Korean food: Jong Kak and Wong Gal Bi

by Greg B.

If anyone is ever in the mood to go stuff themselves silly on good food with a bunch of friends, Korean restaurants are the place to go. I had never had Korean food until this past winter, but since then it has become at least a monthly event. And, if you have never eaten it, it certainly is an event. I listed two restaurants because these are the only two I have been to, and both are excellent. Read more

Free Advice To Restaurants: How to sell more wine and keep your customers coming back for more.

Two months back I was asked by a friend and restaurant manager who I’ve known for years for advice on her wine list. She asked how her restaurant (a mid-range restaurant in a nice area of suburban Detroit) could increase their wine sales and revenue since it had slowly been decreasing as the economy worsened. This was a great question and one that I feel is relevant for many fine dining restaurants in Baltimore and elsewhere in the US. In a time when the economy has many people eating at home and spending less on food and wine, how does a middle to high class restaurant survive? Here I offer advice some pretty simple advice for restaurants that either do not have a dedicated wine manager, or who could use a few ideas on how to sell more wine and make more money. Read more

Sushi Sono: Best Sushi in the Baltimore area - by Greg B.

Author: Greg B

Everyone is picky about their sushi restaurants and we all have our favorites. And why not? We are, after all, eating raw seafood. It’s only natural for an organism to return to the same feeding places where they have successfully eaten and not gotten sick… or worse. After dating a girl in college who took me out to sushi one Friday afternoon (lunch special at Sushi Hana in Towson = excellent), my life changed. Fridays became known as “sushi Fridays”, and it drew a crowd of people from across campus. Once it started, it kept going. Sushi Friday continued even after friends of ours and even we, graduated. Sushi Hana was an excellent place to learn about sushi, and while it is still one of my favorite sushi places to eat at in Baltimore, it has been surpassed.

The first time I ate at Sushi Sono was when my boss took the entire lab out in celebration for getting a very large grant. I cant be sure exactly how much sushi was there, but saying over 200 pieces would certainly not be an overstatement. However since then I just don’t drive very often, and it is extremely rare to see my down in the Columbia, MD area. But this Saturday my roommate and I just so happened to be down there, and with 3 hours to kill around lunchtime. The scene was set for some delicious sushi.

We walked into the restaurant and were immediately greeted by a very polite older woman. Asking if we wanted to sit at a table or the bar, we chose the bar. I like to sit there and watch the sushi be assembled and the fish get sliced and arranged, it’s very interesting work. Once we sat down, a very pleasant young woman dressed in traditional Japanese kimono asked for our drink orders. My roommate got the usual (Asahi) beer, and I decided to get cold sake instead of warm (perhaps the 90 degree temp had something to do with it?). I ordered a bottle of OzekiYam Nishi for $22, thinking I would have plenty of time to drink the bottle before it would be time to go. However, this lunch was governed by extreme efficiency, and just after I drank my first glass, we ordered.

I ordered the vegetarian box A from the lunch special ($10.95) which came with vegetable tempura, rice, a spinach roll and a shittake mushroom with asparagus sushi roll. I also ordered two pieces of Massago (smelt roe, for $4) and two pieces of White Tune ($4.50) since I had never had either of these. My roommates ordered a lunch special Chicken Tempura box ($9.95) with chicken tempura, tempura veggies and rice, along with a Spicy Tuna roll ($5.50). Within minutes, the Miso arrived.

In all honesty, Miso soup is miso soup. It is very rare I get Miso soup I don’t like, and most places taste almost exactly the same. Except again, the waitress was extremely polite and friendly. Halfway through the Miso, one of the men behind the bar placed a wooden tray with my Massago and Tuna over the fridge compartment and onto the bar. It was then that I knew I probably had to drink up with the sake! I finished my Miso and a few more drinks of the sake when our pleasant waitress returned with my meal and my roommate’s spicy tuna roll.

Sake goes great with Japanese food. There is no other way to say it. Drinking sake for it’s own sake (I couldn’t resist) is not something I do unless it is wintertime and the sake is warm. This particular sake brand was not one I had consumed before, and it was very mellow, which went well for a summer afternoon. The vegetable tempura was excellent, along with the little bit of spiced radish we got to place into our digging sauce. I had never had the spinach roll or shittake mushroom roll before, and the spinach roll was pretty good. It was served cold, with a slight touch of rice vinegar. The shittake roll was very good also, as the texture of the mushrooms and the asparagus nicely opposed each other for an interesting bite. The smelt roe was good, but not too surprising, however the white Tuna was not something I had eaten before and was excited to try. It was like butter, soft, cool and delicious. You did not even have to bite to eat it, it was so soft. Definitely a new favorite sushi dish of mine.

