Black Olive Agora Open For Business.
In its third week now Black Olive Agora is open. Located in the front of the Black Olive Inn at 803 South Caroline Street. There is garage and street parking available. Whether you are in the mood for a glass of organic wine $4.50/glass and a snack, coffee and breakfast or some fresh prepared items to go with whole fish for dinner, Agora can satisfy.
Some prepared items you might find, Hummus $8/lb (green b/c of the fresh parsley), Melitzanosalata $9/lb (Baba Ghanoush), Taramasalata $8/lb, Tzatziki 9/lb, Greek Vegetable Pie 10/slice, Cous Cous salad 10/lb,Orzo salad $10/lb, House marinaded olives etc...
Great selection of Greek cheeses from feta to grilled haloumi.
Fresh whole fish selection is perfect. Not too many species, types are not consistent but fresh. You can find St. Peter/John Dory, Branzino/Branzini, whole sardines, scallops, shrimp, lobster, whole octopus (sells by the lb so yes, you can buy just an arm), seafood kebabs, Dorade etc...the team will clean and prepare the fish for you any way you like including sending you home with instructions "just like we do in the restaurant" they will say.
If you have a chance to purchase the breads baked fresh on premise, go for the flat bread with za'atar or baguette - the small olive boules are a bit too dense and tough in our opinion.
Weekends you can enjoy breakfast on the roof. It is enclosed with an open kitchen, full bar and amazing harbor view. Can be rented for private parties.
The best experience in our opinion was speaking with the owner. He shared with us that for intimidating cuts of fish like octopus - he will refund your money if you take it home with his instructions on how to prepare it and it does not turn out. He wants the locals in the area to feel comfortable and make great Black Olive meals in their homes. Remove your fears and go for it with no risk. He says if you are looking to make stuffed squid, call ahead because some types of fish he does not want to sit in a cold case but rather know it will be prepared and eaten straight away. That is true customer service!
Give him a call. 443-681-6319!
Here is to a fabulous Greek meal - dining out or in!
Kirchmayr Chocolates
If you have never had the opportunity to try this tasty treats, order yourself a box or stop by his shop in Timonium, MD.
We celebrated Valentine's Day at the Creative Alliance as we usually do. This year we enjoyed a box of Kirchmayr chocolates. I have had his dark chocolate enrobed hazelnuts and truffles and they are wonderful. He sells these at the Baltimore Farmer's Market in the winter months only.
I was quite surprised however, that I enjoyed the specialty pieces that came in our combination box. I am no longer one who enjoys the variety packs! Just give me a great dark bar so, I can break off a hunk and I am good. I share this simply because it shocked me how fabulous these were. The chocolate was amazing quality & the flavors did not over powering (ok- the liquor ones were not for me but the hubbie enjoyed) .
Our box was filled with 12 chocolates and my very favorites were: Caramel (who doesn't love it), Bitter Nougat (roasty/toasty goodness), Mocha, Layered Gianduia (Hazelnut hmmmm), Pear and Passion Fruit (tart, sweet, balanced).
If you haven't tried them out yet - worth it!
Oh -did I mention they are powered by wind?
9630 Deereco Road
Timonium, MD 21093
(410) 561-7705
Cash/Check Only accept online.
Hours:
M~F 9a.m.~5p.m.
Sat 10a.m~5p.m.
Sunday Closed
Saute Restaurant & Bar
2844 Hudson Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
Phone: 410.327.2883
Yesterday morning a group of us dined for the first time at Saute for brunch. According to online menus, food looked interesting and reasonably priced. Upon our arrival I was surprised to see the number of TV's available in both the lounge and dining room area. WOW... the decor does not scream sports bar but given the placement and number of TV's you could have fooled me. This is not a bad thing necessarily and in fact with the upcoming playoffs certain to be a huge money maker.
The annoyance for me as one who does enjoy her weekend brunch - fixed price menus that include BOTTOMLESS beverages! How could endless Bloody Mary's or Mimosas be bad you ask? Well, unless you enjoy your mimosas as OJ with a splash of sparkling or V8 with some much horseradish you can't be quite sure if vodka was even added - I would rather pay full price for a properly made beverage WITH GARNISH than be served the BOTTOMLESS versions.
