My evening at the Greystone Grill was a remarkable one and I am hard pressed to condense all that I want to share in just one page; however, my editor insists. Let me begin by saying I was greeted by a stone fountain of gently cascading water and serene slate blue walls; the perfect indication of the wonderful dining experience that was in store for me.
     Since I let my server suggest an array of appetizers, I was not prepared for the artistic presentation and the culinary excellence presented as the first course. The “Prawn Martini” – chilled jumbo shrimp, served in a martini glass rimmed with Old Bay, and accompanied by vodka cocktail sauce (yes, you could taste the slightest hint of vodka) was tremendous! Greystone Skewers – marinated & grilled medallions of beef served with a peanut sauce that had just the right amount of “heat”. Tender, roasted Scallops wrapped in Bacon, atop sautéed baby spinach and drizzled with a warm beurre blanc was one of my favorites. Mini Crab Cakes made with loads of lump crab and topped with a dollop of lemon, dill and caper remoulade is sure to be a big hit with anyone who calls himself a true “Marylander”.
Not to be outdone by the appetizers, the salad course again brought me continued pleasure. The Greystone Salad – fresh greens, candied cashews, and Maytag bleu cheese lightly tossed with a raspberry vinaigrette was outstanding, but their new Mango and Mandarin Salad won MY “best choice award” – crisp greens, blackened shrimp, a mix of fresh berries and mandarin oranges, tossed with a homemade Mango and Mandarin Champagne Vinaigrette and served with slices of red onion, almonds and Brie cheese. Amazing!
     Although I feared I might never get out of my cozy semicircle booth after the first two courses, I braced myself for the main. Since the Greystone specializes in “grilled” meats as well as seafood and chicken, I opted for the Grilled Rack of Lamb – a petite rack, frenched and grilled, then sauced with a Petite Syrah reduction… c’est tres magnifique! I don’t usually make a fuss over vegetables, especially brussel sprouts. But what a surprise upon tasting them… fresh brussel sprouts sautéed with bacon and onion and I had a side of roasted sweet potatoes with apples and raisins. I ate them all, and in a hurry, in anticipation of the arrival of the bomb. Oh wait, let me rewind…
     As I was savoring each bite of my main course, our server approached the table and asked if I might be interested in ordering the dessert specialty. Seeing that I was puzzled, he explained that if I were to order the Molten Chocolate Lava Bomba I needed to do so now, since this dessert is “baked to order”. At once, he had my full attention. He proceeded to describe the Lava Bomba – an extravagant chocolate soufflé with warm, silken, chocolate ganache, topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with a raspberry coulis. Without hesitation, I ordered! And ate! Devoured every drip, drizzle and crumb!
     In addition to a fantastic meal, I must share that their wine list is also superb. Every selection is available by the glass or bottle, and if you are in the mood to sample a few, the Greystone’s newest feature is the Wine Vine “Salute”, three different 3oz pours of your choice of wines served in a wrought iron vine stand, very cool!
     All in all, Greystone Grill, winner of “2006 Diners Choice Award” for hot new restaurant in the state of Maryland, should be at the top of your list, not just mine!