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OB's Prime
111 Main Street, Annapolis
410-269-1210
By Gilles and Kathy Syglowski
Jerry Hardesty has a vision: to give his guests a Prime Experience. And it's come to life at OB's Prime, his new restaurant on Main Street.
Recently opened, with a separate entrance next to O'Brien's Oyster Bar & Restaurant, OB's Prime offers a totally new style of dining. Enjoy the "Private Club" room, where a state of the art sound and TV system can take you away for relaxation while you appreciate a nice cigar and a glass of wine. Just a few steps from the dining room, the wine bar will let you start or finish your evening in a setting of contemporary design, very comfortable and attractive with tables and imported Italian chairs.
But in the middle of all that, dinner is a must.
So we began with appetizers: A pan-seared fresh Foie Gras encrusted in a light puff pastry sided with a tasty Marchand de Vin sauce (a red wine and shallots reduction in a demi glaze)-a definite connoisseur's delight. The second appetizer was an iced shrimp and crab martini with two sauces: cocktail and spicy chipotle. Both complimented the scrumptious seafood very well.
As a second course, we shared an absolutely delicious Cream Of Crab with fresh corn. It was interestingly presented. You might expect it to be served traditionally, this one required a little trick: the soup is poured and garnished in a tube like device, which our server Byron swiftly pulled to let it fill the bowl.
Our entrees were strictly beef: Kathy enjoyed a perfect 10-ounce filet mignon, and I did not leave one bit from my 16-ounce New York strip. I can honestly say that it was the best steak I've had in a very long time. Both entrees were accompanied with velvety Bearnaise and Marchand de Vin sauces. The sides consisted on a delicious puree of celery roots and artichokes ("smashed sunflower chokes") and homemade shoestring pommes frites.
We finished with desserts of course: the crème Brulee was definitely up to par, according to Kathy, while my Key lime tartlet nicely topped this copious dinner. A wine aficionado, Kathy was able to savor a wonderful Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon throughout dinner. OB's wine list is totally amazing: the current "living wine list" boasts 87 vintages, but promises to be constantly revolving "to please the discerning clientele." Included are 19 wines by the glass, ranging from $5.50 - $22.00 per.
The décor in the 62-seat dining room is well designed, tying in the other features of OB's Prime. Multiple yards of soft silk fabric divide side tables into a "booth like" intimate section, but still leave a view of the majestic fireplace.
Besides Byron, our wonderful waiter, we also had the honor to meet the Chef. English-born David Yates has been in the country almost 40 years, and decided to move back in the kitchen after 20 years in upper management to compliment Jerry Hardesty's new venture.
Pay them a visit-you won't regret it.