Reynolds Tavern, Annapolis

My tiered tea!  This tray has tea for two people

Tea, Tea, Glorious Tea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

I went to Reynolds Tavern in Annapolis one weekend to sample their Afternoon (Tea) Delights. 

One thing I loved right off the bat about this menu is that they offer diners a nice selection of tea menus to choose from, whether it's a simple Cream Tea ($7.90 for a pot of tea and a scone) or a more elaborate Champagne Tea ($24 for the Afternoon Tea menu PLUS a glass of champagne and chocolate).   

I chose the Afternoon Tea ($17) which includes a pot of tea, one scone, a selection of sandwiches, 2 tiny savory tarts and a variety of tea cakes and pastries. 

Cranberry and Orange Scones

We had a choice of a cranberry and orange scone or golden raisin scone.  My cranberry orange scone was warm and full of fruit and flavor.  I knew from this scone that this Afternoon Tea was going to be a treat. 

I always eat the scones first since they are usually right out of the oven.  As you can see, I don't like to skimp on my cream or jam :)

 Savories!

We had three sandwich quarters - one cucumber, one ham and one egg salad.  Our two tarts were a mini mushroom tart and a mini shepherd's pie that had me oooh-ing and aaah-ing with my mouth full.  

Sweeties!

Look at those beauties.  I was in sweetie heaven!!!  On this dessert tier I had a chocolate truffle, a lavender cookie, a Russian teacake, a lemon bar, a piece of poundcake, some hummingbird cake and THE PIECE DE RESISTANCE - a Bakewell cake.  When our server told us that this was included, I'm pretty sure I reacted like I had won a million dollars.  Bakewell tarts are quintessentially British, and this cake mirrors the cherry and almond flavors so well that I was transported to British heaven. 

Additionally, (and this is very important though not stated on the menu) you can have UNLIMITED pots of tea!!!  This is always a big deal for me because I like to try new teas at tea rooms (especially ones that I wouldn’t usually buy for myself at home).  I tried a regular British Breakfast tea, another black tea called Canton Spice Tea that I hated because it had lemon in it, and a lovely Green tea flavored with cherry that I surprisingly loved!

What a WONDERFUL afternoon.  I swear, if it were up to me I would be taking tea at a different place every weekend.  Sure, this may seem expensive, but trust me it's worth it if you love tea, or if you love bite sized treats, and if you have hours to spend chatting with friends - because this is not supposed to be a fast meal!

Reynolds Tavern is definitely one of the best Tea Rooms I've been to in Maryland (along with Tea by Two).  I loved:

• Their tea selection
• Unlimited tea
• The food!!! 
• The proper yet convivial atmosphere
• The serving ware :)
• The general adorableness of its location - in a brick building on Church Circle in downtown Annapolis next to plenty of street parking and parking garages, but also with valet.

Not only will I want to come back for tea, but I would love to try some of the British selections from their menu. Bangers and Mash?  Shepherd's Pie?  Yes, please!

Chick & Ruth's Delly, Annapolis

1/2lb Crab Cake Sandwich

Annapolis is such a lovely day trip, it's a shame I don't do it more often!  One Sunday, we decided to walk around the town for a couple of hours and pick a place for lunch.  I, very surprisingly, hadn't done any research and felt like picking a restaurant on a whim.  But Dan had done his research and he had heard all about Chick & Ruth's Delly.  It was featured on Man Vs. Food's DC episode when he had to do the Colossal Challenge: 6lb shake (yes, they do have that on the menu) and a 1lb burger.

I decided to order the Jumbo Lump 1/2lb crab cake sandwich on a roll ($13.99).  I'm not sure why I didn't just order it with crackers instead of a roll, because I just ate the crab cake without the bread.  This crab cake was GREAT.  The lumps were HUGE and plentiful.  I was very impressed with the price and size of the sandwich.

Seafood Club

Dan ordered the Seafood Club ($15.95)- jumbo lump crabcake and scrimp salad on rye with swiss cheese. As you can see from the picture above, it was huge!  He wished that the bread was a bit softer, as it was a little rough to eat, but the salad and crab cake made a delicious sandwich!

We also split a super thick and creamy Vanilla Milkshake ($4.50, 20oz).  I am not sure how ANYONE can finish off a 6lb version of that! My mama ordered a 1/3lb Burger ($5.50) that was good as well, though nothing too special, other than the fact that you could tell it was handmade.  

