Mexican Food

Brunch at Banditos Bar & Kitchen

I know what you’re thinking… brunch at a Mexican restaurant?   Banditos Bar & Kitchen (1118 S Charles St) boasts a slogan of “Mexi-Cali Meets Maryland”  and the breakfast menu is a mash-up of the normal Mexican restaurant items with a breakfast twist.. an egg of some sort (scrambled, omelette style or over easy).  I must admit, it’s different but oh so good.

My friend and I arrived around 11:00 am on a Sunday morning and immediately found a seat at the bar. I’m always nervous going to Federal Hill on a weekend because of scarce parking, but the earlier the better because we found metered parking on the street right outside of the restaurant.  All seats were open at the main bar area and there were two large parties in the back room area.  We were greeted by an enthusiastic friendly bartender who gave us menus and explained the $15.00 bottomless mimosa option and of course we ordered that.  After looking over the menu, I ordered The Bossdilla and my friend ordered the Breakfast Nachos.

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The “Bossdilla”

 

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Breakfast Nachos

The Bossdilla is a hybrid for Boss Quesadilla. What makes it boss? It’s packed with meat — steak, sausage, bacon, chorizo… you name it.  The steak was very tender, juicy and flavorful.  I normally don’t like my steak cut up and put into salads or sandwiches because Chipotle does such a terrible job with their chewy steak, but I definitely liked the way Banditos prepared their steak.  I do think they should have just stuffed the egg in the quesadilla instead of serving it on the side. Just put everything in there and make it extra boss.  The breakfast nachos gave me food envy.  The crispy homemade chips piled high with cheese, salsa, onions and chicken topped with an egg was heaven.  Of course we didn’t finish our meals because the portions are so big, which I like.  When you visit Banditos make sure it’s on an empty stomach.

And always follow my foodie and cocktail adventures on social media …  

  

 

Cinco ways to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in Baltimore

It’s estimated that more Americans than Mexicans celebrate Cinco De Mayo every year.  The Mexican holiday commemorating freedom is famous for Margaritas and Tequila shots.  This year Cinco De Mayo falls on a Monday, but celebrations will begin on Friday and continue on Saturday and Sunday.  While celebrations are happening all across the United States, Baltimore has something for everyone with a variety of events to chose from.

Power Plant Live (34 Market Place) – Saturday May 3rd 9pm-12am Power Plant Live is having their annual Cinco De Mayo bash with all-inclusive packages available.

General Admission – $25 – Access to nine (9) bars and clubs in Power Plant with Open Bar from 9-12 with domestic beers, rail cocktails, and El Jimador Margaritas.

VIP Ticket – $35.00 –  Access to nine (9) bars and clubs in Power Plant  with Open Bar Premium Spirits, beers, and El Jimador Margaritas.

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Cinco De Mayo Party at Talara (615 President Street) – Monday May 5th starting at 2:00 pm.   In addition to having their weekly Salsa Party with Free Salsa lessons from 8:00pm-1:00am, Talara is also celebrating their 5 Year Anniversary.  You can expect live performances by Mexican Folklore Dancers, $5.00 Food Specials, $3.00 Mexican Beer, $4.00 Sangria and $5.00 Margarita Specials.  This event is free.  Check out my review on Talara’s Saturday Night Happy Hour.

Federal Hill Fiesta (East Cross Street between Light and Charles) – Sunday May 4th 11am-9pm Join the Federal Hill neighborhood for their 2nd annual Mexican Festival “Sunday De Mayo”.  This outdoor festival includes a taco eating contest, four live bands, and two DJ’s providing entertainment throughout the day.  Mexican food and drink specials will also be available, $6.00 Margaritas, $6.00 Taco Pairs, $4.00 and $5.00 beers.  This festival is brought to you by Federal Hill hot spots Blue Agave, No Way Jose, and Bandito’s.  Tickets for this event are $10.00.

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Nacho Mama’s (2907 O’Donnell Street) – This Canton staple has always been a popular destination for Marylanders looking to celebrate Cinco De Mayo.  I’ve been going there for the last four years on Cinco De Mayo and I have a blast every time.  This Elvis themed restaurant serves Mexican favorites such as Quesadillas, Fajitas, Tacos, and Nachos.  But it’s their most popular menu item that keeps us coming back for more – the Hubcap Margarita. These Margaritas are meant to be shared.  Served in a hubcap bowl, they are made in a variety of flavors and served with several straws. This drink is not only tasty but also strong, so strong Nacho Mama’s does not serve them after 12 midnight…you’ll need time to sober up.  Make sure you get there early because it’s always a long wait, but well worth it.

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Throwback Pic (2010) with friends on Cinco De Mayo at Nacho Mama’s

EBLO Cinco  De Mayo Block Party (500 Block South Broadway at Fleet and Eastern Ave) – Saturday May 3rd and Sunday May 4th 10:00am-9:00pm . EBLO (Education Based Latino Outreach) is hosting their annual  Cinco De Mayo Festival.  Admission to this outdoor festival is FREE and guests enjoy authentic Mexican food, crafts, live music, latin dancing and more.  The festival is conveniently located on the same block as Latin Palace Nightclub (509 South Broadway), so be sure to drop-in the popular Latin hangout for drink specials and giveaways on Friday and Saturday night.  Ladies FREE before 10:00pm.

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