eblood's Profile
Best Tres Leches Cake in the area?
My friend is Columbian and I've had her mom's tres leches...so I've had the real thing, and believe it or not my favorite is at Blue Agave in Baltimore.
Concert at Myerhoff and Dinner at ??? for Birthday
Ok, I know that your birthday is long over, but I went to Abacrombie's this past Saturday and thought I'd leave a post incase anyone does a search. They are under new ownership now- a quartet(I think) of owners comprised of the owner of Cork's, and two students of the Cindy Wolf camp, Pazo and Charleston, and a fourth, whom I can't identify. Let me first say that the place is no longer overly formal or devoid of sound. Quite the contrary, Abacrombies now in classic Baltimore style uses its staff's Ipods for background music. Those with more mainstream music tastes may not like this, but for me, feasting on duck confit while listening to Neutral Milk Hotel was blissful, if not heavenly. For those with more traditional tastes, don't worry they also played the Beatles, and never at a offensive volume. It in fact, this "touch" reminds me of some of the quaint bistros you find in SoHo or Brooklyn. The decor however, is not quite as hip, its pale color scheme still rocking 50's mirrored and gold paneling. Oh well, you can't have it all.
Back to the food...and budget. I did a 3 course Pris Fixe for $60 WITH wine pairings. (first the music, now this??) I gave my wife the app of shrimp cocktail that came with 3 sauces, which I'll do my best to recall..chili lime, cocktail and a rose water concoction I believe. The shrimp were more like "prawns" that you get in Europe, head included. I had the white anchovies instead, which were quite tasty in tomatoes, basil and capers. For dinner my wife got the fried Pompano with blue crab and browned butter. The fish was perfectly tender and flakey with a light cornmeal breading that was just enough to hold all that blue crab and brown butter in place, so that every bite delivered the perfect bite. I had the duck confit, which was cooked to classic perfection. The highlight was actually the baby carrots and pureed parsnips (who doesn't love those!) which were perfect for a chilly evening. We shared the dark chocolate banana cake and huckleberry shortcake for desert. I have to say, these were not quite as spectacular, although certainly nothing that will keep me from a second visit. I have a feeling this place will continue to get better...but please, no improvement on the music necessary!
Greensburg/Jeanette
I'm in the area for the weekend. I know this could be a stretch, but is there anything worth checking out for dinner? I don't have high city-like expectations, just something above average for the area?
Balsamic Vinegar in Baltimore?
DiPasqualie's would be my first try, but also check out Chesapeake Wine in the Can Company. I believe they carry DOC (or whatever the acronym is for such) Balsamic Vinegar.
Dessert Recommendations in Baltimore
I have to weigh in on Vaccarro's. I would NOT suggest going there. I made the mistake of eating dessert at the one on Canton square last weekend and it was terrible. For one, don't go thinking you'll find authentic Italian desserts. The gelato was grainy as if it was freezer burned. I had a “Napoleon” which was basically a stack of dried out pastry dough (probably from Cisco) with some ok crème in the middle, and weak, very non European milk chocolate.
Maybe the one in Little Italy is better, but I’d go with one of the other suggestions, especially Charleston’s bar.
New Canton Restaurant - Sauté?
I just tried Saute' for the first time last night and thought I'd weigh in. First off, I would say its definitely kid friendly. The space is split in half, with a bar on one side that provides plenty of noise so any moderately behaved kid will blend right in to the buzz of the restaurant. To me this is huge...you parents know what I'm talking about!
On to the food. My wife and I split the cornmeal fried oysters which were plump and subtle in flavor. She followed with the burger with a zesty tomato jam, which was very good. I just crushed her uneaten half this morning! I had the whole crispy trout with goat cheese gnocchi and artichokes. The fish itself was cooked perfectly, but I was a little disappointed with the overly subtle hint of goat cheese in the gnocchi. In fact, I'll just say it- I didn't taste goat cheese at all! The reviewer above however, will be pleased to know that they've added marinated fennel to the dish as he requested! In all the dish was still very good, just not mind blowing. For the price, at 22 bucks, I can live with that.
The most disappointing thing about Saute’ is their wine list. Its pretty pedestrian with lots of California and Australian’s that we’ve all seen before. The white wine list had way too much Chardonnay and practically nothing French, Spanish, Portuguese…you get the point. I know that these guys are capable of better wine lists based on their restaurants in Rehoboth, so I’m not sure why they’re holding back on us. Come on guys, people with good taste do live in Canton!
Delivery in Canton/Fells
Can anyone suggest some good places that deliver? I basically order from one of 3 places- Ding How, Tijuana Tacos (which is the bomb), and occasionally Kislings for their wings. There has to be somethign else out there, right?
Chameleon Cafe- Kid Friendly?
Its been a year since I've been there, but I don't remember it being overly stuffy. I would take my 3 year old there. Not sure she's ready for Frog Legs yet though!
Help with somewhere to eat after BWI Pick-up
Canton and Federal Hill are easily accessed from 95. You'd have a ton of choices in Federal Hill but it will be mobbed with people. For convenience try Jack's Bistro in Canton. It's not in the square so parking shouldn't be too bad. They've got a good mix of upscale bar food and dinner entrees. My wife loves the burger, but my favorite is the Duck Confit.
Jack's Bistro
3123 Elliott St
Baltimore, MD 21224
New Canton Restaurant - Sauté?
Does anyone know if its kid friendly? Keeping in mind that I take my 3 yr old to Jack's and I consider that "kid friendly".
Baltimore questions...The Helmand?
I second Scarlet Starlet, although I have to wonder where she's had a better breakfast than Blue Moon? IMO, Blue Moon is worth a cab ride. The only time you can eat there without a 2 hour wait is in the middle of the week or after midnight on the weekends. I would never suggest this by the way as the food is too good to waste while in a blackout. Their biscuits are like pillows and the cinimon buns sublime. Definitely don't skip out on it. Try and plan some sort of workout though, becasue you will end up in a food coma otherwise.
Soft Shelled Crabs at Restaurant...
I agree that Asian styles are the tastiest, but for traditional try Cafe Hon in Baltimore. They're a special so you'd want to call ahead and make sure they have them. If you go make sure to get their salad and bread pudding for desert. I grew up on the eastern shore, and this is the closest cooking to my grandmother's I can find!
Bmore: El Taquito vs. Tortilleria
I've got a kid, so fellow "take out'ers" should check out Tijuana Tacos also on Eastern in Fells. It might be the best delivery in town, period. Their Tacos Al Pastor are slammin' as are the Chili Rellenos. Equally as good are the enchilladas with any of the 3 sauces, although I think the rojo is the best. Beware, I think the owner does the deliveries, so if he's not there to take your order, you'll have to get by with your best Spanish!
