Minato had very bad sushi the only time I went (just a few months ago) so I would never recommend it. Also near the train station is the newly reopened Chesapeake (see recent thread), Club Charles, and the Owl Bar - all cool spots for drinks. For breakfast or lunch in the same area -- Cafe Mocha (open 8 -3) has the best sandwiches in town --salmon and chicken curry, coffee and other things too... Definitely skip Mr Rain's Fun House for a meal, but a drink & small plate out on the balcony would be a cool addition to your museum visit. Fells has lots of ups and downs... cheap tacos, gelato & pizza are my usuals.

I went to My Thai last night, regrettably. It is mall food court quality in every aspect - taste, service, atmosphere.

Steve, you're wrong - stop

Every Indian restaurant will have saag....

Maybe you should keep an eye out for palak paneer or saagwala on the menu - basically the same.

I believe palak paneer is made only with spinach and saag is a combination of various greens.

I think Thai Restaurant is the best. Stang of Siam was pretty good, but the service was so abysmal, I can't imagine going back.

Conrad's Crabs had soft shells this weekend, don't remember bluefish, but could have missed it.

Strawberries at any markets around here are coming from North Carolina - at best. And in my experience, are not very good yet. All of the farmers have told me local should be the end of the month.

This happens. It is upsetting, but what can you do? Who knows who or what is to blame - the waiter? Cook? Expediter? Dumb luck? It happened last time we went to Peter's Inn - when we were entertaining out of town guests, at that! I was indignant for a while, but think I will be back eventually. Hopefully it won't happen next time.

I would stick with the Cinghale idea - I love it. We've found it can be a great value considering the quality.

Fiesta Mexicana on Route 7 is my best recommendation. Maryland crab season just opened & it's been soooo cold, so I am not sure how crabs would taste yet, but there are many crab houses in the area. Kahler's, Breezy Point, Mr Bill's..... I have not been to Pastore's but heard it is a good place for Italian subs

Johnnie's Beef in Chi-town!

Patsy's was fine, but did not live up to the hype in my eyes. I would recommend Jin Ramen & Red Rooster if you are going to Harlem.

And I always have to stop at Barney Greengrass for some salmon whenever I am in Manhattan.

Probably west end location. The Lounge seems to be a little looser, right? And I am not sure what time we will end up wanting to eat. Is it realistic to think I can walk in and find a table/spot for three to have lots of small plates in the lounge?

I like Lumbini. It is an attractive, clean spot with good service (with the exception of sometimes weird reactions to coupons…) and tasty food. I find the food a bit spicier than other Indian in the area – not that there’s anything wrong with that! Friends heartily recommend the lunchtime buffet and tea, but I always go in the evening, so have no first-hand experience with it. I have had some poor experiences with carryout – getting the wrong things after waiting way too long. In the end I have always been happy with it & will return.

salt baked means fried??

I went to Corton almost one year ago. As exciting and delicious as the food was, the service completely fell apart. My husband and I, as well as 2 or 3 other tables, sat without food or explanation for close to 60 minutes, in the middle of the tasting menu. It, and the remaining (lack of) service, ruined the experience.

For what it is worth, I also was not happy with Daniel's service. It was totally unprofessional. Just a few examples include the following: saying "I don't know" to a basic question about the food or wine, giving me a obviously bogus answer to another question, pouring a second (different) glass of wine into an unfinished glass during a tasting menu with pairings, and allowing a nearby table to take literally nonstop photographs with flash - not only of food, but of an obnoxious couple posing at each bite.

Places I am considering for my next trip, that I offer as alternatives: Aldea, Tocqueville, Modern

North East.

Three New Pho restaurants in a small radius--.

1. Pho Towson and Bar - in a hotel on Cromwell Bridge Road. Despite reading good things in online reviews, my experience consisted of rather small portions, lackluster broth, and a complete absence of garnishes.

2. Pho Thanh Cong - next to Mars in Carney. Well-balanced, delicate, and very fresh with generous servings of meat. The service was warm and appreciative. Looking forward to returning on the reg.

3. Pho 7Rich - on Bel Air & Joppa. I was going to type they have not yet opened, but found just mention they have! Must have been very recent... What's even better, there is mention of Vietnamese sandwiches! I am very excited & will be going there soon....

