Cheryl J.
Yelp
During the vibrant winter restaurant week in Baltimore, MD, I ventured into The Food Market, poised for a culinary journey. What I found was a blend of hits and misses that, in sum, crafted a memorable dining experience.
With anticipation, I started with the Luna Eclipse cocktail, which was, regrettably, a tale of disappointment. A concoction too bitter for my palate, it had me requesting additional simple syrup--a surprising move for someone who leans away from sweetness. Subsequently, I opted for the simplicity of water.
The special menu possessed a rather concise array of options, funneling most of our group towards the pork chop. Despite a desire for variety, the uniqueness of the festival's offerings drew me to the chicken bao bun and an off-menu delight, the cream of crab soup. The soup was a revelation, the finest I've ever indulged in--a creamy symphony of flavor that promises to linger in memory. It had lots of quality lump crab and you really don't need to order extra crab which is an option.
The chicken bun was a delectable blend of taste and texture despite its timid spicy mayo, which could benefit from a fiery kick. Our table faced a culinary snag with the pork chops arriving overcooked. After a brief interchange, our server acquiesced to our plea to have them redone to a perfect medium, though we questioned why the finesse of whole-plate service eluded us, leaving our sides to an unfortunate chill.
We took solace in dessert, and in a departure from my usual non-sweet tooth, I discovered joy in the sugary finales. From the decadent So Fly Pie for those enamored with richness, to the lemon bar for the cream aficionados, finishing with the airy whipped crème brûlée cheesecake for the light of heart. Each provided a distinct indulgence, absent only the whoopie pie and the ice cream cake from our sweet soiree.
A shout out to the truffle Parmesan popcorn gracing our table--an irresistible treat that hints at the culinary prowess this establishment holds.
Despite the rollercoaster of experiences, The Food Market exudes potential, and I'm left with a longing to return, to delve into the regular menu, teased by the tantalizing dishes that made their way through the dining room.
In the heart of winter, this spot shines as a beacon of the Baltimore food scene--a space ripe with possibilities and flavors that echo the city's charm. A solid four-star experience, where the missteps are but an invitation to return, and the triumphs a memory to savor.