Revamped Ze Mean Bean
Matthew Dornic sent me a bunch of photos of the newly renovated Ze Mean Bean in Fells Point and its glammed-up decor. I wish more owners would do this. I can't go myself to take pictures; it would be too obvious it was me. I can't send a Sun photographer until there's a Table Talk or review to be done. But when a place has just opened, I think readers like knowing what the restaurant looks like, and I can post photos here if I can get my hands on them.
Anyway, Ze Mean Bean isn't new, but it has made major changes. And not just in the decor. Here's what Dornic wrote me: ...
"Chef Dennis Keruly [pictured] has just recently returned to Ze Mean Bean [and] has prepared one mean menu that will debut in the coming weeks.
"Keruly, a graduate of Baltimore International College, has 13 years of culinary experience under his belt. He apprenticed under Master Chef Roland Jeannier before leading up kitchens...at Truffles, the Brass Elephant, and the Camden Club. A former executive chef at Ze Mean Bean, Chef Keruly has recently returned to the Bean's kitchen. ...
"Chef Keruly's new menu will showcase dishes such as:
"Tomato-Brined Sage-Crusted Sea Bass with Roasted Butternut Squash Compote; Maple-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Honey and Horse Radish Glace de Veau; Grilled Bison Bistro Filet with Caramelized Chanterelles and Candied Shallots; Lobster Kluski Slonski (Potato Dumpling) with Lobster Butter, Fresh Lobster, Asparagus; Basil-Cured Hot Smoked Black Cod Basquaise with Chorizo and Crab Relish; and Soy and Apricot-Marinated Tofu Roulade with Napa Cabbage, Daikon Sprouts, and Borowik Consomme."
Whew.
More pictures below.
(Photos courtesy of Matthew Dornic)
Comments
Tony Bourdain would go to town with some of those menu items. :-)
Posted by: Hal Laurent | October 8, 2007 8:02 AM
Hmm...they still have those high-backed chairs with the uncomfortable/sunken/broken straw seats, I see. :(
I grew up on the 500 block of Ann Street, just across the street from Ze Mean Bean, and really wished this place had been there when I was. But then I had my Polish grandmother to make kluski and barszcz....
Posted by: Kathy | October 8, 2007 10:34 AM
All of the chairs pictured are brand new - must be some confusion. The highback chairs (sunken ;)) are now upstairs and equipped with big thick pads so as to be more rear-considerate. The beautiful burnt orange leather stools were all purchased from Eclectic Elements (local retailer) on Broadway right down the street from the cafe. We also purchased the cool lights in the windows and the chandeliers upstairs from them - great store!
Thanks for the post Elizabeth! You are the best.
Matt
Posted by: Matt Dornic | October 13, 2007 7:17 PM
Love the Romero Britto artwork on the walls!!! I haven't been to the newly revamped Cafe but I look forward to tasting that delish-sounding food.
Posted by: Rachel | October 15, 2007 12:37 PM
How can I get additional copies of this
article ?????
This was never a print article.
Posted by: Michael J. Romans | October 15, 2007 1:13 PM