I had the most delightful Summer
al fresco experience at Waterstone Bar & Grille [1]. Owner Lisa ' Waterstone' was on hand, as she always is at this neighborhood jewel, to greet, oversee and share in the lovely evening. Suggesting we sit outside, we first chose a bottle of chilled wine, Mt Eden Chardonnay 2009, from the newly opened Waterstone Cafe.
A cafe too? Yes, Lisa recently renovated the building next to the original Waterstone and added a cafe and some apartments above. Located directly across from Maryland General Hospital, the Cafe is perfectly suited to serve the community. On the menu are all things found in the Bar & Grille, plus $5 burgers, (add fries for $2) and cash and carry wines under $15.
Sitting in the cool evening air, my friend and I sipped, swirled and savored a number of tasty treats from the well-groomed, Greek menu. Lisa treats guests like family, so there is no wonder why she likes to serve her hometown's tradition of Greek 'Village Style' plates. Some notable nibbles:
Roasted, red pepper HUMMUS ($5) was excellent. I especially like that the recipe isn't lost with a blender. The hummus boasts whole chick peas and bits of roaster red peppers. Let's just say, the plate was wiped clean with pita points and fresh veggie slices.
VILLAGE STYLE BAKED FETA SAGANAKI ($6.5)-a rich Grecian feta cheese, slowly broiled with pita points was luscious.
VILLAGE GREEK Salad mixed greens, mediterranean olives, tomatoes, onions, feta-served in a big silver bowl and serving pieces. Delightful touch to share and help fill our tapas plates. ($6/$9) Our portion easily served four people, but we shared well.
DOLMADES vine ripe grape leaves stuffed with lemon flavored rice ($6)
FLATBREAD (PIZZA) with portobella mushrooms, topped with arugula ($10). Served piping hot, the flatbread did not disappoint and was indeed served on a thin crust.
There is also a vegetarian, Island Greek and the Mt Vernon Traditional. "Flatbread'. But the Sweet Chipoltle Melba with augula, beets, honey, blue cheese and granola has my name written all over it next time.
Do also make sure you try the lamb chops, a house specialty and so many more tasty items. Too many to try in one seating. While Lisa had a few moments to share, she casually joined us and even invited a local, who was dining alone, to sit with us also. Now, this is Village lifestyle
, she explained. Not only was the food fresh at Waterstone and the ambiance most pleasant, but new friends were made along the way!
There is happy hour daily, all day 11 AM-7PM with $3 drafts and $5 Sangria, 'Tinis' and Tapas. Also $15 bottles of wine available all day, daily. There is a fun Make-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar every Saturday and Sunday 11 AM -3 PM.The restaurant is closed Monday.
311 W. Madison Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.225.7475
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