, if you like it spicy.”
“It's all very approachable. Some of the flavors are different, but wonderful,” Smith said.
The tranquil, zen-like décor of the small restaurant reflects the menu, the owners said.
“We want this to be like a home away from home,” Reid said. “More like we have people just coming over for dinner.”
Smith, Gaffney and Reid said they've been discussing opening a restaurant for years. They decided on pan-Asian style after seeing the popularity of ramen shops popping up all over Washington, D.C. Plus, they said, they just love the food.
“It's different than cooking American food or European food,” Gaffney explained. “When you do your prep, it's just so beautiful – you have all these fresh herbs, lime juice, fresh limes, lemongrass, the aromas are just beautiful. And there's also more balance in the flavors with sour, sweet and savory all balanced out.”
This isn't the first time in food industry for the three owners, who are familiar faces among local foodies. Both Gaffney and Reid worked at Po' Boys Creole & Fresh Catch, and Gaffney has two decades of Rehoboth Beach restaurant experience under her belt, including at the former Yum Yum and Back Porch Cafe.
“These guys are restaurant veterans,” Smith said. “We wanted to elevate the game here and be that restaurant that really cares about the food.”
The 2,400-square-foot eatery can seat more than 50 people and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The menu will be updated seasonally and based on Gaffney's culinary inspirations, so diners can always expect something new.
“It's a simple formula, really,” Smith said. “You do it because you love it, and you hope that passion shows through.”
For more, stop by A Different Kitchen at 16388 Samuel Paynter Blvd. in Milton, call 302-313-4014, email adifferentkitchende@gmail.com or search A Different Kitchen on Facebook.
