Steely Dan Dining..

Reelin’ in the years, stowin’ away the time…

When I first came to St. Mary’s County in the early and mid ‘08’s, one of the rewards of a rigorous week of flutter testing was to treat myself to dinner at the Dry Dock. At that time, it was a small place above the old marina offices, and had maybe 8 tables and perhaps 10 seats at the bar. The kitchen was about the size of a closet. Despite the limitations of space, they turned out very respectable food, and provided great companionship. The staff was efficient, friendly, knew what service meant (no Hi's to be found), and mixed a great dry Manhattan, on the rocks, with a twist. Initially, after they migrated across the parking lot to the new, larger location, nothing was lost. Good food, a lovely venue, a great view, some of the best food service in the county, and a nice bunch of “regulars”.

Well, nothing remains the same. Changes in personnel, menu and pricing, as well as management over the last couple of years or so removed the face of one of my favorite spots. And, I guess due to the changes in the economy (I’ve commented on this before) they have decided that their future lies with “nights”. I believe these were introduced last year, and it will apparently continue this, with meat loaf, steak, and lobster nights where you can get an entrée for 20 bucks. I know that people have to exist, but why depend on specials, and inducements rather than solid entrees at a reasonable price. Can’t they rely on the skills of their kitchen? So, given the changes in focus, we have gravitated from “regulars” to “irregulars”.

We revisited the Dry Dock last night to view the annual boat parade (reduced to about 4 vessels by the miserable weather). We were told that today’s menu was a debut, but they were out of a couple of items (excuse me, a new menu with shortages?). The first thing that struck me was that unlike the previous menu, there was nothing over 30 bucks with the most expensive being Surf and Turf (filet mignon and crab cake) at $29.95. Generally the theme was the same, seafood, chicken, and beef, but all below 30 bucks. Good for them. They also feature “small plates” with some interesting offerings such as Butternut Squash Ravioli with Mascarpone, Sage Brown Butter, and grated Amaretti. I also noted that there is a Charcuterie Plate which I had my eye on for a future visit. The chef is new (to us) and did come out a couple of times to check on things. We had no complaints on the food – I had the surf and turf (filet with small crab cake), and MFO had an off the menu (substitute for the removed items) of a lobster and shrimp pot pie, which she enjoyed, as did another diner who had the Salmon. I thought 9 dollars for a cocktail was a bit overpriced (7 during happy hour <6:30), but wines by the glass are reasonable.

Of course being in the company of good friends is always enjoyable regardless of the food, and so really enjoyed the evening. I was sorry to see that (while we were there) none of the tables turned, and the bar remained empty. Perhaps a later crowd came in. I hope so. With my sentimental ties to the place I would like to see them succeed. It is such a lovely venue that it deserves to regain it’s place as a premier dining spot. Just don’t ask me to be there for meat loaf night (yes, I am a snob). Be a fine dining place or be a diner, take your pick.

You go back, Jack, do it again….

We began the weekend by attending this year’s premier edition of the annual Madrigal Dinners at Historic St. Mary’s City. My gosh, you have to do this at least once. The setting in the State House accented with lovely natural decorations supplied by the Margaret Brent Garden Club is just wonderful. Every year it’s different, with not a poinsettia to be seen. The dinner is “family style” with “wenches” bringing platters of rockfish, fried oysters, and this year pork roast to the tables. Wines are plentiful and recharged as necessary, which is required since the cry of “all Hail, wassail!” requires you to respond and raise your glass. Throughout the evening, an emissary of Lord Baltimore (Aaron Meissinger) is engaged with “Mistress Mary” (I think Aaron’s wife) with lively dialog. They’re just great. And then on top of all this there’s the holiday choral music provided by St. Maries Musica. A really enchanting evening that is not to be missed. The price is quite reasonable, although this year’s series may be sold out, but you could check on cancelations. It takes you away from now and puts you in another place for a while..

And while the wheels turnin’ round and round, you can

DFD