Easton’s Wardroom, formerly an epicurean market and bistro, has transformed into a welcoming restaurant, featuring Italian-inspired cuisine painstakingly prepared and appealing to a variety of palates. And like all other Bluepoint Hospitality establishments, the décor is beyond tasteful. No detail has been overlooked, resulting in an appealing warm yet quietly sophisticated atmosphere. 

When I asked Bluepoint Hospitality and 2024 James Beard Award Winner Chef Harley Peet what goals he and owner Paul Prager had for Easton’s revamped Wardroom restaurant, Peet replied, “We want it to be like somebody’s friendly dining room in Italy. We aspire to present an authentic-style Italian pasta, convivial service, with food cooked to perfection. Plus, we offer an amazing array of wine and cocktail selections.” 

The jury is in. Mission accomplished and more. The Wardroom has turned into an energetic place to dine, offering a variety of top-drawer Italian-inspired meals, including plates to share, delectable desserts, and a killer beverage list. 

For readers who have been to Bluepoint’s other local establishments, The Wardroom is the sweet spot between the newly reopened Washington Street Pub, home of high-quality comfort food galore, (my favorite is the open-faced turkey sandwich) and the high-end ultra-chic Bas Rouge which often serves as more of a special occasion destination. And for a quiet repast, let’s not forget the sophisticated Stewart, just around the corner from The Wardroom, which in addition to being a scotch bar offers champagne, wine, cocktails, and small plates. (My favorite, the short rib grilled cheese sandwich. My friend raves about the sashimi.) 

The Wardroom’s new menu features several appetizers including burrata with chestnut duo and rosemary oil, minestrone soup, yellowfin tuna crudo; four different salads; seven pasta choices (I ordered the linguine lobster diavolo which I highly recommend); a veal chop, grilled eggplant, and tuna with farro risotto, pumpkin and pomegranate. 

“For the table” menu options for two or more include branzino, rotisserie chicken, prime NY strip, and a three-pound Maine lobster, with a choice of two vegetables selected from roasted marble potatoes, brussels sprouts, sauteed mushrooms, and broccoli rabe. 

Handcrafted pastas are prepared daily in the pasta kitchen, and artisanal bread selections feature Focaccia baked daily and paired with tailored olive oil. 

The Italian wine collection features more than 400 selections from various regions and producers—the most extensive wine list I’ve seen in a restaurant. Cocktail selections have been carefully curated to enhance the restaurant’s ambiance. (I must confess to being a bit of a cocktail maven. My four specialties are the sidecar, Manhattan, vodka martini with garlic jalapeno olives, and the old fashioned. I ordered the old fashioned at the Wardroom. It was the best I’ve ever had. I will try to recreate it, but it may take some doing. According to the menu, the cocktail involves Nonino Amaro.) 

Desserts include fig crostata with spiced almond crumble (Peet compares it to a giant fig newton cookie), ice cream from Bluepoint Hospitality’s Bon Heur shop, lemon ricotta cheesecake, and a flourless chocolate torta caprese. 

For Sunday brunch, The Wardroom offers frittatas, pancakes, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, eggs benedict, omelets, breakfast meats, paninis, salads, pasta, bakery baskets, cocktails, and more. 

The culinary team that created these off-the-charts menus is the famed Harley Peet and Chef de Cuisine of The Wardroom Maryland’s own Jesse Wheeler.

Given the approachable and delectable dinner and brunch menu selections, the extensive wine list and finely crafted cocktails, the delicious desserts, the friendly waitstaff, and the casual and inviting atmosphere, I predict The Wardroom will be a major success and a frequent dining destination for both locals and out-of-town Easton visitors. I, for one, can’t wait to return. 

The Wardroom is open for dinner from Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., and open for Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Maria Grant, formerly principal-in-charge of the federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm, now focuses on writing, reading, music, and nature.

