Photo courtesy of The Ivy Hotel
The Ivy Hotel's Executive Chef Scott Bacon helms the Magdalena restaurant in Baltimore.
Alexandrians looking for a fine dining experience in Baltimore need look no further than The Ivy Hotel's Magdalena, where they'll find a five-star culinary experience courtesy of the Relais & Chateaux property's executive chef, Scott Bacon.
Bacon, the first Black chef to take over the kitchen (since Aug. 1) at the hotel's Magdalena restaurant, brings a "globally influenced Southern cuisine," the Howard County native recently told the local paper, The Baltimore Sun.
His philosophy on dining is a good one to share in these unsettling times.
“When I was growing up, dinner was always the time when things slowed down, if only for a moment, giving us a chance to come together as a family and share in the happiness ignited by beautiful food," he says. "That is the feeling I want to share with our guests.”
The bistro is tucked inside a luxurious mansion, the Gilman House, built in 1889 and offering up Bacon's inspired menus, which he tweaks with seasonal options from local farms. During a recent visit, the menu included eclectic and delectable offerings, including such standout appetizers as Roasted Potato Soup with Toasted Hazelnut and Curry Oil and Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Rice Grits, Marinated Green Tomatoes, Virginia Ham Dash and Fresno Chili.
Be sure to save room for one of Bacon's delicious entrees (you'll have a hard time deciding); an exceptional dish is the Roasted Berkshire Porkchop with Figs, Apple, Bacon, Pearl Onions and Goat Cheese with Port Jus. And you can't go wrong with the Peppered 10-ounce New York Strip Steak with Blue Cheese and Balsamic Roasted Onion.
The overall dining experience is enhanced by impeccable and friendly service from the staff and charming surroundings. Dining al fresco in warmer weather on the eatery's patio under the stars is a treat.
Photo courtesy of The Ivy Hotel
The 10-oz New York Strip Steak at Magdalena in Baltimore.
Restaurant hours are 5-9 p.m. daily except Mondays and Sundays. Complimentary valet parking makes getting in and out a breeze. Breakfast is offered only to hotel guests.
The Ivy Hotel and its restaurant, Magdalena, are located at 205 E. Biddle St. in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood. It's located about 47 miles from Alexandria. Call for reservations at (410) 514-0303 or reserve on Opentable.
