misscindy

Just had to second the recommendation of Lala Rokh. My husband and I visited Boston a few years ago and had a great meal there. Glad to see it is still recommended.

I've only been to Bonaparte in Savage Mill once and I had a very bad croissant there. I was somewhat surprised because the Bonaparte in Fells Point routinely turns out good croissants. Perhaps it was an aberration but the nicer digs, better service, et al, leads me to believe that they are focusing on the Fells Point location.

My husband and I are coming to NYC for two nights in January. One dinner will be at Gramercy Tavern and I'm thinking Bianca sounds nice for the other. I like the idea of good, reasonably priced Italian with a neighborhood restaurant kind of atmosphere. But, I have a pesky lingering thought...we have not been to Babbo. Should we consider going there instead? Two very different experiences, I'm sure. Having a tough time making a decision. Any thoughts?

Oh, I'm fully and painfully aware that Charleston is Baltimore's only and perhaps arguably "national class" restaurant. Italian, forget it. I was part of the Baltimore contingent at the first CH Lab dinner a few years ago and while I really enjoyed the food I didn't so much enjoy the waiters who I actually thought may paw me if I made eye contact or got up to watch the goings on in the kitchen. But, I'm still interested in trying Maestro with the hope that the servers there are a little less randy.

Brooks Robinson is still Mister Oriole to me. But, it was a gracious statement for him to make and the memory of that night still makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Nice on what is a very chilly morning. So, when my husband and I make our next somewhat rare DC appearance, I'm now thinking it should be Citronelle rather than Maestro...although, Fabio certainly has his fair share of groupies. Anyone have any thoughts on that? I know, we should come down a little more often and try both. We did eat at the Baltimore outpost of Citronelle many moons ago and it was quite good but it sounds like this is on a whole new level.

Wegmans has stores in Pennsylvania, where the state has a total monopoly on the sale of wine and distilled spirits. I think you can put that speculation to rest. They're probably scouring the Maryland 'burbs as we chat. ← There is a Wegmans currently under construction in Hunt Valley, north of Baltimore. It is true that they won't be able to sell alcohol.

This brings to mind something here in Baltimore that I call the pit beef - porno connection. Where you find one, you will find the other. (With the notable exception of the Block, downtown, it is an outlying area rule.) For a reason that I don't understand, I like thinking about a big construction worker type all hopped up on the sight of nekkid ladies chowing down on a beef sandwich the size of his head. Disturbing yet perfect imagery.

Consider me curious and possibly interested.

Hmmm, Sunday lunch not brunch, affordable and a place where kids can run around. A casual but nice option is the Ambassador Dining Room off of University Parkway. They serve Indian food and on Sundays, they offer a buffet brunch but of course, it is Indian food, not breakfast food, assuming your objection to brunch is breakfast food. Mimosas for the grown-ups. A very nice space, probably ok for the kids to get up a bit but not get too crazy. A bargain. Down the street, I believe the Carlyle Club serves lunch on Sundays. It is Middle Eastern. On the very casual side, Nam Kang is a Korean place at Maryland & 21st, they are open all the time, probably ok for the kids to go wild there. I think SoBo Cafe on Cross Street serves lunch on Sundays, it is very casual but kind of small. My personal fav is the Golden West Cafe in Hampden, however, it is possible that they only serve breakfast on Sundays, give them a call because if they serve lunch it is a perfect choice. Although, for a party of 10, a wait could be involved. Another option is dim sum (no carts, though) at the Chinatown Cafe on Park Avenue.

Here are a few of my favorites reasonably close to downtown. Don't know exactly what you have in mind, but here goes. Soigne on Fort Avenue, in South Baltimore, is very good. Fusion done right in a lovely little space. The Brewer's Art on N. Charles Street in Mt. Vernon. Fantastic house brewed beers and good food in a gorgeous old townhouse. You can take the water taxi over to Fells Point and check out Peter's Inn or Henninger's. Peter's is very casual, Henninger's is also casual but a bit less so than Peter's. Both are bars. Henninger's has a separate dining room, Peter's doesn't. Both are good, fun choices.

