Breakfast: It’s the most important meal of the day, especially when you’ve spent the entirety of the day before out and about in Ocean City, Maryland’s most famous beach town. And the most popular spot to grab breakfast in Ocean City just so happens to have a pretty fascinating bit of history behind it. Barn34, an eclectic landmark out on Coastal Highway, has been serving up Maryland’s favorite vacation diner food for just over ten years, and they’ve been doing so out of a building that was pieced together with other buildings gathered from up and down the coast. If you haven’t been yet, Barn34 should be on the top of your list for your next trip “downy ocean”.
Barn34 was built using pieces of other barns from up and down the east coast. The exterior is a striking feature on Coastal Highway - a shock of country flare sparking in the seaside atmosphere.
The upstairs dining area is spacious and rustic, and very comforting. You couldn’t ask for a better spot to pop in and have some breakfast after a full day at the beach.
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Bloody Marys are the quintessential brunch cocktail, and Barn34 is proud of theirs for good reason. There’s no quicker way for vacation to feel like vacation than ordering one of these.
The Eggs Benedict is among the most popular meals Barn34 dishes out. Although, if you’re feeling more on the whimsical side…
…They offer some spectacularly-decorated pancakes that bring a bit of fun to grey ocean mornings.
Of course, Barn34 is more than just a breakfast barn. The soft-shell crab sandwich is a delightfully crunchy and satisfying offering for any time of day.
Be sure to check out Barn34’s Facebook page if you want to keep up with all the great recipes the chefs are concocting behind the scenes. And to complete your trip, check out this list of Ocean City’s best boardwalk attractions! What are your favorite spots to hit up when you’re on the coast? Let us know! And don't forget to check out these unique places to stay in Ocean City while you're planning your vacation.
It's hard to *cut it* in the culinary world, and that's if everything is working for you. Statistics vary, but out of one million restaurants in the US, only eight percent are Black owned -- and of that eight percent, just 2,800 are owned by Black women. That's less than a third of one percent.
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But statistics didn't deter Jasmine Norton, chef-owner of The Urban Oyster in Baltimore, the first female- and Black-owned oyster bar in Maryland. As a multi-hyphenate chef with an impressive resume of awards and recognitions, Norton has (ahem) made waves in the culinary world, rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a Black female chef in America.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our 2024 Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
As a child, Norton fell in love with raw oysters. "From the moment my dad urged me to try an oyster as a small child I loved them!" However, as she grew older, she realized that these delicious briny morsels were generally only offered at fine dining restaurants, requiring "a certain dining attire" and making them inaccessible to the masses. And she wanted to bring oysters to the masses.
"I decided I would like to fill the void for people like myself who love and appreciate oysters and all things seafood but in a more relaxed environment as well as not just raw," she explains.
Creating a space for everyone, especially in the African American community, was important to Norton, as this group has historically been tasked with oystering and shucking, but not always enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Food is an excuse for folks to gather together and break bread -- or, you know, shuck oysters. With The Urban Oyster, Norton has created a space where curiosity and creativity commingle in every option on the menu. To that end, you'll find a robust menu of chargrilled oysters with different flavor profiles that "are sure to satisfy the pickiest eater," Norton promises.
Those with an aversion to raw oysters will be delighted by the cornucopia of chargrilled options on the menu; The Urban Oyster's Bacon BBQ oysters are a local favorite that's garnered something of a cult following among foodies, while the Teriyaki oysters will make you wonder why *all* oysters aren't smothered in a sweet-and-salty sauce.
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Innovation infuses the rest of the menu at The Urban Oyster, too, with the Lobster Corndog an unexpected surprise and the Red Snapper Nuggets (served with a sweet chili sauce) a popular choice for even the pickiest palates.
The Urban Oyster has been warmly embraced by the Baltimore community, proving that anything can be "accessible" if it's positioned as such.
"As a restaurant owner, my favorite part of the job is seeing the joy and satisfaction on our guests' faces. There's something incredibly rewarding about knowing that we’ve created a space where people can come together, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories," Norton says.
In fact, this sense of community is just as important to Norton as the menu. "Developing relationships with our guests and being a part of their special moments, whether it's a birthday celebration or a casual dinner out, gives me a profound sense of fulfillment," she says.
For Norton, this community connection isn't just about creating a meaningful dining experience, it's about being part of her larger community: Baltimore, Maryland, the Northeast, the US. To this end, The Urban Oyster prioritizes using locally sourced ingredients from nearby farmers and producers: "This not only supports local agriculture but also ensures that our guests enjoy the freshest and highest-quality food." Norton adds that sustainability informs her decisions as a small business owner, as does a commitment to hiring and training "within the community."
As for the kids slurping oysters and having their own "I want to be a chef when I grow up" moments, The Urban Oyster has participated in the offering of scholarship funding and mentorship programs for aspiring chefs and hospitality students. Additionally, Norton, in collaboration with Dole Food Group, recently lead a 12-week culinary program to assist children of the Boys and Girls club on how to cook and kitchen safety, because "sharing our expertise helps nurture the next generation of culinary talent," Norton says.
Because, when you add it all up, a small business's success relies on more than just a great concept and smart planning -- and Norton knows this. "[At Urban Oyster], we aim to be more than just a dining destination; we want to be a positive force in our community, supporting and enriching the lives of those around us." Let's all "cheers" an oyster to that!
Many thanks to Jasmine Norton, Executive Chef and Owner of The Oyster Bar for sharing the story of this small business in Maryland. Learn more and support this Maryland restaurant by visiting The Urban Oyster website.
Of course, The Urban Oyster is one of many amazing businesses in Maryland that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Maryland, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Maryland on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.
Not all markets are created equal. This one in Maryland never disappoints, with its seemingly endless Italian goods, handmade food, and more. Read on to learn more about what makes Scittino's Italian Market Place a delicious spot that just may become your new favorite restaurant in Maryland.
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Scittino's Italian Market Place is located at 1701 Edmondson Avenue in Catonsville, Maryland.
It's not hard to miss. Just watch out for this big building that's full of character.
This beloved market has been owned and operated by the Scittino Family since opening its doors in 1973. Authenticity, hard work, and a deep love for food have been at the core of this business for decades.
The moment you step inside, you'll see all sorts of authentic Italian goods that await. From drinks, to snacks, and...
...homemade food! There may be a line when visiting Scittino's Italian Market Place, but it's so worth the wait.
Frank Scittino and his family opened the market in 1973, having migrated to the United States from Sicily. Today, the market continues to be run by Frank's grandchildren.
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The hearty sandwiches and subs are a local favorite...
...and so is the pizza. It's packed full of fresh toppings and tastes like it's straight out of Italy.
You'll want to end your handmade meal with dessert, too. Don't forget to check out the sugary cookies, biscotti, and other baked goods...
...or take home some authentic Italian fresh meat to make your own concoctions. This little place has it all!
Plus, there are also convenient, handmade, frozen dinners to take home.
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With pizza, pasta, baked goods, and so much more, this Maryland store is a dream for any lover of Italian cuisine. Check out the website and Facebook page linked below to learn more, and prepare for a whole lot of authentic flavor.
For more information, visit Scittino's Italian Market Place online. You can also follow the official Facebook page by clicking here. Have you visited Scittino's Italian Market Place? What is your favorite thing to order from their menu? Or what is your deli must-have? Let us know in the comment section -- we would love to hear from you!
Still hungry? For another great food market in Maryland, check out the article below: