Taste of Baltimore

A Culinary Journey Through Charm City's Best Flavors

Baltimore, Maryland, boasts an eclectic gastronomic scene that reflects its rich cultural tapestry. From the decadent Maryland crab (What wine goes well with crab?) cakes (how long do cakes last?) to the iconic comfort foods served at local favorites like Taste This, the city's cuisine is a testament to its diverse heritage. Attraction to Baltimore's food scene underpins a vibrant community of foodies, each looking to savor the unique flavors that make this city a culinary destination.

Taste This embodies the spirit of Baltimore's culinary ethos with their dedication to quality and comfort. Established by Dante Davis and Chef Craig Curbean, the eatery has become synonymous with nourishing the local community through their passion for hearty, flavorful dishes. Their claim not just on the city's palate but also its heart highlights the importance of local establishments in defining the food culture of Baltimore.

Through its myriad of dining establishments, Baltimore invites residents and visitors alike to embark on a journey of taste. Whether it is the casual diner seeking solace in a mouthwatering burger or the epicurean in pursuit of an exquisite crab cake, Baltimore's food scene, with places such as Taste This, offers an array of dishes to delight and satisfy any culinary craving.

History and Culture of Baltimore Cuisine

Baltimore, Maryland, located alongside the Chesapeake Bay, offers a culinary tapestry that intertwines deep historical roots with comfort and soul foods. One cannot discuss Baltimore's gastronomic culture without mentioning the renowned Baltimore crab cake, a staple delicacy made from the bay's blue crab meat and seasoned with the local favorite Old Bay seasoning.

Key Elements of Baltimore's Culinary Identity:

• Blue Crabs: Central to local dishes, often steamed or made into crab cakes (What wine goes well with crab cakes?).

• Old Bay Seasoning: A spice blend synonymous with Baltimore's seafood (What wine goes well with seafood?).

Comfort food in Baltimore extends beyond crabs to an array of soul food dishes that are rich in history and taste. These foods, from tender collard greens (how long do collard greens last?) to savory cornbread, resonate with the city's Southern influences and the community's local produce.

Baltimore's Historical Foods in Brief:

• Crab Cakes: A mixture of crab meat, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, and spices, typically broiled or fried without tartar sauce.

• Cornmeal: A component in cornbread and other traditional breads.

• Hominy: A treated maize product, often associated with grits, which reflects Baltimore's adaptation of Southern cooking.

Historically, food in Baltimore has been more than sustenance; it's a narrative of immigration, adaptation, and innovation. For instance, Baltimore's love for hominy and grits can be traced back to a German immigrant who capitalized on local taste by selling steamed hominy. These practices highlight the city's intersection of cultures and the creativity within their culinary space.

While rice isn't indigenous to Baltimore, it has found a place in the city's Southern cooking traditions. This grain is an important side that complements a range of dishes in Baltimore's comfort food scene, from hearty stews to slow-cooked meats.

Iconic Food Establishments

Baltimore boasts a rich culinary heritage, and a visit to its iconic food establishments is a must for any food enthusiast. These time-honored establishments offer a true taste of what the city has to offer.

Faidley’s at Lexington Market

Faidley’s Seafood in Lexington Market stands out as a cornerstone of Baltimore's food scene since 1886. Renowned for its award-winning jumbo lump crab cakes, Faidley's serves up a quintessential Baltimore experience of fresh seafood and local charm.

Thames Street Oyster House

Located in the historic Fells Point neighborhood, Thames Street Oyster House is a beloved destination for seafood lovers. This establishment prides itself on a wide selection of East Coast oysters and traditional Maryland seafood dishes that reflect the fresh bounty of the Chesapeake Bay.

Dylan’s Oyster Cellar in Hampden

In the heart of Hampden, Dylan's Oyster Cellar offers a modern twist on classic seafood fare. With a focus on sustainably sourced oysters and a curated selection of cocktails, Dylan's creates an intimate oyster bar atmosphere that's both refined and inviting.

Taste This Balt

For those craving comfort food with a gourmet edge, Taste This Balt in East Baltimore is the place to go. The eatery garners local acclaim for its soulful flavors, particularly the creative and heartwarming takes on chicken and fish dishes served in an unpretentious setting.

