We began with a quick look see at the first day open of The Willows. They had opened at 5 (according to the Bud Light sign) and we arrived shortly after 6 with another assurance that they were open. Gotta love Southern Maryland.
MFO stayed in the MOMSTER and I poked my head inside. Readers should remember I have not been in the establishment for a number of years, so was working on rusty memories. There was still the “ante room” into which you entered and then passed into the interior. There was a whiteboard just inside the door with food listed, but I didn’t pause to absorb it. In the main space, two things immediately struck me: 1) there were no discernable (rusty memory) structural changes, apparent; and 2) it was very much lighter than rusty memories of dark paneling. The bar seemed less prominent than I remembered (probably erroneously) and the walls were transformed from dark paneling by a coat of almost white paint. The only other change that registered was the lack of cigarette smoke.
Upon sticking my head inside the door I was immediately noticed and accosted by an eager young lady asking if I wanted to sit. Well, no, I was looking for a friend that I might meet (a well meaning fabrication) and said I’d be back in a bit. A cheery “Okay, we’ll be here”. So no pre-judgments, but also no major changes. I did get one little report – read on. So we’ll see how things go. Will let them get a bit over their infancy before the Feeder returns.
After that, we found a docking space for the MOMSTER in one of the upper lots in Leonardtown, and then proceeded with the normal First Friday ritual. Upon opening the car doors we were greeted with sounds of jazz coming from the square. They were provided by the Yeh Jazz Trio. Very astute or musically alert readers will recall I have previously reported on Jonah Yeh, a (excuse the use of the term) child prodigy on the piano who is being mentored by Brian Ganz on the classical side of things. I believe the Jazz trio is composed of a (ha ha) band of brothers. They sounded quite accomplished, but we didn’t tarry to listen although you could hear them from almost anywhere. They were very tight. Worth a visit sometime.
Step one.
We began by going to the North End Gallery to see the current exhibit of “Dog Days”. Being sort of pooch friendly we expected a display of canine art. And, in fact there were a couple of pieces of the little creatures but mostly not. After more conversation and a glass of wine (or so) we decided that “Dog Days” referred more to the season than any animals. We also ran into a loyal reader who had in fact been in the Willows when I darted in and out who said they had some wings which were not spicy enough for them, but not overly sweet. They added the restaurant did have (expected) opening troubles (glassware, etc.), but no judgments after an hour of openness. Anyway, you see all the usual friends at the gallery, sip the wine, munch some goodies, wander around and look at the art and generally have a good time.
Steps two and three.
From there, we crossed the street and went into Quality Street where they were doing their usual wine tasting, always another popular activity. In their publicity they said they were doing wines for summer (Dog Days) that went with lime. Hmmm…. We didn’t taste. I did admire a All-Clad roasting pan which could have been mine for one half of a large. Then up the street to Joe’s Fenwick Used Books, poked our head in and said Hi to the friendly proprietor.
Final Steps.
We then went up to the bustling corner of the hub of the city, Café Des Artistes, which had a brisk outdoor dining crowd listening to the music. Of course you have to stop and chat with friends, meet new ones, a real café scene. But we were meeting friends for dinner inside and disappeared through the front doors. They had reserved a table by the (shaded) windows so we could observe the goings on outside from the air conditioned inside.
There was live keyboard music but our location was buffered enough to make it pleasant. Despite the busy restaurant we were served pretty quickly (maybe it helps to be known) and soon settled in with a welcome glass of wine. The (specials on the) menu of the evening reflected the “Dog Days” theme as it contained bbq ribs, an orange roughy for a lighter selection, and then the ever creative Chef Loic, I suppose in honor of today’s “Running of the Balls” had added “Mountain Tendergroins” with a parenthetical “AKA rocky mountain oysters”. I think most people who have followed me in print through the food world should know what those are. And, loyal readers I should confess I have never had that dish. But, eventually that was to change! MFO decided to just have a dinner salad composed of Avocado and crab, our friends ordered the Orange Roughy, the Ribs, and the house salad and onion soup. I went for the Caesar Salad and my special “School of Anchovies” and the Orange Roughy. So we sat and watched the outdoor scene, the people inside had good conversations until the first courses arrived which were all fine, as were the entrée’s. The Orange Roughy had a nice panko breading so was crispy and protected the fish inside which was moist and tasty. The always popular mashed potatoes which are executed wonderfully here regardless of season were on the side. A nice little buerre blanc provided a cushion for the fish.
But, the best was yet to come. While we were ordering dessert the lovely hostess and wife of Loic stopped by the table, asked about our dinner and chided me for avoiding the “tendergroins”. Yes, I said, I just have not ever brought myself to try them, although I do like sweetbreads. A bit more kidding of the bottom feeder, and off she went. As we were waiting for our desserts, a server appeared unexpectedly at the table with a small dish of what first appeared to be another Orange Roughy, a small encrusted piece of somthing. She said the kitchen had sent this out, with compliments of the Chef. And then it dawned on me. OMG it’s “those”! Well, what’s a foodie to do when challenged in public but man it out and we cut it into fours, offered it to the table and it was returned to the feeder still cut in fours. I am happy to report that I can now say I’ve had “rocky mountain oysters”. And speaking of oysters, I applied kind of the same technique as those confronted with their first one. Don’t think, just eat. Surprisingly, the taste was buttery (don’t start thinking here) and remindful of sweetbreads and admittedly the crust helped. I am not sure I would order them again (real soon), but it was a good experience. And lots of fun.
Chef stopped by the table to ensure I had consumed them and walked away satisfied with that little grin. Meanwhile, the son of Jeffrey Silberschlag (along with impeccably dressed Dad) appeared and Zach with trumpet joined the keyboard person and played some very nice music reminiscent of Miles Davis. Then eventually one of the Pax Rats (the local middle aged band) came in and did some vocals. Great stuff.
By the way, desserts were great. Limoncello, ice cream and chocolate sauce, and a little key lime tart.
So off we went after an evening of restaurant preview, friends, art, music, wine, good food (along with an unexpected experience) all in our little town of Leonardtown, a “most convenient place”. As the weather cools, First Fridays becomes even more attractive.
And, for the most part people were generally
DFD
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