Winter comfort foods
I got an e-mail today from Lisa Smith suggesting a Top Ten of places that have the best old-fashioned, unpretentious comfort food.
"With the winter chill setting in soon," she said, "it would be a welcome list."
Just a few minutes later Midnight Sun Sam Sessa mentioned the same idea. He was inspired by memories of Clayton Tavern's trompe l'oeil glass of Guinness stout, which is actually a pint glass filled with cubes of steak, mushrooms, onions, mashed potatoes and (he thought) a Guinness sauce. ...
The only place that springs immediately to mind is the Sobo Cafe in Federal Hill, with its Big As Yo' Face Eggplant Lasagna and mac 'n' cheese.
If I go back into the archives and do some research, is this something people are ready for? Or should we wait for January and the White Death? (Well, Baltimore's version of the White Death.)
Although now I'm looking at Weather Reporter Extraordinaire Frank's blog, and there seems to be a chance of the White Death Sunday.
(John Makely/Sun photographer)
Comments
My favorie comfort food is at Birches in South Patterson Park. During the winter they take entree ideas from the customers and put their spin on it. Great concept. It gives you at least one new item a week. Also since Mark Hoffman left the now defunct Due in Upper Pikesville, the risotto at Birches is just south of heaven. (Don't tell me about the speed of the meal. It is worth the wait.)
Posted by: mdlrvrmuncher | November 28, 2007 10:01 PM
The Guinness stew at Clayton's is great, but it looks horrible. I posted a picture of it on my blog and people were horrified.
We call snow "white death from the sky".
Posted by: Fairfax | November 29, 2007 9:44 AM
Mdlrvrmuncher, before I scrolled down to even see your response I thought "BIRCHES!!" My husband and I frequent that place much more in the winter than the summer for the very reasons you just stated. Gourmet Mac n'cheese, hearty soups, fantastic risotto, and a home made apple cider with Goslings black rum--what could be better on a cold winter's night? Not to mention the cozy feeling with the dim lighting and intimate setting. Now, as soon as Baltimore City goes smoke free, and I don't catch the waft from the bar into the dining room, that place will be as close to perfection as it can get!
Posted by: Carrie | November 29, 2007 10:02 AM
Corpa on Charles St has grilled cheese sandwiches that you can add your favorites too....so yummy. And those copra chips are pretty great too.
Posted by: Christine | November 29, 2007 10:27 AM
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'd like to suggest the samsung jampong, a spicy seafood noodle soup, at Nam Kang. And the pork chops at Helen's Garden? Also, nearly the entire menu at the Helmand.
Posted by: dancing monkey | November 29, 2007 3:59 PM
The pho at either Pho Nam in Catonsville or Pho Dat Thanh in Columbia will cure what ails you. I find it especially comforting if I have a cold or if I'm hungover. I think the ginger aids in the soup's healing properties ;-)
Posted by: Marion | November 29, 2007 9:16 PM
Definitely Ze Mean Bean Cafe - Hungarian goulash, borsht, polish pork. Slavic food really sticks to your ribs!
Posted by: Mark | November 29, 2007 9:37 PM
Birches. DEFINITELY Birches.
And now I want to go there tonight.
Posted by: Summer | November 30, 2007 3:07 PM
I question your 3 stars for Alexander's tavern...Five people had five lousy meals...starting with cold soup, the sliders were over done and cold, 45 minute wait for the food, poor service etc. etc. When this was brought to the owners attention..he apologized for all the problems and said he wanted to correct the situation with a gift certificate...still waiting...
Posted by: barbara leand | December 5, 2007 1:45 PM