PleasantLiving

True Farm to Table in Baltimore

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:44:00 -0400

If you live, visited, or just popped in for a day to Baltimore, it would be unfortunate and remiss not to stop by Woodberry Kitchen in Clipper Mill. While the volumes of rave reviews, litany of happy customers, and a staff so informed and well educated on the making, creation, and presentation of the cuisine, it’s an experience like nothing else in this city.

Whether you go for their five-star dinner and their stellar cocktail list or their delectable Sunday brunch, they manage to pull off the most fantastic farm to table restaurant this city has to offer.

Since I’m a brunch girl to the core, let’s focus on that, huh?

Their beverage offering is as extensive at Sunday brunch as it is at dinner (Ok, well, their dinner has a wee bit more on the cocktail and wine side-as in a lot).

From a freshly squeezed blood orange juice..

to an iced maple latte-hearty in size,sweet, refreshing, and an ideal Sunday summer time drink-their morning offerings lack nothing. If you’re a coffee fan, you simply must try their Counter Culture coffee, complete with a French press delivered to your table and a wooden timer to let you know when it’s ready!

No brunch would be complete with out a bread basket. And while we could easily order these individually, isn’t it much better and easier to order an entire basket?

From a home-made cinnamon “toaster tart”, to my favorite the blueberry quark danish, an apple confection, and a croissant, the bread basket has sweet, savory, and a whole lot of home-made freshness.

Also, I love the touch of the cloth napkins that have a true farm table feel, from a checkered pattern to a paisley, everything is one of a kind.

After hearing many, many recommendations for the Morning Flatbread, I felt obligated (ok, I wasn’t exactly having my arm twisted) to order it.

The crust is soft with a crispness on the edge and a sweetness to it that compliments the salt in the sausage and the egg smack in the middle. A whisper of cheddar and potato accentuate the potato and sausage and make it one meal that is what everyone only hopes for when they arise. I gladly took half home and enjoyed it later.

Similarly, Woodberry takes another what would be lunch staple and puts a brunch spin to it-the Breakfast Burger.

An english muffin houses house-ground chuck, a fried egg, bacon, cheddar, and generously sized potatoes (and let’s not discount the home-made ketchup and pickles). I think the picture speaks for itself alone with the vast array of colors and hybrid of breakfast meeting lunch.

For a more lunch feel, the Fried Marvesta Shrimp Roll is bright, loaded with deliciously fresh shrimp, a chile mayo, and potato salad. It’s akin to a shrimp po-boy but that would only be insulting it.

Sadly, I failed at my mission of being hungry enough for dessert. Which is yet another course WK masters (I’ll be back for their C.M.P.-look it up on their site)!

Opting for a lighter side, their homemade gelato and ice cream is sinfully good.

Tangerine, chocolate, sweet cream, etc., their flavors are bright and bold and melt in your mouth!

Woodberry Kitchen is simply one of my favorite restaurants in all the land (and I’m not alone). I can only strongly encourage you to go for dinner, brunch, a special occasion, just because, after work, with friends-you get the idea. It’s one true place where I can say you won’t be disappointed in anything you order and the service you receive. WK is a gem in Baltimore and every time is a new experience with the farm to table change overs!

A Taste of Mexico in Baltimore

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:46:33 -0400

As you may tell, anything avocado driven is my livelihood. When it comes to Mexican, I can never get enough and would gladly love to spend a weekend (nay, week) in Mexico sampling some authentic cuisine.

In the meantime, Miguel’s Cocina & Cantina in Silo Point will fit the bill just fine!

Resting on the bottom floor of Silo Point with a killer water view and glimpse of the Natty Boh tower just across from it, Miguel’s is a slice of Mexican as close as Baltimore can get in my opinion!

As soon as you walk in, the Dia de los Muertes theme is bright, colorful, and skeletons are scattered throughout (including the painted windows high above the bar) and chips and salsa are served promptly.

The chips are warm and clearly freshly baked-a great touch for a basket that’s served complimentary! The salsa verde and salsa both have a slight kick to them but nothing too overpowering for the average taste buds. It’s hard not to finish the entire basket without remembering the large portions that are offered here!

Of course, no good chips and dip are complete with the margarita to go with. And this is where Miguel’s excels.

Their bar menu is extensive and hosts a litany of tequilas, margaritas, fruity drinks, beers, drafts, and even wines! However, I prefer to stick to one of my favorite cocktails-the margarita.

I opted for their margarita de casa-which is gold tequila, trip sec and Miguel’s secret mix. Refreshing,frothy, icy cold, brimming with salt, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this marg could easily be finished…or maybe two. I’m looking forward to going back and being adventurous with their flavored concoctions!

Another Mexican staple to order in my opinion is guacamole. There are only a million renditions and preferences but Miguel’s has a rich, creamy, and undeniably fresh recipe to be tried.

As if I needed more chips, the guac comes with more freshly baked, warm tortilla chips. You actually have the option to add tomato and garlic to their guac (and for me, the more garlic the better) so it was an easy answer to load that bad boy up! You can really see the bright green avocado and fresh specks of chopped tomatoes in the mojete. Yum!

One of the things I love about Miguel’s is their portions. Prices are extremely decent for what you get, as in tomorrow night’s dinner!

I was torn between their fresh specials of the day and some of their taco options. However, I wound up going with one of my favorites: Baja Fish Tacos.

Two tacos chock full of griddle seared tilapia (which you can really taste the griddle touch), pickled cabbage, tomatillo salsa and their Baja sauce take over the plate. I opted for a double side of their arroz verde which tastes like an amazing risotto and served warm.

The colors on all of Miguel’s dishes are exceedingly bright and fresh and you really feel like you’re eating at a truly authentic Mexican restaurant-one of the few in the city!

Aside from the tacos, we also got one of their specials of the day. Essentially, a seafood panini that had shrimp, avocado, and some really fresh cabbage and sauce.

Yes, that’s sweet potato fries next to the panini. At a Mexican place? Why not. They were delicious, crispy, and sweet, of course!

I have come to think of Miguel’s as a hidden gem or secret in Baltimore. While most may flock to the Mexican likes in Federal Hill or Canton, I prefer this little number.

From the fun decorations and festive ambiance, to the full bar and delicious drinks, down the authentic fare and yummy food-Miguel’s has the full package with a gorgeous view and great service! With the fresh change of spring, I think margarita season has officially kicked off, making it prime time to venture to this semi-new hot spot!

The New Kid in Town

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 21:03:54 -0500

Bagby’s has the market cornered these days in Baltimore. With a hot spot for pizza and now the arrival of Ten Ten (and Fleet Street Kitchen in the works for this year), it’s safe to say Bagby’s has a good thing going right now in Harbor East.

While I don’t need to sing the praises for Bagby Pizza (check out my post from a few months earlier), I’m now a big believer of Ten Ten and looking forward to many repeat visits!

A tucked away restaurant on the side street next to BP, Ten Ten offers a warm, open spot with a southern flare and a menu that will delight even the pickiest eater. Going during Baltimore Restaurant Week this past January, it was the perfect opportunity to check out this new much talked about spot!

The name comes from the address and the logo, I must admit, is very chic and works for the scene.

Right away we were brought sweet corn bread with a touch of a chili pepper-which is a nice metaphor for the restaurant: comforting and warm with a bit of jazz that adds great flair.

A fun and creative cocktail list (as well as a stellar wine list), I wanted to try the Bagby Back Nine. House made sweet tea vodka mixed with lemonade. Beyond refreshing and not overly sweet, it pared nicely with the corn bread!

Mid-dinner we got the good fortune of having the chef come over. He shared with us that virtually everything at Ten Ten is house made-everything just short of the ketchup (I mean, how can you perfect Heinz). Such a great concept and you can truly taste the freshness and home made aspect in every dish!

