Top Ten Hot Weather Treats
I'm going to avoid the obvious, generic ones: tomatoes, peaches and just-picked corn on the cob would top just about everyone's list.
(Peter Parks/AFP)
And I'm not going to mention the treats I have and you don't, like cold poached salmon with dill mayonnaise and the World's Greatest Potato Salad at Chez Large.
That still leaves a lot of great summer food out there. Unfortunately, when I went back over the restaurants I'd been to in the last couple of years, I realized I didn't necessarily go to the area's best during the summer months. So you may know about some wonderful hot-weather dishes that I don't. If so, please post below.
Finally, the usual disclaimer: I don't know if these ten will all be available this summer. I just hope so...
* Spicy-salty steamed crabs, heavy and sweet, at Mr. Bill’s Terrace Inn in Essex. Even the small ones are worth the trip.
* Gazpacho that tastes like the essence of summer, made with three varieties of heirloom tomatoes, lobster lumps and curried creme fraiche at Charleston, Inner Harbor East.
* An ice-cold lemonade at Earth's Essence in the Belvedere Square Market: two whole organic lemons, superfine sugar, ice, and water whirred, rinds and all, in a blender.
* Grilled sweet corn sprinkled with chili powder and lots of cojita cheese (something like parmesan) at Mex in Power Plant Live. The result is sweet, hot and salty. Best when corn is in season, obviously.
* Sangria at Tapas Teatro on North Charles Street. Simply the best — not too sweet, not too strong. Just right.
*Chilled asparagus with roasted peppers and shaved parmesan at the Oregon Grille in Hunt Valley.
* Fresh peach ice cream at Moxley’s in Towson.
* A curried chicken salad sandwich at the Stone Mill Bakery in Lutherville, preferably on a freshly baked croissant.
* The salade de haricots verts at Petit Louis in Roland Park composed of just-tender baby green beans, mache, almonds and a great lemon dressing.
* Fat Queen Anne cherries from Reid's Orchard. (You have three shots at them that I know about: the Waverly Market on Saturday, the one under the viaduct on Sunday, and the market in Towson on Thursday. But you better get there early because they go fast.)
Comments
But we could have these treats if you'd share the recipes.
(That could be a possibility. Stay tuned. Elizabeth)
Posted by: Hal Laurent | May 29, 2007 8:47 AM
Elizabeth, just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I know there aren't always a ton of comments (a la Roch Kubatko's blog), but I've talked to so many people who are reading and enjoying your foray into this new medium. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Ravngrl | May 29, 2007 10:24 AM
The quattro fromage pizza from Joe Squared (at North Avenue and Howard Street. That's right. North and Howard) is fast becoming a summer delicacy at my house. Light, crunchy crust with just the right spices. With a light summer beer, it tastes like summer itself.
Posted by: kramdenyards | May 29, 2007 4:07 PM
I can always go for Ritas or Meadows- but I have said that before!
Posted by: Jessica | May 29, 2007 8:02 PM
Jessica, I hate to be dense but where and what exactly is Meadows? Always looking for interesting dessert options. I am supposing that is what is served there.
Posted by: regina | June 1, 2007 8:50 AM