Albatross — Restaurant in Camden

It's said that the Albatross bird is considered a symbol of mystery and good fortune. The new Camden restaurant that opened only four weeks ago, called the Albatross, seems to aptly fit this description. Because it is so new, it is a mystery as to what one will find there, but it is a place that certainly will deliver good fortune to all who venture there...especially to anyone who considers themself a foodie. I highly recommend trying out this new establishment. It is an eating experience well worth it!

Dining at the Albatross the other night positively surprised me -- in almost every way, I think the restaurant will also pleasantly surprise even the most discerning person. Although I would call it an upscale establishment based on food and pricing, it is very approachable and unpretentious -- Jeffery and Maggie, the husband and wife owners, were friendly and very low key. Jeffrey, who handles the "front of house" while Maggie does the food preparation, was very attentive and more than willing to answer our myriad questions about the menu. (BTW, a lot of the artwork in the place, including ceramics on display, was all done by this multi-talented couple). Creativity seems to abound from these restaurant owners -- the menu of tapas is imaginative, unique, and varied. There appears to be Peruvian, Thai, and Indigenous American influences in the wide-ranging small plates offered. Most are ideal for sharing. I was at the restaurant with a group of four other people, so the five of us were able to sample a large selection of the tapas options.

Two tapas selections that are NOT to be missed are the Chicken & Biscuit, and the Chickpea Panisse. Now, Chicken & Biscuits are not normally something to be highly recommended at an upscale restaurant, but this chicken will do a dance in your mouth because there are simply so many complementary flavors hitting your taste buds in sequence. One of my dining companions exclaimed upon taking her first bite of chicken, "Wow, what is going on in my mouth?!...it's like a band is playing music from multiple instruments!"

The Chickpea Panisse was another unique surprise. Lightly deep fried snack "sticks" are made from ground chickpeas and serviced with a dipping sauce. They were very tasty!

The Japanese-style Cured Mackeral was also another tasty tapas, as was the Indonesian Pork Skewer.

All tapas were asethetically though minimalistly served. And again, service was very attentive and pleasant.

The restaurant currently has limited desserts -- I personally hope the owners will expand this part of their menu with the same imagination and creativity as the rest of the menu selections.

The Albatross also has a list of alcoholic cocktails -- they are generally some standard fare but with the owner's slight twist on each to create something new and different. They also serve wine, beer, and standard mixed drinks. Though we didn't order from the wine list, a glance of it looked like some interesting selections.

Overall, our entire group of five people was very favorably pleased with the food we had at the Albatross restaurant, and we all highly recommend it for a fun and rewarding dining experience. We wish the owners much success with their new...

The very modest signage hovering over a bright yellow refrigerator on the porch tells the story at a glance. Completely unassuming but underneath that is a world of flavor spice and passion for wonderful food. Take the Vietmamese shrimp cakes.Ok, interesting, but.?..... OMG! delicate crispy minibowls of sauced shrimp.With 3 distinct dipping sauces ,house made in perfect detail and contrast. With fresh crisp greens and dipping veggies and kimchi. A world of flavor. I had the honor on two visits of being served by the owners. Head chef Maggie confessed to devising the recipes, but typically uassuming, praised their whole team's approach to the combinations. Very evident, as I was also attended to by the pastry chef. He was so proud of his delicious Apple sorbet topped spice cake w/ cider sauce he came out to thank me for ordering....and ask MY opinion. Which also was...OMG! THIS IS A SPECIAL PLACE. Stop reading and just go...

I saw a review that was not very favorable. However, when I dug into it, it was clear that it probably wasn’t fair so I decided to check it out for myself.

I think the place is cute. It’s trendy it’s hip. I sound like an old man, I felt the food was inventive unique creative the flavor profile fantastic highly recommend. I will say the hamburger doesn’t look great when it arrives, but the flavor profile between the cheese the grass fed beef unbelievably juicy, and delicious. Super flavorful served on an English muffin. I couldn’t eat it fast enough. It was so good. If I lived in the area, it would be my regular place.

The restaurant is a little bit hidden. You have to be specific in your search for it. Otherwise you’ll drive right by it. I also noticed they serve Sunday brunch and I bet it’s great. Their cocktail and wine list was both...