We surveyed a cross-section of people with a measurable reputation for celebrity in various fields throughout the region and found that their favorite restaurants were a topic they enjoyed discussing. Most had more than one place to recommend, depending on occasion, companions, and circumstances. We discovered that Annapolis, Baltimore and the Eastern Shore were the most common destinations, simply because these areas have a critical mass of eateries. Here are some insights into where the in-crowd dines out, and why.

Vic Carter
Anchor, WJZ Eyewitness News, Baltimore
Long hours at the studio cut down on the leisure time of WJZ news anchor Vic Carter, so when dining out he wants to make it count.

Hampton’s
Harbor Court Hotel, 550 Light Street, Baltimore
410-347-9744
We appreciated Carter’s tongue-in-cheek confession that he took the job at WJZ because of Hampton’s in the Harbor Court Hotel, “just so I could be closer to the restaurant’s lobster bisque.”

Mongolian Grill
8865 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia, MD
410-290-0690
One of the places Carter favors is the Mongolian Grill in Columbia, “a place where you can visit dozens of times and never have the same dish,” he says. “As a person who dabbles in the kitchen, I love that fact that I can experiment with the food and re-create the dish in my own kitchen.” Selecting from a choice of poultry, beef, seafood, fresh vegetables, spices, and condiments, diners are encouraged to create their own dishes-including sauces. “There are thousands of possibilities. You pick the ingredients, then give them to a chef who grills it right in front of you.”

Roger Miller
Photographer
Baltimore photographer Roger Miller has been much in the news lately, the result of the publication of his new photographic essay on Annapolis. Featured on Public Television among the five best-known practitioners of his art in Maryland, Miller is modest about his successful series of destination books (his Maryland: A Portrait was a bestseller) and is now working on one featuring the state of Delaware. His profession has taken him all over the world, but he has a particular penchant for the beauty of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. “There is a relaxing, calm feeling to it. It has a different pace from the hectic pace of daily life,” he says.

Harris’ Crab House
433 Kent Narrows Way North, Grasonville, MD
410-827-8104
Miller especially likes the view, atmosphere, and steamed crabs and beer at Harris’ Crab House, near the Kent Narrows Bridge. “Their regular food is good too, but I go for the Maryland crabs.”

River Watch
207 Nanticoke Road, Essex, MD
410-687-1422
When at his townhouse in Baltimore, Miller finds “Eastern Shore tranquility closer to home” at River Watch on the waterfront in Essex. “The place has a unique atmosphere as well as great steaks and crabs.”

Susan Stamberg
Special Correspondent, NPR,
Actor on “Radio From Downtown”
A few of us have been lucky enough to have seen or heard NPR personality Susan Stamberg perform for Van Williamson’s charmingly nostalgic, Garrison Keillor-like show called “Radio From Downtown” at the beautifully restored
historic Avalon Theatre in Easton.

Legal Spirits
42 East Dover Street, Easton
410-820-0033
When Stamberg and her colleagues finish the show, they often adjourn to
Legal Spirits, a cozy bar-restaurant on the ground floor. “In the past, I’ve had wonderful quesadillas, oyster sandwiches, salads, and margaritas,” she says.

Cultured Pearl
19-A Wilmington Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE
302-227-8493
Another “after hours” favorite is the Cultured Pearl in Rehoboth, where they serve “superb sushi, yellowtail tuna, and California rolls that are fresh as a minute.”

Andy Bienstock
Host of “Jazz with Andy Bienstock,” WJHU
Baltimore WJHU jazz radio host Andy Bienstock is as easygoing and appealing as his on-air persona. He readily came up with two favorites.

49 West
49 West Street, Annapolis
410-626-9796
Bienstock is a big fan of coffeehouse/wine bar/restaurant/club 49 West, where he describes the atmosphere as “laid-back and arty; an easy place to while away an afternoon over lunch and coffee-or to have a few drinks and hear music at night. Just don’t be in a hurry when you go.” Bienstock says this nomination has more to do with the atmosphere than the food, and he likes the fact that the owners make a strong effort to support local artists, both visual and performing.

