shall's Profile
Birthday Rec's needed: Chameleon Cafe vs. Clementine
I'd recommend Iggie's - great pizza, casual atmosphere with no worries about being noisy, BYOB with no corkage fee. Also, though, no reservations, and it can get crowded at peak hours.
We're probably taking my parents to Chameleon for my dad's 65th birthday - probable more sedate than your crowd, although we can get a bit... rambunctious.
Clementine - Hamilton
Afraid I have to agree. We've been there several times now, and something's always off. The first time we went, we were told that they make their own ketchup, which sounded pretty exciting! But... they were out of it. The second time we went, same thing. I actually went across the street to the CVS and bought a bottle of Heinz, which I openly kept on the table. Also, the last two times we went, we ordered things that were advertised to come with their homemade hot sauce. Great! Problem is, we got a cup of Tabasco instead. Yuck. The last time we were there (may be the Last Time), we got the same thing. Also, the roast beef sandwich was 90% fat & pretty gross. My egg and cheese bagle had no cheese. And they were out of all but 1kind of bagel and orange juice! At 10am on a weekend brunch! Plus, the waitstaff seems to be getting ever more absent-minded. After I gave my credit card for payment, we waited... and waited... and waited... Finally, I walked up to the counter and asked the other waitress (ours had disappeared) for the check. She gave me the slip and a pen. I signed it and returned - she thanked me and turned away. I then had to ask for my card back! FINALLY, a drunk/stoned guy stumbled in from the street (ah, Harford Road...) and hovered in front of a table that a couple was trying to sit at. The man had to move around to a different seat. The guy (who had clearly earlier wet himself) proceeded to sit at the bar, nodding off, completely ignored by the staff.
So... we've tried several times. At first, we assumed they were just experiencing the pangs of a new restaurant opening. But now, as the issues are still continuing, and the food is less than exciting, we're not sure we'll be back!
ChokChai reopening tonight?
Stopped by the other night - can't remember the address! The food was good, the new space is a LOT nicer - it's farther north up Harford Road.
Grind On Harford Road
They have added egg sandwiches to the menu, which is a welcome addition. We've been there a number of occasions at different times, and I think they've got the supply issues mostly worked out.
Lauraville House
Lauraville House is owned by Luis Cabrera, who I believe lives right nearby.
Lauraville House
I would give it another shot. True, the decor leaves a bit to be desired (but it's a lot better than O'Donnell's!). And there is definitely still some of the old crowd going there. BUT the food is actually good! We've been a couple of times, and the beer battered fish sandwich is HUGE and tasty, with hand-cut fries. My wife really enjoyed the hot wings, and last time we went she had an incredible Asian tuna wrap - really good. Apparently there's also a blackened tuna offering.
Beer selections aren't as grand as the Hamilton Tavern, but the Happy Hour special is pretty good - $.75 off all beer, and I am pleased to report that they offer Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA (as well as Blue Moon & others).
Grind On Harford Road
It's open now - 6AM - 9PM. Sylvan Beach ice cream (and shakes!), organic build-your-own sanwiches, lotsa coffee, pastries, etc. Website soon - grindoncafe.com.
