CRISFIELD, Md. — Not every great meal requires white tablecloths, sommeliers, or a soundtrack of softly tinkling piano. Sometimes, all you need is a well-worn wooden table, a view of the Chesapeake Bay, and a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing. At Water’s Edge Cafe, a humble, no-frills eatery perched on the water in this sleepy Eastern Shore town, the mission is simple: serve honest, delicious food without a shred of pretension. And by that measure, it succeeds spectacularly.
Forget about chandeliers or artfully arranged amuse-bouches—this is a place where the ceiling fans might predate the Reagan administration, where the decor leans more toward “cozy dockside shack” than “design magazine spread.” But what it lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in flavor, hospitality, and sheer uncomplicated joy.
The star here is the seafood, as it should be in a town that bills itself as the “Crab Capital of the World.” My companion opted for the Crab Imperial, a dish so pure in its devotion to lump crab that it feels almost revelatory. Unlike its more structured cousin, the crab cake, this version is luxuriously loose, bound only by a whisper of imperial sauce—no filler, no fuss, just sweet, briny crab in its most unadulterated form. It arrived alongside rustic skin-on mashed potatoes and southern-style mac and cheese, both hearty and unpretentious, the kind of sides that demand a second (or third) forkful.
I went with the fried flounder, a golden, crispy-edged specimen that shatters at the touch of a fork to reveal pearlescent, moist flesh beneath. The fries were hot and salty, the cole slaw bright and tangy—no culinary pyrotechnics, just textbook execution. Even the service, delivered by our attentive and knowledgeable server, Cameron, was effortlessly warm, the kind of hospitality that feels rare in an era of over-orchestrated dining.
And then there’s the price: under $40 for two entrees and sides, a near-miraculous value in an age where a single cocktail in Manhattan can cost more.
Water’s Edge Cafe isn’t trying to be anything other than what it is—a place where good food, friendly faces, and the lapping of bay waves against the dock are the only luxuries you need. If you find yourself on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, skip the fuss and head straight here. Just don’t blame me if you start plotting a return trip before the last bite is gone.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (Excellent) Water’s Edge Cafe — 1108 W Main St Crisfield, MD, United States, Maryland 21817 | (667) 868-4100 | No Reservations, No Pretenses
BROOKLYN, NY — As a Philadelphian raised on the holy trinity of Angelo’s cheesesteaks, Tony Luke’s roast pork, and the comforting embrace of melted Cooper Sharp, I rarely venture beyond the familiar. But when a trusted friend insisted on a trip to Sofreh, the celebrated Persian restaurant in Prospect Heights, I surrendered to curiosity—and left utterly enchanted.
Helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Nasim Alikhani, Sofreh is a revelation, a place where the soul of Iranian cooking is rendered with both reverence and artistry. The space itself is understated yet warm—high ceilings, black wood beams, a marble bar glowing under soft light. Reservations are fiercely sought after (book weeks ahead), yet the staff makes every guest feel like family. Before I could introduce myself, the host greeted me by name: “Delgreco, we look forward to serving you.” Such grace sets the tone for the evening.
We began with the Eggplant and Whey Dip, a lush, smoky spread crowned with crispy onions and drizzled with mint oil. But the true showstopper was the Barbari bread, a Persian flatbread so pillowy, so perfectly blistered, that it could single-handedly justify the trip. Tearing into its warm, sesame-studded crust, I understood why bread is sacred here.
For the main act, my friend chose the Dried Lime & Herb Beef Stew, a deep, tangy marvel of braised beef, kidney beans, and citrusy Persian limes. But my heart—and appetite—belonged to the Lamb Shank, a dish so sublime it bordered on spiritual. The meat, braised until it surrendered to the slightest nudge of a fork, swam in a fragrant broth of dill and dried lime, each spoonful a symphony of warmth and spice. Paired with saffron-kissed rice, the lamb was butter-soft, its richness cut by the bright, herbal notes of the broth. This wasn’t just dinner; it was an epiphany.
Sofreh doesn’t just serve food—it offers an education in Persian hospitality, where every detail, from the minimalist decor (a canvas for the vibrant dishes) to the impeccable service, feels intentional. As I left, already plotting my next visit (perhaps before a Nets game at Barclays?), I realized Sofreh had done the impossible: made a Philly guy forget about cheesesteaks, if only for one glorious night.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (Exceptional) Sofreh — 75 St. Marks Ave, Brooklyn, NY | http://www.sofrehnyc.com | Reservations Essential
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — On a crisp Saturday afternoon in March, senior forward Julian “JuJu” Reese stepped onto the court at the Xfinity Center for the final time in his collegiate career. With 19 points, 11 rebounds, and a commanding presence in the paint, Reese led the No. 11 Maryland Terrapins to a 74-61 victory over Northwestern. It was a fitting farewell for the Baltimore native who has quietly become one of the most dependable and impactful figures in college basketball, even as his older sister, Angel Reese, has become a national icon and a lightning rod for conversation in the sports world.
