Baltimore’s Italian Gem: Smoked Duck Takes the Crown 🦆✨

When it comes to must-order dishes at this Baltimore Italian spot, the Smoked Duck (P1) is non-negotiable—it’s my top pick, bar none! I’m not a fan of overly "artistic" dishes that prioritize presentation over taste, but this one strikes the perfect balance between culinary craft and pure flavor satisfaction. 🌟 The Star: Smoked Duck (Absolute Must-Try!) Texture & Flavor Perfection: The duck’s edges caramelize into a crispy, golden crust during smoking, releasing rich, savory fat with every bite. The center remains tender and juicy, infused with deep, aromatic smoke—pure, unadulterated meaty goodness that hits all the right notes. Surprisingly Harmonious Sides: The supporting ingredients are a revelation. Tangy-sweet dried fruit cuts through the richness and brightens the palate, while perfectly seasoned root vegetables add earthy depth. The chef’s house-made sauce is the cherry on top—layers of fruitiness, subtle spice, and smokiness unfold on the tongue, tying every element together seamlessly. Trust me, order this! 🥓 Runner-Up: Underrated Cold Pork Platter (P2) Nearly as amazing as the duck—though the smoked duck still has the edge. I can’t recall the exact name, but it’s a pork-based cold platter. Pro tip: Ask for the hard cheese pairing (show the server the photo if needed)! Every component shines on its own—high-quality pork with fantastic flavor, zesty sauce, fresh bread, complementary sides, and sharp, nutty hard cheese—and together, they’re unstoppable. 🥩 Honorable Mention: Beef Carpaccio (P3) Layers of delicate, thinly sliced beef with complex flavors—delicious, but slightly over-salted. Still worth a try if you love this classic Italian starter. 📝 Quick Bites on Other Dishes Squid Ink Pasta & Regular Pasta: Both solid, but not as standout as the top two picks. Calamari (P2 Top Right): A miss for me—slightly fishy. Though this might just be personal preference, as I’m not a big seafood fan. #BaltimoreFood #DMVFood #BaltimoreEats #ItalianCuisine #RestaurantRecommendation #FoodiePick #SmokedDuck