What about Top 10 places to eat in the suburbs?

That's a good idea because so often we focus on the city. But what suburbs? All? Or specific counties? Or one from each? Or just best?

I'd love to see the top 10 places in strip malls. Although they say you can't judge a book by its cover, its hard not to judge a restaurant by its exterior. I'd love to get the scoop on some places I'd normally just drive on past.

BYOB restaurants looks interesting. I nominate Orchard Market & Cafe in Towson. Mmmmm...Persian!

Edo Sushi in Timonium is great for BYOB. Also, they are in a shopping center, not quite a strip mall, but a darn good restaurant for such a strange location.

I second BYOB. Dogwood Deli in Hampden is one--it's where Mamies used to be.

If I can make a suggestion and 'order off the menu', maybe take a look at the Top 10 (or top 5) restaurants we'd like to see in the Baltimore area. Not necessarily a specific 'name brand', but I'm leaning towards concepts that others have seen for which there is no equal in this area.

From the list, I'd like to see the top 10 strip mall places; so often they may look a bit scary, but inside, they're serving the good stuff more often than not.

That's a good topic for discussion whether it's a Top Ten or not.

Why don't you do ALL of these! Just go down the list week after week. You'll have plenty of topics for awhile. I like the topic of places to eat at the bar, sushi bars and suburb restaurants. As for BYOB, it seems there are so many in Baltimore County. I don't believe I have ever been to one in Anne Arundel where I live. Our liquor stores are open on Sundays too!

I'll do my best. Oh, Kim, I know I failed you (lamb-recipe-wise). I hope you came up with an acceptable alternative for tonight.

Although not reallt an appropriate subject, how about the top ten people on this blog that we'd like to share a meal with.

I was too often the last person chosen for the softball team to inflict that on the ones of you who didn't make the Top Ten. :-)

Deals on wine in restaurants.

Unfortunately there are no decent delis (Jewish style) or bagels in Baltimore. I get by with a whole wheat supreme from Courtney's in Owings Mills.

No bagels with that chewy NY/NJ consistency.

As far as deli goes, if you have to ask for it hot, it's not worth it. None come close to acceptable (once again to the NY/NJ standard).

OK, how about the Top Ten Least Worst Delis or Bagel Shops? Mmm, doesn't have the same ring to it.

How about deals on wine AND pigging out? Since they often go hand-in-hand.

Carmine's in Hunt Valley is: a) in a strip mall...well, kind of - the "Hunt Valley Town Center", b) is a BYOB establishment, c) was formerly located in Brooklyn, NY, and d) has the best pizza in town! That's right, I re-opened that can of worms!!

Related to Patrick's idea of top 10 concepts (great suggestion!), one of the primary things I'd like to see more of is streetside outdoor dining. Granted it is not the season for it. However, just the other weekend (on one of those weirdly warm days) I was just craving an outdoor table in the sun to have lunch and people-watch. no luck.

Deals on wine in restaurants would be a great topic. I really don't see how it is even possible to make a top 10 list of bagel places. There is absolutely NOWHERE to get a decent bagel in the city. And, come on people, don't even say Greg's Bagels in Belvedere Square. The place is good... if you are looking for some good smoked salmon, not if you want a good bagel.

I like the deli idea, but with summer hopefully around the corner would not mind seeing a top ten list of restaurants with a view of the water. You could restrict the list to Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County and Harford County, in other words not the Baltimore Harbor area.

I'll put it on the list for, say, April?

How about Top Ten Places to have a "Welcome Back to Baltimore, Gailor" party? ;-)

Wow. I'd have to let her make up that list. But she'll be flattered.

I vote for the best in suburbs. I live in the area where the Hops went under in Owings Millsand would love to find some great place I didn't know about that is not a chain. The Harryman House is the only nice dining place I know of in the area.

Since I'm still in a huff over the obnoxious Food & Wine article on corkage fees, I'll vote for the BYOB top ten. But the suburbs should be tackled soon. Maybe just "north," "east," west" ...?

Post-Valentine's Day suggestion: Best places to break up or NOT.

