Bonaparte (903 South Ann Street -(410)432-4000) is a hidden jewel in Baltimore. Actually, Baltimore is full of them. Living in Baltimore, one stumbles on hidden jewels all the time. That is probably the reason for it to be called the Charm City. But the jewels have to be kept hidden, otherwise Sheyla Dixon would take them home.
Back to Bonaparte, it is very surprising. The interior is decorated in a faux French style. It is not perfect, as the word "faux" suggests, however it makes a beautiful place and interesting experience. I dare to say it is almost like going to Napoleon's France without leaving present Baltimore. Just gay, as the word "French" suggests.
There are a lot of complaints about Bonaparte Bread & Cafe in the Internet. I personally can't say anything bad about it. Maybe because I am not snooty or self-entitled (Ouch!). Actually, the staff at Bonaparte are the ones who probably have something to complain about me. I am kind of broke presently. Not willing to spend too much, I asked if they served bagel with butter. The waitress almost had a heart attack. I can't blame her. At least she was polite enough to almost have a heart attack in very settled, soothing way. Probably, because that is the way they do it in France.
In the end, I bought a cup of decaf coffee and a loaf of bread (the butter came for free). My wife had tea. The cups are big enough for you to swim in them. The amount of the tea leaves was enough to fill a mattress. Looking back now, it feels like we spent two hours in Napoleon's France for ten bucks. It was faux but it was beautiful and nice, ah! and cheap. It was like being part of a display in a live museum, where we looked very important and interesting to ourselves. And you know it is a good deal when feeling important and interesting to yourself costs only ten bucks. Even if it is feeling important and interesting to yourself only.
By the way, the waitress with tattoos and piercings was great... ah! and they need a website. Jeez! What kind of business does not have a website, says my wife.
