Mount Vernon Baltimore

Topside Baltimore is now open for breakfast and lunch

categories: RESTAURANTS

Topside Baltimore, a popular nightlife location in the Mount Vernon, Baltimore district, is now open for breakfast and lunch.  Today, I had the opportunity to check out their new weekday breakfast menu. I’ve been to Topside for weekend brunch a few times, so I decided to order a few items that I haven’t had.  I decided on the Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Grilled French Toast and the Stonefruit-Tomato Tartine. When the food came out to my table, I could see the food styling influence of the new Executive Chef Scott Hines.  I had brunch at B&O when he was there and the food was beautiful and delicious.  I especially liked the thick bread loaf french toast because I’ve never seen it served like this anywhere else in Baltimore. The tartine featured a perfect balance of salty ricotta cheese spread on multigrain bread topped with sweet ripe peaches, I may go back and order that with just a cup of coffee.

After breakfast, I took a peek at the lunch menu and if features a few items that caught my eye.  I can’t wait to go back for lunch.

Be sure to follow my foodie and cocktail adventures on social media …  

@ArlisAppetite on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Brunch at Magdalena Restaurant in the Ivy Hotel

categories: Brunch
That’s me checking out the Bourbon selection at the bar

The beautiful Magdalena Restaurant inside the equally beautiful Ivy Hotel, is now offering Sunday brunch.  I recently went there with a few blogger friends to check out the new menu. The brunch is a prix fixe menu that costs $39.00 per person and includes non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea and juice.  As an added bonus, it also includes menu items for everyone at the table such as, Smoked Salmon, Assorted Breakfast Pastries and Greek Yogurt Parfait – I think that’s a damn good deal for $40.00.

Smoked Salmon with Bagel Crisps
Breakfast Pastries
Greek Yogurt Parfait

The smoked salmon was phenomenal! It was topped with caper relish and chopped hard-boiled eggs. The assorted pastries were fresh and the yogurt parfait was delicious.  I loved having three options as my starter before the brunch entrée.

Duck Confit & Cheddar Waffle
Shrimp and Grits
Fuji Apple Waffle
Glazed Maryland Crab Omelet

I ordered the Duck Confit & Cheddar Waffle and it was served with Sautéed Plums and Cherry Compound Butter.  I love how they added a cheddar waffle, making my entrée savory and not too sweet.  As you can see, the cut of duck was pretty big, so big I almost didn’t finish it.  I didn’t taste any of the other entrees pictured above but everyone else said they loved their brunch.  I was eyeing that Glazed Maryland Crab Omelet so I’ll definitely be back for that.

The Blogger Brunch Crew pictured here with Chef Catina Smith

One of the private dining rooms at the hotel/restaurant.

Other brunch options included but not pictured were Country Ham Eggs Benedict, Roasted Vegetable, Basil & Pecorino Quiche and a Classic Croque Madame.  We didn’t order cocktails but they are available to order at the regular price. This is definitely a nice brunch option if you’re looking for something in Mount Vernon, Baltimore or Downtown Baltimore.  Just think, during the spring/summer months you can sit out in the courtyard and take photos in your Sunday’s best.

Be sure to follow my foodie and cocktail adventures on social media …  

@ArlisAppetite on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

 

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