Isabella's Tavern and Tapas Bar - Frederick, Maryland
It only seems fitting that I have my first post be about Isabella's. If I had to pick only one place to dine out in the area for the rest of my life, this would be it. Isabella's has such good food and service, great atmosphere, and an overall feeling of relaxation that I can't help but want to take everyone I know there for dinner.
I originally went to Isabella's with a coworker. I don't remember what we had, but I do remember being so impressed that I dragged my husband, Matthew, there within 2 weeks. He was also impressed. Since then I have been there several times with Matt, several times with my best bud, Tim, and have made it a Mother's Day tradition for the past 3-4 years.
Isabella's is a tapas bar. If you have never had tapas you are missing out on a real treat. Tapas is a traditional dish in Spain where you are served a series of small dishes (think appetizers) over a period of time. Usually, they are shared among friends over wine and good conversation. This is not a quick in-and-out meal, no, these meals are to be savored, enjoyed, and time is supposed to be spent over them. In Spain it is common to travel from tapas place to tapas place over a period of hours, trying new things and moving on.
Ordering at a tapas bar is a little different, too. Usually the waiter will ask me if I've been there before. If I am with someone who hasn't, I'll generally tell them so and the waiter will tell my guest that it is expected that you order 2-3 things, they come out as they are ready (cold items coming before hot ones), enjoy them, then order more things when you choose. They will also give you fresh bread to dip into the olive oil they have in bottles on each table. The bread is also good for dipping up leftover sauces from each dish. They will generally leave one menu at the table for future ordering, and will check back from time to time to see if you would like to make further orders.
Some examples of things to order: my favorites include the Serrano Ham with Melons drizzled in olive oil, French Fried Asparagus with Tomato Aioli, and the Cinnamon Brownie with Hazelnut Ice Cream. I also like the Fried Potatoes with the Spicy Tomato Glaze and Garlic Aioli. Tim especially likes the Spinach Sauteed with Pine Nuts and Raisins. My mother is partial to the cold Grilled Eggplant Salad with Capers, Peppers, Caramelized Garlic, Onions, and Olive Oil. They also have a lot of seafood on the menu, cheeses, lamb, and quite a number of vegetarian dishes. They also will usually have some specials every day, and will give you a list of those along with the menu. I just saw one that I need to order next time I go in: Bacon-wrapped Dates Stuffed with Chorizo and Mild Goat Cheese.
One of the most interesting thing on the menu to try is the Chicken with Chocolate Sauce. No, this is not Hershey's syrup. The Spanish chocolate sauce is a traditional, chili sauce that is not sweet at all. Each time I've had it I've been surprised how the rich chocolate taste creeps up on you after the chili passes. It is very interesting and not for everyone, but definitely worth it to try at least once for the experience.
They also have entrees on the menu, such as Paella or steaks, but to be frank: this is a tapas bar. Order tapas.
Their wine list is obviously Spanish and Portugal heavy, but they have a large selection of wines from all over the world by the glass or bottle and at all price ranges. They also have a fully-stocked bar and of course a selection of non-alcoholic drinks as well.
They are located in the historic area of Frederick along with many other fine restaurants and upscale shops. It is right around the corner from a convenient parking garage (only $1 on weekends!) and is a short walk from the Weinberg Theater and the Mural Bridge. The interior of the building is all brick with some Mediterranean-inspired decor on the walls. The ceilings are old-fashioned tin. There are both tables and booths, the booths have wooden high-backed seating.
Reservations are recommended for groups, special dates (I learned the hard way to make one on Mother's Day), and possibly Friday and Saturday nights. They do have a lunch menu, but you can also order off the dinner menu for lunch.
Please visit their website for full menus, special events, pictures, map, and other reviews.
44 N. Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Telephone: 301-698-8922
Hours: Tuesday-Friday lunch: 11:30-2:30
Tuesday-Thursday dinner: 5:00-10:00
Friday dinner: 5:00-11:00
Saturday: 11:30am-11:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm-10:00pm
Closed Mondays
4 comments:
"Espinacas a lo sacromonte" is the name of that spinach dish ::insert drool:: It's something I get every time.
It was in this restaurant that I first had Sherry. Oy. Remember the asparagus spears and the pumpkin soup specials?
After I found a recipe for it, I tried to make it, but it just isn't the same.
¡Qué viva las espinacas a lo sacromonte!
I've heard you two speak so warmly about this tapas bar that I simply must visit someday. Do they have a lot of vegetarian options?
I think their menu is posted on line. I seem to recall their being a number of non-meat items.
I always thought they did, yes. They do have several salads, and one of the Paellas is veggie. I usually have mostly veggie options. I like them a lot.
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