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June 23, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Local Life Brevities

Coming Back to Life: Thousands Attend 34th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival

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The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels was filled with over 3,000 visitors attending the first festival event of the year. Guests spent three full days this past weekend strolling among beautiful watercraft on land and in the water around the Museum’s Navy Point.

There was plenty to see and do with a number of the vessels offered for sale. It was remarkable to see so many people out again!

There were opportunities to get out on the water on a couple of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s fleet of boats, giving people a special way to view the festivities.

With the large increase of visitors to this first festival of the season, it looks like a busy time for CBMM. To learn more about upcoming events, exhibitions and other activities, go to cbmm.org here

Spy Report: The Entrepreneurial Flagpole Patriot

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When a shiny new white flagpole with a bright new American flag appeared on the banks of Trippe Creek, it caught one intrepid spy’s attention. Just where did it come from? And, how did a 30-foot flagpole get dropped into such a perfect location?

Turns out, the answers were not far away.

Along Route 50 sits the Eastern Shore Flagpole company (click here for their website). If you visit their website, you find a wide range of choices. In fact, if you can’t find a flagpole combination you like; well, you must really not want a flagpole. What’s the most fun is talking to the company’s founder, Peter Mullaly. Fun, because the answer to the question, “…how did you come to run a company that installs flagpoles,” starts with that wonderful phrase, “…I was at a bar with a friend 25 years ago.”

You just know it’s going to be a great story. And, it is. The friend liked selling flags, but the installation part, not so much. At that moment, a company was born.

The fact is Peter and his team have a passion for getting their clients the right flagpole and using their skills, experience and equipment to place it in just the right spot. Reportedly, the nearly 24/7 operation consistently exceeds expectations. Great people, great equipment and over two decades of experience count for a lot. Even better, this company sits right here with us on the Eastern Shore serving surrounding areas.

You will see their office in Grasonville along Route 50, but don’t count on seeing them as they are in the field standing up the best flagpoles around.

An Evening to Remember, Because We Were Starting to Forget

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A few months ago, a small group gathered via Zoom to consider the Academy Art Museum’s Spring Event. The annual event has been approached as a lovely gala held at the Museum or at one of the Museum member’s homes in past years. Either way, close to 300 friends showed up for an enjoyable evening to raise funds for the work of the Academy Art Museum.
The Zoom call focused quickly on the reality that there would be no Gala. But, the group was decidedly in favor of finding a path to an event that met all regulations for safe gatherings – understanding that things would change — while providing donors and guests with a chance to enjoy the refurbished Museum, an outstanding exhibit, and as much social interaction as possible.
On Saturday, May 1st, the weather was perfect and a couple hundred people enjoyed the program, staggered all afternoon and into the evening to insure the numbers inside the Museum were never too large and the tent outside could easily accommodate parties at tables where all enjoyed lobster or vegetable meals served in a take home bento box.
Who would have thought over a year ago that it would take until May 1st for people to feel comfortable. The vaccinated patrons enjoyed Saturday afternoon and evening. As one proclaimed, “…we’re back, almost!”
The Spy appreciated being in attendance, especially to spend time with the just appointed new director of the Academy Art Museum, Sarah Jesse.

A Spy Report: A Sardinia Wine Dinner in Your Home…How?

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We’ve all heard about Blue Zones around the world where people experience exceptionally long and enjoyable lives. One of these places is Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.  So, if you could have their food, their wine and one of the local experts from this Italian island in your home for an evening, wouldn’t you want to do it?

This weekend, St. Michaels’ Simpatico made all this possible for a group of local citizens. And, yes, it all happened in their homes via ZOOM! The Spy was there for the fun and captured the experience first hand — it was an amazing evening for the sellout group of almost 30 households.

https://www.simpaticostmichaels.com/

The wine from Sella & Mosca came from Simpatico under the able direction of owner, Bobbi Parlett, who organized the creative dinner party. The authentic four-course meal came from Osteria Alfredo. The four wines (yes, one for each course of course!) and the ready to eat food courses came boxed and bagged for easy loading outside of Simpatico in St. Michaels.

The participants, ZOOM instructions in hand, logged in ahead of the 6:30 PM start time on Saturday, May 2nd when the fun began. Bobbi welcomed the diners and  introduced the guest speaker, Alfonso Gagliano, Sella & Mosca North American Brand Ambassador joined from Italy. He was a wealth of information about the food, the wine and the culture of Sardinia. Alfonso captivated all who followed along during an exceptional two hour journey of food and wine in a land far away.

Take a look at the amazing wine and food pairings….with Sella & Mosca Award Winning Wines:

1. Terre Bianche Torbato Alghero DOC 2018
Just awarded a Tre Bicchiere Award! One of Top 100 White Wines in Italy

Pane Carasau Flatbread & Pecorino Sardo Dolce

2. La Cala Vermentino 2017, 94 Pts James Suckling

Shrimp & Cannellini Beans with Lemon Oil

3. Carignano del Sulcis Terre Rare Riserva DOC 2014, 100% Carignano

Malloreddus Pasta with Duck Ragu

4.  Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva DOC 2016: 100% Cannonau, 91 Pts James Suckling

Lamb Shank with White Beans & Sauteed Greens

Photo of the dinner group (page 1)…if you use, you might want to shrink down so names are illegible …..obviously, no one gave permission to use…

For more information about Simpatico please go here.