I wanted to ensure I was full for my entree so I went for their Caesar Salad. A great mix of red and green arugula, anchovy (just a whisper to taste), delicious herb croutons, and shaved Grana Padano. The salad was fresh and ice cold and the herbs in the croutons gave it a wonderful after taste.

The other first course offered was their crab soup-which has a nice spiciness to it. I believe the photo speaks for itself-it was a bounty of vegetables and the color was just so rich and hearty. An ideal winter starter. I’m looking forward to going back for their charcuterie plate and perhaps a few other appetizers.

The main course was beyond impressive. A deliciously tender and flavorful steak topped with a tomato herb butter and sitting upon garlic mashed potatoes. The portions are generous and the taste far greater than its size. The tomato butter was a wonderful thought to the steak and it pained me not to be able to finish it-but I believe that’s a good thing!

While this is not a staple on their day to day menu, I can only dream. The good thing is that it will simply force me to order something different next time. (and the rosemary chicken fusilli and/or bacon wrapped filet of beef is calling my name).

As if Ten Ten didn’t excel enough, their pastry chef is a genius and one to watch at the moment. Their dessert offerings are something I simply want to say “one of each, please.”

A wonderfully seasonal apple cider panna cota was presented and just beckoning for a crisp fall day to go with it. Absolutely delicious and a great ending!

I opted for their salted caramel ice cream served with ginger bread cookie dough on the side. The child inside of me devoured it in one bite!

Ten Ten is a hip, chic, southernly warm place to check out be it a date, an after work get together with the girls, or a family Sunday brunch. Their homemade treats and delectable entrees are worth a trip and the bar is a perfect spot to grab a quick charcuterie plate and glass of wine after the 8-5. Pick a day and head over to Harbor East to see the latest creation the Bagby group has cooking!

Baltimore Restaurant Week is Coming!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:31:33 -0500

And boy am I excited! Baltimore Restaurant Week (January 20-29) is here again and as always, serves as an opportunity to either experiment at new places or check out ones that are out of the budget otherwise.

This year I think I’ll opting for the former and going somewhere new and exciting to Charm City! One serious frontrunner is a new, charmingly elegant and quirky spot in Hampden, hon. Alchemy offers a wide array of gourmet cuisine that has an innate sense of comfort food cooked into the dish.

Right on the Avenue of Hampden, Alchemy offers a great option for those looking for a bit more upscale than Cafe Hon and not quite as white table cloth as some. It’s effortlessly sophisticated environment is as welcoming as it is warm-think animal print chairs for dining (it would be remiss to exclude that in Hampden).

For starters, their crab bisque is one to try. Always a connoisseur of the crab, it was loaded with chunks of meat, a tiny touch of sherry, and fresh thyme decorating the dish.

For a cold January day or night, this is a great starter to showcase Alchemy’s ability to take something that can be interpreted dozens of ways but done perfectly here.

With a great selection of starters and lite fare, their flatbread choices mix together only the freshest and most creative combos that make for a fun way to kick off the meal.

Their flatbread chock full of Farmers Chevre, filled with caramelized onion, avocado, basil, and aged balsamic glaze was a healthy and tasty beginning. Only having a square (I at least made an attempt to save room for the main meal), the bread was crispy, the avocado perfectly ripe, and the onion a nice, sweet touch to a well rounded appetizer.

How fun is the presentation? Colorful and a nice balance of summer and winter in my opinion, it really resonated how Alchemy can take great food and combine them to make the perfect creation of the season.

As for main meals, I had been told that one of the best burgers was found here. The bar was high and expectations were above and beyond exceeded.

The Alchemy Burger has ground sirloin, tobacco onions (which I requested to hold), baby arugula, tomato, roasted garlic and red pepper aioli, all on a toasted Brioche with my choice of cheese (cheddar).

I don’t know if it was the bun, the fresh sirloin, the sharp Cheddar, or the delicate flavors of the aioli that made this burger hit a home run in my book. I can’t tell you how challenging it is to decide what to get at Alchemy (from beautiful sounding salads, to fresh chicken and pork dishes to crab cakes)-but one can never go wrong with the Alchemy Burger.

As for dishes had by others, their Crab Mac & Cheese is the most delicate, subtle and delicious side dish one can have!

Rich flavors of baked mascarpone, jumbo ( I believe Colossal is the word they use) crab meat, and white cheddar mornay make it a great little dish to be split. I don’t think this could be a better comfort food to have in the cold winter months. Everything in it works well against each other and the crab takes what would otherwise be a rich and hearty mac & cheese and turns it into a delicacy.

Another dish ordered was their Scallops Provencal on Olive Toasty. While this is an appetizer, it easily makes for a filling lunch. Sea scallops, vine ripe tomatoes, olive relish, capers, cream and sweet vermouth make this dish.

Finally, another great Alchemy touch is the home made potato chips that accompany the burger.

Normally, I would just push aside any potato chips that come with my lunch in efforts to save calories. However, these were amazingly fresh and tasty and light enough that a few could never hurt!

Alchemy is a hidden Hampden gem with a fun menu, a dining room that is filled with charm and class, and prices that are extremely on par with the exceptional dishes coming out of the kitchen.

Run, do not walk, to Alchemy for Restaurant Week and try something new and different on for size! The menu has something for everyone and a standard price of $30 for 3 courses which serves as the ideal opportunity to come in for crab soup, a delicious burger or prime rib, and let’s not even begin to discuss their dessert options on the table. Alchemy is making all kinds of magic on the Avenue-and I’m fairly certain it’s the good kind!

Chazz Palminteri Brings Brooklyn Pizza to Bmore

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:43:00 -0500

This post may be a few months late but Baltimore has a 5-star blockbuster on its hands with Chazz Palminteri’s Chazz’s: A Bronx Original in Harbor East. Whether you best know him as Shorty from “Modern Family” or Dave from “The Usual Suspects,” Chazz has brought his New York style to this Charm City, a city that’s taken to the new restaurant/bar with high praise.

Walking into the subway inspired decor of Chazz’s, you’re greeted with some good tunes in the background (think classic rock) and an immediate desire to pony up to the bar and watch the masters at work as pizzas are being thrown into the coal fire oven, meats enduring the aging process, and cocktails being poured. Everything is upbeat, New York loud, and wafting aromas of cheese and garlic.

Without having to ask, bread is brought to the table complete with a garlic olive-oil for dipping.

Hot, crusty bread accompanied with very chic water pitchers set the stage for the fine dining ahead. The modern take of classic Italian is easily seen in presentation and taste.

Always a fan of my charcuteries and antipasti, I ordered from their mozzarella bar. Out of an assortment of meat and cheese options, I settled on their buffalo mozzarella and their parma prosciutto. Everything was cold and freshly cut-as seen by all these cheese and meats that welcome you upon entering.

I should have stopped here. The cheese plate was delectable, sweet, salty, and chock full of fresh oil. I’m looking forward to going back and exploring all the other cheese and accompaniment choices!

Another great starter from Chazz’s is their grilled ceaser salad. A hearty abundance of green served ice cold with yummy garlic crouton and freshly grated cheese.

Of course the main event is only one option. Pizza. Their pizza options are provided on an entirely separate menu and range from a classic margherita to a creative potato pizza.

After being torn amongst three different pizzas, I decided to go for the broccoli rabe pizza. Bursting with flavorful garlic, tangy Italian sausage, pecorino cheese, and of course-the broccoli rabe.

The pizza captures the perfect combination of a crispy crust and a soft pizza. As an avid fan of garlic, the flavor played a wonderful returning character in every bite!

As a result-this was all that was left sadly.

Another great entree selection is their shrimp parmigiana Americano made with shrimp and their delectable house made mozzarella.

With hearty portions and a rich, delicious pasta dish on the side, Chazz’s serves up outstanding cuisine and even more outstanding prices.

