May 28th, 2015

Day Tripping, Robert Morris Inn, Oxford, Maryland, Talbot County, Casual Outdoor Dining, Fine Dining, Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Teas, Dinner, Open Year Round

Oxford is one of Maryland’s oldest towns.  It was the first and only port-of-entry on the Eastern Shore mandated by the Maryland legislation back in 1694.

Oxford is such a charming town.  Sailors, cyclists, kayakers enjoy the scenery and the peace emanating from this quaint town.  It is picture perfect and streets are lined with beautifully manicured, elegant and historic homes, framing the banks of the Tred Avon River.

On the road for the day with my friends, the two Debbies, it only took us about an hour and a half from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  Our destination was the historic Robert Morris Inn.  It is 300 years old!!  Located at 314 North Morris Street (Main St.).  Tel. 410-226-5111.  Websiste? http://www.robertmorrisinn.com.  The Inn serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas (by reservation) and dinner.  It is open year-round.

There are 14 historic bedrooms located on the second and third floors.  Adjacent to the Inn they have the Bottle Cottage…..two modern, waterfront rooms.

On this day the temperatures were a little warm but the cool breezes kept us very comfortable.  Oxford is very walkable.  Park your car, cycles and just walk and enjoy the beautiful town.

Robert Morris was known as the “Financier of The Revolution”.  He arrived in Oxford in 1738.  President George Washington was a friend.  A part of Robert Morris’ residence is incorporated in the Robert Morris Inn.

A little trivia?  James Michener outlined his famous novel, Chesapeake, at the Inn.

The Robert Morris Inn has been enlarged several times since its time as a private home.  The murals in the dining room were made from wallpaper samples used by manufacturers salesmen, 140 years ago.

The Tavern has a slate floor that came from Vermont.  Timber beams, panelled walls and open fires.

This fireplace is from the 1800s and the spot for many to have their photos taken.

It was great to see my friend, Susan Campbell.  She joined our small group for an outdoor lunch.  Her family owns Campbell Boatyards with 3 locations in Oxford.  They are a full service, high quality marine and boat building facility.  Please visit http://www.campbellsboatyards.com.

We were looking forward to the offerings of Celebrity Chef, Mark Salter, of Scottish descent.

Spring Pea & Mint Soup with Crispy Shallots was served warm.  It had the perfect consistency. The peas paired with mint…a pretty good combination of flavors.  I think this soup could also be served chilled in the heat of summer.

The Grilled Asparagus Salad with Panko Crusted Goat Cheese, organic greens, toasted walnuts, dried fig chutney and a blackberry balsamic vinaigrette was a signature salad dish.   Perfect for summer and for those trying hard to keep their girlie figures.

Chef Salter is Scottish…so, Fish n’ Chips is another signature dish offered at this time of the year.  Battered Cod, buttered peas, remoulade and shoestring fries.  It was awesome!!  Not in the least greasy!!  Light and perfectly seasoned.

An order of the Chicken Salad Sandwich….except no bread, so it became a Chicken Salad entree with lettuce, tomato, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds. Homemade chips!!

Thanks for such great service and suggestions!!

Friends are the best, and sharing a meal with them is always priceless!!  No dessert…..heading towards the Scottish Highland Creamery on Tilghman St.

Note:  Some info. was taken from the Robert Morris Inn’s brochure.