Sample Craft Brews during BeerFest this Sunday

The Beer Festival is this Sunday, May 22, at Historic St. Mary’s City from noon until 6 p.m.!  Activities include music by GeeZer and 25th Hour Band; special tours of the Van Sweringen’s Ordinary exhibit (one of the first taverns of the colony); and a beer-making demonstration by local home brewers, the Hollywood Hopheads. There will also be a demonstration of a cider press with information on the history of cider in the colony.

Visitors will have the opportunity to sample local cuisine (provided by Bear Creek Barbeque and Canards) while tasting the offerings of craft brewers, including Redhook, Widmer Bros., Kona, Goose Island, Fordham, Dominion and Star Hill.

Craft and artist vendors will also be on hand throughout the day, including: Custom Tees; the Happy Turner in Owings; My Cause Water; Sarah Houde Pottery; the Shoppes of Southern Maryland; Tidewater Artist; the Weekend Woodshop; Whiskey Creek Woodworks; and Wood Goodies.

All proceeds from this event will go toward the education and research programs at the museum. Admission is $20 for tasters, $10 for designated drivers, and free for children ages 12 and under. A Kid’s Tent will also be available for our young visitors. Parking is free.

The event is being sponsored by the Historic St. Mary’s City Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the museum.

For more information call the Historic St. Mary’s City Foundation at 240-895-4977, email support@stmaryscity.org, or visit the website at http://www.stmaryscitybeerfest.org/.

Girl Scout Cookie Cook-Off

Girl Scout Troop 3702 is happy to present the 1st Annual Girl Scout Cookie Cook-Off on February 19th at 2:00 pm in the Great Mills High School Cafeteria! 
The event will feature a dessert competition where up to 10 local chefs will develop a unique dessert using a Girl Scout Cookie as an ingredient. Prizes in the form of volunteer hours to the chef’s favorite charity will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and People’s Choice. This event will also showcase how Girl Scouts works to empower girls to better the community.

The cost is $10 per person and all proceeds go to support Girl Scouts and the S.H.A.R.E (Share Her Annual Real Expenses) Program. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the local food bank.  Girl Scout Troop 3702 is a part of Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital.  For tickets or information on being a part of this event, please contact Girl Scout Troop 3702 at troop3702@gmail.com.

Girl Scout cookie season is in full gear. Cookie booths open February 18 through March 27. For more information or to locate a Girl Scout Cookie booth in your area visit our website at http://www.gscnc.org/.

The Front Porch at the Sterling House Welcomes Brendan Cahill

The Front Porch restaurant in historic Leonardtown, Maryland begins the new year with Chef/Manager, Brendan Cahill leading the team.

Located in the carefully restored Sterling House on Washington Street, “The Front Porch” serves as an anchor establishment for the historic downtown area of Leonardtown. Since opening its doors last year, “The Front Porch” has become well known for a diverse menu and attentive service delivered in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Chef Cahill will add his influence through an enhanced menu planned for roll out in early February.

Cahill brings extensive culinary and management experience having over 25 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Most recently Cahill and wife Ashley owned the “Old Field Inn,” a dining destination in Prince Frederick, Maryland with an innovative menu and set in a preserved 19th century estate.

An active member and current board member in the American Culinary Federation (A.C.F.) Annapolis chapter for 15 years, Cahill also brings with him knowledge of local growers and producers from which he’ll source fresh seasonal items to include within the menu.

Cahill’s interests extend beyond the kitchen to the historic significance of the Sterling House. “The history, the deep roots and hospitality of the Sterling family are elements I hope to emphasize,” states Cahill. Involvement with the local community is also a priority. Hanging artwork produced by local artists and hosting musical performances are planned. Cahill’s “Oysters en Brochette” was awarded the grand prize in the 2008 National Oyster Cook-Off and his plans include participating in local events and future competitions.

Sterling House owners, Dean Beck and Jo Ann Beck are enthusiastic about the addition of Cahill. “ ‘The Front Porch’ is a gathering place for the community where all are welcomed to enjoy fresh, quality foods creatively presented at an affordable price," says Jo Ann Beck. “Brendan’s culinary and hospitality experience, local knowledge and interest in our historic site make him an excellent choice for the ‘Front Porch’. He is a welcomed addition to our team.”

For more information, please visit http://www.thefrontporchsomd.com/, send an email to info@thefrontporchsomd.com or call 301-997-1009.