Popular Baltimore Dishes

Baltimore's culinary scene is renowned for its rich seafood tradition and savory delights. The city offers a range of iconic dishes, from the famous Maryland blue crabs to hearty sandwiches (What wine goes well with sandwiches?), reflecting its historical and cultural heritage.

Crab Cakes and Steamed Crabs

Crab cakes are a staple in Baltimore, made from the succulent meat of Maryland blue crabs, and are typically seasoned with Old Bay. Notably, crab cakes are characterized by their golden crust on the outside and tender, flavorful inside. Alongside these cakes, steamed crabs are a convivial dish frequently enjoyed family-style, seasoned liberally and spread out on paper-covered tables.

Common ingredients for Crab Cakes:

• Crab Meat: Maryland blue crab

• Binders: Mayonnaise and eggs

• Add-ins: Bread crumbs, mustard, and seasoning (often Old Bay)

Coddies and Oysters

Baltimoreans have cherished coddies for decades, a simple yet delicious codfish cake that pairs perfectly with the zesty taste of mustard. Locals often consume them between two saltine crackers. On the half shell, oysters present another facet of Baltimore's seafood expertise, drawing patrons whether enjoyed raw, fried, or stewed.

Pit Beef Sandwiches

These sandwiches are a carnivore's delight, featuring thinly sliced, char-grilled beef often served rare or medium rare. Typically found at roadside stands, pit beef sandwiches are a bona fide Baltimore tradition, with the meat usually piled high on a roll and adorned with onions, horseradish, or barbecue sauce.

Lake Trout

Despite its name, Lake Trout isn't trout but rather breaded and fried fish, usually whiting, that's become synonymous with Baltimore's fast-casual dining scene. It's most often served as a sandwich or with a pile of fries, epitomizing simple, straightforward comfort food at its best.

Exploring Local Seafood

Baltimore, known for its vibrant harbor and historic neighborhoods, is also a treasure trove of seafood, offering a rich array of marine flavors that mirror the charm of the city itself. One can't discuss Baltimore's seafood scene without mentioning its iconic steamed crabs, often seasoned with the zesty flavors of Old Bay seasoning. The city prides itself on these sumptuous crustaceans, making them a must-try for visitors.

Crab cakes in Baltimore stand out for their generous lumps of meat and minimal filler, a testament to the area's seafood quality. Each restaurant has its own unique spin, creating a rich diversity of recipes for the dish.

• Steamed Crabs

  • A classic Maryland delicacy

  • Traditionally spiced with Old Bay seasoning

• Crab Cakes

  • Known for minimal filler

  • Each recipe reflects a unique take on this regional favorite

In addition to crabs, Baltimore offers a selection of oysters and a variety of fish including salmon. (What wine goes well with salmon?) Locals and visitors alike savor the taste of oysters from the Chesapeake Bay, raw, roasted, or fried. The city's oyster bars often double as communal hubs where the briny bivalves are the center of attention.

While salmon is not native to the area, many Baltimore chefs source it responsibly, focusing on fresh and flavorful dishes that respect the ingredient's quality.

• Oysters

  • Offered raw, roasted, or fried

  • A staple in local oyster bars

• Salmon

  • Sourced with a focus on sustenance and flavor

  • Featured in a variety of preparations

To experience the full breadth of Baltimore's seafood expertise, places like The Choptank and The Local Oyster come highly recommended. Each establishment contributes its own flair to the city's seafood landscape, drawing in those eager to explore the authentic taste of Baltimore.

Soul Food and Southern Influence

Baltimore's culinary landscape proudly showcases a rich tapestry of flavors, especially in its take on soul food and Southern classics. The city's local eateries serve up hearty, flavorful dishes that are soul-warming and reminiscent of traditional Southern hospitality.

Turkey Wings and Gravy

Known for their tender meat and robust flavor, turkey wings are a soul food staple in Baltimore. Resting in a bed of thick, savory gravy, these wings are slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the spices and herbs to infuse deeply. One can expect a taste that is both comforting and satisfying with each bite.

Collard Greens and Mac and Cheese

A duo that often graces plates in Baltimore's soul food scene is that of collard greens and mac and cheese. The greens, simmered to tender submission, often with a smoky hint from added meat, balance well with the creamy, richness of mac and cheese. This classic pairing delivers both texture and taste that speak to the soul food tradition.

