Located in the charming Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore, The Food Market offers a delightful dining experience with its upscale comfort food. Following a memorable brunch visit, a recent dinner at The Food Market proved to be just as exceptional, solidifying its place as a local favorite for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a refined meal.
The Food Market Hampden restaurant exterior in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood.
Starting the culinary journey with shared appetizers is highly recommended. The Amish Soft Pretzels, a dish previously enjoyed during brunch, were an obvious choice and did not disappoint. Served with a beer cheese fondue, these pretzels were perfectly soft and fluffy. The beer cheese fondue, crafted with pepper jack cheese, added a wonderful spicy kick, elevating the classic pretzel experience.
Delicious Amish Soft Pretzels with beer cheese fondue at The Food Market Hampden.
Another shared appetizer, the Pan Roasted Pop Corn, offered a unique and flavorful twist on a familiar snack. Topped with basil, grated cheese, and truffle oil, the popcorn was a savory delight. While the flavor profile was excellent, a more even distribution of the toppings would have further enhanced each bite.
Pan Roasted Pop Corn appetizer with basil, cheese, and truffle oil at The Food Market Hampden.
For the main courses, the Steak Frites and the Chargrilled Lamb Rack showcased the kitchen’s prowess. The Steak Frites, featuring a Roseda sirloin cut, was lauded for its intense flavor. Accompanied by 3 onion butter, truffle parmesan fries, local veggies, and a 36th street steak sauce, it was a well-rounded and satisfying dish. The truffle parmesan fries, served alongside the steak, were particularly noteworthy – thin, crispy, and bursting with flavor.
Steak Frites main course with Roseda sirloin and truffle parmesan fries at The Food Market Hampden.
Close-up of crispy Truffle Parmesan Fries, a side dish at The Food Market Hampden.
The Chargrilled Lamb Rack, the other main course, was generously portioned and cooked to perfection. Served with creamy whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus, the lamb itself was delicious. However, the accompanying avenue 1 sauce was slightly too tomato-forward, which was a matter of personal preference and didn’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the dish.
Chargrilled Lamb Rack with whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus at The Food Market Hampden.
In conclusion, The Food Market in Hampden stands out as a top-tier dining destination in Baltimore. Its menu of upscale comfort food, combined with a pleasant ambiance, makes it an ideal spot for celebrating special moments or indulging in a memorable meal. Located at 1017 W 36th St in Hampden, The Food Market is definitely worth a visit for anyone seeking a high-quality culinary experience in Baltimore.