As my roommate got a call from the Sears guy saying he didn’t have the 4 tires in stock he thought he had, and we could get the car back anytime, I hurried up my sake consumption. The waitress returned, and took the rest of our plates (they had been floating around during the meal, and as soon as any piece of plateware or lid or anything was finished, they would remove them from the table almost instantly. Definitely made me feel like I was at a fancier establishment than my tee shirt and shorts I was wearing indicated). We paid our bill and received our Japanese fruit flavored gum in a box, you all know the kind. We walked out and I made a mental note to return more often. Hopefully, this is one restaurant I will keep good on my promise.

Restaurant Review: Mannequin Pis Restaurant (Olney, MD) -A night of Belgian respect with Chris and Dana

Outstanding Belgian food, bier and hospitality! Read more

Montalcino Restaurant Review: Osteria Al Giardino (Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy) - Upscale and pricey, but worth it. Highly Recommended!

Osteria Al Giardino:

Ambiance: Elegant,
Food: Upscale and traditional Montalcino/Tuscan cuisine
Service: Outstanding: attentive, great wine service.
Wine List: Good overall. Fair pricing with a good number of bottles with some age to them.
Pricing: $$$$ - Expensive, but worth it for a special occasion. Expect around 60 Euros per person, plus wine (our total was aorund 230 Euros)
Attire: Upscale, but comfortable/business casual seems appropriate.
Overall Rating: Great. Highly recommended for special occasions but be prepared to spend some money. The food was exceptional across the board and the service was very good. Chef Giovanni Luca di Pirro shows great passion in his food and keeping you well fed!
Piazza Garibaldi 10
Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
Bookings and Fax: 0577 849076. e-mail: osteriaalgiardino@virgilio.it
Closed Wednesday.

Il Girdino: This was our favorite “upscale” dining in Montalcino. The service was attentive and very helpful, the food was outstanding, and the setting was elegant and warm. Situated near the middle of town on the top of a hill where the main streets merge, Il Girdino was all around a great meal. The wine list represented some of the best wines in Montalcino and prices were on par with other restaurants and enotecas. Our meal began with a beef carpaccio of neck meat that was sliced so thin and delicate that it melted on the palate. Our other primi course was a poached egg served with a decadent white winter truffle sauce that was very simple but quite delicious. We paired these with wines by the glass from a well thought out list.

For a first course we split two dishes: white winter truffle linguine and a potato ravioli with artichokes and parmageano reggiano cheese. The homemade pasta dish featured a rich truffle sauce and a large plate of linguine covered with fresh shaved white truffles. This was a hit- the simplicity again let the truffle shine but prevented it from overpowering the palate. The potato ravioli was a bit of a let down. It was well spiced but the flavors and texture just weren’t that great. Overall, we were happy with this course.

Our main course featured both beef and cinghale (wild boar): a well seasoned steak cooked medium rare and a tender and flavorful cinghale stew. This course was paired with a 1999 Poggio al Vento (Col d’Orcia Riserva) that was served in beautiful stemware and went perfect with both dishes and which I rated 95 pts.

For dessert, we decided on a hazelnut Creme Brulee that featured lovely flavors and texture in the creme sauce hiding beneath a perfectly crisp top layer. This topped off one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten- all compliments to Chef Giovanni Luca di Pirro, who came to our table at the end of the evening to talk with us about our meal. You could see his passion for preparing world class meals in the way he spoke about the meal. A passion that was even more evident in the food itself.

Overall this was our favorite upscale meal in Montalcino. The setting is more elegant than most of the other restaurants, the food a little more upscale and complex, and as you’d expect, the prices a little bit higher. The meal with wine cost us around 220 Euros, or roughly $350 USD. Expensive? Yes, but worth it for one special night out in one of the most amazing towns in Italy.

Weeknight Dining: Eating Great In Baltimore - 16 Restaurants across town suitable for any budget!

With gasoline at $4.00 a gallon (or more), it seems that everyone is trying to cut back on spending. For many this includes eating out less and cooking meals at home. While cooking at home is always a great, healthy and cheaper way to eat, sometimes it’s just nice to not have to cook and do dishes. But does eating out have to cost significantly more than eating in? Or are there delicious options in town that will not break even the most sensitive budget?

Below is a list of some of the best restaurants in town that provide great food (and wine) for the price. A few of these aren’t necessarily cheap, but they are the most “bang for your buck” restaurants offering a great meal on any and all budgets. The list is arranged by neighborhood and provides summaries of each restaurant as well as what you can expect to spend per person. Chain restaurants were not considered for this list. Special thanks to Dae Chang who offered his expert analysis on a few places on this list! For another great list, check out the Dining Dish Blog’s Ten Inflation Busting Specials!

To nominate a restaurant to be on this list, e-mail me (michael@foodandwineblog.com) or leave a comment and I’ll check it out!  And don’t forget to check out these great wines that are budget friendly! Read more

Restaurant Review: Petit Louis (Baltimore - Roland Park): Outstanding French cuisine, wine list and service.