Needless to say the gimmick is $16.95 for entree and endless alcoholic drinks or $12.95 for regular endless beverages. The other strange point was since the beverages were bottomless, bar service didn't appear to care what size glass you were served your beverage in. I was served a Bloody Mary in a tall, very slender glass and my companion was served his in a pint glass? This continued with others at the table with Sangria - 1 in a stemless wine glass the other pint glass? Believe it or not glassware does matter for some so, if you are one to enjoy a proper drink do not venture here on a weekend day when you are forced into bottomless whether you wish it or not!
Food wise- I did have delicious Peanut Butter Banana French Toast (3 pieces with a dollop of whipped PB, 1/4 of a sliced banana and dollop of whipped cream, syrup on the side) for $17. Some may say that is pricey. Most annoying was my dining partner who wanted (get this - awesome) to substitute out the French Fries that came with the Crab Cake sandwich for lettuce and the server said "um, ah, well, like Bibb lettuce?" We say yes, greens, any kind, whatever you put on the burger just veg or plain lettuce in place of the fries. Server says, "Well, I will have to charge you more for that." Really? 1 handful of greens on the side at the $18 price point and you need to up charge us? I was shocked, needless to say we went with the Fries as to not cause the server additional brain pain!
All in all decor was swanky. TV's galore. Drinks -eh! Food was good. I think I would return once more during the week for dinner but my Brunch days there are done!
Yellow Dog Tavern- I am so sorry I strayed but we will return this weekend where you can make a proper drink including great coffee and keep my water glass full. Plus food there always rocks- even when the dish is made up by me and they allow endless alterations without acting like they have never heard of lettuce!
HOURS
Monday-Thursday 5pm-2am, Food prepared 5pm- 10pm
Friday 11am-2am, Food prepared 11am-11pm
Saturday 10am-2am, Food prepared 10am-11pm
Sunday 10am-2am, Food prepared 10am-10pm
Brunch served Saturday & Sunday 10am-2pm
THE DOGWOOD
911 W. 36th Street, HAMPDEN (between Elm & Roland Ave)
Baltimore, Maryland, 21211
410.889.0952
HOURS
Sun-Mon - closed
Lunch: Tues-Sat 11:30am-3pm
Tues-Thurs 5-10PM
Fri & Sat 5-11PM
Enjoyed a fabulous celebratory meal at Dogwood and thought I would share some highlights of the meal including the drinks!
Another special for Thursdays is the Fried chicken which of course was ordered. Every Thursday night you can enjoy their Natural Buttermilk Fried Chicken sourced from Lancaster County (PA) piled high atop cheddar mashed potatoes, al dente veggies du jour & a Southern style biscuit. Lightly smeared in chicken gravy for only $17. Which is a steal in my mind - especially when you think of the effort it takes to coat and fry your own at home.
I enjoyed a series of "small" plates which were not truly small but man oh man so delicious. I would be remiss in mentioning that I had wonderful, delicate braised Escargot tossed with cremini
The next two and final plates were the following:
Sautéed Kennett Square Mushrooms
served on on parsnip-potato rosti, shiitake, oyster, hen of the woods mushrooms, chive-parsley nage $12.50
This dish as you can see is not so "small." Very light in flavors but hearty, meaty mushrooms. I did not see any shiitake on my plate - most were hen of the woods and I did not complain. Dense, chewy, earthy partners to the rosti. I did have to ask for a pinch of salt as well as a side of fresh creme or sour cream that I noticed was being featured with their smoked salmon because the rosti needed it. This dish was good but the flavors were flat and one dimensional. They happily brought us an herbed sour cream and salt shaker. This addition for the rosti - much improved the overall balance.
Seared Cape May Sea Scallops
sage roasted spaghetti squash with local apples, smoked bacon, pumpkin seed pesto $15.50
From the photo it is difficult to tell but the mound in the center concealing a plump scallop is the bacon and spaghetti squash with diced apples. The scallops were large, moist and seared crisp on the edges. Though I enjoyed the pumpkin sauce - I am not sure what was "pesto" about it. Pesto is and always will be a blend of herb, seed or nut with oil and spices. Even if this had pumpkin seeds in it - ground and then strained- no evidence or a toasted seed. From the photo you can tell the sauce was creamy smooth. I almost think they used the Vegan Pumpkin soup of the day made with apple cider as the sauce. Majority of the flavor was from the smoky bacon. Focal point was the scallop and the flavors did mesh well but I would say the menu markets the dishes or takes some liberties that most diners may not appreciate. I didn't complain because after all it was good!
