maddogg280's Profile
"Baltimore Magazine's" Best Of in recent current issue?
I respect your response. As someone in the publishing industry, I'm sure you already know that perception is reality. I'm not the only one with this perception, based on your response and the many in this thread.
"Baltimore Magazine's" Best Of in recent current issue?
Thanks for your insight, FG. I have worked in the marketing capacity for a number of large organizations in and around Baltimore and I can tell you that Baltimore Magazine "caters" more to their advertisers than to their readers or the city's population at large. Companies and organizations that purchase advertising space in the magazine's pages are patronized for opportunities like "Best Restaurant" or "Best Doctor" and are offered bonus perks in these issues. That is not to say many fine restaurants or doctors are not acknowledged for their quality, but they may be on the publication's radar BECAUSE they DO advertise. I find the publication to be rather self-serving and they rarely go outside their comfort zone- which is why we see so many of the same names show up year after year. So there you have it- my opinon for what it's worth or not worth. Happy chowing, FG!
I need to find a trendy restaurant in Baltimore and I've never been there, please help!
Another Wolf/Foreman restaurant called Chingale would also fit the bill. It is a lovely space and it has private dining areas if you want that. Great menu, too.
Kitchen Nightmares/HON episode- what are you serving at your party tomorrow?
Need ideas for tomorrow night's Ramsay vs. Whiting viewing... got one person (at least) observing lent in my crew. Anyone got ideas? What are you serving at your gathering?
My limitations: don't get home from work until 6pm and would like guests to need only a fork- might not be sitting at table. We might have 10 people altogether.
Duck fat recipes [moved from DC/Baltimore board]
Please share recipes that include this marvelous ingredient. I'll go purchase some this weekend!
Fantastic, Fresh Food at new Calle Cucina
Four of us dined there a few Saturdays back. While the service has a few kinks to work out, the food was EXCELLENT. The smoked seafood plate appetizer was elegantly presented and and had amazing flavor. Polpette meatballs were spicy and swimming in a fresh tomato sauce. The Tile fish, new to everyone in our group, was well recieved and simply prepared- pan sauted in olive oil. Husband proclaimed his roasted pork chop to be the best pork chop he'd ever tasted. After dinner, the owner came out to speak with us and shared his food philosophy with us- he only prepares the freshest foods using the best ingredients he can obtain. Clearly, this is his passion. Reservations are STRONGLY suggested- they are on Open Table, which is how I oringinally found them and was scratching my head about the location, but once you step inside it's like another world- beautiful artwork, simple place settings and elegant presentations. Calle Cucina is BYOB and there is a liquor store directly across the street. We will be back soon and I recommend you get over there as soon as possible. This place is a treasure.
http://callescucina.com
Valentino's on Harford Rd./Baltimore
Hubby and I enjoyed our day off with a lunch at Valentino's yesterday- we had originally intended to go elsewhere, but they were closed. I've not been to Valentino's in years and it was his first time.
We were greeted by a smiling waitress upon arrival and wished "Happy New Year!" by several other employees as we were guided to the large second dining room they have. The space is nothing fancy- no carpet, no tablecloths and mostly diner-style booths (to be clear- this is a 24 hour diner). What we were not prepared for was the complimentary breadsticks that arrived- covered in parmesean and herbs with a marinara dipping sauce- a really nice way to say, "Thanks for dining here!" they were fantastic! I then ordered the Scampi Feta pasta which came with a small salad to start ($8.99) and hubby ordered meat sauce over pasta- also with a salad to start ($12.99). My pasta was delicious- fresh veggies cooked to just tender swimming in a lovely garlic sauce and crumbled feta all over. At the end of our meal, we were presented with a complimentary plate of fresh melon- what a treat on a cold winter day!
With this level of service and fantastically prepared food we will definitely be back. You can't get that quality food at that price in our neck of the woods!
-----
Valentino's Restaurant
6627 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214
The End of the World's Biggest Slice?
We continue to order delivery from their regularly- about weekly. The quality is the same. The pizza is still great and the sandwiches/subs are the same good quality. I did notice some industrial vacuum and other equipment in there, and just outside the front door recently- like in the past two weeks as I drove by about 7:30am on a weekday morning. Maybe they are making some improvements or renovations?
Um....fruitcake. Where can I get a great one, locally?
Eddie's of Roland Park- they make their own. Not sure if there are any still left, but worth a try- on Roland Ave south of Northern Parkway
Cooking for a very small group at Christmas- any suggestions?