Overview

Ambiance: Upscale, bustling classic French Bistro.
Wine List: Impressive selection of French wines, sommelier available to lend a hand.
Corkage: Not available
Service: Very good to exceptional food and wine service.
Food: Classic/Elegant French Cuisine, good to very good.
Pricing: $$$ (Appetizers $7-$14, Entrees $17-$24, fair wine pricing).
Attire: No specific dress code but most patrons in business casual to business attire
Overall Rating: Highly recommended; great food, good service, great wine list.
Location/Contact Info: http://www.petitlouis.com

Review: A small French bistro situated in the beautiful Roland Park neighborhood of Baltimore, it’s easy to fall in love with Petit Louis. The classic decor, traditional French cuisine and impeccable food and wine service make Petit Loius one of Baltimore’s best restaurants for a casual dinner or birthday celebration. While not cheap, compared to other restaurants of this quality Petit Loius is almost a bargain! All these things combined make it one of our favorite spots in town- especially since it’s only a mile away from our house and parking is abundant. Read more

Kazakhstan Restaurant Review: Boudoir Restaurant- A must-try when dining in Kazakhstan!

The following review was contributed by a good friend and fellow wine enthusiast Chris Hawley. He travels quite a bit and has generously offered to share this unique dining experience with us. The review is very well written, exciting, and makes me wish I could go to Kazakhstan this weekend for some great food. Thanks Chris!

Boudoir Restaurant

Ambiance: Classy, fusion bar style, surrounded by Fashion TV
Food: Continental global cuisine, fusion, Australian and Thai mix
Service: Spectacular for English speakers
Wine List: Good, nice selection of French, Spanish and Italian wines.
Pricing: $$$ Good value for the meal
Attire: none specified but casual and business attire was noted, club wear more appropriate later in the evening.
Overall Rating: Very good – highly recommended: Food was very well done, and there were a number of outstanding choices. Wait staff was very attentive and the chef made several table-side visits. The table-side desert using liquid nitrogen is well worth the visit.
Location/Contact Info: www.boudoir.kz (only in Russian)
134 Bogenbai Batyr, Almaty, Kazakhstan 050000 (below KazPost)
Phone +7727 272 5555

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Restaurant Review: The Helmand (Baltimore- Mt. Vernon): Upscale traditional Afghan cuisine, good prices, highly recommended

Overview

Ambiance: Classy, upscale dining area, tight seating, Middle-Eastern decor
Food: Traditional Afghan cuisine, many vegetarian options
Service: Friendly and quick, good overall.
Wine List: Just OK- a few good finds- prices are fair. No corkage available.
Pricing: $$ (Appetizers: $6-$10, Entrees $12-$22- very good pricing for the quality of food)
Attire: No specific dress code but most patrons follow business casual to business attire.
Overall rating: Very Good-highly recommended: Food was well spiced, overall the service is great and for a nice dinner out the prices can’t be beat. Wine list is nothing to write home about but there are a few great options.
Location/Contact Info: http://www.helmand.com
806 N Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 401-752-0311

Review: This upscale Afghan restaurant is located on Charles Street North Just blocks from the Washington Monument, as it has been for over 25 years. For a restaurant to survive 25 years is quite an accomplishment, for a restaurant to be packed night in and night out after 25 years is just incredible. I guess when you serve delicious, exotic cuisine at more than fair prices, provide a menu filled with both meat and vegetarian options, and provide good service, you have a good chance of succeeding in the restaurant business!

Entering the Helmand, we were not greeted by a hostess. Instead, you make your way to the rear of the restaurant where someone behind the bar will check you in (reservations recommended) and get you situated. Our wait for a table, even on a Saturday night, wasn’t too long (less than 5 minutes). Once seated, we were pretty close to the adjacent tables, and overall it was a bit noisy in the dining area, but it was a good noisy. The noise and clutter may have played a role into why it took the server a while to head in our direction, though once we were noticed, the service was very good.

The wine list isn’t very extravagant, but there are some deals to be had. We started with a few whites by the glass. My Pinot Gris ($7) was not very good, but I forced it down. Kim enjoyed a nice Fume Blanc from Washington State that I’d give around 87 points, and for $6 was a great find. With our meal we enjoyed a Marques de Mersallie (2000) which was a bargain at $28 and was well matched for our lamb entrees. They also have a few moderately priced beers available if that’s your fancy. Overall the wine list will please most people as there are a few options in each category to pair well with any main course. That said, wine enthusiasts will most likely be disappointed and are recommended to not have high expectations of the list or stemware.

Our journey into Afghan cuisine began with a large bowl of pita bread with a sweet butter. The pita bread was warm and with the sweet butter was a great way to hold over our appetite until our appetizers began coming out. A must try starter is Kaddo Borwani, which is a fried then baked pumpkin dish that is sweet yet balanced with the yogurt garlic sauce. Our small pita bread was warm and great for soaking up the sauce from the Aushak, which is a ravioli with beef filling. The ravioli was cooked al dente which was nice, stuffed with leeks and vegetables, and served with a spicy beef sauce. This dish was a huge success, providing both good textures and great seasoning. Another highly recommended appetizer is the Bowlawni- pastry shells filled with leeks, potatoes, and onions and served with a garlic sauce. The portions on the appetizers are modest, so one per person is recommended.

