Mark’s Score 8.5
I have mentioned serendipity being important in travel, but sometimes out and out accidents can lead to pleasant and new discoveries. The thing about travel is, certainly plan, but also be ready to throw out those plans if something interesting falls in your lap. I was in Crisfield because I planned a hiking and kayaking trip at Janes Island State Park. Before heading to the park, I drove into town to grab a bite to eat. I had been planning to go to the Water’s Edge Café. I parked along West Main, got out of the car, and quite accidentally I had parked in front of a new restaurant, Bazil’s. On a whim, I decided to change plans and grab a sandwich at Bazil’s and I am so glad I did.
Bazil’s is located in a tiny former bank building just a block or two from the ferry pier. You can easily miss it, I nearly missed it and I was parked right in front of the store. They opened last fall, and in the short time I was there they had a slow but steady stream of customers. Bazil’s offer Italian bakery/deli style food, the place feels like a neighborhood deli, much like you would find in Brooklyn. They serve a shortish list of sandwiches and subs, Italian pastries, and bread. It is a small package, but sometimes the best things are wrapped in small packages.
They did an excellent job in refurbishing the old bank space. So, they should get points for just restoring one of Crisfield’s historic crumbling buildings. I would give them a good rating for that alone, but on top of doing their part in restoring Crisfield, they also have created a very good Italian bakery/deli.
I ordered the chicken parmesan sub with a chocolate cannoli for desert. I find that ordering chicken parmesan subs can be risky. People seem to think that you have to smother the chicken in breadcrumbs, a dubious sauce, and then hide the mess in a river of melted mozzarella. If that is your idea of chicken parmesan, don’t come here. You will be disappointed. What you will get instead is an authentic Italian chicken parmesan, lightly breaded, accompanied with a very delicate red sauce, a slight sprinkling of parmesan cheese (it is in the name after all), encased in a homemade sub roll. I would have to rate it the best chicken parm sub I have had on the Eastern Shore.
The cannoli was excellent. The chocolate tube was crisp, crunchy and only slightly sweet. The ricotta cheese filling was also lightly sweetened, silky smooth, with a hint of vanilla. It was the perfect Italian pastry. The best Italian pastry, is subtitle, never overly sweet, crisp, and flakey.
If you have been looking for an Italian deli worthy of Brooklyn, well you should give Bazil’s a try. You will be glad you did.
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