Lighten up. So, you don’t like Petit Louis, fine. But, they DO take reservations and if you think that Cindy Wolf and Tony Foreman haven’t been to France, well, you’re not really thinking about this too clearly.

In addition to the food, service, wine and dessert, don't forget about the cheese because it is fabulous. I live in Baltimore and Charleston is pretty much our fallback special occasion restaurant. I think the food can be spectacular. I still think about a duck breast I had there a year or so ago. The foie gras is always good and the shrimp and grits are a long standing favorite. It is often a really rich food experience but that's ok with me--it usually is a special occasion, afterall. The service is professional but not overly formal. The servers are well trained. There are others who can chime in on the wine (you guys know who you are) but I've always been pleased, especially when Tony-the man-Foreman sets us up with wines by the course. Worse things can happen to you. The desserts are traditional but solid, falling in line with the rest of the southern influenced menu. And, love the cheese cart, it is the real deal. I've had many great dinners at Charleston and consider it a favorite. That being said, it is expensive, at least to me. I don't love the decor but it makes sense in light of the whole southern thing. I also don't love the vibe--or lack thereof. It is an older crowd for the most part. Also, probably as a result of the Harbor East location, it is always crowded with tourists who tend to dress down. And, for us locals, it is a special occasion place so there are always lots of birthdays and anniversary celebrations going on. It all contributes to a very not so happening sort of atmosphere. Not that there's anything really wrong with that. I'm also a fan of Petit Louis and am looking forward to the opening of the new place which I understand will be quite casual and may possibly have a bit of the vibe that Charleston lacks.

I'm kinda surprised that you had dry fish at the Black Olive--I've always had fish there that seems pretty darned perfect. My issue with the Black Olive, besides being incredibly expensive, at least to me, is the service. I've had really, really bad service there to the point that I am hesitant to return and I live in Baltimore. A particularily bad evening there actually included my helping myself to the very good bread in the kitchen that no one took the time to put on our table. Thankfully, we were seated within reaching distance or else my table would have gotten really cranky. I'm ok with slow service just so they keep the bread and wine coming--but they didn't even do that. I'd like to think that my experience isn't the norm but I've heard other slow service horror stories. I haven't been since they expanded so perhaps things have improved. And, I don't want to scare someone off but just thought I'd post a warning. Greektown is really on the opposite end of the "fine dining" spectrum, for the most part. The only place I go to there with any degree of regularity is Samos. It has a diner like atmosphere and is almost always packed. But, it is BYOB and they'll give you wine glasses while you wait. The food isn't fancy and neither is the service but you won't be ignored.

My husband and I are coming out to Napa from Baltimore in September. Nine years ago (!) we spent our honeymoon in Sonoma and mr. man has been wanting to come back ever since. I do realize that Napa and Sonoma are very different places--we are staying in Yountville because we want to eat at the French Laundry. We did manage to get reservations there, which felt like a major accomplishment. But, I'd like some feedback on our other restaurant choices, keeping in mind a few things. We don't want to drive TOO far, we don't want to eat "fancy" food every night and we'd like to go to at least one or two places that aren't too touristy. We are thinking of Bouchon, Zuzu, Mustard's Grill, Pilar, Market and Foothill Cafe. Also thinking we must have lunch at Taylor's Refresher. Any suggestions for other activities that shouldn't be missed will be appreciated. And, of course, we plan to visit wineries--will write about that later. Thanks.

Quite true about the Harford Road trifecta. Love the subs and sammies at Mastellone's. Good stuff. And, the fresh mozzerella. A co-worker once brought me a marshmallow donut from Fenwick. Totally insane.

Have to add my favorite happy hour in Baltimore--the Brewer's Art. Their house brewed Belgian style beers are only $2. All of the beers are seriously good and they pack a major punch. They also have a great bar menu that includes the legendary rosemary garlic frites, along with other tasty treats.

