The trendy chic feel of Uptown Manhattan without the exorbitant prices can be found at Sascha's 527 in historic Mount Vernon. Located one block south of Peabody Conservatory, Sascha's is elegantly modern and has become one of the most popular dinner spots for Baltimore's hip social crowd. Don't let a 20 minute wait at the door deter you from putting your name on the list (reservations are not available). Head straight back through the restaurant to Sascha's cocktail bar, which wraps around the back of the room and serves up some delicious concoctions. You'll probably meet a few 20-somethings who are there to enjoy a martini before heading out for the night.
You will be dazzled by the grand atmosphere of the 20 foot ceilings, large columns, decadently painted walls of gold and maroon, and the crystal chandelier that hangs in the center of the room. The one room restaurant feels enormous, and the wall space is decorated with trendy, new-age artwork that is for sale by visiting artists.
The beguiling food is unbelievably low-priced with nothing over $15 and offers an eclectic selection of French, Italian, American, Vegetarian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. The 13 "Taste Plates" are appetizers that feature some of Sascha's most adventurous creations. Choices range from Cajun coconut shrimp and Indonesian chicken canes to potato pancakes with caviar.
The "Big Plates" are entrees that come with two vegetables of your selection on the side, as well as with two sauces. The sauces, a hallmark creation of Chef Quinn Appleby, include 12 tasty garnishes. My favorite "Big Plate," the grilled salmon, is delicious with the soy wasabi ginger and thai peanut sauces and mashed potatoes and carrots on the side. Other "Big Plates" include grilled tuna, grilled pork loin, grilled steak, grilled chicken and chicken portabella saut.
In addition to the "Big Plates", there are "Grills" which serve up zesty sandwiches and burgers, and "Grilled Pizzettesi" that give you the best of Italian pizza with a flair. There is also a modest selection of salads that can serve as appetizers or entrees. You can request to have salmon or chicken added to the salads to create a more substantial meal. Although I've never tried the desserts, they look deliciously elaborate and have received rave reviews from other patrons.
The wait staff is hip and friendly, and you'll want to invite them to join your party. We did, and our waiter sat down for a few minutes, but Sascha's is a bustle of energy and he was soon back up to keep the wine flowing to a large party behind us. At Sascha's you will dine grandly and have fun, without suffering too large a dent in your wallet.
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