Of course there was wine with this meal. Thursday also happens to be 20% off any Rhone region bottle. Can't beat that. We tried Syrah - Cotes-Du-Rhone, Mon Coeur. Full body and aroma - Chewy but with a medium level of flavor - not over powering. Spicy with hints of cherry - well to me.
Cheers!
Annabel Lee Tavern
601 South Clinton Street, corner of Fleet.
Open 4pm - dinner only
Not new to the Canton scene by any stretch. In fact if you want to dine in- call ahead and make a reservations, few days in advance for weekends - possibly a few hours on week days because seats are few and far between. Warm and cozy. Not pretentious. Great local beer selection - yes, of course featuring as many Brewer's Art beers as possible as well as other micro brews. I was thrilled to see another place selling $5 glasses of sparkling!
Menu does change and the list of nightly specials is shocking. Add about 8 additional items. Don't be shocked to see many revolving around Crab meat.
Some of the top items to try:
Any sandwich is served with amazing blue cheese coleslaw and sweet potato fries - you can upgrade to Duck Fat fried fries but the Cajun spiced, maple glazed sweet potato fries are addictive sweet heat!!!
Crab Cake Sandwich
Grilled Ahi Tuna Panini (Beware the flat bread called focaccia has cheddar cheese baked onto it underneath and is cold not hot?)
Roasted Orange Roughy Tacos (2)
Rosemary Beef Tenderloin Gyro
Special - Kobe taco beef on top Nachos
Bistro Rx
New chef in town - excited? Loss for the Wine Market is Wayne's gain at Bistro.
Slowly he is adjusting the menu - like adding White Truffle Oil to some dishes' French Fries.
Some newer entree adds- are the St. Louis style ribs & crab cake -huge portion, Steak & Frites topped with a Gorgonzola glaze - aka huge chunks of good stinky cheese and trout with smashed garbanzo beans!
Remaining are both beef and bison burgers as well as bison and beef steak options.
Largest changes to date are with the brunch menu.
Check out this weekend - pancake battered-fried, Twinkies served with strawberry coulis.
New brunch burger has bacon and yes of course the fried egg - really should this be a brunch item or menu staple?
Great shoestring fried with or w/o truffle oil!
Tuesday nights are half price bottles of wine - entire menu - not just the cheap ones- treat yourself - you won't be disappointed - well you may not be able to go back to the $15 buys but hey- risk I am willing to take every time. Wayne also is one of the few in town selling Cava by the glass. By the glass means the individual mini bottles which you easily get 2 pours from- fabulous idea!
Happy Hour 4-7pm.
No New Year's Eve party hear - just great entree specials like lamb! Get to Bistro Rx this weekend and give it a try!
2901 E Baltimore St
Baltimore, MD 21224
Open 7 days/wk - M-F 4pm, 11am Sat, 10am Sun.
Ethiopian Food- Eat with your hands & get messy!!!
In its third week now Black Olive Agora is open. Located in the front of the Black Olive Inn at 803 South Caroline Street. There is garage and street parking available. Whether you are in the mood for a glass of organic wine $4.50/glass and a snack, coffee and breakfast or some fresh prepared items to go with whole fish for dinner, Agora can satisfy.
Some prepared items you might find, Hummus $8/lb (green b/c of the fresh parsley), Melitzanosalata $9/lb (Baba Ghanoush), Taramasalata $8/lb, Tzatziki 9/lb, Greek Vegetable Pie 10/slice, Cous Cous salad 10/lb,Orzo salad $10/lb, House marinaded olives etc...
Great selection of Greek cheeses from feta to grilled haloumi.
Fresh whole fish selection is perfect. Not too many species, types are not consistent but fresh. You can find St. Peter/John Dory, Branzino/Branzini, whole sardines, scallops, shrimp, lobster, whole octopus (sells by the lb so yes, you can buy just an arm), seafood kebabs, Dorade etc...the team will clean and prepare the fish for you any way you like including sending you home with instructions "just like we do in the restaurant" they will say.
If you have a chance to purchase the breads baked fresh on premise, go for the flat bread with za'atar or baguette - the small olive boules are a bit too dense and tough in our opinion.
Weekends you can enjoy breakfast on the roof. It is enclosed with an open kitchen, full bar and amazing harbor view. Can be rented for private parties.
