Friday Favorite – Island Hideaway

Today is my fifth edition in My Friday Favorites in Southern Maryland (make sure to read all the way to the bottom, there is a special message in bold).  Today’s Favorite is truly not only Peter and my favorite restaurant in all of Southern Maryland, but our kids as well.  Island Hideaway in Solomons, Maryland is the first place I tell anyone when they ask for an incredible dinner recommendation.  There are so many reasons why this restaurant is such a special place.

 

Lori, the owner, along with her 3 sons, have such a strong combined passion for fine food that it led them down this path of opening their own restaurant together.  They have turned this space into an extension of their home – it is a contemporary and comfortable dining establishment providing exceptional American cuisine and friendly conversation.

Local friends, do you remember that it used to be Digionvanni’s Dock on the Bay??  Well, you would not recognize it now.  It has had a complete makeover, both aesthetically and menu.  From the moment you walk up, you know you have found a special place.  And, if you are fortunate enough to meet Lori, you are greeted with a warm heart, gorgeous smile and welcoming words.

Lori worked with Doug Richard from D Richard Design to give the entire space a fresh, modern and upscale atmosphere yet is most certainly approachable.  I think the pergola is my favorite detail.  But I also love the story behind the name of the restaurant.  Lori said that patrons and friends would remark how the restaurant was off the beaten path and far from the road, like a hideaway, so that is how they came up with ‘Island Hideaway’.  She also uses a keyhole as their logo to go along with the hideaway theme.  How cool is this located right inside the restaurant…

The contemporary interior makes you realize that Lori and her sons took time to make Island Hideaway fresh and truly a standout restaurant on the Island.  The staff is always knowledgable and so friendly.  Their excitement when telling you about the daily specials is contagious.  We love going there so much, that that is where Matti Jane asked to have her birthday dinner last year.

Every single meal we have had there has been truly amazing.  And those that know me and my food snob hubby well, know that Peter doesn’t say that easily.  The Ceviche is one of my favorite appetizers.  We had it a couple of months ago and salivated over it so much, we tried to recreate it at home the following day.  It was not as yummy at Island Hideaway’s but it was pretty good!!

At our most recent visit to Island Hideaway, we had the Ceviche again and Conch Fritters as our appetizers.  The Ceviche did not disappoint and the Conch Fritters were AMAZING.

There were 6 Fritters but we dove in too quickly before I got the shot…that good!

I enjoyed the Coconut Lemon Chicken.  So so so good…the chicken was cooked to perfection and the combination of coconut and lemon was done so darn well.

Peter had Pomodoro Shrimp and Grits, one of the daily specials.  He literally ate every single bite on the plate…that says it all 🙂

Chandler had the “Build your own Pasta” from the kids menu, done exactly how the kids like it!!

Matti Jane had the ricotta and parmigiano-reggiano blend ravioli topped with fresh basil and butter (shocker ;-))

Lori arrives at 3 AM daily and makes the pasta and desserts from hand and from her heart.  You can tell with every bite.  The desserts are OUT OF THIS WORLD!!

And, the drinks, so fun and so delicious!!  I always have fun deciding which cocktail to order.  A go-to for me is always the Blueberry Lemonade, but from friends’ recommendations, I recently ordered the Holy Water.  If you love cucumber water, this drink is a must have!!

So, I discussed the amazing food and the great decor, but lets talk about the priceless view we get to enjoy every single visit.  To me, it’s just the icing on the cake and makes this place so amazingly special.

Literally, this is our view from our picnic table…RIDICULOUS.

If you are in the area or visiting for even a short time, TRUST ME, visiting and enjoying the Island Hideaway, should be a MUST on your list.  Tell them I sent you 🙂

If you have been to Island Hideaway, tell me your favorite item on the menu or best experience!

Have a great weekend friends, the weather is supposed to be INCREDIBLE this weekend!!

Also, let me know if there are any other amazing Southern Maryland businesses you would love to hear about!!  I will keep this series going strong if I know (and hear!!) that the interest is there!!