It’s always exciting to visit a restaurant for the first time, and dining at Langermann’s in Canton was no exception. An added wild card was that Erin was under the weather, so I placed a call to man-about-town Rob Sharkey (a.k.a. Shark), and he was happy to oblige.
I find it interesting how new businesses overhaul a familiar space. While the former tenant Kiss Café had that granola, coffee shop feel, Langermann’s knocked it out with a classy rehab. Your welcomed with an open bar area to your left, while the white-clothed tables in dining room await you to the right. The friendly staff all sported white jackets and ties, and our server, Margaret, was pleasant and knew very well the nuances of the wine list and menu.
Mark Lasker, one of the owners, told us Langermann’s serves American cuisine with a Southern influence, but to not mistake them for a Southern restaurant. The Southern inspiration comes from co-owner and chef Neal Langermann’s previous life, where among other things he was named ‘Chef of the Year’ at Georgia Brown’s. Langermann’s intent is a comfortable neighborhood restaurant.
While perusing the menu, we immediately noticed a few likeable qualities. Langermann’s eclectic wine list, of which we both tried a few glasses (and enjoyed all), is a complement to a respectable offering of bottled and draft beers. We both noted out of the gate that the prices were more than reasonable, as I’ll allude to as we go.
When the bread basket was dropped off holding Jalapeno Cornbread and Biscuits, we were told a pastry chef comes in daily and is thus the source. We focused on the cornbread, which we thought was a great way to kick off the meal.
From the soup and salad selection, Shark went with the soup of the day, Clam Chowder, which he said had “a nice consistency…well seasoned” and eventually gave it a “phenomenal.” In Erin’s absence, I tried The Wedge, which came with crumbled blue cheese, bacon, tomato, and ranch dressing. Each component was crisp and fresh. The soup and salads sat in the $5.95-$6.95 range.
Choosing an appetizer was a tough chore, and we couldn’t decide. But with some advice from Margaret, we went with the L.A. Wings with a spicy Asian glaze and a cilantro peanut dipping sauce and the Fried Green Tomatoes, and we learned our lesson: Listen to Margaret. Langermann’s also offers another half dozen apps, including Crab and Artichoke Dip, Crispy Fried Catfish Fingers, and Seared Diver Scallops - all under $9.
We thought we had trouble choosing from a great list of apps, but it was just as difficult with the entrees. Langermann’s offers a dozen main courses, all within $15-$21. BBQ Salmon, Strip Steak, and Smoked Chicken Tortellini are just a few on the list. After dancing with the Crispy Sea Bass- which we were told was killer- and even the Pork Chop, Shark locked in on the Shrimp and Grits with shallots, tomatoes, and andouille sausage in a buttery clam broth, while I chose the Braised Beef Short Ribs with mashed potatoes and baby vegetables in a bordelaise sauce.
Shark didn’t know what to expect when his Shrimp and Grits came out served with a spoon and broth in a bowl. But he noted that the grits held their consistency and soaked in the flavor of the broth, and he enjoyed the twist they used on this otherwise traditional dish. My Braised Short Ribs was outstanding, made memorable by its rather sweet sauce. We were presented with an attractive list of Southern inspired desserts, but we just didn’t have the room after such filling portions.
As Craig Ferguson asks nightly, “What did we learn tonight?” Well, we learned that Langermann’s set up shop in Canton with a delightfully rehabbed space and equally impressive menu. We learned that for the kind of menu they have put together, the prices are very appeasing. We learned Shark is a good fill-in when Erin is under the weather. And, we learned Erin and I will be visiting Langermann’s in the very near future because 1) she can’t stand the fact she missed such a nice meal, and 2) the Crispy Sea Bass is calling…
Langermann’s
2400 Boston Street - Canton | 410.534.3287 | www.langermanns.com
