Maryland's Eastern Shore

Top-Rated

Sherwood's Landing

Here's a restaurant that knows how to layer big flavors. Dinner began with crab spring rolls accompanied by grapefruit, avocado, and almonds. Yes, folks, that's one dish. My entrée, a flaky wild rockfish, came with corn pudding, a Jerusalem artichoke, and a special Jack Daniels-corn sauce. Chef Mark Salter changes the menu regularly, so your rockfish may have a different twist, such as an accompaniment of spinach with saffron rice. The meal ended with a chocolate soufflé garnished with vanilla ice cream and a sticky orange Cointreau sauce. Each bite tasted different.

The dining room looks like a Ralph Lauren ad-faintly nautical, clean, and rich like the devil. White walls, polished wood floors, and elegant linens help create a posh waterside setting. Views of the garden and reeds make it worthwhile to go before the sun sets. The Inn at Perry Cabin, 308 Watkins Lane, St. Michaels; (410) 745-2200 or 1-800-538-6535. Entrées: $26-$39; salads: $12-$14.

The charming restaurants of these coastal villages will wow you with big flavor and fresh seafood.

Mason's

This restaurant in the heart of Easton exudes a romantic air. The brightly colored walls seem to deepen at night, and the intimate garden, historic feel, and snappy staff will impress your special someone. Most of the dinner entrées and appetizers I tried didn't exactly send culinary shock waves through the town. Then came dessert and coffee. Not many restaurants could stand on coffee and tiramisù alone, but Mason's does just that. Let them finish your evening with the most perfect ladyfingers soaked in their fabulous coffee and wrapped, like sushi, in chocolate. (Note: Associate Travel Editor Cassandra Vanhooser says I missed the best lunch in town here-the Angus cheeseburger served with pommes frites and a malted shake for about $10.) 22 South Harrison Street, Easton; (410) 822-3204. Desserts: $8-$ 10; coffee: $2-$3.95.

Out of the Fire

You'll be glad you took my advice before you get to the front door-aromas from the heavenly trinity of garlic, onion, and basil waft through the parking lot. Any place that smells this good has to taste even better. Take, for instance, their simple Margherita pizza. Out of the Fire has the good sense just to let the fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella sing a cappella without ruining the show with fancy spices or sauces. The mussels appetizer comes served in a slightly spicy capers-tomato sauce you'll want to drink with a straw. The dining room is warm and inviting, if a smidge on the noisy side. 22 Goldsborough Street, Easton; (410) 770-4777. Entrées: $18-$24; pizzas: $12-$14.

Harrison's Chesapeake House

As a Navy guy, I can say with some authority that seafaring folk aren't the best decorators. This place looks like a shipwreck-knots, compasses, anchors, and heavily lacquered furniture are scattered about haphazardly. The roof leaks on a rainy day. Still, this is where everyone, from the most humble sailor to the Chief of Naval Operations, comes to eat. Why? The fried crab cakes are fresher than a boatswain on shore after a six-month cruise. Get that crab in soup form too-it's thick, hearty, and sweet. Then sit back, and listen to some sea stories from your fellow diners. 21551 Chesapeake House Drive, Tilghman; (410) 886-2121. Entrees: $11.99-$24.99.

MORGAN MURPHY

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Aug 2005
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