COVID-19: Historic Location / Bold Innovation

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What do you do when your historic Annapolis site housing a wonderful gallery with the works of prominent local artists is somehow “non-essential.” Well, if you are proprietor Katherine Burke at the Annapolis Collection Gallery on the first block of historic West Street, you take the fine work online in a weekly auction!

One of our spies seeking a work by famed local photographer Jay Fleming found it was available at auction. After losing the first bidding contest, a high bid at the last minute at the next auction brought success.

The Annapolis Collection Gallery will deliver (depending on distance), ship or schedule a pickup time for the fortunate winners.

By the way, if you don’t really want to participate in an auction with bidding involved, most every item has a “Buy Now” price, so it’s just like online shopping.

When asked, Ms. Burke reported that the weekly auctions are “keeping the Gallery alive.”

Congratulations to success with a bold idea that serves the community, the artists and a fine Gallery in Annapolis.

Check out the auction this weekend here.

Spy Sighting: Signs of the Times

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During our time of greater isolation, we should remember our favorite dining out locations and remember they need our support and are working to stay open with government-permitted carry out service. And, the service may include delivery as well.
One of our spies spotted this enterprising Oxford favorite reminding those headed home that fine food is available and delivery is offered as well. Seems like maybe the delivery staff is readily available! So, even if you are staying home, you can dine with meals you’ve enjoyed most from our neighborhood restaurants. And, if you are into preparing your own meals, send a dinner or two to friends! If we want our community restaurants going strong when going out is popular again, we need to support them now.

Arts: Spy Discovers a New Map

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The Craft Show team at the Academy Art Museum just launched a new collaborative map project, inviting merchants from restaurants to art galleries throughout the region to place themselves on an electronic map. The idea is to build on the over 90 entries already on the map which will become part of the Craft Show social media promotion that last year reached over 220,000.
Reached by The Spy, Craft Show chairman Craig Fuller said, “…since we get asked all the time what else is there to do or where can we go for a good meal, we decided to introduce an electronic map that shows people just how many wonderful other things they can do before or after they visit the Craft Show next month!”
Spy readers are invited to check out the initial version of the map still under development…just click here.
And, if you want your establishment listed, let the Craft Show team know by submitting a short form here.,,
With close to 3,000 people coming to the Craft Show during three full days from October 11th to the 13th, there should be a large number who take advantage of what’s on the map.

Spy Maritime: Marinas and Meals

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Those of us boating in the Talbot County area occasionally wonder just where to go on the water to get a good meal. One place that should be on any list has been around for awhile. I guess 309 years qualifies for “awhile.”
The Robert Morris Inn was built as The River House in 1710 and it has been operated as the Inn since 1800. Best of all, it was designed from the beginning to serve those arriving via the Tred Avon River and just a short walk takes you to Salter’s Tavern and Tap Room at the Inn.
Whether one selects indoor and outdoor dining, the setting is beautiful and a sense of history washes over you. Guests find the menu is wide ranging and the food is delicious. On the particular day of our visit, breakfast outdoors was on the schedule and everyone left very satisfied.
For more information about the Robert Morris Inn as well as attractions in Oxford, click https://www.robertmorrisinn.com/home.aspx

Spy Diner Report: 98 Cannon Could be a Jewel

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The name, 98 Cannon / Riverfront Grille, conveniently provides the street address in Chestertown, Maryland, but it understates just how delightful this fully renovated restaurant environment has now become sitting on the Chester River.
While the new dining establishment is still working out a few startup hiccups, this combination of food, wine, and the Chester River are starting to come together nicely with a dramatic and modern look for Kent County dining.
The entrance is new and attractive.
Inside, a bright and open interior leads onto a large deck for dining.
The bar is large and a noticeable juicer suggested fresh squeezed lime juice margaritas would not (and, they did not) disappoint!
However, if beer is your thing, it appears there are 12 on tap to select from.
After enjoying a drink and visit at the bar with the friendly staff, dinner on the deck was a delightful experience. Seafood dishes attracted most of our group of diners all of whom enjoyed their selections. However, the special offering of the evening from the skillful chef came in the form of two small filet mignon steaks over mashed potatoes with mushrooms, and it was exquisite.
The homemade dessert selection tempted most of us. Each person raved about their selection. The key lime pie as well as the apple crisp with a giant scoop of ice cream were each stunning.
Whether one arrives by boat (the best way to get there so you can stay the night) or by car, riverfront dining at 98 Cannon in Chestertown is looking like a very promising new addition on the Chester Waterfront.
For more on 98 Cannon please go here: