My husband recently surprised me with a very special date night. It’s not often we get to do more than maybe a dinner or movie out. Both because we’re too exhausted by all our other responsibilities and because we often don’t have the time or funds to devote to a really nice date night.
And surprising me? Well, that’s even tougher since it requires outwitting my observation skills and being organized enough to plan a babysitter in advance.
My husband was able to do both, but then the evening of our date night their was a snow storm. (Because that’s what happened all winter no matter what our plans were.)
The evening got rescheduled, but it was still a surprise to find out we were heading to Baltimore for the night. I kid you not, that night (around 10pm) we were supposed to be getting ANOTHER storm (this ended up being a snow/ice storm that took out our power for days). So, we went and planned to get out of town just in time to avoid the storm that was headed our way.
I was thrilled when I realized we were heading to the National Aquarium. The National Aquarium is one of our favorite places to go. We purchased a family membership because it’s LESS expensive than buying tickets for one visit. Tickets are $36.90 for adults and kids over 12, and $23.90 for kids ages 3-11. One visit would cost $182.40 for tickets while a one year family membership costs $175. Buying the family membership also gets us discounted parking plus 10% off in the gift shop and cafes. It all adds up to more reasons to go back to visit and savings that made it worth it.
We were there for a Fresh Thoughts dinner which is an after-hours event which means there are no crowds to contend with while you wander your way up to the top floor of the Aquarium for a meal and evening you won’t forget.
We had wine and appetizers while wandering around the top floor, and dinner was in the cafe area on the 4th floor called the Harbor View Café because of the amazing views of the harbor. It was a lovely backdrop all lit up for the evening.
Here’s a brief video about the Fresh Thoughts Dining Series:
More from the Aquarium:
Fresh Thoughts: Sustainable Seafood Dining Series at National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD
The National Aquarium’s Fresh Thoughts Series not only offers a delicious evening out, it’s a way to increase your understanding of sustainable seafood practices to help you make informed choices.
Fishing practices are damaging the world’s oceans. Byctach, loss of habitat and breeding grounds and overfishing all contribute to reduced species population.
Visit aqua.org/freshthoughts for information on future dining events and seafoodwatch.org to obtain a list of sensible seafood choices.
The Menu
Featuring Chef Joseph Cotton of the National Aquarium
Wine pairings by Boordy Vineyards
First Course
Local Maryland Cheeses, Oysters
Firefly Farms goat cheese, black and blue grilled breads, chutney
Second Course
Amuse-Bouche
olive tapenade, flatbreads, spiced cashews and pecans, hummus, breadsticks
Third Course
House-Cured Lock Duart Salmon
local field greens, melted grape tomatoes, braised fennel, citrus herb vinaigrette
Fourth Course
Pan-Seared Maryland Rockfish
tricolor quinoa, local rainbow swiss chard, golden beet puree
Dessert
Maryland Apples, Apple Cider Doughnut
The meal was delicious and we learned about some new menu items we can cook at home as well as learning about our main course local Maryland rockfish.
If you’re looking for a unique outing or a great place to visit in Baltimore the National Aquarium is it!
Kelly
It was so unique! I’m really glad he planned it. 🙂
It was sooo good. Hope you do!
Ha! Their cafeteria food is actually amazing! Lots of local and organic choices.
Right?! It was pretty cool to have such a nice meal in that setting.
Definitely make sure to buy tickets in advance! We also really love the Science Museum.
It’s so neat! I hope you can make time for it-there’s so much to do in Baltimore.
We LOVE this aquarium! I didn’t even know they did dinners. This sounds like a fabulous evening. Ben and I have been thinking about taking a weekend and getting away to Baltimore. I’ll have to look into that!
That looks amazing! Still trying to plan our own trip to the National Aquarium
I didn’t expect it to be a real meal with a nice setting. The second course sounds delicious to me.
Not gonna lie… when I first read the title about eating at the aquarium I assumed it would be “cafeteria” food…. but this looks awesome!! THanks for sharing this. Would definitely eat there!
Wow Kelly this sounds amazing the food sounds to die for! I would love to do this with my husband. Thanks for sharing
How awesome! What a different and special way to spend time at the aquarium. That menu sounds so good.