The best experience in our opinion was speaking with the owner. He shared with us that for intimidating cuts of fish like octopus - he will refund your money if you take it home with his instructions on how to prepare it and it does not turn out. He wants the locals in the area to feel comfortable and make great Black Olive meals in their homes. Remove your fears and go for it with no risk. He says if you are looking to make stuffed squid, call ahead because some types of fish he does not want to sit in a cold case but rather know it will be prepared and eaten straight away. That is true customer service!
Give him a call. 443-681-6319!
Here is to a fabulous Greek meal - dining out or in!
Kirchmayr Chocolates
If you have never had the opportunity to try this tasty treats, order yourself a box or stop by his shop in Timonium, MD.
We celebrated Valentine's Day at the Creative Alliance as we usually do. This year we enjoyed a box of Kirchmayr chocolates. I have had his dark chocolate enrobed hazelnuts and truffles and they are wonderful. He sells these at the Baltimore Farmer's Market in the winter months only.
I was quite surprised however, that I enjoyed the specialty pieces that came in our combination box. I am no longer one who enjoys the variety packs! Just give me a great dark bar so, I can break off a hunk and I am good. I share this simply because it shocked me how fabulous these were. The chocolate was amazing quality & the flavors did not over powering (ok- the liquor ones were not for me but the hubbie enjoyed) .
Our box was filled with 12 chocolates and my very favorites were: Caramel (who doesn't love it), Bitter Nougat (roasty/toasty goodness), Mocha, Layered Gianduia (Hazelnut hmmmm), Pear and Passion Fruit (tart, sweet, balanced).
If you haven't tried them out yet - worth it!
Oh -did I mention they are powered by wind?
9630 Deereco Road
Timonium, MD 21093
(410) 561-7705
Cash/Check Only accept online.
Hours:
M~F 9a.m.~5p.m.
Sat 10a.m~5p.m.
Sunday Closed
Saute Restaurant & Bar
2844 Hudson Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
Phone: 410.327.2883
Yesterday morning a group of us dined for the first time at Saute for brunch. According to online menus, food looked interesting and reasonably priced. Upon our arrival I was surprised to see the number of TV's available in both the lounge and dining room area. WOW... the decor does not scream sports bar but given the placement and number of TV's you could have fooled me. This is not a bad thing necessarily and in fact with the upcoming playoffs certain to be a huge money maker.
The annoyance for me as one who does enjoy her weekend brunch - fixed price menus that include BOTTOMLESS beverages! How could endless Bloody Mary's or Mimosas be bad you ask? Well, unless you enjoy your mimosas as OJ with a splash of sparkling or V8 with some much horseradish you can't be quite sure if vodka was even added - I would rather pay full price for a properly made beverage WITH GARNISH than be served the BOTTOMLESS versions.
Needless to say the gimmick is $16.95 for entree and endless alcoholic drinks or $12.95 for regular endless beverages. The other strange point was since the beverages were bottomless, bar service didn't appear to care what size glass you were served your beverage in. I was served a Bloody Mary in a tall, very slender glass and my companion was served his in a pint glass? This continued with others at the table with Sangria - 1 in a stemless wine glass the other pint glass? Believe it or not glassware does matter for some so, if you are one to enjoy a proper drink do not venture here on a weekend day when you are forced into bottomless whether you wish it or not!
Food wise- I did have delicious Peanut Butter Banana French Toast (3 pieces with a dollop of whipped PB, 1/4 of a sliced banana and dollop of whipped cream, syrup on the side) for $17. Some may say that is pricey. Most annoying was my dining partner who wanted (get this - awesome) to substitute out the French Fries that came with the Crab Cake sandwich for lettuce and the server said "um, ah, well, like Bibb lettuce?" We say yes, greens, any kind, whatever you put on the burger just veg or plain lettuce in place of the fries. Server says, "Well, I will have to charge you more for that." Really? 1 handful of greens on the side at the $18 price point and you need to up charge us? I was shocked, needless to say we went with the Fries as to not cause the server additional brain pain!
All in all decor was swanky. TV's galore. Drinks -eh! Food was good. I think I would return once more during the week for dinner but my Brunch days there are done!
Yellow Dog Tavern- I am so sorry I strayed but we will return this weekend where you can make a proper drink including great coffee and keep my water glass full. Plus food there always rocks- even when the dish is made up by me and they allow endless alterations without acting like they have never heard of lettuce!
