The dining scene is as diverse as the people and culture in Mount Vernon. Whether you're up for an artsy eating experience, or just plain looking to curb those hunger waves, Mount Vernon is sure to please. Here are some of the venues.
If you're in a hurry or just looking for a quick bite, try the Sylvan Beach Caf?? (7 West Preston St.). It's the perfect place to get work done as it's a Wi-Fi Caf?? (you can access the wireless Internet, for a small price of course), and though it's best known for its homemade ice cream, the lunch menu is full of tasty gourmet sandwiches all under five dollars. Or if you're looking for a snack, try Ok Natural Foods Store (11 W. Preston St.), the health food store next door which boasts an impressive array of herbal remedies along with dried fruits, cereals and other organic snacks.
Just looking for coffee? Try X Cafe, located next to Viccino Bistro (1317 N. Charles St.). Though the place has about as much aesthetic appeal as Xando, its sushi and cocktails can hit the spot if everywhere else is swamped. Next door is Viccino Bistro, which serves fusion cuisine with recipes from Europe, Asia, the American Southwest, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Though it's a little pricey (entrees run anywhere from 12 to 30 dollars), it's perfect if you just want to grab some appetizers (six to eight dollars) and sit out by the monument.
You can always sit down at Donna's (800 N. Charles St.) for one of their sandwiches or salads, though, as always, your best bet is the coffee. For a real treat, walk over to Sascha's 527 (527 N. Charles St.), an upscale gourmet sandwich place that serves almost everything for under 10 dollars. It's located in a 19th century Mount Vernon townhouse and adorned with a turn of the century crystal chandelier, two massive white columns supporting a 16-foot ceiling, red carpets and dazzling art work, and the d??cor is nothing short of Style's description as "drop dead sex." The Mental Greens ($4.50) -- mixed Mesclun, Romaine, Spinach, Shaved Parmesan and Croutons -- is worth trying along with the Charred Tuna Bites ($9.50) and the Wild Mushroom Tart ($7.50). Also, if you drop in on Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 p.m., there is live jazz.
Mount Vernon features some of the best ethnic dining in Baltimore, with a wide variety ranging from Indian to Afghan. Three Indian restaurants feature all you can eat buffets: Mughal Garden (918 N. Charles St.); Akbar (823 N. Charles St.), where your meal comes with a free Bloody Mary or champagne; and Bombay Grill (2 E. Madison St.). Each has its own "all you can eat" lunch special priced at about eight dollars. A few blocks west is the Ghion Ethiopian International Caf?? (1100 Maryland Ave.).
At first the place is a little foreboding (there are bars on the windows) and the place is as big as a closet, but grace the doors and you will eat some of the best food Baltimore has to offer. Be sure to try the Yedora Wet (chicken) as well as whatever daily offerings they are serving. If you're looking for selection go to Kumari Restaurant and Bar (911 N. Charles St.), which serves an enormous menu of Nepalese and Indian food mostly all under eight dollars.
The upscale restaurants of Mount Vernon are truly the highlights. The smooth and sophisticated venues are perfect for a date with that special someone, or a good meal when someone else is paying. If you are looking for ethnic cuisine, a must is the Brass Elephant (924 N. Charles St.). With an extravagantly decorated inside, a rich history and an equally impressive menu, the Brass Elephant is the perfect place if you are looking for a good time and delicious Italian Fusion Cuisine.
Be sure to order the Mussels in Herb Broth, made with Prince Edward Mussels, herbs, white wine and butter ($6.50) as well as the Grilled Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, with roasted squash, sage roasted apples, sweet potato pave and an apple cider ($21.50).
For a quiet and intimate dinner, try Abacrombie, located across the street form the Meyerhoff Symphony hall and down the street from the Lyric Opera House. The restaurant offers both a Chefs Menu ($35, $45 with wine) and its own daily, though limited, menu (appetizers $8-10, entrees $18-20). Make sure to try the Seafood Pot Au Fet made with vegetables and horseradish ($17) and the Rosewater Souffl??, made with Passion Fruit and Cr?me Anglais ($9).
The last and one of the more elegant places to make sure to visit is Sotto Sopra (405 N. Charles). This Contemporary Italian restaurant boasts a menu chosen by a group of young Italian chefs who interchange with other chefs every 18 months to keep the offerings fresh and new. The walls of the restaurant are covered in giant murals and mirrors, and the general atmosphere is classy and elegant. They bake their own homemade pasta, cookies, bread sticks and focaccia daily.
The Gnocchi di Richotta cooked in asparagus sauce is a must ($16) and be sure to order the Tonno in Crosta di Semi di Sesamo Papavero Stile Sushi, which is tuna-encrusted in sesame poppy seeds served sushi style with a balsamic teriyaki reduction ($25). As an added bonus, the restaurant will have live opera night on March 21 and March 28.
