stephanieg's Profile
Baltimore's Newest Restaurants
We went to Heavy Seas Alehouse for the first time about 6 weeks ago. My husband loves beers, and I went along much less enthusiastically. wW were both so wowed by the food, service, and drinks that we went back once since then and have 2 reservations on the books (one being on Father's day, per his request!)!
The food was the biggest surprise for me. As a beer-focused restaurant, I was expecting basic bar food. I was so wrong! The food was superb-- we had seafood from the raw bar which was fabulous, and all the entrees were rave worthy. I especially loved the fries-- fresh, hand-cut, and seasoned perfectly. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn that the restaurant strives to use local, seasonable ingredients and even gets its baked goods from the bakery next door.
Food Lover's Guide to Baltimore
I like Greg's bagels but would never rave about them. What I love about Greg's, though, is Greg and his awesome smoked salmon. He has a great variety and thoroughly enjoys helping customers find a fish that's up their alley. Customer service there is excellent!
Casual Rests. near Baltimore Aquarium?
I actually think that the food inside the aquarium's main cafe is pretty good. I was pleasantly surprised when we visited a few months back. The cafe is even committed to using local, seasonal ingredients, and I especially appreciated that the plates, utensils etc. were compostable or recyclable.
For dinner, you may want to consider La Scala in Little Italy (which is a short walk from the aquarium). While it's on the expensive side, it's very good Italian fare. My boys love going there because there's a bocce ball court on the first floor where they love to entertain themselves after they finish their meal (and while my husband and I savor our wine!).
Baltimore outdoor lunch
FoiGras' comment echos my own-- I didn't consider the market because I thought it ended around noon. How late does it run?
Baltimore outdoor lunch
Thanks, all, for the suggestions! FoiGras-- I also thought about Tabrizi's, but I don't think they serve lunch on Sundays.
Has anyone been to Sorso Cafe, which seems like it's in the same area of Tabrizi's?
Baltimore outdoor lunch
Since the weather will be great again on Sunday, I'm looking for a casual place where my husband and I can have lunch and eat outdoors. The closer to the Science Center, the better, as we'll be dropping off our kids there at a party, before heading out on our own.
Food Lover's Guide to Baltimore
Still around, although I often wonder for how much longer. I've never seen it even close to full. I really think it's such a hidden gem-- they have an eggplant appetizer that's to die for, and the food is always fresh and delicious. I can't remember what the tablecloths are like. I actually love the seating-- it's one of the few places where you can get a booth for 2, which I find quite romantic.
Food Lover's Guide to Baltimore
My favorites of the moment (which include fine dining along with good places to go with the kids):
Mezze
Dogwood
Tio Pepes
Pazo
Charleston
The Olive Room
Akbar
Dukem
Carlyle Club
La Famiglia
Sushi Hanna
Atwaters
Spice and Dice
One World Café
Papermoon Diner
Restaurants for the Solo Traveler in Baltimore?
I would scratch Greg's Bagels. Not special at all. However, it's in the same open shopping complex as Atwater's, which has fabulous soups and breads and would be perfect for solo dining (you're eating within a bustling market).
I second the Mezze recommendation. Dukem for Ethiopian is also a delicious place, with huge portions for the price. For a nicer dinner (but where you could get a more moderately priced and delicious lamb burger), consider the Olive Room, which has excellent food and a great view of the harbor. Mezze and the Olive Room are in Fells Point. For dessert (or snacks), you should then head over to Pintango Gelato (in Fells) or Vacarros (in Little Italy).
Baltimore Fun
Two places in Fells Point immediately come to mind-- 1) The Olive Room-- This is owned by the same people who own the Black Olive. The food is just as good, but it's a lot cheaper. I actually like the atmosphere better here than at the Black Olive, and there is a great view of the harbor from most tables. 2) Mezze-- Tapas is always fun and easy to make affordable. Mezze has great drinks and wines, along with a diverse selection of excellent food. My favorites include the lamb meatballs and roasted salmon. Happy early bday!
Baltimore Cafe
I'd recommend the Village Square Cafe at Cross Keys. Perfect for what you described. One World Cafe (near Hopkins) may also be a good place to try.
