Baltimore - Not So Crabby!

http://www.the-wine-market.com/winebar.html

The Wine Market in Baltimore, Maryland is a new favorite! It is a combination wine bar, restaurant and wine shop, all under one roof. Located just off the inner harbor, it's a nice respite from the touristy spots that most people are famiiar with.

Had a lovely dinner there mid-week with friends and was absolutely amazed by the quality of the food and wine selections. They say they have more than 30 wines available by the glass and 900 wines in their wine shop. For a $9 corkage fee, you could buy a nice wine from the shop at a very reasonable price to complement your dinner.

While we waited for our friends to arrive, I started with their recommended "Red of the Moment", a 2008 Carmeniere fromVina Von Siebenthal Winery. I had recently tasted a Carmeniere for the first time, and was anxious to try another sample to compare the experience. I was not disappointed by this lovely red from Aconcagua, Chile.

It's rich red color was enhanced by the scent of coffee and cedar. On the palate you could taste hazelnut, coffee and a hint of blackberries, with a slightly spicy finish. Very nice and priced to please!

My friend and I ordered the three-course Prix Fixe dinner. For $33, we had a delicious appetizer, entree and dessert, each paired with the perfect wine. I started with a simple salad of mesclun greens and carmelized walnuts. This was paired with probably one of the best whites I've enjoyed in a long time. It was served pefectly chilled to enhance the crisp flavor of sweet pears. It was neither too sweet nor too dry, and it complemented the salad quite well. It was literally like drinking liquid pears. Perfect for a warm summer evening, but it was also quite delicious with the salad.

The Prix Fixe dinner has been raised to $35.11 since I was there last, but the meal is worth every cent.  Go and experience it for yourself!