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.