Tried Alchemy Anyone?

[FoiGras]

I was wondering if anyone has tried this Hampden restaurant. The website's menu appears to be quite enticing.

I don't want to "drag" my husband to Hampden and have him be disappointed as we both were after dining at Dogwood last November. He also was unimpressed with Woodberry Kitchen. I enjoyed our meal there. Had the most exquisite pate (which was more mousse-like in texture). Was not enthralled with the popcorn. Just didn't get it. I'm happy with Pop Secret or SmartFood cheddar popcorn. I guess I didn't know what to expect. It was just a minor blip. Unfortunately, I made suggestions as to what my husband ordered and made the wrong choices. He is willing to return and make his own selections. I am the adventurous one where cuisine is concerned so I look forward to anything that comes onto the ever changing menu.

I do want to investigate Alchemy, but would prefer to have a bit of input/opinion. It seems to be off the radar, which is a red flag for me.

I am attempting to get out of our dining-out rut. This past week or so, for weeknight casual dining, we tried Pappas. Really very good crabcakes and fried oysters. Good, basic, Baltimore staples-type food. I liked their coleslaw and mashed redskin potatoes. The restaurant iisn't going to make culinary history with fabulous cuisine, but was pleasant for a casual night out.

Our second dinner was at Jesse Wong's Asean Bistro in Columbia. I am not a fan of typical Chinese-American type cuisine, but the restaurant was quite nice. Nothing new or unexpected. Once again, we don't always dine out at high end restaurants with higher expectations, only on the weekends. Since we eat out about 4 or more nights a week, we try to create a balance. Anyhow, the appetizer of lambchops was fantastic. I couldn't believe how tender, moist and large the chops were, especially for the price point of under (if I recall) $7 or $8. We ordered several apps --eggdrop soup/eggroll, etc. My hubby stayed safely with a chicken dish with sesame. Nothing out of the ordinary, but good nonetheless.

Well, didn't mean to go off point. Hope all of the Chowhound Dads have a great dining out/in weekend. Prime Rib, here we come. Yeah!!! FoiGras

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Woodberry Kitchen
2010 Clipper Park Rd # 126, Baltimore, MD

Hampden Cafe
4800 Hampden Ln Ste 103, Bethesda, MD 20814

Prime Rib
1101 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Asean Bistro
8775 Centre Park Dr Ste 7, Columbia, MD 21045

[crackers]

Here's a thread on Alchemy. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/751075

Since you mentioned you aren't a fan of Chinese-American cuisine, I'm curious why you ordered egg drop soup, egg roll and sesame chicken at Asean Bistro, or went there at all for that matter. Have you considered trying Grace Garden or Hunan Taste as alternatives?

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Grace Garden
1690 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD

Hunan Taste
718 N Rolling Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228

[FoiGras]

crackers--haven't tried either of the two restaurants you mentioned.

I guess I wasn't clear, it was my husband who ordered the soup, egg roll, etc. I ordered the lambchops. They were excellent. I also ordered peanut noodles. And, since my husband enjoys Chinese-American cuisine I like to see him get the opportunity to dine out at a place he suggests instead of me always calling the shots. FoiGras

[mscoffee1]

Grace Garden is wonderful, but it is "run down" so take out is always good. Their fish noodles and pork belly which were the first dishes I had there were just amazing. They have both a Chinese and Chinese American menu. The first time I was there not only did they help me choose dishes I would like but even the customers who were devoted diners helped me. I am sure you must have seen the many posts on this board for Grace Garden, but since it has both kinds of food, I thought you might like it.

http://gracegardenchinese.com/menu.html

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Grace Garden
1690 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD

[FoiGras]

mscoffee1--yes, indeed, I have seen many postings regarding Grace Garden, and they have been quite enthusiastically positive. Pork Belly would be something that would definitely entice me. I had it for the first time several weeks ago at the Elkridge Furnace Inn and thoroughly enjoyed it. I like it almost as much as foiegras. I'd like to try Grace Garden's version.

Today would be a great day for take out. I usually won't dine out on a holiday, but carry out would fit the bill.

Thanks for the recommendation. FoiGras

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The Elkridge Furnace Inn
5745 Furnace Avenue, Elkridge, MD 21075

Grace Garden
1690 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD

[crackers]

Grace Garden is not open on Sundays; it is their one day of rest all week.

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Grace Garden
1690 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD

[mscoffee1]

Good catch.