Read about the Laurrapin in the 2009 Fall edition of Harford Magazine

GOODEATS: Laurrapin, Eclectic Cuisine Made with Locally Grown Ingredients

This month the Laurrapin celebrates its sixth year in charming and ever changing historic Havre de Grace, Maryland. Husband and wife team, Bruce and Sherifa Clarke, own and operate this restored property located on Antique Row, just a block from the waterfront. "We love Havre de Grace. It is very community oriented and it really suits us and our lifestyle. We love the water and are avid kayakers," says Sherifa.

Executive Chef since 2003, Bruce presents New American/Northern California cuisine with a local Chesapeake flair. The menu reflects seasonally available ingredients, focusing on clean, simple flavors. "We craft our dishes to highlight the natural flavor and goodness of these ingredients, inspiring loyalty from guests who return time and again to enjoy what is known as the Laurrapin experience," explains Bruce.

The Laurrapin serves only the freshest local and organic products whenever possible, as well as sustainable meat and seafood. "We constantly seek out locally sourced ingredients, work with local organic growers, and support sustainable processes and techniques. At the Laurrapin, it's about finding the best ingredients from Harford and Cecil counties and beyond. We're strong believers in knowing exactly where our food comes from, so that when you enter the Laurrapin, you'll know it too," says Sherifa.

A favorite rendezvous spot for couples, friends and colleagues looking for a restaurant that can truly accommodate any and all occasions, this stylish yet unpretentious restaurant offers a lively setting perfect for an early get together among friends, an intimate dinner or a late night glass of wine and luscious dessert.

Laurrapin: Eclectic Cuisine - California style with local Chesapeake flair.

209 North Washington Street . Havre de Grace, MD 21078 410-939-4956 . laurrapin.com

The Laurrapin was recently featured in the Fall 2009 edition of Edible Chesapeake

Laurrapin In Havre de Grace

Local Bistro Fare

IN THE QUIET town of Havre de Grace, where the mighty Susquehanna River enters the Chesapeake Bay, a restaurant with ties to local farmers and fisherman lives up to its name, Laurrapin, an Appalachian term meaning tasty.

Laurrapin’s typical “New American” menu – which includes staples like fried mozzarella, Caesar salad and meat loaf – belies atypical local food sources for many of the dishes. An Amish farmer across the river in Pennsylvania, for example, supplies all Laurrapin’s eggs and about 60 percent of the restaurant’s potatoes. “He dedicated a couple of acres of land just for my potatoes,” which are used in part for Laurrapin’s signature homemade chips, say executive chef and owner Bruce Clarke. Clarke buys meat from Deer Meadow Farms of Aberdeen, Maryland, and produce from various vendors at the town’s farmers market, where Clarke himself enjoys selling breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and salads.

Clarke’s seafood purveyor is also down the road in Aberdeen. “The less the trucks are traveling, it’s better for the environment,” Clarke notes. He aims to support sustainable agriculture and the local economy as a whole, purchasing other business needs such as printing, services and hardware right in town, known for its antique shops and small museums. “It just makes sense,” he says. Judging by the jumping atmosphere in the cocktail lounge and bar, the full dining room and rave reviews on foodie websites, a lot of other people think so too.

--Krist Bahrenburg Janzen

The Laurrapin is proud to be a part of charming and ever changing Historic Havre de Grace, Maryland. The restored property is located on antique row, just a block from the waterfront. A favorite rendezvous spot for couples, friends, and colleagues looking for a restaurant that can truly accommodate any and all occasions. The stylish yet unpretentious restaurant offers a lively setting perfect for an early get together among friends, an intimate dinner or a late night glass of wine and luscious dessert. The restaurant seats 68 people in the dining room and 20 at the bar. Additionally there is a 40-seat cocktail lounge featuring live music three days a week. (read more)

Reviewed by Uncle Lou on 03/25/2008, (Male, Havre De Grace, MD) [from Zagat.com]
What a treat, The place that nobody knows exists is situated in the heart of down town. The walls, tables and building are all painted by local artists. The food is to die for. Organic duck, chicken and produce will have you drooling like a intoxicated infant; you'll want more!! This should be the #1 to do while in this quaint town. Great Music on weekends & Really good bartenders. Dont know what u want. Let them decide! You wont regret it.

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