Chef Profile:
Mike Wegemer
Eddie Romanelli's
Leland Goes Italian with Chef Mike Wegemer
Eddie Romanelli’s is as much a part of Wilmington as the Atlantic. Seemingly, the Italian-American restaurant has been serving locals noodles of freshly made pasta dishes, in the form of homemade meatballs and gravy to lighter seafood fare, as well as sandwiches, entrées and salads of all styles for decades now.
Though the restaurant is now located in Leland, its change of space brings with it an update of fun, too—such as karaoke outside and drink specials that can’t be beat. But what remains its heart and soul is the food. encore interviewed its chef, Mike Wegemer, about Romanelli’s in preparation for Wilmington Restaurant Week.
Full Name: Mike Wegemer
Age: 41
Education: Pittsburgh Culinary Institute
encore: How long have you worked in the restaurant industry?
Mike Wegemer: 21 years.
e: What have you learned to be the most important trait and skill to have in the kitchen?
MW: Stay calm.
e: What has been your most amazing day as a chef?
MW: Catering for 1,800 people in a city park and only being able to cook over wood. It was amazing because it actually went well.
e: How long have you been at the current restaurant?
MW: Three years.
e: Do you have a signature dish?
MW: A few dishes have hung around over the years, but I wouldn’t say I have a signature dish.
e: What can diners expect of your menu during WRW, fall 2010?
MW: We are offering items from our regular menu at reduced prices so that more people can come out and enjoy the week without having to put a strain on their budgets.
e: What do you love most about Wilmington’s culinary scene, and if you had a magic wand to wave for improvement, what would be the first order of business?
MW: The number and variety of restaurants operating in the area is truly impressive. You can find anything from a family-owned pub or sidewalk cafe to fine dining in a very small area. That magic wand would make a Thai restaurant a block away from my house.
e: Your favorite meal?
MW: Chili crab.
e: Your favorite guilty pleasure?
MW: Rogue double chocolate stout.
View the Eddie Romanelli's Restaurant Week Menu [more]
