foster's Profile
Staying South of the Loop - anything close by?
Well, I guess it is safe to say - it is a good thing my husband has a decent sense of direction! I sure don't.
Thanks Danimalalrkey. As for "close," I will try to clarify and say I am just trying to get a feel for what is closest.
Staying South of the Loop - anything close by?
That is really helpful, Masha - thank you!
btw, I was just reading some other posts of yours. I actually was pretty dismayed to realize Taste of Chicago will be going on during our visit. I have two questions for you - Will the whole lakefront area be mobbed? meaning - Does it spread all over the Millennium park & Art Institute area? I am having a hard time figuring out just how big it is.
.... and Do you still highly recommend Spiaggia/Cafe Spiaggia? Our only definites so far are G&the G and Alinea.
Staying South of the Loop - anything close by?
My husband and I will be visiting for the first time during the last week of June for 5 days. We are staying in a condo a few blocks from the Sears Tower, a place called River City. From what I can tell, there aren't a lot of worthwhile spots in the immediate vicinity - more of a DBD area, correct? I am thinking the Gage might be one of the few places we might try if we are very hungry or thirsty & don't want to walk too far...
Don't get me wrong, I have scouted out lots of places to go over the course of our trip, I am just wondering about what is REALLY close to us - a mile or so's walk for
1. worthwhile food or drink
OR
2. a market where we might buy a few things for our fridge - fruit, beer, maybe something to throw on the grill.
***I have just edited the thread name - thanks Ferret & Masha for telling me which neighborhood I will call home for a few days!******************
Thanks in advance!
Food Lover's Guide to Baltimore
I went to the Carlyle based on suggestions from some on this board. We were sorely disappointed with service & all the food (except the dosas, which we thought were terrific). This was probably some time in 2011..
Any good German food?
This was the last I heard on it... http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-06-24/entertainment/bal-haussners-could-be-site-of-brewpub-and-german-restaurant-20110624_1_haussners-highland-town-guest-house
Saturday lunch spot needed - Baltimore area
I recommend Kader's Cafe Mocha by the train station. I have never looked into the veg offerings, but I bet he has some great options. Lots of "healthy" dishes for sure. This place has some of my all-time favorite sandwiches..... It is a very cool space & I think your mom could find something like chicken salad or tuna salad.
I have given Dogwood numerous tries (for some reason), both lunch and dinner, and have never been happy with my visit.
Gertrude's is also a great option for what you are asking for....
Delicious organic bread made in baltimore and the surrounding area?
From their website -- Hamilton Bakery offers the best in baked goods, using quality ingredients including organic flours and sugars. There are no preservatives, dyes, or artificial extenders in our products – only real butter, eggs, vanilla, and other all-natural ingredients. 5414 Harford Road! Mon-Th 7am-7pm / Fri-Sat 7am-9pm / Sun 9am-5pm Artisan bread, cakes, pastries, sweet & savory pies....
Baltimore: Dinner near Abermarle Square?
It probably depends on what you consider walking distance that night. One mile? That includes most of the Inner harbor & downtown area. Adding in a cab or the bus really widens the net.
You might want to give more parameters including price, cuisine, and if you really want walking distance - how far you are willing to walk.
Need Current Info re: Best Crabcake
I had a Koco's crabcake this week. It was huge - enough for my husband and I to split. We both said we would never ever try to consume it alone in one sitting. Its price changes with the market - I think we paid $22 for the platter with fries & slaw, though we could have paid a few bucks more for crab soup too, for another daily special. Thursday, the crabcakes are a few dollars off. I try the crabcakes Everywhere & this one is very very good. And a very nice place all around to boot. Not very convenient to get to though, but if you have a GPS, you should be fine....
As for the other recommendations --
- I would never recommend Pappas's. I did like it once, but that must have been a fluke & due to the muddling & wasting of flavors that happens when you eat a delicacy like crabmeat on a big honking kaiser roll (something I have stopped doing all together). I have given it numerous chances since then and have declared it subpar.
-- On the other hand, I only tried Conrad's once & did not think much of it.