The main plates at the Helmand provide good sized portions of very elegant and traditional Afghan cuisine. The Chopan ($15) features a marinated half rack of lamb served with tomato and onion salad. The lamb was both tender and flavorful. The Rack of Lamb chops featured 3 well seasoned chops which, although two of them were overcooked (ordered medium rare), were very juicy. Another great lamb dish is the Seekh Kabob. This char-broiled marinated lamb tenderloin was perfectly seasoned, although its accompanying spinach side dish was a pass. The rice is of course perfectly prepared and is especially good with the accompanying cilantro sauce.

Other menu options include traditional chicken Kabobs, spinach Sabzy and both lamb and chicken Lawand (boneless chicken/lamb served with mushrooms, tomatoes, herbs and a yogurt sauce). There are a dozen or more vegetarian options as well which range from stuffed peppers to baby eggplant filled with spinach. It’s likely that the menu will please even the most picky eater in your party.

Our dessert consisted of an assortment of Afghan pastries with both a crème and raspberry sauce. The pastries were similar to baklava having philo dough, crushed nuts/honey filling and were great with the sauces. There are many classic dessert options available as well that should satisfy even the sweetest tooth.

The Helmand provides a warm, intimate atmosphere, great food and is overall highly recommended. The prices are more than fair making this a great place to celebrate any occasion with a large group without breaking anyone’s budget.

Restaurant Review: Brick Oven Pizza (Fell’s Point) BYOB

Ambiance: Laid back pizzeria, self serve for the most part, layout is like a diner.
Food: Pizza, subs, sandwiches, salads
Service: Friendly- it’s somewhat self serve.
Wine List: N/A - BYOB w/ NO corkage fee (bring glassware/opener as they don’t provide)
Pricing: $ - Normal carry out/eat-in pizzeria prices - $25 for large pizza, salad, two beverages
Corkage: BYOB - No Fee Corkage
Attire: N/A
Overall rating: Good pizza place Interesting topping options, good thick crust, great antipasta, BYOB!
Location/Contact Info: http://www.boppizza.com/
3034 Greenmount Ave
Baltimore, MD 21218
Phone: 443-872-4468
Hours: Open ’til Midnight Sunday - Thursday; 3 AM Fri-Saturday

Overview: If good Brick Oven Pizza with interesting and unique toppings is what you’re looking for, than Brick Oven Pizza is your place. Located on S. Broadway street in the beautiful Fells Point area, BOP has great location, great views, and brings good pizza and appetizers to the table. The layout is simple, a large open dining area, jukebox, a few video games and the ordering/kitchen area. It is here that a giant, hot-brick oven is running 24 hours a day fueled by hard oak and maple wood. The appetizers include a variety of fried things (we liked the zucchini) as well as an antipasti that was pretty good considering the venue. For main course try the “Steak and Potato’s” pizza which is basically a Philly cheese steak and crispy French fries on a pizza crust (heart stopper but very tasty). There is also the Mac’n'Cheese pizza which features a homemade baked macaroni and cheese served atop crust.

The classic pizzas are good, too. The crust is crisp and delicious and toppings are well proportioned. Don’t forget the pizza by the slice, which many people seemed to be taking advantage of. There’s a reason they stay open until 3 AM on the weekends- to serve all the hungry bar-goers coming from Fells Points many great places.

Overall it’s one of the best pizza places in Baltimore. The restaurant is BYOB, but bring your own corkscrew and if you don’t want to drink out of a plastic cup (we did!) then bring glassware, too. I would definitely recommend Brick Oven Pizza if you’re in Fells Point and looking for a laid back meal at a homely and comfortable pizzeria.

Restaurant Review: “Meli” - Baltimore, Fell’s Point

Summary

Ambiance: Trendy, upscale decor
Food: Elegant presentation with many seafood options, French influenced, great appetizers, good entrees.
Service: Very slow drink service, average food service. Overall this was the biggest drawback.
Wine List: Average selection, moderate pricing
Pricing: $$ - Expect to spend $35 per person for appetizer/entree plus moderately priced wine/drinks.
Corkage: N/A
Attire: No specific dress code, trendy nightspot.
Overall rating: Average. Good spot for appetizers and drinks, but poor service make this place a pass until all the kinks are worked out.

Location/Contact Info: http://www.kalismeli.com
1636 Thames Street
Baltimore, MD, 21231

Review (date of dining: 5/10/08): It may be Kali’s Meli, but it sure isn’t anywhere near Kali’s Court. This new Fells Point patisserie and bistro has prime location on the historic Thames Street in Fells Point. Parking is plentiful either on the surrounding streets or in a parking garage just two blocks away. We entered through the bar entrance which revealed a large, well laid out bar area with plenty of seating for a great happy hour. We had some trouble finding the host/hostess station, but were guided by one of the managers roaming the floor. We were quickly seated as some of our party had already arrived. The dining area is dimly lit, decorated in dark red and black, almost Gothic. Tables are adequately spaced from each other, but seating at each table is a little tight which might make dining with a large group a bit uncomfortable.

