Union Jack’s is located adjacent to the Annapolis Towne Centre in the former location of Sharkey’s. It is a British themed sports bar/ restaurant with deep red walls, accents in black, two bars, a stone patio floor, and lots of flags and framed posters decorating the space. There are high and low top tables, and booths in this roomy location, as well as six pool tables for your enjoyment.

As with any sports bar, there is no shortage of all sizes of TV screens. The most noticeable one is a huge 14-foot projection screen located in front of a stage that is otherwise used for live music on weekends.

Our visit to Union Jack’s was for lunch on a weekday and it was not crowded. Our friendly and helpful server, Jeff told us that business has been best on the weekends so far. We ordered iced teas and looked over a very interesting menu. I say this because there were several items that I would have liked to try. For instance, the Carribean jerk chicken with fiji apple slaw and mango-pineapple chutney on a Challah roll or the blackened fish sandwich.

Paul ordered an appetizer consisting of two baked pretzel rods. They were hot, soft, and salted, with a side of spicy honey mustard dipping sauce. He was very pleased with his choice! For his meal, Paul selected the Burgess Park pizza. The menu lists four pizzas with certain toppings, although you may also choose toppings and create your own pizza. It is baked on 12” house-made dough, and gluten free crust is also offered. The Burgess Park variety came with hand-pulled smoked chicken, baby spinach, onion, artichoke heart, parmesan, ricotta and mozzarella. Paul ate only half of the pizza, probably because of the pretzel appetizer! He was very happy with it, but will ask to leave off the ricotta next time. We did ask for a box to go.

I decided to order the Vegan burger on flatbread. It was made with 6 oz Match premium vegan ground beef, baby arugula, roasted tomato, cucumber, red union, avocado, and Daiya cheese on herbed flatbread. I absolutely loved this sandwich! The burger itself was delicious, but even more pleasing was the generous amount of ingredients on the burger. I needed to use a knife and fork! Instead of fries, for a small additional charge I asked for a side salad. It may just be me, but I’m very interested in how a restaurant chooses to serve a side salad. Some of them are pretty lame, however Union Jack’s hit a home run! The salad consisted of a good-sized amount of mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, shaved carrots, and onions. I selected the house champagne vinaigrette dressing on the side.

We loved the service and the food and certainly plan to return soon! In fact, I enjoyed two pieces of the leftover pizza for dinner that night! The cost for our meal was $31.27 plus tip, including a $5 coupon from a local magazine.

I first became acquainted with this wonderful and friendly place a couple of years ago, when the Capital had a Coffee Madness contest.  For a period of time, coupons would appear in the paper, matching up coffee shops two at a time, to find the best cup of coffee in Annapolis.  b.b. Bistro was in the running.  They serve locally roasted coffee and gourmet sweets.

The one-room space consists of colorfully painted walls, hanging pictures, and an array of old-fashioned kitchen tables and chairs.  It all feels very comfortable and cozy. There were diners of all ages, ranging from babies in strollers to seniors.

Kathy arrived and immediately started chatting with two friends who work in West Annapolis and can often be found at b.b. Bistro.  They happen to be the enthusiastic organizers of the Annapolis Film Festival to be held here in town on March 21 – 24. After a few minutes of discussion about what has been planned, I wanted to be sure to mark my calendar to attend this exciting event!

b.b. Bistro is open Monday – Friday from 8am to 3pm and the breakfast/lunch menu is very appealing!  Breakfasts include favorites like oatmeal, yogurt parfait, quiche, and egg sandwiches.  Lunches include all types of sandwiches, paninis, salads, and soups.  They also have a white board advertising specials and that’s where I found my choice.

I ordered Hawaiian chicken with pepper jack cheese and avocado on a soft taco.  It was delicious!  The soft taco was more like a wrap and it was toasted perfectly!  It came with a very small side dish of quinoa with chickpeas.  I say very small, because it was wonderful and it disappeared too quickly! Kathy had a cup of the soup of the day, roasted red pepper and a 7-grain muffin.  She was very happy with her choice as well!  We both enjoyed our bottomless glasses of iced Alpine berry tea.

b.b. Bistro has been recognized as one of the first restaurants in Annapolis to receive the Environmental Stewardship Certification.  I’ve also heard that they have a garden on the property where vegetables are grown for the restaurant.   Check it out!

On arrival, we noticed that the décor was attractive, with dark woods, interesting artwork on the walls, and colorful patterns on the upholstered booths.  We asked to be seated in a booth and noted that the architectural style provides comfort and privacy.

For this opening day, we noticed lots of staff on hand to make a good first impression.  The large menu provides many options.  There were flatbreads, entrees, pasta standards, sandwiches, salads, and interesting sounding appetizers.  There were no lunch specials per se, but everyday a combo of half flatbread (choice of several types) with salad (choice of two types) is available.  Sandwiches also come with fries or a salad.

