Baltimore Restaurant Week.

Three-course dinner for $30?! Yup, you know I had to participate in Baltimore Restaurant Week! First stop: Maggie's Farm, a farm to table spot a bit away from the city in Harford. They have outdoor and indoor seating, and a dimly lit bar area inside. They apparently have a prix fixe menu for $30, every night- what a steal! 

My friend and I started off with the "Nashville Hot Chicken Bun" and "Crispy Brussels Sprouts." I was a bit disappointed with the bun, it's literally one piece of poorly fried chicken nugget mashed into a small bun. I definitely recommend getting the brussels sprouts- perfectly crispy in every bite, and the grapes surprisingly complement these edible buds. 

For our main course, my friend picked the "Curried Mussels" and I opted for the "Coffee Roasted Brisket." My friend loved the nicely seasoned mussels and fried rice hidden underneath- they definitely don't skimp out on the portion. My meal on the other hand, wasn't bad, but I've had better brisket. The sauce on top of the brisket is amazing, but it's only at the top so I was out of luck towards the end of my meal. As a Korean, I must say, the kimchi-chard slaw that came with my meal was actually pretty good. I'm typically not a huge fan of slaws as I am not a fan of mayo, but the kimchi masked the taste. Sadly, I was pretty disappointed on the cornbread...very, very dry and flavorless. 

And of course, we ended with dessert. It's nice to see they brew local, Zeke's coffee. My friend got the ice cream scoops and I went all in with the peach cobbler. Both were amazing! You could tell from the vanilla beans visible in the ice cream that it was homemade. Not to mention, the peaches in my cobbler were so fresh and plump! Overall, I'll give this restaurant a 4/5 rating. I definitely want to go back for brunch... heard they have donuts! 

 

Second stop: Aggio. A bit tucked away near Power Plant. As soon as I step into this two-story Italian restaurant, I feel like I'm inside a fancy, schmancy Italian restaurant in New York City. 

For starters, my friend got the Caesar Salad and I got the Octopus. I have never seen a caesar salad with fried oysters used as croutons- yum! And my octopus was amazing- perfectly prepared. I was not a fan of their savory funnel cake they gave us to nibble on though- very bland, same with their tasteless rosemary bread. I would have been fine without these two freebies. 

For our meals, my friend got the chicken- perfectly seasoned and cooked, and they were generous in her portion. And of course, I had to get the scallops- the real reason why I went. And I must say, I was a HUGE fan of the risotto underneath- perfectly seasoned and cooked (al-dente). I literally almost licked the plate. 

Lastly, dessert! My friend got the chocolate dish, which came with pistachio ice cream. And I went for the tiramisu. I have to say, I've never had tiramisu quite like this. Pretty hard to describe, but imagine a cube of hardened whip cream with pieces of tiramisu cake in between...YUM! And to end, they gave us a lemon, meringue cookie to cleanse our palette. I have to give this restaurant a 5/5 for sure!

I end with a sweet tip... Baltimore Restaurant Week is extended till August 9th! For a list of restaurants participating, check here: 

http://www.dinedowntownbaltimore.com/RestaurantWeek/

XOXO <3

-Margaret

Toronto eats.

Missing my sweet friends and delicious food spots in the beautiful city of Toronto, Canada, so here's a throwback to some of my go-to spots.

Banh Mi Boys [392 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON M5V 2A9]
Vietnamese version of Chipotle. I must say, this is the yummiest banh mi you can find in Toronto. Perfectly crispy baguette, and just the right amount of pickled vegetables and meat. And their kimchi fries are a MUST MUST MUST (thank you for the Korean twist, how'd you know I was craving kimchi?!)!!! I'm so sad I was too full to try their steamed pork buns... this is definitely on my list next time I'm in town. 

The Shore Club [155 Wellington St. W., Toronto, ON M5V 3K2]

Feeling fancy? Then this place is a MUST! Fancy cocktails and upscale wine pairings, and fresh steak or seafood options. You can't go wrong with their sea bass or rainbow trout, if you're feeling fishy. For a side item, I definitely recommend their sauteed mushrooms with a Cajun twist. If you're in for a show, make sure to order a Baked Alaska for dessert! 

Dineen Coffee Co.[140 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M5C 2L7]

Conveniently located near Eaton Centre. Beautiful, modern, chic decor both inside and out. Great place to sit down for a latte and baked good, and people watch or snap an artsy instagram photo, of course! 

Le Neuf Cafe [9 Clarence Square, Toronto, ON M5V 1H1]

Found this cute Parisian cafe, thanks to my blogger friend, Tiffany. Think macarons, savory and sweet crepes and a good assortment of caffeinated beverages. Word on the street is this restaurant is great for Sunday brunches, but good luck trying to find a table because no reservations are accepted.

