MENU PHOTOS BY CODY LANE BAIRD
The Ocean Goat Salad
Seared salmon and tangy deep-fried goat-cheese balls are the centerpieces of this main-dish meal . Candied pecans , strawberries , and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing add sweetness .
serving daily specials allows her to have creativity and freedom in the kitchen . “ It ’ s boring making the same thing every day ,” she says . Hanna jokes that her mother has a talent for improvising her recipes . “ She says that about most things that are good that she makes — ‘ Oh , I just made it up !’” Hanna says with a laugh .
Inside the gallery and restaurant , diners are transported to the farflung savannahs of Africa under the watchful gaze of zebras , water buffalo , and songbirds through viewing Lorrie ’ s artwork . She primarily paints with acrylics and stretches her own canvases , and says she ’ s been honing her talents for most of her life , painting both interpretively and from reference . The majority of paintings hung on the gray , exposed-brick walls are life-like depictions of animals as well as a few landscapes . “ I ’ ve gone to Africa a couple of times and fell in love with the wildlife ,” she says . Lorrie has passed her love of Africa to her granddaughter , Hanna , and took her on a trip to the continent for her 13th birthday so the pair could photograph wildlife together . Lorrie also creates limitededition bronze sculptures of human and animal figures , including
giraffes and elephants . She first carves her work out of clay before sending it to a foundry to be cast in bronze . Lorrie especially loves working with birds , she explains , and her affinity for them is evident in a striking sculpture of a crow stealing a real , functioning pocket watch , called “ Stealing Time .” One of her latest pieces is a large bear . Customers can see the work in progress .
On any given day , Hanna , who studies molecular and cell biology at Texas A & M University , can be found in the kitchen prepping food , serving in the front of the house , or updating the business ’ website . “ Her education comes first and foremost ,” Chef Carrie says . “ For her to learn what it ' s like to work without sacrificing her education ? It ’ s invaluable .”
Hanna agrees . “ I ' m very fortunate to be able to work with my family and have the flexibility that I have ,” she says .
Cast Iron Bistro and Gallery on Main have been open since Nov . 2020 , and already fit well into the fabric of Calvert . “ We ’ ve been so fortunate ,” Chef Carrie says . “ Not only did our customers welcome us into the community , but they ' ve just shown us love .” IN
Shrimp & Cheese Grits
The flavors in these stone-ground yellow grits run deep . Rich Tillamook cheddar adds a sharp tang , and the briny taste of shrimp contrasts with a spicy chorizo and poblano pepper sauce .
Bistro Bacon cheeseburger
This isn ’ t your average burger . The handpressed patty is stuffed with Tillamook cheddar and chopped bacon , topped with a creamy house sauce , fresh tomato and lettuce , and golden caramelized onions , stacked on a ciabatta roll .
Cheesecake
There ’ s no telling what variety Chef Carrie will think to serve up . Whether it ’ s cookies and cream , s ’ mores , or pumpkin and caramel apple-flavored , this cheesecake is a decadent way to end a meal .
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CODY LANE BAIRD