Actually, we have stayed at another b&b in Easton--the Bishops House, I think. We had a great time but it is very different from the Inn at Easton. Not my taste--it has a whole lotta dolls, hats and various Victorian bric-a-brac going on. BUT, the breakfast was fantastic, we had a great room with a huge jacuzzi and it was cheaper than the Inn at Easton. And, it was still within walking distance of the Inn at Easton so you can easily eat dinner there. I do think that other innkeepers in Easton are sort of perplexed by the success of the Inn at Easton. I'd be curious to know which ones really fancy themselves as competitors. Most of them don't serve dinner (as far as I know) and I'd be surprised if any of them have the great vibe in the same way that the Inn at Easton does.

Easton is a favorite weekend getaway spot for us and the Inn at Easton has a whole lot to do with that. It is truly fantastic. In fact, I'd like to get there again sometime soon...before it morphs into another Inn at Little Washington and we can't afford it anymore.

Very happy to see this thread. I just love talking about popular things that I hate. I don't understand the fascination with bubble tea. I hate bubble tea. Why everyone gets off on chewing their tea is beyond me. Maybe someone can explain it to me.

The Ambassador is nice. The food is individually plated, unlike typical Indian joints and it is also a bit more expensive. But, the Sunday brunch is a bargain. Tons of food, champagne, orange juice. It will set you up nicely for the rest of the day. The dining room is pretty and in good weather they have outdoor seats in a garden like setting. I like Akbar, but, in all honesty, I think I like it mostly for sentimental reasons. I don't think it is as good as it used to be but it is still worth a stop. I haven't eaten at Banjara in many, many moons. No particular reason for that. I've never eaten at India Rasoi but have heard good things. Supposed to be very, very cheap. There's also Mughal Garden which is ok but kind of weird, at least to me. Mostly because it is located in the old Harvey House space. The Harvey House (does ANYONE else out there remember it?) was this crack up of a bar and restaurant that attracted every divorced senior in town. It was filled with white pleather booths and shag carpeting. The bar was quite the happening spot for the 60 plus crowd. My girlfriend and I were met there once prior to an evening of bar hopping and some excitable elderly gentleman grabbed her ass and he did it with gusto. We thought it signaled unlimited possibilities for the evening ahead. So, I still think of all of this when I'm enjoying my paneer.

Wow. I just love someone who cares enough to do a little research. Tapas Teatro--I love it. Not everyone does. Good food, good sangria. And, large portions for tapas. Don't know that it fits the romance bill...it is crowded and loud. It is literally connected to the Charles Theatre so lots of people are rushing around trying to get a table and then trying to get out to catch films. But, to their credit, in my experience, the staff doesn't rush you. And, if the crowded and loud part doesn't bother you, it is a fun and happening sort of atmosphere. And, the space is cool. Samos--A tiny little BYOB Greek place in Greektown. I don't think that anyone would describe it as romantic. Almost a diner sort of atmosphere. Not as cheap as it used to be but the BYOB part still keeps costs down. Almost always packed. Banjara--I think of it as a typical Indian restaurant, not that that is a bad thing. I haven't been in years. Not because the food is bad, no reason I can think of, really. Peter's Inn--A little bar that serves gigantic portions of food. Menu online at http://www.petersinn.com. It is almost always crowded and it is not romantic, unless you consider eating dinner in a smokey bar with Patsy Cline on the sound system romantic. Don't get me wrong: I like the place. It is hip in a laid back, vaguely bikerish sort of way. And, it is very Baltimore--which to me, is a good thing. Chameleon Cafe--This is a cute place, kind of far off the beaten path, though. The food is usually good and the people are nice. Could be considered sort of romantic. Ambassador Dining Room--This has real possibilities for you. It is in a pretty old apartment building near Johns Hopkins University. The dining room is very pretty in a Tudor-ish sort of way and they have lovely outdoor dining in good weather. More expensive than your average family style Indian but still reasonable. I love their Sunday brunch buffet with mimosas...yum. Let us know what you decide.