Stoney’s Seafood House
Oyster House Road, Broomes Island, MD
410-586-1888
The second stop on Bienstock’s “beat” would be Stoney’s in Broomes Island in St. Mary’s County. “Just another busy restaurant on the water with a busy deck. It’s in the middle of nowhere and a gathering place for the locals. But the crab cakes are really good.”

Edie Brown
Director of Public and Community Relations, Baltimore Arena
Edie Brown, former schoolteacher of famous Baltimore natives like TV and film producer Barry Levinson, has been named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for three years running by the Baltimore Business Journal. Since Brown has been a player in the Baltimore business and social circles since the 1970s, her job requires client entertaining and up-to-the minute information on the newest restaurants in town. She and her husband, Stan, vacation in Bethany, where until recently they had a beach house whose welcome mat was worn out from entertaining family and friends.

DIFebo’s
789 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE
302-539-4550
During their weekends at the beach, Edie and Stan like DiFebo’s in Bethany. Edie likes the fact that one is welcome in either casual or dressy attire and gives the thumbs up to this family-run restaurant for its “good food and friendly service.” She likes DiFebo’s veal chop and the roasted chicken as well as “all the pastas and homemade fruit pies"-also available for carry out.

Kali’s Court
1606 Thames Street, Baltimore
410-276-4700
In her native Baltimore, Brown’s current weekend favorite is Kali’s Court. “Little touches such as roasted pepper served with drinks is an example of how this restaurant goes the extra mile.”

Nancy Hammond
Artist
Maryland artist Nancy Hammond’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, making her vividly colored work collector’s items for everyone from Naval Academy midshipmen to owners of waterfront estates who carefully watch for her latest creations. Her boldly imaginative depictions of Chesapeake Bay themes, from Labrador retrievers to spinnakered sailboats, have a universal appeal.

The Bistro
403 South Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD
410-745-9111
A resident of the Eastern Shore, Hammond favors The Bistro in St. Michaels for its interesting food and calls the restaurant “a bit of Paris on the Eastern Shore.” She likes the chef’s braised lamb shank with apricots, pan-roasted halibut on spinach, root vegetables in a dried cherry-wine sauce, and a warm chocolate cake topped with hot fudge, creme anglaise, and vanilla ice cream.

McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar
8 Market Space, Annapolis
410-263-5700
In Annapolis, Hammond gravitates to McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar for their “homey food-like red beans and rice” and the oyster specials served from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. in the “R” months, “a place for a quiet dinner or a rollicking good time.”

Anthony Poindexter
Baltimore Ravens Safety
At 6 feet tall and 220 pounds, Anthony Poindexter is a force to be reckoned with by opponents of the Baltimore Ravens. Now in his second season as safety, the popular football player has shown courage and perseverance
in the face of rehabilitation for injuries to his left knee. Ravens head trainer Bill Tessendorf calls him “remarkable.”

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
600 Water Street, Baltimore
410-783-0033
The former All-American for the University of Virginia has
a single response to the question regarding his favorite restaurant for generous portions of good food. He casts an enthusiastic vote for Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Baltimore, where he favors the restaurant’s legendary surf and turf, although he likes “almost all of the food there, served in super-generous portions.” Poindexter describes the ambience as “very classy and quiet-a laid-back atmosphere that isn’t super-formal.”

Mary Lou Baker
Food columnist, Chesapeake Life
Food writers frequently get calls for a “consult” from friends and acquaintances looking for restaurant recommendations. I have had many “favorites” over the years, and am wary to give advice if I haven’t been to them recently.