I’ve been disturbed and disappointed by the meanness and disrespect that I’ve witnessed by so many, including the leaders of the land, over the last few months. Why have so many gotten so mean? In many cases, compassion and kindness have flown out the window and been replaced by insults, name calling, and revenge. Such maliciousness has been out of control for so long that it is difficult to remember when mutual respect, decorum, and civility were front and center. 

Many people who work in public establishments have reported that customers have gotten meaner. Restaurant workers complain that more diners are exhibiting rude behavior. Hospital workers complain that patients have gotten more abusive. Passengers committing violent acts on airplanes, frequently fueled by alcohol, have become commonplace. 

Here are a few reasons why sociologists claim that meanness has become so pervasive. 

Learned behavior. People may have grown up in environments where hostile and inconsiderate behaviors were normalized, and they have internalized similar actions in their own lives. 

Demographics. America has become more diverse which has caused millions of Americans to panic, feel as though they are losing their place in the hierarchy, and hence react to others in a mean way. 

Social media. Digital platforms award negativity, outrage, and conflict and encourage mean-spirited behavior. Such behavior gets much more attention than civility. Plus, anonymity encourages people to express thoughts they wouldn’t say face-to-face.

Polarizing narratives. Constant exposure to fear-based narratives and political polarization can increase anger and distrust. 

Convenience culture. The rise of online shopping, delivery services, and other conveniences have reduced our dependence on others and limit our daily interactions that require empathy and connection.

Economic Inequality. High levels of inequality have left people afraid, angry, pessimistic, and mean.

A few years ago, David Brooks authored an article in The Atlantic in which he opined that the reason America has gotten so mean is because, “we live in a society that’s terrible at moral formation.” By that he meant helping people to restrain their selfishness; coaching basic social and ethical skills; and encouraging people to find a purpose in life. 

The premise to this belief is that without strong moral formation, people feel disconnected, alienated and estranged from the world around them. And those emotions also turn into bitterness and a sense of rejection. People then begin to feel disrespected, unheard, and victimized. 

Without a moral compass, people turn to politics and tribalism. In many places around the world, including currently in the U.S., leaders capitalize on connecting with people who feel that sense of rejection. They believe that there is an ugly world out there, and they are not receiving their just rewards. These leaders encourage the populus to be angry and mean—to take what you can get and forget about the rest. With this mindset, morality becomes a luxury that they can no longer afford. 

The truth, as many prognosticators, including Voltaire, have stated, is that we each must cultivate our own gardens. We must celebrate people with moral behavior who instill a certain humility in us. And we must applaud the skills and habits that encourage consideration of others, treating people with respect, and promoting inclusivity. 

Such behaviors are the opposite of what’s happening in the U.S. right now. In the meantime, and until the ship rights, here are some initiatives that sociologists encourage us to master. 

Practice empathy. Try to put yourself in the place of others and imagine what they are going through.

Exude gratitude. Celebrate the good things in your life and the efforts of those around you. 

Support your community. Volunteer for good causes. 

Build a culture of appreciation. Praise and thank colleagues, neighbors, relatives, and friends, and create opportunities for recognition. 

Perform random acts of kindness. Let disabled people go ahead of you in line. Drive elderly neighbors to their appointments. Your kindness will have a ripple effect.

Maya Angelou once wrote, “It takes courage to be kind.” 

I agree. And let’s acknowledge that these days courageousness and kindness have taken a back seat. But in spite of today’s adversities, we can each vow that we will double our efforts to be kind and strive to make the world a better place, one act at a time. 

Maria Grant, a former principal-in-charge of the federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm, now focuses on writing, reading, music, and nature.

Female friendship has always been important to me. I’ve been fortunate to maintain friendships with women from college, work colleagues, neighbors, book clubs, and more. I value their friendship and try to be loyal and supportive, although I’m sure I may have let some of them down along the way. 

Frequently, when I listen to a female broadcaster, actress, politician, or journalist, I think to myself, I wish I could get to know that woman. She seems like a good person, and I bet she would be interesting and fun to be around. 

For whatever reason, I don’t get those vibes with the women who Trump has anointed as his “chosen ones.” Why is that? 

