The Perfect Reward: A Chocolate Martini

The Pisces Rooftop Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore has a variety of martinis, “But the Chocolate Martini is by far the favorite,” says manager Bill Rush.

By Sandra Scott

I deserved it. Can there be anything more civilized than a Chocolate Martini? It’s the perfect way to relax at the end of a full day. And I had had a very full day exploring Baltimore’s Inner

It started with a sightseeing tour that blends history, culture, folklore, and trivia about the treasures of Baltimore. Did you know that Al Jolson and Babe Ruth attended the same orphanage school? And Edgar Allan Poe didn’t die in the gutter?

Then it was off to Fort McHenry. From a British ship in the harbor Francis Scott Key watched the Battle of Fort McHenry and was so inspired when he saw the American flag still flying at the end of the battle he immortalized it in a poem. “Defense of Fort McHenry” was set to music and became “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Then it was back to the Inner Harbor, checking out the shops and helping “man the mizzens” on the USS Constellation, where for a few minutes visitors can be members of the crew and get a feel for what a sailor’s life was like a hundred years ago. Commissioned in 1855, the USS Constellation was the last all-sail ship built by the U.S. Navy.

When the sun finally dipped below the yardarm, it was time to relax. For a chocolate lover in Baltimore, the perfect place to relax is the Pisces Rooftop Restaurant in the Hyatt Regency Baltimore and the perfect reward after a full day of enjoying Baltimore is a smooth, relaxing Chocolate Martini. What an elixir: Three parts Stoli Vodka, one part Crème de Cocao, and a splash of cream—shaken not stirred—garnished with a plump, fresh strawberry and a speared cherry at the bottom of the glass.

The floor-to-ceiling windows of the Pisces give a panoramic view of the whole Inner Harbor. To the right, beyond Federal Hill is Fort McHenry. Below is the USS Constellation. At night, the black velvet harbor and jewel-like lights make it a fairyland.

There are a variety of relaxing martinis at the Pisces. Bill Rush, manager of the Pisces Lounge and Restaurant, explains, “I wanted an interesting martini menu so guests can enjoy a variety. But, the Chocolate Martini is by far the favorite. Why don’t you try another one?”

“Ok,” I say, “but two is my limit before dinner. Let me try the tiramisu martini.” This turns out to be a wonderful blend of Dark Rum, Kahlua Coffee Liquor and Dark Crème de Cocoa, with the final touch, a splash of cream.

It’s time for dinner. And eating in Baltimore means one thing—crab cakes. The crab cakes at Pisces are served with Napa and Purple Cabbage Slaw and Vidalia Onion Aiole. And the meal, like the day, ends with a chocolate reward: chocolate bombe--chocolate cake with coconut ice cream and passion fruit puree.

For more information visit www.baltimore.hyatt.com.

Sandra Scott is a frequent contributor to travel publications and to Copley News Service and has co-authored two books on local history. She lives in Mexico, NY.
Photos by Sandra Scott and John Scott.

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