July 27th, 2011
The Black Olive, Mediterranean Cuisine, Restaurant, Review, Historic Fells Point, Authentic Organic Greek Cuisine, Baltimore, Maryland
I was looking forward to again visiting The Black Olive. It has been a couple of years since my sister in law, Susie, introduced me to this Mediterranean restaurant, whose specialty is fresh fish. The Black Olive is also organic using the best ingredients found in the area.
The Black Olive is located at 814 South Bond St., Fells Point, MD 21231. Tel. 410-276-7141. Website? www.theblackolive.com. It is also located in the Historic neighborhood of Fells Point.
Walking out and about in Fells Point is such a treat; the cobblestones adding to the charm of this neighborhood that dates back to 1726 and famous for its maritime port. The streets are narrow; the row houses are so quaint and the aroma emanating from restaurants and bakeries is intoxicating. You can get to Fells Point by car, water taxi from the Inner Harbor, freeway and several bus lines.
We were going to be early birds. Hot early birds since we had been sightseeing Charm City and summer in the city was, well, suffocating.
It was, actually, a good time to arrive at The Black Olive because since it was only 6 p.m., the restaurant was not crowded by any means. I could take pictures.
The Black Olive is as quaint outside as it is inside. It is divided in smaller dining areas which is conducive to intimate dinners. I noticed that a new patio, also for dining, has been added since the last time I was there.
It was funny because I knew what I was going to have for dinner the moment I was en route to The Black Olive. If they had Bronzini, that was going to be my choice. This is a Mediterranean Seabass that is also known as Lavraki, or Loup de Mare. It feeds on shrimp, which comes through in its taste. It is also a little flaky, but firm in texture. You see? I had it all planned out. The rest of my dinner would be just an enhancement to my main dish.
Susie and I were the first people seated in a light and open room in the back of the restaurant.
Immeditely, an order of black olive bread, black olives and olive oil for dipping arrived at our table. We were hungry and the bread was thick and crusty; the rest? Delicious.
They asked us if we wanted to tour the fish of the day display. You can tour the display and ask questions. We knew what we wanted so we just stayed at our table checking out the rest of the menu.
We first started with fresh sardines wrapped in grape leaves and brushed with olive oil; perfectly grilled. I had never had this combination and certainly would have it again. Delicously salty they were.
I have my husband, kids and some friends trained on waiting for me to take pictures of the various dishes. Susie was talking longer to train.
Then, we both chose the soup of the day; cold cream of cucumber soup. It was thick, and very refreshing; ice cubes topped the soup.
Susie decided to also have a mixed green salad with a lot of arugula and goat cheese. It had just a touch of aged balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
She chose the Rockfish dusted with corn meal and pan sauteed. It was a good size piece of fish; the crust was nice and crispy and the fish was moist and perfectly seasoned. The main entree came with the vegetable of the day which was Swiss Chard, braised and sauteed with garlic and olive oil.
My entree, which you already know, was the Bronzini. The fish was cooked whole and I chose for it to be filleted tableside. I have had Bronzini several times lately; hands down, this one has been the best. Flaky, firm and moist.
We also chose to have both fish entrees drizzled with their sauce of a simple black olive fish sauce.
As the evening progressed, the restaurant was getting more crowded and some of the fellow diners congratulated Susie when they saw her dessert arrive. It was her birthday; compliments of the house. She got a treat of homemade ice cream with berries and a candle. Thank God, no singing or any other celebratory displays.
We were not finished yet. I saw on the menu that they had a homemade Blaklava Ice Cream, which they have patented. How could I leave The Black Olive without trying my downfall? We ordered a tiny scoop for both of us.
The Blaklava Ice Cream was full of the blaklava chips, creamy, but not overly sweet.
I almost forgot to tell you that the service was very good. Prompt, attentive but discreet. The waitress knowing her menu well.
We had to take a walk and ended at one of the many piers, just down the street from the restaurant. A nice evening indeed. You charmed me, Baltimore.
Cleaning the Harbor
Next?…checking the Inn at the Black Olive and The Olive Room….yes, they are related to The Black Olive…all in Fells Point…
Tags: Baltimore, Charm City, Fells Point, Full Bar, Maryland, Mediterranean Cuisine, Organic Greek Food, Restaurant, review, The Black Olive
