I was invited down* to try out the new Tangier’s Bistro Bar and Martini Lounge in Canton which has filled the space of the former Meridian 54 and Red Fish. Tangier’s is owned and operated by Alan Suissa and Kenny Mahil.
As you walk in you are greeted by stylish décor with bright colors like reds and yellows that create a warm and inviting Mediterranean atmosphere. The menu offers rich and diverse French Northern Moroccan cuisine presented in Mezze style (small plates meant for sharing). The recipes used are handed down from several generations and prepared by owner Alan Suissa's mother, Nadia Edery and aunt. Lilian Abitbol.
While gazing over the menu planning what delights to sample first try the Mojito Martini with Grey Goose Vodka, Mojito homemade mix, and dash of house champagne ($10). Mmmmm is the first thought and then enjoy the smoothness of the drink.
Each table is served some pickled carrots and cauliflower to munch and crunch while you peruse the menu and wait for you first dishes. The flavor was unexpected, yet good to the point your munching away and you don't realize you emptied the bowl.
To start off try one of the soups like the Lentil soup which is vegetarian, Moroccan lentils, onions, tomatoes, cumin ($5) or a personal favorite the Harira soup with beef cubes, tomatoes, onions, coriander, saffron, chickpeas, lentils ($5). Both soups were good, however, the flavors that swirled together in the Harira soup will bring you back for more.
From there sample some of the Specialty Mezze. Maybe start with the Briouates Cigars which are crunchy cylinder shaped with “spicy” ground beef ($9). Briouate refers to handmade stuffed envelopes of yufka (pastry made from unleavened dough and rolled into sheets) and then deep-fried a golden-brown. They were in fact a perfect golden-brown with a delightful crunch when you bit into them. The beef was nicely flavored with just the right amount of spice. The second dish was the Parmentiers with golden mashed potato squares with a filling of slow roasted spiced beef and served with some tchouktchouka which is stewed tomatoes, peppers and garlic ($9). These could easily become a comfort food and the tchouktchouka was the crowning glory to it.
In between samplings to wet your whistle try the Sensual White Sangria ($6) and this has to be one of the best sangria I have ever had (even better than the one I make). You may want to go ahead an even order a pitcher ($26).
From there move on to the Seafood, Meat and Poultry Mezze. The first to arrive was the Chicken Tagine with baked chicken wings, Spanish onions, saffron threads, fresh coriander, preserved lemons, and olives. The meat feel right off the bone and was slightly dry but the flavor of the sauce and olives well made up for it (if no one else would have been around I might have just licked the plate clean). We then tried the "bring you back for more/order every time" Fried Fresh Flounder presented in bite size squares and marinated in a traditional “Tsermela” sauce. Honestly words to describe this are hard to come by- the flavor and the texture was oh so yummy! The fish was moist and the sauce was divine. Next was the Kefta Shish Kebab with grilled ground beef seasoned with cumin and fresh parsley ($10). The meat was nicely flavored and moist. The last mezze we tried was the Chicken Bastilla with onions, toasted almonds, coriander, herbs and spices ($10). These little bits of delight we are also topped with confectioners sugar which made them a sweet but yet savory dish for of flavor.
The dessert menu is very limited- one choice- the Assorted Moroccan Pastries Plate ($3 pp). They claim that some of the world’s most sumptuous sweet treats are to be found in the Middle Eastern pastry shops and are filled with fruit or almonds, then fashioned in elaborate shapes, are eaten in small portions, with mint tea. The plate of brightly colored assortments made makes you feel as though you are seated for High Tea at a castle. Each pastrie is handmade by the owner's Aunt and offers a variety or shapes and sizes with honey, coconut, almond paste and dates.
You can not leave with out getting Mint Tea ($2 pp). Mint Tea (Atay bi Nahna ) is the national drink of Morocco. The mint leaves are left to infuse the sweet brew so that the flavor is pronounced. It’s the perfect ending to a outstanding meal since mint is known to sooth the stomach.
The service was impeccable, however, I know some other people dining that night had shaky service (which I will give them credit for still being in a soft open and busy- and they are now officially open). Our waitress was attentive and made sure our drink glasses weren't left empty and was quick to clear plates and replace dishes when the next dishes arrived.
We enjoyed ourselves so much that we are already planning our next visit.
Tangier’s Bistro Bar and Martini Lounge
845 S. Montford Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
410.327.0029
Insider’s Tip: Tangier’s Bistro Bar and Martini Lounge can be found on idine.com (where you can earn benefits for every dollar you spend), you can make you reservations on opentable.com and right now you can purchase $50 worth towards Tangier’s for $25 at Baltimore Half Off
*Note that this tasting was complementary; however, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by the restaurant or a third party.
Comments
Very thorough review. Nice job!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!