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The local dining scene has seen a lot activity for the second year in a row. Some fine eateries have closed their doors, such as Morton’s, Jerry’s Seafood, Cynthia’s, Greystone Grill, Magothy Seafood, Paul’s on the South River and Red Parrot Asian Café to name a few. Others are reopening with new names or focus, such as Domenicas, which has reinvented itself as Blue Martini, specializing in martinis and tapas; and aqua terra, which has a new logo and is focusing on small plates with a heavy Asian feel to the menu. Piccola Roma after being closed for a year, reopened with the same name, but this time with new owners Maureen and Marc Lucas, who also own The State House Inn. Stan and Joe’s opened a low-key lounge upstairs. Most recently, Mexican Café, the Bay Ridge staple, announced it will close its doors in May, but not for good. The owners are currently searching for a new location, as a CVS Pharmacy will be built on the original spot.
Two dining fixtures in our community celebrated anniversary years, with O’Leary’s turning 25 and Ram’s Head following closely behind at 20.
Nationally, the Food Channel reported that some of the top 10 restaurant trends of the decade were fast casual concepts (quick-service, casual dining with counter service, and more customized, freshly prepared dishes in upscale settings, such as Chipotle and Panera), tapas and small plates, gastropubs, fusion, DIY, catering, and the upscaling of bar food.
In 2010, according to The National Restaurant Association’s What’s Hot Chef Survey, which polled over 1,800 chefs nationwide, some of this year’s trends such as organic and locally grown produce, meats, seafood and wine; sustainability; and farm-branded ingredients are predictable. But there are also a few quiet, slow growing trends such as healthy and better-quality children’s menus, bite-size mini-desserts, and more options for people with food allergies or gluten intolerance. For the complete list of the top 20 trends, visit www.restaurant.org/pdfs/research/whats_hot_2010.pdf.
Some of these trends are found scattered throughout the numerous local restaurants that opened in 2009. For the third year, Taste of the Bay spoke with many of the new restaurants to give you an up-close and inside look at these new eateries and what they have to offer. This year’s highlights are organized by region.
Plentiful Plates in Parole
Probably the most noticeable expansion came to Parole, which officially opened its Towne Center in October 2008. Brio Tuscan Grille arrived first, bringing the 17-state chain launched by two Ohio brothers to Maryland. Named a "Hot Concept of the Year" by Nation's Restaurant News in 2007, Brio offers numerous Northern Italian favorites, pasta, and flatbreads prepared in a wood-burning stove in an atmosphere that includes Italian mosaics and arched colonnades. Brio also offers nearly a dozen brunch options until 3 on weekends. At $2.45 each, tiramisu, three crème brulee, apple bread pudding, and three more desserts look like a great value.
Serving up breakfast all day and American favorites for those in a hurry but still concerned about their health, Metro Silver Diner is a first-of-its-kind restaurant that offers free Wi-Fi, touch screen ordering, and electronic GPS table locators. Sampling three organic soups for menu consideration, 
Development Partner Carlos Politano said, “We’re always looking at all the possible options for healthier, natural fare at great values,” he said. While the quick service concept has shakes and sliders, it also has locally-sourced salads and 17 healthier plates including whole wheat blueberry pancakes, veggie chili, and herb crusted salmon. Carl Charapp, who owned the top-notch deli readers may remember on Forest Drive, known as Carl’s Café, is the Kitchen Manager.
Michigan-based Mainstreet Ventures launched upscale eateries The Chop House and Real Seafood Company in May. In plush style complete with beautiful mahogany, custom-tiered chandeliers, granite floors, leather booths, and several small dining rooms, The Chop House resembles a 1940s hotel restaurant and promises to pamper with 22-ounce Cowboy Steaks, Beef Wellington, Australian Lamb Chops, and more. Chef Kevin Bowers caters to a range of appetites, including vegans, while Tamarra Thomas works to dazzle onlookers with sweet 
endings made from a special work stage. Downstairs at the Real Seafood Company, diners watch sushi being prepared, try out the automated wine station, gaze at a 25-foot lobster suspended overhead, and consider the options: oysters and a raw bar, plenty of fresh catches, and regular specials Sunday through Thursday.
From a family that owned seven restaurants in Hong Kong, Ziki Japanese Steakhouse rounds out the choices, with humongous hibachi grills, tempting tempura, and a sensational sushi bar in a lavish setting with attractive kimonos and ornate decorations. Buzz has been building about it since its October opening. Nearby, on Housley road next to Lemongrass, Eggsellence Brunchery has been rising early since March to offer blintzes, Benedicts, daily quiches, salads and sandwiches, and at the mall, Punk’s Backyard Grill serves up health-conscious cookout fare in a casual atmosphere.
