Buy Local, Buzz, and a disappointment

I attended a meeting Monday morning, held at Lenny’s (see below), to convene (loosely speaking) local independent businesses and “chains” that operate as independent businesses. There were representatives of many of the businesses around here you would know including a few restaurateurs (I was surprised there weren’t more – but they are a community unto themselves sometimes – with weird hours). It was chaired by a person from the Dept. of Economic & Community Development. Besides the actual business reps there were a few of the commissioners, an ex-commissioner, and a wanna be commissioner, and yet more people from a “community” aspect. We were told there were around 125 people present.


The point of all this was how to promote with the general public the notion that “buy local” doesn’t always mean just produce and foods, but extends to goods and services, stuff we need and use every day. Although it was mentioned, I don’t think they are taking an “us versus them” stand with the big box stores with hyphens in their name, but rather to raise the notion that there is much more to offer in a local store run by a local real person. We’ll have to keep track of their efforts. Their goal is worthy.


Of particular interest to the Feeder was the announcement that plans are proceeding to have a “Restaurant Week” here in St. Mary’s county. There are a lot of RW’s around, and I think maybe even DC’s is this week (in the dark period for most restaurants). Most of the time they revolve around a reasonably priced prix fixe menu. Plans are of course preliminary for the local area, but they mentioned that there might be like a special dish created for the occasion, with part of the proceeds going to a local charity, like the soup kitchens. Time table was loosely defined as “spring” maybe in the early part of May. I am not aware of any history of such a week around here, I think it’s a great idea to promote our wide array of our (independent) fine dining, casual, waterfront, and marina places to get (local) food in St. Mary’s County.


The meeting was held in the “annex” of Lenny’s the newly constructed “special event” room for want of a better term. I had not been inside of Lenny’s since they did their makeover. I have to admit that the interior belies the plain exterior. It’s done fairly tastefully. Although I have had some reports on either side, I have not personally experienced the food, so we’ll hold off on that.

Buzz…

The Feeder is finding out that although he attempts to be up on the “dining scene”, he sometimes is completely behind the 8 ball.

Stuff I (think I) have missed:

Red White and Blue in Prince Frederick is now catering only

Vincenzo’s has closed, and something else is going in there. Wonder if they’ll need paper squares.

The “Tea Room” on the square in Leonardtown has closed.

The “Tea Room and Antique Center” is changing hands and will be associated with the “winery” down at Macintosh Run

And lastly and sadly,Corbles has shuttered. It’s a tough economy and to see a place that cooks from scratch with local ingredients succumb is disappointing. Meanwhile I’m sure there will be lines at the OG.

one less place to
DFD