As for the grand finale, Chazz’s has created a strong dessert menu. The signature house dessert, Nutella Pizza, simply sounds too good to be in existence. As much as I adore Nutella, I decided to go with the classic Italian dessert-affogato.

Refreshing is only the start on how to describe this dessert. A small serving of a rich, creamy vanilla gelato is served with a sprig of mint and a side of piping hot mint flavored espresso. Pouring the espresso over the the ice cream just to give it a whisper of warmth makes for the ideal after-dinner dessert. Just sweet enough and light enough to end the meal on a beautiful note!

Chazz’s has found a great home in Baltimore and we’re truly lucky such a fantastic actor selected this city for his namesake restaurant. Whether you go before dinner for drinks or choose Chazz’s as the main event, it’s a winning combination.

I’m still keeping my fingers crossed to have a chance run-in with the man next time I go to visit!

Classy Cuisine in Canton

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:24:08 -0500

There are certainly several hot spots in Baltimore where you go both to see and be seen (Sloane Brown knows a thing or two about this). When these local joints actually have food and cocktails that are completely top notch and have chefs who are something of a magician in the kitchen-sign me up.

Tucked away on a Canton corner, with a pretty fun view of the Natty Boh Tower, you’ll find Blue Hill Tavern. A modest building that holds one of the city’s culinary treasures, and the most beautiful and well dressed people in the 410, this tavern is more of a funky, upscale restaurant meets bar. Two floors with two bars, swanky drapery, rich decor, and corners perfect for private dining and cocktail chatter, this spot is the place to go for a dressed up date night or a low-key girls night out.

The cocktail list is not for the faint of heart. An avid dirty martini sipping girl (you can refer back to previous posts for some other finds in the city that make a mean one), I had to go with their Clearly Dirty Martini. Olive infused vodka. Say no more.

Better yet, they offer several different types of olives. Blue cheese stuffed for me, natch. The martini certainly kicked off the dinner with an uber glam touch that also gave a wink to Blue Hill’s creative side-essentially what this place excels at mixing.

What’s unique about Blue Hill is that they rotate their menu according to season. Catching this dinner on the cusp of summer, I made the choice to get their watermelon feta appetizer. Had to get my last chance at this juicy summer fruit!

The colors in this dish speak for itself. A juicy and fresh watermelon round served as a base for rich feta cheese and bright greens garnishing the plate. To say that it was ripe is an understatement. Everything complimented each other perfectly and I’m fairly certain that watermelon was just picked off the vine.

Of course I must pay tribute to their bread bowl. A nice array of doughs and a plate of oil and fresh whipped butter came out around cocktail time-amazingly fresh and warm!

As for dinner, I opted for one of their many salads.

A thinly sliced array of mixed greens is heavily decked out with sun dried tomatoes, feta, cucumbers, a kalamata olives that really resonate in the salad. Topped off with a crispy garlic crouton and a red wine vinaigrette, the salad was flavorful and beautifully presented!

Always a sucker for mac & cheese, I simply had to order theirs to split. This macaroni and cheese just shot up on my list of Top 3 Mac & Cheeses in the city (Blue Grass, Langermanns, and now-here).

This photo does not do justice. Rich, creamy, velvety cheddar, is the star in this baked wonder. It was impossible to finish but I easily took it home. The caliber of this side dish is not to be discounted. I would dare to say this alone would make for a wonderful, hearty winter meal paired with one of their many wine selections and accompanied with a light salad. I think I may have just decided what I’m getting next time I go!

My date ordered their Tavern Burger. Another great winter dinner that is juicy, fresh, and chock full of aged cheddar, a fried onion, spicy ketchup, bacon, and kobe beef. The brioche bun is what sets this burger apart from most places.

What was my rookie mistake when going to Blue Hill was my lack of appetite for dessert. Their pastry and dessert menu reads like a delectable sensory experience. From local ice creams to “the candy bar” to brioche bread pudding served with apples and vanilla ice cream, their pastry chef is one of the tops in Baltimore. Upon my return trip here, I may just go simply to indulge in dessert. Life’s short no?

Whether you pop into Blue Hill for a post-work happy hour or a Saturday night on the town, their menu is rich in flavors and creativity.

Throw on your skinny jeans and heels this weekend and head over to what may be my new fave restaurant in Canton-head upstairs and let the amazing experience that is Blue Hill begin!

Brunching in Brooklyn

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:32:36 -0400

I am fairly certain I have stumbled into the Woodberry Kitchen of Brooklyn this past weekend when visiting friends. Any good whirlwind weekend filled with NYC shopping, dining, cocktails, and good friends warrants a much needed relaxing, hearty brunch. Rose Water offers indoor or outdoor seating tucked away in Park Slope and organic, fresh, farm to table inspired dishes that give reason for the 30 minute wait we incurred.

The cozy, small room in the back hosting merely 5-8 tables is warm and inviting with surrounding cookbooks and coffee table books in shelves along the proximity.

Deciding to get their fresh squeezed orange juice as my beverage (they also have rose water lemonade and hibiscus iced tea), I loved the bright orange color of the juice-definitely not something you see in Tropicana or Simply Orange. This is the real deal, folks.

Despite getting their $14 prix fixe beverage and entree, their bread basket sounded like the most ideal basket of autumn goodies.

Apple coffee cake, lightly buttered challah, and corn bread overflowed and each one was gone within 5 minutes. Light, sweet, and served with a side of fresh butter and applesauce for spreading, the breads were irresistible!

As for entrees, selections were diverse and each sounded flavorful and incorporating a distinct component of the season.

I opted for their 3 eggs that comes with potatoes and bacon. I highly enjoyed the light, fluffy eggs sprinkled with sharp cheddar cheese. The potatoes were perfectly cooked as was the the bacon.

Of course it wouldn’t be a true seasonally changing menu if it didn’t offer at least one apple inspired entree for the fall. And boy did it.

Macoun apple pancakes accompanied with spiced butter and toasted walnuts.

I think the juicy apples popping out of the pancakes speak for themselves. The pancakes were hearty and not one was able to finish the entire serving.

One of the things I always enjoy when visiting NY is discovering new food finds, trying creative pairings, and channeling my inner ‘foodie’ for places that are undeniably outstanding. This is one of them.

For all you Woodberry Kitchen lovers of Baltimore, a stop to Rose Water is a must when in Brooklyn! Sure the farm to table trend is here to stay but places like these have simply mastered the concept.

Grab a Bolt Bus and make your way here for brunch, dinner, or dessert-then swing by BluePrint for an after-dinner drink to cap off the night!

Healthy Food For All in MD

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:08:00 -0400

There’s nothing I love more than healthy foods. Give me an afternoon and a Whole Foods/Wegmans/Fresh Market/Trader Joe’s and I can spend hours (and big bucks) there with out a problem. Not to mention, despite all my bias, I find the Baltimore Farmer’s Market under the JFX to be one the best in the country. If you don’t believe me, spend your Sunday morning (then head over to Harvest Helpers-but you’ll read more about that later) there this weekend and try to leave empty handed and sans samples.

I recently learned that 18% of Baltimore City residents live in what’s called a “food dessert,” meaning it’s low income residents who just don’t have the access to healthy foods (like skim milk, whole wheat bread-things I use on a daily basis).

That’s why I wanted to share two amazing opportunities and initiatives that help bring fresh, organic foods to places (beyond MD) where many folks don’t have access or the fundings to these goods.

One of my favorite organizations, United Way of Central Maryland, has launched the Access to Healthy Foods initiative for the next three years. In short, they want to try to bring those great fresh foods to communities in Baltimore city and surrounding locations that simply lack that.

