I have been wondering the same thing. The Chameleon is still okay but not what it once was.

Anyone know? They're not answering their phone but there's nothing on their website.

The one in Harborplace in Baltimore has closed as well. Looks like they are closing all their branch locations. Try the ponche (sp?) at Piedgrotta.

There is a drink called the Last Stand but that is made of equal parts of lemon juice, gin, Luxardo Maraschino and Chartreuse.

Jane and I have been a couple of times and really like it as well. Pork garnish with seafood seems to be one of this year's trends but their chef has an expert hand with it. The mixed drink menu is great, and they can also make pretty much any classic cocktail. Try the Sazerac.
Last week, they had a Crab Bash for charity: 8 stations with 8 different chefs from up and down the East Coast offering crab small plates. All this and a cocktail for $10 and then you got to vote for your favorites. A great deal and a great time.

Same owners I believe, but I think they brought in a new cook awhile back. I have also had bad experiences there in the past. Definitely give it a try. I was reluctant to go and am glad I did.

I think Wegman's carries Dartagnan merguez.

Haven't posted in awhile but I had to write this place up. I just had a fantastic lunch, one of the specials, a bulgogi cheese steak on a crunchy, chewy hoagie roll with a nice side of crispy, semi-curly fries. The meat was tender with a great Korean marinade. The hamburgers look great (20% fat) and I'm told the hamburger rolls are equally as good as the hoagie. One of my lunch companions was raving about a mushroom short rib tartlet they served as a special last week.
This is the diner at Saratoga and Holliday. Go.

Taco Fiesta across from the Marriot has great fish tacos and vegetarian options.

I think you will find Shula's to be the worst of the chains.

Ryleigh's on Cross Street has a great selection of oysters from here and around the nation. Many are only $1 at happy hour.

I think it's nice that we still have at least one place in left in Baltimore that requires you to dress for dinner.

Michael's is fine but I don't believe the beef is the same quality as the premium steakhouses. I'm pretty sure it isn't dry-aged.

Second on Orchard Market and Cafe. Very good Persian food, reasonably priced. Fun and different.
http://www.orchardmarketandcafe.com/

All long gone. Jack's was on Corned Beef Row across the street from Attman's.

Hudson Valley Foie Gras is great, but you can buy duck in any number of local markets. HVFG is moulard, which is quite different than the duck one is usually served in a restaurant.

If it is someone you have known for years, I think one of the low-key neighborhood places would be good. Charleston would seem like you are trying too hard. I think the Chamelon would strike the right balance.
www.thechameleoncafe.com

The prime rib at the Prime Rib. Huge, tender, juicy, flavorful and pricy. The upper end wines are very reasonably priced.

You might want to search the Mid-Atlantic board.

Your best bet: www.fellspointwholesalemeats.com They will sell retail if you callin advance and order.

"When one sour beef & dumpling place closes down, another one springs up". Huh? So every time somebody searches for sour beef this will come up? What sour beef place closed?

I think they open at 5;30. If you get there then, you should be good unless someone reserved the big table for the pork feast.

How much for the foie upgrade, Jon? Anyone?

Second on Della Rose's. Great sour beef and dumplings and they'll serve you a half order.

I would stay far away from G&M's and would recommend Faidley's partly because you have to go to Lexington Market. The definitive crabcake article by Baltimore's best food writer:
http://www.citypaper.com/news/story.a...

If you like gelato, Pitango is not to be missed.

He's just selling stuff to go.

Wegman's occasionally offers Kumamotos. Chesapeake Bay oysters are very good fried and, AFAIK are our only local oysters.They are wild Virginacus (sp?). Wellfleets are farmed Virginacus.

Try Koco's farther south on Harford Rd.

Stay away from Phillips in Harborplace. Some of my cronies at work dragged me there a couple of months ago and I'm still regretting it. Hull St is good for a buffet and offers freshly made flavored pancakes brought to your table. Make a reservation.