Town Dock Restaurant - Great food and atmosphere in St. Michaels!

We always have enjoyed this restaurant in the past, and it still continues to please our palates. Doug and I were running late for our reservation, so we were glad to find an empty spot in the restaurant’s large, off-street parking lot. Upon entering, we were immediately seated at a window table overlooking St. Michaels Harbor. It was already dark but we knew from previous visits that the view is a delight–and this evening we were treated to the twinkling lights dancing on the water. Even though it was March and before the start of tourist season, the dining room was bustling with activity.

Soon after we were seated, our waitress Reesy came over to introduce herself and take our drink orders. (Through conversation we discovered that Reesy has been with Town Dock Restaurant since its inception and has quite the following.) We both ordered a vodka martini (with olives, of course) which came in chilled glasses, each accompanied by a small side in a mini decanter. A generous loaf of freshly baked bread soon arrived at the table with a ramekin of soft, whipped butter. It was a wonderful way to get our taste buds excited.

The menu is extensive but not overwhelming, so the decision of “what to have” is not impossible.

Menu choices include small-plate appetizers like calamari with chive-leek remoulade sauce, oysters Rockefeller, and crab Monterey. For those desiring a sandwich, we found a selection that included grilled salmon on ciabatta with caramelized onions and avocado relish, jumbo lump crab cake served on a potato roll, and fried oysters with home-made tartar sauce. The entrées all sounded fabulous, including seared ahi tuna with baby bok choy, a lemongrass-lime reduction, and pickled ginger; and duck duck, half of a roasted duck with duck confit, port wine and cherry sauce, and served with broccolini. For meat and potato lovers, there’s a 12-ounce New York strip steak served with a mashed potato-stuffed portobello mushroom. The menu notes that vegetarian dishes are available.

In addition to a full bar, wine is available by the glass ($7-9), and there’s an extensive wine list for those looking to share a bottle ($18–$45).

I started off with a scrumptious appetizer of tuna tartar ($13). The dish was as pleasing to the eye as to the palate. There was a generous portion of diced tuna, seasoned with pickled ginger and sesame, served on a bed of seaweed salad. What a treat!

Doug went for the bowl of Oyster Stew ($10) and was happy with his choice. It came in an ample-size bowl filled to the top with hot, very creamy and flavorful stew. The oysters were abundant and fresh.

Shortly after we finished our appetizers, the house salads arrived, along with our entrées. A pleasant bridge between the appetizers and the entrées, the salad was simple but not garden variety: a combination of iceberg lettuce and baby field greens with hearts of palm. The house dressing, a creamy mustard seed dressing, was a perfect complement.

I had ordered one of the evening’s dinner specials: Herb-crusted Rockfish ($24), and was pleased with my selection. It was served with tempura-battered asparagus and a Caribbean barbecue sauce. Doug selected the Bouillabaisse ($26), a hearty seafood stew of shrimp, salmon, and scallops in a tomato-saffron broth with a hint of garlic. It was served with warm, crusty garlic toast, which he used to soak up the wonderful broth.

While enjoying our entrées we were joined for a brief conversation by owner and renowned chef, Michael Rork, who said the Town Dock had recently reopened after a winter hiatus.

Prior to purchasing the restaurant, Rork attended the Culinary Institute of America, worked at several well-known restaurants in New England and was Executive Chef at the Harbor Court Hotel in Baltimore, earning numerous awards along the way. Chef Rork hosts cooking classes almost every month between March and December. (Visit Town Dock’s Web site for more information.)

He said the restaurant has been in business as the Town Dock for 13 years and grown to include outdoor dining on the deck in front of the marina, which seats about 80 people, during the warmer months. Diners can pull up in their boats, dock in the marina for a small fee, and stop in for a meal. For the more casual tank-top crowd, Foxy’s Marina Bar next door has a simpler menu. The Town Dock has catering space on the second floor that is frequently used for weddings and rehearsal dinners.

On Friday nights, a land and sea buffet features prime rib, fresh fish, oysters served five different ways, and much more at $28.95 per person.

