Chef E. Michael Reidt and Head Bartender Brendan Dorr of B&O American Brasserie have introduced new additions to the menus for the spring.
I headed down for a tasting* with fellow media to sample some of the new menu items from both the kitchen and the bar.
If you never been when you walk in you are welcomed with contemporary design elements playing off a backdrop of the time-honored architectural features of the original Beaux Arts architecture of the former B&O Railroad headquarters. The feeling is very sophisticated but not pretentious.
The bar menu offers some great new spring inspired drinks such as:
- Modena Market Cocktail, Grey Goose Vodka, White Balsamic Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice, Strawberry and Basil Garnish ($12)
- Chamomile Fizz, Chamomile infused Grey Goose Vodka mixed with Domaine Canton, Lemon-Honey Syrup, Lemon Juice, Egg and Soda Water ($12)
- The Remedy, Ketel One Vodka, Chartreuse, Orange Flower Water, Ginger Syrup and Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice ($10)
- Not new but worth trying is the House made Cola- it doesn’t taste like your normal Pepsi, Coke or even Mexican Coke- it has sweetness mixed with a ginger bite.
If you are looking for new and unique starters try one of these out:
- The “Green” Crunch with Asparagus, Snow Peas, Green Beans, Peas, Chipotle Goat Cheese, Smoked Almonds and a Ginger-Chive Dressing ($11)- not only does the presentation make it appealing so does the crunch of the fresh veggies plus the smoked almonds add a nice twist to the freshness
- Smoked Pork Belly with Banana-Lentil Salad, Crispy Pig Ear and Chili-Caramel ($11)- the mix of the smokiness and banana are a perfect combination to this savory starter
If you are in the mood for flatbread try out on of these spring delights:
- Market Fresh flatbread for spring is topped with Red Bliss Potato, Smoked Ricotta, Farmers’ Egg and Baby Arugula ($9)- this is what a Farmer’s Market would taste like- fresh, earthy and delicious
- Smoked Shrimp flatbread topped with Fava Beans, Asparagus, Red Onion and Parmesan ($12)- the texture combination is perfect and he saltness was defused by the beans and onion
- The new spring menu also offers new skillet items such as the “Kentucky Fried” Sweetbreads with Golden Raisins, Smoked Bacon and Capers ($10)- I am normally not a sweetbread person but will admit I did like these
Now if one of the above new menu items didn’t make your mouth water you should try one of the menu entrée items:
- Salt Cod Crusted Turbot with Creamed Salsify, Mussels and Trumpet Mushrooms ($24)- This was Yummy and cooked perfectly and left me yerning for more
- Seared Rare Tuna with Faro Salad, Spicy Tuna Tartar, Mint and Avocado ($27)- Fresh and full of flavor
- Ricotta Gnocchi with Squash Blossoms, Braised Lettuce and Arugula Pesto ($11/$19)- It is hard to find good Gnocchi that isn’t gummy or leaves a film on your teeth however Chef E. Michael Reidt out did himself on these- they were perfectly cooked and the pesto wasn’t over powering and blended well with the flavor of the Gnocchi
- Smoked Shrimp-Artichoke Ravioli with English Peas and Heirloom Carrots ($14/$21)- I am normally not a ravioli person for reason unknown but I am an artichoke girl- if it has artichokes in it I am sure to love it- the sweetness from the Peas and Heirloom Carrots added to the smokiness of the shrimp
- Crispy Duck Confit with Sous Vide Breast, Chorizo, & Cassoulet ($23)- Duck is one of my favorites and this hit the spot when it melts in your mouth and falls off the bone
Now if spring inspired dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth be sure to sample one of these:
- Mixed Berry Cobbler topped with Whipped Crème Fraîche ($6)- melt in your mouth with a blast of flavor
- Strawberry “Vertically Challenged”(B&O’s politically correct name for “short”cake) with Strawberry Sorbet and Rhubarb ($8)- the short cake was full of flavor
- Chocolate Espresso Tart featuring Coffee Ice Cream ($7)
- Meyer Lemon Bars with Blueberry Marmalade, Candied Citrus and Blueberry Sorbet ($7)- WOW, my grandmother used to make me lemon bars and this brought back so many memories of her- I couldn't get enough of them
Now what would I order when I head back for dinner with my Husband? I am going to start with The “Green” Crunch, then have the Salt Cod Crusted Turbot and end with Meyer Lemon Bars with Blueberry Marmalade (which reminds me of my grandmother and hugging her).
If one of the new spring inspired dishes doesn’t meat your fancy be sure to check out the weekly specials:
- Monday: Not Your Dad’s Mixed Grills $24
- Tuesday: Chipotle BBQ Skillet Meatloaf $19
- Wednesday: Buttermilk Battered Chicken $18
- Thursday: Elysian Fields Lamb Shepherd’s Pie $18
- Friday: Fish-n-Chips with Pea Mash $21
- Saturday: BBQ Beef Short Rib $23
- Sunday Night Supper: Chef’s Inspired Creations $16
Thank you to B & O American Brasserie and the ladies of Profiles Inc.
*Note that this tasting was a complementary media event to share new menu items, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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