November 21st, 2019
The Grove Market, Bishopville, MD, Restaurant, Review, The Art of Wining and Dining, Delmarva
The menu should be part of the entertainment, part of the dining experience. The 3 Cs “I like my food like my fashion: Casual, Classy, and with a Touch of Couture”.
And so our dining experience took us to The Grove Market, located at 12402 Saint Martins Neck Rd., Bishopville, MD 21813. Tel. 410-352-5055. This location is right outside Ocean City.
Crushed seashells pave the parking lot. Flags, a pizza sign, whimsical too. I believe the restaurant only has about 10 tables. And, yes, it is hard to get a reservation so give yourself about 2 weeks. Call, leave a message, give a few dates. If you like to eat late, I suggest you do so. Last reservation is at 9 p.m. Cash only. Checks accepted. It gets crowded in the summer. They only serve wine and beer.
Our reservation was at 8:30 a few weekends ago. This past Sunday, November 17th they closed until the beginning of May. For some of you it might be too late to eat but for us it was the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing dinner. John McDonal was the Chef Extraordinare, from Delaware, he works his magic in a very small kitchen. He has an amazing reputation and a wine connoisseur.
There is no menu. Out loud at your dinner table or if you are seated in the back it will be for the few tables to hear. You need to pay attention because they do offer a lot, both for the appetizers and the entrees.
You will find at the Grove Market quality in their ingredients, culinary competence because John MacDonald outdoes himself every time, service is personal and attentive. The ambiance? Well, you can see by the photos that it is a little quirky. Come hungry because they serve healthy portions. About $100 per person give or take.
The menu changes but they do have a lot of the customers’ favorites throughout the season.
I usually order the duck. It is a Delaware duck, roasted with a semi-sweet sauce and chutney. It is so good….only bones left on the plate kind of a dish.
On this particular night I let TC order it and I ordered a shrimp and crab dish. Crabs from Smith Island, no less, with a bit of Sherry and a slight kick to the dish. Yummy.
The breadsticks are a reminder that once upon a time this little restaurant was also a Pizza place.
I can honestly tell you that everything at the Grove Market is consistently good. Other dishes that are delicious are:
The Rack of Lamb
The Scallops
The Crab Cakes
There are several desserts to try but it seems that one of the most popular ones is the Bumbleberry Pie. There is no such thing as a Bumbleberry…it is just a mixture of berries.
Leslie, the owner, had time to chat on our visit which was great since in the summer there is, practically, no time.
It is a special place. Keep it in mind when you visit next season. You will not be disappointed.
Until next time…..Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Please check AboutMyBeaches Facebook Page.
Tags: Bishopvile, Cash Only, Delmarva, dining, Maryland, Ocean City, Restaurant, The Grove Market
