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Manor Celebrates 25 Years with Landmark Wine Supper

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/29 .. lebrates-25-years-with-landmark-wine-supper.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 15:14 GMT by The Baltimore Sun

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A Quarter Century of Culinary Excellence: The Manor’s Wine Supper Celebrates 25 Years & Baltimore’s Evolving Food Scene

The Manor in Monkton, Maryland, recently marked its 25th anniversary with a lavish wine supper event that showcased the talents of some of Baltimore's most celebrated chefs. As reported by Sloane Brown in The Baltimore Sun, the evening wasn't just a celebration of longevity; it was a vibrant snapshot of how the region’s culinary landscape has transformed over the past two and a half decades, reflecting evolving tastes, techniques, and a renewed focus on local ingredients.

The Manor itself is steeped in history, originally built as a private estate in 1927. It transitioned into an event venue in 1999, quickly establishing itself as a premier location for weddings, corporate events, and, crucially, culinary experiences like this anniversary wine supper. The choice of a wine-paired dinner was deliberate, highlighting the Manor’s commitment to sophisticated dining and creating memorable moments for its guests.

The evening's format involved six courses, each meticulously crafted by a different chef representing a diverse range of Baltimore’s restaurant scene. This "chef's expression" concept allowed attendees to experience a broad spectrum of culinary styles and perspectives, moving beyond the typical single-chef dinner. The chefs participating included: Cindy Wolf (Charleston), Matthew Edwards (The Abbey Burger Bistro – though his presence highlights a broader evolution in dining preferences, as noted by Brown), Jason Hill (Farmstead ILG), Spike Gjerde (The Landings/Woodberry Kitchen - see more on Woodberry Kitchen's history here), and Jeremy Macate (Tagliamo). Each chef was paired with a specific wine selected by the Manor’s sommelier, ensuring that the flavors complemented each other perfectly.

Cindy Wolf, a perennial fixture in Baltimore’s culinary royalty, kicked off the evening with an amuse-bouche – a testament to her continued influence and mastery of refined dining. Her presence underscored the enduring appeal of classic fine dining while acknowledging the shifts happening around it. Matthew Edwards' contribution, representing a more casual but equally popular segment of the market, demonstrated how diverse culinary offerings can coexist within the same region. The Abbey Burger Bistro’s success speaks to the growing demand for high-quality comfort food, a significant departure from the exclusively upscale dining options that dominated earlier eras.

Jason Hill’s Farmstead ILG brought a focus on farm-to-table cuisine, a movement that has gained considerable traction in recent years. Hill's dishes emphasized seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and producers, reflecting a broader consumer desire for transparency and sustainability in food sourcing. This aligns with the growing awareness of environmental impact and supporting regional economies – a trend that Woodberry Kitchen (and Spike Gjerde) helped pioneer in Baltimore.

Spike Gjerde’s participation was particularly poignant given the recent closure of his flagship restaurant, Woodberry Kitchen. While The Landings remains open, Woodberry Kitchen's legacy as a champion of sustainable agriculture and hyperlocal cuisine is undeniable. Its closure, though sad for many, served as a reminder of the challenges facing even the most successful restaurants in an increasingly competitive landscape (as explored further in this article about Woodberry Kitchen’s impact). Gjerde’s presence at The Manor's anniversary supper symbolized both his continued influence and the bittersweet reality of change within the industry.

Jeremy Macate, representing Tagliamo, brought a modern Italian flair to the table, showcasing the ongoing evolution of culinary techniques and influences in Baltimore. His dishes likely incorporated contemporary presentations and flavor combinations, reflecting the broader trend towards innovation and experimentation in fine dining.

Beyond the individual courses, Brown’s article highlighted a larger narrative about Baltimore's food scene. Twenty-five years ago, the city’s restaurant landscape was considerably different. Fine dining dominated, with fewer options for more casual or globally inspired cuisine. The emphasis on local sourcing and sustainable practices was less pronounced. Today, Baltimore boasts a far more diverse culinary ecosystem, catering to a wider range of tastes and preferences. The success of venues like The Manor demonstrates the continued demand for high-end experiences, but also reflects the broader evolution of dining culture in the region.

The anniversary wine supper wasn't just about celebrating The Manor’s past; it was a forward-looking event that showcased the dynamism and creativity of Baltimore’s culinary community. It served as a reminder of how far the city has come in terms of its food scene, while also hinting at the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. The collaborative nature of the dinner – bringing together chefs from different backgrounds and styles – underscored the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Baltimore's evolving culinary identity. As Sloane Brown aptly observed, it was a night to savor not just the exquisite food and wine, but also the rich history and promising future of Baltimore’s dining scene.

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