Careful! Don't listen to the Chik-Fil-A cow at the Newcomb Hall Pav.
You know what cow we're talking about. He's the cardboard stand-up who encourages you to "eat more chicken." He's probably there right now with plenty more anti-beef propaganda to use on unsuspecting diners.
We're here to proclaim the truth. Beef is wonderful and it's here to stay. Now we'll see what the all-powerful chicken council has to say about that.
This week we ventured out to Aberdeen Barn. Tucked inconspicuously off Route 29 North, it's very easy to miss this fine dining experience. Not once in our four years here did we notice Aberdeen Barn, hidden from view by the Exxon station and Red Lobster. Be sure to bring someone who knows how to parallel park; the only spaces you'll find are on the side of the road.
Once you enter the doors, you know you're in for a treat. It's quite possibly the classiest barn we've ever eaten in.
The atmosphere at Aberdeen Barn is something of an enigma, treading a thin line between stylish and rustic. For instance, you dine by candlelight at a very elegant table; however, items hanging on the walls include framed pictures of cattle and even an old-fashioned pistol.
Luckily, for whatever reason, the atmosphere works in that down-home-but-still-formal kind of way. Moreover, you really don't have time to ponder it too long, thanks to the excellent service.
Our waiter for the night was very efficient, knowing exactly what needed to be done at all times. Whenever we ran out of drinks, he was there with another glass. As soon as we finished a course, he was present to remove the used dishes. It wouldn't surprise us if he moonlighted for the Psychic Hotline.
Just like Miss Cleo, however, the Barn will put a dent in your wallet. And don't fool around with bringing first dates here; it's not worth it. Make sure you're either married to or going to marry this person. Whoever's paying is going to be making a big donation to the Aberdeen Barn fund.
Appetizers here will cost you just as much as a meal at many other locales. For example, the shrimp cocktail is first-class, but at $8.95, it's a pricey dish to start a meal. The Maryland Style crab cake ($9.95) is another recommended appetizer.
Frugal spenders (who probably shouldn't be eating here in the first place) might want to start off with the Caesar Salad, only $3.50. However, since most dinners already come with a salad, we recommend you hold off.
Furthermore, a basket of pretzel sticks and cheese spread already is waiting to be consumed as soon as you sit down. It's a nice touch, but you don't come here for hardened and salted pieces of dough.
You came here for the beef.
You won't walk away unhappy, although your wallet will.
The Heavy Cut Boneless Sirloin Strip ($25.95), advertised as "The King of All Steaks," lives up to its billing. Juicy, tender, and cooked just right, the only fault we could find with this choice is that it would cost so much to order another.
We also recommended the Surf and Turf ($33.95). It's served with either a filet mignon or roast prime rib in addition to an Australian lobster tail. We ordered this dish with the filet mignon, and once again, the dish cooked to perfection. And although we came for the beef, the lobster came as an added bonus.
For those diners who don't prefer beef and yet somehow found themselves at Aberdeen Barn anyway, there's a seafood section on the menu.
Fortunately, the seafood is about as good as the steaks. The French-fried shrimp ($20.95) was a delectable choice, if a tad stingy with the serving size.
Along with a salad, most dinners come with one side dish, a choice between a baked potato, French fries, barn potatoes or fresh vegetables.
Fresh rolls are brought to your table consistently throughout the meal, again a testament to the wonderful service here.
By dinner's end, we had devoured so many rolls that neither of us could muster the strength to eat the last one in the basket.
The Barn also boasts a fine bar, including televisions to watch sporting events. The bar is also advertised as "fully stocked." Unfortunately, we didn't get an opportunity to verify the claim, but we had no reason to doubt.
In this digital age, everyone has a Web site, and Aberdeen Barn is no exception. Check out their menu at www.aberdeenbarn.com.
So the next time you're in the mood for a great steak, give the Barn a try. Just make sure your credit card is up for the challenge.
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