Vin 909 Winecafe is a New American cafe located in the Eastport area of Annapolis, MD focused on a farm-to-table fare and sourcing ingredients locally. Entering the restaurant you are greeted by their wine bar which wraps around to the right, standing bar area to the left, and dinner tables to the far right. They have a small patio out front with a few tables and more on the patio in the back – which is enclosed and heated during the winter.

There are muted green walls with hints of gray depending on the light, mocha colored tables and chairs, and red oak floors. Festive artwork of people and wine cover the walls and there are lots of eight pane windows to brighten what is already an attractive space. Red accents outside and in provide a bit of extra pop.

On my first visit, I ordered the chesapeake clams and curry from their seasonal menu – farm raised small clams, roasted squash puree, curry cream broth, pumpkin seeds, diced squash, and strips of flash fried sweet potato dancing on top. The squash puree was sweet and the green curry added some spiciness. The pumpkin seeds and fried sweet potato added some textural crunch. The clams couldn’t fight above all of these flavors and textures, but they were plump and fresh. The crusty french baguette slices – served in a cone – did an excellent job of soaking up the sauce. For dessert, I ordered their vanilla gelato. A two scoop affair in a simple white bowl – it was light, creamy, with good vanilla flavors, and reflected the use fresh egg yolks and cream.

On my second visit, while reviewing a BMW M6, I sat at the chef’s bar which gave me a great seat overlooking the kitchen and the action inside on a busy Thursday evening. A group of three – including the head chef and part owner – made up the team in the primary kitchen area, with a separate station for spinning the pizza hits. Things worked quite smoothly and the other owner was on hand working whatever needed to be done. Everyone was very hands-on.

To start, I ordered their soup of the moment, which was a concoction of salty prosciutto, rice, potato, carrot, celery, and parsley in a chicken broth. This turned out to be a very nice choice on a cold January evening with blustering winds. Lots of individual flavors that became a satisfying potion in a bowl with a flute of french bread slices alongside.

For dinner I chose their margherita eastport style pizza with slices of pepperoni and a glass of Ziobatta, 80% organic Sangiovese and 20% Syrah. Vin 909’s pizzas are thin and crisp rectangular topped vessels of house made mozzarella, artisanal meats and local vegetables that are popular, judging by the orders and tables making them disappear in fast order. Mine had some lively pepperoni, basil, and a sprinkle of olive oil. Very tasty from corner to corner.

The red Ziobatta hit the spot nicely with very good red cherry and strawberry flavors, integrated tannins, and a deep ruby color throughout, with a bright red ring at the edge of the glass. It was also a very solid 5 ounce pour as well and excellent value at eight dollars.

For dessert I ordered their limoncello sorbetto and it was a double scoop burst of pure lemon flavors and creamy sorbetto in a chilled bowl. The little concoction disappeared quickly.

I was served by two staff members on my first visit and both were knowledgeable, with one being more upbeat than the other. Anyone can have a blah day from time-to-time. On my second visit I was served by three different staff members. Everyone was on tempo, working smoothly together, and seemed to enjoy their work, including a chat or two with neighborhood customers. The effect was to create a relaxed vibe with good food, wine, and people – even with interlopers like myself.

I’d definitely recommend a visit if you are in the neighborhoods of Annapolis, as Eastport is a very short distance away and offers up good food and wine, a congenial atmosphere, and a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients done simply and well.

Vin 909 Winecafe
909 Bay Ridge Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21403
(410) 990-1846
http://vin909.com
https://goo.gl/maps/4G15LWuH9vuVGeoS6

Notes:
-As a neighborhood cafe they do not accept reservations.
-There is very good parking along Bay Ridge Avenue.

The post Vin 909 Winecafe appeared first on A Taste for the Road.

My review here will focus on their coffee.

On my first visit in the afternoon, after evaluating some roads in the Catoctin Mountains north and west of Frederick and Thurmont, MD, I ordered a signature latte and sat at the bar. The time was during their shift turnover, but folks were happy to chat for a bit. Their signature drinks all have certain things in common – beans from Counter Culture, a double shot, steamed milk of choice, and flavors from Monin syrup company. My double shot latte with whole milk was their Ninja Turtle – espresso, chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel.

The concoction arrived in a brown cup and saucer with some wonderful looking artwork on top. Scents of chocolate and hazelnut sauntering by as I thought through how best to consume this craftsmanship in a cup. An initial sip did not disappoint. Lots of all three flavor shots, along with nice coffee aromas, were the order of the day. The foamy top was a cloud of whole milk richness and it complimented the other dance partners well. Fortunately, the cup was good sized, so the the liquid disappeared more slowly.

I would have enjoyed a bit a dessert along with my Ninja Turtle, but they only had some packaged cookies. So, I saved the calories for another day. Overall, a very nice introduction to Cafe Nola.

On my second visit, this time while reviewing a Mazda Miata, I had their signature latte called German Chocolate. A combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate, this hot latte on a cold day really hit the spot. The latte art was a standout again and some of the best I’ve ever seen. All of the signature flavors were in abundance and there was a richness to the drink that lingered.

The staffs on both visits were very courteous, helpful, and seemed genuinely happy to be there. Even on my second visit, when the place was packed, everyone was in a good mood and respectful of each other. The cafe feels like a well oiled machine.

Cafe Nola is a very nice place for coffee and I definitely look forward to trying their food in the future as my car and motorcycle reviews bring me into the area again. The cafe is definitely worth a visit if you plan to visit Frederick, MD.

Cafe Nola
4 E Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 694-6652
www.cafe-nola.com
https://goo.gl/maps/N8mV6kvsRJ5cToGr6

Notes:
-As a neighborhood cafe they do not accept reservations, but there is a waitlist once in-line.
-Good street parking and several garages are close at hand.
-Motorcycles can park in the garages.

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