Southern Maryland and bits of DC (September 2008)

Well, as usual, here are my restaurant highlights!

The Naughty Gull
http://www.naughtygullpub.com/
455 Lore Road,Solomons, MD
410-326-GULL

I was in Solomons this week on business and I ate at this place...the food is excellent...I had the seafood platter which had scallops, shrimp, flounder and crabcake...I had it broiled and it was excellent! I would definitely recommend this place if you are in the area. I wasn't too crazy about the side dishes but the seafood was very fresh.

Panera Bread
http://www.panerabread.com/
45250 Worth Avenue
California, MD 20619(301) 863-8305
This is a chain restaurant but they have really good salads, soups and sandwiches. I suspect you can find these places anywhere.

Mexico Restaurant
http://www.mexico-restaurant.com/
11735 Rousby Hall Rd
Lusby, MD, 20657
This is also a chain but it's pretty good. Prices are very reasonable. I had a chicken burrito and enchilada here. Ask them to put half the sauce or else you'll be pushing it to the side like I did! I have to admit...they have the best damn daiquiri I have ever had!!!!

Isaac's Restaurant
http://www.isaacsrestaurant.com/
155 HOLIDAY DRIVE
SOLOMONS, MD 20688
410-326-6311
My conference was at this hotel and this restaurant provided the lunch everyday....the food, very very good especially their salmon fillets and the clam/crab chowder!

Saphron Restaurant
http://www.saphronrestaurant.com/
135 Central Square Drive
Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678
410.414.9903
Hands down, this is probably one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. It's a husband and wife team that own this place. There was a book in my hotel called Landmarks and this restaurant was listed in there as one of the best new restaurants...well, it is. I had the Mediterrean Seafood Pasta...wow...mussels, scallops and shrimp all over a bed of wide noodle tomato pasta with garlic and white wine sauce. the seafood here was very fresh...actually, I think i saw them cut the head off of shrimp and it was still moving!!! ok..maybe not but it was GREAT!!! I will definitely drive to eat here again.

Finn & Porter Alexandria
http://www.finnandporter.com/alexandria/
5000 Seminary Road
Alexandria, VA 22314
I ate breakfast here since this is where I was staying. Breakfast wasn't bad at all. Buffet style but very very good...I was surprised to see lox on the menu but I guess that's how it is! Would recommend if you are staying at the hotel there.

Carlyle
http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/carlyle/
4000 Campbell Avenue (formerly South 28th Street)
Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 931-0777
I've been here before. Had the crab cakes here..very good with minimal filler. Also had the calamari and the blue crab fritters. I would go here again!

There is more I could say but I am way tired!!

(Trip dates 9/13-9/18/2008)