Our little Christmas party has sadly shrunk to three people (possibly a fourth, not counting on it)- due to illness and many other factors. It's kind of taken the excitment out of the big meal for me- I was planning to do a big slow-beer-braised brisket, but that is WAY too much for us. Can you recommend a happy, festive meal for three that won't leave us with a week's worth of leftovers? I was considering Cornish hens, but I did make them recently for a little holiday gathering. Hubby dislikes most seafood, so mainly looking at meat or poultry. I've already ordered our dessert - bouche de noel- feeds 6-8 so we'll be overboard on that (cranky french bakery that doesn't take back orders- even garuntees with credit card!) Merry Christmas to all- I wish everyone a fatastic holiday with every tasty treat you desire!
What peppercorn do you use?
Being from Baltimore, the McCormick peppercorns are my go-to for everyday use in my kitchen. I recall reading (perhaps on this board?) that folks thought that brand is bottom of the barrell and use other brands they believe to be far tastier. Please tell me what you use and why- and where you purchase it. Thanks for your input!
Meet 27 - Baltimore
We went to Meet 27 on Saturday night and enjoyed the chicken satay and fried vegetable appetizers- followed by the two salads on the menu- both dressed with a lovely, light vinagrette. We also had the pork vindaloo (which I have deemed the spicy/hottest meal I've ever had in a restaurant) and the lamb. Perhaps the night that crowsonguy was there, they went light on the pepper, because my experience was HOT HOT HOT. FYI - they use a lot of cilantro in their recipes and do not list in the menu- one in our party has a particular dislike of cilantro and was disappointed he wasn't informed before ordering. Overall, it was a great meal and the atmosphere was lovely, quiet and inviting. It's BYOB and very friendly. We'll be going back soon.
Buying crawfish in Baltimore
I saw some a while back at the Whole Foods seafood counter in Mt. Washington- but the employees were so mean they made me want to cry.
Waterstone Revisited
Showed the website of this spot to my hubby and he's so impressed he wants to try it ASAP. Perhaps we'll run into you there! Thanks for the review!
Corner - Hampden
Anybody who has been to Hampden knows this place is unusual for this part of town. It ain't Moco. Anyone who has been to both places would know the difference.
Get yourself to CAZBAR, now!
We dined there for the first time last night. Used Opentable, though they were not crowded on a Tuesday night- but nothing in Baltimore is crowded on a Tuesday.
Started with Imam Bayiladi "fainted priest" appetizer. Then had the Lahmacun- which had fantastic heat to it. For entrees, we had mixed kabob platter and manti- which was disappointingly bland after the heat of the Lahmacun "pizza". We took home baklava desserts and enjoyed them immensely. We'll be back and I recommend you get over there as fast as you can.
The decor was lovely, and the staff was young and attentive. This is a great downtown spot, and on-street parking is free after 6pm. What's not to love? Hey, if you don't go, that means more Lahmacun for me!
-----
Cazbar
316 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21282
The End of the World's Biggest Slice?
It is true. I drove by there this morning and saw the sign in the window- as the owner was hunched over paperwork at one of the tables. Sadly, there was nothing to indicate they would reopen. I will miss those fabulous Italian cold-cut subs with 'everything'. Hubby & I have probably ordered delivery from there 100's of time since moving to the area- delivery guy always said "God Bless" when departing.
La Famiglia Baltimore near Johns Hopkins University
Hubby & I go there every few weeks- were there last friday for dinner and it was FABULOUS. Their 'happy hour' is quiet- not even sure if they have specials, but the service is friendly and they do have a 'lighter' menu for the bar area. We both give the place thumbs up. You can't go wrong at La Famiglia
New Hampden/Hoes Heights gem- Yama sushi
Four of us dined at Yama on Friday, April 1. This new sushi resto occupies the spot that used to be Blockbuster video in the 41 street strip mall where the Superfresh is. The place is beautifully decorated and some soft music was playing. We were shown to a booth and brought our own wine. We ordered 8 different rolls off the special rolls menu and enjoyed them all- beautifully presented with artful presentation touches. While I thought the service a bit slow, that was likely because I was so hungry. This place is serious about presenting delicious, fresh fish in a manner that pleases the eyes as much as the stomach. Family friendly, but the lighting is low enough to make it great for romance. Thumbs up!
