Sometimes the feeder gets interesting opportunities through his ramblings and rants. Last week MFO and I were invited to a little dinner over at the Hilton Garden Inn that was being held for some people from the Mason Dixon Outdoor Writers Association. I never cease to be amazed at what’s “out there”. People devoting time and energy to pursuits that you never even know exist. I of course had no idea there was an “association” such as that and had no clue what they do. But, since food was involved we happily accepted.
Turns out that the Association will be having their annual conference at the Inn next spring, and this was sort of a fact finding trip. Alex Zidock (president of the MDOWA) and his wife were there (along with a videographer). Besides being president of the MDOWA, Alex has a TV show that airs on local cable outlets called Out in the Open. The other couple was Curt Bobzin and wife, he’s a member and also managing editor of the “New Jersey Angler” magazine. New horizons all around! You just never know….
Anyway, besides seeing the local sights, that particular day was spent fishing. The idea was that the evening’s meal would be specially prepared with whatever came up on the end of their fishing lines. Fortunately for us, it was more than bait, as they got several Bluefish (no Rocks). Folks around here (and maybe New Jersey) will know that Bluefish is not the most appetizing of things that comes out of the bay. Smoked is good (and great for dips), fried is okay, but they innately are a rather oily, “fishy” species. A good challenge for the chef. So I was eager to see what the kitchen would produce.
We were all seated at a long table in the “restaurant” portion of the lobby, a light, airy space with a bar in front of the sort of open kitchen. The lobby area of the Inn is a rather pleasant place with warm tones and plenty of light. When we sat down, there was a large salad bowl in the middle of the table with colorful red onions, yellow squash, and red tomatoes, and nice green greens (is that an okay phrase?) a nice presentation. We did a little “go around the table” for introductions, and after hearing “president”, and “managing editor" I mumbled something about being a food blogger and I could see their mental eyes rolling back in their heads. After we dispatched the salad, the Chef came out and explained that the next dish was a soup containing with chunks of bluefish, local vegetables, and a dollop of green tomato puree. It was served in those large shallow soup bowls, so attention to the “slop factor” was appreciated. The soup had a fairly nice “kick” to it, being a red based soup rather than cream, and it was a nice foil for the chunks of fish. The main course (it was explained) was “stuffed bluefish” which turned out to be a “ring” of filets woven to form sort of a cup into which crabmeat was “stuffed”. All this was perched atop a round of rice pilaf, and sided by sautéed vegetables and a little ear of corn. It made a pretty presentation, although the corn was a bit worse for wear. The rice was nicely done, not blown out as you get lots of places, and the veggies were tasty. The kitchen did manage to avoid the oily fishy flavors. Maybe because Chef Shamal grew up “just down the road” from the current location of the Hilton. He and the evening were fun. Perhaps the most appreciated course (by me) was dessert which was a flute of (maybe) sorbet with lemon drizzles. Just the ticket for such a steamy day. Fortunately the bluefish requirement didn’t extend to the dessert!
It’s always fun to meet different people, learn about what they do and marvel at what people come up with to occupy their lives. People are so fun to get to know. Appreciate them, never judge..We’re planning on going back to the Inn for their brunch sometime and see what Chef Shamal does for that…
And of course we’ll be
DFB
Speaking of water associated things, sometimes “boating” isn’t all that fun..
To Do:
Sorry for doing what I accuse the enterprise of doing, but tonight there is an interesting sounding concert over at the Calvert Marine Museum, a “finger style” acoustic guitar performance by Mac Walter and John Cronin. Starts at 7 and there is a $5 “donation”. Currently the flutters are planning on attending..
And, somewhat in the same vein (vain? vane?) this weekend is the famous bluegrass weekend, dubbed “Li’l Margaret’s Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival” held at the Goddard Family Farm over near Leonardtown. They say that this is the 22nd one!! Lots of acts, tickets are 25 bucks today and 30 tomorrow. Although I like (at least old timey) bluegrass, two full days is a bit more than I would appreciate. But, in case you want to know and go…
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