Cup o' Joe
Food, travel, and news on the Chesapeake Bay
Eating Annapolis Towne Center
Recently, I spent an entire day at Annapolis Towne Center “doing research” for a feature we’re producing on the shopping center’s restaurants. I started with breakfast (a California omelet with Egg Beaters, avocado, chicken and tomatoes) at the Metro Diner, followed by a snack at Whole Foods and then two small “lunches” at Brio and PF Chang’s China Bistro. During Happy Hour, I hit Gordon Biersch, then the Real Seafood Company, followed by a night cap at The Chop House. I also poked my head into Ziki Japanese Steakhouse, which is scheduled to open this month.
I gotta say it wasn’t the most pleasant experience for my digestive tract, but it was an interesting look at chain restaurant mentality. While nothing was really great, I think most items I had were pretty good—except for the mediocre chicken wings at Gordon Biersch and the way-too-salty everything at PF Chang’s. The craze today, it seems, are “mini desserts,” as Brio, PF Chang’s, and Gordon Biersch all offer tiny cheesecakes, crème brulees, and such in espresso cups or shot glasses for $2 each. Generally, I think that’s a pretty good idea.
Look for a chart comparing and contrasting the restaurants in our November issue of Chesapeake Life. For now, here’s my short list of superlatives:
Best fish: Real Seafood’s sushi bar. Cirilo Lopez from Joss’s does the cutting and rolling—and it shows.
Most expensive: The Kobe Steak at The Chop House will set you back $43.95.
Best atmosphere: The Chop House. You get what you pay for, right? Besides, there’s nothing like sinking into a leather banquette and eating a thick piece of meat.
Best selection: Whole Foods. I lost count at 132 items on the salad/hot entree bars. I hear the pizza is pretty good, too.
Best drink menu: Gotta say I’m not a fan of Gordon Biersch beers. They taste pretty bland and characterless to me. My vote goes to Brio for its moderately priced wine list and happy hour martini menu.
Best dessert: Nothing beats the pure, simple goodness of a milkshake from Metro Silver Diner.
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Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 09/02/09 at 10:53 AM
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