5640 Urbana Pike (RT 355)
Frederick, MD 21704
(301) 662-4233
http://www.maysrestaurant.com/
Map
Highly Recommended
From what I can tell May's Restaurant is a legend in Frederick. It was recommended to be by several bar tenders, a gas station attendant and the guy I asked for directions on my way there. An unassuming storefront on the Urbana Turnpike the restaurant consists of a main dining room and a large outdoor patio filled with picnic tables. The menu is extensive so I suggest you check the website for specifics.
I had been to May's for lunch and found the food and service to be excellent. I had a very large fried fish sandwich made with very fresh flounder that was served steaming hot with ample fries, slaw and malt vinegar. I managed to clean my plate but just barely.
The night I went I was with a large party (20+/-) and we were seated outside. The service was very good, maybe a bit slow, but nothing to be upset about. This isn't the kind of place where you want to hurry through your meal. I ordered the "all-you-can-eat" crabs for $30.00 and it was worth every penny. After about 10 minutes out came a large platter of brick red, steaming hot Maryland blue crabs dusted liberally with Old Bay seasoning. My neighbor and I were the only ones to order the crabs and we were the envy of the table. These crabs are served "in the rough" and take some work to break into but the reward is well worth it. There was plenty of meat in each and the process of extracting the morsels makes them all the more worthwhile. After the first couple of crabs I got the hang of butchering them and set into a productive rhythm. I think I put away about 15 or so of the large crustaceans before I had to refuse the waitress's offer for more. There are small wooden mallets on the tables to help with the demolition. I suggest wearing clothes that can handle abuse and don't plan to go anywhere after your meal other than the laundry room and shower. The meal came with a very small serving of crab soup (which reminded me of minestrone with crab) and a small serving of coleslaw. I was also supposed to get hush puppies, corn and French fries but since I viewed these as filler I didn't complain.
I didn't pay to much attention to my fellow diners while I was eating. I was enjoying myself far to much to worry about any one else. I did see a generous plate of Dungeness Crab claws out of the corner of one eye, snow crab clusters out of the corner of the other, and what may have been crab cakes and an overstuffed baked potato across the table from me but I can't be sure. Comparing notes the next day, however, I could not find a complaint in the group.
I may try asking for my crabs in smaller batches next time. I found that by the time I got through the pile the last crabs were cold making the meat a bit less cooperative coming out of the shell. I will also be sure to go early, skip lunch and bring my own bib. Also, May's doesn't do separate checks and they add gratuity to large parties.
Showing posts with label Frederick MD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Frederick MD. Show all posts
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Champion Billiards Sports Cafe
5205 Buckeystown Pike
Frederick MD 21703
301-846-0089
Map
If you keep you expectations low you won't be disappointed. The food is ok, the atmosphere is ok, the service is ok, the prices are ok; it is pleasantly average. what makes this place work is that if is huge, loud and full of pool tables and dart boards.
Frederick MD 21703
301-846-0089
Map
Recommended
What can I say, sometimes you just want to have a few beers, an order of wings and maybe some nachos and be done with it. Champion Billiards can fill this need for you and as many of your friends as you want to bring. A sprawling sports bar with 8 foot pool tables and a bunch of dart boards may hold the secret to a successful stress reduction seminar for the afternoon.
If you keep you expectations low you won't be disappointed. The food is ok, the atmosphere is ok, the service is ok, the prices are ok; it is pleasantly average. what makes this place work is that if is huge, loud and full of pool tables and dart boards.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Acacia
129 N. Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-694-3015
Map
http://www.acacia129.com/index.php
Acacia is a gem of a restaurant in the historic village of Frederick, MD. With an unassuming storefront and sidewalk placard announcing the evening specials, Acacia is not a particular standout in the downtown. However, once inside that impression changes; you know this place is something special. With locals sitting at the bar indulging in a little harmless gossip or at tables talking about their day at the office, you know that this place is for real. It does not carry any of the pretencions "see-and-be-seen" baggage of some of their competitors in town. The atmosphere is very relaxed and open without feeling like a fishbowl.
