April 7th, 2008
From pub fare to crab cakes
I made the trek to Columbia this weekend to finally try out Victoria Gastro Pub. It’s been open since mid-December and has already gained a steady clientele. In fact, while we were there, our wonderful server, Laura, told us that there are already plans to open another restaurant in Annapolis. We can see why. The space is charming, and the menu is creative. It offers “English pub food with a twist,” Laura informed us after we were seated. Even my picky daughter, a local chef, seemed impressed.
I also checked on Angelina’s of Baltimore on Harford Road. It’s been through another ownership change in the last several months, and I was curious if anything has changed. It hasn’t. Although our server couldn’t have been more pleasant, the space is dated, plates are chipped, and the food uneven. Even the once renowned crab cake seemed ho-hum. It’s still a tennis-ball-size whopper but lacked the flavor of blue crab. With a history dating to 1952, we’re hoping for a comeback story.
I ate at the Victoria Gastro Pub for the first time 3 weeks ago, and what an unexpected delight.
So far, I’ve seen no other eatery quite like it in the area…and I can’t stop ranting and raving about the place to my friends. I highly recommend the cheese platter as an appetizer…
Oh! And all the beer is imported and delish.
K
Angelina’s isn’t far from where I live and I have been tempted to stop in. Maybe now I don’t have too! Thanks for the quick review.