Have you been to Mr rain's? I went about a month ago for the first time ever; while nothing was bad, I would not recommend it.

Chameleon transformed into Maggie's Farm last week. The new chef has been there for many months & the menu appears to be similar to what I have tried .... and liked very much. Monday nights are different - featuring a 4 course meal for $45.

What is this Bel Air place you speak of?

I wouldn't say this is adventurous -- but it isn't boring. Since you are traveling via train: across the street from the station is Cafe Mocha. This place has the best sandwiches in town. Both the salmon and curry chicken are out of this world. It is only open during the week, so I don't get there often. This place is a real standout for quality - if you are traveling 8 - 3, and have time to wait (it isn't fast food).

While I thought Thousand Kabob was fine, I would never recommend it to someone from out of town. Same with B&O.

"Something I can't easily get in NYC" is a tall order. You are really surrounded by a lot of tourist traps and what I call mediocre midrange. One place I really liked recently is Heavy Seas Ale House. Beyond that is the neighborhood of Fells Point with some cool places for mezze (Mezze), oysters (Thames Street Oyster House), or .. new American I guess is what you would call this perennial Chow favorite - Peter's Inn.

Crabcakes or hard crabs are what I would look for if I were you. Faidley's is excellent for a crabcake. Hard shell crabs is a night unto itself, so I wonder if that would be what you want for your one or two dinners & I really don't know where to send you...

I agree with Cinghiale for a dinner alone or with friends.

I also chanced upon this place thanks to Groupon. And boy, am I glad I did. Spot on soul food cooking - fresh and made with care. I also recommend the chicken & waffles, served with greens, as well as the ribs - served with a tomato-based sauce, a root vegetable mash, and mac and cheese. Everything was cooked and packed up to go with a mind towards quality on the plate. I also had the herb and soul roll - an eggroll filled with yams, greens, and a bit of chicken (I think) and a snickerdoodle cupcake. This was for 2 hungry people and we had leftovers. We will be back - I want to try the catfish and the froglegs! Very nice people in the store - this is the kind of place we need more of in this area. I hope more people treat themselves to a hearty meal made with locally sourced ingredients from Herb and Soul.

Smith has been in the kitchen at The Chameleon when I have been, even since the new chef has been there. I don't think I've visited since the summer though.

Every new dish I have tried has been excellent except one - but that is still a fantastic average. I do miss Jeff Smith's dishes too... but am very happy with the changes to date.

I don't know what this person is talking about when they claim steaming doesn't start at respectable house until 5.... that is crazy talk.

Green Onion

I second that, ClevelandDave. I am also not a barbeque nut & have not been to all THAT many places, but BBQ Joint blew us away last month. I would say it was the best in my memory &would definitely rather eat from there before Andy Nelsons or Big Bad Wolf - the two places I tend to frequent in the Baltimore area. And whenever crossing 50, I WILL be stopping in to pick up something from BBQ Joint, hungry or not.

Calimari is not on of my "must order dishes," so I cannot really comment on it compared to other places, but the calamari salad at Blue Hill Tavern has been my favorite dish of the meal on both visits -- Calamari Salad - Cornmeal crusted, mixed greens, peanuts, cilantro, chili-lime vinaigrette

sheesh! dwd obviously thinks highly of his own opinion, huh? Don't worry, JayDK - dwd show his ignorance too often to take any of those opinions with more than a grain of Old Bay....

Looks to me like you got a well rounded sampling over your weekend in Baltimore. I wonder about the Atrium you mention. Did you mean Artifact Coffee?

Another great find in the vicinity of Hoehn's is Chicken Rico, btw.

I wholeheartedly agree with the original poster that Woodberry Kitchen has been declining - though I would say it has been going on much longer than a month or so. I have been 3 or 4 times this calendar year, including New Year's Eve and have to say that both the service and the food have been a letdown. I can go into more detail on specific dishes some other time... but more than one has been flat out bad. Most annoyingly to me is when the servers act as if the diners are mistaken when a complaint is made. So sad - I hope they straighten out the problems - it was a favorite.

I also wish I could find a good fishmonger in the north (preferably ne) area!

I second Green Onion & notice their produce selection varies in size and quality day to day. I am currently loving the purple potatoes.... I think they would have more if they were busier - so please check them out!