Fried Chicken and Cornbread

It's nearly impossible to discuss Baltimore's Southern influence without mentioning the iconic fried chicken, served golden and crispy, often next to a slice of moist cornbread. The crunchy exterior and juicy interior of the chicken have made it a favorite, while cornbread offers a subtle sweetness that complements the savory profile of the fried poultry.

These dishes represent more than merely food; they are symbols of culture and community, brought to life in Baltimore's vibrant food scene. They capture the essence of soul food and continue to be celebrated for their roots and the rich experiences they provide at the dining table.

Beverages and Bars

The vibrant city of Baltimore, Maryland offers an array of tantalizing beverages, from expertly crafted beers to innovative cocktails and refreshing lemonades. Visitors and locals alike relish in the variety and quality of drinks available across the city's eclectic bars and eateries.

Craft Beers and Local Brews

Baltimore takes pride in its craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and beer bars showcasing local flavors. They're not only a testament to Baltimore's brewing history but also a nod to the rising trends in craft beer production. Eye-catching labels often accompany flavorful brews, ranging from IPAs to stouts and lagers that cater to all tastes.

• Breweries to Visit:

  • Brewer’s Art

  • Heavy Seas Beer

  • Union Craft Brewing

Cocktails and Wine

Cocktail bars in Baltimore stand out for their creativity and the use of high-quality ingredients, with mixologists designing each drink to tell a story. From the Black-Eyed Susan cocktail, a must-try mixture that reflects the spirit of the Preakness Stakes, to modern concoctions, the cocktail offerings are as diverse as the city itself.

• Popular Cocktail Bars:

  • Mr Nice Guy Cocktails

  • Clandestino

For wine enthusiasts, Baltimore hasn't missed a beat. The city presents a selection of wine bars where one can enjoy everything from local vintages to international selections. Each glass promises an opportunity to unwind and indulge in a rich sensory experience.

Baltimore’s Lemonade

Baltimore's lemonade stands as a refreshing classic, particularly during the city's humid summer months. Local eateries and street vendors often put a unique spin on this traditional favorite, whether it's by infusing it with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients or by offering it as a frozen treat.

• Notable Variations:

  • Traditional lemonade with a twist of mint

  • Spiked lemonade for a boozy refreshment

Crafted with care and served with Baltimorean charm, the city's beverages reflect its rich culture and innovation. Whether one is exploring the historic neighborhoods or enjoying the waterfront views, a delightful drink experience is never far.

Menu and Meal Options

The menu at Taste of Baltimore offers an indulgent range of dishes, known to satisfy cravings across brunch (What wine goes well with brunch?), lunch, and dinner. Each mealtime features signature dishes that cater to lovers of Southern cuisine and comfort food.

Brunch Specials

For brunch enthusiasts, the weekend mornings are a treat with Specialty Brunch Plates. Diners can enjoy classics like Chicken and Waffles or venture into the rich flavors of Shrimp and Grits. Side options like biscuits and gravy or home-style potatoes complement the meal perfectly.

Lunch Favorites

The lunch menu serves up comfort on a plate with dishes that are both familiar and hearty. Fried Catfish and Pulled Pork Sandwiches stand out as midday crowd-pleasers. Patrons often pair these with sides like collard greens or a crisp house salad to balance the flavors.

Dinner Selections

As the evening settles in, dinner at Taste of Baltimore becomes an affair of robust flavors and generous portions. The menu features entrees like a savory Smothered Pork Chop or the coveted Maryland Crab Cakes. Alongside these, diners can opt for macaroni and cheese or seasonal vegetables to round out their meal.

Chef’s Recommendations

Baltimore's culinary scene has a reputation for offering a mouthwatering range of cuisines, reflecting the diversity of its community and the expertise of its chefs. Here, you'll find dishes crafted with both tradition and innovation in mind.

Foraged Eatery stands out with Chef Chris Amendola at the helm, where diners can experience the unique flavors of foraged ingredients. Expect the unexpected with seasonal dishes that celebrate the region’s natural bounty.

A local favorite among seafood lovers is the stuffed salmon, an indulgent creation that combines the richness of fresh fish with a variety of savory fillings. This dish embodies the essence of Baltimore's food scene, with its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay influencing its chefs' choices.

