I wasn't sure a new thread should be created, hope it's okay to tag onto your review.

We had a similar experience and response to Locanda and are lovers of Delfina and Flour and Water. We didn't have reservations, but luckily the bar was first come/first serve, so we sat in under 20 minutes.

We started the evening with the ArchAngelo: gin, cucumber and aperol which was a refreshing combination and garnished with a slice of cucumber. The husband had a Napa Organic IPA which was tasty but had a different profile than the IPA he normally prefers (Racer 5/Sierra Nevada).

The poached duck egg (w/ bottarga, squash blossoms, burro nero) was terrific with both textures and taste. It had the right amount of salt with a small dash of capers. They served us a complimentary pizza bianca which was delicious.

The Rigatoni alla Carbonara (w/guanciale, egg, pecorino, black pepper). It was very rich (good) and a little heavy handed with the black pepper, but was absolutely edible. The guanciale and pecorino added a reasonable salty blend to combat the richness of the dish.

I ordered the Radiatore "pecora e pecorino" (lamb ragu, pecorino, nepitella). The dish was savory, the lamb very fresh and the pasta texture was interesting.

After these dishes, we didn't have room for more food, but we would definitely return.

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Delfina Restaurant
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Locanda
557 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

As stated in September, the spit is up and running. I agree that the chorizo is the best taco on the menu. We have tried the salchicha (sausage), which is similar in taste to the kielbasa, the goat (a tad chewy), the beef (tender but not tons of flavor). My friend had the tongue when they first opened, unfortunately we got it to go so it wasn't as good as I think it would have been in the restaurant. Overall, I dig this place and am eager to try more.

Also, they have real Coke (with sugar), which is delicious.

I visited Cowboy Star last night at the suggestion of this board and it makes me think the statement "eat their specialty" is important. I also chose this place as my father is not a foodie, but loves steak. He complemented the food by saying "I didn't need to add salt to my steak", which means the meal was great for him.

I started with the Autumn Squash soup, which was served tepid and sweet. It was decent, but not quite what I like in a fall soup (I prefer more garlic/onion flavor than sweet).

The men at our table had the Ribeye, which was cooked perfectly and tasted fabulous. The potato and caramelized onion mash was delicious, and the haricot vert must have been good, because I didn't have a chance to sample them.

I, however, had the Rabbit Duo. The loin didn't have any flavor, but the sausage was quite nice. The kale was sour, and lukewarm and the gnocchi were *meh in texture but had decent flavor.

I should have ordered the steak despite not being interested in red meat for the evening. The wine options were good, if a bit pricey by the glass (*read, D.C. prices in San Diego).

For dessert, had the cheesecake with berries, which by far topped the entire meal. It was delicious.

Overall, dinner was decent, the atmosphere was cozy and exactly what I had hoped it would be, but I will have to try the other suggestion on my next visit: The Wine Sellar and Brasserie.

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Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop
640 10th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Sorriso was one of our regular restaurants when we lived in DC for the crepe lasagna, mushroom parpadelle, and carnivores pizza. I love the chill, unpretentious atmosphere for dinner and the wait staff is always pleasant. Sorry to hear others may not have experienced the same.

If you are near Baltimore, The Whiskey Island Pirate Shop (http://www.whiskeyisland.com/) visits the local farmer's market and has a shop on Sisson Street. Have picked up their spices at the farmer's market and they also sell in their location.

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whiskey island pirate shop
2800 Sisson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21211

My husband and best gf (Colombian) ate here a few months ago. She swore that it was true Colombian and it was quite affordable and good. I got the "typical" plate which consisted of several different types of meats (including crackling-chicharone (sp?)), with rice and beans and a fried egg on top. Unsure if they had empanadas, but it is worth visiting on Friday/Sat. They have strange hours iirc and are usually empty (I think due to no liquor license) but you can BYOB from the store next door.

Depending on what you are looking for, here are a few close enough to metro/cab:

Middle Eastern: Mama Ayesha's
Thai: Regent
Interesting Italian/Pizza: Sorriso, 2 Amy's or Pizza Paradiso

We usually don't have a reservation for any of these places, for two, there are usually tables that open...

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Two Amys
3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20016

Pizzeria Paradiso - Dupont Circle
2029 P St NW Ste 102, Washington, DC 20036

Mama Ayesha's Calvert Cafe
1967 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Regent Thai Cuisine
1910 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Sorriso Restaurant
3518 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

I posted on your previous question for this, but I didn't realize you weren't limited to just Canton. You might also try the Woodberry Kitchen, which got great reviews by friends and several food magazines. For dinner and potential music, Meli has lounge-like dining arrangements, but was good on appetizers and wine options and also had music somewhere near 10 pm.

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Meli Patisserie & Bistro
1640 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21231

Woodberry Kitchen
2010 Clipper Park Rd # 126, Baltimore, MD

Birches is quite nice. Other suggestions in Canton include Jack's Bistro, which offered a delicious beer list and good atmosphere. For later in the evening, I would suggest Annabelle Lee for drinks. I find that most of the square (with exception of Helen's Garden or potentially Claudaugh's is overwhelmed on the weekend). Live music is a bit harder to come by (but we have only been in B'more for approx. one year...you might check into the Creative Alliance based in Patterson Park.

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Jack's Bistro
3123 Elliott St, Baltimore, MD 21224

Annabel Lee Tavern
Baltimore, MD, Baltimore, MD

Helen's Garden
2908 Odonnell St, Baltimore, MD 21224

Claddagh Pub
2918 Odonnell St, Baltimore, MD

Creative Alliance
3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD

While I have not tried the Hollins Market Pho yet, I am thankful for the reviews. After several years of living in the District, we were disappointed at the lack of Pho in Baltimore. Searching discovered the Miss Pho (6901 Security Blvd). Located inside Security Mall (Seoul Plaza), upstairs. The atmosphere is not what you describe of Hollins Market, but the Pho is equivalent to what we have missed from NoVA. Happy eating.