Check it out:
http://www.yamasushibarmd.com
Greek/Toga Party
We're planning a toga party for this Saturday night. I'm interested to hear your opinions on what to serve- the inspiration for this party was a bottle of Ouzo given to me on my 40th birthday, so that one part is covered- and will likely make for a great party! Of course, there is the obvious- greek salad, roasted fish, baklava, etc... but I'm looking for something I can realistically do at home. Maybe moussaka? Recipes, music suggestions, movie recommendations- all form of ideas are welcome! I'm also hoping that I can find plain white sheets for our toga costumes- rather than floral patterns, etc. Thanks for your recommendations!
Baltimore Trio Holiday Dining
FoiGras- Your holiday sounds marvelous! We dined at Cafe Troia in Towson on Xmas eve and enjoyed everything greatly- they were packed, the place was festively decorated and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Hubby and I shared the Osso buco rissoto- it was fab. I've never been to Milan and want to check it out based on your review and that of another friend! Hope you have a lovely New year!
-----
Cafe Troia
31 Allegheny Avenue, Towson, MD 21204
Catered Lunch in Baltimore
Please check out Classic Catering People and Chef's Expressions. Biddle Street catering is also a good alternative. Congrats on the doctoral degree!
Smoked ham in Baltimore?
Where can I find the best smoked ham in Baltimore? We love Harrington's but don't want to pay the $$$. Do not like the super sweet hams (AKA Heavenly Ham), and would like to get something better than just regular grocery store (for Thanksgiving). Any one have suggestions?
Favorite take-out or delivery in North Baltimore?
B'more is good, but you must specify your spicy-hot level. Their delivery is slow to the point of being unreliable. Yeti was more consistent in their preparation, B-more must use several different chefs to prepare food on any given night.
We've never done Fortunatos! I'm going to have to look into this!
Favorite take-out or delivery in North Baltimore?
Hubby & I usually order delivery pizza or Indian, and I'm looking for others' great ideas. Our regulars are:
Pizza Boli
B'more
Falls Road Indian place (why can't I remember the name?)
Alonso's
Angelo's
Papa Johns (reliable, not necessary delicious)
What are your favorite places for take out or delivery when you are not in the mood to cook?
Baltimorons- where are you dining tonight?
We stayed in an ordered Pizza Boli's. However, we had an outstanding meal at Chiyo sushi on Saturday night with friends. Chiyo in Mt. Washington gets two thumbs up from me!
Need an alternative to Dutch oven for cooking chili
I'm with DMW- slow cookers are the best for chili. I saute all ingredients in a large pan and add to the crock pot/slow cooker and let it sit in there for several hours on low. Turns out perfect every time.
Baltimorons- where are you dining tonight?
Quick, everyone! Tell me where you will have dinner tonight- now that the rain is gone will you venture out? Stay in? Gimme some ideas!
Patrick's of Cockeysville--Overlooked!?
FoiGras- Thank you for sharing your experience. I will get up there as travels permit, despite other's opinions. My birthday week is also coming up and I'll take your suggestion and dine out all week long!
FYI- We dined at the much-recently-discussed Iggie's pizzaria and enjoyed every delicious bite. A surprisingly lovely night to be outdoors in Baltimore added to our dining experience (with little doggy in attendance) and I encourage you to return to Iggie's as your schedule permits. Bring your own bottle!
Happy birthday to you! And best regards to your hubby!
Dipasquale's - why didn't I know this before?
Hubby and I stopped for lunch in Towson this afternoon. Walking along, we saw comfortable looking tables overlooking the Towson round-about (a dangerous spot I don't even like to drive thru) and took a seat. Friendly servers greeted us and a xerox copy menu in a plastic sheet holder appeared. Salads, italian style sandwiches and american style sandwiches on one side. I ordered the tuna on ficaccio and hubby got turkey/ham/cheese/bacon on white toast. WOW! my tuna was accompanied by a lovely salad with olives, tomato, cucumbers and dressing on the side. I ordered a cup of coffee and was given many options- capiccino or american coffee? dark or medium roast? milk or half & half? the coffee was also great. Signs in the window mentioned BYOB. We will definitely go back. Not sure if they have different offerings for dinner, but based on this one visit, I'm sure anything they serve would be created with care and passion- clearly someone who cares about food and knows how to put it together runs this place. Can't say enough good things- go there and try it for yourself- I promise you won't be disappointed!
