Mrs. Teabody and the Lady Beatrice Visit Johnny Sanchez

Heirloom Tomato Salad

There's a definite autumnal feel in the air this second Friday in September and if the events of the past two weeks are any indication of what the new season will bring, then Mrs. Teabody needs to rearrange her closet and bring out her glad rags. Perhaps you should, too? What a social whirl! Leave it to one of Mrs. Teabody's favorite friends, the multi-talented Lady Beatrice, to sort a day for an adventure heading for the bright lights of Baltimore in Lady Beatrice's exquisite, if talkative, motor car.

Lady Beatrice is nothing if not an adventuress of the first order. Mrs. Teabody is never surprised when she hears a ping on her little smart telephone only to discover that Lady B has sent her a photograph of an adobe house in Sedona, some uncomfortably precipitous "road" in  New Mexico, or the view from her Paris pied–à–terre. Why, this very week Lady B shall swan off to paint the steely Atlantic in North Carolina, and once again Mrs. Teabody will live vicariously through her. But this is not a post about Lady B's travels but a discussion about a lovely new restaurant in Baltimore called Johnny Sanchez-- a collaboration of two of the Food Network's familiar faces.

Located on the second floor of the new Baltimore Horseshoe Casino, there is a slightly too-open feel about Johnny Sanchez, a little too food court-y vibe, but everything is light woods, lots of air and space and a table by the window looking over a stadium and lots of hotels was ours for the asking. A quick aside to the hostess: "What's good?" brought the response, "the Heirloom Tomato Salad," and an inquisitive glance at some gooey cheesy delight being shared at the adjoining table was suggestion enough to want to try the "Queso Fundido," melted cheese, roasted poblanos, and house chorizo. The order was finished off with Lady B ordering a pair of Crispy Gulf shrimp  tacos with Chili mayo, cilantro and pickled vegetables to be shared and Mrs. Teabody doing the same for "Slow-cooked crispy pork belly tacos." What was left to order but a couple margaritas to sip on whilst waiting?

In very short order the congenial and pretty server arrived with the Queso Fundido which smelled heavenly but just missed the mark with the strong oils of the chorizo making  the dish  a bit too heavy. Flavors are very strong. Next was the tomato salad which was artfully arranged and dressed with the grilled avocado meriting special mention. Perfection. Just a bit through the salad course the server arrived with the tacos and both types were quite small but absolutely delicious. Sated, we asked for coffee which arrived in  massive cups and proved the perfect ending to a lovely late lunch. The bill for two was just over $75 so this will not be a regular luncheon spot but  for a special occasion like visiting a brand-new smoke-free casino, it was great.

Much hilarity ensued on this first-visit exploration and Mrs. Teabody was especially chuffed by the ease with which Lady B navigated Baltimore city. Perhaps you, too, can find a friend to share a mid-week adventure? 't is the season. Ta for now

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