Final Draft Perennial Review - Ophilosophe

Cunningham’s Closing Ignites Arrival of
Perennial, Towson’s New Luxurious

Hotspot
By Olivia Philosophe | November 28th, 2022
Outdoor terrace of Perennial restaurant, Towson, MD, designed by interior designer Patrick Sutton.
Rating: 9.5/10
Feeling sad about Cunningham’s Café closing its main restaurant? No need to worry, because
Chopped chef contestant and winner Jay Rohlfing rebrands his Baltimore County café into a
modern, elegant, luxurious dining scene.
The new restaurant’s grand opening in summer of 2021 sparked many smiles across the Towson
community, mostly because of lingering disappointment over the closing of Cunnigham’s, the
area’s previous hotspot. Rohlfing offers some relief by establishing a new restaurant with an
inviting, picturesque environment, unmatched service, and a new rotating menu in which he
never fails to incorporate locally-farmed ingredients. His passion for growing food in his
Hampstead home garden as well as his fascination with the recurring seasonal cycles encouraged
the name of his widely-loved restaurant: “Perennial.”
Rohlfing, after leading the Cunningham's Café crew for about seven years, decided that it was
time for a change just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. He noticed Towson’s constantly
changing state with construction sights and tower cranes operating near his restaurant. The chef
had some specifics in mind for the rebranding: a more social, intimate scene with more open bar
seating than dining seating, a garden-inspired interior design, and an experience that customers
would never forget. Determined to give the Towson community the opportunity for an exquisite
dining experience, Rohlfing partnered up with world-renowned designer Patrick Sutton and
began the process of turning his visions into reality.
Perennial’s detailed decorations and elaborate greenery make it difficult for customers to not feel
a gust of pleasure and contentment as they walk through the door. The dining room, the large bar
area, and the outdoor terrace are incredibly inviting. If the dining room is full and it’s raining
outside, the covered, plexiglass protected terrace is always another option.
In the restaurant, modern jazz music is being played—sometimes by a live band. Conversations
are sparking left and right. Waiters are smiling, and so are customers. Everyone seems to be
enjoying themselves under one single roof. A combination of string lights, vibrant trees, and
purple-toned floral arrangements offer a feeling of comfort and warmth to Perennial’s customers
(even when it’s wintertime, thanks to the restaurant’s high-grade heaters).
From the moment you turn into the parking lot to the moment you hop in your car to leave,
Perennial’s staff members are at your service. Complimentary valet, friendly hosts, attentive
waiters, efficient chefs, and even the presence of the restaurant’s manager work together to form
the perfect going-out experience for Perennial’s customers.
Fried lobster tail with honey butter and lemon lavender salt; Perennial menu option.
The menu is every food lover's dream. No matter which one you choose from—brunch, dinner,
bar, cocktail, or happy hour—you are guaranteed an array of unique dishes. Chef Rohlfing and
his culinary team take pride in their partnership with small-scale, local farmers, which has
undoubtedly allowed for the popularity of their tasty menu options. And, not only that, but
Rohlfing rotates out his dishes when a seasonal change occurs, making sure that his menus are
heavily weighted on the ingredients that are flourishing in local gardens at that time.
Perennial’s reputation is on a positive track. Described by many as a 5-star restaurant with top-
tier service, it is clear that Perennial was successful in replacing a widely loved restaurant. Jane
Marion, a journalist and editor of The Baltimore Magazine, describes Perennial’s environment as
“incredibly intimate and welcoming”. She also notes that because of its cedar walls, outdoor bar
area, a lounge with firepits, and a wraparound terrace, Perennial “feels a world away—not only
from the pandemic, but the nearby county seat with its district court and chamber of commerce.”
Nobody wants to miss an opportunity to dine at a restaurant like Perennial. Don’t waste your
time! Pay a visit to this restaurant, and in order to maximize your experience, you should:
1. Go with an empty stomach. The food is filling, but you won’t be able to stop yourself
from finishing every bite.
2. Sit in the outdoor terrace area. No matter what season it is—winter or summer—you will
still be warm, comfortable, and at peace while sitting outside, thanks to it being
completely covered and heated if needed.
3. Try out the brunch menu. Out of all the dishes on this menu, the cinnamon crusted French
toast was my absolute favorite!
Your money spent here will not only be worth it because of the food, but also because of the
delightful atmosphere and experience the restaurant has to offer.
Without all components, Perennial would not be nearly as popular as it is today. Rohlfing says it
himself:
“Good food is good food, and people will return for that. But
for longevity, you have to have a clear vision and a clear story”
-Jay Rohlfing, Baltimore
Magazine
Works Cited
Cohen, Lauren. “First Taste of Perennial in Towson.” Baltimore Magazine, Baltimore Magazine,
26 April 2021, https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/fooddrink/first-taste-of-
perennial-restaurant-towson-opening-former-cunninghams-space/
“Home.” Patrick Sutton, http://patricksutton.com/.
“Home.” Perennial Restaurant Towson, Maryland, 28 Nov. 2022, https://perennialtowson.com/.
Marion, Jane. “Cunningham’s Chef Jay Rohlfing Shares Details About Restaurant Rebrand.”
Baltimore Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, 9 January 2020,
https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/fooddrink/cunninghams-chef-jay-rohlfing-
shares-details-about-restaurant-rebrand/
Marion, Jane. “Review: Perennial Comes to Life in Towson.” Baltimore Magazine, Baltimore
Magazine, October 2021, https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/fooddrink/review-
perennial-comes-to-life-in-towson/
McCauley, Mary Carole. “Cunningham’s in Towson closes; new restaurant with same executive
chef planned for location.” The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 6 January 2020,
https://www.baltimoresun.com/food-drink/bs-fe-cunninghams-closes-20200106-
laiqfppbqfgadk57rndzoutn7q-story.html

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Cunningham’s Closing Ignites Arrival of

Perennial, Towson’s New Luxurious

“Home.” Perennial Restaurant Towson, Maryland, 28 Nov. 2022, https://perennialtowson.com/.

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