Anyway, this place was PACKED.  Absolutely packed.  We managed to get a table by the window and just kept seeing swarms and swarms of people lining up to eat here.  I am guessing that this is a popular place for a number of reasons - it's relatively cheap, their menu is absolutely gigantic (albeit utterly confusing), it's a great place to wager bets and they offer great hangover food.

To be honest, though the food was very good the place was just so hectic and just too much that I'm not sure I would come back.  I know I'll be looking elsewhere on my next trip to Annapolis, somewhere with a little more atmosphere and a smaller, less confusing menu :)

Londontowne Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Gala – Ticket Giveaway!!

On March 15^th, 6-9:30pm, Londontowne Symphony Orchestra’s Inaugural Spring Gala will take place at the wonderful Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville, MD and  I have TWO TICKETS to give away to ONE lucky winner! 

The Gala (which is held during the Homestead Gardens Flower Show) will feature food, local wine, music and a silent auction.  Top Chef lovers take note – Chef Jesse Sandlin will be there preparing tasty treats and tips, along with Chef James Barrett from Azure Restaurant!!

Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple.  Proceeds will benefit the LSO and their Artist-in-Residence program at South River High School.  Call 410-562-8920 or visit www.londontownesymphonyorchestra.org to purchase.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

- ONE winner will receive TWO tickets to the Homestead Gardens Spring Gala on March 15^th from 6-9:30pm
- Enter the contest by leaving a comment on this post telling me SOMETHING about flowers/plants.  It can be as silly, informative, or as cute as you like :)
- You can enter ONCE PER DAY!
- PLEASE leave a contact email!
- This giveaway will end on Tuesday, March 8th at 11:59PM.
- I will choose the winner by random selection on March 9th and I will notify them via email and via a blog post! 

Good Luck!!!

Groupon: $10 for $20 at Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company

All right people, I was all over this Groupon and purchased one immediately

$10 for $20 at Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company

The best part of this is?  You can use it towards coffee beans and tea bags as well as drinks.  That means I can get my supply of Baltimore Blend and Fair Trade Mexican coffee beans, as well as all my different crazy teas that I love (YORKSHIRE GOLD, I AM COMING FOR YOU....well, as soon as I finish the 80 bags I have left at home).

You have to use this in one visit though, so plan wisely - and perhaps stay for a sandwich and a delicious drink! It also expires Dec 31st 2010, which makes me immediately think of Christmas presents!

Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company (FYI - you can't use the Groupon for the online store)
9 W Aylesbury Rd.
Timonium, Maryland 21093

5209 President's Ct.
Frederick, Maryland 21703
(301) 631-0030

890 Bestgate Rd.
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
(410) 572-5792

Check out my reviews here and here

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant AND A GIVEAWAY!!!!

I just wanted to highlight two events going on at McCormick & Schmick’s – their new Crab Special Menu and their St. Patrick’s Day events. Then read on for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate!!!!

ST. PATRICK’S DAY, MARCH 17TH

Here’s the deal:

• Visit any McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant location (see website for Maryland locations) on Wednesday, March 17
• Buy someone a featured “Kiss” Cocktail – Leprechaun Kiss -see picture (Sour Apple Pucker + Vodka + Lemon Juice + Simple Syrup) or Chocolate Kiss (Baileys + Vodka + Crème de Cacao + Half and Half + Guinness!)

• For each Kiss Cocktail purchased, you’ll receive three “I Got Kissed” stickers
• Give out the “I Got Kissed” stickers to strangers as an easy way to make friends (and get some potential real kisses)
• The guest at each restaurant/bar that night with the most “kisses” will win fun prizes, which may include dining certificates, promotional items from beverage partners and much more!
  

Plus, there will be plenty of special menu items available that day, starting at just $3.95! Special items include: Corned Beef Sliders and Guinness-Steamed Shrimp at the bar, or Corned Beef & Cabbage and Lamb Stew in the dining room.

And, there’s more! Visit the McCormick & Schmick’s Facebook page and enter the “Pucker Up & Try Your Luck” photo contest and be entered to win a $300 gift card to McCormick & Schmick’s! (And don’t forget…..read further down for ANOTHER chance to win a $25 giveaway!!!)


