Dinner and a mission. The Dogwood in Hampden

After another great recommendation it was time to try The Dogwood in Hampden. We were having dinner with the Jones' that evening so we were able to share our foodie adventure with good friends.

It's not to often that you find restaurants that have a mission but The Dogwood is whole heartedly invested in individuals going through a struggle. Most of the people who work there have been through or are going through a personal struggle. Dogwood hires these individuals and teaches them a skill that they may not of considered and it helps these people realize that it's not to late to turn your life around.

Now let me introduce you to the deliciousness of The Dogwood.

Let's start with appetizers. Each couple had their own order of chips and dip. This is not your ordinary chips and dip. TD's version is fresh made Old Bay potato chips with a fresh herbed organic yogurt dip. I literally could not stop eating the chips and dip. The chips we so crunchy and had just enough Old Bay and then dip was so fresh and reminded me of the most delicious onion style dip you could imagine.

Ron also had this very refreshing signature cocktail called The Dogwood(citrus-infused organic Prairie Vodka, Coin- treau, splash of Campari, house-made simple syrup, pomegranate juice, splash of fresh lemon juice, topped with Prosecco, garnished with a cucumber round and a lemon twist, served over ice, sangria-style in a wine glass).

After we enjoyed our chips and dip it was time for dinner. I am warning you that the next few photos will have you salivating if you aren't already.

Mrs. Jones and Mr. Ditzel both chose the Ancho braised grass-fed short ribs(green chile cornbread with sage, spicy braising jus BBQ, garlic sautéed greens and market vegetables )

I went with the pan-roasted Duroc pork porterhouse (rined with rosemary, thyme and brown sugar, served with mashed sweet potato & plantain, grilled pineapple-cherry salsa).

Mr. Jones decided on the MD crab cakes. 

We also ordered some sides al carte. The Ditzels went with Pommes Dauphine (organic potato puffs- French Tater-Tots, roasted chili aioli).

The Jones' decided on an order of Mac n Bleu (artisan blue cheese, farfalle, ginger breadcrumbs).

Everyone really enjoyed their dinner and I am pretty sure I could eat those french tater tots every single day of my life. 

Next up was dessert. Ron went with Chocolate de pot Creme and the Jones' split a piece of carrot cake.

After looking at all these pictures are you ready for your dining experience at The Dogwood ? We promise you won't regret it!

www.dogwoodbaltimore.com/