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!

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!