Four Harford County Restaurants Claim Awards At Restaurant Association of Maryland's Annual Gala

HARFORD COUNTY - Harford County restaurants won big at this year's Restaurant Association of Maryland's (RAM) annual awards gala, hosted at the Maryland Live! Casino on Sunday.

Among the winners were four Harford County restauranters/ employees who demonstrated exceptional customer service and culinary insight in 2022. RAM's awards recognize excellence in the industry across the state, with categories that honor chefs, managers, servers, bartenders, and more. Nominees are submitted by their peers and reviewed by a panel of judges before a group of esteemed RAM representatives selects the top five finalists.

"We are thrilled to have four winners from Harford County this year, the most awards won in one area for quite some time," said Executive Director of Visit Harford, Matthew Scales. "These awards are a reflection of the outstanding talent and commitment to excellence that we see in the restaurant and hospitality industries across Harford County."

After the panel decides on the finalists, it is up to the Maryland public to decide which restaurants made the most significant impact on their lives in 2022. According to Marshall Weston Jr., President & CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland, voters made themselves clear on which county has the best food scene.

"The voters sent a clear message and have made it known to the entire state that great restaurants and great restaurant people can be found in Harford County!" Weston said. "Restaurants are one of the largest employers in the state of Maryland and the backbone of every community. For these reasons, the Restaurant Association of Maryland feels it's important to recognize the great people who work in our industry and celebrate all that they do."

Here is some information about each of the winning restaurants:

Elle Grose, manager of Fallston Barrel House: Best Manager of the Year

2403 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047

Established in 2016, the Fallston Barrel House is a craft-focused restaurant looking to turn a troubled corner location into a mainstay. They offer a diverse selection of Maryland classics with a modern twist. From battered rockfish bites to the "Fallston chicken," there is something for everyone at this local mainstay. The restaurant also has 16 beers on tap and a broad menu of craft brews and ciders.

Zack Trabbold, chef at The Local: Best Chef of the Year

1918 Belair Rd, Fallston, MD 21047

The Local's motto is "Supporting everything local and bringing an elevated approach to dining in Harco," and they definitely live up to the reputation. The team at The Local competed in the 2021 World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas, bringing home the third-place prize among some of the best chefs in the world. Their dinner menu features everything you would expect from an award-winning dining experience. From locally sourced Chesapeake oysters to their famous beef wellington, this spot is sure to scratch that fine-dining itch.

Tiffany "TJ" Huryk, bartender at Steelefish Grille: Best Bartender of the Year

660 Boulton St, Bel Air, MD 21014

Steelefish Grille is a "sea-minded restaurant with a feast of delicious flavors." Their seafood selection is among the best in Maryland, with everything from oysters to shrimp to blue crab ravioli. Take advantage of Happy Hour (3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday), where you can order one of their famous crushes or a classic martini.

Christy Wilson, server at The Red Lobster in Bel Air: Best Server of the Year

TOLLGATE MARKETPLACE CENTER, 605 Belair Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014

We are all familiar with The Red Lobster, but this one in Bel Air has some of the best service around. The seafood chain started life as a single, family-owned restaurant in Lakeland, Florida, before conquering the nation. Beyond the usual Red Lobster fare, restaurants have a rotating daily special that is always worth trying!