THE HISTORY
Come Out to the Country, We’re Worth the Drive
The Manor Tavern is a picturesque, 267 year old property dating back to the time of George Washington and is said to have housed the first president’s horse on occasion. In fact, the area began as a stable and over the years had evolved into a blacksmith shop, a general store and a saloon. Our logo, inclusive of a horse, is a hat tip to our historic roots here in Monkton.
Today, it’s a country oasis in the heart of steeplechase land where friends and family gather for delectable food and exquisite service. Like our history here in Maryland, our patrons are loyal and longstanding. We value the relationships we have cultivated with all of you year after year.
FARM-TO-TABLE
At the Manor Tavern, taste is everything. Our grounds allow us to control all aspects of the growing process from our farm to your table. We are always open to suggestions so share with us any specific herbs or produce you’d like to see in our garden.
Optimal Freshness
Our produce is generally harvested when we need it. When a fruit or vegetable is given the time to completely ripen, it fully develops and retains its vitamins and minerals, giving it a more vibrant flavor and maximizing the nutritional content. Our large variety of items have a longer time to ripen “on the vine” ultimately eliminating travel time and processing and optimizing the taste and texture of our food.
Community
Each item that we grow has its own unique story. Growing and buying locally means you are supporting the family farmers and ranchers that raised your food. Connecting to the sources is a very meaningful part of the overall experience. Our selection of available produce changes weekly, dependent upon what is readily available in our area. This allows us to deliver items when they are at their peak, are most abundant, and in the case of farmers markets, least expensive.
Managing Partner, The Manor Group
Jerry Edwards, CPCE
Founder of Chef’s Expressions at the Manor, NACE Hall of Fame Inductee, Hospitality Industry Icon Award Winner
From 1981 to 2020, Jerry was Founder and Owner of Chef’s Expressions Catering and Events, which has twice been named The National Catering Company of the Year. Jerry holds an honorary doctorate in hospitality. In 2008, he was inducted into the NACE Hall of Fame. In 2015, Jerry was honored as a National Industry Icon by the hospitality community.
He has won over 50 industry competitions including Baltimore’s Best Crab Soup, three ACF Gold Medals, the “Best Chef” for the Meals on Wheels Culinary Extravaganza, The Crystal Toque Award in the Nation’s Capitol, The Special Event Award for best event, Baltimore’s “Iron Chef” competition and the Mid-Atlantic Taste of Elegance competition.
Today, Jerry leads the team of professionals at The Manor Tavern. These outstanding individuals include Alicia Strawderman, Director of Chef’s Expressions at The Manor, Luis Banegas, Manor Tavern Restaurant Manager, Zoltan Dober-Huang and Executive Chef Sebastien Lemarre.
Our team is here to serve you and create an unparalleled experience.
General Manager, The Manor Tavern
Luis Banegas
Luis began his career with Chef’s Expressions in 1997. His infectious smile and dedication to serving guests quickly propelled him to become the top catering manager. He later managed the Chef’s Expressions operations team for over 10 years, honing his skills in leadership and customer service.
With extensive experience in fine dining and exceptional hospitality, Luis is now the perfect choice to manage The Manor Tavern. This storied restaurant has undergone a renaissance under a new management team, bringing fresh enthusiasm and innovative ideas to the Tavern.
Be sure to stop in and see Luis or his Assistant Manager, Sachin, soon. Their warm welcome and exceptional service are sure to enhance your dining experience.
Executive Chef, The Manor Tavern Restaurant
Sebastien Lemarre
Chef Sebastien brings a wealth of culinary expertise and leadership to The Manor Tavern, elevating its dining and catering experiences. With a distinguished career as both a Chef and Culinary Instructor, Sebastien has seamlessly integrated into The Manor Tavern team, sharing his knowledge in culinary arts and management. Under his leadership, he has built a talented team of chefs and cooks dedicated to delivering some of the finest restaurant and catering cuisine in the region.
His impressive résumé includes serving as Executive Chef at Hunt Valley Country Club and contributing to World Central Kitchen as Director of Relief Training and Director of Culinary Training. His passion for culinary education has also been a significant asset to The Manor Tavern. He previously held roles as Culinary Arts Instructor and Coordinator in Mayagüez, as well as Culinary Arts Academy Director at Escuela Hotelera de San Juan.
Sebastien’s dedication to culinary excellence and mentorship continues to shape and strengthen The Manor Tavern’s culinary offerings.
Assistant Manager, The Manor Tavern
Zoltan Dober - Huang
Zoltán was born in Budapest, Hungary, and raised in San Jose, California. A recent Maryland transplant, he’s eager to explore everything the Chesapeake Bay State has to offer. With extensive experience in every Front of House role, Zoltán brings a deep understanding of hospitality to his managerial responsibilities. Having lived in California’s renowned wine regions, he developed a passion for winemaking and tasting, which he now shares as the leader of The Manor Tavern’s wine education program. He also curates weekly wine initiatives, including complimentary tastings and wine-by-the-glass specials, to enhance the guest experience.
Zoltán’s ultimate dream is to own a chic cocktail and wine club featuring live jazz every night. In the meantime, he’s dedicated to bringing that same energy and creativity to The Manor Tavern.
