University & Whist Club Of Wilmington

I am not a member, but have attended events at the U&W — Class, service, quality, and most important the food is AMAZING.
Chef Robert Lhulier is pretty much one of the most creative and talented chefs out there. Beautiful, delicious food.
My latest experience was the Trotter Dinner, an experience I will never forget.
I’m jealous of the members as they get to eat fine food like this as often as they like.

Attended a campaign fundraiser here and was very impressed. I’ve always grown up hearing about this place and was very excited finally to get inside and see it. There is SO much history to this place, it really is amazing — it’s literally a part of American history.
The fundraiser went off without a hitch and it was a very classy time. All the staff were attentive to our group and made us feel right at home. Although I’m sure I’ll never be classy enough to be a member of this prestigious and revered club :), it was a privilege and an honor to check the place out.

Went here for a wedding a few weeks back.
The ceremony was outside, in the shadow of the old building. It was beautiful, a perfect spot to get hitched.
The groomsmen hung out in the basement, in a sort of game room/​bar setting. It was AWESOME. Shuffleboard, Yards beer, 6 tvs… what more could you want to distract you before you nuptials?
The reception was held in a tasteful hall on the first floor. Kinda narrow, with a sweet hardwood floor. Wonderful area.
If you are getting married in Wilmington and are looking for a non by-​the-​numbers, this is a great spot to consider. I also understand the entire thing wasnt too expensive.

I will admit that this review is somewhat limited as this was a predetermined dinner menu for a business meeting. However, this was my first (and only) visit to the University and Whist club.
First of all, it is tucked away in a corner of Wilmington that I have driven by several times and never thought of what was behind that wall. The physical plant is beautiful with a warm and rich interior. The staff was quick, attentive, and courteous. I will not that coming straight from work I did feel a bit under-​dressed for the surroundings and company.
We were in a large banquet area that was well lit and well suited to conduct a dinner meeting. However. I did note that I passed other dining rooms that gave a more close and personal dining area for a more intimate experience.
Appetizers circulating with beverages were excellent. Spring rolls were small enough for finger food size but well made. The wrappers were thin and crisp with a light flavor and not a heavy oil soaked status. The vegetable filling was tender and warm, but not hot enough to burn the palate. Beverage choices were well varied, unfortunately I was not in a position to partake of stronger libations for the evening.
Dinner started with a spinach salad. Baby leaves were well cleaned and tender. No old leaves, hard stems, or bruised pieces at all on my plate. I felt that this was a very good presentation. Dressing was served on the side, which I appreciate.
The main dish was a baked chicken in puff pastry with minced mushrooms and shallots. This was an excellent dish that was prepared on a large scale for our meeting, making it even more impressive. The chicken was tender with retained moistness that was surprising for a large scale catering production. Mushroom and shallots were evenly cut without any hard stems or fibers sneaking in. The puff pastry was crisp and light and well formed without rupture during plating and serving. While the dish was on the simple side compared to some of the other offerings it was well executed for a large group.
The side vegetables of cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots were steamed and only lightly flavored. The cauliflower was superbly made, perhaps the best that I have had. It was tender from the stem to the top of the floret with an even bite to it. The stems were not hard with a good floret nor was it a soft stem with a mushy floret. Flavor of the cauliflower with just a light salting was mild but clear and sharp. Don’t get me wrong the broccoli and carrots were also well made with an inherent sweetness that shown through, but I expected them to shine.
Desert was German Chocolate cake. Well made, dense with tight crumb. Not much more to say, I am not a fan of German Chocolate cake so my enjoyment was limited. But the cake was well made and a good example.
Overall I was very happy with the dinner and though that while simple compared to their regular menu the meal was excellently prepared for a large group. If this is a hint of what to expect then their regular menu must be outstanding. If I were a member I would return regularly for their offerings.

As a member I am clearly biased but the food is outstanding, the staff is professional and courteous and remember your special likes as well as your name.
Favorites for me include the Bang Bang Shrimp and the Caesar Salad – both can be gluten free very easily.
If you have never been and might be interested in joining we offer trial memberships – just call and inquire.