Dining@Large: It's officially 29, not 5 - Baltimore restaurants: The dish on the restaurant scene, memorable meals, dining trends and more

OK, I got the official latest word on the Morton's The Steakhouse leapling controversy. Here's what the PR person e-mailed me:

I noticed there is some confusion and frustration among some of your blog posters, regarding Morton's Steakhouse leapling promotion.

Just to clarify, both Baltimore and Annapolis Morton's have limited reservations for the Feb. 29 free birthday dinners. They are each able to accommodate 29 leapling birthday celebrants and their guests. At this time, both restaurants have reached their capacity (29 people since it's on Feb. 29!) and have started wait lists. The wait lists can grow as long as needed.

Some other Morton's restaurants not in our area are limiting this promotion to 5 people. Our capacity is 29 people in both Baltimore and Annapolis. I think that is where some of this confusion started.

Here's my question: ...

Why would Robert Fritz call any other Morton'ses but the ones in this area?

Because he said he called "both places," I assumed he lived here. But maybe he's in another state and was just enjoying stirring things up. Or maybe he assumed it would be the same in Maryland and had a legitimate rant.

By the way, this would be a good place to post if you know of any other restaurants that are having Leap Year specials. (I heard from Downtown Diane that Einstein Bros. Bagels is also giving a free meal. Not quite in Morton's league but...)

(Photo courtesy of Morton's)

Comments

As my grandfather use to say:

"If you aren't going to do it right, don't do it at all!"

I could not agree more.

Posted by: Drew | February 28, 2008 11:28 AM

I just thought of something: If each Morton's would do whatever they feel like promotion wise, does that still make them a chain? Haven't the thousands of comments and blog entries that have been dedicated to this much celebrated but mediocre (Yes, I am referring to you our English guest - we need more of your pounds & sterlings to help the dollar actually) been dedicated to the familiarity/similarity of each Cheesecake/Applebees/Houlihans that we run into regardless of whether we are in Manhattan, NY or Manhattan, Kansas??

Posted by: Eric (the O.G., one and only) | February 28, 2008 12:12 PM

Good point, Eric. But I think that the food is still the same.

Posted by: Rosebud (formerly Janet) | February 28, 2008 1:15 PM

Rosebud! Excellent choice. ;->

Posted by: Dahlink | February 28, 2008 3:50 PM

McDonalds is offering a free McSkillet Burrito on February 28 and 29 with purchase of a medium or large beverage. The devil made me do it! lol

Posted by: Regina | February 28, 2008 6:25 PM

Happy Leapling Day!! Do we actually have anyone with a Leap Day birthday? If so, we should sing happy birthday 4 times to carry them over.

Posted by: Rosebud | February 29, 2008 7:18 AM

Papa Johns is giving away a free pizza to anyone that can prove today is their birthday.

Thanks!

Posted by: Sarah | February 29, 2008 5:29 PM