Year one means increasing those healthy, affordable options for the poor in central Maryland by at least 1.5 million pounds. That’s a whole lotta produce right there-and families to provide. Not only that, but United Way hopes to expand infrastructure so that 60,000 people have more consistent access to those affordable, healthy food options.

This is such a massive undertaking and an even more massively awesome cause-one that I hold close because, well, I love me some healthy food and try to maintain a well-balanced diet. If I have this luxury, so should everyone else. Especially without having to think twice about the extra cost it is for that healthier bread.

This weekend, they are organizing “Harvest Helpers” on Sunday from 2-5 p.m at First Fruits Farm. One of my fave restaurants in the county, Manor Tavern, will be there with healthy food tastings and even a gift card raffle! Even though the event has filled up quickly, check out their calendar of events for more during the season!

I also recently started volunteering doing marketing for a non-profit in Baltimore called Garden Harvest, based in Reisterstown, who has a very similar credo. Their farm helps raise organic, fresh produce for the poor as well as educate on how to cultivate your own! Such a great concept and how can you not support the cause?

Check out the site for more info and please feel free to drop me a line if you’re interested in getting involved as well!

If my readers are anything like me (lovers of healthy and fresh foods), then these organizations are absolutely worth a look and support! Check out their website at http://www.uwcm.org/main/index.php/healthy-food.html and find new ways to get involved and informed on the program!

If I’m able to sit down to a tasty, healthy bowl of quinoa this weekend, I’ll definitely think twice and appreciate having the ability to easily access this amazing grain (seriously, try it!) and hope you all do the same!

Take a second and wander over to either website and hope everyone enjoys their weekends spent either wandering the Farmer’s Market or checking out new bands and artists at Fells Fest! Welcome fall to Baltimore!

Pasta in the County

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:50:50 -0400

Occasionally-and I do mean occasionally-I enjoy venturing into the county to find the new hotspot happy hour and dining dish!

While it’s not exactly new anymore, just last month I made it all the way to Ellicott City’s Main Street ( if you haven’t checked out one of the three new vintage shops on the street, do it. Now.) to try out Portalli’s for some Italian fare!

I love the upscale casual vibe that they have managed to pull off beautifully. The lighting and color combinations paired with the amazing high quality food could make it an ideal swanky date night but the great prices, happy hour specials, and easy walk-in vibe it has being on the Main Street makes it inviting and not pretentious whatsoever.

Immediately, I went for the dirty martini. Their house cocktail list is lengthy and each one sounds up my alley with a splash of something that has a signature Italian twist.

My perfectly chilled martini hit the spot, with a few ice flakes in and a whole lotta dirtiness it went down all to smoothly!

Amongst the four of us out to dinner, we decided to split one of their flatbreads.

The meatball flatbread was amazing. Surprisingly light and not overly cheesy or bready, we each were able to steal a square and enjoyed the chopped pieces of meatball scattered in the mozzarella that’s lightly topped with some fresh herbs and marinara. If it wasn’t for my, ahem, second and third course coming (I must admit, it was my birthday dinner) I probably would have dove in for seconds of this flatbread.

After the flatbread, everyone enjoyed some sort of ‘first course.’ I had what was probably one of the best caprese salads I ever had outside of Little Italy ( and could easily rival a caprese or two down there)!

The tomatoes were red and juicy, the mozzarella was thickly cut and lightly salted, all topped with basil and the softest hint of EVOO.

Others enjoyed the caesar salad which had two favorite components I love on a good caesar-hardboiled egg crumbles and a parmesan crisp! Yum!

After quickly and easily chowing down on first courses, our main events came out!

I opted for the salmon accompanied with string beans-so glad I did! The grilled salmon has a killer sun dried tomato basil butter that it’s lightly coated with the veggies made for a light sidekick. The salmon was flaky and had the best taste to it-such a creative pairing!

Others went for some more traditional Italian dishes-the signature spaghetti and meatballs as well as their lasagna, which has two different cheeses as well as veal and beef Bolognese sauce in layers.

As crazy as it sounds, after these delicious main courses-dessert was actually being entertained!

The great thing about this restaurant is that as amazing as the food all was, not one dish is too overpowering with garlic, or too heavy in cream, or too rich in basil. Which is perfect because it allowed for one of their very tempting desserts.

If it’s any indication at how incredible the dessert was, it was absolutely killed by the time it hit the table. Literally spoons went flying and it was done within moments-sadly, allowing for no time to take a picture.

Here are the remnants of their delicious “S’More”-a mixture of a chocolate mousse topped with a caramelized marshmallow and a few shortbread cookies on the side for dipping. Let’s just say, those cookies didn’t stand a chance on the table.

Overall, the dinner was out of this world! I’d easily go back to try one of their numerous dishes since they all read so beautifully and what we had is clearly a great indicator of their gourmet abilities!

If you plan to check our Portalli’s, make sure to grab a window seat for prime people watching on Main St, grab a happy hour cocktail, and be ready to have a hearty and delicious Italian experience straight out of the mother country!

Slices in the City

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:12:00 -0400

Pizza is about as rampant in the city as sushi. In every pocket of Baltimore, you can find a fantastic pizza place-no questions asked. This summer, however, I was on the hunt for a pizza place with outside seating, great drink options, and close to where I’d be going out later-Fells Point.

The winner? Bagby Pizza in Harbor East! Tucked in the Bagby building of Harbor East, across from Whole Foods, the MAC, and Talara, you can find a slice of tranquility in Bagby’s.

Walking inside, you’re greeted by a warm brick facade, high bar stool tables and seating, a super warm staff, and paintings scattered around the room from local artists.

Going during their happy hour from 4-7, I took advantage of the $3.25 Stella (let it be known, I am no beer drinker. Stella is my only exception) as soon as we ordered.

My advice is to peruse the menu online before going in-store in the chance that it’s busy. As soon as you walk in, you go up to the counter to grab a menu and order there and then seat yourself to have your food delivered.

I had heard some rave reviews on their salads and homemade dressings and decided to try the Bagby Chopped Salad.

Let’s put it this way-I barely remembered to take a photo of the salad before consuming it as fast as I could. The salad was super fresh, filled with veggies and paired perfectly with their house dressing! Such an ideal summer salad and it curbed my appetite so I wouldn’t then indulge in the entire pizza.

With a zillion pizza options to chose from, all sounding great to me (I WILL be back for that fresh basil chicken pesto pizza), my date and I opted for their BBQ chicken pizza.

The pizza came out at the perfect time post salad and looked amazingly fresh!

Sweet with a tangy kick, the creaminess of the cheese complimented the bbq chicken perfectly! I easily ate 2 slices and didn’t feel the usual pizza heaviness afterwards.

For a higher price pizza ($16), it was worth it. We wound up leaving with enough leftovers for the perfect Friday night late night snack and the pizza itself was gourmet and so fresh out of the oven that it put all other $10 pizzas to shame.

The exciting news is that Bagby’s is expanding! With outside seating already provided (and more coming) and a menu that surpasses pizza with sandwich options that sound tempting, I really look forward to my next Bagby’s visit!

Given my penchant for Harbor East ( the Whole Foods and South Moon Under beckon my wallet every time), this will be a great post-shop stop or pre-going out pizza place to bring the friends and relax over a few slices and some great beer!

Bagby’s takes the traditional pizza and beer night to a whole new level, offering a gourmet dash of class to every dish!

Tea Time in Baltimore

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:55:39 -0400

This past weekend was ArtScape in Baltimore. I could write a post simply about that incredible event with ease (my boyfriend actually had a piece of art featured in GameScape this year)but that’s not why you’re reading this blog. It’s amazing, huge, creative, funky, and truly an all day event. After walking around for almost (possibly over) 4 hours on a 90-some degree day, my boyfriend and I were both starving, had feet that became barking dogs, possibly dehydrated, and ready for a relaxing meal after a long day.