As we were served our soft drinks, we were greeted with a basket of fresh, warm rolls and a dipping concoction of olive oil, sun dried tomatoes and other yummy spices.  Both were big hits at our table!

Paul is a traditionalist at an Italian restaurant and ordered spaghetti and meat sauce ($10.99).  He saved a roll to go with it!  He was very happy with his choice and liked the generous amount of meat sauce on the pasta.

Lori ordered an appetizer – Philadelphia Steak Roll ($10.99), which can be described as a toasted cheese steak wrap cut in wedges, with a side of ketchup.  She enjoyed it very much.  It also looked like a great item for sharing.

I ordered the Chicken Pesto Sandwich with a side salad ($10.99).  The grilled chicken pieces were tender and delicious, and topped with melted provolone, tomato slices and pesto on a soft and tasty roll.  The salad was a general mix of lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.  The sandwich was great, but based on the menu, I also had my eye on other choices, like an eggplant dish or a flatbread, which means we will certainly return!

One of the owners, Michele, greeted us at our table and when she found out that Lori worked at the Mall, told her about the 10% discount for mall employees.  Michele also took the time to tell us that Four Seasons Grille is one of several restaurants owned and operated by her family.  The other restaurants include Carpaccio’s, Squisito’s, and Dimeo’s.  Each one has unique recipes and specialties, ranging from family style to fine dining.

Our check was presented in a book-like container – a different touch!  I predict that Four Seasons Grille will do well in this location, as it can be accessed from both inside and outside the Mall.  And perhaps it will bring more foot traffic to Lori’s wing of the Mall.

Talk about ambiance! This restaurant at 66 State Circle is absolutely oozing with it!  There were chandeliers, mirrors, and Tony Bennett crooning in the background.  We also enjoyed starched white tablecloths and napkins, a beautiful pressed tin ceiling, and fresh flowers on the table. It was especially surprising that the lunch menu prices were very much in line with other places we regularly go in the area.

The service was excellent and pleasant.  There was a leisurely pace to be enjoyed while we sipped ice teas and looked over the menu.  Most of the time, I check out a menu online in advance to determine if healthy options are being offered, so I was already leaning towards the grilled fish wrap.  Paul decided on the Reuben.

My fish wrap (Mahi-Mahi) was deliciously grilled and wrapped in a flour tortilla with tomato, lettuce and a little bit of cheddar cheese.  It was very good and contained a large portion of fish.  The menu stated that the wrap ($12) came with local greens, but the side salad was more than I expected.  It consisted of a generous portion of mixed greens, sliced almonds, carrots, and shredded parmesan with a light dressing.  I was very happy with this choice!

Paul had the New Yorker Classic Reuben ($11) with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing & handcut fries along with sliced pickles. He especially complimented the marbled rye bread and the lean corned beef.  As far as the fries, Paul compared them favorably to those at Al’s French Frys in Burlington, VT – a high standard to meet!

Other lunch choices that caught my eye were the grilled vegetable sandwich and the turkey club on whole wheat with avocado.

I went upstairs to the rest room areas and noticed the beautiful accommodations for private parties and functions.  The entire restaurant has been beautifully maintained, and we enjoyed talking to the owner about the history of the building.  Another visit to Harry Browne’s is certainly in our future!

Because it was such a lovely day, we asked to be seated on the covered patio, which was large and spanned the entire length of the front façade of the building.  More hanging plants framed the patio which added to the ambiance. The only negative aspect of our seating location was the constant sounds of adjacent traffic, including emergency vehicles whizzing by on Route 214.

Even though it was in the mid 80’s and there was not much humidity, it was nice to have the ceiling fans providing a pleasant breeze.  We noticed that the menu had changed since the last time we were there. There were old favorites like the Chieftain Salad and the Irish Reuben.  A separate flyer advertised specials of the day, and the menu contained regular lunch specials as well, so there were plenty of choices.

Paul zeroed in on a Reuben, but had to decide between the corned beef or the turkey variety.  He finally went with the Cork Reuben, which is made with turkey.  He was very pleased with the thinly sliced turkey, melted Swiss cheese, and cole slaw on toasted rye bread.

I ordered a grilled portobello sandwich, consisting of a nicely grilled mushroom topped with sliced tomatoes and melted provolone cheese on a brioche roll.  My sandwich arrived at the perfect temperature.

Both sandwiches came with Irish chips, which turned out to be thick steak fries.  For some reason, I assumed they were actual potato chips, or I would have requested a veggie or small salad substitute, since I don’t care for potatoes.

The service was excellent.  Our server was pleasant, friendly and attentive.  She generously refilled our ice teas and chatted that we shouldn’t wait a year before coming back.  We won’t!