Our server expressed that he had fine dining and bar experience in New York, so we looked forward his expertise. We ordered a bottle of Prosecco for the table and waiting patiently as not once, but twice we were told that our bottle “needed to be chilled” and would be out shortly. This seemed odd enough, but we decided to start with cocktails instead. We ordered cocktails only to have them not show up for another 10-15 minutes. At this point we had been there for half and hour and had not received any drinks, nor had we ordered appetizers. This poor service was a common theme on our visit.

Finally when the cocktails arrived, two were made incorrectly and one didn’t even make it out of the bar. It seems one of the drinks our server recommended (he claimed to be a ‘mixologist’) was out of the realm of possibilities for our bartender…so our server decided not to bring ANYTHING! Luckily for us, our Prosecco arrive 5 minutes after we just got our cocktails. Unfortunately though, the “chilled” bottle was not very chilled, at the very least it was at the warm end of cellar temperature. I would have sent it back, but we were just happy to have something to drink on the table and have our servers attention to order some appetizers.

Things got better for a short while as our appetizers began to arrive. We had oysters, duck sauasage, tuna tartare, and lobster mac n’ cheese. The oysters were fresh, the duck sausage spiced well and very interesting. The small serving of tuna was just OK whereas the mac n’ cheese, though not that “lobstery”, had great flavors and is recommended. Appetizers are moderately priced and overall were the best part of our Meli experience.

Overall, the entrees were good. I enjoyed the steak au poivre, which was prepared very well and had good seasoning. A penne pasta with chicken dish was lackluster and lacked any flavor or depth, and a cornish hen that was flavorful and tender. A plate of mussles left one in our party to remark “they were OK, just not something I’d go back for.  Then there was the lamb special that was ordered “medium rare”, at which point the waiter assured us it would be perfectly cooked or order. It came out medium well, which was a disappointment, especially since the seasoning was right on and the dish had great potential. That said, nothing was bad, but nothing was all the inspiring either. I have heard great things about their Atlantic Salmon from other diners, so it’s an option to consider.

For dessert we were offered a sampling of the kitchens pastry talents and some dessert wines. No notes were taken on this part of the meal, but we had great cookies and phyllo-dough based desserts that were all quite good and a great way to end the meal.

All in all, Meli’s youth is quite obvious. I tend to be quite understanding of slow service issues on a busy night, but our service was inexcusable. The food was good, but not good enough to warrant the patience that was needed to wait for our drinks and appetizers, let alone the bill at the end of the night. I’d recommend giving Meli some time to figure thing out as far as service goes before booking a weekend reservation. It would be a great place to grab a drink and an appetizer, or maybe an espresso and dessert. Perhaps it’s a place to try on a Tuesday night when things aren’t as crazy. Until things are worked out, it’s probably best to make a reservation at Meli’s big brother restaurant, Kali’s Court which is just down the street and has never failed to impress.

Restaurant Review: Gecko’s (Baltimore, Canton)

A short overview by Kim McKay:

Gecko’s
2318 Fleet Street
Baltimore, MD (Canton).

Atmosphere: Fun, homey, southwestern charm - exposed brick, festive southwestern decor; teal, blue, and salmon paint. Most memorable decorations: T-Rex head hanging over dining room; various shapes, sizes, colors of geckos adorning the walls.

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Restaurant Review: The Woodberry Kitchen - Baltimore (Clipper Mill area)

Overview
Ambiance: Business casual attire, rustic yet upscale decor, upbeat music playing in the background - think Pazo but a little more rustic and relaxed.
Food: Local produce and meat, organic- very fresh ingredients from vegetarian to seafood- Mediterranean influence
Service: Knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating
Wine List: Good diversity of local wines as well as biodynamic and organic wines from all over the world. Moderate pricing.
Corkage: N/A
Attire: Business casual seems to be the theme
Overall rating: Highly recommended.  Very good food, good service, diverse wine list, good desserts/coffee, complimentary valet service.
Location/Contact Info: http://www.woodberrykitchen.com/
2010 Clipper Park Road, No. 126
Baltimore, MD 21211
Phone: 410-464-8000 (reservations highly suggested)

Review: When was the last time you had an upscale meal in Clipper Mill? I’ll make this easier, when was the last time you were in Clipper Mill? How about, have you heard of Clipper Mill? I’m guessing at least some of you answered “no” to all three! That’s OK though, this up and coming area near Hampden in Baltimore’s north side seems to be doing great as is. At least that is my conclusion after a packed house on a Monday night. A stones throw away from the Woodberry light rail stop (in the heart of the historic Clipper Mill renovation) sits a beautifully restored warehouse that is home to art gallery’s, business offices and a great all-organic restaurant. Opened in late 2007, the Woodberry Kitchen already seems to have figured out a plan for success.
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Restaurant Review: Luna Del Sea - Baltimore, MD

