BLUE RUIN - A focus on ambiance & mixology

STORY BY JAMES YOUNG PHOTOS BY CAL JACKSON

Blue Ruin is a cocktail bar and restaurant, located at 400 Race St. in Cambridge. With a focus on ambience and mixology, Blue Ruin aims to provide each customer with an experience they will not forget. The stylistic décor harkens back to the era of prohibition, giving the impression that one has stepped backwards in time into a 1920s speakeasy. The name Blue Ruin itself refers to an archaic term for home-distilled gin, as a satirical play on the term “blue ribbon” for very high-quality gin. The atmosphere inside Blue Ruin subtly shifts with the time of day; during the daylight hours, plentiful open windows provide ample sunlight, imparting a lively yet relaxed feel. But as the sun goes down, the classic bar-top lighting offers a warm and cozy atmosphere, aided by the abundance of exposed brick masonry. The staff dress in prohibition-era attire, with their black vests and armbands elevating the old-school aesthetic to new heights.

The restaurant and bar manager, Paul Dendorfer, is an expert in mixology, with over 30 years’ experience in the culinary industry. He began his career as a server at Clyde’s restaurant in Washington, D.C., but was promoted within three months to a position training new staff. He then made his move behind the bar, quickly discovering his passion for bartending.

“As soon as I stepped behind the bar, I had found what I wanted to do,” he said. As he advanced in his career, Dendorfer worked at highly-regarded establishments, including the bars at the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton.

Now, Dendorfer has developed an extensive list of over 150 craft cocktails at Blue Ruin. Some highlights include the Smoked Old-Fashioned, made with Lapsang Souchong infused McClintock White Whisky, and served in an oak-smoked glass; the “Rise-Up Tini,” with house-infused Rise Up espresso vodka; and the Groove City Dame, made with Tanqueray gin, limoncello, and egg white, and flavored with orange and thyme. When Blue Ruin opened in 2019, the entire cocktail list was developed by Dendorfer. Now, about sixty percent of the list is made by Dendorfer, while the remaining 40% is comprised of cocktails developed by his personally-trained bartending staff, many of whom have been with the business since its opening.

A signature offering of Blue Ruin is their Clawfoot blue gin, developed by Dendorfer in collaboration with McClintock Distilling Company in Frederick, Dendorfer’s hometown. The story of Clawfoot began about six months before Blue Ruin’s opening, when McClintock reached out to provide a sample of their liquors. Dendorfer enjoyed their creations and remarked that he’d always been interested in blue gin.

After months of work, McClintock unveiled the product, a premium gin with a gorgeous peaflower-blue color, and a clear botanical flavor with notes of citrus and herbs. Dendorfer decided on the name Clawfoot as a reference to the clawfoot bathtubs that were used to distill bootleg liquor during the era of prohibition.

Though the primary focus of Blue Ruin is on its cocktail offerings, the food menu is not to be overlooked, with an emphasis on high-quality local ingredients. Popular appetizers include the crispy Brussels sprouts with balsamic reduction and the local Buffalo-style oysters, served with bleu cheese.

In terms of entrées, one must-try is the Chesapeake gumbo, which blends local seafood with classic New Orleans flavors, informed by chef Buddy Christopher’s experience cooking in the Big Easy. Other highlights include the sliders, made with fresh local ground beef and classic accouterments, as well as the vegetarian “scallops”: king oyster mushrooms with grilled potatoes and asparagus, cherry tomatoes and finished with a balsamic glaze and fresh basil.

Though the quality and thoughtfulness of the cocktail list and menu cannot be overstated, the cornerstone of Blue Ruin is its atmosphere and the experience it provides.

“It’s all about the experience; we want people to leave already wanting to come back,” Dendorfer said.

Blue Ruin appeals equally to both locals and tourists, providing a taste of city life in an idyllic rural setting. The restaurant also offers various events, both regular and annual: game nights on Mondays, trivia and karaoke on Tuesdays, and live local musicians on Fridays, including familiar names such as Emma Myers and Sam Pugh. Annual events include a New Year’s Eve celebration and ball drop, a St. Patrick’s Day fest, a Memorial Day “Summer Kickoff” and more. The welcoming atmosphere, high-quality food and drink and the expertise of the staff will provide a top-notch experience any day of the week. And be sure to try the Clawfoot gin, an essential part of Blue Ruin’s homage to a bygone era. S

THE h WITH

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where the Chesapeake Bay whispers its tales, a vibrant community of lifelong learners has found a haven for intellectual exploration. The Chesapeake Forum — a beacon of knowledge and camaraderie — has become a vital hub for those seeking to delve into the rich tapestry of local history.

This past January, Chesapeake Forum became part of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, with the merger announced at a reception at the Academy Art Museum, where Chesapeake Forum presented its upcoming winter programs to a crowd of 104 eager learners.

Lynn Randle, the newly appointed executive director and past president, reflects on the organization's evolution.

“We started as the Academy of Lifelong Learning at CBMM 23 years ago and eventually became the Chesapeake Forum under the umbrella of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation,” Randle said.

“Merging with the Y makes perfect sense — because it fits into their mission to build a world where every person can thrive in body, mind, and spirit.”

Registration for the current semester opened with a bang, boasting more than 580 registrations within the first weekend. The program offers 30 courses each semester, ranging from single-session deep dives to extended five-session courses. While the pandemic initially limited options, the forum has rebounded, providing a diverse array of courses to satisfy the curious minds of its 2,300 subscribers.

What sets Chesapeake Forum apart is its commitment to meeting the nuanced needs of its participants. Randle observes a shift in enrollment patterns, with an increasing number of individuals signing up for multiple courses.

"It's fun to see how many people are eager to explore different topics,” she said. “We're definitely meeting a need in the community.”

She said with the senior population expected to reach 40% by the end of the decade, Chesapeake Forum plays a crucial role in fulfilling the desire for active involvement and continuous learning among retirees.

History has always been a favorite among forum attendees, prompting the organization to run an annual survey to tailor their offerings. Randle emphasizes the importance of connecting people to the historical wealth of Talbot County and the Eastern Shore. As the area attracts new residents, especially those transitioning from summer homes to permanent residences, history courses have become best-sellers.

The allure of the forum is not confined to its physical location either. Wayne Bell's birding class, for example, filled up in a mere 15 minutes during the last semester, highlighting the community's enthusiasm for diverse learning experiences. From Thai cooking classes to field trips, the forum continues to expand its offerings to cater to varied interests.

One notable initiative is the introduction of hybrid teaching, which allows participants to choose to attend classes in person, virtually or by viewing a recording. Equipped with a tablet or even a smart TV, these classes become accessible to individuals anywhere, fostering inclusivity and reaching a broader audience of lifelong learners.

Reflecting on the heartwarming moments, Randle describes the joy of witnessing the eagerness of participants before a class.

“To see how people are embracing this opportunity, meeting friends and learning something new – that's the reward for me,” she shared. “Chesapeake Forum is not just a place to gain knowledge; it's a community that fosters connections, making it a cherished part of many agendas.”

For those eager to embark on a journey of lifelong learning and delve into the history of the Chesapeake Bay region, the Chesapeake Forum stands as an inviting portal. Potential participants can explore the offerings, browse through testimonials, and register for an enriching experience that goes beyond the confines of a classroom on the Forum’s website at www.chesapeakeforum.org. S

Chesapeake Forum

PO Box 544 Easton, Md. 21601 lrandle001@gmail.com