"Baltimore Magazine's" Best Of in recent current issue?
Maddogg nailed it on the head! The list included all the places I expected, and as I read it my main thought was that the magazine really didn't want to ruffle any feathers... by mentioning practically all the "in" places, they clearly will offend no one (and thus, won't jeopardize any advertising revenues). That's one reason I really value the chowhound site-- the opinions I read here carry much more weight than those in pubs like that.
I need to find a trendy restaurant in Baltimore and I've never been there, please help!
FoiGras, as I usually agree with your suggestions, I was surprised by your take on Pazo. It is a place I have continued to love, and one of the few places where I have experienced consistent quality service and food. We were just there on Sat. night and the sommelier remembered the wine we had during our last visit, which was at least 6 months prior! We had numerous tapas, all of which were good. The 2 amazing standouts were the grilled calamari (which at too many places ends up chewy) and the ceviche. I also love that Pazo has such a great selections of cocktails and affordable wines. Overall, I find it to be not only a fun place with a great vibe, but also one that takes food/drinks seriously and does them quite well.
Baltimore restaurant suggestion for budding foodies
We've had great success dining with our boys (6 & 9) at Tio Pepes, La Scala, and even the Prime Rib. The key for us is that they're so busying taking everything in, they've been able to stay focused for the long meal! At Tio's, they've been fascinated by the table-side dinner preps (they've especially loved watching Spanish coffees being made), which they watch while they wait. At La Scala, they've gone downstairs and played bocce, and at the Prime Rib, they love watching the live music. If you want a quicker dinner, try Mezze-- the diverse, delicious tapas will definitely introduce them to new foods, and they come at a quicker pace.
Enjoy your special meal!
Looking for Baltimore Rest. for 12-15 ppl Graduation Dinner
I think Blue Hill is an excellent choice. Good food and great atmosphere. Definitely a place where you can celebrate a special occasion. I would take Salt off-- it's very small and seems too casual for a special dinner. And while Clementine has good (albeit sometimes inconsistent) food, it also seems too casual for a celebratory dinner.
I'm not a personal fan of Cinghale (I've had great but also bad experiences there) or Roys (loud, not stellar food) and haven't been to the others recently enough to comment. If you want other possibilities, you may want to consider the Olive Room, which has a great harbor view and excellent Greek dishes. I also agree with the Tabrizi's suggestion.
Let us know what you pick and then how it goes!
Rasika vs. Bombay Club
The Bombay Club has been my "go-to" to celebrate special occasions. From the posts that I've seen lately, though, it seems like most Chowhounders prefer Rasika (which I've yet to try). Is that impression correct? My b-day is in early spring, so I'm eager to get some insights before making my final selection.
Anyone been to the Milton Inn relatively recently?
I have found Cinghiale to be hit or miss. Our last experience was awful in terms of service and quality of food (fatty, over-cooked meat for my husband and just so-so fish for me), but the time before was to die for. With prices so expensive, it's hard to justify going back to try it again, especially when there are so many other great choices out there. Still, I want to love Cinghiale-- it certainly fills a gap in the Baltimore restaurant scene...
30th Birthday Dinner in Baltimore
What about the Wine Market or Dogwood? I have been to similar events at both, which turned out really well.
Saturday lunch spot needed - Baltimore area
I've never had brunch there, but have been many, many times for lunch and dinner. I've never had a bad experience and especially adore their vegetable curry and vegetarian "burger." Everything is always made with the freshest ingredients.
Saturday lunch spot needed - Baltimore area
My first thought is Dogwood in Hampden. Very diverse menu, including lots of health-conscious vegetarian fare. Other places that might fit the bill are Gertrudes (in the BMA), Linwoods, and Donna's.
Let us know what you pick and how it goes!
Baltimore restaurants with fireplaces?
Last night I had dinner at the Carlyle Club (by Johns Hopkins) with a friend and was reminded that there is a fireplace there too! Moreover, it is really a cozy, romantic place, with cute booths for two. The food was also delicious! I particulalry loved the benghan khas appetizer (eggplant in a rich tomato sauce served with fresh naan). If you love Indian food, this would be a great date night place. And the prices are relatively inexpensive.
