Antrim 1844 is open for dinner every evening to the public (not just to people staying overnight at the inn) and really, it’s more of a grand event. I was honored to have the opportunity to experience the civility and glamor of this historic restaurant. Antrim is located in Carroll County, making it a perfect destination for diners from Baltimore, Gettysburg, Frederick, DC, etc. As soon as you drive up, you know you’re in for a special evening.
Enter the Federalist style building and you’re immediately greeted by several staff members and welcomed with a glass of wine. You’re then brought to what was called the “salon” in olden days for the cocktail time. Tasty, inventive hors d’oeuvres are passed around and you can talk to fellow diners or with your own party. Live piano music plays both at cocktail time and during dinner. It’s like the grand parties that used to be thrown!
At Antrim 1844, there are lots of unique dining spaces with working fireplaces, exposed brick, and antiques, such as the original smokehouse, the wine cellar, the original kitchen, the porch. If you have a larger party of folks, say about 10, you can commandeer one of these spaces for your own. It’s no surprise that big-time celebrities flock here.
Antrim 1844 has one of the largest selections of wine on the East Coast — over 2400 varieties — so don’t be afraid to have a sommelier help you pick out something perfect for your food.
Chef Michael Gettier — famous in Maryland and D.C. — creates a new menu each night, always including an amuse bouche, a choice of appetizers, a “chic salad”, a palette cleanser, a choice of entrees and a dessert palette. Within this format, you’ll find Maryland-influenced things like seasoned crab claws, as well as offerings from the Continent, such as Duck in Three Fashions: savory smoked duck breast, crispy ducky confit, and seared fois gras. The contrast in flavors and textures will delight you.
If you find diver scallops with four cheese risotto on the menu when you go, it’s must-order! They’re perfectly tender and sweet, with a crunchy topping. The risotto is cheesy and rich…I can just imagine having it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and for midnight snacks.
The quality and treatment of meats at Antrim is top-notch, so lamb, etc., is tender and juicy.
Antrim has interesting and unique cocktails at dessert time, such as “Kentucky Praline”, along with desserts to share.
Here’s a secret that most folks don’t know: Antrim 1844 has a cute, casual pub that’s open to the public, even if you aren’t coming for dinner. It has a fine selection of rarer Scotches and bourbons, several kinds of cigars, as well as access to that great wine cellar..
Luxe & Down-Home Cuisine/Culture/Travel/Style 