Diverse tastes are catered to at establishments like Maggie’s Farm, piloted by Chef Andrew Weinzirl. Here, comfort food meets Maryland staples, offering a balanced menu with options ranging from hearty turkey wings to Maryland crab cakes.

• Stuffed Salmon: Succulent salmon filled with a blend of savory stuffing.

• Turkey Wings: Slow-cooked to perfection, served with bold and flavorful sauces.

Each recipe is a testament to the chefs' dedication to their craft, balancing bold flavors with a careful respect for each ingredient's natural character.

For those seeking recommendations directly from Baltimore's esteemed chefs, a visit to the Best Restaurants Baltimore curated list by Baltimore Magazine provides a treasure trove of culinary insights straight from the city's top kitchens.

Customer Experience

When visiting Taste of Baltimore, customers can expect an immersive experience that revolves around the pillars of dining ambience, service quality, and diverse guest reviews. Each of these components plays a vital role in ensuring visitors leave with a memorable impression.

Dining Ambience

Taste of Baltimore offers an ambience that is a true reflection of the city's heritage and culinary diversity. The furniture and decor vary across locations, providing settings from the cozy and traditional to the modern and sleek. In Federal Hill, diners enjoy the charm of classic Baltimore, surrounded by warm wooden accents and historic brick-lined walls. Meanwhile, waterfront views in Fells Point afford a nautical flair that complements the seafood-centric menus.

Service Quality

Service at Taste of Baltimore is held to a high standard, with emphasis on both efficiency and warmth. Staff training is evident in their attention to detail and commitment to quality. Whether explaining the intricacies of the local cuisine or catering to specific dietary needs, the staff strives to make every encounter positive. This focus on providing high-quality service ensures that guest experiences are consistently excellent, regardless of the location they choose to visit.

Guest Reviews

Guest reviews are a testament to the experiences provided by Taste of Baltimore. Reviews frequently highlight the quality of the culinary offerings and the attentiveness of the service staff. Patrons often note specific locations they visited, which aids future customers in selecting a destination that suits their preferences. For example, visitors to the Taste of Baltimore blog on Facebook detail their gastronomic adventures, capturing the spirit of the city through their culinary experiences.

Takeaway and Delivery Service

Baltimore's culinary scene offers a plethora of takeaway and delivery options, suitable for diverse palates. Food enthusiasts can order online with ease from an assortment of local restaurants to enjoy the Taste of Baltimore from the comfort of their home.

The city's food delivery services include top-rated platforms like Postmates, which provides customers with a broad variety of meal options, from sushi to American comfort food. Those keen on exploring Baltimore's local cuisine can easily navigate the array of menu items available for delivery.

Similarly, Uber Eats delivers Baltimore's favorite dishes, ranging from classic Maryland crab cakes to inventive fusion cuisines. The platform often features options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, delivering to an array of neighborhoods throughout the city.

For individuals with a preference for curated meals and specialty foods, Yelp ratings can guide them to the best food delivery services in Baltimore, highlighting customer reviews and ratings.

Lastly, for those who are on the lookout for eateries that offer takeaway and delivery, Tripadvisor showcases top delivery restaurants, including vegetarian and vegan soul food options. Diners can anticipate a vast selection of eateries offering everything from quick bites to full-course meals.

• Postmates: Sushi, American, Desserts

• Uber Eats: Panini, Greek, Chicken

• Yelp Top Rated: Personal Chef, Organic, Vegan

• Tripadvisor Favorites: Vegan Soul Food, Quick Bites

Through these platforms, Baltimoreans and visitors alike have access to the city's rich tapestry of flavors, all at the click of a button.

Food Fusion and Innovation

Baltimore presents a culinary landscape where tradition marries innovation, especially evident in the food fusion scene. The city's eateries have skillfully integrated Asian culinary traditions with local flavors, creating a dining experience that is both familiar and novel.

Asian Influences in Local Cuisine

The infusion of Asian flavors into Baltimore's food scene brings a taste of Japan and other eastern cuisines to the local palate. Diners can enjoy dishes like egg rolls and fried rice, which have been adopted into numerous menus, often featuring local seafood and seasonings. At The 50 best fusion and Asian fusion restaurants in Baltimore, guests can explore an array of Asian fusion options that highlight the savory spices and cooking techniques of the East, inflected with a distinct Baltimore twist.

