Of Chopstix, Aunt Erma's and the Helmand
I don't want to add yet another regular feature to Dining@Large (Friday Morning Quarterbacking) because I think blogs should be free wheeling and filled with the unexpected; but for those of you who don't read the print edition, I know it's hard sometimes to track down the food features on the Web site.
I'm thinking, for instance, of two that appeared in yesterday's Weekend section. ...
Thursday Reviewer Richard had something of a cheap eats find yesterday with the Chopstix Cafe in White Marsh. Here's the link to his review.
On the same page in the print edition, Rob Kasper wrote about Aunt Erma's Bakery in his takeout column.
I take part in the coordination, such as it is, of these reviews, and I'm struck by the fact that our territory is getting narrower and narrower. The new restaurants that are opening up now are often more casual. More full-service places also seem to be doing take out because it's cheaper for folks than eating in a restaurant. Everybody wants to know about the great cheap eats restaurants in this economy.
It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good. I walked by the Helmand in Mount Vernon last night, and at 7 p.m. it wasn't even half full. Now's the time to get Baltimore's most sought-after table.
(Barbara Haddock Taylor/Sun photographer)
Comments
I consider the Helmand to be Baltimore's most over-rated restaurant.
The Helmand is ok, but I don't understand the buzz it gets. Why go there when a few steps away you could go to the Brass Elephant, Prime Rib or the Brewer's Art?
Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | November 15, 2008 4:08 PM
Are you looking for a reason other than "the food's better and costs half as much?"
Posted by: TS1 | November 15, 2008 9:57 PM
I've only been to the Helmand once. Food was ok, perhaps a tad expensive, but the service was very quick. Being as we were eating before going elsewhere, that was a Good Thing.
Sometimes, you want to get in and out quickly. Sometimes, you want to linger. Sometimes, you want the best prices. Different restaurants for different nights.
Posted by: Lissa | November 16, 2008 11:25 AM
I was just at the Helmand Friday night--with a reservation for a large group and it still took us an hour before we were seated. I love the Helmand, but I wish that they took reservations a little more seriously.
Posted by: Jean | November 16, 2008 1:34 PM