DISCOVER AMERICA’S CRAB

Through the end of April, McCormick & Schmick’s is giving guests the opportunity to “Discover America’s Crab” with a special menu showcasing several varieties and preparation styles for crab. Check out the deliciousness:

Lobster Ravioli

Discover America’s Crab Special Menu (will run until the end of April):

• California Sushi Roll with Dungeness Crab, Sticky Rice, Cucumber and Avocado

• Lobster Ravioli Topped with Blue Crab in White Wine Cream Sauce with Roasted Tomatoes and Spinach
  
  

King Crab Leg Dinner

• 1LB King Crab Leg Dinner with Seasonal Vegetables and Melted Butter

Crab Cake

• Regional Crab Cake, regional/house preparation

• Create Your Own Crab Surf & Turf
  Pair a 6oz Filet Mignon with your choice of Crab Leg Sections, our Crab Cake or have your Filet Prepared Oscar-Style, topped with Crab, Asparagus and Hollandaise

• Chocolate-Raspberry Trifle with Vanilla Custard, Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream
  

Sounds GREAT, right? Especially the Lobster Ravioli, yum!!!! And then finish that off with Trifle!?!?!?!? I LOVE TRIFLEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But what if you don’t really know too much about crabs? Perhaps you are new to the area and afraid to ask any of the locals :) Well, the good folks over at McCormick & Schmick's have included some “Crab 101” tips to share with you. Along with their descriptions, they’ve also included sample menu items that correlate:

Crab 101 - Supplied by McCormick & Schmick's
Crab, like many forms of seafood, is a healthy food option.
o An excellent source of protein, crab contains important minerals and amino acids.
o Crab is also low in calories, cholesterol and fat.

Dungeness Crab is a tender white meat, known for a delicate, sweet flavor.
o Fun Fact: The estimated life span of the Dungeness crab is between eight and 13 years.
o Menu Item to Try: California Sushi Roll with Dungeness Crab, Sticky Rice, Cucumber and Avocado.

King Crab is known for meaty claws and legs and a full, rich flavor.
o Fun Fact: The size of a King crab can be up to six feet from toe to toe.
o Menu Item to Try: One pound King Crab Leg Dinner with Seasonal Vegetables and Melted Butter.

Blue Crab has a tender texture with a rich, buttery taste.
o Fun fact: Blue crabs walk sideways on their middle three pairs of legs.
o Menu Item to Try: Lobster Ravioli Topped with Blue Crab served in White Wine Cream Sauce with Roasted Tomatoes and Spinach.

$25 GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY
So friends, want to win a McCormick & Schmick’s dining certificate for $25 (valid at ANY location)? Then leave me a comment on this post - only one comment will count!

This contest will be open until Sunday, March 21st 11:59PM and I will pick the winner on Monday 22ND. Make sure I have some way of contacting you!!!

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/
See website for locations in Baltimore, Annapolis, Bethesda, and Oxon Hill

ATTENTION ANNAPOLIS RESIDENTS: Coming Soon - The Fresh Market

Just learned about this exciting addition to Annapolis:

The Fresh Market will open on Wednesday March 3rd at 9AM at 2504 Solomons Island Road. The new 24,900 square foot store will house a bakery, a full service meat counter, ready-to-serve entrées, fresh seafood, a large range of imported and domestic as well as a large organic selection - amongst other delights.

To celebrate its opening on the 3rd, activities will include outdoor grilling, chef demonstrations, and food sampling throughout the store. Also, the first 1,000 customers will get a reusable shopping bag and sample-sized bag of the company’s house blend gourmet coffee!

In addition, customers attending the grand opening will be invited to enter into a drawing to win The Fresh Market Pantry. Valued at approximately $1,000, the Pantry is a collection of The Fresh Market’s own TFM-branded favorites, including spices, stocks, pastas, pancake mixes, gourmet sauces, jams and more (nice!!!!)

To learn more, visit www.thefreshmarket.com and sign up for “Fresh Ideas,” the company’s weekly e-mail newsletter that includes specials as well as recipes and information about in-store events.

p.s.
The other location is located at 2510 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore MD 21209. 410-580-1930, right off Greenspring Avenue. In fact, Baltimore blogger Bmore Sweet went there recently to pick up some ingredients for some delicious tarts she made!