Since it first opened its doors in 2003, Steak & Main in North East has become far more than a restaurant. It's a foodie's destination; a must-see stopover on a never-ending culinary journey; a cause for a celebration on an otherwise normal weeknight; and the place that has become known to the locals as simply “Tony's Place,” as in, “Hey, why don't we just go over to Tony's Place for dinner tonight?”

Steak & Main has won countless awards for its menu, and the hospitality of owner Tony Covatta and his staff extends as far as their knowing not only the first names of nearly everyone who comes in, but the names of their children as well. Its weekly sushi nights have become legendary throughout Cecil County, and its steak challenge events have drawn the likes of Adam Richman, host of “Man vs. Food” on the Travel Channel, who tossed in the towel on his inability to finish off Steak & Main's 74-ounce steak challenge. Later, the restaurant hosted well-known competitive eater Molly Schuyler, who, in Covatta's words, simply “devoured” her steak challenge.

Eventually, local legends begin to be known and admired well out of their home comforts, and Steak & Main is no exception. Recently, on Travel Channel's “Greatest Steaks in America,” the show criss-crossed the entire country in search of the 12 best steak dinners. Steak & Main not only earned a spot on the list, it earned a first place finish.

More recently, Covatta was a guest on “Food Mashups,” a popular on-line culinary show hosted by the legendary cheese steak master Tony Luke, Jr. In the episode, Covatta introduced Luke to “The Spectrum,” a Covatta masterpiece of taste, made with various types of meats, veggies, cheese and other ingredients, and placed on a fresh roll.

An amazing and ever-changing menu. Sushi nights that draw an overflow of appreciation. Guests who are treated like friends. Television shows and national recognition.

“It's all about welcoming customers to your restaurant like they're family,” Covatta told Cecil County Life in 2014. “It's teaching your wait staff about wines. It's allowing them to understand what ingredients are in our dishes, so that they're not just serving dishes but are truly involved in the entire dining experience. In the back of the house, it's teaching your chefs certain culinary skills. Our chefs love cooking and being creative, so I'm back there with them every day teaching them new things, and they in turn teach me new things.”

Steak & Main is located at 107 S. Main Street, North East, MD 21901. To make reservations, call 410-287-3512. For a complete menu, restaurant hours and a schedule of special events, visit www.mysteakandmain.com.