What's the Buzz? | Eastern Shore June 2009
By Marie Thomas & Andrew Keatts
[Market House Gourmet Grocer still sells high-quality cheeses, wines, and baked goods, but now also provides full-service dining in its sleek new digs on Talbot St.]
Jim and Sidney Trond, owners of
Shore Restaurant & Lounge, located in Bob Pascal’s Harbour Inn, Marina & Spa in St Michaels, announced that the restaurant’s last day of operation was May 31. As of June 1, the space is now occupied by new owners Jim and Kathy DelVecchio, owners of the Kennersly Marina in Church Hill. The Tronds are co-owners of the popular catering company
Gourmet by the Bay, also located in St. Michaels. “We would like everyone to know how important their support has been to us over the years and how much we have enjoyed serving you. Gourmet by the Bay will remain in place right here in St. Michaels…we aren’t going anywhere!” says Sidney Trond.
The Del Vecchio’s new establishment
St. Somewhere has a Caribbean-style theme and serves up Eastern Shore favorites such as chicken Chesapeake, panko encrusted tuna steak, and lobster tail, in addition to some Italian favorites such as veal piccata and veal saltimbocca. They are open seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After the unexpected closing of longtime favorite
Town Dock Restaurant in St. Michaels, renowned chef/owner Michael Rork has begun work as executive chef at another Eastern Shore establishment,
Out of the Fire in Easton.
You might have noticed
Market House Gourmet Grocer’s recent move a few blocks down St. Michaels’ Talbot Street, assuming the space previously occupied by Taste. Taking advantage of its expanded elbow room, Market House unveiled its full reincarnation at the St. Michaels Food and Wine Festival. It’s now a 108-seat restaurant and bakery with a full liquor license and outdoor seating. “In this economy, an entrepreneur can still make the best of an opportunity,” owner Jennifer Bridges says.
The short-order food cart in front of
208 Talbot Restaurant & Wine Bar serves miniature crab cakes, lamb sausages, and authentic brauts, and there are plans to expand the menu in coming months. Co-owner Brian Fox says he and executive chef Brendan Keegan added the cart because of a perceived lack of options in St. Michaels for those who are short on time.
A new “destiny” has arrived in St. Michaels, occupying what was once Holy Mackerel.
Destiny, owned by Buddy Christopher of Trappe is named after his 10-year old daughter, who enjoys cooking and helped out at her father’s former restaurant, Old Salty’s, in Cambridge. Destiny is serving up traditional Eastern Shore fare and daily specials. “We have a little bit of everything, from seafood and crabs, to steaks, to chicken and dumplings and homemade pies,” says Christopher. Destiny is open Thursdays through Sundays, serving lunch and dinner.
Pickles Soup & Deli in Centreville recently welcomed its new owner, Jimmy Morris, Jr. Residents may have noticed the Pickle mascot waving at passing cars on Water Street, beckoning them to stop in and enjoy daily specials, triple-decker sandwiches, soups, salads, and more. “We are offering crab imperial for nine dollars, as well as delivery service,” says Morris.
El Torito Mexican Restaurant on Academy Street in downtown Cambridge has closed its doors.
Chef Ian Campbell of
Bistro Poplar in Cambridge has introduced a brand-new spring menu after a recent trip to France, during which he explored culinary possibilities. New menu items now include gnocchi Parisienne, roasted halibut with saffron butter sauce, sautéed sweetbreads, and more. Sunday evenings are Family Night, with three entrée options served family style. A Spanish Wine Pairing Dinner on June 18 features a five-course dinner for $100 per person, excluding taxes and gratuity.
The Scoop Station on Muir Street in Cambridge is back with live music and open-mic nights. Offerings include coffee, pastries, ice cream, smoothies, sandwiches, and other specialty items. There is plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors, with free wireless Internet access.
Bistro Poplar
El Torito Mexican Restaurant
Shore Restaurant & Lounge
Town Dock Restaurant
Market House Gourmet Grocer
St. Somewhere
Pickles Soup & Deli
Destiny
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