They advertise a Sunday Brunch and have gluten-free items on the menu.

At these Top 10 Cheap Eats Restaurants in the United States, you’ll find food with plenty of flavor and creativity for not much dough. Learn where to savor peanut butter and jelly burgers, Kung Pao pastrami, Mangalitsa pork neck and chocolate bacon brownies without a lot of wear and tear on the wallet.

Now Fox news knows what Annapolitans have known for many years–Punk’s Rocks!  Here’s what they had to say:

You can leave the black leather and chains at home; Punk’s is actually named for an owner’s barbecue-loving Uncle Punk. Few items on the menu cost more than $10, and the festive backyard-cookout setting makes it as cheerful a place to eat as can be imagined.

It seems like Annapolis is falling on the “foodie radar” of late. Earlier this summer, Kevin Spacey was giving props to our own Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge!

Congrats to the McCabes for the recognition!

It appears that the structure was at one time a modest dwelling on Bay Ridge Avenue in Eastport.  The yard was filled with wild flowers and other colorful vegetation.  On the inside, there were lots of windows and an open kitchen with the surrounding mosaic bar.   The operation of the kitchen was in full view!

The restaurant was busy when we arrived at 1pm, but somehow we were seated quickly.  By the way, lunch is offered only Wednesday through Friday.  Water is served on each table in a large bottle for refills.  We ordered iced teas as well.

For lunch, we decided to share a couple of items.  First we had a mixed green salad, with walnuts, blue cheese, and Saba vinaigrette dressing ($9).  It was delicious and there was an ample amount for both of us.  Paul loved it, although he has always said he doesn’t like blue cheese!

Then we shared a flatbread style pizza that rocked our world!  It’s called The Humane ($11), and consisted of large disks of yummy eggplant, provolone, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and herbs.  The crust was amazing – crispy, thin, and tasty, covered with just the right amount of toppings.   It arrived hot and there was more than enough for us to share!

Okay, truth be told, we have already returned twice to Vin 909 since the initial visit, and ordered the exact same thing!  It’s a little embarrassing to admit, because there are so many other enticing items on the menu.  Check out the menu and summer hours on www.vin909.com.

If the flatbread alone was not enough, we loved the comfortable ambiance, with shiny wood floors, white walls, small ceiling spotlights, and background music.  We agreed that the unique charm of the physical space added to the positive experience.  Great service, too!  We’ll be back!!!

Fish Tacos from Greene Turtle

There are so many restaurants to choose from in Annapolis!  Paul and I are still making our way around by patronizing our favorites as well as trying new places. We always look for healthy options and moderate prices!

Here are a few of my current top menu picks:

• Greene Turtle – This item is on the new menu – Three fish tacos with lots more tasty blackened tilapia than expected. You’ll probably have to take one home! It comes with a nice side salad, too.
• Chipotle- Have a burrito bowl ‘your way’.  Choose white or brown rice, black or pinto beans, steak, chicken, or veggies; then add salsa, cheese, corn, or lettuce.   Leave off or stay light on the caloric stuff like guac and sour cream!
• Chris’ Charcoal Pit – Athenian Delight – Yummy, soft pita filled with grilled marinated chicken breast, cukes, feta cheese, onions and tomato.  I like the Tzatziki sauce on the side.
• Main Ingredient – Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich – Take off the top of the grilled Ciabatta bread and eat it open-face with knife and fork.  Love that grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, chopped tomatoes, basil and balsamic drizzle!   Have a garden salad the side with choice of dressing.
• Italian Market & Restaurant – Isabella Salad – Fresh crispy romaine and mixed greens, craisins, feta, tomatoes, hearts of palm, walnuts, sweet corn and more!  For extra, add chicken or salmon.
• Bagels And…- Egg and Cheese Bagel – Melted American cheese on both sides of a fluffy scrambled egg.  Must have it on a toasted black forest bagel!  Hurry, that type of bagel runs out quickly!
• Plazuelas – Soft Chicken Tacos – These come warm, wrapped in foil with lots of yummy, tender chicken and soft cheese.  Add the house salsa for a kick.

Feedback welcome, and let us know your favorites!

On an unseasonably cool morning, we arrived at the car show where we met up with our friend Pat (her husband Rodger displayed his ’67 Chevelle), daughter Becky and her husband, Matt. All of them had been to Rustico numerous times and were happy to come with us for lunch because it has been a family favorite! Would this restaurant experience live up to all of the hype?

I was concerned about the possibility of a crowded restaurant for Father’s Day without a reservation, but we had no problem being seated. Pat told us that all day Sundays (as well as Mondays through Saturdays 4pm-7pm), all bar menu appetizers and flatbreads are half price if you are seated in the wine bar area. We arrived around 12:30pm and asked to be seated there.

