WHAT’ S HOT ON THE LOCAL FOOD, LODGING & ENTERTAINMENT SCENE
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WHAT’ S HOT ON THE LOCAL FOOD, LODGING & ENTERTAINMENT SCENE
WHAT’ S NEW ON
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EVERY ISSUE, HM BRINGS YOU THE INSIDE SCOOP ON THE BEST NEW LOCAL RESTAURANTS!
DO THE MEDITERRANEAN TWIST
Ayse Meze Lounge has introduced a monthly cooking series: Chef Ric’ s Mediterranean Twist. On the first Monday of each month, Chef Ric Ade leads classes through cooking demonstrations that transport participants to far-away lands. Classes feature demonstration, limited hands-on cooking, complete recipe folder, a light dinner and wine tasting, derived from the evening’ s lesson. If you missed the warmth of“ Turkish Delights” and“ Greek Isles” during the winter months, escape with your tastebuds for“ Lebanese If You Please” in March,“ Nice is‘ Nice,’” featuring the flavors of the south of France in April, and bask in the flavors of the Italian Amalfi coast in May. Classes begin at 6:30 p. m. and cost $ 80 per person. Call 240-520-3483 or find Ayse on Facebook to RSVP. Visit www. aysemeze. com / events for details.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, J & M!
J & M Grill celebrated its 40 th anniversary in February. Owner Jackie McAfee was just 12 years old when her parents, Jack and MaeEtta, opened the restaurant.“ My father was one of the best chefs around. My mom was pretty special around here, too,” Jackie told HM in 2011. Home-cooked meals were their specialty, and it’ s a tradition Jackie now carries on. Everything is cooked right in front of patrons on the grill— and you have to wait for your food to cool down before you eat it. Breakfast is a fan favorite, including J & M’ s variety of unique pancakes— from pumpkin pancakes to corn fritter pancakes. Stop by for old-fashioned favorites like hominy and puddin’ or homemade cakes and pies: 816 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. photo: Chris Jackson photo: Erick Gibson
TANTALIZING YOUR TASTE BUDZ
Perry White and Brenda Franklin purchased Laila’ s Kitchen in November, taking over for retiring owners Laila and Sharif Basharyar. Now operating as Taste Budz, Perry and Brenda plan to continue grilling the restaurant’ s signature kabobs and other Afghan dishes, which Sharif taught them to prepare. The couple have also added soul food favorites to the menu, including ox tails and catfish dinners, and weekly soul food specials of either BBQ chicken, fried chicken or fried fish with two sides for $ 8.99. Eat in or take out, and be sure to inquire about catering and halal meals. Taste Budz is located at 4 E. Franklin St. in Hagerstown. Call 301-797-9494 or 347-776-3218.
J & M Grill
Sereni-Tea Victorian Tea Room, Bakery & Gift Shop
SERENI-TEA VICTORIAN TEA ROOM, BAKERY & GIFT SHOP
21 E. Baltimore St., Funkstown 301-800-TEAS( 8327) http:// serenitearoom. com Sereni-Tea offers a decadent European-style full tea featuring homemade tea sandwiches, petite desserts, gourmet soups, and fresh scones. Reservations required for Royal-Tea and Afternoon Tea. Walk-in for dessert teas or to take something sweet home to your sweet.
DIXIE KITCHEN RESTAURANT & CATERING
1037 Maryland Ave., Hagerstown http:// dixiekitchengoodfood. com Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Dixie Kitchen serves up hearty breakfast biscuits and sandwiches, omelets, North Carolina style barbecue, burgers and a variety of specialty“ Dawgs,” including the signature Dixie Dawg and Reuben Dawg. Catering available.
PANAMA CANAL RESTAURANT
40 E. Washington St., Hagerstown 240-329-0501 www. panamacanal. webs. com Owner Karynthia Roach serves up the traditional dishes she grew up with in Panama, as well as Caribbean specialties, empanadas, chilaquiles, tacos, sandwiches and breakfast items including omelets and plantains.
Tasty Tidbits
SPECIAL EVENTS AT LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS
HEMPEN HILL BBQ
13208 Fountain Head Plaza, Hagerstwon 301-797-4455 www. hempenhillbbq. com Free live music and finger-lickin’ BBQ? Head to Hempen Hill on Friday nights to see The Windown Panes on March 9, KB Project on March 23 and The Reckoning on April 20.
HIGHLINE RESTAURANT & RAILWAY LOUNGE
101 W. Baltimore St., Greencastle, Pa. 717-593-0550 www. thehighlinerestaurant. com Jeff Bruckhart introduces Star Hill Brewery during a craft beer dinner 6 p. m. March 20. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of great food paired with unique beer flavors. Reservations only; seating is limited. photo: Chris Jackson
Hagerstown: The Best of Life in Washington County & Beyond March / April 2013 119