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Very Best Restaurants: Cafe Normandie

Very Best Listing | Very Best by Cuisine | Very Best by Location

Cafe Normandie *
Annapolis , $$

The roaring fireplace in the center of the dining room, wood-paneled decor, and snug booths make this restaurant appealing for winter dining. The food is hearty and satisfying, but despite the name, don't expect too much focus on the apples, Calvados, and cream of northwestern France.

Consider starting with the pair of house-made pates, a simple country version and a creamy duck mousse; mussels provencale with plenty of garlic and parsley; sauteed shrimp with tomato, garlic, and brandy; the mixed charcuterie, which includes salami, sausage, and pate; or a warm salad with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.

Recommended main courses include the half duck with raspberry sauce; thick slices of roast pork with rosemary sauce; and veal with a Roquefort sauce. Rockfish sauteed with artichokes and asparagus, normally a successful dish, was overcooked on a recent visit.

The best desserts are the fruit tarts and the creme brulee. Bread and butter are $1 extra. The wine list is reasonably priced.

Cafe Normandie , 185 Main St., Annapolis ; 410-263-3382. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. MapIt!

QUALITY: ****Excellent; *** Superior; **Very Good; * Good
PRICE RANGE: $$$= Very Expensive; $$ Expensive; $=Moderate; ¢=Inexpensive

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