Mamma Roma in Odenton was recently ranked among Maryland’s best pizzerias.
Restaurant news and culinary trends throughout the Chesapeake Bay region
We have many reasons to celebrate this month, with new dining destinations as well as an award given to one that we already love. We also have food-related events, some of which benefit community organizations. And, we make a toast with the espresso martini—our new fave cocktail!
On the Dining Scene...
Mamma Roma in Odenton was recently ranked among Maryland’s best pizzerias. According to the Washington Post, Mamma Roma has the state’s second-best New York-style pizza. This list was announced on August 31st and described Mamma Roma’s pizza as having a “delectable charred but fluffy crust” and having “unique red sauces loaded [with] large slices of freshly sliced pepperoni—cheesy, melty, classic pizza.” Check out the pizza for yourself! What do you think?
A new bakery opened in Edgewater in September. Crave Bakery & Café opened in the Mayo Center. Owner Kevin Devine is using his great-grandfather’s Pennsylvania Dutch baking recipes from the 1930s to bring breads, sweet treats, prepared foods, and more to Edgewater. In 2021, readers of What’s Up? Annapolis named Devine the Best Chef. Find more information on their website at cravecateringco.com.
Anne Arundel County’s Food Bank launched a new mobile bus food bank on September 18th. The bus is stocked with about 3,000 pounds of fresh produce, lean meats, and refrigerated, frozen and shelf-stable food items. The bus is equipped to serve around 100 households. Leah Paley, the CEO of the food bank, is still working out a plan for the mobile food bank. Currently, it is set to hit South County once a month and Brooklyn Park in the Northern part of the county once a week. The food bank is looking for volunteers to help drive the bus! Visit aafoodbank.org.
KOHO Korean BBQ House officially opened at Live Casino & Hotel on August 17th. This is the first Korean BBQ restaurant in Anne Arundel County. Korean BBQ features a wide variety of traditional Korean-inspired dishes, highest quality barbecue meats, traditional entrees, side dishes, desserts, and a full bar. Find more information at maryland.livecasinohotel.com.
Sadly, Broadneck Grill in Edgewater permanently closed on September 30th. There will be new plans for the space as a farm-to-table restaurant. Broadneck Grill remains open as the other location in Cape St. Claire. Find more information and a Cape St. Claire menu at broadneckgrill.com.
Money was raised for Haven Ministries at the 6th Annual Beef, Bonfire, and Cigars signature event that took place November 4th at Kent Island Resort in Stevensville.
Eat Around Town...
Guests picked their favorite chili at the Stars, Stripes and Chow Chili Cookoff at Camden Yards in Baltimore that took place Saturday, November 4th. This family-friendly cook-off is a fundraiser to support homeless veterans. One hundred percent of the proceeds will support veterans in The Baltimore Station program. Guests voted for their favorite chili and the best themed booth, enjoyed music from Soundcheck Rock Academy, and so much more. Find more information at fundraise.givesmart.com.
Money was raised for Haven Ministries at the 6th Annual Beef, Bonfire, and Cigars signature event that took place November 4th at Kent Island Resort in Stevensville. The evening included live grilling, outdoor fires, hand rolled cigars, music, and a cocktail hour. Find more information at event.auctria.com.
Miss Shirley’s in Annapolis recently hosted a Dining Etiquette Instruction and Brunch on November 4th. This event prepares your children for respectfully going out to dinner with mom and dad by sending them The International School of Protocol. Children will learn “how to eat, greet & not gross anyone out” by eating with a spoon in a bowl, with a fork and knife, and more. There were multiple classes offered for ages 7 to 10 years old and ages 11 to 15. Find more information at merchandise.missshirleys.com.
The Queen Anne’s County Brewer’s Coalition is teaming up for the localist beer festival on November 19th: Backyard Brews Benefits 2. Enjoy food, music, and plenty of beer from breweries like Big Truck, Bull & Goat, Cult Classic, Patriot Acres, and Ten Eyck at Kent Island Resort in Stevensville. Food trucks from Queen Anne’s County will be there, as well as a cornhole tournament, all to benefit QAC Charities. Find a full list of charities and more information at visitqueenannes.com/event/backyard-brews-with-benefits-2.
Drink Up...
To get through the workday, many people turn to coffee, espresso, or whatever form of caffeine they can get. On the weekends, restaurants have been spicing up the caffeine intake by adding vodka and perfecting the espresso martini. The best of both worlds, right? Bartenders all over have their own takes on the cocktail that quickly moved up the ranks. What is your favorite rendition? Here are two takes that we enjoy:
Classic Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vodka
- 1/2 ounce Coffee Liqueur
- 1 ounce Espresso
- 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
- Garnish: Three Coffee Beans
Instructions
Brew the coffee and let it cool completely. Add ice to a cocktail shaker then add the cooled coffee, simple syrup, coffee liqueur, and vodka. Shake very hard so the foam is formed, then strain it quickly into a martini glass. Top with coffee beans, serve.
Photo and recipe courtesy of preppykitchen.com
Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces Ketel One Oranje Vodka
- 1/2 ounce Dark Crème de Cacao Liqueur
- 1/2 ounce Galliano Espresso Coffee Liqueur
- 1 ounce Espresso Coffee
- 2 drops Saline Solution
Instructions
Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with quarter orange wheel, or float dehydrated orange wheel slice.
Recipe courtesy of diffordguide.com
Starliner Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Café Patron XO Tequila
- 1 ounce Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur
- 2 ounces Fresh Espresso Shot
- 1/2 ounce Giffard Vanilla Syrup
Instructions
Mix all ingredients into a shaker and double strain into a martini glass. Decorate with dark chocolate shavings for garnish.
Photo and recipe courtesy of vipbottles.co.uk
