July 27th, 2012

Bluegrass Tavern, Federal Hill, Restaurant, American & Southern Cooking, Charcuterie, Review, Bourbons, Baltimore, Maryland, B’more Restaurant Week, 7/27/12 – 8/5/12

Some went to the ball game and others decided to try one of the many restaurants in downtown Baltimore.  Baltimore did win on Thursday and the city was crowded.

My sister in law is always looking for those special restaurants; the ones that are unique.  In Baltimore, you will find interesting ones.  The city is known for its diverse culinary atmosphere.  So, when I stopped at her house and she told me that there was a restaurant in Federal Hill called Bluegrass, I was ready.  Having traveled from Rehoboth, I was already hungry.

Another friend, Peggy, joined us.  Federal Hill was home to her many years ago before it became a trendy neighborhood.  I was in good hands.

Bluegrass Tavern (Bluegrass) is located at 1500 S. Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21230.  Tel. 410-244-5101.  Website? http://www.bluegrasstavern.com.  General Manager is Kelli Kulnich.  Monday is the only day they close.  Reservations are accepted.

The Executive Chef is Ray Kumm.  His culinary path has taken him from Basserie Tatin, to Sotto Sopra, to Alizee, and a final stop at Bluegrass Tavern, where the cuisine is categorized as American and Southern cooking.

Federal Hill is just a few blocks from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.  A neighborhood with shops, restaurants, taverns, boutiques and galleries.  Some call it SoBo (South Baltimore).  In the historic district, many of its buildings are included in the National Register of Historic places.  Federal Hill is very conveniently situated.  Close to I-95, I-395, the Baltimore Washington Parkway, and to Charles and Light Streets.

We arrived around 2 p.m.; a late lunch.  Bluegrass has al fresco dining; not on such a hot summer day.  It would have to be another time.

We met Kelly Kulnich, the General Manager.  She proceeded to take us to our table.  Hank would be our server.

The restaurants has 2 floors; both with full bars.  Bluegrass’ pride is the ability to perfectly pair their delicious food with drinks.  A specialty of the Tavern is the focus on America’s finest Bourbons.  Beers from local breweries are on the board and on the menu.

Charcuterie is the art of making sausages and other cured, smoked and preserved meats.  It takes time but in the hands of an expert….haven!!  Bluegrass has an array of charcuteries.

The restaurant is warm and cozy.  Definitely, a neighborhood restaurant.

Bar on the first floor.

Bar on the second floor.

A few drinks were ordered, including a Bluegrass Pale Ale from Heavy Seas Brewery.

A couple of appetizers:

Kolrhabi Vicchysoisse – with lemon verbena garnished with crispy forest mushrooms.  This cold soup was so amazing.  A must if you are visiting Bluegrass.  Light and smooth; vegan too.

Beet Carpaccio – I love beets and these ones were gorgeous and tasted just as good as they looked.  Served with smoked sable, pickled fennel and an orange vinaigrette.

For lunch we ordered:

Corn “Risotto” – grilled welsh onions, fresh sheep’s milk cheese, bursted baby heirloom tomatoes.  We all tasted it and it was awesome; we did not want it to end.  It is a very popular dish at Bluegrass.  Gluten free!!

Bacon Avocado Sandwich with roasted peppers, escarole and chips.  So gorgeous and Peggy loved it.  A generous portion and very reasonably priced. We opened the sandwich so you could see how beautiful it was.

Mine was the Smoked Fried Chicken Sandwich with crystal hot sauce aioli, pickled red cabbage and fries.  What a treat!!  Very well seasoned and my taste buds were dancing happily. Again, we opened it.

Dessert:

I hardly ever order dessert.  It seems that I am usually satisfied.  But, we had to order something.  A dessert to share.

I decided on the Olive Oil Cake…..just as I was saying that I was not a cake lover, the cake arrived.  It was the best ever!!  Moist, and just yummy.  Gran marnier glaze, brown sugar chantilly, candied orange zest.  Truly delicious!!

Our server, Hank, was extremely courteous, knew his menu well, and let us talk and talk.

Bluegrass gives back to the community that has accepted them so well.  Each month they choose a charity or organization and donate 10% of the total gross earnings for just that day.

The Tavern is holding events and specials every week.  Please check the website or the board at the restaurant.

Until Sunday, August 5th B’more is holding Restaurant Week.  The opportunity to try all kinds of restaurants in Downtown Baltimore at a fraction of the price.  Bluegrass is one of such participating restaurants and you can check what they are serving by visiting their website.

To see the participating restaurants, please visit http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com.

So….when in Charm City, please stop by.  I cannot wait to have dinner!!

Have a great day.  Talk to you later.