lisenu68's Profile
what is your family's coolest thanksgiving tradition?
What are some of the coolest or most fun things your family does at Thanksgiving?
Where to eat for Inner Harbor Weekend in Oct.
My husband and I had a very different experience at Blue Sea Grill. It has gotten pretty good reviews on this board, and our experience did not match up. We went for Restaurant Week, on a Thursday evening around 7. The bar was full, but the restaurant was only about 25% full. First, I should say, it's a beautiful place--they've clearly put a lot of thought into the atmosphere. The maitre d' was helpful, and we were seated promptly. For restaurant week, we had a choice of two apps, an entree from 5 choices that seemed a pretty good representation of the menu in general, and a dessert from 3 choices. We were in Baltimore, after all, so we chose a number of dishes in which crab was featured.
The service was a bit too attentive in some ways (understandable, since we were the only table in our waiter's section that was occupied), and brusque in others; we felt strangely rushed (perhaps because of same). Our waiter asked if we wanted cocktails before we'd had a chance to settle in and look at the cocktail menu. We deferred, and took a moment to peruse the menu. He brought us bread quickly that was cold and a bit stale; the breadsticks they offered, however, were good. We ordered a glass of wine and a cocktail, both of which were good.
Appetizers: I started with a mixed salad of arugula dressed in a pesto vinaigrette, topped with pinenuts and what was billed as warm, crispy goat cheese croquettes. While it turned out to be the best part of my meal, the salad was underdressed (and I don't like much salad dressing, so this was really underdressed), and what were supposed to be warm, crispy goat cheese croquettes turned out to be a single, ice-cold, mealy croquette about the size of a large marble. It was an average salad, not too good, not too bad. My husband had the cream of crab soup, which they warned us in advance, was not thickened with a great deal of flour like they do in other local restaurants. It was to be more like a bisque, which sounded great. Sadly, it was not. Good cream of crab soup tastes like crab. This soup tasted like warm milk, with a tablespoon or two of crabmeat loaded in the middle. We tried adding salt and pepper to see if that helped matters, but it didn't.
Entrees: My husband ordered crab cakes, which were fine. A little on the dry side, but adequate. Not great, not bad, just fine. I had Mahi Mahi topped with crab imperial, which came with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. The Mahi mahi itself seemed fine (if a tiny bit undercooked), but the there was nothing remotely imperial about the crab imperial. Like the cream of crab soup, it was utterly bland, and had a minimal amount of very finely chopped crabmeat in it. The potatoes were fine, if lukewarm, and the fresh vegs consisted of a couple of tablespoons of what tasted like a fresh jicama-carrot type slaw. This last bit, while not what I expected from the description was actually pretty good, and the only shame was that there was so little of it.
The dessert we chose was creme brulee, as we're both big fans. What came out was not bad, but again, not as described. It had a sort of citrus base that clashed a bit with the crunchy browned sugar top, and was topped with chopped fruit.
Overall, we decided, we'd give it a 6/10. Perhaps less if we'd had to pay full price, instead of price fixe. I'd like to be able to chalk the failings up to a rushed restaurant week evening, but like I said, the restaurant was only about 25% full, even at prime dinner time, so that is unlikely to have been the culprit. Needless to say, we will not be going back.
Looking for reviews of some non-casino Atlantic City spots
Going to Atlantic City for a few days, and don't want to spend the whole time in a casino. Have been to Little Saigon, Irish Pub & Inn and Baltimore Grill before, and are looking to branch out. Does anyone have an opinion on any of the following?:
Amici Brick Oven Pizza
Back Bay Ale House
El Sabor Paisa Restaurant
Flying Cloud Cafe
Irish's Grill House
Los Amigos
New Melaka Restaurant
Punjab Palace
Tun Tavern
Wonder Bar
Il Mulino Trattoria (ok, this one is actually in a casino).
Thanks!
Where would you eat in Atlantic City Area
I cannot say enough good things about Little Saigon. First of all, dinner for 2 (including beverage, though not alcohol--the place is byob, another plus) can be all of $25. The food is among the best Vietnamese I've ever had anywhere. We live in Baltimore, but whenever we come to Atlantic City, we make sure to eat here at least once (sometimes twice, if the mood strikes). The bun (grilled meat-you choose what type-on rice noodles) is excellent, as are some of the specials. Oftentimes, we'll get the Saigon Mixed Grill, which has some of several of the appetizers, along with rice noodles, marinated vegs, on a big bed of lettuce. Plenty enough for dinner for two. Ingredients are fresh, and portions are plentiful. Also be sure to try the French-press Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. Heavenly. There's a review of it here: http://www.acweekly.com/view.php?id=6446
The place is small (maybe 10-12 tables), on the corner of Artic and Iowa. Seems to be mostly locals in there, even though it's only 3 blocks from the casinos (the Trop is right nearby). We've been at least a dozen times, and the service has always been friendly and helpful.
Best Chinese in Baltimore?
I have to say really good things about Asian Court in Ellicott City.
I moved here from Philadelphia a number of years ago (which has a decent-sized and pretty varied Chinatown), and was appalled at the total lack of decent Chinese restaurants anywhere in Baltimore. For a time, I gave up altogether, and ate Thai and Korean food (not a bad thing, mind you). I shop weekly at the Han Ah Rheum market down route 40, and had taken to making my own Chinese food, which, while not bad, was not restaurant quality. Since the Asian Court opened, things have changed considerably.
