We started off the month at #18, Birroteca, located off the beaten path in Hampden, right between Roosevelt and Druid Hill Parks. Off the beaten path in Baltimore = parking lot, which is always a plus in my book! I will also note that they have a location in Bel Air.
The building/atmosphere was casual, yet, sophisticated! They have a bar area with high-top tables, a more formal dining area, and outdoor seating.
We started off with some delicious cocktails, beer, and wine from their lengthy list of offerings.
We also indulged in some tasty appetizers; shared and sampled by all!
Some were more adventurous with their dinner selections, and some could not resist the Artisan Pizza that Birroteca is known for.
No complaints! Would definitely recommend this one!
In addition to our July Monday Meal, Restaurant week also kicked off in July, starting on the 22nd, and now actually extended through August 7th.
Our first restaurant week stop was brunch at Encantada for a friend's birthday. Encantada is not on our list, but we had heard lots about it leading up to our brunch, so thought it was worth a review. Encantada is located w/in the Visionary Arts museum, so while the atmosphere and the company was great, I am sorry to say, this was not one of our favorites.
Firstly, we were bummed to find out that either the whole table had to participate in the restaurant week offerings, or no one could. Secondly, they offer a bottomless bloody mary/mimosa deal, but you have to stick with one or the other, you can not switch between the two ... odd, since the bottomless price for either is the same. Thirdly, we were charged $25 for the restaurant week deal as opposed to the $20 advertised.
The food was interesting, and definitely different than typical brunch offerings, but while some in our group thoroughly enjoyed their meals, others were not overly impressed.
First course:
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| Everyone who ordered the Greek Yogurt Bowl received a different selection of fruit (this could be viewed as a + or - depending on the fruit you received). |
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| Nashville Cauliflower, for brunch. |
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| Brussels Sprouts for brunch. |
Second Course:
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| Tofu Benedict |
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| Chicken 'n' Toast. |
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| Egg White Omelette |
Third Course:
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| Raw Chocolate Cake |
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| Chia Seed Pudding |
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| Raw Carrot Cake |
The second restaurant we tried for restaurant week was #5, Jack's Bistro ... as always, we try to knock out some of the highest-rated restaurants when there is a deal!
On first impression, Jack's bistro was small, and cramped, and hectic, and uncomfortably warm, however, the food blew us away, and on that note, I would highly recommend! Jack's is located in Canton, but not right in the heart! I don't think they usually take reservations, which can make getting in complicated, but they did accept reservations for restaurant week ... WIN! Plus, since it was restaurant week, we got the most bang for our buck and got to try quite a selection of their offerings.
I think the pictures speak for themselves, so I'll leave you with that!
Course 1:
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| Hickory Smoked Tater Tots |
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| Spicy Somboon Style New Zealand Green Lip Mussels |
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| MAC + CHEESE + CHOCOLATE |
Course 2:
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| Bohdi Dal |
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| Malaysian Laksa |
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| Lamb Pasta |
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| Bistro Crab Cake |
Course 3:
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| Apple + Cinnamon Bread Pudding |
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| Apple + Cinnamon Cheesecake |
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| Fried S'more |
I think we'll take a break for the month of August, but will return to the list in September, most likely with #17 Thames Street Oyster House.
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