Sassafras — Restaurant in Betterton

I still haven’t had time to fully digest the experience at Sassafras but, I can simply say one thing. No matter where you have dined in the past, this will unequivocally be one of the most unique food experiences that you have ever had.

Paul is a master behind the counter, the courses are creative and always interesting. Building each dish with ingredients, fresh and hyper-local, showcasing the amazing bounty of the Mid-Atlantic and Maryland's Eastern Shore. Scott's wine pairing (along with other fun beverages) is one of the best beverage pairings I've ever had the pleasure to enjoy with my meal. The dining experience is relaxed, never feeling rushed, both chef and sommelier happy to chat with diners and share the excitement of what is being served. However, execution of the dining experience from them, while perhaps going largely unnoticed by the guest, is delivered with pinpoint precision.

There is no question that we will be back to experience another lovely evening of food, drink and conversation, and we will have the pleasure of tasting even more of what this area and Sassafras...

A night at Sassafras is so much more than dinner, in part because it IS dinner. It isn't fussy, it isn't full of distractions and choices, it isn't a battle of Look at Me moments. It is so much more special.

Sassafras is a welcome into Paul's (owner/chef) imagination, spirit, and love of the environment, of cooking... dang it, of humanity. We his guests benefit from relationships he has built with suppliers of all kinds, each ingredient the result of a deep dive into that ingredient's particulars.

This is an evening unequivocally about food, and about the gift of spirit that can be conveyed when one cooks for another. The food is fantastic. It is simply beautiful, balanced. This is simple like how an Armani suit seems simple, cuts a clean line, with no logos.

If you are ready to be welcomed, to appreciate others, to understand the gift of a chef who cares, then get yourself to Sassafras. Now. You will be...

We were charmed by the decor and tranquil ambience of the Chesapeake cottage where we enjoyed a unique and delightfully relaxed experience at the Chef’s counter. Chef Paul introduces each innovative course (there are 12) and Scott narrates the wine pairing and provides flawless service. Each course is thoughtfully prepared and plated and the best the Chesapeake has to offer. Most notable were the poached oyster, blue crab, handmade raviolo and Kombucha pie! After our incredible 2-1/2 hour meal we received a waxed-sealed envelope describing ingredients and sourcing along with a note of gratitude from Paul and Scott as a keepsake. We look forward to our next visit and the brilliant dishes...