Monthly Archives: September 2013

Grapes Wine Bar of Annapolis – Our new favorite spot..

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Greetings fellow hungry women!

Grapes, an intimate wine bar, next to Wine Cellars of Annapolis, is without a doubt, my new favorite place to enjoy a glass of vino and excellent small plates. Recently, my partner in the pursuit of fine food, Aida (the French/Tunisian) and I, stopped by to have a bite to eat.

We ordered the Garde Manger Board which included pâté, assorted charcuterie and several cheeses. The Bufala Italian blue was fabulous! Along with that came a French goat cheese-Chabichou and an Italian pecorino noche. All excellent!

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As you all know, I am a recent foie gras convert, so I tend to order it whenever I see it on a menu.

This particular foie gras came with truffle oil and a berry and honey reduction. It was lovely! 2 orders please!

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However, the crown jewel of this entire food fest was the order of classic bistro frites in duck fat and truffle oil!!!!!! These crispy morsels have been the object of my desire and my dreams since that moment.

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How can anything be so satisfying? The answer is simple…..duck fat. I am convinced that you could fry an old shoe in this liquid gold and it would be a gourmet offering. I was so blown away by these frites that I can’t even remember what wine we had to drink. In fact, I am speechless. So, I will just stop while I am ahead. Go to Grapes. Eat, enjoy.

Sherry

Trattoria Alberto – Best Italian Kept Secret in Glen Burnie, MD

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Bonjour Friends!

I have to say: I was hesitant in writing this post as I want to be selfish and keep this place all to myself!

I have heard about Trattoria Alberto through Victoria and Sherry, and they kept telling me how surprisingly good that place was. About 2 weeks ago, Sherry and I went there on a week day, around 5pm, we were the first ones there. When I parked in front of the restaurant, I looked at Sherry and said : ” are you sure that this is it??”. It is located in a small strip mall on Crain Highway, and the store front looks like nothing, it didn’t even look opened! Sherry was confident that I was going to quickly change my mind, she was right.

We only had a couple of appetizers and a nice bottle of wine, it was perfect,

Alberto, the owner and Executive Chef, is an absolute doll (and I just love the way he dresses, the shirt, the tie, dressed pants and tennis shoes!):

20130911_200157Last night, I decided to take my husband there, since he never heard of this place either.

He had the same reaction I did as soon as he parked: “Are you sure this is the place??” LOL, yeah, you wait my dear..

Alberto has a pretty good memory as he immediately recognize me and greeted me warmly (some of you might say, not hard to do, you don’t see this spiky hair that often!).

I adore Alberto! he sings when he speaks. He proceeds to start talking about his menu, and what he got fresh in the kitchen for tonight, with a wonderful Italian accent.

The waiter, Luis, is adorable too, very quite, but very attentive to everything you might need:

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Check out their full menu a thttp://www.trattoriaalberto.com/pasta_veal_homemade_desserts_baltimore.php.

We started out with the Calamari Alla Griglia, or grilled calamari. Sorry folks, no picture on that dish. It was gone before I even got to my phone.

I chose the Linguine Alla Puttanesca for my entree, my husband chose the Vitello Sorrentina. Alberto even added as a side dish for him a cannelloni filled with broccoli and cheese. ALL the pasta they serve are hand made in their kitchen.

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They also have a very good wine list. We actually had a carafe of their Italian house wine for the evening, Cabernet blend which was delicious.

Towards the end of the dinner, we started chatting with Alberto and we asked him how come this place wasn’t more busy, as good as it is. He told us that business has been slow, especially with the Casino being so close and that people prefers to go to the restaurants there.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE!!! What would you ever want to chose a chain restaurant over this gem!

Now, as much as I would like to keep this place all to myself, I am willing to share….Please go see Alberto, I promise you that this will be one of the best Italian experience you’ll get, especially in Glen Burnie!!!!

Stay hungry!!!

 

Aida.