A culinary compendium of restaurant, food, and beverage news and trends from the Chesapeake region
Around Anne Arundel
We love a good giving-back story, and Killarney House Irish Pub has just that. In celebration of the restaurant’s 20th anniversary in September, Killarney House raised nearly $8,000 for local charities through fundraising dinners that featured special three-course menus. To show his appreciation for two decades in business, Michael Galway, co-owner of The Irish Restaurant Company, which owns Killarney House, committed to matching customer donations. The money will go to seven local charities: Rebuilding Together Anne Arundel County, Anne Arundel County First Responders, Makins Cards for Our Troops, Londontowne Symphony Orchestra, Lace ‘Em Up for Libby, Navy SEAL Foundation, and EMBOLC. 584 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville | killarneyhousepub.com
Speaking of giving back, two charities were recently honored with the Food for Good Award from the International Foodservice Editorial Council (IFEC), which held its annual meeting at the Graduate hotel in Annapolis in late October. The yearly award is given to local food-related charities in the host city, and this year’s recipients were Feeding Anne Arundel and the Lighthouse Bistro. IFEC, which consists of media professionals in the foodservice industry, such as the editors of publications like Nation’s Restaurant News, the National Culinary Review, FSR, Foodservice Director, and Food Management, also invited local restaurants/chefs, including Miss Shirley’s, Annapolis Yacht Club, Titan Hospitality Group, AACC’s HCAT program, and more, to participate in its opening reception, Chef Showcase.
Eastern Shore News to Know
It’s the end of the year, which we always hope will bring good tidings. Just over the Bay Bridge, though, there’s sad news: After three decades, Annie’s Paramount Steak & Seafood House is closing on December 24 due to non-renewal of its building’s lease. “We want to say thank you to ALL patrons over the past 30 years,” Mike and Helen Katinas shared on the restaurant’s Facebook page. “Please continue to visit us as our staff will work diligently to our last day.” There’s no doubt that Annie’s will be missed.
Once you’ve dried your eyes, let’s turn our attention to something good farther down the Shore. St. Michaels has a new hotel, The Wildset, and with it, a new restaurant, Ruse. The new space focuses on seasonal American cuisine that changes regularly to focus on fresh ingredients. The kitchen is headed by Chef Michael Correll, who previously was the Chef de Cuisine at Baltimore’s Tagliata. The restaurant’s name refers to St. Michael’s role in the War of 1812, when locals duped the British into aiming their cannons in the wrong place by hiding lanterns in the trees outside of town. 209 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels | ruserestaurant.com
Maryland Report
There’s always something interesting going on at Flying Dog Brewery up in Frederick, and this month is no exception. They recently released Triple Dog Triple IPA, described as, “an all-new epic beast with a so-big-you’ll-need-to-clear-your-calendar-that-night-high ABV to match.” They’re not exaggerating—the beer clocks in at around 18 percent ABV.
Flying Dog also collab’d with University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to create Field Notes Pale Ale (with a notably lower ABV at 5.6 percent). The UMD and Flying Dog partnership began in 2015. The goal of the study was to gather research and lay the groundwork for a commercially viable hop producing industry in Maryland that mirrors the success of hop growing ventures in the Pacific Northwest. Find both of these beers in a store near you by using flyingdog.com/beer-finder.
If anyone needs a new dream job, here’s one to aspire to: McCormick & Co (based in Baltimore) recently hired a Director of Taco Relations. Sadly, they didn’t pick a Marylander for the position, instead hiring Jo Luna of El Paso, Texas—but you never know when this position might someday be filled from its home state! Luna will work with McCormick’s brand team to develop new recipes with the company’s seasoning mix during her part-time, four-month stint.
Under the Tree: 2021 Boozy Gift Guide
Still struggling with a last-minute gift for someone in your life? If they’re the type to enjoy an evening tipple or two, here are a few ideas:
Shots Box: This gift is just right for someone who loves to try different brands to find their new favorites. Shots Box curates five to 10 miniature bottles in a category of your choice (ranging from gin to holiday-inspired to whiskey), all wrapped up in a pretty package. They also offer a Whiskey Club subscription service, which can be purchased as a month-to-month, six-month, or annual membership. shotsbox.com
Wine Insiders: If your loved one is more likely to love wine than liquor, take a look at the Wine Insiders Club, which ships 12 bottles (red, white or mixed) every three months. If you don’t want to commit to a lengthy subscription, Wine Insiders also sells gift sets from a variety of regions and vintners and at various price points. winesinsiders.com
Maryland Wineries Association: Rather go local? We’re in favor of that. The Maryland Wineries Association offers its own wine club. Choose from red or white, and they’ll ship three Maryland wines that illustrate the diversity of grape varieties and wine styles, direct to their door. marylandwine.com/club
Have culinary news to share?
Send an email to Kelsey Casselbury at kcasselbury@whatsupmag.com.
