A Thank You and Plea to Paul Prager by Maria Grant

I’m just going to come out and say this. I don’t know Paul Prager and The Bluepoint Hospitality Group, but I love them. In my humble opinion they have added a much-needed vibrancy, and touch of class and sophistication to the already great town of Easton, MD.

The other day, I had the distinct pleasure of walking through the town of Easton with my awesome goldendoodle Lucca. Once again, I was charmed by the many new additions to Easton, thanks to Paul Prager and his Bluepoint Hospitality Group.

These additions include and are not limited to: 

Sunflowers & Greens, an upscale salad bistro

Bumblebee Juice, a cold-pressed juice bar

Bas Rouge, an elegant restaurant that serves primary European fare and seats 24 patrons (where last year I enjoyed one of the most memorable dining experiences ever—excellent food, great wine and terrific service that even my New York friends found flawless) 

Weather Gage, a coffee bar that features coffee drinks, pastries and these wonderful French teas that I’m now obsessed with

The Stewart, a lounge that serves premium Scotch whiskeys and champagnes, plus to-die-for grilled cheese and short rib sandwiches

Bonheur, an ice cream parlor, featuring homemade ice cream and pies

Benjamin, a fine crystal and porcelain shop

Flying Cloud Booksellers that sells hand-selected books that appeal to readers of all levels

The Wardroom, Bluepoint’s newest addition, which is an epicurean market that sells sandwiches during lunchtime and turns into a wine and gnocchi bar in the evening.

Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail.” Each of the Prager establishments showcases that perfection—that attention to detail—detail not often seen in commercial establishments. Each establishment reflects a strong sense of design, a sense of understanding scale and space, plus great artwork, flooring, superb finishing touches, and employees who take customer service to new levels. 

I realize that some Easton residents think it’s too much for one group.  What happens if he pulls his money out? But the way I look at it, Prager has fixed “sick buildings” that had asbestos and other issues. He has revitalized a whole block that was basically empty.  He has given many travelers a reason to stay in Easton and partake in these delights. Certainly, there is always risk, but think about the difference that John D.  Rockefeller Jr. made in Williamsburg or Andrew Carnegie made in Pittsburgh. They revitalized and renewed areas that were much in need. 

Thanks to Prager’s many improvements, Travel +Leisure recently featured an article “Maryland’s Most Charming Town is Where Big City Cool Meets Small Town America,” extolling the virtues and class of all Prager’s establishments.  

I live in Oxford, a delightful small town with oodles of charm. Having said that, we could use a little Paul Prager. How about a cozy Italian bistro and deli with fresh baked bread, Italian wines and one of those fancy cappuccino machines and some wonderful giant cappuccino cups?  Maybe Prager could buy Pope’s Tavern. It’s currently for sale. Paul, there is a parking lot across the street.  It’s yours for the taking. What do you say?  Please come to Oxford!

Maria Grant served as Principal-in-Charge of the Federal Human Capital practice of Deloitte Consulting. Since her retirement, she has focused on writing, music, reading, travel, gardening and nature.