Fresh [147 Spadina Ave. Toronto, ON M5V 2L7]

I'm not vegetarian or vegan by any means, although I was pescetarian for a couple of months after my business trip to Omaha, Nebraska, from steak overload, but this restaurant is the bomb diggity! Just like the name of the restaurant, all of their food is fresh! I mean come on... they have a juice bar and offer homemade cold pressed juices/kombucha. I always opt for their sweet potato fries/quinoa crusted onion rings (if you haven't tried these yet, you're missing out and no, they are not healthy because they are still fried to my knowledge) and one of their quinoa bowls. Make sure you ask for their "hot sauce" (don't if you're allergic to peanuts- if you are, you have been warned). 

iQ Food [181 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3]

I ALWAYS manage to go here every time I'm in Canada. I mean free FAST wi-fi, and an amazing barista, what's not to love?! Let's talk about their limitless healthy, fresh options. My go-to breakfast from here is their avocado toast, big red smoothie bowl (otherwise known as an acai bowl) and their raw overnight oats with some sort of raspberry goodness on top. For lunch, they have tons of fresh qunioa box options, but note it does get packed during lunch hour, as the restaurant is located in the core of the financial district. 

Ki Modern Japanese [181 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3]

I somehow always end up here, every time I'm in the city, maybe because it's conveniently located next to iQ Food? Any who, if you want a trendy sushi spot, this place is where it's at with their dim lights and all! I always opt. for thei edamame to start because come on.. they have chili peppers on them! And for my meal, you can't go wrong with their sushi/sashimi combo! You can definitely taste the freshness of their fish. 

Luckee [328 Wellington Street W., Toronto, ON M5V 3T4]

I've been to Toronto, numerous times on business, and every time I go, my friends ask why I haven't tried the infamous dim sum. Well here it is friends, I stumbled upon this AMAZING dim sum restaurant, thanks to the lovely, Janette (insert wave emoji here). Can we start off by talking about the decor?! The Asian-inspired walls and table setting is uber cute!!! With the interior design alone, I would go in just to check it out. They offer an extensive menu of options, and even have carts that come around to tempt you even more, just like traditional dim sum restaurants. The shrimp chung fun, har gow and crispy rice dishes were my fave. 

Cibo Wine Bar [522 King St. W., Toronto, ON M5V 1L7]

Perfect Italian restaurant to wine and dine at with large parties. As soon as you enter, you will be graces with their heavenly wall of wine bottles they offer. For starters, I recommend their Grilled octopus and/or calamari- both prepared to perfection. If you're not into seafood, they have an assortment of Italian cheeses and ham that pair well with your wine. For your actual entree, pizza or pasta is your best bet. 

Pizza Libretto [155 University Avenue, TOronto, ON M5H 3B7]

Um... YUM! My Toronto friends (hi Justine and Alex) have been RAVING about this restaurant months before my planned trip to the city, and let me just it was well worth the hype. I started off with loads and loads of appetizers because my friends and I were beyond HANGRY or maybe it was just me?! We devoured the perfectly crispy, buttermilk fried calamari- that red pepper almond romesco sauce is DIVINE, I wanted to lick the plate, kale salad [not pictured because I slurped it up in less than a minute]- the roasted chickpeas and the vinaigrette dressing make this possibly the best kale salad I've ever consumed and arancini balls, which I unfortunately did not get to try, but my friend finished the plate and I think that's a good sign. On to the pizza, if you like the traditional, Neapolitan Italian pizza, you are in for a treat because that is what you are going to get. Make sure to ask for the spicy oil and red pepper flakes if you need a kick. Whatever you do, make sure you save room for dessert, because the sfingi (Italian-style doughnuts) are where it's at! 

Momofuku Noodle Bar [190 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5H 0A3; Bottom of Shangri-La Hotel]

I have a love, hate relationship with this restaurant. Partially my fault, okay 100% my fault for scheduling to eat three meals here in a course of five days. Starting from their pork buns, to their ramen- you will definitely satisfy your Asian food craving. If you're more of a rice person, their modernized kimchi fried rice isn't too shabby. Whatever you do, get a side of their kimchi- you won't be disappointed, take it from a true Korean. Before you leave, stop by the "milk bar" on the second floor for a slice of their crack pie.

Japango [122 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON M5G 1P5]

Very tiny so do not go unless you don't mind sharing conversations with diners next to you. I will say, the wait and "coziness" is worth it if you want some really fresh, melt in your mouth sushi/sashimi! They are known for their fresh uni, so if you're a fan, you're in luck! And can I just say, their presentation is amazing! I mean look at how they served me some sashimi! (insert clapping emoji here)

What are some of your favorite spots to eat at in Toronto?

XOXO <3

-Margaret