AMP by Strathmore Unveils New Menu

AMP by Strathmore in Bethesda, Md. kicked off 2017 with a revamped food and drink menu, complete with full waiter service. Concertgoers can enjoy sharable plates like Korean-spiced BLT sliders, steamed edamame, prosciutto or tomato-fennel flatbreads. AMP’s menu also includes craft beers on tap, specialty cocktails and a range of wines by the bottle. To learn a little more, we chatted with the team at Ridgewells, a Bethesda-based catering company that provides AMP’s fare.

On Tap: When did the partnership between Ridgewells and AMP begin, and how did that come about?
Andrew Chalfant, Ridgewells Senior Vice President of Operations: Ridgewells became the exclusive food and beverage supplier to Strathmore Music Center and Mansion in the summer of 2015. Because Strathmore also operates AMP, it was a natural partnership. Ridgewells began providing limited food service at AMP in the fall of 2016, and full waiter service in January 2017.

OT: Can you walk us through the food and drink menu at AMP? What makes it unique? How would you describe the fare?
AC: We’ve created a menu of appetizers and “sharable plates.” We utilize the small kitchen on site to freshly prepare our menu. We offer a number of craft beers on tap, as well as specialty cocktails.

OT: How does the new menu complement the ambiance and type of performances at AMP? What would you say the overall vibe is?
AC: We’ve tried to create an upscale, modern menu to match the feeling of AMP. It’s a very unique and modern place, and we feel the menu offered compliments the space nicely.

OT: How has the AMP’s food service been received since it started? Any customer favorites on the menu thus far?
AC: Overall, feedback has been quite positive. We are still making almost nightly changes to our menu, service or operation as we continue to tweak [everything] to provide the best possible service.

OT: What would you say is a standout dish on the menu, and why? What about a standout cocktail?
AC: Our flatbreads and panini sandwiches are very popular, as are our Korean-spiced pork belly sliders. Our draft beer selection is very popular.

AMP by Strathmore: 11810 Grand Park Ave. North Bethesda, MD; 301-581-5100; www.ampbystrathmore.com