Our party of five was shown to a roomy high top wooden table next to the window. The space was warmly decorated with cherry wood floors, and old-world style painted murals on yellow walls. There were a couple of TVs and the size of the bar was impressive!

The Wine Bar Menu had some very tempting selections. Pat ordered Bruschetta – Roma tomatoes tossed with fresh basil, garlic and extra virgin olive oil served on grilled Italian bread, and Mozzarella & Eggplant Napolean – a tower of slices of tomato, marinated grilled eggplant and homemade buffalo mozzarella topped with balsamic vinaigrette. Based on the appetizer special, the bruschetta was $3 and the tower was $4.50. There was plenty to share and Pat characterized her lunch as amazing and delicious!

Becky selected a Spinach Salad, described as Baby spinach tossed with fresh strawberries, pine nuts, and goat cheese, with balsamic vinaigrette. She asked the server to hold the goat cheese, and opted to have the salad topped with chicken. Becky said that the salad was warm and the chicken was good, but unfortunately, they were too stingy with the strawberries.

Matt took advantage of the flat bread special and chose the Chicken Pesto variety, consisting of grilled chicken, mushrooms, fresh mozzarella and pesto sauce. This very good-sized flat bread was only $5. Matt loved the crust and described it as a great combination of textures and “just right!”

Paul and I split a House salad ($5) – wild field greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and red onions, topped with Italian dressing. They even served a half-portion for each of us. We also shared a large and delicious vegetarian flat bread, with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, marinated tomatoes, spinach and fresh mozzarella for the special price of $5. The thin crispy crust was perfect and the toppings were plentiful!

Our server asked if we were interested in dessert. Paul’s body language indicated that he was, and I think it had something to do with the fact that it was Father’s Day! The dessert menu indicated “all of our mouth watering desserts are made fresh on the premises.”

With a strong recommendation from Becky (who just happens to love baking all types of fancy desserts for family and friends), Paul selected the Strudel de Mele ($7)- Strudel with apple filling, topped with a warm caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. We were aware that there would be 15 minutes of prep time, as strudels are baked to order. This just gave us more time to enjoy the ambiance and the conversation! We enjoyed tasting this very warm and wonderful confection with the contrasting cold ice cream!

We all ate well for the surprising cost of only $47.16 in this lovely revitalized historic landmark. Rustico did live up to all of the good recommendations, and we will certainly be back very soon to sample another flat bread!

Check out the menus and exact location on www.rusticoonline.com

Last week we went with our friends, Lee and Linda who have become very fond of Paladar in general, and Taco Tuesday, in particular.  Lee is vegan and was interested when I told him about Paladar and even more interested when he discovered that there were vegan selections on the menu.  He told us that he has set out to try a new vegan item there each week!  He calls the Cuban black bean soup “the best in the world!”

On Taco Tuesday, soft tacos are $2.95 each and there are several types from which to choose:  blackened fish, grilled sweet potato, Rio chicken, Cuban braised beef, Chorizo & goat cheese and slow roasted pork.

There was no question in my mind when I selected two blackened fish tacos.  I have been known to sample fish tacos where ever I find them on the menu, in search of the best.  In Annapolis, Paladar has the best for the following reasons:  they are prepared with a generous piece of well seasoned grilled fish that fills up and sometimes extends outside of the taco (some other restaurants use small chunks), and they dress the tacos with pickled jicama (a delicious crunchy root vegetable, cut in strips), pineapple, shredded cabbage and pickled red onions.  They also serve cilantro adobo sauce that I asked for on the side.

Paul ordered one blackened fish taco and one grilled sweet potato taco.  The latter consisted of seared sweet potatoes and hearts of palm with pinto beans, shredded cabbage, green onions, tomatillo salsa, and roasted garlic-pasilla aioli.  How do they fit it all on the taco?  Paul and I decided to share a side order of sauteed spinach with golden raisins, which was wonderful!  Last time we split the quinoa with sweet corn and yucca that I liked very much (not Paul).

Linda also had two grilled sweet potato tacos, and Lee enjoyed the tropical hearts of palm salad.  It contained hearts of palm tossed with diced mango, fresh avocado, tomatoes, black beans, and tropical vinaigrette.  He ate every morsel and said it was absolutely delicious!  He and Linda shared a side order of sweet potato fries which looked amazing.  We discussed smoky corn grits with the waitress for another time (not me).

For Paul and me, this very satisfying lunch with excellent service came to a total of $17.98 plus tip.  What a bargain!  Not only that, but we also have a Paladar Rewards card that keeps track of points that are added based on the bill.   They calculate double points for lunch!  What will we get for the points?  More of this great food, I’m sure!

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