jack’s bistro

Photo Credit: Mixed Eats

They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. That may be true, but I believe that the true definition is going to a restaurant where they are serving Mac & Cheese & Chocolate and not ordering.

I spent this weekend celebrating one of my very best friends. It was a Bachelorette-Bridal Shower weekend extravaganza in Maryland and as the Matron of Honor (how I hate that term) I was responsible for planning the festivities.

Our celebration happened to fall on Baltimore’s Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants were serving 3 courses for $30 and after looking at a handful of menus online, it seemed there was only one place we should go, Jack’s Bistro (3123 Eliott St, Baltimore).

I picked this restaurant before I decided to eat vegan. One dish in particular, the famous Mac & Cheese & Chocolate, was my main motivation for its selection. It did not even hit me that I would have to rethink my order until we were seated at the restaurant. Oh, and did I mention that I volunteered to be the designated driver. I am officially a glutton for punishment. No meat, no dairy, and no cocktails! It was a test of my will power that is for sure.

Here is what I ordered:

Cocktail - Water

Course One - Roasted Beet Salad with bibb lettuce, smoked balsamic, and shaved fennel

Course Two - Bohdi Dal, Indian curry, green lentils, zucchini, tomatoes, basmati rice, pita

Course Three - Water

Here is what I wish I ordered:

Cocktail -Date Night, house popcorn infused white rum, real sugar cane cola

Course One - Mac & Cheese & Chocolate, shell pasta, with smoked cheese sauce, and Columbian dark chocolate

Cocktail: Violet Martini, crème de violette, house made lemoncello

Course Two - Sous Vide Steak Frites, finished on the grill Truffle, garlic butter, fries

Course Two - Lamb Pasta, ground lamb, tomato sauce, rosemary, thyme, oregano, linguini

Course Three - Fried S’more, graham cracker encrusted chocolate marshmallow cookie with chocolate sauce & chocolate ice cream

Yes, I realize that there were two course twos in there. In my fantasy I can have two course twos and they would not even charge me extra, and the cocktails would be free and everyone would be skinny!

Back in reality, all of the ladies loved their dinner and mine was good, too. I left the table proud of myself that I did not give in to temptation and bury my face in a bowl of macaroni. After Jack’s we headed to Walt’s Inn (where they serve all their drinks in red solo cups). We had a blast singing karaoke until 2 in the morning and the bride was happy. What more can you ask for?