July 12th, 2019
The Grove Market, Restaurant, Review, Bishopville, Maryland, The Art of Wining and Dining, Delmarva
“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious” ruth reichl
I first wrote about The Grove Market in 2009. This was before I had incorporated photos in my posts. Having photos is wonderful because, we, humans, are so visual. The scenery, the colors, always create an impact in our minds.
A few weeks ago I had guests and we were on the go from the moment they arrived. On Friday evening we met my friend, Cindi, and her husband in West Ocean City and from there we took to 12402 Saint Martins Neck Rd., Bishopville, MD 21813. Tel. 410-352-5055. My guests had no idea where we were taking them. Then, the first impression of the place was the photo above taken. What would you say about this tiny place on a country road not far from Ocean City?
My friend’s husband told them to please choose the cheese pizza because it was the best. They were like….really?
Inside what you will find is a small bar, only beer and wine is served at The Grove Market. And only about 10 tables. We sat in the back of the building.
As you can see, very simple, funky and also whimsical.
The pizza story is not way off. At some point it was a pizza place. The breadsticks served are from the pizza recipe from those years long ago. It was a fish market too.
There is a protocol to get a reservation. You call, if nobody answers leave the message with the time of the reservation and day. And, give another time as well or day. If Leslie calls you and tells you I only have this or that, please take it. This is a special place. The food is outstanding.
Cash only. Depending how much wine or beer you drink the cost will vary. Between $100 and $120 per person to be on the safe side. Be prompt, and you cannot linger. The place is small and others want to experience what you just had.
I have mentioned before that there are 5 ingredients for a good restaurant; quality of ingredients, culinary competence, service, ambiance, and price. The Grove Market has all those. You’ll see when you go.
John McDonald is chef extraordinare. In a very small kitchen he creates unique dishes full of flavor. Many years ago he owned The Garden Gourmet in Rehoboth Beach. He is a wine connoiseur, as well. He truly is excellent and so nice.
Here is our group. Patrick is Leslie’s brother and he is such a character. The restaurant does not have a menu. First the appetizers, then the dinner, then dessert. Out loud so the group of tables in the back need to pay attention. When Patrick danced the Macarena, I knew we would have a good time.
So this is what we had:
Appetizers:
Please have in mind that even though the menu changes here and there, they continue to have many favorites all the time.
Crab Remick was ordered by Cindi. I have had it before and at this time of the year the crabmeat is superb.
Our friend, Jody, ordered the Beef Stroganoff….served with no noodles.
Patti ordered the Cream of Crab Soup. Thick and full of crab, with a hint of Sherry.
And I ordered a salad that could have been shared.
Wine was ordered. But, I was a designated driver so nothing for me.
Now dinner…..Patrick came out again, veryl lively to announce their offerings. A few of us already knew what we wanted. Practically, we always order their duck. A Delaware duck, no less. It was roasted to perfection wih a semi-sweet sauce and chutney. Ross and I did not want to share with anyone and the bones were clean at the end.
Cindi had the lamb. If I had not had the duck that would have been my other choice. It looked fantastic.
Another excellent choice that is usually on the menu are the scallops. Jody ordered them and look how perfectly cooked they look. See the breadstick on the side of his plate. This is what I was talking about at the beginning of the post. How they have kept the pizza dough recipe and added as a bread.
Our friend, Patti, ordered the crabcakes. No fillers just tremendous lump.
Some entrees came with the side dish of cucumbers, onions, breadstick and potatoes. The others had it already on their plates.
A few desserts were ordered. The portions at The Grove Market are healthy ones. But, it is always good to order a few.
The Bumbleberry is a pie of a mixture of berries. There is no such thing as a bumbleberry. It is usually on the menu.
And also, usually on the menu is the Chocolate Silk Pie.
The story goes like this….Do you remember the movie Runaway Bride? It was mostly filmed in Berlin, Maryland. Not far away from The Grove Market. Apparently they were looking for a restaurant to feed their crew and stars. The Grove Market fed them through the duration of the filming.
I can go on an on talking about a restaurant and its food. But, it is the people that share your meal that make it priceless!!
Give it a try. Let me know on my AboutMyBeaches Facebook page how you rate your experience. Until then, Summer 2019 continues.
Tags: Bishopville, Delmarva, Grove Market, Maryland, Ocean City, Summer 2019, The Grove Market, Unique Restaurants, Where to eat in Ocean City, Wining and Dining