A small oak bar and tables fill in the front room of the restaurant, more formal seating in the rear. The menu, which is described as the ubiquitous "New American" has a decidedly Asian tilt to it. I ordered the Firecracker Prawns to start ($7). A generous plate of medium sized shrimp were seared with enough chilies to leave a pleasant burn on my tongue for a few minutes. For my main course, and on the advice of the bartender, I ordered the Golden Veal Scaloppini with Cremini and Shitake Madeira Demi ($24) from the specials menu. The veal was perfectly cooked; a little crispy on the outside, tender and succulent otherwise. The mushrooms, however, were too thinly sliced and were not included generously enough to make a real difference in the dish. I would recommend to the chef to either go in the direction of a duxelle (a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, shallots and herbs cooked in butter until dry) to intensify the mushroom flavor, or a rustic approach approach, leaving the mushrooms in large pieces to emphasise their visual impact. The Maderia wine demi glace, which had no discernible Maderia flavor to it, needed some additional acid and salt to really brighten the flavors. The roasted asparagus added a very pleasant smokiness to the plate and the potatoes were fine, though baby carrots or maybe beets would have added needed color to a drab looking plate. With all this said, the dish was successful none the less. For dessert I went back to the appetizer menu for the American Artisan Cheese Plate served with roasted walnuts, toasted crustinis, apples and grapes (market price). The selection of cheeses was excellent; it ranged from a smooth and pungent soft cheese from Vermont to a bright, aggressive blue cheese from Wisconsin and four other selections in between. My only issue with the plate was that the cheeses were not presented in a tasting order so the Vermont cheese, which I tried first, overwhelmed my taste buds for the next offering.
These are some of the menu selections I am looking forward to trying in the future.
From the appetizer menu ($5 to $12):
What I have to go back to with this restaurant is the genuine feeling of being welcome. The bartenders (and the clientele) were open and inviting; asking me my name and introduced themselves and warmly including me in their conversations. Food is only one part of a dining experience, especially when traveling alone. When a restaurant is fortunate enough to have gracious servers who are attracting an unassuming and interesting clientele, a little faux pas with a dish here or there is immediately forgivable. I not only recommend Acacia for dinner but I recommend becoming a regular if your time allows.
Frederick, MD 21701
301-694-3015
Map
http://www.acacia129.com/index.php
Acacia is a gem of a restaurant in the historic village of Frederick, MD. With an unassuming storefront and sidewalk placard announcing the evening specials, Acacia is not a particular standout in the downtown. However, once inside that impression changes; you know this place is something special. With locals sitting at the bar indulging in a little harmless gossip or at tables talking about their day at the office, you know that this place is for real. It does not carry any of the pretencions "see-and-be-seen" baggage of some of their competitors in town. The atmosphere is very relaxed and open without feeling like a fishbowl.
A small oak bar and tables fill in the front room of the restaurant, more formal seating in the rear. The menu, which is described as the ubiquitous "New American" has a decidedly Asian tilt to it. I ordered the Firecracker Prawns to start ($7). A generous plate of medium sized shrimp were seared with enough chilies to leave a pleasant burn on my tongue for a few minutes. For my main course, and on the advice of the bartender, I ordered the Golden Veal Scaloppini with Cremini and Shitake Madeira Demi ($24) from the specials menu. The veal was perfectly cooked; a little crispy on the outside, tender and succulent otherwise. The mushrooms, however, were too thinly sliced and were not included generously enough to make a real difference in the dish. I would recommend to the chef to either go in the direction of a duxelle (a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, shallots and herbs cooked in butter until dry) to intensify the mushroom flavor, or a rustic approach approach, leaving the mushrooms in large pieces to emphasise their visual impact. The Maderia wine demi glace, which had no discernible Maderia flavor to it, needed some additional acid and salt to really brighten the flavors. The roasted asparagus added a very pleasant smokiness to the plate and the potatoes were fine, though baby carrots or maybe beets would have added needed color to a drab looking plate. With all this said, the dish was successful none the less. For dessert I went back to the appetizer menu for the American Artisan Cheese Plate served with roasted walnuts, toasted crustinis, apples and grapes (market price). The selection of cheeses was excellent; it ranged from a smooth and pungent soft cheese from Vermont to a bright, aggressive blue cheese from Wisconsin and four other selections in between. My only issue with the plate was that the cheeses were not presented in a tasting order so the Vermont cheese, which I tried first, overwhelmed my taste buds for the next offering.
