We sat at the bar a couple weeks ago and had apps and cocktails. I was happy with the food. I remember liking the cesar salad, that someone else thought was bad, but cesars are so subjective.... The most annoying part was actually the bartender. The service was not bad, in fact it was a little too attentive. First we were asked if we were visiting Baltimore. Belvedere Square isn't exactly the Inner Harbor, and the assumption that we were tourists seemed odd. After finding out that we were just locals, the bartender spent a lot of time bragging about bartending in NY and LA, and about making the best Manhattan, no doubt because of all that training in NY and LA! Overly dramatic, overly self-assured. It certainly didn't have the low key "neighborhood place" feel it's implied that they are going for. I expect a little more flourish when sitting in the dining room, but not at the bar. We weren't unhappy, in fact this one had us chuckling for a few days. But, it made us reluctant to go back and sit at the bar, for fear of getting the treatment again.

I ate lunch at Crush last week with a friend of mine and we both liked the place. I was a big fan of Taste so I am happy to see they have a good replacement. The truffle fries are yummy and the sandwiches are very unique. I had a chicken sandwich with brownsugar bacon and brie while my friend had a BLT made with applewood smoked bacon and fried tomatoes. The pinapple upside down cake was a nice ending. The service was very good. I am hoping to go back again soon and enjoy the patio before the weather turns too cold.

Went there again last week. Food was excellent again, seasoned and cooked to perfection. Service was much improved. This place is a keeper in my book.

But...is the sliding board still there?

The sliding board! A Baltimore icon that should be used in some future John Waters epic!