Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon: humble beginnings

Mount Vernon is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Baltimore. It was named after George Washington’s home of Mount Vernon, Virginia. Its name is fitting because it is the location of the first monument dedicated to George Washington.

Baltimore’s Washington Monument may not be as large as the one in neighboring DC, but it predates its larger version by 33 years. The cornerstone of Baltimore’s Washington Monument was laid in 1815, and the construction was finished in 1829. DC’s Washington Monument started in 1848 (33 years after the cornerstone was laid in Baltimore’s monument) and was not completed until 1888.

Industrialists rebuilding after the war of 1812 flocked to this fashionable neighborhood. They built the brownstones, mansions, and grand buildings that stand in the neighborhood today.

Mount Vernon: modern marvels

The Mount Vernon neighborhood is marked by varied and delicious cuisine, ranging from Thai to Turkish, from Afghani to New American. There are new sites, such as the newly renovated Hotel Revival and its rooftop bar Topside. There are painstakingly preserved charms such as the Elephant: where the Knapp family mansion’s collection of Waterford crystal, Tiffany glass, and De Forest carvings still decorate its lavish dining rooms and luxe lounge.

Overwhelmed by all the culinary choices and historic sights of Mount Vernon? Not to worry!

See and taste all Mount Vernon has to offer with a Food Tour. Click below and choose Mount Vernon.

Things we ate:

Inspiration:

Often times, when we are not taking tourists and locals alike around our beloved neighborhood of Fells Point, we are discovering new ones.  This is a snapshot of some of the fantastic food we had in Baltimore this past week.

The Elephant, every bite dripping in history:

The Elephant's massive pork shank.

The Elephant is a reincarnation of the Brass Elephant, that opened in 2016.  Located in the Baltimore neighborhood of Mount Vernon, the building was the home of Benjamin Chew Howard (son of John Eager Howard, the latter being the namesake for Howard County and Mount Vernon's Eager Street) and his wife.  George Knapp and his wife Sara Gilfry later outfitted the home with famous teak wood decor by Lockwood de Forest, stained glass by Tiffany, and crystal by Waterford.  

We sampled the Pork Shank, Braised Short Rib (paired with risotto, my menu weakness), and Seafood A La Plaxa.  All delectable! 

One Eyed Mikes, two bellies full: 

One of the many Grand Marnier bottles at One Eyed Mike's

One Eyed Mike's is a "hidden" favorite in Fells Point, away from the main strip on Aliceanna Street, and tucked away on the corner of Bond and Fleet Streets.  They are known for their Grand Marnier Club, where you can purchase your own bottle of the French bitter-orange-blended cognac. 

The name came from the previous owner Mike, who had to wear a patch after scratching his cornea many years prior.  The new owners Akbar Vaiya and Susan Hormozi have continued One Eyed Mike's tradition of well-balanced cocktails and elevated cuisine.   

We savored the Seared Sea Scallops (over a bed of crab and lobster risotto--see? I told you it was a weakness),  Duck Breast drizzled with blackberry-grand-marnier gastrique.  

 

Thames Street Oyster House, freshest seafood in town: 

Loster roll at Thames Street Oyster House

Thames Street Oyster House is our favorite place for seafood year-round.  This gem is always bustling and they do not take reservations, so it is always a rewarding meal when a seat is available.  

Their lobster roll is better than any I've had in New England, and their Maryland Crab Soup was spiked with braised short rib. Their Halibut special featured white beans and oyster mushrooms in a sherry sauce, and was absolutely unforgettable. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we explore Baltimore, one bite at a time!