Parlez-vous Francais? No? Not to worry. You don’t have to speak French to dine in one of Annapolis’ charming bistros.
The dictionary defines a bistro as a wine bar with food or, alternatively, a restaurant that serves wine. That’s not necessarily the case in Annapolis but there is food and the settings are decidedly pleasant. What more could you ask for?
Here are three restaurants that fill the bistro bill.
b.b.Bistro is owned by two local women who decided to open their own, unique restaurant. They have succeeded. b.b.Bistro is one funky place.
It is located in a bright yellow former residence on a main thoroughfare in West Annapolis. Shops and antique stores line the street. Inside, the décor is 1950s, with an eclectic mix of tables, chairs and china. In a corner, a box holds children’s books, for restless kids eating out with mom and dad.
Open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the menu features sandwiches and salads, often in unusual combinations. Local food vendors and locally grown produce is used. Fresh muffins are baked daily.
For information on b.b.Bistro, 112 Annapolis Street, Annapolis, call 410-990-4646. Free parking on the street.
The Main Ingredient is both a café and a bakery. Opened in 1993, it is a cozy neighborhood favorite. Booths, café tables and some stools at the bar make for a simple décor. But don’t let appearances fool you. The Main Ingredient is a regular award-winner in the best chef, best bakery and best desserts categories.
The café is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The emphasis is on fresh fare via locally grown produce and just-caught fish.
The menu is basically American, but there are hints of other cuisines like Mexican and French. The café serves wine and cocktails. End the meal with a selection from the amazingly extensive dessert menu.
The bakery has everything from cakes to cookies, pies to muffins, bars to fruit tarts. It even offers wedding cakes in a variety of flavors, fillings and frostings.
For information on The Main Ingredient, 914 Bay Ridge Road, Annapolis, call 410-626-0388.
The Wild Orchid has been an Annapolis institution for 14 years. Last spring, it relocated from its long-time home, a renovated bungalow in the Eastport neighborhood, to larger quarters in the Severn Savings Building, across from the Westin Hotel.
The larger space has allowed the restaurant to increase the number of tables in the indoor dining room and the outdoor patio. There are also two banquet halls.
The restaurant serves brunch, lunch and dinner. There is a daily bar menu. The cuisine is American but with an imaginative twist. Seasonal seafood and game, along with fresh regional produce, are featured. Wine and beer are served.
For information on The Wild Orchid, 200 Westgate Circle, Annapolis, call 410-268-8009.
Leave A Comment