#2 The Food Market

So, last night, we took advantage of it being Restaurant Week and checked off the #2 ranked restaurant on the top 50 list ... The Food Market in Hampden.  I had been wanting to try this restaurant for quite some time, so I was really excited to skip ahead and check it out!

Upon arrival, some of the group took advantage of the complementary valet parking, and coat check ... nice amenities you don't get just anywhere!  The interior had an industrial feel, but in my expert opinion, they did a great job of warming it up with lighting and accessories.  We've noticed that quite a few of the top restaurants display and sell collections of local artist's work in the dining area, The Food Market included, which I think is pretty neat, and something interesting to take in and discuss.
 
Unfortunately this restaurant does not take reservations for parties more than 6, so we had to make two reservations and sit at two separate tables, but that wasn't really a big deal, and they did seat us at tables that were somewhat close to each other.  Also, I will mention that it was quite loud in the dining space, so at times it was hard to hear all of the conversation, especially with a large group.  Those things mentioned, as far as drawbacks go, are definitely not things that would prevent me from going back.

For those who aren't familiar with Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer $15 two-course lunches, and $20 or $30 three-course dinners - some of us participated in the restaurant week special, and others ordered off the regular menu.  The waitress told us that they are known for their Amish soft pretzels and bread pudding, so both were sampled and enjoyed by the group.  Everything else was pretty delicious as well ... see for yourself ...

Heath Bar Bread Pudding

Celery Root Soup

Lobster Mac & Cheese

Sliced Cream

Peanut Butter Pie

Pork Albondigas

Tommy's Chickpea Potpie

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Wrapped Scallops

Street Tacos

Seared Tuna

Brown Sugar Pork Belly

Next up was supposed to be #42 Mr. Rain's Fun House, but it is no longer in operation, so #41 Langermann's it is!

#43 Tapas Teatro

We were slow to start with the Monday Meals in the New Year, but we're back on track!  This past Friday we tried #43 on the list, Tapas Teatro, located in Charles North.  This restaurant is not open on Mondays, and they also don't accept reservations, so in hindsight, Friday night was probably not the best night to choose for a semi-large group.  When we got to the Restaurant we were told it would be an hour wait, so we went next door to Pen and Quill, where none of us had been before, for drinks and appetizers!  This worked out really well, Pen and Quill had a great atmosphere and the drinks and apps we had were really good!  We all agreed we'd like to go back for dinner sometime.

When we returned to Tapas Teatro after an hour, they still didn't have a table available, so we waited in the theater next door for what seemed like another hour - not a great first impression.  Towards the end of our wait however, they did offer us a free pitcher of sangria (which was so delicious we ordered another when we finally got to our table) and a variety of olives, that was pretty much all it took to improve the attitude of the group!

We were eventually seated, and the experience from then on was great!  The atmosphere is cool and cozy, the artwork for sale on the wall was quite unique and provided interesting conversation, and the wait staff was great, just what you'd expect at a top 50 restaurant!  

As we finished our first pitcher of sangria and the olives, bread and a delicious dipping oil was brought to the table, and shortly after, our tapas started to arrive!  We all ordered a couple tapas and shared and sampled, and left satisfied, not sill hungry which is sometimes a concern with tapas (see portions below).  There were absolutely no complaints, everything was delicious, and we all decided that the wait was worth it!

Bistec a la Brasa

Brussels Sprouts

 Cana de Cabra

 Costillas de Cordero

 Croquetas

 Empanada

 Huevos de Cordoniz y Chorizo

 Pechuga de Pollo

 Salmon

Next up on the list is #42 Mr. Rain's Fun House, but I think we may take advantage of restaurant week and sneak in one of the highest ranked restaurants before March ... stay tuned!