Delaware

These 6 UD roommates dish on best bites as the ‘Newark Foodies’

Published

4 months ago

January 20, 2026

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These 6 UD roommates dish on best bites as the ‘Newark Foodies’

Six University of Delaware roommates started the popular Instagram account Newark Foodies.
The account, which began as a hobby, has grown to nearly 8,000 followers.
The students collaborate with local restaurants to spotlight menu items and host giveaways.

It started more than two years ago when a then-University of Delaware sophomore pitched an idea to her five roommates: an Instagram page dedicated to the eateries of Newark.

“I remember thinking, ‘What’s one thing everyone in Newark can relate to that hasn’t really been done yet?” says Hockessin native Leah Pala, 22, recalling the launch of Newark Foodies (@newarkfoodiess).

Ever since that day at Santa Fe Mexican Grill on Main Street with roommates Angelina Pala, Isabella McKenna, Katrina Heinz, Julia Query, Claire Taggart, the sextet has been posting about their meals in the college town, gaining nearly 8,000 followers.

As the housemates prepare for the final semester of their senior year, we chatted with Leah Pala about their favorite Newark spots, meals and more.

Question: Why did you start the account?

Answer: Besides the fact that we are huge foodies … it started as a fun hobby that my roommates and I did together in our free time. However, we never imagined it would get the attention it did, especially from local restaurants.

What was the first spot you featured?

Snap Pizza on Main Street.

What do you like about doing these videos?

We love being able to collaborate with local business owners and spotlight specific menu items that can genuinely help their businesses grow, especially small, locally owned spots. It’s also exciting to try new places and experience a wide variety of food. One of our favorite parts is hosting giveaways, which help boost visibility for both the business and our account while getting the community involved. It’s always fun seeing how far students will go for a gift card.

Any parts you don’t like?

There honestly isn’t much to dislike, but filming can get awkward at times, especially in sit-down restaurants. Obviously, we are not professionals, so six girls spending 20 minutes trying to get the best angle of their meal can get us a few stares. Coordinating six different schedules can also be challenging, between all of us and the restaurants. Most of the time, only two or three of us are able to go, but we always make it work.

Do you contact the owners before you arrive or tell them who you are when you’re there?

We usually reach out ahead of time. That’s when we discuss what kind of content we will create, whether it’s a post, video or stories. When we arrive, we sometimes have to remind them who we are, but it’s never an issue.

Do you pay for the food?

When we coordinate with restaurants ahead of time, we typically don’t pay, which we’re very grateful for. However, we never expect it.

What do you love about dining in Delaware?

I love how much variety Delaware offers. There’s a great mix of small, local spots and higher-end restaurants. I also love how a lot of places focus on creating an experience, offering live music, seasonal events, and themed nights.

Do you ever get recognized? What’s that like if you do?

At first, we preferred staying anonymous and didn’t think it was necessary to be in the posts and videos. But as the account grew, especially among UD students, it became harder to hide our little secret, especially from our close friends. Towards the end of sophomore year, students would come up to us if they saw us filming and ask if we were Newark Foodies. It was never anything crazy, but it was always fun seeing classmates’ reactions. We still don’t think a ton of people know who we are, especially underclassmen.

What’s the funniest moment you’ve had while filming?

There isn’t one specific moment, but there have been several times where all six of us go in, order way more food than planned, thinking we’ll only take a few bites each, when we really end up finishing everything. There have also been times when only a couple of us go in planning to bring back food for the rest … and somehow it never makes it home.

What’s the best eatery you’ve featured?

This is such a hard question because everything we have tried has been great. If we had to choose one, it would be The Greenhouse Gastropub on Main Street. After our first visit, we brought friends and family back immediately. The food is consistently flavorful, and the staff is always so welcoming. They have a really unique and fun atmosphere, especially the upstairs bar. Every meal we’ve tried is truly out of this world and we think they deserve more recognition.

Without naming names, is there one that was particularly bad or an experience that went poorly? What happened?

Honestly, no. We’ve had zero bad experiences. Everyone we’ve worked with has been incredibly kind and generous and the entire experience has been overwhelmingly positive.

Best dish you’ve tried in one of your videos?

This one’s tough, but we’d have to say the cheesesteaks, especially the beef and buffalo chicken cheesecakes, from Balboa Steaks. It’s genuinely comparable to some of the best Philly cheesesteaks. We’d also have to say Santa Fe’s nachos, easily some of the best we’ve had in Delaware.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve tried?

We haven’t tried anything too unusual, but the steamed BBQ pork buns from Ugly Dumpling stand out since none of us had tried anything like that before. Running this account has definitely made us more adventurous with food.

What are your top three restaurants or eateries in Delaware, whether you’ve featured them or not?

Our top three would be The Greenhouse Gastropub, Klondike Kate’s, and UD students’ go-to Sunday morning spot, The Hot Original Bagels.

Is there a Delaware restaurant or eatery that’s not well-known that should get some recognition and why?

