August 22nd, 2012
Before I moved to the Delaware Beaches, I called Baltimore, Maryland, my home. I worked at First National Bank of Maryland in the International Department with Latin America. It was an exciting time for the City of Baltimore….its Inner Harbor was taking shape; lost of building and great expectations. I could see it all from our building which was at the corner of Light & Redwood Streets. It put Baltimore on the map, once again, and a tourist destination began in earnest. It has been 32 years since the inauguration of the Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
So, when I visit Baltimore, I have to tell you that I feel right at home. The City has wonderful neighborhoods; with those neighborhoods come great food, as well.
On Tuesday I found myself in Charm City. After errands, a trip to Historic Fells Point was on my radar. Fells Point was founded in 1730. It became a shipbuilder and commercial center.
The USS Constellation was among the first vessels commissioned for the United States Navy; built in a Fells Point shipyard.
Fells Point was also a major point of entry for immigrants into the U.S.
The Historic District is full of art galleries, shops, bars and restaurants. People were walking around and enjoying one beautiful day.
The cobblestone streets add to the character of one of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore.
A first time stop at Tapas Adela, which is located at 814 Broadway, Fells Point, Baltimore, MD 21231. Tel. 410-534-6262. Website? http://www.tapasadela.com. This restaurant is part of the Kali’s Restaurant Group, located on 1606 Thames St., also in Historic Fells Point. To see their other restaurants, please visit htt://www.kalisrestaurantgroup.com.
Outdoor seating? Of course. It was a gorgeous day. 82 degrees with a light breeze; the harbor was a block away.
Tapas Adela also has indoor seating, at the bar.
And, at a separate dining room.
Jason came to greet us; it was going to be somewhat of a late lunch. Jason knew his menu well and gave us just the right suggestions.
First things first…an order of drinks and refreshments. Iced tea and a Cava Coctel: Poema Cava, blood orange bitters, agave nectar and lemon zest. It looked so pretty that I had to take a picture. It was well received.
Tapas, small plates….the perfect portion. Even before tapas became so popular in this country, I always have enjoyed them. So many dishes to taste. Bread is always present with tapas. Jason presented us with bread, olive oil and some mojo. We were on our way for a few hours of tastings.
An order of Charcuterie: Jamon Serrano, Chorizo Artesano, Salchichon, Lomo, and Fuet. It also came with dates and peppers that were not too hot, but the perfect addition to some salty meats.
An order of Boquerones (white anchovies) came through. These are one of my favorites. They used to be hard to find but I think they are more common at markets. They are mild with a pickled flavor. They are so good on Caesar Salads too.
I can make my own gazpacho, but I do order it when the weather is warm. With tomatoes still so plentiful, it is just a great soup. The Gazpacho a La Plancha had golden and red tomatoes, grilled shrimp and scallop. The gazpacho was perfectly seasoned with just enough vinegar and olive oil. I usually add crab meat to mine; but the grilled shrimp and scallop gave it a different angle.
I had to order the Tortilla Espanola. This is a tradition in Spanish tascas; a must. This was a traditional egg tortilla, with an addition of seasonal veggies and lemon aioli.
Jason told me I would like the Crispy Artichokes. He was right. I loved them. They were the baby ones, with a tempranillo reduction. Tempranillo is a diminutive of temprano or early. A variety of black grapes that ripen early; used to make full bodied red wines in Spain.
Love beets too. I was just in Colorado and their beets there were unreal. Still remembering them, I decided to order the Roasted Beets with Cava de Cabra, Baby Arugula, and an orange saffron vinaigrette. All combinations were excellent.
An order of Pan Seared Diver Scallops with pistachio and sage vinaigrette, accompanied by roasted cauliflower and garlic baby spinach. Perfectly cooked and seasoned.
I was not sure if I really was up for dessert. I will blame AboutMyBeaches for this one. Had to, therefore, I ordered the Crema Catalan, which was like a Creme Brule. It had a citrus taste to it.
And, only one. I only had one….a churro. The order comes with a few more, though. This is also traditionally from Spain. Great with coffee or hot chocolate.
Coffee!! Espresso…The end!!
Tapas are great for generating conversation. Lots of small plates, discussions, you know what I mean, don’t you….it was perfect!!
Talk to you later. Have a good one.
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July 27th, 2011
Taking a walk after such a satisfying meal, on Saturday evening felt good. Susie had found out that the Inn at the Black Olive was just around the corner from The Black Olive. It is owned by the same family. Besides wanting to check out the Inn we wanted to also check the rooftop restaurant called The Olive Room. Looking over the city at that time of the evening was going to be beautiful.
What a surprise!! We were right in front of it. We just could not believe how big it actually was. The address is 803 South Caroline St., Fells Point, MD 21231. Tel. 443-681-6316. The website? www.theblackolive.com.
We went in and noticed that there was a market on the first floor. It is The Agora Market. If you are staying at the Inn at the Black Olive you can get a variety of provisions for your room.
We asked if there was a possibility to see one of the suites. There are only 12 suites in the whole building; 2 on each floor.
The Inn at the Black Olive considers itself the greenest hotel in Baltimore. The Inn provides the most gentle and healthy environment possible for their guests. To see more info. on the green aspects of this Inn, please visit their website www.theblackolive.com.
We entered one of the rooms and each of the rooms is equipped to handle all technology needs using some solar electricity.
The rooms have organic furniture and bedding, olive oil/limestone bath walls, pipeless whirlpool, geothermal radiant heating and cooling. Organic breakfast and complimentary wine selection is available, as well.
The suite that was shown to us was comfortable with a good size bedroom and bathroom.
I cannot say the same thing with the living area. It seemed that the scale of the furniture and art were not in proportion to the size of the room. Something was missing.
Off to the rooftop we went. It is called The Olive room. We did not have dinner there, having just eaten at The Black Olive.
We met Pauline, owner. She was sitting outside and we chatted a bit. Then outside you will experience a brethtaking view of the city.
You can dine or have drinks outside, as well. Really, it is gorgeous.
Inside, the restaurant is well appointed. The menu looked divine with small plates to choose from or regular entrees. You can see the menu on the website above mentioned.
We said our goodbyes with the promise that we would definitely, come back and make an evening of it.
Note: Their website, www.theblackolive.com is a very good and comprehensive one. You will find so much on the history of the area. You will also find what makes this family of restauranteurs and innkeepers tick.
I think that our Saturday evening was over…..spending the day with Susie was…priceless!!
July 27th, 2011
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…
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