Knife and Fork

Patrick Roger Chocolatier

Oh, man.

Now this is chocolate to die for. I'm getting on the next plane for Paris.

Baltimore is Movin' Up, Foodwise

Ah. My beloved Baltimore is going to get a Wegman's, and at least another Trader Joe's.

On a foray out Reisterstown Road yesterday, we saw the Wegman's under construction. We also noted the loss of the Sutton Place Gourmet. This article was a timely find.

We've already been to Wegman's several times, in Northern Virginia. Trust me, shopping there is an EVENT.

Link: MSNBC - Apple of their eyes: Gourmet grocers target Baltimore area.

Taste

Hubby and I tried a new restaurant last night: Taste, in York Road's Belvedere Square. Wonderful! The interior is gorgeous -- sleek, dramatically-lit, done up in red and black, with a distinct midcentury modern feel (architect: woman-owned riley & rohrer llc). I am such a sucker for m-c-m decor.

A Baltimore Sunpaper review notes that executive chef Ann Nault was previously with Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch Resort in Carmel. The food is described as "California cuisine."

I had the neptune spear -- jumbo shrimp, scallops and salmon grilled on a brochette; presented with tarragon sauce . . . accompanied with rice pilaf, asparagus, and broccolini. Hubby had new zealand lamb “pacifica” -- rum soaked rack of lamb cooked to your preference and accompanied with minted demi glace. Both entrees were well presented -- not too large, not too small. I also had a "taste-tini" -- a concoction that had vodka, amaretto, peach, grapefruit juice, and I'm not sure what else.

After dinner we hopped across the street to Grand Cru Wine Bar, for a couple of glasses of wine. I think I pretty much blew my alcohol budget for the entire week.

Taste, 510 E. Belvedere Ave., Belvedere Square, Baltimore, MD 21212-3701, in the former Hess Shoes building. Visit their web site for cool before-and-after photos of the building, then and now.