HOURS
Monday-Thursday 5pm-2am, Food prepared 5pm- 10pm
Friday 11am-2am, Food prepared 11am-11pm
Saturday 10am-2am, Food prepared 10am-11pm
Sunday 10am-2am, Food prepared 10am-10pm
Brunch served Saturday & Sunday 10am-2pm
THE DOGWOOD
911 W. 36th Street, HAMPDEN (between Elm & Roland Ave)
Baltimore, Maryland, 21211
410.889.0952
HOURS
Sun-Mon - closed
Lunch: Tues-Sat 11:30am-3pm
Tues-Thurs 5-10PM
Fri & Sat 5-11PM
Enjoyed a fabulous celebratory meal at Dogwood and thought I would share some highlights of the meal including the drinks!
First thing you should know is that 5-7 is OYSTER HAPPY HOUR! And--- it is progressive. How you ask? Well, it is a brilliant money making idea. At 5 ---the featured type is available for $.55, each half hour the price goes up until 6:30 when then reach $1.25. Even better it is not restricted to the bar!
So, my dining companion enjoyed 4 Oysters and we each had a glass of the featured paired wine. A new one for us at $7 a glass. It was one of the best surprises in wine I have found in a while - dining out.
A 2008 Antech Reserve Brut - Blanquette De Limoux.
Another special for Thursdays is the Fried chicken which of course was ordered. Every Thursday night you can enjoy their Natural Buttermilk Fried Chicken sourced from Lancaster County (PA) piled high atop cheddar mashed potatoes, al dente veggies du jour & a Southern style biscuit. Lightly smeared in chicken gravy for only $17. Which is a steal in my mind - especially when you think of the effort it takes to coat and fry your own at home.
I enjoyed a series of "small" plates which were not truly small but man oh man so delicious. I would be remiss in mentioning that I had wonderful, delicate braised Escargot tossed with cremini
The next two and final plates were the following:
Sautéed Kennett Square Mushrooms
served on on parsnip-potato rosti, shiitake, oyster, hen of the woods mushrooms, chive-parsley nage $12.50
Seared Cape May Sea Scallops
sage roasted spaghetti squash with local apples, smoked bacon, pumpkin seed pesto $15.50
From the photo it is difficult to tell but the mound in the center concealing a plump scallop is the bacon and spaghetti squash with diced apples. The scallops were large, moist and seared crisp on the edges. Though I enjoyed the pumpkin sauce - I am not sure what was "pesto" about it. Pesto is and always will be a blend of herb, seed or nut with oil and spices. Even if this had pumpkin seeds in it - ground and then strained- no evidence or a toasted seed. From the photo you can tell the sauce was creamy smooth. I almost think they used the Vegan Pumpkin soup of the day made with apple cider as the sauce. Majority of the flavor was from the smoky bacon. Focal point was the scallop and the flavors did mesh well but I would say the menu markets the dishes or takes some liberties that most diners may not appreciate. I didn't complain because after all it was good!
Of course there was wine with this meal. Thursday also happens to be 20% off any Rhone region bottle. Can't beat that. We tried Syrah - Cotes-Du-Rhone, Mon Coeur. Full body and aroma - Chewy but with a medium level of flavor - not over powering. Spicy with hints of cherry - well to me.
Annabel Lee Tavern
601 South Clinton Street, corner of Fleet.
Open 4pm - dinner only
Not new to the Canton scene by any stretch. In fact if you want to dine in- call ahead and make a reservations, few days in advance for weekends - possibly a few hours on week days because seats are few and far between. Warm and cozy. Not pretentious. Great local beer selection - yes, of course featuring as many Brewer's Art beers as possible as well as other micro brews. I was thrilled to see another place selling $5 glasses of sparkling!
Menu does change and the list of nightly specials is shocking. Add about 8 additional items. Don't be shocked to see many revolving around Crab meat.
Some of the top items to try:
Any sandwich is served with amazing blue cheese coleslaw and sweet potato fries - you can upgrade to Duck Fat fried fries but the Cajun spiced, maple glazed sweet potato fries are addictive sweet heat!!!
Crab Cake Sandwich
Grilled Ahi Tuna Panini (Beware the flat bread called focaccia has cheddar cheese baked onto it underneath and is cold not hot?)
Roasted Orange Roughy Tacos (2)
Rosemary Beef Tenderloin Gyro
Special - Kobe taco beef on top Nachos
Bistro Rx
New chef in town - excited? Loss for the Wine Market is Wayne's gain at Bistro.
Slowly he is adjusting the menu - like adding White Truffle Oil to some dishes' French Fries.
