An Interview with Owner of Regi’s American Bistro, bringing Jewish Tradition to city diners

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Submitted by Patti Peek Neumann on Mon, 11/17/2014 - 1:37pm

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Regi’s American Bistro is known as the “Cheers Bar of Federal Hill,” a spot where locals ages 30-75 flock daily to kibbitz, catch up on the day and just relax, eat and sip their favorite cocktail. Pikesville native, Alan Morstein, who co-owns the downtown bistro with his wife, Sande, loves what he does; and it shows. Every day, 365 days a year, Regi’s American Bistro is open to serve its community and visiting guests. CITYPEEK Patti sought out to interview the famed restaurateur asking how he stays true to his Jewish roots. (Note: This article also ran in the Jewish Times week of November 14, 2014)

Morstein started his career in restaurants working with the Pimlico Hotel as a dining room manager where he “learned so much from the owners” over 40 years ago. He then opened Alan’s Deli in Ocean City and soared to heights in the 90’s with Talk’n Turkey, building Baltimore-based chain to over 36 units in the USA.

But Morstein puts his Baltimore Jewish heart in Regi’s and his regulars, mostly, non-Jewish, love him and the ethnic education he provides from his scratch kitchen; a which grows its own herbs and tomatoes, in season, and ‘buys local’ whenever possible and serves chicken noodle soup regularly. On Sundays, the bistro makes French toast with Rosendorff’s challah and serves bagels from Goldberg’s Bagels. On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur he serves first--cut brisket, served with Tulkoff horseradish, latkes and homemade applesauce. (When the symbolic Jewish ‘Brisket Special ‘ is added to the menu during the year, it historically sells out.) He personally gets jelly donuts from Goldman’s on Hanukkah, decorating his place with candles, menorahs and blue and white tinsel.

Residents from Owings Mills/Pikesville come in almost every night, joining in the local flavor. “My people love to eat and I love making them happy,” states Morstein.

Photo Credit: Patti Neumann, CITYPEEK.com

By Patti Neumann, Founder of CITYPEEK.com & CITYPEEK Hospitality Media Solutions. Find ‘Citypeek Patti’ on facebook, twitter, Instagram.