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Truth and Beauty Bar and Kitchen

Simple Food with a Twist

Article by Rhonda Stephens

Photography by Rebecca Mitchell

Originally published in Frederick Lifestyle

Restaurant entrepreneur Doug Vaira, owner and chef of Truth and Beauty Bar and Kitchen, says Frederick was a place he had looked at for years as his next adventure. So, when the opportunity to rent a space on Carroll Creek presented, he jumped at it.

Admittedly, the name is a bit unusual for a restaurant, but Doug explains that Truth and Beauty come from a line in John Keats' poem Ode on a Grecian Urn that says, "Beauty is truth and truth beauty." Doug hopes his restaurant reflects those sentiments.

"It speaks to something simpler and true. It resonates through what we do and through our food. We don't do the foams and trends in food. We are simple, honest food," Doug says.

"Our food speaks for itself. It is simple, comfort food with a twist. We have heard people say it has a southern flair coupled with a touch of Cajun. It's the kind of food people can really relate to," Doug says.

"As far as our ingredients go, of course, we search for the freshest; however, it's important to me to support the community as much as possible by sourcing those from local farms, breweries and distilleries. Within the downtown business community, there is authentic support and camaraderie that make it a great place to work and have a business," says Doug,

"We are all feeling optimistic and ready to be with friends and get back to business. I am looking forward to a return to normal where people, once again, come to eat without worry. We have an amazing location right on Carroll Creek with patio dining where we plan to host live music, create beer and wine pairing dinners and simply enjoy our time together," Doug says. TruthandBeautyMD.com

Vibrant Sunrise

2 oz. Tenth Ward Distilling Co Genever-Inspired Gin

1/2 oz. Lemon Juice

1/2 oz. Lime Juice

1/2 oz. Agave Syrup

Dash of Cayenne Pepper

Rub agave syrup around the rim and drizzle inside the glass. Dip in cayenne. Shake the rest with ice and pour into glass.