First let’s admit that Trump has had a sordid past with women on many fronts—sexual assault charges, lawsuits, inflammatory comments, and cruel nicknames for a large and varied cast of characters. 

In his second term, Trump has surrounded himself with a substantial bench of women both in pivotal positions and also as White House staffers. 

Let’s take a look at a few of these women.

Susie Wiles is the first woman in U.S. history to be the President’s Chief of Staff. She is the exception to the rule in that, at 68 years of age, she is older than most of his other female appointees. She doesn’t seek the spotlight and displays a quiet confidence and “no nonsense” approach. But it’s also true that Wiles doesn’t play the policy role that many former Chiefs of Staff have played. Instead, Stephen Miller, Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff, has taken over that role. Wiles has said that her job is to “keep the trains running on time.” 

At 27, Karoline Leavitt is the youngest White House press secretary ever. She has very little relevant experience but exudes a great deal of confidence. She defended Trump against allegations that he is profiting from the presidency, dismissing those claims as “ridiculous.” Leavitt said Trump has given up a life of luxury to devote himself to public service. What? According to an analysis by The New Yorker, the Trump family has made $3.4 billion off the Presidency.

Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, leads the Justice Department. She also represented Trump during his first impeachment trial. During her confirmation hearing, Bondi claimed there was a peaceful transition of power in 2021. During those hearings, Bondi also claimed that the partisanship and weaponization of the Justice Department would be gone. Now she has begun to prosecute Trump’s enemies one by one, basically turning the Justice Department into Trump’s personal law firm. A few months ago, Bondi claimed that the Epstein client list was sitting on her desk to review. Later she said there was no evidence that such a list exists. 

Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence which means she leads 17 intelligence organizations. A former Democratic congresswoman and Democratic nominee for President, she has no prior intelligence experience. A few months ago, Gabbard stated that Iran wasn’t close to building nuclear bombs. Trump later said she was wrong, and he didn’t care what she said. 

Kristi Noem, now Secretary of Homeland Security, was formerly a Republican congresswoman and governor of South Dakota. She executed her wirehaired pointer because he didn’t obey commands quickly enough. Noem wears Border Patrol and ICE uniforms when visiting detention centers and sometimes flashes her Rolex watch in front of jailed detainees. 

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, used to be CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment. Her job is to dismantle the Department of Education. 

Alina Habba, once Trump’s personal attorney during a series of civil lawsuits against Trump, including the defamation case against E. Jean Carroll, is now interim U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey. During the Carroll trial, Habba was frequently reprimanded by the Judge for procedural missteps, misstating the law, and arguing against his rulings. 

Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), was previously a senator from Georgia and is the former CEO of the bitcoin company Bakkt. She has spearheaded a controversial rollback of DEI initiatives at the SBA. Several lawsuits are looming, and civil rights advocates are mobilizing.

Natalie Harp, a former far-right cable host, is now Special Assistant to the President. She was frequently called the human printer because she had a portable printer and followed Trump around feeding him complimentary articles about himself. 

Laura Loomer is a far-right political activist, conspiracy theorist, and internet personality. She describes herself as a “pro-white nationalist.” For whatever reason, she has the President’s ear. She convinced Trump to fire several national security officials because she said they were disloyal to him.

Lindsey Halligan, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney, was appointed interim U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia. Before getting this new assignment, Halligan reviewed the content of eight Smithsonian museums and concluded that there was too much emphasis on slavery. Instead, she opined that there should be more emphasis on how far we’ve come since slavery. Halligan, who has zero experience prosecuting federal cases, was a former beauty pageant contestant. Trump first met her at his West Palm Beach golf club in November 2021. She caught his eye because she came to the club dressed in a suit because she came straight from work.

Many articles have been written noting that several of these women bear a strong resemblance to Melania. Trump seems to have moved on from the blonde days of Ivana Trump and Marla Maples to brunettes with long, sometimes highlighted hair, slightly curled at the ends. They frequently wear skirts above the knee and high boots, as do several female staffers at the White House.

