Sam’s is described as a “neighborhood gem.”
There was surprisingly little traffic and the hour-long drive to Annapolis was uneventful. Being unfamiliar with Sam’s location, we programmed the GPS to take us there first so we'd know where to go when it was time for our reservation. When we arrived on the premises, we found ourselves at a gated community overlooking the Chesapeake Harbour Marina. We decided to explore the grounds before leaving for downtown Annapolis.
Chesapeake Harbour Marina in Annapolis, Maryland.
Can’t go any farther without getting wet.
A glimpse of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in the distance.
After a 30-minute walk around the marina, we stopped in at Sam’s to see if they could take us earlier. The host said he could seat us immediately at a dockside table for a more casual, al fresco dining experience. Blue skies, sunshine, and a light breeze? Casual? Al fresco? We didn’t need to have our arms twisted.
Dockside dining at Sam’s Waterfront Café. We ate at the table located next to the bar.
With all of the other brunch diners opting to eat inside the restaurant, which is housed in a building that resembles a screw-pile lighthouse, we had the dock area to ourselves. Service was prompt, but unhurried. A glass of wine to toast our mothers and sisters, and fresh-from-the-oven bread with a side of olive oil for dipping started us out. Mui and I ordered separate entrees — lobster-filled crepes for me; crab cakes for Mui — and switched courses mid-way. Both choices were delicious, but the flourless chocolate cake served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream was the icing on the cake, so to speak.
In our book, you just can’t beat dining al fresco.
Marina view from our dockside table.
And to prove we were at Sam's … .
Crepes stuffed with Maine lobster, roasted corn, mascarpone cheese, and chives; served with a warm fingerling potato salad.
Maryland style crab cakes, served with mini Vietnamese avocado, cucumber salad and jalapeno creamed corn.
Flourless ultra rich crucial chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
After our excellent meal, we programmed the GPS to take us into Annapolis proper, just a few minutes away. As might be expected on Mother’s Day, the sidewalks were crowded with families celebrating the special occasion with the bonus of great weather. We were surprised to find street parking downtown, but we didn’t question our luck. With the parking meter fed for the next hour and a half, we wandered up the street towards the Maryland State House at the top of the hill, stopping to do some window shopping at the stores on our way.
A tribute on the grounds of the Maryland State House — Baron De Kalb, Brigadier of the Armies of France and Major General in the Service of the United States of America. He died in 1780 while leading the troops of the Maryland and Delaware lines against the British in the Battle of Camden.
The Maryland State House carries the distinction of being the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use.
We left Annapolis around 2:00p and headed home. On the way, we stopped at a shoe warehouse and ended up putting a considerable dent in my wallet. Honest, I went in to get one pair of shoes. That I came out with six pairs is all Mui’s fault. Even this photo was Mui's idea.
I went in to get the shoe in the center/back; came out with all of these.
All in all, a great spring outing.
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