Need Current Info re: Best Crabcake
What do folks here think of the Corner Stable's crab cakes? People seem to rave about them, and the restaurant touts them as the best. Seems an odd place to get a crab cake, though...
Baltimore- Mamey Sapote?
I just came back from a week trip to the Dominican Republic, where I fell in love with the mamey sapote fruit. The outside looks like a coconut, but the inside is sweet and creamy, almost like a roasted sweet potato! Does anyone know a place where one could get these in the Baltimore area???
After Thanksgiving Day-
I'd urge you to try Dogwood-- great food plus you're supporting a social mission. I also love Mezze (melt in your mouth roasted salmon, delectable lamb meatballs...) and Bistro Blanc, if you're up for a bit of a drive. I'd avoid Cinghale... the food varies from good to great, but the service is well below the price you pay... Do you like any ethnic food (Indian, Thai, etc.???). If so, I have more to add for you.
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Mezze
1606 Thames St., Baltimore, MD 21231
Bistro Blanc
3800 Ten Oaks Road, Glenelg, MD 21737
family lunch in Baltimore
Our favorite family places include Gertrudes (kids menu, crayons, and art to explore), Donna's (kids menu and crayons), and the Papermoon Diner (funky decor perfect for playing I Spy while you wait). Welcome home and enjoy!!!
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Papermoon Diner
227 W 29th St, Baltimore, MD 21211
Monday night dinner in Baltimore?
I'd also consider La Famiglia. We've always had excellent meals there. At our last visit (about a month ago), I had terrific shrimp fradiavalo-- large, fresh shrimp in a delicious spicy red sauce. It also has a good wine list. Enjoy!!!
Oya - menu recommendations?
Perfect timing on your question... I was just there last night! Do NOT get the japanese eggplant and spinich side-- very, very bland. I was most impressed by the "out of the box" items, such as the tuna pizza (melt in your mouth tuna on flatbread with a flavorful pesto sauce and seaweed salad). I also loved all the rolls we tried-- the fish was fresh and the flavors all molded well together. My favorite item, though, was the banana bread pudding. I wasn't a fan of the rum raisin icecream that went with it (I'm not a huge raisin lover), but the bread pudding was absolutely delicious!
By the way, the $35 prix fix menu looked like a good value, but we were more interested in getting lots of small plates rather than a big meal....
Looking for fine dining near M & T Bank Stadium
I'd suggest Cinghale, which is no more than a 5-10 min. cab ride from the stadium in traffic. We had a fabulous dinner there a couple weeks ago. An amazing wine list coupled with outstanding food! And, you can sit in the Enoteca area, which is more casual (but has the same wine, food etc.). Enjoy the game! We also have a family Ravens (me) vs. Jets (my husband) rivalry!
Mom and Dad's 60th anniversary dinner in Metro Baltimore
I'd second Charleston if you're looking for the most exquisite experience-- top of the notch food, an amazing wine list, and stellar service. If your parents love Italian, I agree that Cinghiale would also be an excellent choice-- the food never disappoints, and while it's not as fancy as Charleston, it is still a very "fine dining" experience.
While Linwoods seems to attract an older crowd, it doesn't seem special enough for a 60th celebration.
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Cinghiale
822 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Staying in the baltimore Inner harbor one night with 2 kids...any dinner ideas?
My boys (now 6 and 8) have loved La Scala for a few years now. The food is consistently great for Little Italy. And when they are done their meal, they love going down to the Bocce court to "play." Afterwards, walk down the street to Vacarro's for delicious dessert!
Alternatively, it could be fun for you all to take the water taxi to Fell's Point. If you'd consider a very expensive, yet excellent place, check out the Black Olive. The seafood is always stellar, and your boys would get a kick out of getting a "tour" of the fresh fish of the evening (your server walks you over to see the display of the evening's fish choices). Then, for dessert, walk over to Pitango Gelato for a real treat!
Enjoy your trip and let us know if you want cheaper alternatives or other types of cuisine!
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La Scala
1012 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21202
Pitango Gelato
802 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD
Black Olive
814 S. Bond Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