Dreaming of cozy seats, unwinding with cold drinks, and eating a light, summertime dinner we immediately agreed upon Teavolve in Harbor East. A true gem for both brunch and happy hour (but sh! I like to keep it on the dl so don’t tell)!

A neighborhood cafe tucked on the corner of Harbor East (near PAZO), it’s warm, inviting, laid-back with the most amazingly fresh food options and ice cold teas, sangrias, cocktails.

While most spots in the area are completely packed and bumping, Teavolve offers an alternative to grab a seat on a couch, break open the laptop, listen to smooth sounds of live music, and indulge in rich, buttery croissants and crepes or quick bites of salads and paninis.

The happy hour menu called my name. Featuring all cocktails half price from 4-7 as well as an extensive list of bites that run merely $5, you can’t go wrong.

I opted for the mango margarita while my boyfriend went for his staple he always gets-their acai blueberry smoothie (they have killer smoothies too!)

My drink could not have been any fresher-with bits of mango in it and the right mixture of tequila and liquor it was the best summer cocktail I could have asked for! The smoothie goes down too easily being not too sweet but just right. How much do these two drinks scream summer?! Next time, I’ll venture to try one of their tea infused sangrias!

For dinner, I opted for their ‘adult grilled cheese’ panini paired with Sun Chips. A cheese lover, it was beyond all that is good. Featuring feta, goat cheese, mozzarella and EVOO on a hot panini, I allowed myself half. Not too heavy, not at all greasy, but extremely creamy and sweet! I’ll be looking forward to that other half in the form of leftovers!

My date went for a lighter option after that heatstroke sorta day with their chef salad-they manage to take a staple and turn it into a beautiful summertime salad creation!

Another sandwich Teavolve excels at is their croissant sandwiches! Flaky, croissants filled with cold salads paired with side salads make for a delicious option! Their chicken salad is my weakness. Filled with cranberries (in my opinion, all chicken salads demand fruit!), almonds, and lettuce, it’s almost impossible for me not to finish it all!

Another great staple sandwich they add their signature flare to? Turkey! Fresh turkey accompanied with red peppers, caramelizing onions, goat cheese and a dijon mayo create a sandwich that is both filling and fancy!

Saturday or Sunday brunch is a must. French toast with strawberries, red velvet pancakes, or salmon omelettes, their menu is one to read.

I can already see this spot being a go-to for girls’ catch up lunches, showers for dear friends, or low-key date nights. Comfy chairs, relaxing sounds of Ingrid Michaelson playing, to kill for (and great priced) happy hour cocktails, and light and fresh bites (they also have a pretty tempting bakery case) make TeaVolve a new favorite for me!

Tea fiends, take note and head get yourself here pronto! Grab a book or a friend and spend a few hours taking in the relaxing environment of Teavolve this summer!

A Little Italy Staple in Baltimore

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:49:28 -0400

If there’s one place in Baltimore that I know is consistently good, delicious, and can go from casual dinner to fancy dining it’s Little Italy. I’ve made a point this past year to try more Little Italy hotspots (somehow I always would wind up at Sabatino’s-not a bad thing, trust me!) and branch out a bit. From Rocco’s to Chiaparellis to now Caesar’s Den, I’ve been loving all the menus and wine options!

This past Friday night, it was time to hit Caesar’s Den! Perfect timing for me it was the night before the Little Italy Festival-the streets were awash in red and green and you could feel the community excitement over the hopping festival. I highly recommend anyone to check it out-there’s another in August-from great deals on anything from garlic bread to meatballs and vendors selling funky art pieces to watching older couples dancing in the street, it’s truly a magical experience!

Upon arriving at Caesar’s, I placed my obligatory order for garlic bread. Of course you get regular bread on the table with butter but what Italian restaurant experience is complete without garlic bread?!

Warm, buttery, rich in oils and spices, the garlic bread was one of the best I had in a while! I think I can easily say here and Rocco’s are the two places I’ve found quality garlic bread! My date and I easily ate two pieces ( I made sure to eat light for lunch in preparation for this dinner) which is probably best so that neither of us can detect garlic on the other! As a super huge garlic fan, whether it’s in my guac or bread, this had the perfect amount!

We decided to split their prosciutto di parma, mozzarella e peperoni. Absolutely amazing! The peppers were sweet and had a hint of both garlic and oil while the mozzarella was cold and fresh and the proscitto had that great flavor with a touch of salt and sweet.

I would absolutely order this again as way to whet the palate while sampling some true Little Italy staples. Great for a light summer app (and it went wonderfully with my glass of Riunite Banfi, a super sweet rose that was akin to juice) and is a great display of how good Caesar’s is with staples!

Filling up quickly on starters, I opted for one of my favorite Italian/summer salads-the caprese. Their mozzarella caprese was fresh and not overly saturated with EVOO but instead carried a light flavor of it. The tomatoes were hearty and sweet while the mozzarella was wholesome and hearty!

My date ordered their fettucinni al salmone. A huge dish came out laden with fresh salmon, a portion big enough for the hungriest of men. The salmon was fresh and flaky, a perfect touch against their creamy and cheesy pasta. The light cream, capers, onions and smoked salmon was one of the more beautiful presentations I had seen-and the flavor far exceeded expectations!

To cap off our delicious dinner, I indulged in a tiny demitasse of espresso. A great way to slow down and enjoy the meal, the espresso came with various sugars (but honestly, it may not even need it) and was truly enjoyable on that rainy night.

Caesar’s was delightful and I’m looking forward to returning and trying more of their pastas and chicken dishes. The generous portions, huge flavor, and fresh Italian fare, along with a very knowledgeable staff, made for a very upscale dining experience that will leave me returning very soon! Great parking options and valet also add to the downtown dining experience!

Be sure to add Caesar’s for your next date night or family outing and enjoy quality dishes at very reasonable pricing-a great Little Italy must-stop!

Kona Grille comes to Baltimore!

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:28:00 -0400

I’m extremely lucky enough to have the new Kona Grill directly across from my office building. Perfect for happy houring, sitting outside under their tented patio (accommodated with couches and tables), and feeding any sushi craving I may have. Or burger.

That’s what I found to be the winning ticket about Kona-the wide range and quality of their menu! Seafood, burgers, sushi, lite bites, and fun cocktail options (yes ladies, they have skinny cocktail options!) are all great options at the fun, lively, and hopping restaurant. Whether you opt to eat outside and enjoy the summer sun or stay indoors and watch the busy chefs hustling behind the kitchen, the food quality is outstandingly fresh and flavorful!

Of course going during their happy hour (which touts a half price cocktail, appetizer, sushi, and some entree selections), I had to try out a cocktail! Their signature cucumber mojto, barely over 100 calories, blew my expectations.

While you mostly think of cucumbers being bland, this was refreshingly sweet with the slightest hint of cucumber (and rum!). Not a mojito fan? Their Sukini Marg is only 100 cals as well and offers that great margarita bite!

Seriously, if you have to find a place in the harbor for a quick, inexpensive happy hour outside-this is it!

Cashing in on their low priced appetizer options, my date and I split their burger sliders. It’s hard to imagine fitting as much as they did on one tiny burger but the freshness of the veggies on it and the great flavor of the burger made for a wonderful start to the dinner-it could easily pass for a lite dinner.

How can you resist this little guy?!

Another great can’t-miss happy hour menu staple are their flatbread pizzas. Ranging from the standard margartia to BBQ chicken, the half price deal can not be beat! My date ordered the BBQ chicken, which packed a serious kick of spiciness of the chicken and sweet tang with the tomato sauce! For the about $6 you spend on the pizza, I guarantee you’ll be taking home lunch for tomorrow (I know we did)!

Of course, I had to sample their popular sushi menu! While I didn’t go for one of their more creative rolls (like the crunchy crab), I went for my personal stand-by, spicy tuna!