Some fashion writers have shown the before and after photos of several women in Trump’s orbit which they say have morphed from conventional faces to makeup-caked angular cheekbones, full-lipped, Botox filled exaggerations of the Fox News anchorwoman look. There is actually something called the Mar-a-Lago face which includes detectable surgery, excessive makeup, fake tans, fake eyelashes, dark smokey eyes, and full lips. 

Trump himself has quite the grooming regime. He uses hair weaves, makeup, tanning beds, and spray tans, and frequently is seen with most of his face being quite orange except for the white half-moons around his eyes where he has placed tanning goggles. (I won’t digress into discussing JD Vance’s eyeliner or Matt Gaetz’ total facial transformation.)

Clearly there is a vanity obsession with this administration. Trump likes those around him to have a certain look which he finds attractive. For him, optics are much more important than substance. Hence, many of the women who surround Trump have the look that he prefers but don’t have the qualifications or deep expertise that relate to the positions they hold. 

The musician Wynton Marsalis once wrote, “Don’t settle for style. Succeed in substance.”

I’m with Wynton on this one. My friends are women of substance, and I am grateful for them.

Maria Grant, a former principal-in-charge of the federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm, now focuses on writing, reading, music, and nature.

After giving a mortifyingly incoherent word salad speech at the United Nations last week, President Trump went to the Ryder Cup in Farmingdale, New York. What did that little junket cost taxpayers? An estimated $17 million, which included the cost of Air Force One, flights for accompanying cargo, motorcade vehicles, Secret Service, local police, perimeter planning, hotel rooms, security checkpoints, and more. 

His trip to the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament earlier in the month is estimated to have cost taxpayers at least $8 million and caused long lines, a delay in the game, and many attendees who paid plenty for their tickets missed the beginning of the tournament. 

The DidTrumpGolfToday.com website estimates that, so far in his second term, the president has spent $84 million on the links at taxpayers’ expense. 

Add to that Trump’s attendance at the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, multiple UFC events, a LIV golf tournament, the FIFA World Cup Final, a Tigers Yankees baseball game, and the Army Navy football game. 

Then let’s consider the absurd and ostentatious military parade estimated to cost $55 million, the unnecessary ICE and National Guard deployments in D.C., California, and soon to be Oregon.

Next, the cost of the revenge and retribution indictment of James Comey, and soon-to-be indictments of Letitia James, John Bolton, and Adam Schiff, which will cost taxpayers tons for months of labor to prepare for trials which experts say have no basis for prosecution. 

And wait, here’s a good idea. Let’s round up all the Generals from around the world, at a cost conservatively estimated to be a few million, and bring them to some kind of Come-to-Jesus meeting in Virginia for who knows what purpose. And what happens to our national security when no one’s minding the store? And then let’s let everyone in the world know that this is happening.

And who knows who’s really paying for this ridiculously large White House ballroom with estimated costs that could amount to more than $200 million?

Now consider what else is happening while this rampant patently immoral spending spree spirals out of control. Massive cuts to foreign aid, medical and scientific research, public health and disease prevention, health insurance for low-income Americans and children, enforcement of clean air and water regulations, Medicaid, weather forecasting, national park services, and more. 

Let’s not pretend that any of this is normal, makes sense, or is fiscally responsible. Any CEO who spent money like a drunken sailor and slashed programs without even a pretense of due diligence would be ousted by the company’s Board of Directors.

Then there is the question of when in God’s name does this President have the time to study issues and do the deep dive into possible solutions to problems. Here’s the answer. NEVER. 

Couple that with the most incompetent band of cabinet leaders in modern history. And then there is the endless grift after grift going on with the entire Trump family and many of its associates.

So, I know I’ve been writing a lot about costs here. But let’s consider those other costs that are difficult to measure.

The costs to patients who were in the middle of clinical trials when funding was cut, and the trials were cancelled. 

