Dover International Speedway to feature new café
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino will introduce race fans to a Tuscan-style café with the flavor and atmosphere of its Frankie's Wine Bar and Italian Restaurant during the May 13-15 NASCAR race weekend at Dover International Speedway.
Frankie's Monster Mile Café will offer race fans a variety of new menu options in an al fresco setting.
The public is invited to the grand opening event at 7 p.m., Friday, May 13, which will feature renowned pastry chef and Delaware’s King of Cakes Dana Herbert. Herbert will craft custom replica cakes of Miles the Monster, one to remain on display and one to be sliced and served Friday evening.
Herbert, owner and operator of Desserts by Dana in New Castle, is the winner of TLC’s 2011 season of "Cake Boss: Next Great Baker," hosted by Buddy Valastro. Herbert will be available for autographs.
A VIP reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday. Saturday, May 14, will feature a media event and VIP reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Both events are open to the public and highlighted by celebrity and NASCAR driver appearances.
Frankie’s Monster Mile Café is being erected near the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, outsideTurn 4 at Dover International Speedway. The café is the brainchild of Frankie’s Restaurant Chef Giovanni Cardillo, who collaborated with EP Henry Corporation of Woodbury, N.J., and Layaou Landscaping of Newark to design the 8,000-square-foot structure.
“EP Henry is proud to partner with Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in this unique venture,” said Drew Turner, regional sales manager of EP Henry Corporation. “We have constructed the wine garden and dining court of our new Bristol Stone, which we are excited to unveil on NASCAR weekend.” Family-owned and -operated since 1903, EP Henry is the Mid-Atlantic region’s leader in concrete block, cast veneer stone and hardscaping.
“We are very pleased and proud to be asked to do this project,” said Fred Layaou, owner-operator of Layaou Landscaping, Inc. “The biggest challenge is getting everything placed and plant material stabilized to last through the weekend, considering unknown weather conditions." Layaou’s design features three gazebos, large container trees and specialized lighting.
Frankie’s Monster Mile Café will feature authentic Italian specialties like Chef Giovanni’s popular pork sandwiches, meatball parmesan and lasagna. Lending to the feel of Tuscany, there will be an enclosed wine garden with a selection from Bonterra and Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards. Sweet Perks branded coffee and pastry shop will provide an assortment of breakfast items, fresh-made pastries, cannolis and gelato prepared on-site.
Special guest appearances include Philly's own Tony Luke, who will be serving his genuine Philly-style cheese steaks. Luke will appear Friday and Saturday with scheduled times to be announced. The menu also features Hershel’s Famous 34 savory spareribs and smoked chicken.
Entertainment will be provided by Tom Pizzi of Fire & Ice at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Teddi Fusco. Pizzi will perform Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Fusco will also entertain the crowd in the evenings.
FMI: doverdowns.com
