Ashling Kitchen & Bar | 1286 Route 3 South, Suite 3, Crofton 443-332-6100 | ashlingco.com
There is a very interesting back story to a new Crofton dining spot, so named after a Gaelic dream or vision—Ashling. What a charming concept for a restaurant that grew out of co-owner Elise’s experiences as a production tour manager and, later, at Baltimore’s Lyric Theater, where she was called upon to “elevate the backstage experience” for performing artists. Experiences that she notes on Ashling’s website taught her “the value of creating community and a sense of home around a good meal and a stiff drink, wherever you are.”
This well-received, almost year-old neighborhood eatery, is a fitting brick-and-mortar complement to Elise and her business partner Saeed’s successful Ashling Market and Catering. (Check out their client list, which includes notables like John Mayer, Cardi B, and many more celebs.) The restaurant employs 50 people and the catering business employs 30, according to Saeed as he says, “I’m proud to bring that to Anne Arundel County.”
The airy new spot is hip yet welcoming—think au courant black steel and club-y feel and a super-friendly, gracious staff. The eye-catching large, glass-paneled, black iron-framed doors and walls and muted tones lend a modern ambiance. Tufted banquets border one wall while individual wooden-topped tables nestle in the remainder of the dining room. The open black industrial ceiling makes the rather small room feel open while the naked light bulb fixtures add the bling. The back room for meetings or separate parties is visible through large glass paned doors and still has the fireplace from the former occupant, Christopher’s restaurant. Although perhaps comical to comment on the restrooms, we will: proof positive of owner Elise’s music background with colorful concert posters, electric pink walls, black tile with hot pink grout, and floor tile in dark silver grey with a classy trough sink. Plus, guitar shaped hooks on the door. It’s definitely had “design” attention, unlike so many restaurant restrooms.
We chose to sit in the dining room, where happy hour drink prices still apply. To start with beverages, we looked over the short and thoughtful wine list but skipped right to the house wines ($6 with $2 off during happy hour) because of the surprise inclusion of Prosecco, along with simply “red” and “white.” We meant, but forgot, to ask about styles and vintners for the house list. I stuck with seltzer this eve, but my dining companion chose “market” Prosecco, an incredibly reasonable $4 (usually $6). The Prosecco was just right with our small plates. A full page of specially-handcrafted cocktails has been created for the restaurant, which was divided into categories of Ashling specialties, fruit varieties, spiced libations, and flower cocktails. An immense selection of bourbons, rye, and Japanese and Irish whiskeys is offered, but are not mentioned on the website—so check them out in person.
First time diners at a new restaurant often pose a challenge to the waitstaff with many questions. These folks were ready! Our waitperson, Kayla, was charmingly gracious and quick to offer check-ins with the chef on anything she didn’t know. Her tip that Happy Hour prices still covered drinks in the restaurant, even though the special food prices are limited to the bar, was much appreciated. The innovative cuisine touches on a French-Canadian specialty, a few nods to Irish dishes, some French accents like mashed potatoes mousseline from Chef Ahmed Koroma—who has had French cooking in his background—and, of course, our Americana comfort foods.
There are several categories of food to choose from, depending on your taste and appetite: options for everyone included a few soups, Irish Chili, salads, classic sandwiches (not to be overlooked is the Guinness-braised corn beef Rueben), burgers, and a vegan burger. There is a dedicated section to the French-Canadian dish, Poutine, which is based on a large base of fries (in this case, curly fries) topped with cheese curds and brown gravy. Literally, it has been described as “une maudite poutine” (a dreadful mess)…but is delicious! The Main Course menu, from which we chose our entrees, features restaurant highlights along with separate sauces to design your own dish.
Many people dine on small plates but we decided to treat them as appetizers before our entrees. The Avocado Eggroll caught our eye, as did the Irish Chili. However, first up for us was a not-so-small plate of Ahi Tuna Tacos. Three flour tortillas coddled thick slices of tuna, blanketed with a jicama and Asian slaw, diced tomatoes, cotija cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of sriracha aioli. We also shared Nana’s Fried Green Tomato, a generous five slices lightly coated and dressed with tasty pimento on a bed of arugula. My friend stated it was practically worth coming back just for that.
We asked about Ashling’s bread rolls that other reviewers have touted. Now served with an herb butter rather than honey butter, we enjoyed the sweet-ish puffs.
I had my eye on the Trout Amandine as an entrée as it is not frequently offered. This Alaskan butterflied filet is dusted with a highly-spiced flour seasoning and pan fried. Caper brown butter sauce is drizzled over, along with a scattering of slivered almonds. Kayla asked how we were enjoying our entrees and I had to admit I found the trout on the salty side. The manager went out of her way to have another trout prepared with a new and gentler dusting of flour. Merci beaucoup!
My dining companion chose the Retro-Shepherd’s Pie and it did not disappoint. Don’t let anyone tell you the portions here are small. This is served in a cute rectangular cast iron pan, with a generous lamb and beef ragout, vegetable medley, and nice gravy, all topped with a king-size portion of very good mousseline potatoes. The dish comes with a market salad, but my friend swapped that (and paid extra) for the Wedge Salad. It’s absolutely colossal! With excellent blue cheese dressing (a rare treat), bacon slices, and a colorful “skirt” of sweet baby tomatoes.
The house made desserts included some traditional choices:New York cheesecake, key lime pie, and chocolate cake, along with a couple more interesting options, such as the banana white chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce. We’ll save that for next time.
Ashling offers weekend brunch with a big menu for both the breakfast and lunch mood, daily deals to draw people in, and special happenings, such as wine dinners and holiday events.