Jalapeno’s
85 Forest Drive at Forest Plaza, Annapolis
410-266-7580
Currently, my unqualified recommendation is Jalapeno’s, a “plain brown wrapper” kind of place with a dazzling “table of contents.” Located in a strip mall on Forest Drive in quarters once occupied by the late Oriental Gardens, the restaurant has a menu that belies its Mexican name. Yes, you will find tacos, burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, and an addictive chile relleno, but you will also find an exhilarating selection of tapas y antojitos, the Spanish version of “little meals” that at Jalapeno’s include a trio of chops from a rack of lamb on a bed of garlicky mashed potatoes crowned with onions, tomato, and pimento; roast duck complemented with sweet and sour cabbage; remarkably tender calamari (fingers and tentacles) to dip in a piquant salsa; and gambas al ajillo in a heady sauce redolent of garlic tomatoes and sherry to mop up with the restaurant’s signature crusty rolls. Entrees include a whole broiled fresh rainbow trout (carefully boned tableside by one of the courteous wait staff), an authentic paella valenciana, (its saffron rice liberally studded with chicken, shrimp, and chorizo sausage), and a thick center-cut grilled pork chop topped with caramelized onions. The possibilities here are endless-including a roast suckling pig for four (must be ordered two days in advance). But maybe the best thing about Jalapeno’s is owner Jose Gonzalez, the gracious host who, after one visit, will probably greet you by name. He has been a star on the Maryland restaurant scene for many years and was the cofounder of Northwoods restaurant in Annapolis.

Joe DeFrancis
CEO, Maryland Jockey Club
Where do celebrities of Italian descent celebrate their heritage? Joe DeFrancis, the dashing CEO of the Maryland Jockey Club, has a trio of “bests.”

Café Milano
3251 Prospect Street, Washington, D.C.
202-333-6183
When in Washington, D.C., DeFrancis likes to stop at Café Milano in Georgetown. Describing both food and service as excellent, he says there always seem to be fascinating people in attendance. “Last time I was there, Michael Jordan was at the next table.”

Boccaccio
925 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore
410-234-1322
DeFrancis describes the food at Little Italy’s Boccaccio as “uniformly excellent” and says he “has never had a bad meal there.” His favorite dish at this popular restaurant is the chef’s grouper San Remo, a filet prepared with artichoke hearts, fresh tomato chunks, porcini mushrooms, garlic, and chardonnay. He says, “This is one of the few places that is great for both a special occasion or a casual, relaxing dinner. I am comfortable in a suit and tie or a sport shirt.”

Sabatino’s
901 Fawn Street, Baltimore
410-727-9414
Another favorite is Sabatino’s “a restaurant in the real Little Italy tradition, with great food and a family atmosphere.” DeFrancis especially enjoys the homemade fettuccine with red broccoli sauce, and Chicken Lynn with red sauce.

Robert J. Shuman
President and CEO, Maryland Public Television, Owings Mills, MD
Robert Shuman came to Maryland Public Television (MPT) in late 1996 with a distinguished background in business, broadcasting, and community service. The fourth president of the thirty-year-old MPT is nationally recognized for his leadership in the industry, having founded Civic Network Communications, Inc. and cofounded The Learning Channel, a cable television channel reaching an estimated forty-five million viewers. As an active member of the Greater Baltimore Committee, the Governor’s Commission for Technology in Education in Maryland, and Maryland’s Information Technology Board, the Potomac resident spends a lot of time in Annapolis during the legislative session there.

La Piccola Roma
200 Main Street, Annapolis
410-268-7898
Shuman’s favorite restaurant in the state capital is La Piccola Roma, where he enjoys dining on penne pasta with smoked salmon in cream sauce while watching the passing scene from a window table overlooking Main Street. “Both the service and the food are above average.”

Vice Admiral John Ryan
Superintendent, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis
USNA Superintendent John Ryan is a high-ranking Naval officer who has sampled many cuisines and dined in countless restaurants and onboard many ships in his career. He and his wife, Diane, love to dine out and have been to “at least twenty fabulous restaurants in the last year, all within 20 minutes of Annapolis.”

King Hall, USNA Dining Facility
Nowhere has Ryan found the inspiration he experiences when eating at King Hall, the Naval Academy’s dining facility, which feeds four thousand midshipmen at the same time, all sitting together at 372 twelve-person tables spread out over a 55,000 square-foot area. A Herculean effort by a food service staff of 300 gets all the food to the table within 5 minutes of the students being seated. King Hall has an international reputation for the quality of the food it serves, ranging from an occasional lobster feast to prime rib and hamburgers. The vice admiral’s favorite is chimichangas and the chicken tenders he says are a big favorite with the middies. “I enjoy eating with the midshipmen because they inspire me every day with their dedication, enthusiasm, and abilities,” says Ryan. “The atmosphere is like that of a Navy ship, which is why King Hall is called the Midshipman’s Wardroom.”