The costs to victims of hurricanes and floods when no FEMA money is available to restore drinking water or clear roads. 

The costs to low-income single mothers whose children no longer have access to breakfast and lunch programs. 

The costs to hikers who experience catastrophes and there are no longer Park Rangers available to rescue them.

The costs to the more than 275,000 workers who have lost their jobs due to Federal workforce cuts and who no longer have healthcare coverage for themselves and their families.

This president and his crackerjack team are not thinking about these people. These people are not on their radar screen. 

Harry Truman once said, “Selfishness and greed, individual or national, cause most of our torment.”

Just think about how much the more than $400 million of wasted money I’ve written about in the above paragraphs could have helped people in need, our environment, healthcare research and so much more. 

 Clearly these are troubled times. Generosity of spirit has left the building. Let’s recognize the current priorities of this administration for what they are. Selfish and greedy.

Maria Grant, who formerly was principal-in-charge of a federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm, now focuses on writing, reading, music, and nature. 

Saint or sinner? Hero or demon? Perhaps the right answer is neither one. In this modern world, we tend to canonize our idols. It is often seen as inappropriate to talk about their dark or negative side—to look at the whole person objectively. That’s a mistake. Should we applaud their virtues? Absolutely. Should we ignore their shortcomings? I don’t think so.

I’m a huge fan of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King. For decades, we have sung both their praises. And rightly so. JFK started the Peace Corps. He brought charisma, elegance, and dignity to the White House. He had a vision for the space program and challenged the nation to reach the moon. He skillfully navigated the Cuban Missile Crisis. 

Martin Luther King energized America into embracing the imperative for racial justice. He was the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He changed the world through peaceful protest. He had a dream. 

The other side of the coin on these two heroes is that JFK was responsible for the Bay of Pigs fiasco. And he was a notorious womanizer with numerous extramarital affairs throughout his political career. King’s constant sexual activities with women he met on the road shocked the FBI which had several tapes of wild and crazy incidents that happened during his travels. 

When he was president, Bill Clinton balanced the budget. He paid off $360 billion in national debt—something literally unheard of in this day and age. And then, of course, there was the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

Then there’s Charlie Kirk and the horror of his assassination. There were many good things about Charlie Kirk. He was able to connect with young audiences and turned his organization, Turning Point, into one of the country’s largest political organizations which attracted young people to gatherings at high schools and universities across the country. 

But there was another side to Kirk as well. He criticized civil rights. He was against LGBTQ rights. He talked about the brain capacity of Black women. (Specifically, he said, “If we would have said that Joy Reid and Michele Obama and Sheila Jackson and Ketanji Brown Jackson were affirmative action picks, we would have been called racists. Now they are coming out and saying it for us…You do not have the brain processing power to otherwise be taken seriously. You had to steal a white person’s slot to be taken somewhat seriously.”)  

Kirk called George Floyd a scumbag but said he did not deserve to die. He said some gun deaths in the U.S. may be worth it to ensure Second Amendment rights. He said abortion is murder and should be illegal, including in cases of rape. Just recently he said he hoped marriage would make Taylor Swift more conservative and encouraged her to reject feminism. He recommended that she submit to her husband. “Taylor, he said, “You’re not in charge.” 

The good news is that Kirk welcomed debate and the free exchange of ideas. There is tremendous irony in this when you consider any negative comment made about Kirk since his murder has caused outrage. 

J.D. Vance has proclaimed that any criticism of Kirk should be called out. He encouraged employees to let their employers know so that they could fire employees who had negative things to say about Kirk. (This is particularly ironic when the Commander in Chief regularly calls his opponents “scum.”)

So, let’s be honest. There were many good things about Charlie Kirk. He was a hero to many, but he was not a saint. 

The psychologist Carl Jung claimed that humans have unconscious archetypes. He said that humans love heroes because they overcome challenges and undergo profound transformations for the good of others. 

Other psychologists often opine on heroes. They give us hope. They energize and inspire us. They heal us and impart wisdom.

