1637??
Well, as alert readers know I fancy myself as relatively knowledgeable
on our County’s history, but I got a good lesson last Friday. As you might remember, I wondered aloud why
the “new” Bollywood "Pine Sine" has 1637 attached to their new tap room. Well, I found out! On the way to a pre-cataract doctor appointment (another story), I dropped off the HSMC BeerFest
food vendor forms at (the new location of) Bollywood. Their food is always a big hit at BF. Anyway, I asked if the envelope could be
passed to Sunny, and it turns out he was there!
After a hello, he said: “So you want to know why we used 1637 on our
sign?” I was pleasantly taken aback, and pleased to hear he always reads my
blog, hence the question. Also taken aback some when he explained that
he appreciated the fact that Lenny’s was a large part of our county’s history,
and wanted to keep that link. And, since
his establishment was in St. Mary’s County he wished to maintain the connection. So, he reminded me, although St. Mary’s CITY
was founded in 1634, St. Mary’s COUNTY was established in 1637! Which translated
to the sign. He hopes to put some
historical pictures around and will consult MFO. Anyway, a great guy, and nice to see he’s so conscious
and respectful of our history. Plus,
they supply very nice Indian food to our community!
Zeeking Zee Best
Nice segue to food, eh?
Although my fellow traveler on the road to finding “Just Right” places
has expanded his business base to include Florida, we still get together once
in a while to explore candidates for the list.
Those who drive up and down on Rte. 235 may have noticed the little blue
and white place on the western side of the highway by Laurel Grove Park. I don’t know its complete history, but it has
had a few occupants from liquor store (I think) to fine dining (didn’t last
long) and is now the (legible sign on right)
We met there last Wednesday for a lunch and an evaluation. It is very close, but I’m afraid I can’t
quite add it to the list. It just doesn’t
have the longevity which I think is an important criteria. IF there were a “nice (independent) place to
get a good solid lunch without frills” list, it could go on that. The interior seems freshly painted in bright cheery
colors (not quite a criteria)
It is clean, and the service is
efficient. We didn’t get the “Hi I’m….
of you” speech, but during our session we were variously referred to as: “gentlemen, dear,
and honey (or maybe it was sweet heart)).
She was friendly and maybe a third of my age, if that. The place was eventually pretty much full, with
some carry outs going out the door as well.
So the “nice place” tag seems to be true.
Okay, as to the mechanics:
Plastic laminated menu?
Check
Right stuff on there? Burgers and Subs; Reuben’s; grilled
cheese (with bacon); open faced hot sandwiches; Chef Salad; check.
For me a negative was the lack of a tuna melt or a hot ham and cheese sandwich (which did appear as a sub…negative, too much bread). Plus some interesting additions such as a
Bison Burger (maybe from nearby Summerseat!).
Anyway, I ordered the Patty Melt and my companion got the Bison Burger,
and he added the optional Hand Cut fries ($2.99!) but I kept the home made chips which came with it.
Red plastic basket? Check!
Plenty of
condiments? Check!
why is Ketchup always "Fancy"??
Good Food? (bison burger pictured above: “very good!”), the fries were nicely done..
As for the patty melt… good with minor reservations:
Sources are divided on whether a “classic” patty melt
should contain Swiss or American cheese. This version was Swiss (personally I would prefer
the cheddar), but the caramelized onions were very good, sweet and smoky, and
the rye (although marbled) was fresh and nicely crunchy. To be very picky, the ratio of meat
thickness to bread thickness was pretty high.
But, all in all a very tasty sandwich.
Bud Light pared well!
Service remained attentive and friendly (see names) despite she being
the only one in a lunch rush. My total bill: $10.12. Good value…Upon leaving there was an encouraging sign
of attention to food out back, although I don’t know how much they actually get used.
So although they are still too fresh for my “Just Right”
qualifications, they certainly are worth a visit if you are in transit or don’t
mind a bit of a drive. They are also
open for dinner, and I think there is a "Too" in LaPlata. I'll check ten or fifteen years from now for Just RIght, although i will probably visit sooner...
Dessert
And on this visit, while we didn’t take time for dessert, I did
have a chance to try a Maryland specialty the other day
One of the benefits to pushing words around about food is
that occasionally I get some “donations”, like the still untried Soba noodles,
but also the lovely slice of Smith Island Cake, created by a friend who knows
her way around the kitchen pretty well.
Yes, there are ten slices of (yellow) cake and the requisite chocolate
glazy frosting. Since it appeared during
MFO’s absence for the “ladies” on Amelia Island, it was much appreciated. I probably stretched the definition of
DFD
Lagniappe: The Wilson
Brothers who are moving into the Café Des Artiste corner are apparently
changing the name of the place from “The Gull” to La Rive Breton (on Facebook)
meaning “The Breton Shore”. Opening in
early June. Stay tuned
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