While it’s hard to imagine order sushi from a place that also has amazing burgers and pizza, the sushi met my expectation! The small rolls hit the spot and definitely cleared out the nose a bit! Gotta love that they offer gluten-free soy sauce and are generally super accommodating for any type of GF need!

Overall, Kona has an awesome venue for outside dining with the girls (as you can see I sure did below!) and their food packs so much punch and such a wide array you can’t possibly get bored with selection! Grab the girls and grab a table before the summer ends!

Serious Steaks in Baltimore

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:32:09 -0400

As I’ve said earlier, I love love love Baltimore Restaurant Weeks. Mainly because I use it as an excuse to check out fancy pants places I normally wouldn’t venture for some high end eating at a fixed price my wallet can handle.

This past Winter Restaurant Week (don’t worry-the next one is a mere 3 months away!) I decided to veer from my beloved Ruths Chris for Sullivan’s Steakhouse. For only $35, you’re treated to 3 very hearty and very decadent courses. All in a glamorous, power player, old school lounge setting overlooking the harbor.

My first appetizer/entree choice was their Classic Caesar Salad. Fresh, creamy, cheesy, and a nice amount of garlic made for a good starter. Onion rings were also ordered a la carte and they were surely enough to feed the masses. Nothing’s more fun than being in a classy establishment and ordering something that’s such a fun guilty pleasure you could even get it from a diner. Let it be said though, these are not your throw them in the fryer onion rings. These are massive and crispy!

It would be wrong to be at such a glorious bar and not order a martini. Wanting to opt for one of their more playful cocktails, I ordered their Strawberry Blonde. A nice kick of strawberry makes the martini sweet while packing a serious kick in the pucker.

While options for the main course were all over the board from chicken to fish to meat, how could I not order their signature filet? A filet mignon resting on top of their creamy and divine horseradish (which is a slight whisper) mashed potatoes was the winner.

Tender, flavorful, filling, and savory, their filet literally melts in your mouth! A wonderful match for their filet are the potatoes. I could have easily had more servings but tried to resist as I knew dessert is apart of this fantastic menu.

Much like the rest of the meal, dessert was far from a disappointment. In fact, it may be where they really shine. I went for their key lime pie while my date opted for their cheesecake which is generously drizzled with strawberry sauce and fresh strawberries.

The buttery graham cracker crust, a crust favorite of mine, really makes these pies. The creamy and sweet is perfectly balanced by the crunchiness of the graham cracker. Barely able to finish my slice, I just had to have it packaged to go home (and was happy I did around the same time the next day)!

Sure Sullivan’s may be a splurge, like several of the local steakhouses in the city, but the chain really delivers in its feel of being in an old library meets lounge meets 1940’s cocktail bar along with the rich food and fun cocktail choices (their CEO Martini is one to be had).

Rivaling with Fleming’s, Fogo de Chao, Ruths Chris and several others in the city, Sullivan’s has maintained its own identity and is a hot spot to go for a date then a stroll around the water. Parking is simple (there’s a garage right next door) and the service is impeccable! Take a date or make it a girl’s night (they offer Wine, Women and Wednesday’s from 5 p.m. on with $5 cocktails and appetizers-as well as raffles) and indulge a bit!

Or wait until August for the next Restaurant Week-the selection and prices can’t be beat!

Lebanese Represent in Baltimore

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:08:00 -0400

Harbor East serves as one of my favorite dining locations in the city. Nothing compares to eating harbor side on some very fine dining. Now throw in Lebanese Taverna as an option for where to eat and you have one very elegant evening of food!

Also found in D.C., Lebanese has a fabulous restaurant tucked away waterfront in Harbor East that is lavish, open and airy, and smells like the amazing chikpea wonders that I adore!

Once seated in their cozy cushiony couches, I couldn’t help but dive right into their warm, light and fluffy bread.

Being super early due to a performance that same night at The Hippodrome I was seeing, white bread wasn’t yet out of the oven. However, this darker wheaty bread served us just fine with the oil they provide for dipping.

First up, my date and I split their cheese plate. The top cheese had a salty, mozzarella after taste to it while the cheese beneath was creamy and richer. Either way, it was fresh and paired nicely with my Ksara chardonnay from Lebanon.

Already loaded up with cheese, oil, and bread, my hummus arrived! Being the eager beaver that I am, I was intrigued by the trio of hummus. However, our very informative and knowledgeable about the cuisine waiter subtly suggested that it was intended for a bigger party. In hindsight, I’m very glad I listened.

I opted for just their garlic hummus with a chicken schwarma topping. Unbelievable. My love for garlic, chicken, and hummus has found its outlet. I can not make another reservation quickly enough to relive that experience. Using their bread provided on the table, I did copious amounts of dipping. And dipping. And more dipping. Sweet, salty, and garlicy, the hummus delivered. I’m looking forward to trying different flavors and toppings as I revisit!

Of course we did not stop there. Having to try the true Lebanese staple, I went for the falafel. A middle eastern dish I am truly a fan of, I love my falafels in pitas with a yogurt dip. This met that expectation and then some!

My date, on the other hand, went for a nice selection of some of the finest schwama options on the menu-the Carved Rotisserie Mix. Chicken, lamb, and beef are all freshly prepared along side tahini sauce and a very strong and potent garlic sauce. If garlic is your love, this sauce will fill the craving then probably linger for a while after!

Overall, Lebanese has great options for many palettes. Don’t be intimidated by the exotic cuisine when in reality, if you’re a vegetarian options are copious, if you’re looking for a hearty meal you can dive into meats, flatbreads, fish dishes, or even just a variety of mezza (small dishes)!

The waterfront dining option makes for a great Saturday evening dining option to enjoy the sunset, sip a glass of international wine, indulge in some hummus, and cap off with some savory falafels. Lebanese Taverna has found a fantastic home in Baltimore and offers a nice selection for those date nights where you want to be wined and dined or girls’ nights where you’d rather pony up to the bar for a few drinks and apps.

Crabcakes With a View in Baltimore

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:11:00 -0400

You’re in Baltimore. You’re looking for crabs. It’s a no brainer. What’s stopping you? It’s off-season. Take my advice-forego any chains when you’re in this town and go for someplace that’s both unique to the city and waterfront!

Bo Brooks is without a doubt in my mind the hotbed for crabs, no matter the month or the weather! Steamed crabs served all year long while sitting by the water overlooking boats, gorgeous luxury apartments, and a serious view of the city is the way to roll in this town. No reservation in my mind, Bo Brooks does crabs right-even for the most hesitant of crabcake/soup/dip/balls/etc lovers.

First off, Bo Brooks has one of the best margaritas I’ve tried in a long time. An avid margarita lover (and plus, tis the season right?), I laughed when the description for the tequila infused beverage said “a true Margarita is never neon green” and decided to try their authentic concoction. All I can say is wow. Salty, strong, and just the amount of tangy bite, it was a serious starter to the dinner.

While my date and I weren’t exactly prepared to get our hands dirty that night with steamed crabs, we couldn’t go and not order something crabby.

Meet their crab cake sliders. With pillowy rolls and crabcake that is to die for, these little sammies melt in your mouth-without much tartare sauce even needed!

If this appetizer got any fresher, I think it’d grow claws and walk off the table a la Sebastian in The Little Mermaid.

Satisfying our need for crab, both my date and I opted for pretty diverse entrees. Mind you, the Bo Brooks menu is all over the board. From crab guacamole, bacon wrapped scallions and fish tacos that look fresh out of the water, there’s pretty much an item for anyone looking for something under the water.

My date opted for their rockfish which is battered and fried and served with two sides. Opting for their mac & cheese (which is super creamy and rich), the fish looked extremely tempting (mind you, I’m not a huge fish gal).

True to Baltimore, there’s a touch of Old Bay somewhere hidden in the dish.