Overview

Ambiance: Casual attire
Food: Upscale yet traditional seafood
Not extensive, pricing a bit high, “house” wines were OK.
Service: Our severs were very friendly and attentive. Great dinner recommendations, little wine knowledge.
Pricing: $$$ (Dinner for 2 with appetizer/dessert/wine/gratuity around $150)
Wine List/Corkage: No corkage available. Limited wine list, pricey but a few good finds.
Attire: No specific dress code.
Overall rating: Average- Fresh seafood (albeit some dishes are quite heavy and diluted), good service, perfect place for pre-game oysters and beers, nice dinner for a special meal out.
Location/Contact Info: http://lunadelsea.com/
300 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Voice: 410-752-8383
Fax: 410-752-8844

Summary: Baltimore’s fine dining scene has no shortage of seafood restaurants. From corporate-owned establishments to local fish houses, there are many to choose from. Picking one, especially for a nice dinner out, can be a daunting task.
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Restaurant Review: Darker Than Blue Cafe - BYOB

Overview

Ambiance: Casual attire, small dining area with great blues/jazz music, white tablecloths, small tables but sufficient
Food: Southern and American cuisine with some soul
Service: A bit slow, but very friendly the food was out fast. Chef/Owner was very outgoing and spoke with us on more than one occasion to make sure we were enjoying our visit.
Wine List: N/A - BYOB w/ NO corkage fee
Pricing: $$ (Dinner for 2 with appetizer/dessert/gratuity around $65)
Corkage: BYOB - No Fee Corkage
Attire: No specific dress code. Jeans/Khaki’s with a polo shirt for men would be good. No shorts or tank tops.
Overall rating: Good: Great food and hospitality, service was OK, BYOB: Definitely a place to try.
Location/Contact Info: http://www.darkerthanbluecafe.com
3034 Greenmount Ave
Baltimore, MD 21218
Phone: 443-872-4468

Summary: Darker Than Blue Cafe is simply designed and laid out restaurant a bit off the beaten path only three blocks from Johns Hopkins University. The decor is contemporary and the setting is quite relaxed, with mellow blues and sweet jazz setting the mood. It’s hospitality at its best with Chef Casey Jenkins breaking away from the stove to visit friends new and old. There is seating for approximately 30 diners and on our visit it was half full. Service was a bit slow at first and the overpowering smell of scented candles took some getting used to. For starters, check out the Crab Cakes on a homemade corn and pepper relish or the coconut breaded shrimp. Both are delicious appetizers and both are very good portions - a common theme on this menu. For the main course, one can’t go wrong with the traditional slow-cooked BBQ Ribs that were perfectly spiced, sauced and tender or a juicy steak, cooked to order (medium rare to perfection). Bring a big appetite for the large portions, bring your own bottles of wine, but don’t worry about bringing too much cash. These upscale, classic American dishes were well priced, especially considering the amount of food you’ll be taking home!
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Resaurant Review: Pho #1 Vietnamese Restaurant - Highly recommended!

Pho #1 Vietnamese Restaurant
Ambiance: Casual, smoke from the grill filled, small bar area, dark stained wood decor. Food: Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
Service: Outstanding
Wine List: You’ll want to order a beer with this cuisine.
Pricing: $$ ($40 for two people with beers and tip)
Corkage: N/A
Attire: No specific dress code.
Overall: Very good: Traditional Vietnamese food, good service, great pricing
Location/Contact Info:
5764 Baltimore National Pike
Baltimore, MD 21228
(410) 719-7500
Click here for a map to Pho #1 Vietnamese Restaurant

This casual Vietnamese restaurant is hidden from the chaos of downtown Baltimore, but don’t let the location (in a strip mall next to Sam’s Club) fool you! The service was great, the meats were perfectly tender and spiced, and the Pho was out of this world. I highly recommend trying Pho #1 and am quite confident that once you do, you’ll wish there was one closer to your home (at least they do take-out)! Make reservations for dinner on Friday’s or Saturday’s since it can get quite busy. (image from wikipedia.com) Read more

Russian Vodka and Caviar Tasting at Morton’s The Steakhouse

This sounds like a great way to start off the week (Monday night in Baltimore) or a weekend (Friday night in Annapolis):

Vodka and Caviar Tasting Features Imperia Vodka Cocktails Matched with Caviar and Morton’s Signature Hors D’Oeuvres.Cost is $45 per person.

Morton’s The Steakhouse in Baltimore and Annapolis host Russian Vodka and Caviar tasting events featuring Imperia Vodka cocktails matched with caviar and Morton’s signature hors d’oeuvres. The Baltimore event is Monday, March 3, 6 – 7:30 p.m., and the Annapolis event is Friday, March 7, 6 – 7:30 p.m. The two nights of indulgence pair two complimentary Russian delicacies. Cost to attend is $45 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by calling 410-547-8255 for Baltimore or 410-280-1170 for Annapolis.

