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August 15, 2020

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Food and Garden Food-Garden Homepage Food and Garden Food/Garden Portal lead

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:

Oxford’s Tred Avon Yacht Club Welcomes Chesapeake Bay Buyboats

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Over the next couple of days, an important chapter of history is on display in Oxford with the arrival of the Chesapeake Bay Buyboats. Most built in the 1920s, these beautiful boats have been restored with about a dozen of the boats taking their annual tour around the Chesapeake.

In the 1930s there were over 2,000 buyboats licensed to work commercially on Chesapeake Bay, buying and delivering oysters to ports in the area.

They made for a beautiful site once again this week as the sun set over the Tred Avon River.

Spy 7 Files a Report: Knightly Provides Night to Remember for Plein Air Easton

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The 2019 Plein Air Easton Meet the Artists event over the weekend brought several hundred people to the historic Knightly estate on Leeds Creek off the Miles River. Alice Ryan received a warm standing ovation during dinner for hosting the event at her beautiful 81-acre farm and estate. 

Guests were invited to arrive a few hours early to wander around the estate and engage with the Plein Air artists who were pressed to complete their work by 7 PM. During the reception and dinner, guests were encouraged to purchase the just completed works and well before the evening concluded, the red “sold” tags were abundant.

This week-long annual event organized by the Avalon Foundation provides a remarkable opportunity to view artists at work and, of course, to enjoy art. But, remember, the message: The best way to ensure the future of Plein Air Easton and the Health of your Arts Community is to buy art!

For more information and a complete schedule for the week: www.pleinaireaston.com 

 

By the Byways – Chesapeake City by Spy Agent 7

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The federally chartered Chesapeake Country Byway begins at its furthermost northerly point in Chesapeake City. A recent journey north from Talbot County took just over an hour to cover the 62 miles.

Most know that Chesapeake City sits on both sides of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal connected by a rather spectacular bridge.

But, how many know that this 14-mile canal to our north is the third busiest canal in the world.  The canal has a rich history beginning in the 17th century when early settlers sought a way to reduce water travel between Philadelphia and Baltimore by some 300 miles. Construction was completed in 1829 thanks to the hard work of some 2,600 laborers who built the structure which is 450 feet wide and 35 feet deep.

Today, all types of watercraft move back and forth between the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay.

Of course, people visit Chesapeake City using all types of watercraft and vehicles!

No matter how one arrives, the area pulses with adventure. Sailing vessels and motor vessels packed the marina as summer was beginning. A group of sailors enjoyed coffee and conversation. No doubt, some were beginning their adventure and some were returning. Whether from Florida or a nearby marina, boaters were enjoying their preparations and the fellowship with other boating enthusiasts.

The area is filled with small inns, shops and restaurants. There were many people strolling the streets on the overcast day. So, even without a boat, just checking in for a weekend would provide a delightful chance to take in the history and the adventure of Chesapeake City and then travel south along the Scenic Byway. This guide can help with your own walking tour.

 

                          

 

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