When the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore Hotel opened in 2017 residents and visitors had something to cheer about. The old Rec Pier had been saved from the wrecking ball and after extensive renovations, a luxury hotel graced the historic Fells Point neighborhood. Secondly, the Rec Pier Chop House welcomed diners for breakfast, lunch, and dinner adding to Baltimore’s fantastic food scene.
Over the years this writer has enjoyed many a meal at the Rec Pier Chop House and has been my go-to place to take out of town guests for a memorable meal. Lately, the Rec Pier Chop House has upped their game by hiring chef Madison Williams. The chef and her team have come up with a fan favorite Gospel Brunch that brings heavenly music and a Southern-themed buffet to Sunday brunch fans.
On the day my wife and I attended Gospel Brunch, we could hear the choir above the dining room’s bar lifting the ceiling a bit higher with their exuberant singing. The dining room was packed and the mood high with so much great food and music. We were shown to our table by the tall windows that look out onto the Fells Point restaurant row.
At the buffet line we beheld a feast for rejoicing. An arugula salad in petite bowls and deviled eggs were tempting starters. Further down the line, I almost drooled over the honey butter biscuits and Southern cornbread with whipped chipotle butter. For breakfast lovers the scrambled eggs, home-fried potatoes, eggs Benedict, and applewood smoked bacon were in ample supply. A carving station featured roasted prime rib of beef.
I opted for a more lunch-centric meal and loaded my plate with mac-n-cheese, unbelievably good fried chicken, roasted Brussel sprouts, collard greens, a biscuit, cornbread, and eggs Benedict as a token breakfast item. The biscuits, cornbread, and fried chicken were as good as any I’ve had in Charleston, SC where Southern fare hits its highest note in my book.
I paired brunch with a glass of Sicilian white wine from the impressive by-the-glass list while my wife chose a mimosa. Dessert was a mix of baked goods and fresh fruit. I managed to finish my plate of fresh fruit, mini muffin, lemon meringue tart, raspberry tart, and apple pastry then kicked back to enjoy the music. At times, guests got up to dance to the gospel vibe permeating the room.
David Lindberg, the saxophone player made the rounds in the dining room as a female soloist belted out a heart-felt piece dedicated to the survivors of Covid. While staying for more music would have been nice, we gave up our table to those who were waiting. To end a perfect brunch, we stepped out onto Thames Street and perused the shops along this cobblestone main drag.
After the Gospel Brunch ended on Mother’s Day, the summer Pool Bar & Grill opened on Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. The grill menu features tacos, light bites, salads, and several Summer drinks with a couple of alcohol-free creations. The pool and the grill are reserved for hotel guests.
Some brunch customers were guests at the hotel and I envied them for not having to drive after such a fine meal. With 128 guest rooms and suites, the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore Hotel is one of Baltimore’s best luxury hotels. Most rooms and suites have water views and the superior suite has full Inner Harbor views with the iconic Domino’s Sugar refinery in full view. Find more information about the Pendry Hotel by clicking this link to a JustLuxe feature.
The biscuits and cornbread are reason enough to attend Gospel Brunch.
Prime rib is carved at the buffet line.
The desserts were colorful and delicious at the Rec Pier Chop House Gospel Brunch.
The Sagamore Pendry Baltimore Hotel as seen from across the water.
The Rec Pier Chop House dining room has wide views of historic Thames St.
