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There is nothing I don’t like about the Laurrapin Grill in Havre de Grace, MD. That runs from the special, delicious coffee, to the lobster-crab cakes, to the wild-mushroom and duck pizza, the quiches, the salads, to the bar, then the lounge, then the open-kitchen dining room, to the water’s-view back room.

Serving this eating experience so well are the oringal art pieces (from local artists/local galleries), the extensive and hand-picked wine cellar, the local and always-fresh and -healthy ingredients, and the several-times-a-week live music.

Bruce and Shefia Clark, on-site and in-room chef-owners, also sponsor regular specialty events, such as art shows, an annual crab cake cook-off contest, and holiday special doings.

The place is best for couples, groups, and during the day especially, entire familes (judging from my last three visits). Everything gets special attention, the serving staff help each other out to the customers’ benefit, the prices are a very nice surprise, the location just 8 minutes off of I-95, on a shops-and-galleries filled area of this charming Bay-side town that was (for a short while) our Nation’s Capitol!

What is not to like? See you all there, as I’ll be sure to return soon. Your guests will have a m emorable time they’ll thank you for every time to talk with them—-

Laurrapin grille is on our top-three list of Maryland recommendations for a memorable, enjoyable, local-flavors dining experience. Reasonable price, great location, fresh ingredients, something for every palate, excellent staff. A can’t miss lunch, dinner, or Sunday Brunch choice for familes, friends, newly-dating, business-school-team gatherings.

The Laurrapin Grille in Havre de Grace, MD, has become one of our favorite restaurants for favored family, friend, and business visitors. No question about it; whatever the eating preferences, this place has it, and done right,

The small, Chesapeake Bay-side town was itself a temporary US Capital after the Brits overran the Whtie House and burned down the White House. H de G offers antique shops, art galleries, book stores, walks along the historic promenade, the National Duck Decoy Museum (you’d be surprised at this entire world of activity), a working Maritime Museum (master wooden-boat builders hold ongoing classes and demonstrations, currently some three canoes, a kayak, two flat-bottoms, and a speedboat under construction). This will get your appetite up for a variety-filled menu. Find that at 209 North Washington Street.

We took visiting family from Iowa and NJ just last week. Two vegetarians, two organic-only, and my wife and I, the omnivores of the clan. The coolest and crispest of local beers and deep-taste iced tea led off the lunch. Two pizzas (vegetarian; wild mushroom and duck); two bison burgers (blue cheese; “free range lettuce and tomato”); two lobster-crab cake sandwiches (one for the former vegetarian, just back from Japan and sushi delights). PURE FLAVOR, done to perfection. Best pizza ever, a meal. Juicy, thymed-peppered Bison. Crab cake with edges of lobster flavor—-amazing how that fills out the spectrum of flavors. Everything, again, was pure flavor, presentation, intrigue—-and health-conscious!

The owner, Sherifa Clarke (co-owner/chef Bruce’s wife) wandered among the 20 or so lunch parties (on an Friday), with the broad smile of confidence and love of food and people as the menu, artful decor, and location would suggest. We ran into her an hour later at a nearby art gallery, where she was negotiating the next change in artworks to compliment new menu themes. Delightful person, just like the wait staff at her restaurant.

This place is a real treat, whether on your own, with a group, before or after kayaking or boating down the street, or a sure-fire suggestion for dining.