Always the lover of avocado, I went for their strawberry chicken club. The strawberries, avocado mayonnaise, chicken, lettuce, and toasted bread was probably one of the best pairings I’ve had. Fresh, creamy, salty, and sweet the combination magically worked and couldn’t have been a better or lighter sandwich to have on that almost-spring night.

Looking over the menu, I was overwhelmed with what to get simply because everything reads beautifully, creatively, and having a fresh touch of something seafood.

Despite reaching ultimate levels of fullness after our courses (to-go bags were much needed!), I couldn’t resist one of my favorite desserts, the Smith Island cake.

Delivered fresh from The Smith Island Cake Company, I ordered the original and was glad I did! Layers of homemade yellow cake and rich chocolate ganache was the sweet touch that ended my night. Accompanied with a fluffy cinnamon whipped cream, the cake reminds me why I’ll always be a Maryland girl-who can resist our state dessert?!

The presentation was beautiful and I’m already regretting leaving those few bites behind on the plate!

My date, a bit of a traditionalist, opted for their caramel sundae.

Bo Brooks really nails down staples and this ice cream was no different!

If you’re looking for a fun, inexpensive, local spot to enjoy crabs (or sandwiches, or fish, or burgers, or..you get the idea), don’t pass over local, waterfront Bo Brooks. Sitting by the window, looking out the water, sipping a margarita, and cracking a crab. Yes, I’m ready for summer in Baltimore.

Sushi in the City

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 20:15:27 -0500

Ask someone in Baltimore where the best sushi is in town, and you’ll face a host of opinions and options! In the city or the ‘burbs, for the fun party scene or a low-key vibe, chain or locally run hotspot, Baltimore is chock full of sushi joints meeting the needs of what you’re looking for. Let’s not even talk about the sushi places in Towson!

Recently, Baltimore has been granted with a brand spanking new sushi spot, Tatu. Located on the side street of the Power Plant, Tatu is quickly rising to one of my top fave sushi places in the city.

Swanky decor, plush seats, rich Oriental carpeting, bathrooms with make-up stations, chandeliers, and a hint of incense infuse the restaurant-making it a great go-to for happy hour with the girls or a fancy date night with the boy. Not to mention, the place is pretty huge so private parties would be killer at this venue.

I’ve only been for happy hour (which requires you to sit at the bar in order to get) and got to witness the fun staff behind the counter doing what I like to call sushi tricks while making recommendations of what to get and explaining how they make the rolls. The happy hour is surely a good deal-cutting 50% off your entire bill and allowing you to order more than enough to keep you full!

My absolute fave addiction is already on the bar when you sit down-chips that have a spice in them making you want to go back for just one more.

Aside from the chips is a complimentary cucumbery mixture that carries some heat to it, as well.

My first order of choice is their edamame (half off!) that they sprinkle with sea salt-making this salt fiend a very happy camper!

Their happy hour cocktail list is pretty extensive, too. Each time I try to experiment with something new. After getting their blackberry caipirinha the last time, I opted for their blushing geisha (all half off mind you-we’re talking like $4 for a massive cocktail here, ladies!) and was delighted by its fruity flavor and bit of a strong bite after.

As for rolls, with prices being half off my date and I decided to splurge a bit and go for three different kinds.

Prior to this visit, I tried their Tropical Citrus Salmon roll-a super refreshing roll that is topped with mango. Delish!

This time we went for spicy tuna, California roll, and the Rainbow roll, a total mixture of fish that’s completely addicting. Sure the rolls are gorgeous looking and colorful, but they absolutely follow up with outstanding taste, fresh fish, and just the right amount of a spicy kick to clear the sinuses. Next time I’m looking forward to trying different rolls (their Marilyn Monroll is calling my name!).

After polishing off all three rolls, I was surprised and delighted to see our waitress bring over complimentary cotton candy as an after-dinner cleanser. Such a fun and unique touch that shows off Tatu’s creativity and flair for fun that really is clear from every aspect of the restaurant. A fun green apple flavor cotton candy, neither my date nor I were able to finish it.

I was positive that Tatu couldn’t find a new way to surprise me but of course I spoke too soon. Along with our check came a temporary Tatu tattoo-clever and cute!

From the funky ambience, sheer swank of the restaurant, and their addicting rolls that are insanely cheap during happy hour-Tatu has found a big friend in me!

Of course-I could never write a post without putting a shout-out to my all time favorite roll in Baltimore. RA Sushi’s Hot Mess. Do yourself a favor and try this bad boy. It’s crispy, it’s crunchy, it’s sweet, it’s creamy. It’s pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted out of life and more-not to mention, RA Sushi’s happy hour isn’t too shabby itself.

Another honorable mention is the relatively new Sticky Rice with their Sticky Balls. if you’re looking for a chill scene, great music, some karaoke, and unreal rolls-I highly recommend this place in Fells Point.

Like I said, sushi in Baltimore is serious business. With easily over 100 different spots to explore, it’s all about the scene you’re looking for and where you’re willing to travel. Tatu, RA Sushi, and Sticky Rice are my top three choices in the city-be sure to hit up the happy hour and let it curb that sushi craving!

Southern Charm in Baltimore

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:12:40 -0500

Ever since I was young, my mother said I should have been a Southern Belle (despite being born and raised in Baltimore-not exactly the deep south)! From my love of home made biscuits and the need to always be accessorized and styled whether I’m taking out the trash or heading to the gym. Needless to say, it was a tough call when I was accepted way back in the day to College of Charleston (BWI had yet to offer non-stop flights so it was the transportation hardship that swayed my decision) not to jump at the opportunity of good southern cooking, shopping, men, and weather! Did I mention southern cooking?!

This past weekend, I unintentionally found myself having a very southern inspired theme in Baltimore. And loved and ate up every moment of it!

On Saturday night, I ventured to Blue Grass Tavern for the first time-a sweet little restaurant tucked on a corner of a rowhouse community in the heart of Federal Hill. A refreshing deviation from the sports bars that seem to fill up the streets of Fed, Blue Grass offers up a nice southern escape (and valet parking for $5!) for a hearty meal accompanied by a yummy cocktail and the relaxing sounds of, well, bluegrass and country!

First up, I ordered-for just a $1-their yummy cornbread that literally melts in your mouth along with their honey butter. Between my date and I, the pan they served it in was down to a crumb!

The past week my work held a fairly large event there and I got good tips and snippets as to what to try-the main one being their charcuterie plate! Consisting of local meats and cheeses, as well as pickles, thin, crusty bread, and pickled peppers, my date and I opted for bacon jam (YES-it exists!), a goat cheese, and a very smoky sausage.

Yes, if you must know, we were completely full by that point. I know they say man can’t live on bread alone. They’re wrong. Fortunately, there was a little bit of wait time between our plate and our bites. I opted for their Daily Grind, a fresh burger with a slice of colby cheese served with a sweet house ketchup (my guess is there’s a bbq sauce of sorts in there) and thinly cut fries. My date opted for their lobster ravioli which is on their Medium Bites roster-we both split their spicy Mac & Cheese.

You can kind of make out the almost-gone lobster ravioli behind the mac-it was just that mindblowingly good that both my date & I forgot to snap a pic before it was almost gone! The macaroni was creamy with a subtle spicy kick to it and definitely something to be shared! While I wasn’t able to finish my whole burger, the soft and buttery brioche bread accompanied with the fresh beef was everything I had hoped for! I think I’ll go out on a limb here and say Paula Deen would approve!

Finally-because who can resist a hearty southern dessert-my date and I split their apple pie. Rich, creamy, and topped off with a maple sauce on top it hit my sweet teeth right in its sweet spot!

