Foodie Friday: Quinn’s Cafe

FRUITLAND, Md. – This spot we’re checking out for Foodie Friday is a relatively new addition to Fruitland. Quinn’s Cafe is the place to be if you love home-style breakfast food with a playful twist.

Owner and Chef Rob Sykes does it all for one big reason. “We do everything in life for family, and this place is for them,” he said. “Everybody feels better after a great meal. You know? If you’re having a bad morning, some sausage gravy can turn it around.”

A Star Skillet

And boy did it. The skillet that stars the gravy starts with spuds.

“Real, fresh potatoes. We put a little bacon and sautéed onion in them. We season them with our house seasoning blend, so there’s no shortage of flavor there,” said Chef Rob. “House seasoning. I can’t tell you everything that’s in it. But, it goes on everything.”

After a helping of velvety eggs, and a shot of shredded cheese, comes the star ingredient: homemade sausage gravy. “Might need a nap after, but it’s good,” said Chef Rob with a smile.

“It does really remind me of just really good diner food, you know?” said Foodie Friday Host Hannah Cechini. “The potatoes have been cooked perfectly. I really can’t get over that sausage gravy. It is just so tasty. It’s a nice texture, too. It’s really creamy, but it’s also has nice chunks of sausage in there.”

Fun-loving, Full of Flavor

Chef Rob also has a playful side, exemplified in an idea born one Saturday morning at home, cooking for his daughters. The girls, in fact, are also the inspiration behind the eatery’s name.

“I’m a proud father of two young girls. I have an eight-year-old, Aubrey, and a five-year-old, Parker. Aubrey’s middle name is Quinn, so it’s named after her,” Chef Rob explained. “My youngest, Parker, her middle name is Rose. So, she’s the logo.”

The Flintstone toast gets its name from its coating of Fruity Pebbles cereal.

“Texas toast for the French toast. A little thicker, a little more texture,” said Chef Rob. “I do my own blend of heavy cream, egg, real, cracked fresh eggs. We don’t use any liquid products, or anything pre-processed. A little vanilla extract to give it a little flavor.”

Here’s where things get whimsical: after the toast is coated in the cereal, “We add a little crumbled bacon. It’s a little salty, a little crunch,” said Chef Rob. “Compliments the sweetness well. Top it with our hot honey syrup. Doesn’t need a lot, just topping it off. Then, we’ll finish it with fresh whipped cream.”

“The crunch from the Fruity Pebbles is really awesome, and then the French toast is really fluffy and soft,” Hannah said.

“I love the French toast, but the whipped cream and the bacon crumbles are just doing something special,” added Foodie Photog Mike.

Something For Everyone

Chef Rob also whipped up some mini chicken and waffle bites, which also get the hot honey treatment.

“The first thing you really notice is the caramelization on the little mini waffles,” Hannah noted. “It’s a really nice complement to the hot honey that’s been drizzled over everything. There’s a tiny little kick going on there. But, it’s not overwhelming.”

“The little chicken bites have such a great crunch on top there,” said Mike.

And as if all that delicious food isn’t reason enough to pay a visit to Quinn’s Cafe, Chef Rob says there will always be a seat at the table there for everyone. “I just really want to be the local place where people want to spend their time, hang out, and enjoy their time together,” he said.

Quinn’s Cafe

Quinn’s Cafe is located at 308 East Main Street, Fruitland, Md. You can call them at 443-358-6973. If you go to check it out, tell the team that you saw them on Foodie Friday.