A celebrated pastry chef, who has been shortlisted for the 2023 James Beard Award, is set to collaborate with All Set Restaurant & Bar in Silver Spring, Maryland. Kareem "Mr. Bake" Queeman will be consulting on an updated dessert menu as part of the venue's preparations for its upcoming tenth anniversary celebration. This collaboration not only highlights the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence but also showcases a broader revamp aimed at enhancing the dining experience.
Kareem "Mr. Bake" Queeman, known for his appearances on national television programs such as NBC's Today show and Cooking Channel’s Bake It ‘Til You Make It, brings a wealth of experience to All Set. His signature creations, including the Boston cream pie and whoopie pie, align perfectly with the restaurant's New England-inspired cuisine. Born in Harlem's Sugar Hill, Queeman seamlessly integrates his baking style into the restaurant's established identity, enriching the menu with his unique touch.
Beyond desserts, All Set’s owners, Ed Reavis and Jen Meltzer, have embarked on a comprehensive menu overhaul. The seafood pizza, crafted with a 24-hour pre-fermented biga yeast starter, features Maine lobster, crab, shrimp, caramelized leeks, and Old Bay seasoning. Meanwhile, the Mediterranean branzino dish emphasizes simplicity and freshness, highlighting the natural flavors of the fish with citrus gremolata, olive oil, and garlic. Additionally, upgraded crab cakes, now larger and topped with jumbo lump crab meat, have significantly boosted sales.
To enhance customer appeal, the restaurant has introduced an extensive happy hour running from Mondays through Saturdays, competing effectively with neighboring establishments. This initiative reflects the duo's responsiveness to customer feedback, ensuring that patrons enjoy both quality food and affordable prices. Furthermore, renovations are underway to increase seating capacity and improve aesthetics, while plans for a new Money Muscle BBQ location adjacent to All Set signify their expanding vision.
As All Set approaches its milestone anniversary on April 11, the team anticipates celebrating with special $10 food and drink offerings throughout the weekend. With renewed energy and innovative strategies, Ed Reavis expresses optimism about the future, emphasizing their dedication to not merely surviving but thriving in the competitive culinary landscape. Through these efforts, All Set continues to redefine its presence in the local dining scene, promising exciting developments ahead.