As we were leaving (around 7:15sh), the bar downstairs was hopping and tables were filled to the brim! A mixture of older couples dining and young city dwellers catching up over cocktails made the southern inspired tavern a great place for that windy, February evening! I think all it needs is a roaring fire upstairs to overcome some of draft but no doubt come summer, all will be good!

Continuing my below the Mason-Dixon line themed weekend, the next morning my family and boyfriend I did a tradition that I hold near and dear-Sunday brunch! I introduced my mom to Langermann’s just last Saturday-she loved it so much she brought her friend this week for lunch then made another return trip for brunch this Sunday!

A new classic in Canton, Langermann’s nails southern dishes and has the space and warmth for parties of all sizes! I had yet to dine for brunch but knew I was in for a treat!

Starting the meal off right were warm biscuits brought table side with butter and jellies. Certainly not packages of mass-produced jams but homemade fruity spreads. The blueberry was good enough to put on top of pancakes and the strawberry was rich and thick and reminded me of a daiquiri. I was torn what to put on my biscuit-so I opted for both!

Another great thing about Langermann’s brunch (and a great way to kick off Sunday Fundays like I know many of you do!) is the complimentary mimosa they offer between 10-3. Fresh, fruity, and just enough kick to get you out of whatever daze you might be in from the night prior!

As I’ve said many times, I’m a gal who loves her bread and carbs (also the reason why I’m trying to amp up my gym time!)-whether it’s in the form of potatoes, pasta, biscuits, or in that morning’s case-French Toast!

Sweet, raisiny, drizzled with chocolate and topped with strawberries-it’s a brunch to beat! My date opted for the Breakfast Blitz-a morning staple of eggs, meat, potatoes, and a biscuit!

A Langermann’s speciality, the Langermann’s Hash, was also ordered-chorizo sausage, short ribs, corned beef hash all served beneath two eggs. This dish is wholesome, hearty, and sure to leave you full for hours to come!

Langermann’s is a big fave of mine-the open space, the southern fine dining, and the half price wine Wednesdays are all reasons why I return time and time again. In fact, I’m lucky enough to have my alma mater host a Young Alumni Happy Hour there in April!

Needless to say, Baltimore offers up a lot of big city style and flavor-however, for me, it’s the taverns and the homestyle, rich cooking that I adore in this town! Sure you can find Lebanese, Thai, Italian and all sorts of ethnicities downtown-but let us not forget the south, hon!

A true flagship of Baltimore, Cafe Hon is my hotspot for comfort...

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:22:14 -0500

Chipped Beef & Potatoes

Eggs, Toast & Potatoes

The famous Hon Bun

The hip Cafe Hon Bar

The flying flamingo of Baltimore

A true flagship of Baltimore, Cafe Hon is my hotspot for comfort food, friendly staff, warm coffee, and, of course, beehives, winged glasses, and hot pink boas.

I had the lucky fortune of hitting the Hon Bar this month with my work and got to try their chicken salad and to kill for chocolate cake. The peppy pink and green motif, paisley wall paper, and retro style bar is an instant mood lifter for any glum, winter day. Believe it, hon.

Of course, while their lunch is always a sure fire hit (whether you try their homemade BLTs, soups, and entrees), for me, it’s always the breakfast that I crave for on the cold December days. Nothing beats their warm and toasty cinnamon hon bun on a lazy Saturday accompanied with a warm cup of Zeke’s coffee, to boot.

This particular Sunday, it was their hearty chipped beef platter (which is anything but skimpy) and a seasoned side of potatoes that I ordered. Ponying up in one of their boots on the restaurant side, the best thing to do while waiting is people watching and eyeing up the funky inventory that’s for sale! Flamingos painted like Harry Potter, Ravens’ players, and other creative motifs fill the walls, ceilings, floors, bathrooms, you name it!

Despite my level of fullness after the truly homestyle breakfast, I had to order one of their delicious cinnnamon Hon Buns to go. Warm, gooey, cinnamony, and chock full of childhood dreams, the bun is something to get and devour on scene or save for later zapped in the microwave and curled up in all of its coziness.

Apart from these menu items, Cafe Hon boasts of standard fare such as eggs stuffed with bacon and sausage, Texas style French toast, and The Avenue Breakfast ( two pancakes, two eggs, two slices of bacon, sausage, and their Hon potatoes). Seriously-for the lover of breakfast, make this a must on an early weekday or a late weekend brunch.

After I ate, I made a point to walk the rounds of the Avenue. From Red Tree, which has the gift for the person with everything, to Ma Petite Shoe (shoes & chocolates. Done.) and Avenue Antiques, the Avenue is ideal for milling around, seeking out unique gifts for yourself and friends, and swinging by for a quick bite a true Baltimore stomping ground (just ask John Waters)!

This fall, Baltimore is brimming with some pretty unique and...

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 21:04:00 -0400

Boordy Vineyard's Rose wine

Middle Eastern Platter

Big Daddy's Turkey Ciabatta & Crab Soup

Gertrude's Candy Bar

This fall, Baltimore is brimming with some pretty unique and exciting exhibits and I had the great opportunity this past weekend to check out the Baltimore Museum of Art’s latest one-Andy Warhol: The Last Decade.

While I spent a few hours looking at this very colorful and diverse exhibit as well as the museum’s permanent collection, it was their museum restaurant, Gertrude’s, that caught both my stomach and my eyes.

Getting the best of dinner and lunch, I managed to sneak into the restaurant without a reservation during the Lite Fair hours on a Saturday. The menu consists of a few entrees from the dinner menu, soups, salads, and an abundance of sandwich options.

After browsing the wine book (also containing a few fun and creative cocktail numbers), I opted for a local favorite of mine, the Boordy Vineyard blush wine. Aside from gallery hopping in the fall, heading to Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore is another autumn must in Maryland!

The light and crisp wine held me over until our early dinner arrived. As a huge hummus and tabbouleh lover, my eyes drew immediately to the Middle Eastern Platter. A mixture of feta, pita, hummus, fig leaves, olives, and tabbouleh, the meal was both heart healthy and packed with flavor and spices. Not even being able to finish the platter, I was pleasantly surprised to see the waiter place it in a plastic container complete with fresh garnish and in a lovely array.

Much too often, leftovers get the back burner priority and often fall apart in the bag/box or just get heaped in there without thought. Thumbs up to maintaining the integrity of the food even if it’s not being enjoyed in the restaurant!

My date opted for something a bit more Baltimore traditional-cream of crab soup paired with half a sandwich. Touched with a whisper of sherry, the soup is fresh, hearty, and filled with large lumps of crab. With many places often putting one tap too many of sherry in the soup, this was refreshing and relying more on the taste of the crab than the sherry.

The sandwich itself was thick and piled high with turkey, provolone cheese, tomato, field green and pesto aioli all on a thick ciabatta bread with a pasta salad to accompany. Fresh, filling, and a great mixture of turkey and pesto this 1/2 sandwich, 1/2 soup combo is ideal to experience some of the best lighter fare Gertrude’s has to offer!

While we weren’t able to finish the entirety of our dinners, naturally we managed to find room for the most decadent and inventive dessert ever! The Gertrude’s candy bar a.k.a. “Candy Bar Goes To Prom.”

Dressed up with drizzles of caramel and chocolate, the bar has a base layer of a crispy rice topped with rich chocolate mouse and a silky caramel layer in between. On top is a airy whipped cream and on the side was something I can only describe as the most amazingly grown up Fischer’s popcorn style popcorn to add some salty crunch to all the glorious richness in the dessert.

While Gertrude’s is great for crabcakes and a fantastically convenient option to dine post-museum browsing, don’t discard popping in for a quick bite and glass of wine or a late evening treat for a baked apple dessert of famous ice cream sundae.

Personally, I can think of no better pairing than the rich works of Warhol, Matisse, and Renoir followed up with the rich creations by John Shields over at Gertrude’s!