These are some of the menu selections I am looking forward to trying in the future.
From the appetizer menu ($5 to $12):
- “Hereford” Beef Tenderloin Tartar
- Housemade Vegetarian Spring Rolls
- Ginger -Scallion Pork Dumplings.
Entree selections ($11 to $24):
- Rosemary Roasted New Zealand Saddle of Baby Lamb
- Herb Grilled Tender Veal Loin Chop
- Miso-Bronzed Alaskan Black Cod
Desserts ($6 or $7) Turkish Coffee Creme Brulee or Raspberry Flan Tart.
What I have to go back to with this restaurant is the genuine feeling of being welcome. The bartenders (and the clientele) were open and inviting; asking me my name and introduced themselves and warmly including me in their conversations. Food is only one part of a dining experience, especially when traveling alone. When a restaurant is fortunate enough to have gracious servers who are attracting an unassuming and interesting clientele, a little faux pas with a dish here or there is immediately forgivable. I not only recommend Acacia for dinner but I recommend becoming a regular if your time allows.
Isabella's Tavern & Tapas Bar
44 N. Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Telephone: 301-698-8922
Fax: 301-698-5496
Map
http://www.isabellas-tavern.com/
Highly Recommended
In the middle of downtown, historic Frederic, MD is Isabella's Tavern and Tapas Bar. If you are unfamiliar with Spanish Tapas you have something to look forward to. Tapas are essentially appetizer selections, served either hot or cold, typically with beer or Sangria. The word tapa means "lid" or "cover" in Spanish and there are some interesting theories on how the word was adopted to describe these small servings. My favorite is the idea that because tapas bars are so popular patrons would place their plates on top of their drinks (like lids) to accommodate others.
Isabella's is a great example of a Tapas Bar. Crowded and noisy it is a great place to go with friends after work or maybe on a first date. It is very informal and the extensive menu gives you a lot to talk about. Do not feel the need to order everything at once. You may order a beer and one or two selections and then switch to wine and enjoy a few more. Also, tapas is meant for sharing and at Isabella's the portions are generous so sharing is easy. I don't think you would need to order more than 3 or 4 tapas each. The variety of the selections is impressive. My first visit I had the Fritos de Datiles Y Chorizo (Crispy Bacon Wrapped Spanish Dates Stuffed with Chorizo on Mild Goat Cheese Cream), Ceviche (Citrus Marinated Seafood Salad) and Short Ribs. The first two tapa were wonderful! The combination of smokey savory bacon and rich, sweet dates was amazing. The ceviche of shrimp and scallops was tart and spicy without overwhelming the delicate seafood. The disappointing selection of the evening was the short ribs. The ribs reminded me more of thin, dry pork chops than the succulent short ribs I expected and were served with a thin and useless gravy. They were a major disappointment, especially since short ribs are one of my favorite foods. On my second visit I went with a large group of friends and had a chance to try a large number of items. The memory of the Chorizo a la Parrilla con Pure de Papa y Ajo (Grilled Wild Boar Chorizo on Garlic Mashed) leaves my mouth watering. They were rich and gamey with a spicy after note, topped with a perfect reduction sauce. The Gambas al Ajillo y Tomate (Tiger Prawns in a Tomato, Garlic, Herbs, Wine, Lemon Sauce) were perfectly cooked and the sauce was exactly what crusty bread was made for. The Esparragos Fritos con Salsa Alioli Tomate (Crispy Panko Crusted Asparagus "Fries" with Smoked Tomato Alioli) were served upright is a wine glass, with their bases tucked into the alioli. One of my favorites of the night were the Boquerones en Vinagre (Marinated Anchovies on Shaved Red Onions, Capers, Olive Oil and Fresh Parsley) though the capers had been replaced with large green olives and then the whole lot skewered. This tapa is one of the classic examples of how quality ingredients, creatively paired and presented can transcend the sum of the parts. The salty, sour, spicy combination made me very happy. For dessert I had the Flan de Asturias (Classic Spanish Custard Dessert with Caramel Sauce). This creamy, sweet custard with a slightly burnt (on purpose) caramel sauce was the perfect ending to the evening.
