New Beginnings-Inland Quest, in the words of the Target.

There's this one particular harbor, so far but yet so near. Where I see the days as they fade away  -Jimmy Buffett
Port of Salisbury Marina, 1/23/2020.

   It has been relatively mild recently. Low winds and flat waves, but the nights have come with a chill. The Atlantic's temps have definitely been moving the needle in the wrong direction. Needless to say Winter sends us, at the very least, weekly reminders that this is the season we are mired in. The evening itself had dropping temps as I arrived at tonight's destination. It had been five weeks. Five weeks since our last meeting in December. I found myself questioning the Watts priorities when it did not appear that the opening meeting of the 2020 season was at the top of their list...if they even have a list...as they were late. A full minute late, mind you. You would think a Crew encounter for the first time in over a month would have added extra motivation, but I guess I had over estimated the excitement of 2020's opening act. That being said, I was still glad to see them both as we entered a new restaurant in downtown Salisbury. Upon the start of the new year we have decided to utilize the off-season to initiate a quest visiting some more "inland" establishments. As we have often implied, no tavern is exempt from a Crew review. After finding seats at the bar, Wattman requested a local brew while I went with the gold standard, Miller Light, which I always enjoy. While both the draft and bottle were cold, neither glass was iced. At least it was glass. LWatt got her signature Grapefruit Crush while we turned to Christmas updates. From the Chicago reunion to the Salisbury family dinner, there was much to catch up on since we last met. Morgan's Oyster House was an upscale place. From the industrial exterior to the custom oak bar and back-country rustic interior, it had a comfortable look and feel.

Our barkeep was attentive and knowledgeable on all aspects of the new restaurant and did a nice job determining our needs without being intrusive. Watt decided to try some of the house selection of oysters. Harvested in Girdletree/Snow Hill, Md, Scotts Landing provided the six oysters that were an excellent size, taste, and texture. However, at $2.50 each maybe next time we will go oystering ourselves.

 For our two courses we went with a Shaved Pit Beef sandwich and thinking a bit out of the box for us...Newburg Mac and Cheese, a lobster macaroni and cheese dish. The pit beef had a nice smokey flavor and was nicely carved, however it could have used an au jus, thin sauce, or mustard to take it to the next level. The surprise of the night was the seafood mac and cheese.

 The noodles were long and twisty to hold a very light cheese sauce which did not overwhelm the large chucks of lobster, shrimp, and crab. A wisp of panko garnished the top. Any time you can meld and not lose the taste of fresh seafood with a cheese sauce you know the chef knows what Eastern Shore cooking is all about. As we came to the end or our evening the results of our ratings proved out that our first choice for 2020 was a success. But, bring your wallet. This is no dive bar. With only one TV and no discernible music this evening, it was all about the food. The menu was modest; the price tag was not. Still, we enjoyed the fare and were happy we came. Although my year end review expressed concern over low ratings, I tend to be the gatekeeper as to the facts of our experience. As usual I had to hold to my truth. Our Quest continues.  

Mogan's Oyster House, 1/22/2020

THE RATINGS-

Scotts Landing Oysters: B+

Shaved Pit Beef: B

Newburg Mac & Cheese: A-

Beer: B-

Atmosphere: C+

Value: C+

Overall Score = 2.875