This used to be our absolute favorite restaurant. On a recent visit we ordered a full-on meal: cocktails, appetizer, salads, wine bottle, entrees and the delivery of the food was botched so badly that we will NEVER go back again. The app and salad came at the SAME TIME. Not even enough room on the table for all these dishes. Then, not even 5 mins later, the entrees came out. Mine was not cooked to the temp of my liking, but my bad for not asking. It was horribly unpleasant to be rushed through the meal like that. I have no idea why they did that to us. What have your experiences been at Alchemy recently?

Real Food Farms in Baltimore City. I believe they have a pick up at Waverly market. Great food with a really great cause behind it- educational and providing fresh food to urban areas. Check it out http://www.realfoodfarm.org/

Havana Road Cafe, numerous sushi houses, Cafe Troia. The Melting pot is also great, but a chain. Enjoy Goucher!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Please share recipes that include this marvelous ingredient. I'll go purchase some this weekend!

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

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!

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Valentino's Restaurant
6627 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214

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?

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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Cazbar
316 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21282

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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Cafe Troia
31 Allegheny Avenue, Towson, MD 21204

Please check out Classic Catering People and Chef's Expressions. Biddle Street catering is also a good alternative. Congrats on the doctoral degree!

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?

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!

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?

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!

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.