The visitors' list
I got this e-mail from Ross Miller this morning:
This may seem a bit odd however, my wife and I are traveling to Baltimore in the spring and we can not stand chain restaurants but did not know where to go and who to ask. So, I figured who better to ask than a food critic.
We were looking for suggestions in the downtown area (Fells Point, Federal Hill, Mount Vernon) or maybe even a college joint near Johns Hopkins. We just like to go where locals go and not tourists and places that sell local cuisine.
At the risk of bothering you and disrupting your busy schedule, do you have some suggestions?
I do have a deadline today, so I quickly sent him five restaurants off the top of my head. I certainly wouldn’t want to defend my selections; there were many others I could have named. Before you read below what I sent him, what would your five have been?
Here were mine: Mama's on the Half Shell, Woodberry Kitchen, Gertrude's in the BMA, the Black Olive and Dogwood. When I think about it, they don't really fit his criteria, at least not the downtown part. And when I reread his e-mail, it sounds as if he was looking for cheaper suggestions. I was trying more for local cuisine, something we don't really focus on in our restaurants -- except for the tourist places and Gertrude's.
What I need to do is make up a visitors' list, which I can whip out when I get e-mails like this one.
(Kim Hairston/Sun photographer)
Comments
Paper Moon, Amicci's, Alonso's
Gekko's, Mamma's on the Half Shell,
Bertha's
All local, easy on the wallet, casual and college age friendly.
I have to believe you now because she wouldn't know half of these.
Posted by: Alan (not Gailor) | December 27, 2007 12:37 PM
It's a little hard to tell from the email - are they looking for local food or just local places?
If its just local places, there are always the Karzai restaurants...
I haven't been everyplace suggested, but I definitely agree with Mama's - that fits both local criteria.
Posted by: Kit | December 27, 2007 12:44 PM
Duda's is my default, out-of-town guest, local flavor catch all place. Which is nice, since I enjoy eating there as well. Quirkyish, great crabcake (plus other food) and not too expensive.
Posted by: Dan | December 27, 2007 1:23 PM
In Fells Point- Ale Mary's, Friends
In Federal Hill- Sobo Cafe, Crazy 'Lils
In Mount Vernon- Owl Bar, Brewer's Art
Posted by: MB | December 27, 2007 2:04 PM
I a missing the parts about cheaper cuisine.. I only see requests for downtown, and where locals go..
I think Mama's is a great recommendation regardless... but I would also mention some of the top-tier non-chains... Charleston, Pazo, Blue Sea Grill, Cinghiale...
If I were to go cheaper, along with Mama's, I'd say Maggie Moore's and Rams Head Live (ok, its a chain.. but its a local chain)
I was extrapolating from the part about wanting college hangouts. Good suggestions, except I think the Rams Head restaurant has now closed. Do you know different?
Posted by: Chris | December 27, 2007 2:18 PM
Agree with the Black Olive, Mama's and Dogwood, and would add Petit Louis and either the Scupper or J Paul's for their Harbor views...they may be "touristy" during the warmer months, but a decent options this time of year.
Question: My wife & I are expecting our first child in June, so we'll be opting for a more mellow New Year's celebration this year. Anyone have any recommendations for dining options that won't be overly crowded? Anywhere we should avoid? We know the local scene fairly well, but haven't dined out on a holiday before...Thanks!
Posted by: Greg S | December 27, 2007 2:25 PM
How about Peter's Inn?
Posted by: Christine | December 27, 2007 3:05 PM
Only been in town a month but I would say:
1.) Brewer's Art
2.) Salt
3.) Mama's on the Half Shell
4.) Mahaffey's Pub for great pints
5.) Iggie's
Posted by: MCattrone | December 27, 2007 3:13 PM
I'll second the Duda's recommendation (as long as the guest isn't visiting on a Sunday). Duda's usually has good oysters when they're in season. Get the double-padded fried oysters if they have them.
Posted by: Hal Laurent | December 27, 2007 3:24 PM
Re: Rams Head..
http://www.ramsheadtavern.com/baltimore/index.html
Says they are closed down right now, but that appears temporary.
Posted by: Chris | December 27, 2007 4:44 PM
Dog Pub - take all my friends there, nobody has ever disliked it.
Posted by: Jeremy | December 27, 2007 5:16 PM
In terms of Little Italy, Caesar's Den is always a good choice.
Posted by: DFN | December 27, 2007 6:18 PM
On Saturday 12/22/07 the bar at Rams Head Tavern was open. But it did not look like they were serving food.
Posted by: C Double | December 27, 2007 6:34 PM
Hopkins area-ish: Joe Squared
Mt. Vernon: Milton's Grill
Downtown: Burke's Cafe
Federal Hill: Junior's Wine Bar
Fells Point: La Cazuela's
I second the Karzai group especially b bistro.
Posted by: Eric | December 27, 2007 8:54 PM
Hopkins area -
Joe Squared
Brasserie Tatin
Spice Company
Petit Louis
Posted by: Janet | December 28, 2007 1:41 PM
In the Federal Hill area, I suggest Regis
Posted by: dick | December 31, 2007 9:13 AM