There were many other tapas being passed around that evening, paired with wine, beer and good conversation all orchestrated by helpful, informative servers. I cannot describe all of them but there was not a disappointing plate on the table.
Prices for tapas run from around 3 to 10 dollars and desserts were all around six bucks. From what I saw and ate it is all a bargain. Isabella's also has full entrees including selections of paella. Those will have to wait for another visit.
If you have never had tapas you owe it to yourself and Isabella's would be a great place to start. If you are a fan of tapas already you will not be disappointed. I look forward to my next visit; there are many, many other tapas I am looking forward to.
Frederick, MD 21701
Telephone: 301-698-8922
Fax: 301-698-5496
Map
http://www.isabellas-tavern.com/
Highly Recommended
In the middle of downtown, historic Frederic, MD is Isabella's Tavern and Tapas Bar. If you are unfamiliar with Spanish Tapas you have something to look forward to. Tapas are essentially appetizer selections, served either hot or cold, typically with beer or Sangria. The word tapa means "lid" or "cover" in Spanish and there are some interesting theories on how the word was adopted to describe these small servings. My favorite is the idea that because tapas bars are so popular patrons would place their plates on top of their drinks (like lids) to accommodate others.
Isabella's is a great example of a Tapas Bar. Crowded and noisy it is a great place to go with friends after work or maybe on a first date. It is very informal and the extensive menu gives you a lot to talk about. Do not feel the need to order everything at once. You may order a beer and one or two selections and then switch to wine and enjoy a few more. Also, tapas is meant for sharing and at Isabella's the portions are generous so sharing is easy. I don't think you would need to order more than 3 or 4 tapas each. The variety of the selections is impressive. My first visit I had the Fritos de Datiles Y Chorizo (Crispy Bacon Wrapped Spanish Dates Stuffed with Chorizo on Mild Goat Cheese Cream), Ceviche (Citrus Marinated Seafood Salad) and Short Ribs. The first two tapa were wonderful! The combination of smokey savory bacon and rich, sweet dates was amazing. The ceviche of shrimp and scallops was tart and spicy without overwhelming the delicate seafood. The disappointing selection of the evening was the short ribs. The ribs reminded me more of thin, dry pork chops than the succulent short ribs I expected and were served with a thin and useless gravy. They were a major disappointment, especially since short ribs are one of my favorite foods. On my second visit I went with a large group of friends and had a chance to try a large number of items. The memory of the Chorizo a la Parrilla con Pure de Papa y Ajo (Grilled Wild Boar Chorizo on Garlic Mashed) leaves my mouth watering. They were rich and gamey with a spicy after note, topped with a perfect reduction sauce. The Gambas al Ajillo y Tomate (Tiger Prawns in a Tomato, Garlic, Herbs, Wine, Lemon Sauce) were perfectly cooked and the sauce was exactly what crusty bread was made for. The Esparragos Fritos con Salsa Alioli Tomate (Crispy Panko Crusted Asparagus "Fries" with Smoked Tomato Alioli) were served upright is a wine glass, with their bases tucked into the alioli. One of my favorites of the night were the Boquerones en Vinagre (Marinated Anchovies on Shaved Red Onions, Capers, Olive Oil and Fresh Parsley) though the capers had been replaced with large green olives and then the whole lot skewered. This tapa is one of the classic examples of how quality ingredients, creatively paired and presented can transcend the sum of the parts. The salty, sour, spicy combination made me very happy. For dessert I had the Flan de Asturias (Classic Spanish Custard Dessert with Caramel Sauce). This creamy, sweet custard with a slightly burnt (on purpose) caramel sauce was the perfect ending to the evening.
