Ok, so I have been wanting to eat at Woodberry Kitchen for some time now, but due to the fact that D lives in D.C. and we spend most of our time there, our food exploring doesn't really make it's way out of the District. I'm definitely not complaining! D.C. has wonderful and amazing food, but Baltimore is really starting to hold its own with some great restaurants (try
Salt,
The Brewer's Art,
Black Olive). So I came here with my long lost friend, Alicia, for brunch.
WK is a self-proclaimed "farm to table" restaurant focusing on local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Not a new concept (especially in my line of work), but a hard one to master. Most "sustainable" restaurants are over-priced and under-deliver in flavor, quality and consistency. WK gets it right. Not only is the food great, but for the price the portions were MUCH larger than expected. I can't speak to consistency since this was my first time, but i'm giving them the benefit of the doubt :)
The restaurant is built in an old Foudry space in Clipper Mill and it's beautiful. Lots of exposed brick and wood, with an open kitchen and wood fire oven. The ceiling is open up to a smaller 2nd level with more tables that over look the kitchen. Seemed "cozier" up there for date night or maybe larger groups. We made reservations for 11am (recommended) and were sat right away by a sunny window. The service was attentive and genuine and the waitresses wear these cute little handmade aprons...and I want one.
ANYways...About the food
To Drink:
The 'Full Monty' Bloody Mary ($9)--House made tomato juice and organic vodka. Garnished with CANDIED BACON and an Old Bay spiced prawn. Yes, I said Candied Bacon.
...and just when you think it couldn't get any better
They add a Natty Boh chaser. I love Baltimore.
** Excuse my photos...I had more, and close-ups, but some how got deleted! Luckily I texted a few to D, so these are all that remains <sad face>
The Appetizers:
Raw oysters by The Choptank Oyster Company ($13)-- "Choptank Sweets"($ (MD Eastern Shore Aquaculture Company, specializing in producing high-quality oysters while also working to improve the health and sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay. Our stores work closely with these guys--they love their oysters!) Salty, Sweet, chewy...the perfect oyster. Not much to be said!
Cherry Glen Ricotta 'Out of the Oven' ($10)--with Rhubarb, honey, sea salt and toast points. Cherry Glen is another local producer, specializing in only goat's milk cheeses. Another vendor of ours, based out of Boyd's, MD.
Maybe it was the fact that it was baked, but the actual goat's milk flavor was lost. You couldn't even tell. The rhubarb was a nice touch, gave a great tartness, but the honey was a little overwhelming and the dish came off as a little TOO sweet...I would have added some fresh thyme and black pepper for something a little more savory...
Tilghman Island Crab Pot ($14)--with lump crab meat, housemade quark and topped with sherry. VERY rich...but very good. We had to ask for more bread!
All these "small plates" were enough for 4 to share! Especially if you were also getting a breakfast plate.
Notice Alicia's hungry claw reaching in before I could even take the photo! ;)
Breakfast:
Amy- "Morning Flatbread" ($14)--with eggs, housemade sage sausage, potato and Hawks Hill (Maryland cheese producer) Cheddar.
So. Freaking. Good.
Just look at that egg.
Alicia- Eggs Benedict ($16)--Poached egg, Truck Patch ham, house made hollandaise, skillet potatoes on an English muffin
Sadly I dont have a photo of this one :(
But this was no ordinary Eggs Benedict...it was beautiful. Perfectly poached egg, nice thin slices of ham and the creamy, rich, buttery drizzle of hollandaise was just right...
Coffee is direct trade and served in a personal sized French Press and pressed table side.
I wish I could have tried everything on the menu...but I will definitely be making a return trip. Especially to try this C.M.P dessert i've been hearing about...a mix of Chocolate sauce, bruleed marshmallow fluff and wet nuts.
DC folks, get yourselves out to Baltimore--you won't regret it.
Woodberry Kitchen2010 Clipper Park Rd
Baltimore, MD
21211
Coffee is one of those things I think i'm going to be stuck with for the rest of my life. I just don't see myself breaking off my 11+ year engagement with that rich, nutty, caramel colored (and sometimes flavored) beverage. I could easily drink coffee all day long. And I usually do.
