An Autumn Lunch at Addie's

Rachel and I have dined at several of the restaurants operated by the Black Restaurant Group, yet we had never been to Addie’s until a few weeks ago. We had a Groupon that was expiring (surprise, surprise) and were scrambling to redeem it before the week’s end. Due to not being on top of it sooner, we were only able to make a reservation for lunch. Then again, combined with the discount it made for a more affordable meal than going for dinner.

Located between Bethesda and Rockville along Rockville Pike in a quaint house, Addie’s is the oldest and smallest of restaurants owned by Jeff Black. The outdoor patio was full of patrons as the weather was perfect for a fall day. As much as we wanted to sit outside, the next available table was located inside the dining room. Oh well.

We split the seasonal vegetable salad which featured arugula, red onion, butternut squash, potatoes, and bleu cheese and was accompanied with a peppercorn ranch dressing. We both liked the combination of vegetables and felt that it really associated with the autumn weather outside.

For our entrees, I ordered the shrimp and stone ground grits. Compared to the last time I had shrimp and grits, which was at The Cheseapeake Room back in June, Addie’s rendition was much, much better. The sautéed shrimp were prepared in a sweet pepper-tomato butter sauce, topped with grilled Benton ham, and surrounded by a bed of thick herb grits. A very hearty lunch and atypical to what I usually eat in the middle of the day, but I enjoyed it.

Rachel ordered the pan roasted Atlantic salmon, which was accompanied with green beans, fingerling potatoes, as well as a dollop of corn tartar sauce. The fish was excellently cooked at medium-rare temperature, nicely seasoned, and by the looks of things, much healthier than what I ordered. Not that I didn’t like my dish, but I’m sure Rachel felt a little less guilty leaving the restaurant than I did.

All and all we had a great meal at Addie’s. It’s a charming restaurant in an area where you would least expect it what with downtown Bethesda down the road along with the bustling activity of Rockville Pike just minutes up it. While all the buzz right now is focused on Black’s newest venture, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, don’t overlook their oldest establishment either.