ten ten american bistro

i now work in harbor east , which has given me plenty of chances to cross things off of my baltimore restaurant list . on weekdays before 6pm, ten ten offers 1,000 point tables on opentable which made grabbingdinnerthere after work a quick, no-hassle option.  ten ten happens to be one of the wonderful restaurants that are part of the bagby restaurant group. the others are  cunningham’s , and cunningham’s cafe & bakery in towson, then fleet street kitchen  and bagby pizza co. in  harbor east . i had already visited two of the more causal restaurants that are part of the  bagby restaurant group so i had high hopes for  ten ten . ten ten upon looking over the menu,  the fried brussels sprouts immediately sparked my interest. a few months ago at the nickel taphouse i tried fried brussels sprouts which i loved so i decided to give these a go. they were flash fried and tossed in a seafood-chili vinaigrette and they were phenomenal. the sauce was sticky-sweet and went well over the brussels

at this dinner, i learned that beer can actually pair with food just as well, if not better than wine.  john hufnagel, the chef of ten ten  combined with jason hulse, certified cicerone and yard’s sales representative for the are put together a brilliant 5 coursedinnerwith beer pairings.  the beers are selected specifically around the way it enhances the meal: complement, contrast and/or cut flavors of the food. we started with surprise complementary appetizer; a single bite of fresh heirloom, basil and house made ricotta.  i definitely tasted the chopped walnuts which gave the nibble a nutty finish. it definitely set me up for wanting to try the tomato tasting menu at their sister restaurant fleet street kitchen . let me get to the pairings.  first course was yards love stout, a nitrogen cask style stout and baked bay oysters; local old black salt oysters that are farm raised

great dinner. only been fordinneronce. had a perfectly cooked filet with an unbelievable bleu cheese bread pudding ... amazing. service was attentive and cheerful.

dmo. haddinnerlast night with a group of 7. drinks, appetizers anddinnerentrees were all great. loved the decor and service was equally as good. would recommend for any type of occassion. very nice place. will definitely return.