Thinking back... This whole adventure started just before Jen's wedding when Julia wanted to take Jen out since she would not be able to attend the wedding or the preceding festivities. The adventure started at Grand Cru in Belvedere Square. There, Jen enjoyed the Riesling which was carefully selected for her along with the 'Bubbly Comparison' which consisted of a Champagne (Rose at that!), Prosecco and Cava. As far as food, Grand Cru offers their Tartes Flambees, which is a fancy way of saying, 'flatbread pizzas'. Jen ordered the Grantinee which blended the flavors of Dijon Mustard and Gruyere cheese. Julia enjoyed the 'Natural' with creme fraiche, onion, and lardons.
To end the evening, Julia introduced Jen to the wonderful world of Ice Wines.
It was at Grand Cru that Jen and Julia decided to start getting together once a month for a wine night, not just to get away from the guys, but to also catch up on life and enjoy good wine and good food while at it. It was decided that they would start in January, after the holiday rush around.
January's visit - The Wine Market
It was during Baltimore's Restaurant Week that Jen and Julia decided to try out The Wine Market. Jen started off with the wine selection, Bex - Riesling. With selecting from the prix fix menu, the appetizer, entree and dessert were not regular menu items, and Jen really doesn't remember what she had, other than the portion sizes were perfect for each course, and she left satisfied, not stuffed.
Similarly, Julia also chose items from the prixe fix restaurant week menu and the selections are not on the regular menu. She remembers that they were excellent, however. She had a Sauvignon Blanc from the Green&Red Vineyards.
The staff here was friendly, ready to answer any questions. If they didn't know the answer they found someone who did.
Again, Julia induced Jen to another Ice Wine, which did need to be purchased along with a cork fee ( a reasonable $9.00).
February - Corks
Being in a slight time crunch when arriving to Corks, there was little wait time. Again Jen enjoyed a glass of Bex Riesling and for her meal a wedge salad, and steamed mussels. Julia enjoyed the grilled brie and apple sandwich with her wine selection of Fox Brook Chardonnary. Along with ordering dessert of chocolate mousse... Jen and Julia received a puzzling look when asked about an ice wine. The waitress asked what it was. When we explained the waitress said that she hadn't never heard of them...and still didn't appear clear on what was available in terms of dessert wine. The waitress thought we were talking about a port which we did say we were not. Julia asked if the had sweet dessert wines-perhaps a white port? When promised that they had a dessert wine that was not a red port, Jen and Julia thought to give it a try. Upon receiving, it indeed was a red port (Ficklin Tawny). This was a very acidic port, one which we made a mental note of never to order again.
The food was excellent. The server much less impressive.
www.grandcrubaltimore.com
http://www.the-wine-market.com/
www.corksrestaurant.com
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