What a cool dining experience. If you are a foodie and are an adventurous eater this is the place for you. There are many small courses to try and all are excellent. Everything is made and plated in front of you as you sit at the kitchen. There is no choice of meals as you eat what the chef makes. I will definitely go again.
I highly recommend both the dinning experience and the attached lounge! The dinning experience is truly like having a private chef for the night since there are only enough seats for 6 guests. It was so much fun trying to guess what chef Hennessey was cooking (and usually be incorrect, but pleasantly surprised). The combination of unique, local flavors was just fantastic.
As far as the lounge goes, Bernadette makes the most spectacular mocktails (something I have been struggling to find). She really puts great passion in what she does to rival chef Hennessey, and it shows. The inventive mocktails (definitely loved the surprise ones), combined with the delicious small plates from Hennessey’s kitchen in a very relaxed atmosphere makes for a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. Highly recommended!
After seeing Chef Hennessey win on Chopped, I decided to take my husband to Stages for his birthday. It was such a pleasurable experience and very intimate, as we sat right at the kitchen and enjoyed watching and chatting with Chef Evan and his assistant. All I can say is wow! Just absolutely fantastic cuisine! Likely some of the best I've ever had in my life. All fresh, local ingredients, with such creativity and exquisite presentation. You never know what you are going to get, but fortuitously, Chef Hennessey served my husband's favorite, Prime Rib! So savory, cooked to perfection! We loved it all, every bite and every sip. Thank you, we will be back!
I had an incredible time trying Stages for the first time. It’s been on the bucket list for a while. Every dish was unique and enjoyable. It took about 2 1/2 hours from start to finish. It was nice to take our time, watch Chef Evan at work, and have him talk and discus every dish with you. The service was great. It was a very unique dining experience that every local foodie should try at least once.
If you enjoy dining and live within an hour of Dover, this place should be on your list of places to try at least once.
From the moment you walk in, you know you are in for a unique experience. You will start with two courses in a cozy living room setting.
I would recommend a omakase style cocktail for this of your evening.
Then you move into the kitchen to sit at the bar and enjoy an intimate private dining experience.
The food is a mix of flavors you haven't considered, perhaps you have never heard of. With ingredients you know, some you have only heard of, many new, and many foraged locally, the 8 to 10 course tasting meal will leave you satisfied, intrigued, and waiting to return.
The wine pairing option enhances the experience incredibly.
The only change I wouldn't mind seeing would be removing the clock on the wall to make room for more art work.
I can not wait to find a reason to come back.
Our first experience at Stages and had cocktails and a light dinner (shareable small plates), in the Living Room. The cocktails were perfect and the food was all amazing! Can't wait to book a dinner there!!
2022: First visit after Covid break. Accidently wound up in the living room area rather than the kitchen. It is a less satisfying experience. Note that in the living room area only one of the tables is full height, the rest are coffee tables. The food is a la cart, rather pris-fixe, and many selections arrive at the same time.
2018: A special New year's Eve dinner for any foodie. Delicious and unique. 8 course dinner. Small plates but you will not walk away hungry.
2017: Outstanding. Creative. Delicious. Attentive.
Chef Evan Hennessy was incredible. The food and environment was so personal and unique. This experience was unlike anything I've participated in before and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is willing to trust the chef with providing something unforgettable. The entire evening felt like a gift.
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