On Friday November 7th, 2008, I met up with two friends at Tapas Teatro. We started off the evening with red wine and sangria. Bread, oil, olives, and pickles were brought to the table. Some of our selection included: monkfish medallions wrapped in a prosciuitto topped on artichoke hearts drizzled with a spicy oil, marinara and bread, baked potatoes in a cream sauce, and Gulf Shrimp swimming in a garlic butter. Throughout the light bites we viewed pictures from my friend's fall wedding in October 2008. The wedding took place at The Belvedere in the Charles room. It was quite an exquisite affair; I was a part of the bridal party.

After light bites, we drove up to the Johns Hopkins Campus to the ROTC building off of San Martin Drive for ballroom dancing. The lesson started at 8 PM. We learned the tango, the waltz, the electric slide, and the Achy Breaky Heart line dance. As I picked up the waltz and tango (one goes T A N G O to keep count with the steps), some of my partners unveiled more complex steps. Of course our instructor named a few. I felt special as I was a part of these more complex moves, I could be led by the gentleman and share in the experience of dancing. One feels graceful and accomplished when truly dancing the dance.

Overall, I'd go again. Where else can you learn dancing for free every Friday at 8 PM and from an event that is 20 years and counting?

Dining for Life

Thanks to Baltimore Snacker!

Dining out for Life will be on Thursday, September 18th. Some restaurants have elected to donate up to 50% of profits to local HIV/AIDS charities.

Brewer's Art and Chameleon Cafe are on the top of my list for now.

Any other suggestions?

Georges in Mt. Vernon

On Thursday evening, July 31st, I enjoyed a quiet night at George's in Mt. Vernon. The restaurant is at the corner of Monument and Cathedral. I was able to get street parking less than two blocks away.

The walls of the restaurant were a deep mahogany color, while the floors of the hotel were an old aged marble. The dinner tables were made of marble, and most people sat outside enjoying their dinner.

Unlike Aldo's, the pairing of textures and flavors were more interesting. The ambiance was a simple sophisticated relaxed-ness. Good and innovative American food was the main draw. The service was much more attentive.

First appetizer: Smoky flavored black bean soup with lime and cilantro
Main Course: Espresso, chile, cocoa powder rubbed sirloin (rare) with a blackberry sauce on rice and summer vegetables
Dessert: Godiva flourless thinly sliced chocolate cake

Accompaniment: House Cabernet Savignon

Sometimes an unpretentious air adds so much more to the dining experience. The wine was also reasonably priced, portions sizable, and flavors interesting.

The Zodiac is Closing Tonight!

I have just learned via the Baltimore Snacker that the Zodiac is closing tonight.

After twelve years, the owner has decided its time to close the restaurant. Glad I heard about this!

Aldo's in Little Italy

On Wednesday, July 30, I enjoyed an exquisite dinner with friends at Aldo's Ristorante Italiano in Little Italy in Baltimore, MD. Aldo's is one of the highest rated Zagat restaurants in Maryland. The website boasts beautiful pictures and I've always heard good things about the restaurant.

Baltimorerestweek.com posted Aldo's menu for the fix price dinner and Aldo's offered up stuffed Amish chicken with mashed potatoes, penne pasta with eggplant, seared beef tenderloin, and line caught pomfret with summer vegetables and couscous. Two desserts; a strawberry shortcake and a vanilla custard with peach sauce were offered. I decided upon the beef tenderloin on arugula encrusted in sea salt, with the ahi tuna loin as appetizer and vanilla custard for dessert. To enhance the flavors, I ordered a Cabernet for the beef. My two friends got the Amish Chicken with mashed potatoes and Chardonnay and the penne pasta with tomato sauce, roasted eggplant, softly spreadable ricotta and a Pino Grigio.

The words to describe the dinner were sublime. Aldo's considers the diner's experience to be paramount and great attention was placed on pairing flavors of vegetables, meats, seasonings, and even down to the texture of the food. The food came in slow succession, however the server made up for it with a complimentary restaurant mixed drink of limoncello with cream. The after dinner cordial was very tart and pleasing to the senses.

However the words to describe the ambiance was interesting...the dining hall was beautiful and serene with low lighting. The seating was plush. A table sitting next to us used sailor like language all evening culminating in one lady's shocked gasp. It appeared that many drinks were enjoyed. Rising from the table the loudest gentleman knocked his chair upon the ground and into his neighbor's table. As he apologized, he recognized the unfortunate diner who was victim to his flying chair.

All in all, the overall experience was pleasant and memorable.

Top 3 for Restaurant Week

Baltimore Restaurant Week is finally here, starting this fine Saturday evening and running until August 3rd. Most assuredly, the restaurants will be brimming full of diners on this twice a year treat (Restaurant Week is in the winter too). From the website, I've whittled my top 3 down to this:

George's in Mt. Vernon

Petit Louis Bistro on Roland Avenue

and Aldo's in Little Italy

George's by far had the most innovative menu from my brief research, and I've always wanted to try Aldo's and Petit Louis Bistro. I must say that I am sad to not see Kali's Court participating this year. Still the participation is good and hopefully many satisfied diners will leave truly satiated and stuffed.

Baltimore Restaurant Week

Via Adventures in Baltimore Restaurants, I learned that Baltimore Restaurant Week is coming to Baltimore from July 26th to August 3rd!

Baltimore Restaurant Week occurs twice a year, once in July and and once in January as a way to encourage dining out at local establishments. For a reasonable price, you can try out a new restaurant. Its always best to reserve as early as you can and call the restaurant to confirm the menu.

The participation list of restaurants is already posted on the website. And below is my wish list. I'll make final cuts as menus are posted.

Georges on Mt. Vernon Square
VIN
The Black Olive
The Brass Elephant
Brasserie Tatin
Kali's Court Restaurant
Roy's Hawaiian Fusion
The Wine Market