The Honorable William Donald Schaefer
Comptroller, State of Maryland; Former Governor of Maryland
People still call him Governor, even though William Donald Schaefer is now in charge of Maryland’s finances. A man of incredible energy at the age of seventy-nine, he often begins his days with a “power breakfast” that brings together old friends and new associates.

Jimmy’s
801 South Broadway Street, Baltimore, 410-327-3273
A favorite breakfast haunt is Jimmy’s in Fells Point, where Schaefer can enjoy his “two fried eggs” while reading the newspaper or “scratching off your lottery tickets” until your breakfast companions show up.

Needful Things
2921 O’Donnell Street, Baltimore
410-675-0595
The homestyle food keeps Schaefer coming back to Needful Things where two eggs over with scrapple and homemade peach cobbler are his favorites. He describes the wait staff as “young and happy, with good morning-person dispositions.” “It’s a “good place to meet people, talk and solve world problems,” he says.

Phillips by the Sea
13th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City
410-289-9121
The former governor also likes Phillips by the Sea restaurant in the Phillips Hotel, where the atmosphere is “dignified” and there is a comfortable room for impromptu meetings. His favorite dinner choice is the Maryland seafood platter.

Sloane Brown
Society Editor, Baltimore Sun

Kali’s Court
1606 Thames Street, Baltimore,
410-276-4700
Sloane Brown, the Baltimore Sun’s blonde and beautiful society reporter, has an outgoing personality that makes her perfect for the job. When not out on the town attending the parties we read about in the Sunday edition, Brown likes to drop in at Kali’s Court, a trendy new restaurant in Baltimore’s Fells Point. She likes its “sophisticated city energy” and the variety of people who have made it a favorite hangout for the city’s movers and shakers. “People are packed three deep at the bar-you never know who you’ll see, but there’s almost always someone recognizable at one of the tables. Not the place for an intimate dinner for two-but Kali’s is bustling, noisy and great fun.”

She appreciates the healthy but delicious choices on the menu: “You can pig out and not feel guilty” she says, and the attention to detail reflected in the decor: an antique bar, high ceilings with a dining loft, a balcony overlooking the first-floor dining room, a wrought iron gate opening to the patio, and tables out front. Her favorite dishes are the chef’s bouillabaisse, grilled whole talapia fish, cream of crab soup, and tuna carpaccio. “And, oh yes, their valet parking is another big plus.”

Leslie Dunner
Conductor, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
Hailed worldwide for his stirring and electrifying performances, Dr.Leslie B. Dunner is in his third season as music director of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. When not conducting, Dunner composes and performs as a clarinetist in the United States and across Canada on
CBC Radio.

Ego Alley
136 Dock Street, Annapolis
410-263-3353
Dunner enjoys all manner of rhythms, and finds the reggae sounds at Ego Alley on the City Dock in Annapolis to be an upbeat background for the restaurant’s “interesting Caribbean menu, which includes conch fritters and an assortment of coconut dishes.” Ego Alley reminds Dunner of a “New York City café restaurant, with a nice but small outdoor eating area looking out onto Ego Alley,” the name given by locals to the waterway bounded by the City Dock and the Annapolis Marriott Hotel dock. He praises the kitchen’s care with cooking fresh rockfish ("they will re-do it if it’s not to your liking!") and the hard-to-find prawns that are sometimes on the menu. What keeps him coming back? “Sitting outside watching the passers-by on a nice day-and the great rockfish.”

Michael Buckley
Assistant Program Director
WRNR-FM, Annapolis
Michael Buckley, host of WRNR’s popular radio shows “Morning Ride” and “Sunday Brunch,” lived in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Philadelphia before discovering Annapolis in 1995. Now living in a cottage high above the Severn River, he is an avid kayaker and fisherman with a deep appreciation of the special flavor of the Chesapeake Bay area.