Modern Twists on Traditional Dishes

Innovation in Baltimore's food scene doesn't stop at Asian influences; chefs are continuously experimenting with modern takes on traditional dishes. For example, curry chicken, a staple in many cuisines, is reimagined with unconventional spices or paired with locally sourced ingredients, offering a fresh take on the classic. This culinary creativity is not just limited to fine dining. The more casual No 1 Taste spotlights how simple, beloved dishes can be elevated through fusion and inventiveness, ensuring that every bite is both an homage to tradition and a nod to contemporary trends.

Desserts and Confections

Baltimore, known for its rich culinary traditions, offers a variety of sweet endings to delight any palate. Particularly noteworthy are the city's take on bread pudding and the beloved seasonal fruit cobblers that feature local produce.

Baltimore’s Famous Bread Pudding

In Baltimore, bread pudding is elevated to an art form, with decadent sauces and innovative ingredients. It’s a celebrated dessert that can be found in many of the city's esteemed restaurants and bakeries. This comfort dessert doesn't just stick to the traditional; chefs are known to infuse it with local flavors such as Old Bay or even Natty Boh beer, creating a unique taste experience that's both familiar and exciting.

Seasonal Fruit Cobblers

Local connoisseurs of sweets eagerly anticipate the seasonal fruit cobblers that emerge as the months change. Using fruits at their peak, desserts feature combinations like succulent peaches in the summer or tart apples come autumn. These cobblers, often topped with a crisp, buttery crust, are an exquisite showcase of Maryland's seasonal bounties.

Baltimore's offerings of bread pudding and seasonal fruit cobblers are delicious reminders of the city's commitment to its culinary roots while also embracing contemporary twists. These desserts are not just treats; they represent the city's history, its seasons, and its creative spirit.

Seasonal Menus and Fresh Ingredients

Baltimore's culinary scene showcases a commitment to seasonal menus that feature fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Restaurants like Ananda emphasize organic, farm-to-table elements, transforming traditional Indian recipes with a seasonal twist. Fall, for instance, could see the warmth of an organic butternut squash and carrot soup making its way to the table, infused with the savory spices characteristic of Indian cuisine.

Maryland crab cakes stand as a testament to Baltimore's local flavor, utilizing the renowned Maryland blue crab. These delectable patties are bound minimally — allowing the fresh crab meat to shine — often with a hint of Old Bay seasoning for that authentic Baltimore flair.

Here are highlights of what diners might experience across various establishments that honor the seasonal and fresh ethos:

• Fall: Butternut squash soup, spiced apple cider, pumpkin cream cheese swirl bars

• Spring: Grilled asparagus (What wine goes well with grilled asparagus?), strawberry spinach salad, lemon-infused dishes

Incorporating cabbage, a versatile and nutritious vegetable, chefs take pride in reimagining it across seasons — from summer coleslaws to winter stews. Not only does this approach spotlight the produce at its peak but also supports local agriculture and sustainability.

Ultimately, Baltimore’s chefs are continuously crafting creative recipes and menu items, ensuring that the freshest ingredients drive both flavor and dining experience. This dedication to seasonality not only enhances the taste of each dish but also aligns with the values of conscious consumption and community support.

Operating Hours and Location

No. 1 Taste Chinese Restaurant is situated at a prime location in Baltimore, known for its convenient access and enticing menu of authentic Chinese cuisine. Below is the pertinent information regarding its operation schedule and its geographical situation in the city.

Address:

• No. 1 Taste Chinese Restaurant

• 224 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231

Operating Hours:

• Monday: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

• Tuesday: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

• Wednesday: Closed

• Thursday: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

• Friday: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm

• Saturday: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm

• Sunday: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm

This restaurant stands in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, located on the well-known South Broadway. The establishment beckons both local patrons and visitors to the city, proving to be a favored choice for those seeking traditional Chinese dishes within the community. The restaurant emphasizes its fresh ingredients and varying tastes, catering to a wide array of palates.

Patrons should take note that No. 1 Taste Chinese Restaurant remains closed on Wednesdays, with hours extending later into the evening on Friday through Sunday, catering to the weekend crowd. It is recommended for individuals to check the restaurant's official website for the most current hours and for potential changes to the schedule.