Frederick: The new dining capital of the universe?
Well, maybe not really. But it does seem like Frederick has more than its share of excellent restaurants for a sleepy little Maryland town. Which, of course, it isn't anymore. Frederick's notable restaurants include but are not limited to Acacia Fusion (Asian fusion), Cacique (Mexican and Spanish), Cafe Nola (American), Isabella's (Spanish), Monocacy Crossing (American), Orchard (emphasis on healthy), the Tasting Room (American) and more, but I'm getting bored with linking to them.
Now Volt is opening this Friday. Talk about cutting edge; just take a look at the Web site. And I'm about to call Michael Tauraso to find out about his new barbecue place and grill, Black Hog, which is supposed to open in mid-August.
This could be worth a story like the one I did on all the excellent upscale Eastern Shore restaurants.
Why Frederick? Probably because it's become a bedroom community for DC, at least that's my best guess. If you have any other ideas, please post below.
(Photo courtesy of Volt)
Comments
Yes, we went to dinner there a couple of months ago and was surprised to see all the upscale restaurants there. Cacique is awesome! I expected more bars. I guess the restauranteur of the year according to RAM is the real deal...
Posted by: Cory | July 23, 2008 9:52 PM
Mmmmmm .... http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2008/02/john_lindner_multimedia_editor.html " rel="nofollow">Acacia
Posted by: shameless | July 24, 2008 6:38 AM
The upper middle class is fleeing Montgomery County and Frederick County is where many of them are going.
Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | July 24, 2008 8:05 AM
There are some really great -- and diverse -- establishments in Frederick. The hard part is finding them because they're not the kinds of places you find when you google "Frederick restaurant."
Cacique and Isabella's are both really amazing and reasonably priced, and Danielle's is pretty great too (http://www.danielles-restaurant.com/).
Posted by: linz | July 24, 2008 8:11 AM
Forget the flight of the upper middle class, the middle and lower middle class just can't afford to live in Montgomery Couty any longer (unless they're OK with a condo or townhouse). Frederick is a haul, but the houses are affordable.
Posted by: linz | July 24, 2008 11:30 AM
Yes, but it is the upper middle class to drives the traffic into the the kind of restaurants that EL mentioned.
Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | July 24, 2008 1:00 PM
One of my favorite restaurants is in Frederick. It's a mexican place called called La Paz.
I haven't been there in years, but I assume it's still there.
Posted by: Donny B | July 24, 2008 1:54 PM
Isabella's is far and away my favorite restaurant in Maryland. I would place it in my top five restaurants right up there with Chez Panisse, Stars, Mustards, Boulevard, Nola, Emeril's, Emilio's, etc. Great wine and Sherry selection and a good cheese plate too! Plus the fresh brewed beer from the brew pub down the street. For some reason it is never busy for lunch. For those who think great food ends at the Baltimore City line a road trip is in order.
Posted by: Mark | July 24, 2008 4:17 PM
La Paz has fallen off ALOT since it moved from its hidden location to the carol creek location, but all the other places mentioned are great... and i'm surprised the fact that Frederick is home to two great brewpubs (barley and hops and brewers alley) hasnt been mentioned.
I live in NoVA now and the entirety of fairfax county doesnt hold a candle to wealth of cuilinary goodness that just the 10 main blocks of Market St. do.
Posted by: Todd | August 1, 2008 7:31 PM
I find it depressing to drive through Frederick nowadays, seeing that formerly beautiful valley filled up with ugly suburban tract housing.
Posted by: Hal Laurent, VoR | August 1, 2008 7:45 PM
Hal, just as depressing on Greenspring Ave. Every inch of pristine farmland becoming filled with McMansions.
Posted by: Joyce W. | August 1, 2008 8:19 PM
Joyce W. said: Hal, just as depressing on Greenspring Ave. Every inch of pristine farmland becoming filled with McMansions
I haven't been up that way in years. Thanks for furthering my depression. :-)
Posted by: Hal Laurent, VoR | August 1, 2008 9:33 PM
if you miss the old beautiful frederick valley, then drive 17 miles north to thurmount on rt 15. stop at one of the orchard's along the way and pick up some fresh fruit and a homemade pie :)
Posted by: dave | August 15, 2008 12:29 PM