Written by Linda Carr
As one of the oldest operating restaurants in the area, The Manor Steakhouse has a storied history. From the beautiful mahogany wood accents to Tiffany Style stained glass, the building itself, a post-Civil War Victorian mansion, has an ambiance of grace and beauty. Don’t let that fool you though. The Manor prides itself on casual elegance and all are welcome here. “The biggest misconception about our restaurant is that we have a dress code,” says Kera Savage, General Manager. “This is a resort area and we fully understand that people want to be relaxed and comfortable while they are here.”
The home was built in 1868 as a private family residence for the Lambert family, headed by a prominent Washington, DC judge. It had various owners over the years but has been run as a restaurant since the early 1960’s.
The building underwent a complete renovation in 2004 and was purchased by renowned chef Jacques Hourtal. In 2018, Jacques sold ownership of the property and restaurant to a group of local investors and this beautiful space was again updated. Jacques continues management of the kitchen. He and Kera have been working hard to bring The Manor back to its former glory, continuing favorites that were featured on the menu for years and updating the menu with excellent new recipes. They have also added to their wine selection and are offering special event meals and tastings.
Jacques trained as a chef in France and worked in restaurants throughout Europe and at the esteemed Turtle Creek in Dallas. He owned several successful restaurants in the Atlanta area before making Garrett County his home.
The Manor is open for lunch and dinner daily at 11 AM. The lunch menu, served until 3, features several delicious salads starting at just $8.50. Once the weather gets cooler you can enjoy a cup or bowl of their soup of the day…made from fresh, seasonal ingredients and always delicious. If you want something heartier, try one of their handheld sandwiches or wraps which start at $9.95 and include salad and fries. Choose from a steakhouse or veggie burger, Jacques’ famous freshly made crabcake, french dip or Mediterranean Pita Wrap. House specialties include quiche of the day (always a favorite), Bistro Style Steak, mussels, or the longtime local favorite, Chef Fabrice warm chicken salad served in a bread boule served with a side salad.
The dinner menu features the same variety of salads and popular handhelds but adds delicious appetizers including Calamari, Clams Provencal, Drunken Mushrooms and Charcuterie. With entrees featuring everything from hand cut steaks to delicious fresh seafood and homemade pasta dishes, there is something for everyone. This is a steakhouse, and they feature four different types of steak from an 8 oz. Filet mignon to a 12 oz Delmonico. All entrees are served with salad, starch and vegetable of the day. Tuesday is Prime Rib Night…another favorite. According to Jacques one of the most popular entrees is the Red Snapper, pan seared and topped with capers and a beurre blanc sauce. They also feature a nice sized children’s menu.
If you’re a pasta lover, be sure to try the Five Cheese Tortellini in a crab and butter cream sauce, the Grilled Chicken Mornay, Curry Seafood or Capellini Fresco. In addition to this varied menu, Jacques offers daily lunch and dinner specials making use of the freshest ingredients possible. “Jacques will go to the Farmer’s Market and bring back fresh fruit and vegetables and create something wonderful,” Says Kera. “I often don’t know until right before we open what Jacques has created for the special,” she adds, “but it’s always delicious.” Before or after dinner be sure to stop by their speakeasy style bar for one of their signature cocktails or a delicious glass of wine. The bar has long been a popular hangout for locals and good conversation abounds.
To show their appreciation to their clientele, Kera plans to offer a Locals Night and Seniors Night starting this fall. They try to have at least one specialty night each month and August will feature two: A Western Night on August 3rd featuring the Steve Smith Band, and a Seafood Night, scheduled for the evenings of August 9th and 10th. In September, they will have a special wine pairing dinner on Friday, September 6th to coincide with the Art, Wine & Beer Festival. Be sure to like their Facebook page for updates and new events.
This converted Victorian home features several different rooms for dining including a spacious three season outdoor porch. The second floor of the home also has several rooms which can be used and combined to host smaller events and business meetings. “We’ve hosted several small parties and rehearsal dinners,” says Kera. “We have quite a bit of outdoor space as well and will host small, intimate weddings.”
“The Cornish Manor has been part of Oakland history for decades,” says Kera. “It is important to keep up the tradition of fine food at reasonable prices.” The investment group that shares ownership of the restaurant are local families who came together to ensure the continuation of one of Oakland’s historical treasures. In addition to Jacques, investors include local business and home-owners. They meet often to discuss how to keep The Manor Steakhouse serving our clientele in a way second-to-none in our area. “As business owners and involved locals, they only want the best for us…they want this restaurant to continually provide outstanding food and customer service to all who frequent here.”
The Manor Steakhouse and Restaurant is located at 830 Memorial Drive in Oakland, near Garrett Regional Medical Center. Visit www.manorsteakhouse.com for more information and the full menu. Reservations for dinner are welcomed but not necessary. For elegant yet casual dining, make sure one of your dinners or lunches out is at The Manor Steakhouse.