There were many other tapas being passed around that evening, paired with wine, beer and good conversation all orchestrated by helpful, informative servers. I cannot describe all of them but there was not a disappointing plate on the table.
Prices for tapas run from around 3 to 10 dollars and desserts were all around six bucks. From what I saw and ate it is all a bargain. Isabella's also has full entrees including selections of paella. Those will have to wait for another visit.
If you have never had tapas you owe it to yourself and Isabella's would be a great place to start. If you are a fan of tapas already you will not be disappointed. I look forward to my next visit; there are many, many other tapas I am looking forward to.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room
101 N Market St,
Frederick, MD 21701
(240) 379-7772
Map
http://www.tastetr.com/
The Tasting Room stands out in down town Frederick. The restaurant occupies the corner of Church and Market streets with an imposing glass and metal facade that contrasts to the otherwise hisoric feel of the downtown area. The restaurant sits close to 100 (my best guess) at close set tables and at a large, albeit cramped, curved poured concrete bar. The dining room has an industrial decore, with high ceilings and exposed ductwork. The overall effect is upscale casual but the feels a bit sterile and the acoustics make the space quite loud.
The menu has changed since I ate there so I won't dwell on specific menu items. I have eaten dinner there several time, lunch once. Dinner was a much better experience. The lunch menu was clumsy and poorly represented by the server. Questions on the lunch menu were answered incorrectly leading to an overall poor experience. Dinner was quite a bit better (prices running from $19 to $36) and the service was fine. There were really no suprises here, which was disappointing. My biggest issue with the Tasting Room is that the place seems more focused on the ambience rather than the food or service. My impression is that it is a "see and be seen" destinatin, lacking soul. In contrast to many of the other restaurants in Frederick which are warm and inviting, with staff and clientel welcoming to travelers, the Tasting Room seems aloof and haughty. It may be a perfect location for a business lunch or a first date, the lack of warmth and charm was off putting to the lone traveler.
101 N Market St,
Frederick, MD 21701
(240) 379-7772
Map
http://www.tastetr.com/
The Tasting Room stands out in down town Frederick. The restaurant occupies the corner of Church and Market streets with an imposing glass and metal facade that contrasts to the otherwise hisoric feel of the downtown area. The restaurant sits close to 100 (my best guess) at close set tables and at a large, albeit cramped, curved poured concrete bar. The dining room has an industrial decore, with high ceilings and exposed ductwork. The overall effect is upscale casual but the feels a bit sterile and the acoustics make the space quite loud.
The menu has changed since I ate there so I won't dwell on specific menu items. I have eaten dinner there several time, lunch once. Dinner was a much better experience. The lunch menu was clumsy and poorly represented by the server. Questions on the lunch menu were answered incorrectly leading to an overall poor experience. Dinner was quite a bit better (prices running from $19 to $36) and the service was fine. There were really no suprises here, which was disappointing. My biggest issue with the Tasting Room is that the place seems more focused on the ambience rather than the food or service. My impression is that it is a "see and be seen" destinatin, lacking soul. In contrast to many of the other restaurants in Frederick which are warm and inviting, with staff and clientel welcoming to travelers, the Tasting Room seems aloof and haughty. It may be a perfect location for a business lunch or a first date, the lack of warmth and charm was off putting to the lone traveler.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