Some newer entree adds- are the St. Louis style ribs & crab cake -huge portion, Steak & Frites topped with a Gorgonzola glaze - aka huge chunks of good stinky cheese and trout with smashed garbanzo beans!
Remaining are both beef and bison burgers as well as bison and beef steak options.
Largest changes to date are with the brunch menu.
Check out this weekend - pancake battered-fried, Twinkies served with strawberry coulis.
New brunch burger has bacon and yes of course the fried egg - really should this be a brunch item or menu staple?
Great shoestring fried with or w/o truffle oil!
Tuesday nights are half price bottles of wine - entire menu - not just the cheap ones- treat yourself - you won't be disappointed - well you may not be able to go back to the $15 buys but hey- risk I am willing to take every time. Wayne also is one of the few in town selling Cava by the glass. By the glass means the individual mini bottles which you easily get 2 pours from- fabulous idea!
Happy Hour 4-7pm.
No New Year's Eve party hear - just great entree specials like lamb! Get to Bistro Rx this weekend and give it a try!
2901 E Baltimore St
Baltimore, MD 21224
Open 7 days/wk - M-F 4pm, 11am Sat, 10am Sun.
Ethiopian Food- Eat with your hands & get messy!!!
Baltimore has 2 good options available for your dining pleasure.
Dukem & Ethiopian Delight
For sit down lunch or dinner Dukem is your best bet.
This intimate setting is locating very close to University of Baltimore & the Opera House and a perfect meal before class or a show!
Best for sharing, try any one of the combination platters. Did you know that Ethiopian vegetarian foods are also always vegan? They use vegetable oil to prepare veggie dishes versus clarified butter for meat dishes. Only dairy is the fresh made cheese from buttermilk - which can be avoided.
Looking for a new experience? Try their Kitfo - served as a sandwich here - is mixed with warmed clarified butter cooking the raw tenderloin just a bit. Mitmita seasons meat and Awaze is served on the side. Very high quality.
Metered street parking is available.
Located 1100 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201-5510 Also has location in D.C.
(410) 385-0318
Hours: Daily 11-11pm
If you are looking for a high end Ethiopian experience - try Washington D.C.'s U&9th street corridor often referred to as "Little Ethiopia" - try Etete (DC's best eats), Elfegne, Dukem (market attached), Little Ethiopia (Traditional seating)
Ethiopian Delight is a stand at the Waverly Saturday Farmer's Market Only.
They sell very few items but what they do have is delicious! Three different (wats) made of lentils - Mild, Medium & Hot. The heat comes from the traditional Ethiopian spice blend Berbere. The owner brings this from family in Ethiopia and no she does not sell it - I asked.
2 types of stuffed breads are offered- one sweet and one savory.
"Sandwiches" are offered which is really the Ethiopian version of a wrap - one of the wats smeared in to fresh made injera - rolled up in foil.
You can purchase the injera only which is a fabulous treat- it freezes well.
Sadly Baltimore Pho went out of business.
Best Vietnamese Around Town
Having traveled throughout South East Asian, I think my husband and I have become Vietnamese food snobs. We concur Vietnamese may quite possibly be the best cuisine on the planet! The simple combination of complex flavors, mixed with varying textures and temperatures just leaves you feeling full, satisfied and well - fabulous. Of course always craving more!
Most authentic Vietnamese in the Baltimore area is unfortunately in Columbia, MD at Pho Dat Thanh. This just means city dwellers do have to get in a car to experience this great food.
Pho Dat Thanh is located just off Snowden River Prkwy
The long menu is unfortunately a combination of Vietnamese specialties among what appear to be Thai, Singaporean, and some Cantonese dishes. We have never veered from the Vietnamese offerings.
Here you will find the most authentic pho broth in the area. It is not too sweet and is rather clear. The garnishes are served spilling over the plate - always fresh and clean.
They offer com (rice), bun (noodles), and hot pot dishes. Traditional fried or fresh spring rolls. Their specialties in addition to the pho include Vietnamese pancakes, crepes, and grilled shrimp paste on sugar cane. One appetizer I highly recommend is the beef in grape leaves. This is a twist on the Greek stuffed grape leaves but instead of rice picture a Vietnamese flavored beef kebab wrapped in tender grape leaves served with traditional fish sauce for dipping. YUM! If you love Vietnamese iced coffee they brew it in the traditional way at the table. They also serve various bubble teas!?
