A Kentucky-based marketing and media company, America’s Best Restaurants (ABR), returned to Wilmington in late October to film episodes for its ABR Roadshow series. The web and social media initiative showcases independently owned restaurants across the United States. This recent visit highlighted three local favorites: Hieronymus Seafood, Beer Barrio, and Platypus & Gnome.
Selection Criteria for Featured Restaurants
Restaurants chosen for ABR are vetted through customer nominations, internal reviews, and applications. Selection factors include customer feedback, unique menu offerings, social media presence, and community engagement. The completed episodes will debut on ABR’s social media platforms and website, which has already hosted over 1,500 restaurant features nationwide. For more details, visit America’s Best Restaurants.
Wilmington Restaurants in the Spotlight
Platypus & Gnome
Located at 7205 Wrightsville Ave. near Wrightsville Beach, Platypus & Gnome stands out with its creative menu featuring burgers, pizzas, and rare meats. Owner Matt Danylec’s episode is expected to highlight signature dishes like the breakfast pizza, braised elk omelet, and The Game Changer, a pizza topped with house-smoked braised elk, duck salami, bison chorizo, and wild boar ham.
Hieronymus Seafood
At 5035 Market St., Hieronymus Seafood is one of Wilmington’s oldest seafood establishments. Owner Dawn Hames will discuss its history and fan-favorite dishes like the Snowy Grouper, hot crab dip, and the fried Captain’s seafood platter. The episode may also explore the restaurant’s fresh oyster bar, where oysters are shucked on-site.
Beer Barrio
Located downtown at 34 N. Front St., Beer Barrio offers a fusion of “beer-infused modern Mexican with a Southern twist.” Owners Hayley and Stephen Durley will feature in an episode showcasing their expertise as a beer sommelier and chef. Highlighted dishes may include Coconut Fish Ceviche, house-made Buffalo wings, Southern fried steak tacos, and Carolina-style pulled pork.
Anticipating the Premiere
Wilmington’s dining scene will soon gain nationwide exposure through these episodes, celebrating the culinary creativity of the city’s independently owned restaurants.