-- Also once had a crabcake at Friendly Farms. It is a very pleasant, far, drive and place to eat - but not my cup of tea. I thought the crabcake was decent.
-- Lexington market - Faidley's - Excellent. But def not a relaxing environment if you want to sit after spending all day at the fairgrounds.. I have no idea why someone would say it is not MD-style.... .. it is the same profile and has the characteristics that I, and every single person I know, look for in a good crabcake. If there is no traffic, you could get there in 30 minutes...
Wedding favorites?
At my wedding two months ago, my favorite appetizer ended up being the chorizo-stuffed mushrooms. I think my guests' favorite was the cream of crab shooters with sherry & a mini crab cake on top. We also had chilled oysters with cava ice, grilled shrimp, and seared tuna with wasabi - fresh and beautiful.
For vegetarians, I don't think anything tastes better than grilled vegetables with tarragon creme fraiche - it isn't flashy or trendy, but you can't get more seasonal or delicious. We also had cherry pepper hummus, sooo good. I think the local cheese board was very popular too, we served it with honey [pecan baguette & figs.
My favorite dish was the first course - the gazpacho-stuffed tomato on baby greens with crab & avocado creme fraiche.
I know this was not part of the OP's question, but I will share this anyway ---- I highly recommend our caterer, Pairings of Bel Air. Everything is locally sourced, each and every element is made fresh, and the entire process was top notch.
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Pairings Bistro
2105 Laurel Bush Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015
Comfort food with an old unremodeled interior
Jonnny Dee's in Parkville is just off the Beltway. Though I didn't love the turkey sandwich (I hate the sight, but not the taste, of yellow gravy) I think it will fit your bill. I am sure there are tons more in the area I have not yet discovered...
Nanami Cafe
I have gotten various rolls and vegetable dishes quite a few times times and always thought it was delicious. I love the location right on the water and the fact you can BYO. There is a Very Nice wine shop next door too. It has been over a year since I have been, but I've been meaning to get back. The staff is extremely nice and the dining room is cozy, with low benches at most tables. I do think there are regular tables outside and *maybe* a little bar or a regular table or two inside. You should definitely go!
Restaurants & Bars Featured in HBO's The Wire
That was Polock Johnny's .....
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Polock Johnny's
3212 Washington Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21230
Restaurants & Bars Featured in HBO's The Wire
Carry out Chucky's (or is it chuckie's) Chicken and Ruth's Chris in season 4.
Late Night Baltimore dinner
Those were mentioned in previous posts too... Any other options in this city?
John Steven is one that says they are open that late, but last time I went, nothing was good....
Late Night Baltimore dinner
A friend is flying in to BWI around 10:30 pm tonight (Friday). So, it might be close to 11:30 before we get back in town & I am trying to decide what would be a sure bet for a good place to eat. So many places say their kitchen is open until a certain hour, but they often close up shop much earlier....
I just searched the board & remembered Korean BBQ is an option, but what else can we chose from for dinner or light fare at that time of the night? Beer would be an added bonus but not necessary.
Thanks to all who offer suggestions.
French bistro fare in Baltimore (not Petit Louis)?
Chameleon Cafe is excellent, but the table spacing & noise may not be very different at certain times of the evening.....
Help 2 Canadian Foodies Fall in Love with Baltimore this Memorial Day Weekend.
I like the brunch (offered both sat & sun) at Woodberry Kitchen. Please be aware, WK is a standout in the farm to table scene- but certainly does NOT have the same mission as Dogwood. Sitting at the bar eating oysters & flatbreads is another less time consuming option for WK.
And, I do like shopping and eating at the Farmer's Markets, but i wouldn't go out of my way to get there while on vacation. It will be super crowded & the areas aren't really desirable for much else in the way of city exploring. If you ARE in the area, crackers' idea really sounds like a much better plan (than sitting on a curb staring at a chain link fence eating a paper container of fried mushrooms from your lap with a plastic fork).
As for your Sunday or Monday lunch questions - I think the hard crabs are your answer.