(410) 381-3839
9400 Snowden River PkwyColumbia, MD 21045
Baltimore City does have 2 Vietnamese restaurants Mekong Delta and Baltimore Pho.
Baltimore Pho, family run operation are really personable! It has sleek ambiance and a great bar. Their food is good don't get me wrong. The pho is tasty but the broth is slightly too sweet. I still buy their broth by the quarts to freeze for when I have an urgent pho craving! They do skimp on the garnishes. You can ask for more and they will happily serve you but know up front you will want more.
You may find yourself surprised that they serve along side the soup Siracha and Hoison sauces- this always strikes me as odd. I prefer traditional hot, raw chilies, which does come with it.
They specialize in a more modern set up and beautifully presented food. Try the whole fish with garlic and chilies. The restaurant is very clean. They can accommodate large parties. They accept credit cards and offer take out. You can find them on Open Table.
Due to their somewhat sketchy location, don't leave anything out in view in your car.
1114 Hollins Street
Baltimore, MD 21223-2554
(410) 752-4746
Mekong Delta is also a tiny family run operation. It is inexpensive and BYOB; a rarity in Baltimore.
Service though friendly often can take quite some time to wait on you if the place is full. They tend to serve 1 table at a time. Literally - serve 1 table until their food comes out and then will approach you for your drink order. Can be very frustrating. They do offer carry out!
The pho broth is rather dark and more meaty flavored here. The one thing you will notice is the well done brisket is like having thin pot roast in your soup. Very flavorful and tender -melts in your mouth. The Bun dishes are accurately prepared but you have to make sure you ask for bun (noodles) vs. com (rice) because sometimes it is served with com (rice). They do offer the Vietnamese pancake which I have yet to try.
Their location is also located in a tricky spot. Weekends and later evenings can make it easier to find street parking. You will have to pay to park accept possibly on Sundays.
Last time I was there they still accepted cash only and do not take reservations.
Call ahead as the owners recently took a vacation for about a month and were closed until July 14th.
105 West Saratoga Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-4208
(410) 244-8677
ALE MARY'S BAR & GRILL - FELL'S POINT
Combining Nostalgia, Comfort, Indulgence & "Sinful" Humor!
Ale Mary's Weekend Brunch features the quintessential Baltimore drink special of $3 mimosa or bloody Mary along with what you would expect- eggs, toast, potatoes, sausage, bacon etc....
However, what one would not expect is how these typical breakfast items are paired and presented.
How often do you get to enjoy your sausage, egg and cheese sandwich held together by
HONEY GLAZED DONUTS?
Sure you can make your own omelette, enjoy steak & eggs, eggs bene
Ready for a nap yet?
If you prefer something sweet instead of the savory decadence above - they are now offering a Bananas Fosters Stuffed (Vanilla cream cheese) French Toast (Meyer's Rum Syrup).
The latest edition to the brunch menu - I will not spoil the surprise but will just say it involves the usual suspects (eggs, cheese, lettuce etc...) & Doritos!
Still not satisfied?
During brunch hours they do offer their ~16 different sandwiches, pizzas, tot varieties and appetizers.
As you would imagine the appetizer section is not for the weak hearted - literally, if you are medication for your blood pressure or heart - you may want to stick to the Ahi tuna bites with portabella chutney & light wasabi cucumber dressing or Charm City Shrimp - with Baltimore's finest - Natty Boh & Old Bay!
But, if you are willing to throw back to a 70's cocktail party try these apps:
The Reuben Dip served in a bread bowl - imagine a whipped version of a Reuben sandwich but in a shmear!
Puffed Pastry Pigs - oh yeah they have pigs in a blanket or puffed pastry that is.
Crab Dip
Sloppy Tots- 3 cheese, Sloppy Joe topped Tater Tots!
Mary's Old School French Onion Soup
Father Louie's Grilled Wings - Old Bay Butter!!
On Tap you will always find at least one of our local Brewer's Art beers as well as many unique finds which do rotate to keep you enjoying seasonal finds like Blueberry!
Check them out!
Open 7 days a week.
Mon- Thurs 4-2am
Fri & Sat 11:30-2am
Sunday 10:20- 2am
Owners are locals from the area with deep roots! Always there slaving away. Look for Mary in the kitchen.
Corner of Fleet & Washington
Fell's Point
Baltimore, MD 21231
410-276-2044
Fell's Point
Baltimore, MD 21231
410-276-2044
