Most people who think of Baltimore think of crab cakes far before they think of any other food, even oysters despite the fact that it is surrounded by a harbor. That said, if there’s oysters on a menu, there’s little chance that I’m not ordering a dozen, or if there are plenty of other things I’d like to try, a minimum of three. While you can get them on the half shell at B&O Brasserie in the heart of Baltimore (standard I suppose), they serve them with smoked trout roe, campari mignonette shiso, which was surprisingly delicious. And this, my friends, was the start of our eloquent meal at a very casual but chic brasserie adjacent to the trendy Hotel Monaco, a Kimpton property where we stayed for a couple of nights during our late August stay.
I was in the mood for a classic salad which I did — they had a few yummy choices, including a strawberry salad with almonds and goat cheese, a heirloom salad with feta and pepitos and a classic baby romaine salad with watermelon radish and pickled red onions.
Of course, the octo tacos, which apparently they’re known for, were a true stand out. Think charred octopus with a chorizo verde, celery-herb salad (the crunchiness was just perfect), and it was tossed in a pumpkin seed vinaigrette in a jicama shell. Wow!
To keep things interesting, we ordered a buttery chardonnay and went with a fish of the day and a meat dish. If you end up at B&O, be sure to try the Lamb Chops with jus charred spring onion, the Braised pork Shoulder with gigante beans and rapini or the Basted Scallops with farro verde, sweet peas, pickled carrots tossed in a green garlic vinaigrette.
I definitely noticed some southern influence on the menu and in the preparation. Because we did NOT order a crab cake, executive chef Michael Ransom, who is certain that his unique preparation of crab cakes is such a standout, that he sent one up to our room after dinner. He hailed from the Chef Shawn McLain’s James Beard Award-winning seafood and vegetable-focused restaurant, the Green Zebra before coming to B&O Brasserie and he has also worked with such renowned chefs as Susan Goss (West Town Tavern), Christian Phernetton (Old Town Brasserie) and Chef Ravi Kapur (San Francisco’s four-star Prospect) before leading his own kitchens at Bar Adagio and Henry’s in Berkeley. Small world as we began to talk food and then of course, we ventured into tequila and other things before we ended up on a night on the town with him checking out local neighborhood bars and bistros.
Was his crab cakes outa this world? Let’s put it this way — we were completely full when we left the restaurant and I was keeping carbs at bay for the entire trip, but I did sample it and Anthony devoured it. Coming from an Italian’s palette who is becoming fussier by the day as he moves into the more serious foodie category, it’s a huge compliment. Two thumbs up! We love your cooking Michael and what a fabulous host you are!
DETAILS:
B&O Brasserie
2 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
443.692.6172
Renee Blodgett is the Founder and Managing Editor of We Blog the World, a global travel, culture and lifestyle publication exploring the world through the lens of meaningful experiences, human connection and cultural depth. Having lived in 10 countries and traveled to 95, Renee has spent much of her life immersed in the people, traditions, landscapes and ideas that shape how we experience the world.
Since launching We Blog the World in 2007, she has written and produced extensive editorial coverage spanning boutique and luxury travel, culinary experiences, arts and culture, wellness, adventure, technology, spiritual traditions and transformative travel. Her work is rooted in the belief that travel is about more than where we go—it is also about what a place, culture or encounter awakens within us.
Renee brings more than three decades of experience across journalism, photography, media, brand strategy, technology, wellness and global storytelling. She has worked with companies and organizations around the world on brand positioning, communications, product launches, media strategy, speaker positioning and storytelling. Through Blue Soul Media, she works with authors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and purpose-driven brands to clarify their message and expand their impact, which includes speaker coaching/training for high-profile stages such as TED and bringing authors’ work to market while retaining authors rights.
She is also the co-founder of Blue Soul Earth, an educational platform exploring consciousness, ancient wisdom, spirituality, healing and the intersection between science and the nature of reality. Renee is the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS, a conversational series bringing together leading voices in science, technology, consciousness, wellness and spirituality.
Her growing body of work also includes Blue Soul Living, which extends her interest in consciousness and well-being into the spaces we inhabit, exploring how intentional design, energy and environment can support greater harmony and connection.
Renee is the award-winning co-author of the bestselling Magdalene’s Journey and founder of the Magdalene Collection, inspired by women’s voices, stories and wisdom across cultures and generations.
A longtime photographer and storyteller, Renee has documented people, places and cultures around the world and produced photographic collections focused on destinations including the Galápagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome and Ecuador. She also co-founded Traveling Geeks, an international initiative that brought entrepreneurs, journalists, creators and technology leaders together with their counterparts in other countries to exchange ideas and explore innovation across cultures.
Renee’s work has been recognized by Forbes, the United Nations and others for her influence in media and social storytelling. Across her work in travel, media, consciousness and culture, a common thread remains: curiosity about the world, the stories that connect us and the ways meaningful experiences can change how we see ourselves and one another.
