For those of you who enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, a rustic and romantic atmosphere, and that warm buzz you get from really good tequila, you'll find your mecca at Blue Agave Restaurante y Tequileria, one of Baltimore's premier Mexican restaurants.
Nestled in the historic Federal Hill district of Baltimore, Blue Agave offers up a good selection of traditional Mexican plates, including empanadas, burritos, enchiladas and tacos. It also features a second entr5fe selection, made up of special dishes from Mexico City and the regions that surround it. The restaurant's menu draws from a fusion of the Mexican cuisine from the Yucate0n, Baja California, central Mexico and the American Southwest.
Michael Marx, executive chef and owner of Blue Agave, commands only fresh ingredients, flying in chiles from growers in New Mexico and California, as well as other essential spices and ingredients from Oaxaca, Mexico. Each one of their many sauces and salsas are newly made each day to ensure freshness and quality.
Their mole sauce is excellent and is considered one of their specialties. Mole is a rich sauce made from cocoa, chilies and other spices. It can be red, yellow, green or brown, and it's wonderful, especially on Agave's enchiladas or grilled duck breast. The guacamole here is perfect too -- and this is coming from a guacamole aficionado.
Blue Agave is certainly no Taco Bell, and the freshness of the ingredients this restaurant uses makes all the difference. This is Mexican food with as much zest as a mariachi band who have had just a little too much tequila. Flavors are mixed in interesting and unconventional ways to create unforgettable dishes.
Portions are quite large, and this being Mexican food, most dishes are heavy and very flavorful. There are alternatives, however, if you are searching for smaller portions, or if you plan on eating bowls upon bowls of tortilla chips and salsa. The sopa de tortilla is a spicy, tomato-based soup with tortilla strips. The salads are also notable, as even the house salad adds some spice with a pumpkin seed dressing. But to truly take advantage of Blue Agave you should come hungry, and order big. Ask your waiter or waitress -- the staff is more than eager to make suggestions.
Blue Agave, in addition to its superb menu, has an astounding selection of tequilas -- over 90 -- which is fitting, considering the restaurant was named after the agave plant, a member of the lily family and the source of tequila itself. Blue Agave prides itself on its tequila, offering a special section of the menu with information on the history of tequila for its customers. Their margarita was voted best in Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine from 2001 to 2004 and by Citysearch.com from 2003-2004. Buy a pitcher; it's a better value.
Besides its delectable and diverse menu, Blue Agave offers up an ambiance to die for. The lighting is dim, but not so dark that your food won't be visible, and there's a constant pleasant hum of laughter and musica latina. It's perfect for both romantic dinners for two and large groups of friends. The restaurant is in the historic and restored 1917 McHenry Theatre, which gives it an old, authentic feel. This authenticity is only accentuated by the d5fcor -- rustic brick walls and wrought iron furniture act as a base for the colorful tiles and dinnerware. All decorations were purchased directly by Chef Marx from local artisans from the Yucate0n Peninsula and other Mexican regions.
Marx and his wife Jennifer opened the restaurant in 1997, and the care and love they put into developing it truly shows. Blue Agave offers a warm, fulfilling dining experience.