Andy’s
337 High Street, Chestertown, MD
410-778-6779
One of Buckley’s favorites, Andy’s in Chestertown, is the perfect punctuation for a day trip to a beautiful and historic Eastern Shore town. “The food is stylishly and tastefully presented . . . the atmosphere is always friendly and casual at Andy’s. Plus, you know how I love music!” After a Dogfish Head Pale made at a local microbrewery, he is likely to order “the homemade chili or one of the homemade soups, such as curried lentil and spinach or turkey parmesan.” Favorite entrees include jerk chicken with pineapple and red onions and sweet potato chips or a cheese enchilada with chipolte sauce. From the restaurant’s wine list, Buckley recommends Alsace Schumberger pinot blanc. After a dessert of homemade Snickers coffee ice cream or “Angie’s warm chocolate souffle,” he finishes the meal with a late-bottled vintage port.

Russell Dize
Skipjack Captain and Seafood Dealer When it comes to talking about restaurants, Captain Russell Dize is reticent. You hate to bite the hand that feeds you. Then again, watermen aren’t given to hyperbole but prefer to get right to the point. This seasoned skipper had three clear favorites.

Harrison’s Chesapeake House
21551 Chesapeake House Drive, Tilghman, MD
410-886-2121
At Buddy Harrison’s Chesapeake House on Tilghman Island, Dize orders seafood Norfolk and appreciates the waterfront location.

Chesapeake Landing Seafood Restaurant
23713 St. Michaels Road, St. Michaels, MD
410-745-9600
At Chesapeake Landing in the tiny Eastern Shore town of McDaniel, Dize recommends the “excellent seafood sampler, quality, and service.”

Suicide Bridge
6304 Suicide Bridge Road, Hurlock, MD
410-943-4689
On the outskirts of the little-known town of Secretary, Dize says Suicide Bridge serves “very good local seafood in very large portions.” And the way to make sure the seafood is always fresh? “Ask for Maryland seafood,” he says. ‘Nuff said.

Jeff Bishop
Vice President for College Advancement
St. John’s College, Annapolis
As is to be expected of a highly respected academic, athlete (he biked cross-country several years ago as part of a fundraiser for St. John’s), and amateur chef, Jeff Bishop gave a thoughtful and multidimensional response to our request for his thoughts on food.

“First, cooking and the history of food appeal to my intellect. The trials and errors of new foods have been handed down since the dawn of man, so it is, in effect, a running history of civilization. In reading about food and researching recipes, inevitably we are drawn back to what someone else did, what they ate, what they farmed, how they cooked and lived. In our own preparation of food, we then build upon this foundation of information and create our own recipes-thus adding to the longest running ‘history book.’ So, when that occasion arises when we improve on a recipe, it not only satisfies the tastes, but also the intellect.”

“Second is the simple and satisfying sensory pleasures derived from food. Food can please all the senses: the smell of food, its appearance, the textures in your mouth, its taste. Even the sound of a wire whisk beating vinaigrette in a stainless steel bowl is somehow pleasing. Good food soothes and satisfies my senses, sometimes warming my soul. Music or a work of art can give you pleasure, but food is so primal and necessary, and touches and pleases so many of one’s senses, that one feels contentment at receiving nature’s bounty and beauty.”

Bishop suggests several options for a positive dining experience.

Les Folies
2552 Riva Road, Annapolis
410-573-0970
Les Folies in Annapolis is one of Bishop’s frequent dining destinations, where he favors mussels Provencal or escargots as appetizers and Dover sole, quail stuffed with fois gras, or bouillabaisse as entrees. “This French/Mediterranean brasserie is welcoming and fun . . . comfortable dressed up or casual.” He calls the French food “authentic-well-prepared and consistently delicious.” Fair prices are a plus, as is a staff called “courteous in the French tradition.”

Trattoria Alberto
1660 Crain Highway, Glen Burnie, MD
410-761-2903
Trattoria Alberto is another favorite, where Bishop likes to start with grilled calamari in lemon sauce or the smoked tuna carpaccio. His main courses of choice are pasta Adriatica or veal scallopini saltimbocca, with tiramisu for dessert. “Although it’s in a strip mall in an unlikely location, the inside feels like an authentic Italian trattoria. The wait staff is Italian, knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive.” What keeps Bishop coming back are the excellent food “made to your specifications,” fair prices, moderately priced wines (although the wine list is limited), and friendly atmosphere. It’s “a gem hidden away . . . well worth finding.”