I live near the shopping mall that houses the Asian Court (9180 Baltimore National Pike, just up route 40 from its intersection with route 29), and the restaurant that was previously there was mediocre at best. Not so the Asian Court. They have been a pleasant surprise since they opened. First of all, they have a good variety of Dim Sum, which can be gotten every day (I think cart service may only happen on weekends). There seem to be at least 50 options. Delicious different-flavored dumplings, rice rolls, pork buns, sticky rice and other, more exotic yumminess (tripe,etc) . Also, their main courses, while slightly pricier than their local competitors, absolutely outshine them. Prices tend to run 11.95 for chicken dishes, 12.95 for beef, and 14.95 for seafood. In addition to the usual standbys, chef's specials (mmmm....steamed whole fish with ginger and scallions), there's a huge variety of noodle dishes, and lots of veggie options for those who are so inclined. Their Kung Pao Chicken alone is worth a trip. You know how Kung Pao Chicken so often just tastes like heat (lots of hot pepper, but not much else?). Theirs has a wonderful savory flavor underneath, mixing with the spiciness--overall a more complex flavor. Really delicious.
I should also mention how friendly and helpful the staff is; someone always greets you at the door, and makes sure you are seated comfortably. They take some effort to get to know their customers. On one recent visit, I saw one of the owners up front helping a local schoolkid out with his Chinese homework.
I think this place is terrific, and hope others will visit --I want my Kung Pao to stay right where it is!
Best churrascaria in DC/Baltimore
I've decided to try Fogo de Chao for a birthday dinner. I see that dinner runs about $50pp--I'm wondering what the range of prices for wine is, in particular the cost of the less expensive bottles...Thanks!
Best churrascaria in DC/Baltimore
I'm very intrigued by Fogo--does anyone know how much a typical dinner costs?
40th wedding anniversary dinner for 40 around Baltimore
Thanks for your replies so far. We are planning to serve wine, coffee and tea and don't plan to include an open bar.
40th wedding anniversary dinner for 40 around Baltimore
My husband's parents are having their 40th anniversary at the end of May, and we'd like to arrange a dinner in their honor. We have a budget of about $35-45 per person, ncluding drinks, and expect about 40 people. Does anyone know of places with private rooms that might fit the bill anywhere in Baltimore City, or Howard or Carroll County?
Blue Pointe Grill in Ellicott City--is it closed?
Does anyone know whether the Blue Pointe Grill on Rt 40 in Ellicott City has closed (and if so, when?) or whether they plan to reopen?
Lunch with cool grandma in Sykesville area?
My husband and I are taking out his grandma for lunch on Sunday. She lives in Sykesville, but we aren't limited to that area--can go over to Eldersburg/Westminster or back towards Howard County (we live in Ellicott City). She generally eats American food, but is adventurous enough to try something new as well. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Dives I Have Known (and Loved)
Eveyone has their favorites--what's yours?
I challenge the residents of (and visitors to) The Greater Baltimore Area (let's say from Laurel to Bel Air and everything in between) to reflect and salivate on their greatest Dive Restaurant Moments.
"Dive" shall be defined as: any restaurant where you can manage dinner for 2 with a drink each for less than $50 .
$40 would be better.
$30 would be magnificent.
$20 would be the Platonic Ideal of Dive-dom.
No restrictions on type of food, time of day (got a great brunch Dive?), or ambiance.
Dig deep, people.
Searching for a Saturday breakfast spot in B'more?
A friend and her mom will be staying downtown in Baltimore, and the only time we'll have together is breakfast, around 9am, on Saturday. Does anyone have any recommendations for a sit-down breakfast/ brunch place in the downtown/Inner Harbor//Fells/Canton area that serves that early? Thanks!
Best 4 or 5 restaurants in Baltimore and surrounding burbs
The Helmand was the first place I was taken in Baltimore when job hunting 15 years ago--and may have been the thing that tipped the scale for me. I stayed, and have been many, many times since. Afghan food, reasonably priced, with terrific service (many of the waiters have been there as long as I've lived here) in a lovely atmosphere (brick walls, flickering candles) on Charles Street. Never had Afghan food? Do a "tapas" dinner of all the appetizers--try the kaddo bowrani--a delectable sweetened pumpkin dish in a yogurt sauce. Remains my favorite place in town, among many good ones.
are there any cake decorating supply stores in the baltimore metro area?
I am in the process of making cookies, and am bored, bored, bored with red and green sprinkles. Anyone know of anyplace I can find more of a variety? Thanks.
Green cardamom pods: now what? [moved from General Topics]
Even if you don't have the time to make masala chai, just throwing in several whole pods when you brew iced tea (let them steep there) adds a really interesting flavor to plain old iced tea....
Dinenr with a group in Catonsville
If you're still interested, Ellicott Mills Brewing Company is tasty--8308 Main St. down in the historic section. Pub in the cellar, and fancier restaurant upstairs--try the boar sausage; it's delish.
indian food withdrawal in Ellicott City
I just know there must be some good indian restaurants and grocery stores in the Ellicott City/Catonsville-ish area, but I have no idea where to find them. Meanwhile, I wander the streets aimlessly, and dream of saag paneer and chicken tikka masala.....Can anyone help a sister out?
Baguettes in Baltimore
This may sound like sacrilege, as I am about to suggest--horror of horrors--a CHAIN restaurant. However, I have found that Panera bread has far and away the best french baguettes around. They are, first and foremost, really fresh, which, right there, means they beat 80% of what's available. Locations can be found at Panera.com, I believe.
