January 20, 2021
Maddie Smith
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Contributor
My name is Maddie and I run the @dmvfoodfinds Instagram account. I graduated from Yale University in spring 2020 and moved back to the DMV—splitting my time between Annapolis and D.C. I work full time in commercial real estate, but in my free time I love trying new foods and restaurants and exploring local neighborhoods!
As a new contributor to the Scoop, I thought I'd highlight the new kids on the Annapolis food block—In Grano Bakery and Bistro. After just a few weeks in business, they've developed an amazing (and well deserved) reputation. I was excited to try some of the tantalizing creations I'd seen on their Instagram.
InGrano is situated right off of Route 50 close to Exit 22 at 302 S Harry Truman Parkway. Outside, there's a wooden structure which will soon be an outdoor patio. The interior oozes dreamy coffeehouse vibes and has bar-style and traditional table seating.
Using QR codes throughout the restaurant, you can order directly from your phone for take out or table service. You can also call ahead to place an order for pick-up or order directly from the website or the aforementioned Instagram!
Soft background music completes the cozy vibe inside. It's the perfect atmosphere for catching up with friends, working remotely, or a cute coffee date.
InGrano was founded by Adam Pusateri and Pericles Lewnes. The name comes from the Latin root meaning “against the grain.” This is core to the InGrano mission: to revive grain culture and provide a place to get really good bread.
InGrano bakes fresh, unique bread creations that rebel against mainstream, mass produced bread.
As the name and mission suggest, InGrano’s menu revolves around bread. A unique, fresh-milled flour blend combined with locally sourced grains is the base for most of their loaves. The grain-forward menu is both diverse in ingredients and unique - I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected combinations!
Because the restaurant is so new, Pusateri and Lewnes are still expanding the menu. But that's not to say their current menu isn't fantastic. From pastries, to breakfast, to lunch, there is something for everyone to enjoy at InGrano!
Stay tuned. They're crafting dinner, catering, and wholesale menus which they hope to roll out in the near future.
We started our meal with a latte and kombucha so we could sample the artisan coffee menu and a regular drink. The lavender oat milk latte is one of their specialty latte options. I found it to be the perfect balance of frothy milk and subtle lavender. The kombucha—a refreshing watermelon mint—was their daily on tap offering!
Next we tried two lunch entrees - the roast beef sandwich and the pork bahn mi. All six lunch sandwiches are made with InGrano’s house made bread and served with homemade chips. Soon, they'll have lunch salads and soups too.
Of the two sandwiches, my favorite was the black garlic roast beef sandwich served on the signature sourdough. The coffee-rubbed roast beef is paired with an espresso-truffle aioli, carrot-pomegranate-pistachio jicama slaw, and rock arugula - a truly unique sandwich!
The Pork Bahn Mi sandwich consists of five spice braised pork, sambal-soy aioli, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and is served on a french baguette. While the fillings reminded me of a typical bahn mi, the homemade baguette elevated this sandwich to the next level!
We ended our meal with a couple sweets from the pastry display - a flaky chocolate croissant and a chocolate chunk sea salt cookie.
Needless to say, my sweet tooth approved!
InGrano’s artisan breads, unique menu, and beautiful interior has filled a void in Annapolis—one that Panera never could. Adam and Pericles’ passion for bread and desire to expand their already incredible menu leaves InGrano well-poised for a successful future! It won't be long before this is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
As you can see, aside from a few chips for photography purposes, our plates were clean. Always a good sign.
The Naptown Scoop rates restaurants on the same scale as Michelin stars:
Just like Michelin stars, not every restaurant will earn scoops. This does not mean they aren't good.
Maddie has decided to award InGrano a double scoop.
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