The Bicycle

Last night Leo and I and a couple that we like to go out with decided to try a new restaurant. Our friend Gundy just got a new job so we wanted something 'nice'. I scanned the lastest issue of Baltimore magazine, which lists this year's top 41 restaurants in Bm0re. (I don't know why 41 specifically..). We (I) chose The Bicycle, in Fed Hill. When checking out the website, I got a little nervous that they didn't list their prices, and that the dishes looked like works of art, but it did not end up being nearly as expensive as I thought.

We arrived to find a cozy little restaurant with two separate dining areas (one in front with a window to the street, and one in back with a window to a flower garden) and a long open kitchen in between. We were seated in the front room, which did get a little noisy when filled. It was a very friendly environment, we were chatting with the table next to us and checking out each other's dishes.

The wine list actually included 18 bottles for $18 each, in addition to the nice expensive wines. So we went with an $18 Jumerilla from Spain. Not bad at all. We also ordered an appetizer to split, Lobster Ravioli (fresh ravioli with a citrus beurre blanc + fresh reggiano parmigiano cheese ). It came with 4 pieces, perfect for sharing. It was so damn good we wanted to order the entree portion too. For dinner Gundy and I both ordered the Sauteed Mahi Mahi (spicy coconut sauce, plantain hash, mango pico di gallo, micro cilantro). It was perfect. The vegetables tasted like they'd been picked an hour earlier. Everything was so fresh it was amazing. Leo ordered the Tenderloin (Grilled filet medallions, crispy smoked ham hocks, cannellinini bean puree, baby arugula, truffle essence + demi-glace ) which was also delicious and tender. Nick ordered the Rack of Lamb (cilantro-lime marinade, grilled pineapple-roasted poblano chutney, spicy apricot sauce, scallion-roasted garlic mashed potatoes), which was fantastic. This was an upscale restaurant with an almost informal feel, so he was cool with just picking it up and eating them off the bones. The portions were a very good size, we all cleaned our plates and were full but not stuffed. Their dessert special was a Bread Pudding, which we all are huge fans of, but it wasn't really all that great. Too bready. Not that it was bad... it was just that what Gundy and I ordered was better: Double Chocolate Waffle (hazelnut caramel, bananas foster + candied walnuts). The smell filled the entire restaurant and had everyone salivating. It was the best dessert I've had in a while, and I didn't want it to end.

All that amazing food, and the bill wasn't that bad. Once we added in a 20% tip and tax, it ended up being about $50 per person. I've paid a lot more for a lot less, and we all agreed that this was a great value for such a perfect experience. I'd definitely recommend this restaurant, but make sure you make reservations, it's very small.

Cheers!