You may have noticed a few restaurants have opened and closed on 845 S. Montford Avenue in the past few years. And, if you walked in there today, that unmistakable big wooden bar would still greet you. But that is about the only thing that remains the same now that Tangier’s Bistro and Martini Bar is open for business.
A quote from the menu sums up what co-owner Alan Suissa told us what to expect from Tangier’s menu: “Our inspiration is a fascinating journey through the rich and diverse French Northern Moroccan cuisine.” Suissa’s family (some of whom you’ll find in the kitchen) is from Morocco, and their small plate menu also heavily influenced by Spain. “The menu is our heritage,” said Suissa, who serves as a spokesman for his food and culture. At least, Erin and I can fill you in on the food part.
Our first plate was a doozie, as it included five of the six choices from the Salad Mezze and Cold Mezze side of the menu. We had the Beet Salad, Carrot Salad (which I took a liking to), Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Fried Spicy Eggplant (right up Erin’s alley), and the Tchouktchouka, which is stewed plum tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, garlic and Moroccan spice cooked for four days- and easily our favorite. As you can already tell, there are choices here for everyone.
I must note that a unique feature to Tangier’s menu is the brief descriptive paragraph under each subheading. It provides just a little insight into where the dishes come from, what spices they use, and even the historical significance of the dish.
We both had the Briouates (a handmade stuffed envelop, deep fried), Pastels (triangular with ground beef) and Cigars (cylinder shaped with spicy ground beef). Then came the Chicken Tangine, which featured both lemon and olive flavors, followed by the Chicken Bastilla, which was built much like a pastry and is meant to be a “sweet and savory” dish.
So far, you have to be thinking this is looking like a pretty good meal, right? “But wait, there’s more…”
We had a few items that weren’t on the menu yet, but should be by the time you read this. We had a Seven-Vegetable Cous Cous, which to be honest I would never order on my own. As it turns out, the soft, cooked veggies were fantastic. We also had the Moroccan Crabcakes, a play on our local fare being it was minced flounder and salmon, served with a Moroccan red sauce. We both enjoyed this dish. As long as you are ordering small plates and trying new things, keep your eyes open for this one.
We finished the evening with the Assorted Moroccan Pastries Plate and the Mint Tea. After reading the bits on each, you really have no choice but to try these treats and the “national drink” of Morocco.
I failed to mention Tangier’s unique list of martinis and cocktails, but space won’t permit. I will say I had a rather large glass of the red sangria, which I am told is made fresh daily, and it was a great way to start my meal.
We covered so much in such a small space that I hope I’ve done Tangier’s justice. If we had to do it again, we’d roll in with a few more friends, try even more of the menu, and tell the babysitter to plan on overtime so we could relax and stay longer, something Tangier’s encourages.
Sometimes new restaurants try too hard, or try to create something new just for newness sake, and it doesn’t work. And thus, we give Tangier’s much credit: They are experts in their craft, they take great pride in what they offer, and their goal is sharing it all with their customers. They have succeeded, and now it’s your turn to check out the great new spot at 845 S. Montford.
TANGIER’S BISTRO & MARTINI BAR
845 S. Montford Ave. – Canton – www.tangiersbaltimore.com
Photo Credit: Tracy Dietrich | www.tracydietrich.com
