06-11-2023 Capital Style - Flipbook - Page 42
Best of Howard
FOOD &
DRINK
BEST CATERER
Ken’s Creative Kitchen
980 Awald Road, Suite 201, Annapolis.
410-268-3222. kenscreativekitchen.com
Ken Upton reckons that he has catered 8,000
weddings in an array of receptions that includes
“everyone from (Ravens’ owner) Steve Bisciotti
to the girl next door.” For 46 years, Upton and his
staff have entertained eminent glitterati and everyday people, all of whom expect to be pampered in
elegant style — from the butler-served hors d’oeuvres to the entrees cooked on site.
“We believe in ‘fresh,’” said Upton, 75. “All is made
from scratch and the portions are generous, not
specks of food placed on big plates with tweezers.
And they are beautifully created. I could probably
retire if we didn’t spend so much on herb garnishes
and flowers.”
Hundreds of cookbooks in Upton’s office portend
the breadth of ethnic fare. French, Italian and
Cuban. Japanese, Indian and Moroccan. A staff of
200 prepares cuisine for as many as 40 events a
week, from corporate wingdings to hospital galas
to more private gatherings.
“We catered a dinner for [the late] Prince Philip,
of England, at [late author] Tom Clancy’s home in
Annapolis,” said Upton. But nuptials are his breadand-butter, nearly three-fourths of the business.
Some families, he serves more than once:
“[Newsman] Ted Koppel has three daughters, and
we did wedding receptions for all three.”
THE LIST
Carryout
Convenience store
Grocery store
DARK HORSE
SHADY SIDE MARKET
GRAUL’S MARKET
Honorable mentions:
Carlson’s Donuts & Thai Kitchen
Naval Bagels Annapolis
Garry’s Grill
Honorable mentions:
Walgreens
Sam’s Market
Honorable mentions:
Trader Joe’s
Wegmans
Green Valley Market Place (tie)
Harris Teeter (tie)
Caterer
KEN’S CREATIVE KITCHEN
Honorable mentions:
Luna Blu Ristorante Italiano
Angel’s Food Market
Primo Pasta Kitchen
42
| CAPITAL STYLE | Summer 2023
Farmers market/stand
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
FARMERS MARKET
Honorable mentions:
Wildberry Farm + Market
Crofton Farmers Market
Health food/
supplement store
SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET
Honorable mentions:
Rutabaga Juicery & Eats
David’s Natural Market