The Reese family is basketball royalty. Julian’s mother, Angel Reese Sr. (née Webb), was a standout at UMBC in the late 1980s and early 1990s, amassing 1,390 points and 932 rebounds—numbers that Julian has nearly mirrored in his own career. His aunts also played Division I basketball, and the family’s love for the game runs deep. But while Julian’s older sister, Angel, has become a household name for her brash confidence, outspoken personality, and trailblazing impact on women’s basketball, Julian has carved out his own path—one defined by steady growth, quiet determination, and an unwavering commitment to his team.
A Legacy in the Making Julian Reese arrived at the University of Maryland in the fall of 2021 as a highly touted recruit from St. Frances Academy, a Baltimore-based basketball powerhouse. Standing at 6-foot-9 with a wingspan that seemed to stretch from baseline to baseline, Reese was a physical specimen with raw potential. He chose Maryland over offers from Seton Hall, LSU, and Temple, among others, and immediately made an impact as a freshman. Despite playing just 17.7 minutes per game, he averaged 5.7 points and 4.4 rebounds, showing flashes of the dominant force he would become.
His freshman year, however, was marred by turmoil. Eight games into the season, head coach Mark Turgeon resigned, and interim coach Danny Manning took over. The Terps finished a disappointing 15-17, but Reese’s potential was undeniable. When Kevin Willard was hired as head coach in the off-season, Reese made the decision to stay at Maryland rather than enter the transfer portal—a choice that would prove pivotal for both him and the program.
Under Willard’s guidance, Reese blossomed. As a sophomore, he became a full-time starter, nearly doubling his production to 11.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Maryland improved to 22-13 and made a second-round appearance in the NCAA tournament. By his junior year, Reese had established himself as one of the top frontcourt players in the Big Ten, averaging 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
This season, Reese has been the anchor of a resurgent Maryland team. Alongside his former S. Frances Academy teammate, Derik Queen, Reese has helped the Terps return to national prominence. Heading into the Big Ten tournament, Maryland is ranked 13th in the nation, with Reese leading the charge. He ranks second in the Big Ten in offensive rebound percentage and first in defensive rating, a testament to his relentless work ethic and basketball IQ.
The Reese Family Dynamic The Reese siblings are a study in contrasts. Angel, the older sister, is a force of nature—charismatic, outspoken, and unapologetically herself. She has become a cultural icon, using her platform to advocate for women’s sports and empower young girls. Her larger-than-life personality has made her one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, and her success at LSU, including a national championship in 2023, has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players in women’s college basketball history.
Julian, by contrast, is the quiet sibling. Reserved and introspective, he prefers to let his game do the talking. While Angel thrives in the spotlight, Julian is more comfortable in the shadows, focusing on the nuances of his craft. Yet, despite their differences, the bond between the two is unshakable. Angel has been one of Julian’s biggest supporters, often cheering him on from the stands alongside their mother, grandparents, and extended family.
Their contrasting personalities reflect the duality of the Reese family’s basketball legacy. Angel is the trailblazer, the one who pushes boundaries and challenges norms. Julian is the steady hand, the one who embodies the fundamentals and traditions of the game. Together, they represent the past, present, and future of basketball—a sport that has been the lifeblood of their family for generations.
A Future in the NBA As Julian’s collegiate career winds down, the question on everyone’s mind is whether he has what it takes to succeed at the next level. The answer, according to scouts and analysts, is a resounding yes. Reese’s combination of size, athleticism, and defensive prowess makes him a legitimate NBA prospect. His ability to finish around the rim, coupled with his elite rebounding and shot-blocking skills, has drawn comparisons to players like Clint Capela and Jarrett Allen.
While Reese’s game is not without its limitations—he has attempted just one three-pointer in the past three seasons—his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. His mobility and versatility on defense, in particular, make him an attractive option for NBA teams in need of a rim protector and rebounder.
A Legacy Secured Julian Reese’s journey at Maryland has been one of perseverance and growth. From a raw freshman navigating a coaching change to a senior leader poised to make a deep tournament run, Reese has left an indelible mark on the program. He will finish his career with over 1,400 points and 1,000 rebounds, joining an elite group of players who have achieved such milestones.
But more than the numbers, Reese’s legacy lies in his quiet determination and unwavering commitment to his team. In a sports landscape often dominated by flashy personalities and viral moments, Reese has been a reminder that greatness can come in many forms.
As the JuJu Reese era comes to a close, one thing is certain: the Reese family’s basketball legacy is in good hands. Whether on the court or off it, Julian Reese has proven that he is more than just Angel’s little brother. He is a star in his own right—a testament to the power of hard work, humility, and an unyielding love for the game.
The Black Cager 