Welcome Addition

Towson’s dining scene is what you’d expect in a college town—lots of burger, pizza, and sushi joints. But Brian Recher, owner of the Recher Theatre and the Rec Room and Patio with his brother, Scott, saw a need for fine dining. Enter Towson Tavern (516 York Rd., 410-337-7210), the brothers’ newest venue. The stylish, dark-wood bistro with a sleek granite bar encourages lingering, and the initial offerings from chef Daniel Henry, formerly of The Capital Grille in Baltimore, promise just the upscale fare that has been lacking in the county seat. A sliced tenderloin with grilled asparagus and Dijon mustard-and-horseradish aioli ($23) was mouthwatering. Or choose a small plate ($4-16), including black-truffle sea-salt popcorn and a colossal crab gratin. Despite the high-end food, this isn’t a fussy place. “We want people to come out for good food and a relaxed atmosphere,” Henry says. “We want to be accessible.”