One of the rituals of growing up around here was the Friday night dinner at the local Tavern. These were places, run by families, that had a smoky bar in one room and another room with fancy tables (we thought). White linen tablecloths, captain's chairs, fuzzy felt or low carpet, paneling, maybe some decor. It was never upscale, but it had a certain feel to it. Waiters and waitresses usually dressed in black pants, white shirts, an apron.
We would come, the five of us. My mother would order a Grasshopper, my dad a black Russian. We would get Shirley Temples, complete with little swords and sometimes the coveted paper umbrellas. My parents ordered things like crab and steak, we got chopped steak (which we thought was fancy!) with gravy or spaghetti & meatballs. We kids would finish and go play outside where they could kind of see us - back then parents weren't so worried about kidnapping - until they were done, then we'd pile in the car and go home.
Most of these places are gone, but a few remain. So one Saturday night, fellow Yelper Dee M and I decided to go over there. She had been before and as she tried to describe it, I realized it was probably a Tavern like we went to before.
So we head down to Essington, very close to the airport. It's an old building on a corner, with a good sized parking lot. We enter through a clearly updated foyer. To the left - the bar, with sounds of a game on along with tendrils of tobacco smoke that may have been really from 10 years ago. I didn't see smoking but the place still smelled of it, and I found it, well, familiar. Many will not like it, I understand, but to me it was part of the ambience of these places.
We were seated in the dining room -white linen tables, captain's chairs, painted paneled wood, some mid-range brass chandeliers and the low carpet. Our waitress came over, dressed in black pants, a white shirt and a black vest. Menus were provided, with a decent selection of both seafood and meats, even some salads and appetizers. A basket of warm bread was provided. The menu isn't multi-page but it covers all the bases. This isn't bar food, it's old-style tavern food, there's a difference.
I get the veal parmesan with spaghetti and house salad with the recommended creamy cucumber dressing. Dee gets the prime rib with twice baked potatoes and the same salad. Salads come out quickly, are pretty big for side salads, and are crisp and yummy. Then our entrees come out - both very generous portions. Dee loves her prime rib and I am enjoying what I can eat of my veal because I am full. Yes, Mom, I hear you laughing in heaven, I ate too much bread. Thanks.
When we are done they offer to pack our meals. Instead of bringing styrofoam containers to our table and expecting us to pack, or packing for us at the table, they are both taken away and brought back, the styrofoam encased in a neatly folded brown paper bag.
When I got home later, I opened the bag to find my styrofoam box wrapped securely and neatly in a clear plastic bag so that if it turned around and leaked, it wouldn't soak the paper or whatever the package was resting on. Wow. I seriously have never seen a takeout package done so considerately and well.
Our staff to a person were friendly and reasonably prompt. Prices were reasonable for the quality and portions of the food, it's not dirt cheap but you get a lot for your money.
Dee and I left with smiles on our faces, talking about the places our parents took us to just like this one. We've vowed to bring FDC back here, next time one of us has to order a Grasshopper for my Mom and yeah, I'll probably eat too much bread again. read more