Doug and I ordered after-dinner coffee and enjoyed the atmosphere. We have to point out that one of the most obvious things we noticed was the large portion sizes. There’s definitely no skimping.

We have been to this wonderful restaurant on several occasions, and this visit served as a reminder of why we make the trip to St. Michaels. We will continue to recommend the food, service, atmosphere, and view to all of our friends.

When to Enjoy: Open daily April through October, Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Monday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday brunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Land and sea buffet Friday 5–9 p.m., Early dinner every day 4–5:30 p.m.

Open November–Jan. 2, closed through Feb. 13, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Expect to Pay: Appetizers $9-$14

Lunch entrées $14 average

Dinner entrées $25 average

Desserts $5

Doug O’Connor has 20-plus years of experience as an executive chef as well as a food and beverage director, and he’s involved with the Chesapeake Chefs Association. Doug graduated from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, with degrees in culinary arts and food service management. Christine O’Connor earned a degree in hospitality management, also from Johnson and Wales. They reside in Cape St. Claire with their two children.

Domenica’s Restaurant & Lounge - Annapolis Restaurant With a Mediterranean Flair

If you have yet to visit Domenica’s Restaurant & Lounge for dinner, you need to put the experience on your “to do” list. We recently enjoyed a wonderful and sophisticated evening that began with the grace and care of our waitress Katherine and ended with the lovely conversation after dinner with owner Domenica Tripodi herself.

There is no doubt that Tripodi is achieving what she has set herself to do. An Annapolitan, born and raised, she is the hometown girl who listens to what people want. Through determination, patience, and hard work, she is offering a true difference to the Annapolis dining scene. The setting of the restaurant conveys comfort and intimacy. The decorating theme is Mediterranean with a blend of warm colors such as pomegranate red and toffee brown, accompanied by rich crown moldings and beautiful cherry furniture. These are just the right tones to coax your appetite.

The menu is also designed with a Mediterranean flair; well balanced with tastes for all. We started with the soup du jour. This was a silky celery veloute, just perfectly seasoned and very flavorful. Kathy wanted to re-try a specific appetizer and ordered a stuffed portabella mushroom with jumbo lump crab. After she placed the order, she realized she made the wrong selection. But maybe it was a lucky mistake, because she thoroughly enjoyed what arrived. The mushroom was tasty and the stuffing was made of fresh crabmeat and as good as it can come, all laced in a smooth Hollandaise sauce. I, on the other hand, chose the delicate beef Carpaccio. The prime beef tenderloin was thinly sliced, drizzled with truffle oil, and accompanied with a bouquet of crisp, fresh greens tossed in light vinaigrette. The dish was outstanding.

Kathy opted for a stuffed salmon as her entrée. The stuffing, similar to what graced her appetizer, was filled with fresh jumbo lump crab. Seasoned just right and cooked to a perfectly moist stage, it was a treat. My veal saltimbocca was “out of this world.” I have sampled many veal saltimbocca dishes, but this one surpasses them all. The meat was substantial but tender. It was layered with fresh basil leaves, prosciutto ham, and a melted Fontina cheese, laced in a light sauce. This is an entrée I highly recommend. The wine list proved quite impressive and we were pleasantly surprised to find that our host is offering a very nice selection of 1/2 bottles. Kathy chose a half bottle of Ferrer Pinot Noir, which she found excellent. As a believer of the goodness of various cultures, Tripodi has put quality wines from many countries and regions on the menu within a price range that varies from medium to high.

We, of course, left room for desserts. The profiterole, a popular dessert, was prepared second to none. It was a delicious pate a choux pastry, stuffed with cream, and coated with molten chocolate and toasted almonds. The crème Brule was prepared traditionally: it was creamy, and the light caramelized sugar was nice and thin, creating a dessert that is both delicate and perfect.

My compliments go to Chef Bernardo, who has been with Domenica’s for a long time. When you visit Domenica’s, you may enjoy more than perhaps a fantastic dinner. Every night, soft jazz and blues live entertainment accompanies your dinner, giving even more life to the evening and making it more than just a night out. Please visit their website for the schedule. And coming this summer will be a revised seasonal menu. Tripodi said there will be new Mediterranean flavors. I am greatly looking forward to my next visit. Happy eating, everyone.

