Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Feast@4East
My review of Feast@4East appeared in yesterday's paper, and rereading it I'm struck by how unlikely a city restaurant Feast is.
It reminds me of what Gabriel's Inn in Ijamsville used to be like. (I haven't been there in years, so I have no clue if it's changed. Note to self: Call the place later today and find out.)
Like Feast, Gabriel's was in a grand old house, and when you ate there you didn't feel as if you were in a restaurant at all. This is in contrast to places like Abacrombie, also in a city B&B, and the Milton Inn, also in a grand old house in the country.
I'm trying to think if there are any other restaurants around here that have that nonprofessional (not in a bad way) quality, but right now I can't think of any.
I can think of one that's now closed: Martick's.
(Glenn Fawcett/Sun photographer)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
Comments
Why is there a bunch of thyme on that tart? What purpose does it serve except to be either immdiatly moved to the bread plate, or tasted by some poor soul who doesnt know what it is. Why put something so inedible on something edible? I just don't get it.
Posted by: iMAD | December 1, 2008 8:43 AM
I found Ethel and Ramone's in Mt. Washington to have that eating in a friend's living room feel. The food and service were wonderful, but the setting was decidedly unlike any other restaurant I'd ever visited. Granted, it has been a long time since I was there.
Posted by: GrayGirl | December 1, 2008 10:05 AM
Tersiguel's, in Ellicott City??
Posted by: MD Canon | December 1, 2008 1:12 PM
Like Tersiguel's, the Elkridge Furnace Inn and The King's Contrivance are all in old buildings and have good food and service, but I have no doubt that I am in a restaurant. Although sometimes, when seated by the windows in The King's Contrivance side porch, I look out over the grounds and forget about the other diners nearby. It was much nicer before Columbia gobbled up the area around the restaurant and we could see deer, rabbits, and, once, a fox.
Posted by: Retired in Elkridge | December 1, 2008 6:50 PM
I had my wedding at Gabriel's Inn 8 yrs ago! The current owners had just bought the restaurant and were doing some renovations before our wedding. We had a day wedding and served brunch which was fabulous, although the restaurant did not (and still does not) serve brunch. To this day everyone remembers the food when talking about our wedding. My husband and I have gone back a few times for dinner, and the food has always been wonderful, and thoughtfully prepared.
I never went to Gabriel's with the previous owners, but from what I have heard, the place is less "rustic" now.
It's definitely worth the drive out there for a fine French dinner.
Posted by: SZ | December 2, 2008 3:50 PM