Shab Row Bistro brings the flavors France to your neighborhood restaurant. Dine, taste and shop here for the best in wine, beer and gourmet food in a friendly, fine dining atmosphere.
Jack and Lindsay Clark, owners of Shab Row Bistro and Wine Bar, believe their prized neighborhood bistro is more of an extension of their dining room than it is a restaurant. Tucked away in the historic Shab Row district of Frederick, Maryland, the restaurant takes its name and vibe from this laid back yet edgy side of town.
The Clarks have created a cozy, welcoming space where locals and visitors alike can come in, hang out, enjoy their favorite wine or cocktail at the impressive custom-made zinc bar, have a bite and hopefully make new friends.
On most evenings you will find both of the Clarks at the restaurant with Jack chatting up guests in the retail shop about his latest finds. He's always pleased when he can steer someone to a great wine at a good price. The Bistro's bar and retail section also feature a great selection of American craft beers and world class Belgian ales that are available on premise or to go. You'll see Lindsay up front playing host to all of their dining guests or you may find her in the kitchen tasting one of her mother's latest cobbler confections.
Executive Chef Matt Strawsburg joins the SRB team from Schroyer’s Tavern in Middletown, Maryland. A native of Frederick, Strawsburg looks forward to collaborating on an inventive twist on the french menu. Says Strawsburg, “my goal is to create a dish that’s unexpected; using seasonal ingredients and new textures to excite the palate”.
After initial exploration in the restaurant industry, Chef Strawsburg went to school and graduated with a degree in marketing and economics from McDaniel college in Westminster, Maryland. Strawsburg realized his true calling was the kitchen. Strawsburg prides himself in his continuing education; a voracious reader, Matt continuously reads and researches new trends.
Chef Matt Strawsburg owes his innate abilities in the kitchen to his mother, who always made the kitchen the centerpiece of family events. Her ability to draw everyone in and create new sensations, and gain enjoyment from the amazed reaction of the crowd, inspired him to create the same reaction with his guests. Matt’s other inspiration is Thomas Keller, quoting him “the real purpose of striving toward perfection becomes clear: to make people happy, that is what cooking is all about”.
Strawsburg is anxious for his guests at SRB to try the new summer menu, highlighting classic french preparations with a local twist; using his favorite Maryland ingredients like blue crab and sweet corn, to name a few.
In his free time, Matt enjoys golfing, listening to classic rock, and volunteering his culinary skills at his local church.
PRESS
Frederick Magazine "Maryland Dining" Review
Maryland Beverage Journal October 2010