Meet the Chef: Jon Rosa of Crush Winehouse

This week patch catches up with the man creating a gastronomic buzz on West Street.

It’s common knowledge that a significant portion of new restaurants fold within their first year. Add a shaky economy into the mix, and in 2011 new restaurants have an even steeper climb to success. But those unfavorable odds haven’t meant a thing to West Street’s Crush Winehouse. In fact, Crush is looking at growth, which includes seeking the help of an architect to expand its bustling kitchen. Crush Winehouse is celebrating its one-year anniversary of its grand opening by holding a celebratory “Customer Appreciation Day.” It will take place on Sunday, June 5, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The $10 cost includes all-you-can-eat items. There will be an auction and entertainment. Part of Crush Winehouse’s success is due to the behind-the-scenes …

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Meet the Chef: David Li of Sakura Café

Patch recently interviewed the head sushi chef at the increasingly popular Asian-American restaurant near City Dock.

An experienced chef, David Li has been making sushi for 15 years. He’s passionate about the restaurant business and says of himself and the owner Jade that “we do the restaurant with heart. Our heart takes care of every customer.” He is proud of everything in his kitchen, down to the rice and the cooker it’s prepared in. “My cooker is very, very good,” he explains. “I use a steam one; I don’t like to use gas. It’s very big and it’s very good. When I came to this restaurant, I didn’t know how to use it. But I tried it and it’s very, very good. It’s expensive, and when it comes to sushi rice, it’s number one, better than all other cookers.” Name: David Li Age: 42 Current residence: Historic Annapolis Historic Annapolis Patch: Where were you …

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Bites Nearby: Federal House Bar & Grill

Bring Your Appetite & Enjoy Quintessential Chesapeake Fare

Each week, Patch takes a look at a nearby restaurant and lets you know what it has to offer. Here's this week's choice… Federal House Bar & Grill: As February fades away and spring draws closer, sunny days whet the appetite for dining al fresco, making Federal House’s brick sidewalk seating your perfect choice for dining out.  While relaxing under a bright red awning at this primo people watching location, you’ll face a delicious dilemma. Which of the many menu items should you choose? Folks who live near the Chesapeake Bay seem to have a passionate need for their favorite crab specialties: crab cakes, crab soup, crab dip, or crab imperial. Fortunately, all of these are on the extensive menu at the Federal House, which offers full-course “…

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Frugal Family

Five Local Deals to Help Save You Money

Deals and money-saving ideas in our area.

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars. This column will be dedicated to giving you five great local deals each week that will help your family’s bottom line, and since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money. You are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box. Then come back each week and see what we've uncovered together. 1. Vet Care - Greater Annapolis Veterinary Hospital  February is Pet Dental Health Month. Receive $50 off your pet's dental care with their online coupon at http://www.gavh.com…