Morton’s The Steakhouse is located at 300 South Charles Street in Baltimore and 100 Westgate Circle in Annapolis. For more information and to make reservations, call 410-547-8255 for Baltimore, 410-280-1170 for Annapolis, or visit www.mortons.com

Restaurant Reviews: Orchard Market and Cafe (Baltimore, MD) - BYOB

Orchard Market and Cafe

Ambiance: Middle-Eastern inspired, casual yet intimate setting.
Food: Traditional Persian food
Service: Excellent
Wine List: BYOB, no liquor license so you have to bring your own.
Pricing: $$ ($50 for two people, with dessert)
Corkage: No corkage fee - BYOB establishment.
Attire: No specific dress code.
Overall: Very good, recommended. BYOB and some of the best Persian food outside of Iran!
Location/Contact Info:
Website: http://www.orchardmarketandcafe.com/
8815 Orchard Tree Ln
Baltimore, MD 21286
(410) 339-7700
Click here for a map to Orchard Market and Cafe
Summary:
The Orchard Market and Cafe provides traditionally prepared and extraordinarily delicious Persian cuisine in a casual, friendly and intimate Middle Eastern setting. The quality of the food is very good, the service is great, and the prices are more than fair (entrées range from $13-$18), especially when factoring in $0.00 for corkage! I would highly recommend lunch or dinner here, especially for people seeking a unique dining experience or who are unfamiliar with Persian food. If you’re looking for burgers and fries, or a grilled Filet Mignon and potato’s, this might not be your place. If you’re looking for a restaurant that features a variety of exotic spices and flavors that you won’t find in many other local restaurants, this is spot on.

FULL REVIEW:
Let me just get this out of the way: this place isn’t easy to find! The restaurant is situated among a few shops off of Joppa Road on what is technically Orchard Tree Lane. Unfortunately, Orchard Tree Lane is also the same turn off of Joppa Road as the parking lot for Gardiner’s furniture, so it can be confusing. That being said, it’s worth the time it takes to find and once you arrive there is more than enough parking for you and everyone in your party.

We have eaten at the Orchard Market over half a dozen times now and it has been consistently very good. A reservation is always recommended (only permitted for parties of 5 or more), as it can be quite packed especially on the weekends. Walking through the first set of doors, you arrive in a waiting corridor that features statues, rugs, paintings and other Persian art that’s fit for a museum. Beyond the next set of glass doors lies a main dining room which when packed in pretty tight seats around 40 people (by my estimation). Once the hostess has your table, you’re met with a very outgoing, entertaining, and experienced server whom it is rumored speaks 6 languages, including, of course, Farsi.

The server/owner is Jason Bulkuley, former head waiter under previous owner Michael Mir. Jason took over the Orchard Market and Cafe in 1997 and with the help of Mrs. Nahid Vaezpour (chef since 1990) and his Persian wife, Sharareh, Bulkuley has successfully turned the restaurant into a great place for those unfamiliar with Persian cuisine to sample homemade, authentic Iranian dishes.

Once seated, you’ll be given the tools to open your wines as well as appropriate glassware. Now is a good time to make sure you have both your Champagne and wine glasses on the table: on a busy night as we had trouble tracking down help to swap our glasses when the bubbly ran out (this aside, service is outstanding). Looking over the menu, there are many great appetizers to choose from. The cuisine is quite traditional, with hummus, eggplant and artichoke spreads served with traditional pita bread. For those feeling adventurous, a braised veal tongue with portabello’s is very flavorful, amazingly tender and has a bit of spicy bite to it. Appetizer portions are generous, but with so many interesting dishes to choose from, I recommend one per person(for parties of two), or 3 per table of four people.

For entrées, there are a number of different things to choose from ranging from a delicately tender duck Fesenjune (orange poached breast of duck in a pomegranate glaze) to braised veal tongue in a tomato, garlic/curry sauce. The Soltani, a dueling kabob of tenderloin, has outstanding flavors, but was a bit dry without the help of the homemade Maast (a cucumber/yogurt sauce that goes great with meats and rice dishes). On more than one occasion someone in our party has enjoyed the seafood Advieh, which features shrimp, mahi mahi and scallops served with a sauce (Advieh) of mango, honey and a Persian allspice. That being said, the seafood dishes have more than once tasted “fishy” and may be a pass considering the outstanding poultry and meat options.

As far as dessert goes, no one can turn down the saffron ice cream which is both unique and delicious. Homemade Baklava has consistently received good feedback from people in my party and recently I thoroughly enjoyed a homemade fruitcake featuring walnuts and fresh pomegranate seeds. To finish the meal, a Persian tea with flavors of licorice has been loved, and hated by those in our group (Kim dislikes it saying it has a “medicinal” quality, while I love it for its simplicity).