Pleiades' suggestions are good ones. As he said, it's kinda hard to know what you consider reasonable or what you consider romantic, for that matter. But, I'll try to add to his list. My husband and I had a very good dinner at Henninger's in Fells Point last night and depending on the night of the week you go, it maybe, possibly could be considered kinda sorta romantic. We shared the RW Apple approved app of pan fried oysters with spinach in a pernod cream sauce. (I'd really like to come back as a better looking RW Apple in my next life, btw.) And, we each had the coriander-pepper tuna entree and four glasses of wine between us. The bill was $90 clams. You can water taxi it over there from downtown. Their website has photos so you can see if you like the looks of it. http://www.henningerstavern.com One possibility downtown is Joy America, which is on top of the American Visionary Arts Museum. It is a nice space with a good view. http://www.spikeandcharlies.com/joy.html One of the few things I like in the Inner Harbor is having drinks at the Explorer's Lounge in the Harbor Court Hotel. It ain't cheap but it is downtown and they have live jazz. For me, though, Mt. Vernon is the most romantic neighborhood in Baltimore, because of its stunning architecture. So, one thing you could consider is walking around having appetizers at several restaurants. Ixia and Sotta Sopra are both beautiful spaces and have bars in the back. (Sotta Sopra is Italian and if you stick to pasta, it is reasonable.) Red Maple (http://www.930redmaple.com) serves great small plates and cocktails in a hip, loungey sort of atmosphere before it turns into a dance club later at night. I think the mango martinis are very romantic. In fact, I may be in love with them. And, the bar upstairs at the Brass Elephant, which is in a gorgeous old townhouse, is also worth a stop. Hope this helps.

Have to agree with everyone else here, get out of the Inner Harbor. Have dinner at the Helmand and beers at Brewer's Art. That would be a lovely evening.

I'll try to help out by telling you about some of my fav places. Golden West Cafe on W.36th Street in Hampden. Belly busting New Mexican fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes on Friday nights, Thomas makes specials. A cool place, just don't try to talk on a cellphone or ask for substitutions. Nam Kang at Maryland and 21st for Korean. Happy hour at the Brewer's Art on N. Charles Street. It is a true happy hour--drafts are $2. God bless them. Give me an ozzy and some rosemary garlic frites and I am a very happy girl. Slightly north and across the street from Brewer's Art is Thai Landing. Super friendly staff--ask Charlie how hot the chiles are and Sam about the latest film he's seen. And, the food is good, too. I like Tapas Teatro on Charles next door to the Charles Theatre but not everyone does. Screw 'em. That brings me to your request for best bars...hmm, this is VERY subjective. But, Tapas Teatro just happens to be across the street from the Club Charles one of my all time favorite bars. A late night, drink way too much, eyes burning from thick smoke kind of bar. As I mentioned, the Brewer's Art is a great bar. Beautiful room upstairs in front. Cool, dungeon like space in the basement that seems to be enormously popular with bicycle messengers. Go to Eastern Avenue and Broadway in Fells Point for Mexican. If the taco truck is there, don't skip it. If you'd like to sit down, I like El Tacquito, a block up on Eastern. It is BYOB, always a bonus in my world. There is also a tortilleria on Eastern. If you are out that way, go further down Eastern and stop at Dangerously Delicious Pies. Somtimes he turns the pie place into a bit of a bar and has bands and belly dancing. Pie, music and belly dancing. An excellent combo. Peter's Inn is also a good bar that serves food. Eastern and Aliceanna. Chinatown Cafe on Park Avenue for Chinese. Good dim sum but no carts. Baltimore can never seem to support more than one or two Ethiopian places at a time--why, I don't know. Right now there is a place in Federal Hill, the name escapes me. It is on Cross Street and I'm pretty sure it is BYOB. And, there was a place on Charles, again, the name escapes me, that I believe has moved to Guilford Avenue. Check the City Paper. My favorite, Ghion, is being remodeled. And, Baltimore is not real vegetarian friendly. There is a place in Charles Village called the Yabba Pot, I haven't eaten there but it is cheap and vegetarian. And, One World Cafe on University Parkway caters to vegetarians. I could keep going but I'm going to stop now. Let us know how you are handling eating here in Mobtown.

Samos is a good suggestion and it is BYOB. If you are in the mood for casual Italian, though, consider Vespa in Federal Hill. Nice atmosphere and good wine service.