Hillard Donner
Proprietor, Mills Wine & Spirits, Annapolis
Hillard Donner, world traveler and local community leader, knows wine and food as well as anyone. He is anything but a “wine snob,” and loves to provide his customers with exceptional and well-priced wines bought on his regular forays into wine country here and abroad. His shop near the Annapolis City Dock is known far and wide for its well-stocked shelves and the willingness of Donner and his staff to serve as “wine consultants” to customers looking for knowledgeable advice.

Les Folies
2552 Riva Road, Annapolis
410-573-0970
Like Jeff Bishop, Donner gives high marks to Annapolis’s Les Folies food as well as to their moderately priced and well-chosen wine list, recommending its Morgon Bernard Striffling beaujolais as a proper partner to the restaurant’s steak and pommes frites and a Saumur Champigny Y. Lambert, which goes well with the Chilean sea bass.

Sam’s Waterfront Café
2020 Chesapeake Harbor Drive, Annapolis
410-263-3600
Another wine list that earns Donner’s respect is the California-accented selection at Sam’s Waterfront Cafe in Chesapeake Harbor, a waterfront lighthouse-shaped restaurant in a residential development near Annapolis. He recommends drinking a Chateau Potelle sauvignon blanc from California with appetizers, a Gilles Noblet pouilly-fuisse Macon with fresh rock fish, or a Robert Pecota Steven Andre Vineyard Merlot with red meat entrees. “Owner Mary Randall gives personal attention to every aspect of her restaurant.”

Jim Muldoon
President, United States Sailing Association

Jim Muldoon may have the prestigious title of president of USSA, and serve as an active member of the board of St. Mary’s College, but he is perhaps best known as the colorful captain of Donnybrook, a splendid boat with a consistent record of winning local and national sailing competitions.

Robert Morris Inn
314 North Morris Street, Oxford, MD
410-226-5111
Muldoon’s favorite restaurant is at the Robert Morris Inn in Oxford, where he recommends the prime rib, filet mignon, any of the crab dishes, especially the crab cakes. There is a bit of history behind his acquaintance with the inn. Several years ago, Muldoon won a sailing regatta from Annapolis to St. Michaels. In addition to carrying away the regatta trophy, the winning skipper was invited to lunch with Mrs. and Mrs. James Michener-shortly after Muldoon had finished reading Michener’s Chesapeake. A wide range of subjects came up during lunch, one of which was Jim’s upcoming race to Oxford. “Mr. Michener encouraged me to visit the Robert Morris Inn and try their crab cakes, which he pronounced as the best he had ever eaten anywhere. Both my crew and I were delighted with the food, service, and ambience. . . . . and have gone back for many years.” The Inn is on the Tred Avon River across from the Town Dock, and is accessible by boat.

Dr. Alan Sokoloff
Host of Talkin’ Back on AM-680 WCBM
“Dr. Sok,” as his patients refer to him, is the owner/director of the Yalich Clinic of Glen Burnie, where he has practiced for more than fourteen years. He served a residency at the United States Olympic Training Center in the summer of 1997, was appointed to the medical team for the United States at the 1998 Goodwill Games, and was also appointed to the USA Olympic Medical Team for the 1999 Pan Am Games. He was the team chiropractor for the Baltimore Blast and presently is the team chiropractor for the Baltimore Ravens.

Lands End Manor on the Bay Bed & Breakfast
232 Prospect Bay Drive, Grasonville, MD
410-827-6284
After a busy day of healing aches and pains, Sokoloff seeks peace and quiet. He
mentions the food at Lands End B&B in Grasonville, a few miles over the Bay Bridge. “The breakfasts are fabulous, especially waffles with fresh berries-and the grounds are beautiful.” Sokoloff and his wife like to go there by boat, docking at the B&Bs pier.

Wild Orchid Café
909 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis
410-268-8009
Sokoloff’s other restaurant of choice for a soothing evening is The Wild Orchid Café, hidden away on a side street of Annapolis in a small bungalow. “The atmosphere is intimate, with just the right amount of light to enjoy your company and see the elegantly presented food,” he says.