By Grace Arenas
Elm Staff Writer
The Lemon Leaf Café, which opened this past October, is one of the latest additions to Chestertown’s collection of eateries accessible to locals, visitors, and Washington College students alike. The wide range of clientele, said owner J.R. Alfree, is welcome there.
“That’s what Chestertown is. It’s eclectic,” he said.
Alfree has found that the reception to the Café’s “traditional eastern shore cooking with a twist” to be extremely positive and, averaging 50 to 70 people a day for lunch alone, it’s “off to a great start.”
Hospitality, along with great food, has been a priority. The interior of the Lemon Leaf is cozy, with warm colored walls and a definite small-town feel. The cheery atmosphere is matched by their friendly, accommodating service.
A group of WC freshmen visited the café for a “girl’s night out.” Despite arriving with two more than their original reservation for eight, an extra table was quickly brought over, and Alfree left the kitchen to greet the party.
One of the group, Megan McCurdy, said that her cream of crab soup was better than she’d had at Chestertown favorite, The Fish Whistle.
“It was just delicious, buttery goodness,” she said.
Katherine Wares had nothing but good things to say about her order of roast beef and mashed potatoes, covered with gravy she claims left her “speechless.”
Also with the group, Cara Murray said the food was clearly fresh and homemade, and the price, considering what large portions were served, made the meals “a steal” and “great for sharing,” a nice option for budget-conscious students.
But The Lemon Leaf Café should appeal to students for more than an affordable price point. Over spring break, Alfree will be opening the doors to student athletes still on campus on nights when dinner usually isn’t served, and is happy to make such exceptions for groups from the college.
Whether for an excuse to get off campus, escape from exam stress, or just to fulfill a craving for something other than dining hall usuals, a trip to the Lemon Leaf Café is highly recommended.
The Café is located at 117 South Cross Street. Reservations are encouraged.
Volume LXXXI Issue 15