THE HISTORY
Come Out to the Country, We’re Worth the Drive
The Manor Tavern is a picturesque, 267 year old property dating back to the time of George Washington and is said to have housed the first president’s horse on occasion. In fact, the area began as a stable and over the years had evolved into a blacksmith shop, a general store and a saloon. Our logo, inclusive of a horse, is a hat tip to our historic roots here in Monkton.
Today, it’s a country oasis in the heart of steeplechase land where friends and family gather for delectable food and exquisite service. Like our history here in Maryland, our patrons are loyal and longstanding. We value the relationships we have cultivated with all of you year after year.
FARM-TO-TABLE
At the Manor Tavern, taste is everything. Our grounds allow us to control all aspects of the growing process from our farm to your table. We are always open to suggestions so share with us any specific herbs or produce you’d like to see in our garden.
Optimal Freshness
Our produce is generally harvested when we need it. When a fruit or vegetable is given the time to completely ripen, it fully develops and retains its vitamins and minerals, giving it a more vibrant flavor and maximizing the nutritional content. Our large variety of items have a longer time to ripen “on the vine” ultimately eliminating travel time and processing and optimizing the taste and texture of our food.
Community
Each item that we grow has its own unique story. Growing and buying locally means you are supporting the family farmers and ranchers that raised your food. Connecting to the sources is a very meaningful part of the overall experience. Our selection of available produce changes weekly, dependent upon what is readily available in our area. This allows us to deliver items when they are at their peak, are most abundant, and in the case of farmers markets, least expensive.
General Manager, The Manor Group
Jerry Edwards, CPCE
From 1981 to 2020, Jerry was Founder and Owner of Chef’s Expressions Catering and Events, which has twice been named The National Catering Company of the Year.
Jerry holds an honorary doctorate in hospitality.
In 2008, he was inducted into the NACE Hall of Fame.
In 2015, Jerry was honored as a National Industry Icon by the hospitality community.
He has won over 50 industry competitions including Baltimore’s Best Crab Soup, three ACF Gold Medals, the “Best Chef” for the Meals on Wheels Culinary Extravaganza, The Crystal Toque Award in the Nation’s Capitol, The Special Event Award for best event, Baltimore’s “Iron Chef” competition and the Mid-Atlantic Taste of Elegance competition.
Today, Jerry leads the team of professionals at The Manor Tavern. These outstanding individuals include Alicia Strawderman, Director of Chef’s Expressions at The Manor, Sam Sara, Manor Tavern Restaurant General Manager, and Executive William Pack.
Our team is here to serve you and create an unparalleled experience.
General Manager, The Manor Tavern Restaurant
Sam Sara
Sam Sara is an experienced Restaurant professional whose journey in management started after graduating from the University of Maryland. Through his career, he is noted for managing the area’s most prestigious and highest rated dining destinations. His journey started in 1992 when he was the General Manager of Boccaccio, which became one of the area’s power houses for high profile and distinguished diners for more than a decade.
He continued to develop his passion for exquisite world-class cuisine and appreciation for great wines of the old world. In his travels to Europe’s greatest wine producing regions, he even worked hand in hand with Tuscany’s finest winemakers.
He then went on to manage Marconi’s, one of Baltimore’s most iconic dining institutions and winner of the James Beard Foundation Award for America’s Classic Restaurants. He also managed two of Baltimore’s premier American Steak Houses, Capital Grill and Morton’s.
Sam enjoys travel, golf, and soccer, and the company of his wife and twin daughters.
He is now leading our team at The Manor Tavern, bringing his passion for great quality cuisine from our award winning culinary team led by Jerry Edwards, CPCE. We deliver a guest-driven experience with an uncompromising commitment to the highest standards of service.
