Westie Julep: Robert Morris Inn in Oxford, Maryland

The westies were [a tad upset] when

I told them they had to stay at home because

we were going to see Uncle Chef Mark for dinner.

Don't worry Julep ... when the weather becomes a little

cooler we'll take you & Derby to the Inn so you can say

hi to Chef Mark and Mr. Ian.

The Inn has lovely little tables that line the front porch
which is perfect for pets and their parents.

Dining at The Robert Morris Inn

with celebrity Chef Proprietor Mark Salter

Chef Proprietor and British Master Chef, Mark Salter,

brings a modern British approach, combined with classical sensibilities,

to the Chesapeake Bay. A Bay resident since 1993, Salter has immersed

himself in the region's cooking and seafood bounty.

A friend to local farmers, artisan producers and the seasons,

Salter turns to sustainability and the richness of Maryland's natural

larder for herbs, fruit and vegetables at every opportunity.

Ian Fleming, owner

of the Robert Morris Inn as well as

the Lake of Menteith Hotel & Waterfront Restaurant

in Perthshire, Scotland. Ian was also General Manager at The Inn at Perry

Cabin in the early 1990's for several years. He returned regularly

to the region, both for vacations and also to bring journalists

and chefs from the UK for the St. Michaels Food & Wine Festivals.

He and Mark worked together at both Cromlix House in

Scotland and The Inn at Perry Cabin.

Robert Morris Inn front porch & outside dining area.

I know Julep & Derby will love dining outside and

I'm hoping Derby is not disappointed when he finds

out he can't help cook in the kitchen.

A little whimsy along the path to the Tavern doors.

Lloyd {L} ... and ... Wilson {R}

Would like to share a few facts about Oxford

Oxford today is still a waterman's town, but is enjoying a new

resurgence based on tourism and leisure activities.

Its quiet charm, fresh air, summer breezes, and clean

water provide a haven from the hustle and bustle of city life

for boaters, weekend visitors, and summer residents.

The film Failure to Launch was filmed in part here.

Oxford is one of the oldest towns in Maryland.

While Oxford officially marks the year 1683 as its founding

because in that year it was first named by the Maryland General

Assembly as a seaport, the town began between 1666 and 1668

when 30 acres were laid out as a town called Oxford by William Stephens, Jr.

In 1694, Oxford and a new town called Anne Arundel (now Annapolis)

were selected as the only ports of entry for the entire Maryland province.

Until the American Revolution, Oxford enjoyed prominence as an

international shipping center surrounded by wealthy tobacco plantations.

Early inhabitants included Robert Morris, Sr., agent for a Liverpool

shipping firm who greatly influenced the town's growth and his son,

Robert Morris, Jr., known as "the financier of the Revolution.

Oxford is host to the oldest privately operated ferry service

still in continuous use in the United States. The original ferry service,

known today as the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, was established in 1683

and continues today. The ferry links Oxford with Bellevue, Maryland,

crossing the 3/4 mile width of the Tred Avon River during a

7-10 minute trip (20 minute round trip).