My journey to the Hudson Coastal Raw Bar & Grill was full of unexpected twists and turns but well worth the effort.

First, let me just say, I sliced open my finger this morning and am now typing very slowly with one hand. Thanks for your patience.

I have been following the Howard County podcast, Elevate Maryland, for the past year or so. One of their standard closing questions is “What is your favorite Howard County restaurant?” Well, 3 guests responded with Hudson Coastal. I had never heard of this seafood restaurant in Maple Lawn but filed the name away for a future night out.

I thought that night out would finally happen last Saturday. Mrs. Adventures and I were to meet friends there for dinner. Doing a little research, I discovered that Eric of Frisco fame used to serve there. He said the tap list was limited but the seafood was spectacular. When I mentioned my love of scallops, he raved about their dinner plate of scallops and red-skinned mashed potatoes. It sounded yummy. Unfortunately, plans changed and we ate elsewhere that night.

Undeterred, I suggested that the DBears join the Adventures for a night of seafood and fun. They agreed. Hudson Coastal does not take reservations for parties less than 8 but you can “call ahead” 20 minutes before arrival. I did but when we arrived we realized it was unnecessary, there were plenty of tables this Thursday night.

The restaurant with bright lights, hard surfaces, lots of windows and high, industrial ceilings gave almost a diner feel to the place. Perhaps they were going for a shore restaurant vibe? It was a bit difficult to hear (I actually needed to order for soft-spoken Mrs. Adventures). We sat in a cozy booth perhaps a little too close to the door on this cold evening.

Our server was attentive and efficient. The four of us shared the cucumber cup appetizer, enjoying the crisp cukes topped with a citrusy quinoa salad. Among the drinks, DBear discovered a rare find, Stillwater beer in cans – Stateside Saison which I correctly assumed would go well with scallops. The brown sauteed sea scallops sat on a creamy pile of red-skinned potatoes with a side of very garlicky spinach. The presentation matched the mouth-watering taste and the Stillwater saison was an added treat. It reminds me that I need to return to Of Love And Regret, a Stillwater watering hole in Baltimore.

To wrap things up, we shared a slice of key lime pie. The picture below speaks a thousand words.

We dropped the DBears off at their home. We went in to visit their friendly dog, Bordy and check out DBear’s new stainless conical fermenter. He is brewing a coffee saison which is almost ready to bottle. He is trying two techniques for making coffee ales using whole beans and cold brew milled beans. My body does not tolerate caffeine but the coffee aroma was heavenly. We did manage to head home with a 6-pack of homebrews including his famous ciders. It’s great to have homebrewing friends!

Cheers!

Warren