Completely off subject but worth a chuckle. The Chick -fil-A in Owings Mills, is offering table service and roses to the women for Valentine's day this evening. No reservations taken but I am sure that it will fill up with last minute diners. I'll be eating a romantic Sushi dinner elsewhere.

I wish I had done a Top Ten Most Unlikely Places to Take Your Sweetie Tonight

in regards to the suggestion for a Top Ten of places to dine with of the water, mr. 21224 and i have a theory that most places have either good food or a water view, but rarely have we found one with both. our requirement? water view with good drinks? that way the food tastes better eventually...

Andy just rocketed into my list of Top Ten Dining@Large Readers. Still behind Owl Meat, Single Rob, and Hal (and of course Sam Sessa, for once rescuing us from a snowy near-death experience), but definitely right up there.

my husband used to make the bagels that many places in this area are using. he took a field trip to NYC and swore his recipe was identical to theirs, and it's no myth - it IS the water! Just had to throw that in for what it's worth!

See, Andy plays to the cute chick, me I wax poetical about veal. That explains so much. SINGLE Rob

"Who ordered the veal?" Try that as a pickup line. Works every time. Guaranteed or my name isn't (single) Owl.

Owl, "Who ordered the veal" might get you a very impassioned lecture if you happen to ask the Compassionate Vegan.

Dahlink, I laughed at first but then I remembered that animal rights activists want to outlaw any metaphorical language that has any negative connotation toward animals. Seriously. I once referred to someone as a "black sheep" and this dude said that that was offensive to sheep. Newspeak! But "veal" could be positive, unless I meant that I wanted to keep her in a tiny pen in my basement, etc. It's definitely offensive to women and really, I'm polite in person mostly. Great Valentine's Day talk!

Owl, Meet Gravy--thanks for keeping the cool acronym. I am going to refrain from posting the very disturbing "downer in the food chain" video I just received.

To all--In the interest of world harmony on this day of love, no more jokes about Britney Spears, please--it's just sad.

Sweet Valentine Hot Pockets! The Owl is single....

O Feathered Friend, listen to the song of the non de plume, it is my valentine to you!

BYOB places, but I am bias LOL

Howard County, Anne Arundel County would be my preferences, but I'm sure those north of the Beltway would appreciate Harford and Carroll Counties, too. Maybe just a general overview.

Other ideas:
Best places to dine near the airport
Best places to take a group after a sporting event

Oh Rocket Girl, where did you come from? Is this the song you mean?

Hey where we goin' today rocket girl
Tell me what life is like , past the city limit sign
Dream your dreams in my ear , just get me out of here
Fly me around this world , rocket girl

Thanks for the valentine. Zoom zoom zoom.

If you go with top ten suburban restaurants, how about Perring Place
-- in a strip mall just off Perring Parkway? Or, as we call it, the Blue Hair Inn. To dine there, at least someone in your party must produce an ID confirming that they're over 40 years of age. On the other hand (the one with all the wrinkles,) they have an extraordinary prime rib dinner for the price, terrific nightly specials and professional waitresses who know the difference between a genuine welcome and a plastic smile.

Joel - Unfortunately for all of us, Corned Beef Row is just a memory of its past self... Although Attman's, the last of the Corned Beef Row operations, is still cranking out some awesome Ruebens just east of Presedent St.!

That being said, I'd also vote for top 10 BYOB's.

late breaking thought - just had it this morning - since there haven't been many restaurants earning 4 stars of late (where there any in the last 2 years?), are there any restuarants that we would give 4 stars to?

Top Ten Places you have reviewed that you liked so much you went back to on your own dime.

oooh, good one

"Attman's, the last of the Corned Beef Row operations" - I thought Lenny's is still on Corned Beef Row??

Top 10 restaurant offenders of the new no indoor smoking law :) - this can be controversial (I've already heard of a few violations).

Do you name names?

Yes, I second Regina's suggestion!

OMG - Not that one. The Wire Daisies. Not just around the world but out of this world. Zoom!

Top 10 restaurants worth the drive. Places that are not so close to home but are worthy of the gas consumption to get there!

Dutch's Daughter in Frederick. So worth the drive, especially in the winter when they have the fireplaces roaring.