Annapolis foodies know the name InGrano. The InGrano Bistro Bakery location in Parole has been delighting Annapolitans with innovative baked goods, beverages, and upscale cafe-style food since opening in December 2020. Now, Annapolitans have a second location to try– InGrano Restaurant + Events, and rumor has it, a third location on Main Street is in the works!
InGrano Restraurant + Events took over the space previously occupied by Flamant in West Annapolis and officially opened on January 26. When we visited for dinner on a Monday night, we noticed that very little had changed to the physical space and decor. John Buda, General Manager of InGrano Restraurant + Events, notes, “Flamant did a beautiful job aesthetically with the space and we felt no need to change anything initially as the bigger priority was not putting a full restaurant staff out of jobs, hence the push for a quick turnaround time.”
We sat on the outer patio which is completely enclosed and comfortable (even in winter temps). The vibe is kind of nautical chic, with wood plank and woven rope accents, and colorful Persian rugs on the floor. Buda explains, “We put the word ‘Events’ in the name of the restaurant because one of our goals with this space is to fully utilize the two separate dining rooms as best we can.”
The Drinks
My guest and I started with cocktails–he chose the Espresso Martini and I ordered the Smoked Cherry Blossom Old Fashioned. The Espresso Martini came with a magical bubble clinging to the top of the drink that bursts in a puff of smoke. This martini was like all the best parts of an iced coffee with the velvety finish of a cocktail. The old fashioned came with a similar presentation flourish of a wooden covering that releases a puff of wood smoke when the server removes it. Japanese whisky is the main spirit here, and I noticed the smooth quality it leant to the drink; it doesn’t try to choke you the way some bourbons do in a typical old fashioned.
The Food
The menu is split into three sections: Cichetti, For the Table, and Dinner. Cichetti, our server informed us, are smaller, bite-sized starters. We chose three starters. If you are a sushi or ceviche fan, the Hamachi Crudo is right up your alley (“crudo” means raw in Italian) and it was a favorite for both of us. The fish was so delicate and the bright, punchy pepper and fennel flavors were a ray of sunshine on a cold winter night. The Stracciatella + Focaccia starter could easily be shared between 3-4 people. The soft, creamy cheese base is topped with “yellow tomato puttanesca, milk fried garlic, [and] basil snow,” and served with freshly-baked bread on the side. The Wagyu Tramezzino was the only dish we might skip next time. While the Wagyu beef had succulent moments on its own, I did not pick up on the yuzu, soy, or garlic flavors except for the top bite or two, and the bread seemed dry and largely unnecessary. We both commented that overall, it needed “something,” a bit of salt, acid, or both.
For an entree, I chose the Stuffed Pappardelle (“sweet potato, parmesan broth, cracked peppercorn-pistachio crumble, garlic flower”) and enjoyed the blend of sweet and savory. My guest’s Wagyu Short-Rib Wellington was a large portion and beautifully cooked. The meat was fork-tender and as one might expect from the bakers of InGrano, the surrounding pastry was buttery perfection.
We enjoyed a glass of red wine with our flourless chocolate cake which was one of two dessert choices (also a deconstructed yuzu cheesecake). I can’t wait to see what else they come up with for the dessert menu as they continue to expand and experiment.
What’s Next?
In terms of special events, Buda notes, “We will continue the wine dinners and hope to build upon special nights by focusing on wine and different cuisines from around the world as topics.”
A three- or five-course Valentine’s Day menu with optional wine pairing will be available on February 14, and the Bordeaux Wine Dinner is scheduled for Monday, February 26.
InGrano Restaurant + Events
17 Annapolis St
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410)-980-5514
4:30pm-9pm Mon-Sat
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