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Woodberry Kitchen
2010 Clipper Park Rd # 126, Baltimore, MD
Help 2 Canadian Foodies Fall in Love with Baltimore this Memorial Day Weekend.
I am sorry i didn't think of the distance, but both Crush/Demi & Chameleon and Clementine are on bus lines. I never take the bus either, but either route is a straight shot, no transferring necessary, from your hotel.
I don't really have any dish recommendations for Cinghiale; it's been almost a year since I've been. I don't think you can go wrong. It is my plan to spend time in the Enoteca next time. The charcuterie was the most memorable part for me. ..
Woodberry is also a great pick.
I hope you enjoy your trip!
Help 2 Canadian Foodies Fall in Love with Baltimore this Memorial Day Weekend.
I have been to most on your list - not Wine Market & Jacks (though I am still trying to get there). Of those I have been to, B&O and Salt are those I would recommend. B&O's service left something to be desired, but it wasn't what I would call "Bad," just not at all knowledgeable about food in general or the menu. I loved the Lillet appertif. Cool setting.
Two I think you should add to your list- - Chameleon and Cinghiale, French & Italian, respectively.
Actually i havent been to Crush - but i think you should go to their restaurant within a restaurant in the basement. The name escapes me at the moment.
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Cinghiale
822 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Wine Market
921 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230
Private Dining Baltimore
Aldo's. I have never been to this restaurant (only his previous), but I've always wanted to have a celebration in the wine cellar built by Aldo himself.
JFX Farmer's Market 2011!
I saw (and bought) lots of lettuce. Though, somehow I missed the wood fired pizza lady AND KCC Farms! I was hoping for a chicken for dinner, so I guess it is for the best I bought it at Whole Foods instead, along with the asparagus.
Thinking of going to Porters in Federal Hill
I read some favorable reviews of this 2010 re-engineered restaurant last summer & have been meaning to go try for myself. We are thinking of taking the parents out for a birthday dinner next week & this place came to mind. I have searched the board & the web a bit & cannot find much to go on about Porters besides the Gorelick review....
The menu looks good, for sure. Does anyone have any thing to share about the food, the service, and the idea of going on an early Saturday evening? Specifically, is it Meat Head Central?
Thanks for any help.
PS - We are also considering Ryleighs, but one parent does not like oysters, and the birthday boy would certainly hate a loud crowd.
Meli's--Overlooked?
The more recent chef from Bicycle opened Ullswater - which didnt last long...
As for Meli, I went late on a weekend night for dessert & a drink. The place was deserted except for those surrounding an atrocious lounge act downstairs. The desserts were OK & overpriced.
Best Indian near Mt. Washington?
I heartily disagree with the Carlyle Club recommendation. While the decor was attractive - the food was not acceptable. The naan and the dosa were great, so if that is all you are after - this might be the place for you. The entrees were so bad we immediately crossed this place off our list. My brain is trying to block out the meal, it was so bad. But I think we ordered a fish and a duck dish. Carlyle Club may have been the only restaurant I have ever left food on my plate. No interest whatsoever in a doggy bag.
We've also tried Katmandu & will not return after very weird service & a lack of any dish we liked in the least. I can't remember the details beyond a momo, but we probably had at least 3 dishes.
One place I do like that has not been mentioned is Tambers- no longer Nifty Fifties -Diner. A month or two ago we had naan with Saag Lamb and Chicken Tikka. It restored my faith in decent Indian food in a reasonable distance.
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Carlyle Club
411 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Chef Mac's Louisiana Cuisine, on Harford Road
And they offer live blues & jazz on many weekend nights (this Friday & Saturday for sure) BYOB for the moment.
Little Morocco Cafe - 3314 Eastern Ave, Baltimore
I went in once for coffee as it seemed the only option on the Avenue in the evening. I did not see anyone eating, rather just lounging & smoking. I will try to keep it in mind to try. You are right, the menu does look promising.
Where to Buy Live Lobsters In Baltimore/Parkville/Towson Area?
I read about this here years ago & have always meant to partake. Still haven't. A little out of the way... http://www.lobsterday.com/