But there is also a danger in blindly making people heroes. Because no one is perfect, a hero will inevitably disappoint. Uncritical adoration can also cause people to excuse or ignore misbehavior. In political or religious contexts, blind faith can be used to manipulate, causing followers to disregard standards or decency. 

It is a sorry state of affairs when we no longer value objective analyses–recognizing pluses and minuses. 

Here’s what Martin Luther King had to say about hate and objectivity: 

“Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man’s sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true.” 

I long for the day when we seek the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 

Maria Grant, a former principal-in-charge of the federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm, now focuses on writing, reading, music, and nature.

When you’re down and troubled during these turbulent times, it’s a good idea to take a deep breath and celebrate the many Eastern Shore treasures at our fingertips. Here are a few of those treasures to consider. Doing so just might brighten your day. 

The Eastern Shore has truly become a musical mecca. This season there have been spectacular concerts sponsored by Chesapeake Music, the Avalon, Gabriela Montero at the Ebenezer Theater, the Oxford Community Center, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, and many more too numerous to mention. The wealth of such treasures given the size of the Eastern Shore is truly extraordinary. 

Hummingbirds are plentiful this season. It’s a joyous experience to witness their mating dances and the twirling whirling energy they emit. 

Parades of Canada Geese and Mallards forge their way down creeks and rivers, focused and driven to arrive at their destinations, and sightings of Great Blue Herons, Eagles, and Ospreys spreading their wings and soaring above us. 

Dinners with friends and relatives who celebrate their engagements, anniversaries, children, birthdays, and promotions. And speaking of dinners, we now have the opportunity to dine at a variety of interesting restaurants that offer culinary experiences on par with those found in much larger cities. 

Neighbors who remain fully committed to improving the Chesapeake Bay by participating in the Oyster Recovery Partnership and the Maryland Oyster Gardening Program. Plus, many residents have created natural shorelines, and other environmental structures that prevent erosion and improve the health of native plants and fauna. 

Breathtaking sunsets with bands of pink and blue that are common occurrences on the Eastern Shore. And let’s not forget those lovely shimmering moonbeams that peek through tall pines.

Hardworking Maryland watermen who continue a long tradition on the Eastern Shore of catching spectacular blue crabs and oysters that make for scrumptious dinners. 

Speaking of watermen, The Chesapeake Maritime Museum is an Eastern Shore treasure that offers insights into our history, as well as an increasing variety of educational programs and activities for all. 

Participating in local book clubs that provide an opportunity to share various points of view with interesting people who have provocative perspectives on a variety of issues. 

The ability to explore tributaries, rivers, and streams through kayaking and boating expeditions. 

Plein Air art activities that highlight the tremendous artistic talent in our area, coupled with wonderful art museums, galleries and shows.

Local garden clubs that do spectacular work throughout the area, providing lovely arrangements on sidewalks and in parks and gardens. Our visitors last week commented on their abundance and beauty. 

The celebration and appreciation for civil rights abolitionists and social activists Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, both of whom offer inspiration that appeals to our better angels. 

The upcoming Waterfowl festival that attracts attendees from afar. My personal favorite offering is the dock dog competition, a truly enjoyable event which always provides an opportunity for laughter and awe.

I reside in Talbot County and apologize if I have not mentioned the treasure trove of wonders in other counties. The good news is there is so much to discover and explore. 

In short, let’s take a pause, celebrate the Eastern Shore, and agree that this truly is the land of pleasant living. 

Several events that have occurred in our country this year are disturbing. No doubt about it. As a result, many of us are participating in constructive initiatives to make our country a more welcoming and safer place to live. 

In these times, it’s also important to be thankful for the special things we have the good fortune to enjoy on the Eastern Shore. The author Marcel Proust once wrote, “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”  It’s also true that the wonders of the Eastern Shore provide a blossoming  boom. Let’s be grateful for it. 

Maria Grant, a former principal-in-charge of the federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm, focuses on writing, reading, music, and nature.