Media's Brick and Brew may have just cornered the market when it comes to State Street's Restaurant Scene - It's that good.

To start with, there are virtually no similarities between what was the former Plumstead Inn, and the location it's been turned into, Brick in Brew.  What was, was; and what is, will be!  Other than a sincere drink called the Plumstead, made in homage to the former bar, you might not even believe the place actually existed.

Someone suggested I meet them for lunch there last Sunday.  I agreed and we casually swung down there around 1pm and found a small wait for seating.  I didn't mind, as I was actively comparing the new layout to what was in there prior.  As much as I tried to envision one super imposed over the other, it just didn't work.  What I saw in Brick and Brew was totally overwhelming in the best of ways.  It's sort of like a Texas roadhouse, meets barbecue joint, meets steam punk period, and it just really works.  I like it.  I like it a lot.

After being seated at the bar by the open wood pizza oven, we were quickly approached by the waiter who gave a comprehensive run down of the place, grand opening celebration and the broad selection of food and drinks.   This server was enthusiastic, engaging, well informed and friendly.

After ordering, the food came out and the hits just kept coming.  The beer and food for both of us was fantastic.  The ketchup (yes, ketchup) is made on the premise and was so good my friend asked if he could purchase it.  The waiter said sure, but later found that they had already sold out.  No big deal, we'll be back, but my friend did say something you always like to hear.  He said, "the customer service here is great," which we both agreed was top notch.

What the Brick and Brew restaurant has become, is not just a restaurant, but a vision of what a great restaurant experience can be.  Yes, it has the "new" factor that gives it a bump that most restaurants get for a few months when they open, but this place hit the mark on a lot of important categories: location, decor, layout, quality, food and customer service.  It's not only well thought out, it executes the objective very well.

Welcome to Media, Brick N' Brew!   You've done a fantastic job on every front!