Harbor Happenings
After Annapolis’s permit process wreaked havoc on owners, several places opened in June, with nine opening around the area. Bringing a more casual and moderately-priced version of his D.C. namesake to the spot formerly occupied by Phillips, acclaimed chef Bob Kinkead launched Hell Point Seafood named after the 1920s name for Ego Alley. Visitors to the Maryland Seafood Festival awarded its Maryland crab soup first place, and dishes such as crispy Nantucket Bay scallops, New England lobster rolls, and cornmeal crusted flounder may earn additional acclaim. Kids dine free (up to two with entrée purchases) Tuesday through Thursday evenings, and $5 small plates and half price drinks are available 4-7 Tuesday through Friday.
Nearby, Stephanie Hans, who had a role in the Baltimore locations, has brought Sofi’s Crepes to a house near USNA gate 1. In about two minutes, 14-inch crepes are made and filled with tempting sweet or savory combinations—a dozen each—or create your own. “Many folks have made it a Sunday tradition, and even when it’s cold out, we get a crowd on weekends.” Kevin Bacon connected with his namesake crepe, and heaven knows who else has enjoyed the “Godfather” the “Bananarama,” or “Crepe Suzette.”
Other new choices for a quick bite include Atwater’s at the Market House and Pip’s Dock Street Dogs in the Ninja’s Café’s old spot. Atwater’s is full of heart-warming (and heart-healthy) soups, sandwiches and alluring baked goods, all made with a commitment to local and, many times, organic ingredients. The chalkboard changes daily, but you’re sure to find something to satisfy your palate as you sit by the dock. Owner Ryan Lamy says the family-run Pip’s “can’t beat the location for what we do,” which sells red hots, Polish sausages, and—yes—corn dogs to passersby, along with Boardwalk-style fries.
Around the corner, on Prince George Street, The Kitchen @ 137 offers a combination of breakfast items, panini, gyros, salads and wraps, as well as free Wi-Fi. On Main Street, Ego Sushi and Grill, opened by same owner as Nano, replaces Yin Yankee Café, offering Maki and other rolls, Pad Thai and other Asian fare. On West Street, the team behind the Sly Fox Pub has created a hip hangout with Level, a small plates lounge associated with 17 local farms. The shrimp comes from a purveyor nine miles from the chef’s home, and the tonic water and mixes are made in-house. Forty offerings from duck ravioli to rockfish cerviche and braised lamb osso bucco grace the menu with about a dozen handcrafted cocktails and globally-oriented beer/wine.
Edgewater and Elsewhere
Michael Brown, owner of two Calypso Bay restaurants and Mangoes down south, should bring some stability to the South River location where his new concept, Coconut Joe’s Hawaiian Bar & Grill, launched late November. Pipeline nachos overflow with pork and layered toppings, and the Big Island Sampler is a sight to behold. Chef Brian Hohl adds flair to his presentation of dishes such as shrimp and polenta, beer battered rockfish, and tempura beef. Rockfish tacos and Thai shrimp are just two surprises at Waterman’s Tavern on Mayo Road, which one-ups pub food found anywhere else in the vicinity. Open from 11 to midnight, the tavern may become a well-regarded watering hole, especially since anything from neighboring Londontowne Wine & Spirits is available.
The Crofton/Gambrills area got some much needed diversity in ‘09, with the opening of The Awe Shack, Blue Dolphin, and Dickeys Barbecue Pit, all of which have gotten serious raves online. Actually, a clever play-on-words with an appetizer, The Awe Shack brings inexpensive and “insanely good” kebabs and other Afghan food to the area—and will be worth the drive for others. Owned by the family that originated Timbuktu and G&M (the M is for Mike Stavlas), its neighbor, The Blue Dolphin brings famous crab cakes to a huge location with a 300-person downstairs banquet hall. While the restaurant goes through 10,000 pounds of crab a week, some will no doubt get to their seafood, pasta, and broiler specialties eventually. Lastly, a family-owned chain originating in Dallas about 60 years ago, Dickey’s delivers quick-serve barbeque with great quality and extraordinary value—four sizes of sandwiches, ribs, immense “Bakers” (potatoes), 12 sides just $1.50 each, and free soft
serve.~
Coconut Joe's beer battered rockfish Altwater owner Dona Grant and Katie Real Seafood paella.
sandwich. Flakerud.
