Local Food Finds

Your weekly dose of some cool food and dining finds around town!

Italian Sandwiches, Maryland Restaurant Week, and Bookstore Eats

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• If you missed out on a summer Italian adventure, don’t worry – you can get a taste of Italy at L’Antico Gusto Italiano ( Old Italian Taste)  at the Annapolis Mall.  The owner is from Italy and makes her own Schiacciata Toscana, a bread similar to focaccia. It is made with flour, yeast, olive oil, and water. Favorites include the #7 Salame with Pecorino Cream, Spicy Eggplant, and Spicy Zucchini; and #8 Pastrami with Smoked Gouda Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato, and Arugula. Having recently returned from a 10-day Italy adventure, the sandwiches from L’Antico really hit the spot and reminded me of the sandwiches in Florence and Rome!

• Maryland Restaurant Week kicks off its fifth year this Friday, September 13. For ten days, the Restaurant Association of Maryland and its sponsors will bring Maryland’s counties and restaurants together to celebrate and support the restaurant industry. Participating restaurants may offer special menus, discounts, or seasonal fare for dine-in, curbside, or carryout. There are 20+ restaurants from Anne Arundel County! Here are a couple of highlights:
  • The Alley at the US Naval Academy (Annapolis): 3-course dinner for $30
  • Blackwall Barn and Lodge (Gambrills): 2-course lunch for $25 / 3-course dinner for $39
  • Brusters (Severna Park): Dino dozen packs $15.75; 6-pack ice cream sandwiches $20; strawberry shortcake sundaes $7.25
  • The Grill at Quarterfield Station (Glen Burnie): 2 appetizers and 2 entrees for $38
  • JesseJay’s Latin Inspired Kitchen (Churchton): Free chips and salsa or Puerto Rican Sampler with the purchase of an entrée
  • Killarney House (Davidsonville): 3-course meal for $29
  • Main and Market (Annapolis): 2-course lunch for $25 / 3-course dinner for $39
  • Perry’s Restaurant (Odenton): $50 meal for two
  • Pirate’s Cove (Galesville): 3-course meal for $35
• You’ve asked, they’ve answered! Wyrd Bookstore has partnered with The Bell House Catering to offer a fall food menu with vegan and gluten-free options. Browse through new and used books, shop for unique gifts, sip on coffee and tea, and now enjoy delicious locally made food. Selections include vegan avocado-pistachio muffins, gluten-free chocolate-zucchini muffins, rosemary biscuits with whipped butter, chicken salad sandwiches, apple pie overnight oats, cranberry orange cheesecake tarts, and butternut squash salads.
  • P.S. Check out Wyrd’s website and event calendar for offerings like writing groups, book clubs (there’s a mystery/thriller one!), mahjong, open mic nights, and story times.