Monday, May 4, 2015

Centre Park Grill Has Opened In The Former Cafe De Paris; Upscale Cousin To Mt. Airy Tavern

The new Centre Park Grill
Centre Park Grill has soft-opened in the former Columbia home of Cafe De Paris offering an upscale variation on their work at the Mt. Airy Tavern.

I haven't had a chance to stop at Centre Park yet.  I was chuckling recently when I remembered that I once had so much free time that I stopped at Gadsby's on opening day.
The bourbon that I'll try when I get there

Centre Park is run by Jim DiChiara and the folks behind the Mt. Airy Tavern.  They took over the space that used to be Cafe de Paris on Rte 108 near Rte 100.  They renovated, and Jim was aiming to stretch in his new kitchen -- a little more culinary flair, a little less bar food.

I had to laugh because the Centre Park folks sent me a few photos, including a bourbon that I really want to try on its own.  It was exactly the come-on that I need -- although I have to admit that our eating out has been just toddler quickies.

Check out Centre Park on their Web site or on Facebook.  I'd love folks to try to new place and leave comments with reactions and suggestions.

5 comments:

Jim S. said...

I will definitely try them soon. Last Friday ate at Eggspectation then took the kids to violin lessons on Red Branch. Saw they were open and wished I hadn't just eaten at Eggspectation. Will probably try them another time I have to eat out before taking the kid to violin lessons.

Jim S. said...

Went there Saturday night with wife and two kids. They don't have a kid's menu yet, but the waiter can tell you the kid options (spaghetti, hamburger, grilled cheese.)

I got the Salmon, it was done perfectly. Most places you go around here kill Salmon. One side was charred but the rest was done perfect. It came with Bok-choy (a little to much) and fingerling potatoes. My wife got one of the Wagu Skirt steak. It was also very good. The only complaint we had was the cream of crab soup. A little less actual crab in it, then we are use to. The alcohol menu was pretty good, a little expensive, but nice mixture of wines, beers and mixed drinks. They mainly stress their bourbons.

Anonymous said...

We had dinner there on Saturday, May 16th. It was mediocre to poor. Our server was very pleasant but inexperienced. The Chesapeake flatbread was swimming in something called "crab sauce" and the bread itself was not quite done and had a chewy, doughy, and soggy quality. The halibut was sizable but overcooked. The crab cake was small for the price, lacking in taste and totally burnt on one side (I'm guessing it was pan fried). Out of curiosity, I asked if I could substitute a vegetable in place of 'fingerling potatoes' and was told that I could if I was "adamant" but that there would be an upcharge. The restaurant was almost deafeningly noisy as the bar and dining room are now one large space with an ubiquitous television within sight. Hate to be negative, but judging on the food alone, there does not appear to be any real culinary finesse in the kitchen. We would not go back.

Anonymous said...

Went early last week with husband and 2 children. As another has already mentioned, they did not have a children's menu. So we ordered several appetizers, which we all ate from. Calamari - was ok. Corn meal crusted and tender..but very SMALL pieces. Crab/Corn Fritters- were fine (we liked the corn/black bean salad the best lol. Crab flatbread was fine, Brussels sprouts were sent back as they were almost raw and under seasoned. We did buy burger for my oldest daughter.. which was burnt to a crisp on one side. We arrived early, and were served quickly. Waiter was nice but inexperienced. As time went on, the place became busy and it was SO LOUD inside we couldn't have a decent conversation. If I go back, it won't be with my children...as they obviously aren't aiming for that type of crowd. Bummer.. since it's so close!

Lisa S. said...

If you are looking for something new, we had a great meal at Centre Park Grill, I hiughly recmmend giving it a try. A little pricey, but great service and great food. The /decor is gorgeous as well. Ask for Kristie to serve you, she is so sweet. I had the sesame salmon and my husband he the tenderloin, both delicious. And to die for sweet potato bread. Everything was so freh. Also, went for lunch and hadd the Shrimp salad which was very light and tasty. They do have some kinks to work out, so sdon't be to critical.I'm really rooting for this place!