We don’t think enough people know about Cafeneo in Newark. They have delicious Greek food, seasonal coffee drinks, and a beautiful interior that is completely different from anywhere else in the area. It’s such a unique spot that deserves more attention.

What’s really surprised you about being a food influencer?

How open and excited restaurants are to collaborate, especially since our audience isn’t that big. We thought reaching out might be difficult, but owners have been just as eager to work with us as we are to work with them. They’ve made the entire process easy and genuinely fun.

DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR

Is there a cuisine Delaware doesn’t have much of that you’d love to see come here?

Honestly, Delaware offers most of the cuisines we love. There are great options for Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Mediterranean and American food. I think Delaware does a really good job offering solid staples for each cuisine.

Is there a food trend you are so over?

Overpriced food with very small portions. We haven’t featured any places like that, but I’ve definitely been to restaurants in Delaware where that’s been the case. And in my opinion, it’s not worth it.

And finally, do you have any advice for anyone hoping to become a food influencer on Instagram?

Our biggest advice is to stay consistent and not be afraid to reach out to restaurants. The worst thing they can say is no. It can feel silly and awkward filming at first, but it’s worth it. Most importantly, have fun with it, get creative and be open to what business owners want to showcase. We’re just six college girls with zero background in marketing or influencing, so if we can do it, anyone can.

Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier) and X (@ryancormier).

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Delaware

The best Delaware high schools for athletes? According to one study, these are top 25

Published

1 hour ago

May 29, 2026

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The best Delaware high schools for athletes? According to one study, these are top 25

Tucked away on the East Coast, one of the smallest states has had a sizeable impact on the national sports scene.

Elena Delle Donne, one of the GOATs of women’s basketball, dominated the hardwood as a high school athlete, breaking Delaware’s points record. Chris Godwin, who has been a Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl, was a top WR recruit and won two championships as a Delaware high schooler. Delino DeShields, a former MLB player, committed to LSU for both baseball and football.

Total number of sports: 16

1. Salesianum School (Wilmington)

Total number of sports: 15

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Delaware

Update – Suspect in Custody State Police Investigating Home Invasion in Georgetown – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Published

13 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Press Room

*Update – Suspect in Custody* State Police Investigating Home Invasion in Georgetown – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Date Posted: Friday, May 29th, 2026

The Delaware State Police have arrested 44-year-old Robert Berry from Millsboro, Delaware for a home invasion that occurred in Georgetown.

On May 15, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., troopers responded to the 24000 block of Lawson Road in Georgetown for a panic alarm activation reported by a home security vendor. Troopers arrived and learned that the 83-year-old female victim had activated her panic alarm after an unknown male suspect, forced his way into her home as she opened her front door. Once inside, the suspect pointed a handgun at her and demanded to see another unknown person he believed was inside the residence. The victim was able to lock herself in a bedroom and activate her panic alarm while the suspect searched through the residence before leaving in an unknown direction. The victim was not injured.

Through investigative means, detectives identified Robert Berry as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On May 28, 2026, Berry was arrested and taken to Troop 4, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $166,000 cash bond.

Attempt to Commit Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)
Home Invasion Burglary 1st Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possess, Purchase, Own, or Control a Firearm/Destructive Weapon if Previously Convicted of Two Violent Felonies on Separate
Occasions (Felony)
Aggravated Menacing (Felony)

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Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Delaware

49-year-old dies by suicide while held in Delaware State Police cell

Published

1 day ago

May 28, 2026

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49-year-old dies by suicide while held in Delaware State Police cell

A 49-year-old Hartly man died after hanging himself in a holding cell at Delaware State Police Troop 3 in Camden, authorities said.

“Video surveillance confirmed that while detained alone in a temporary holding cell at Troop 3, [the suspect] used a shoelace to commit suicide by hanging,” state police said in a May 28 statement. “When troopers found [him], they attempted lifesaving efforts, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.”

Police did not immediately respond to a late May 28 email seeking information on custody protocols or whether the suspect appeared suicidal.

In a May 28 press release, police said troopers were responding to a report of a domestic assault at a home on Misty Way in the Hartly-area about 8 p.m. on May 27.

Before troopers arrived, they were notified that the man had left the residence in his girlfriend’s vehicle. Police said he had an active arrest warrant stemming from a previous incident at the same location on May 22.

The vehicle was spotted by a Delaware State Police helicopter and a chase began, police said.

The chase crossed into Maryland, then returned to Delaware before ending at the residence on Misty Way, police said.

There, police said he initially refused orders to get out of the vehicle, and when he finally did, he resisted further orders from troopers.

Police said he assaulted a DSP canine they deployed. When he was eventually taken into custody, police took him to an area hospital for evaluation of injuries sustained from the dog apprehension.

The Hartly man was released from the hospital on the morning of May 28 and taken to Troop 3, where police said he was charged with several crimes, including strangulation for the May 22 incident and resisting arrest with violence and second-degree assault on a law enforcement animal for the May 27 incident.

Police said he hanged himself while being held at Troop 3, but did not specify when it occurred.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit, along with the Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust, are investigating.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com. This is a developing story. Return to delawareonline.com for updates.

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