 

Domenica’s

Phone: (410) 266 7595

When to Enjoy: Mon.–Thurs., 5 p.m.–midnight, dinner served until 10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 5 p.m.–1:30 a.m., dinner served until 11 p.m.

 

Expect to Pay: Soups/salads $7–9

Pastas $10–14

Entrees $21–29

Desserts $8

Wine $22–58 (1/2 bottles), $32–295 (full bottles)

Cocktails $9

Historic Kent Manor Inn & Restaurant - Fine Dining Annapolis

Dining elegance. Historic charm. Superb cuisine. The restaurant at Kent Manor combines the best of all areas, offering lunch and dinner guests an unforgettable experience.

The first impression is so important in any dining endeavor and Kent Manor does not disappoint. Meals are served in several breathtaking rooms, all dressed in authentic Victorian décor. Fireplaces heat the rooms and the heart when the weather is cold and guests will delight in the hospitable and professional service of Kent Manor’s award winning staff.

The experience truly begins at Kent Manor once the meal is served and creative presentation is only the beginning. Every selection on the menu is a delicacy unlike any other in the region. All ingredients are of the finest order and each entrée is defined by its singular flavor and by the chef’s masterful arrangement.

Annapolis Maryland French Bistro

Like all true French Bistros, Bistro Poplar is open for both lunch and dinner, serving food from 12-11pm.  Chef Campbell uses many local ingredients for the bistro’s traditional recipes.  Simple and hearty are good descriptions of bistro fare, and Bistro Poplar strives to remain true to these while providing attentive, yet unassuming service.  The menu changes seasonally, with freshness and quality being the main focus.

Bistros are traditionally community staples, where all people feel comfortable to enjoy a meal amoung their neighbors.  Bistro Poplar hopes to continue that tradition, bringing people together in their beautiful and historic downtown to enjoy good company and, of course, great food!

Eastern Shore Maryland Mexican Restaurant

Looking for an Eastern Shore Mexican Restaurant near Stevensville Maryland? Look no further.

Entrepreneur Rick Sarmiento wanted to create a Mexican Restaurant where he himself would enjoy spending an evening lingering with friends and family over fun cocktails and enticing foods with bold flavors and personality. His inspiration became reality with the opening of R’s Americantina, a new flagship restaurant featuring kiln-fired Mexican and American favorites–Ameri-Mex From Scratch! R’s Americantina focuses on unique and fresh ingredients deliciously blended to create our wide selection of Mexican specialties and classic American fare. From Crab and Spinach Empanadas, Chicken Tinga Tacos, Pulled Pork Burritos, kiln-fired Mexican flatbreads to American traditions like pasta, steaks, burgers and ribs; R’s Americantina has favorites for everyone. R’s hip décor is accented with vibrant colors, rich warm woods, polished concrete bar tops and floors and complemented with unique chili pepper chandeliers. The sophisticated yet casual atmosphere creates a fun and memorable experience. A separate Cantina offers an extensive Tequila menu, signature blends of specialty drinks and “R-garitas” to compliment your meal. “No business, just personal,” is the key to the philosophy at R’s Americantina.

Annapolis Steak and Seafood Restaurant

The Rustic Inn of Easton was established in the spring of 1984 with one goal in mind: To provide their customers with the finest dining experience available. They accomplish this by using only choice ingredients, coupled with service that is beyond compare. The result is a “little hideaway” with a touch of elegance in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

All of their seafood and produce is hand picked by local suppliers. They use only Black Angus beef and Provini milk-fed veal. In addition, all the dressings, sauces, and accompaniments are made fresh on the premises. This recipe for success has made us the Mid-Shore’s best steak and seafood restaurant for over 20 years.

Annapolis Restaurant Guide | Restaurant Reviews

Announcing the Annapolis Restaurant Guide from What’s Up Publishing in Maryland…  Your number one source for finding local dining in your area. Search by name, type of cuisine, restaurant location or all of the above. Our restaurant guide includes Annapolis, Eastern Shore, the Chesapeake Region and many other surrounding areas.