The Orchard Market and Cafe provides traditionally prepared and extraordinarily delicious Persian cuisine in a casual, friendly and intimate Middle Eastern setting. The quality of the food is very good, the service is great, and the prices are more than fair (entrées range from $13-$18), especially when factoring in $0.00 for corkage! I would highly recommend lunch or dinner here, especially for people seeking a unique dining experience or who are unfamiliar with Persian food. If you’re looking for burgers and fries, or a grilled Filet Mignon and potato’s, this might not be your place. If you’re looking for a restaurant that features a variety of exotic spices and flavors that you won’t find in many other local restaurants, this is spot on.

Born on Leap-Year? You NEED to take advantage of this offer from Morton’s!

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE CELEBRATES LEAP YEAR BY OFFERING A FREE DINNER FOR THOSE BORN ON FEBRUARY 29

February 29 Might Only Come Once Every Four Years, but Morton’s Baltimore and Annapolis Restaurants are Helping Those with this Special Leap Day Birthday Make it a Night to Remember

To make reservations, please call 410-547-8255 for Baltimore or 410-280-1170 for Annapolis and specify “Leap Year Birthday”

(BALTIMORE/ANNAPOLIS, Md., February 6, 2008) – Morton’s The Steakhouse is celebrating Leap Year and those born on February 29, referred to as “leaplings,” by offering a free steak and seafood dinner to people with this special birthday on Leap Day, Friday, February 29, 2008. Morton’s Baltimore and Annapolis restaurants are offering a free, birthday dinner to “leaplings” who make advance reservations to dine in the restaurant on their birthday.

The free, birthday dinner consists of a single-cut filet; choice of Morton’s jumbo lump crab cake, shrimp Alexander, or broiled sea scallops; choice of Caesar salad or Morton’s salad with blue cheese dressing, chopped egg and anchovies; choice of Morton’s Legendary Hot Chocolate (Birthday) Cake or key lime pie; and a complimentary glass of champagne for “leaplings” at least five and one-quarter years old (otherwise known as 21 and older). Complimentary valet parking will also be also provided for the birthday celebrants.

Morton’s is asking that all “leaplings” show proof of date of birth (valid I.D.), as well as make advance reservations. Morton’s reserves the right to limit the number of free birthday dinners. To make reservations, please call 410-547-8255 for Baltimore or 410-280-1170 for Annapolis and specify “Leap Year Birthday.”

Ron McNeill, General Manager at Morton’s in Baltimore, said, “With Leap Year only coming once every four years, we wanted to do something special to highlight those with this unique birthday who can’t celebrate on their actual birthday each year. What could be a better birthday present than a free dinner at Morton’s?”

In addition, from now until June 30, 2008, Morton’s Baltimore location is offering the special steak and seafood dinner for two. For only $99, the dinner includes two single-cut filets; choice of two seafood options, Morton’s jumbo lump crab cake, shrimp Alexander, or broiled sea scallops; choice of two salads, Caesar salad or Morton’s salad with blue cheese dressing, chopped egg and anchovies; and choice of two desserts, Morton’s Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake or Key Lime Pie.

Morton’s The Steakhouse is located at 300 South Charles Street in Baltimore and 100 Westgate Circle in Annapolis. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Bar 12·21 at Morton’s in Annapolis opens at 5 p.m. Valet parking is available. For more information and to make reservations, call 410-547-8255 for Baltimore, 410-280-1170 for Annapolis, or visit www.mortons.com.

New: Restaurant Rating System

Also posted on the “ratings” page. - Thanks to Kim for the great idea of this new system and putting it into play!

Our Overall Ratings are based on a 5 star, 3 tier system. We feel that restaurants should be judged against others of similar price and purpose. For example, a TGI Friday’s is not in the same league as a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, nor does it attempt to be. For this reason, we don’t feel it would be accurate to use the same scale to review them. The price ranges included below are generalized estimates and reflect the cost of food only. Here is our description of the tier system including a few restaurants as examples:

Tier 1: The finer dining establishments in Baltimore. These menus are often designed by top chefs in the area and should offer unique or complex dishes created with the highest quality ingredients. Expect to spend $50 and up per person; examples include Charleston, The Prime Rib, Flemmings.

Tier 2: This tier offers the most variability in terms of what to expect, themes range from upscale ethnic cuisine to creative, unpretentious American dishes. These menus range from simple to moderately complex plates, and typically use higher quality ingredients. Expect to spend $15-$50 per person for 1-3 courses; examples include The Wine Market, Phillips Seafood, Blue Agave.

Tier 3: The menus here are usually predictable, offering simple dishes that reflect the theme of the restaurant. This tier would include your local sandwich shop, Pizzaria or Chinese restaurant. Expect to spend $10-$25 per person for 1-3 courses; examples include Holy Frijoles, Thirsty Dog Pub.

This system is copyrighted by Foodandwineblog.com. 

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