PX This.

PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW

Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you!
What’s that? You would still like us to take the time to fill out the F&F survey, because you’d love to take advantage of all our vast experience, knowledge, insight, and expertise as long as we’re already here? Because you invited 75 people to F&F, and afterward all you got was 41 "Congrats[es]!" 22 "Awesome[s]!" 3 "Ciao[s]!" and 9 "Best of lucks[s]!" ?
Of course, we’d be honored. Oh ha, yesss, we’ll be honest— brutally honest even, ha ha! After all, that’s what friends & family are for!
No no please, don’t send anything more, we’re stuffed, we can’t breathe, you’ll have to roll us out of here, ha ha ha… !

Choptank

What was your first impression?
Well, it’s ‘warmer’ than BarQ.

Please rate the Bar:
Spacious! There’s a bar and there’s also a ‘raw bar’ / bar. It’s a little sloppy, but maybe they’re really going for that casual, laid-back look.
The bartender is friendly, and "…Eddie, the oyster-shucker" is particularly amiable. Very welcoming.

Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Apparently, "not all the liquor has arrived yet," but they have a healthy-enough inventory. The drinks are generous and inexpensive. The list is relatively eclectic and decent, especially considering its brevity. Perfectly satisfactory and compatible with the menu and ambience.

Please rate the Dining Room:
It’s OK. Not my particular style, but comfortable and commodious enough— a little ‘corporate’ even. I would imagine they’re enthusiastically anticipating the warmer months to make use of their ample outdoor dining.

Please rate the BOH:
Pretty good. I love the simplicity and nonchalance of the menu; make no mistake, this is an everyday place. If you’re the type that only goes out once a month or on special occasions. it’s probably not for you.
The only thing I’m somewhat confused by is: what— a fried ckicken, a burger, but no fish & chips? Odd.
Plus, there are a few missteps— but we’ll get to that…

How was the staff?
Very friendly. Good. On point.
The one guy that hovers around frowning at everything is a little daunting, but— well— I guess we’ve all worked with someone like that before. He doesn’t seem to be contributing anything productive at all, so he must be an owner or something. LOL.

What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Chips with Crab Dip : It’s offered on the menu, but I didn’t order it. But then they sent it anyway. So maybe it’s only delivered gratuitously (in lieu of bread, e.g.) if you order food; I’m not sure.
They were good— the potato chips are homemade and the dip is tasty.
Polish Sausage with mustard and sauerkraut: LOL. Love it. I thought this was a seafood house, but there’s the polish sausage. Go figure.
A nice healthy portion and pretty good.
Mushrooms with egg yolk: Delicious, but the presentation is a little blah. Maybe that’s their "thing," though; who knows? They should watch it on the salt— personally I liked it, but that usually means it’s too salty for most palates.
Topneck clams: This one needs a re-think. There’s a good reason these big, aging clams are usually chopped in strips and fried and/or minced for sauces. Shame— the broth is really delicious.
Fried chicken: Very good, but whoa!— that is one tortured side of kale all right. Tortured to death.
Brussel sprouts: OK, clearly, vegetables are not their forte. These poor veggies are straight out of Abu Ghraib. You can almost hear them whimpering.

What did you like?
The fried chicken was very good.

What did you dislike?
Those sad, whimpering, forlorn, tortured vegetables.
:(

What was your last impression?
It’ll be interesting to watch… sort of.

Would you come back?
It’s a possibility.

Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thanks, it was a pleasure.

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