Eden: Romantic and Remarkable
I recently visited Eden Restaurant, located on the ocean block of Baltimore Avenue and situated right next door to its partner restaurant, Jam Bistro. I mention Jam only because I adore its logo, which is Jam—East of Eden. Cleverest line in town. It also is a comfortable spot for casual dining.
But it was the lovely Eden we visited, and there’s no doubt it is one of the finest restaurants in town, known for its more than ample wine list, curtained booths, and innovative kitchen.
Here in town for almost 20 years, Eden offers a softly-lit romantic atmosphere, superb service, and decadent dining. From our generous pre-dinner cocktails to the signature key lime pie dessert, this Eating Out was a treat from start to finish.
The Local Crab and Maine Lobster Tower is their most requested appetizer, served with mango salsa and avocado crema. Our handsome and very attentive waiter, Kevin, suggested it and it arrived pretty to look at and bursting with fresh shellfish flavors. The portion could easily suffice for an entrée, with Eden’s fresh bread served with a wickedly good honey butter. Add a glass of wine, and it would be a perfect combination.
We also sampled an appetizer special, suggested by Chef Clay Nelson. It was an Heirloom Tomato Tartare, with house-made mozzarella, house-grown basil, onions, and a pesto vinaigrette. Remember how real local tomatoes used to taste? Bingo. It’s from the garden of Eden indeed.
For my entrée, I was in the mood for beef, so I ordered something I rarely choose—the Center-Cut Filet Mignon served simply with roasted garlic whipped potatoes, and haricots verts with a demi-glace. It was a medium-rare treasure. And the garlic mashed potatoes deserve a trophy.
Bonnie, who loves venison, ordered the Grilled New Zealand Red Deer Chop, served with red and white fingerling potatoes, peas, and onions, and a berry/red wine demi. She absolutely adored the tender chop, which she reported was flawlessly seasoned. She shared a bit with me and although I am often hesitant to try wild game, I found it to be especially flavorful, ultra-lean, and tasting quite different than beef but in no way too “earthy,” or overpowering. I’d be tempted to order it on my next visit.
We paired the entrees with what Eden calls one of their “cute but powerful half bottles” of red wine—a delicious Bordeaux—Chateau Larose-Trintaudon 2015. At a very reasonable price, it went perfectly with our hearty entrees.
The wine list is impressive, and Eden also offers Artisanal Cheese Boards, with a selection from France, Italy, Vermont, Holland, and California. Between the list and the selection of cheeses, it brings to mind an evening at the bar, sampling the cheese, adding charcuterie, and choosing wines by the glass.
We shared the Key Lime Pie for dessert, which was artfully plated, and included a unique and delicious graham cracker and sunflower seed crust, along with blackberries and whipped cream. It’s marvelous to find a key lime slice that’s deliciously tart and sweet, walking that fine line exquisitely.
Their menu is on the Eden website (edenrestaurant.com), with a variety of choices, many fish dishes, and some unusual appetizers like pork belly quesadilla. I’m hoping to go back soon to try the Pan Seared Day Boat Scallops, the Chef’s Daily Ceviche, and the Rock Shrimp Flatbread with shallots and avocado/lemon aioli—just to name a few.
On Wednesday evenings Eden offers a three-course prix fixe dinner for $45. Happy Hour happens daily at the bar, 5-7 p.m., with $2 off wines by the glass, $6 cocktails, and $9 martinis.
This Eden, here in our hometown, really is a foodie paradise. ▼