South Lake Marketplace, the highly anticipated 600,000-square-foot retail centerpiece of the $1.3 billion South Lake mixed-use development in Bowie, at the intersection of Route 301 and Route 214, today announced its first major restaurant tenant. Acclaimed restaurateur and CEO Dr. Lance London who will introduce his latest dining concept, Ma Pearl’s, at the regional shopping, dining, sports entertainment and hospitality destination currently under construction.
Ma Pearl’s pays homage to Dr. London’s deep family roots, combining down-home Creole cooking from his beloved grandmother, Mrs. Pearl Pierce who was affectionately known as Ma Pearl. Her extraordinary culinary skills paired with her Grandsons inspiration has created exquisite and explosive Creole, Cajun and southern cuisine dishes.
“I’ve brought Southern cuisine to my other restaurants in Maryland and D.C., but Ma Pearl’s allows me to spotlight my grandmother Pearl’s authentic Louisiana recipes and the incredible culinary heritage of New Orleans,” said London. “From gumbo, bayou shrimp and jambalaya to bananas foster and beignets, Ma Pearl’s will transport you to the French Quarter through sight, sound and taste.”
“My grandmother was the best cook ever – after church, people came from all over for her Sunday dinners,” recalled London. “At Ma Pearl’s, we’ll recreate that experience of her warm kitchen filled with incredible aromas while delivering an unmatched dining experience.”
In addition to tableside service, Ma Pearl’s creative “express take-home” concept will offer carryout selections displayed much like in a bakery display case for ease of selection and quick pick up. The restaurant will also host a special LIVE Mardi Gras celebration every Thursday night at one of the most beautiful bars on the East Coast.
Directly adjacent to Ma Pearl’s, London will operate an upscale, attached alcoholic beverage store, L. London Fine Wines & Spirits, which will enable diners to hand-select wine pairings to accompany their dinner selection for on- or off-premises consumption.
“We’re honored Lance London selected South Lake Marketplace to debut this very personal culinary vision,” said Gary Michael, president of South Lake developer NAI Michael Companies. “Ma Pearl’s Louisiana fare and showpiece restaurant design combined with his fine wine and spirits shop, will be a cornerstone attraction for residents and visitors.”
‘Game-changer’
“As someone born and raised in this region, I understand the pent-up demand for elevated dining and entertainment experiences in Prince George’s County,” London said. “South Lake Marketplace is a game-changer – one of the most explosive developments we’ve seen that brings elite retail, restaurants and hospitality amenities to local residents and visitors.
“South Lake isn’t just another mixed-use project — it’s bringing the full lifestyle ambiance that successful destinations like National Harbor delivered, but with South Lake it’s directly into the heart of an already established area crying out for these types of upscale offerings. The demographics are there, the discretionary income is there, but the options have been lacking until now.”
“South Lake answers that unmet desire in a significant way,” London continued. “It has everything locals could want in a modern live-work-and-play destination. By introducing the first Ma Pearl’s here, we’re getting in on the ground floor of what will be a trendsetting commercial and residential development for the region.”
In addition to Ma Pearl’s and L. London Fine Wines & Spirits, Lance London is owner, and CEO of The Carolina Kitchen restaurants in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
About South Lake
South Lake is a transformative $1.3 billion mixed-use development spanning 381 acres in Bowie, Maryland. Upon completion, it will feature the 600,000-square-foot South Lake Marketplace retail, dining and hospitality district, adjacent to the acclaimed Liberty Sports Park hosting over 344,000 visitors annually. The masterplan community integrates 1,600 new residences from luxury apartments to single-family homes along with parks, trails and lifestyle amenities. Located at U.S. 301/Crain Highway and MD Route 214 with easy access to the D.C. metro area, South Lake For more information on leasing opportunities at South Lake Marketplace, visit www.southlakemarketplace.com For more information about the homes at South Lake, visit www.southlakebowie.com
