Outdoor propane outdoor heaters are an enviornmental disaster and should only be used sparingly (in emergencies). I'm not anti-grilling or anti-anything really, just saying that we should think about our actions when it comes to convenience. Much like plastic water bottles.

Save the excitement of spring for "spring"! - then we'll have something to look forward to.

I should say I just assumed that's what those heaters are. I shouldn't condemn them to anti-environmental activity. Maybe you can tell by looking closely. They are everywhere in California, where I'm sure laws are very strict. EL

I went to Sullivan's last week. Here is my wife's review

My first thought about Sullivan's was also one of saturation. With Ruth Chris, Morton's, Capital Grille, etc... already in Baltimore, why do we need another upscale steakhouse? Also, could another one survive in this economy?

I would say that Sullivan’s does distinguish itself from the other steakhouses, at least when it comes to atmosphere and clientele. It is clearly catering to a younger and a more diverse demographic than say the Prime Rib. Sullivan's plays house music and has young waitresses in fishnet stockings, while the Prime Rib gives you piano music and seasoned waiters in tuxes.

Now, I like the classic, men's club feel of the Prime Rib, but I can see how some would be intimidated by it. I would also say that Sullivan's is more fun, while the Prime Rib is more special.

Robert, thank you for directing us to your wife's review. My only concern is that I've heard from two reliable sources that your wife asks for comp meals to write her reviews. The question then is how can the reviews be unbiased. Ms Large pays for all her own meals as do the reviewers at Baltimore Magazine.

WelI EL, I guess if they are "everywhere in California" it must be ok!

Doesn't your instinct speak to you at all regarding manipulating outside temps, just so you can sit outside when its still a bit too cold to do it naturally? DC

Please understand I wasn't defending myself for liking them. I was chastising myself for saying they were propane without really knowing, particularly as they are everywhere in California, a state that is known for being environmentally aware. That wasn't fair to the restaurant. EL

Well Dee since they serve Chilean Sea Bass I would say they don't cater to environmentalists. By the way the tanks won't explode if you shoot them. Saw that on Mythbusters last night.

A quick google search shows it is not the choice of fuel environmentalists are against. It is the idea of heating an outdoor space they don't like. Don't waste the energy when all you have to do is put on a coat.

Doesn't your instinct speak to you at all regarding manipulating outside temps, just so you can sit outside when its still a bit too cold to do it naturally?

When it's cold outside, it's cold inside, too. Well, except for the fact that the inside is heated by burning some sort of fuel.

I'm looking forward to this review! I was wondering how many steakhouses Baltimore can support. Plus I have a general distrust of hotel restaurants.

Looking forward to the review too, as it is near my office and have been thinking about going there for lunch and/or happy hour.

Didn't think it was associated with a hotel though. Is it?

get kicked out of too many hotels for eyebrow licking Dennis?

Sullivan's is next door to the Hyatt, but it's not located in a hotel, but, rather, in the Verizon building at 1 East Pratt Street.

My only concern is that I've heard from two reliable sources that your wife asks for comp meals to write her reviews. The question then is how can the reviews be unbiased.

I guess if this statement isn't refuted then it mist be true?

I don't think that an unbiased review is possible.

fishnets?!

(btw did not make it to Firehouse coffee, as I decided to drive to NY Saturday... ran into Ye Olde Standby Panera Bread for cappuccino and bagel instead)

I had lunch at Sullivan's last week (I work across the street), sitting in the bar with a colleague who wanted to watch basketball. I can confirm that they are catering to a younger male demographic because out of about 15 people in the bar, I was the only woman. The waitresses were all young, cute, and in a variety of short skirts, high heels and fishnets. The bar was also very chilly, even though the doors were closed. I also checked out the outdoor heaters and noticed that they are plugged into the ground. Not sure if there are tanks under the patio or they are electric.

yep, fishnet stockings and short skirts. that's why i call it Upscale Hooters.

Sounds like a place that is screaming for an invasion of Lesbians of a Certain Age.

A "steak" related question for you, EL:

Have you heard anything more about the opening of Oz. Chophouse in the Ritz Carlton Residences? (I know, just what the city needs, ANOTHER steakhouse).

Ever since the deal for BLT Steak fell through and it was announced that Oz was going in that space, I hadn't heard anything more. Truthfully, I was kinda hoping the deal for Oz fell through and Baltimore could get a different (i.e., non-steakhouse) in there. Any news on what or when?

I got an e-mail from the oZ. owner asking me to give her a call after I first posted about it. I must have called a dozen times and left messages but she never returned my calls. I don't know if she was angry at my review of oZ. and was having a little fun at my expense, or embarrassed that after the publicity the deal had fallen through or what. But I haven't pursued it any farther. My guess is that the economy has squelched it. EL

In light of this news, I wouldn't hold my breath for any restaurant going into the Ritz Carlton Residences:

http://www.citypaper.com/digest.asp?id=17736

Sounds like a place that is screaming for an invasion of Lesbians of a Certain Age.

I choose Bronze.

I think Lissa was probably thing Space (as in a Barbarella type) although Stone would be interesting too. Animal skins are so cool.

Bronze? As in bronze dragons? Third place? Casting?

Bronze Age, duh.

"duh" from the guy who never heard of Hill Street Blues? (don't worry, I haven't forgotten the Finnegans Wake apostrophe incident).

Apologies, Owlie. I certainly failed my Sapphic roll on that one.

I will admit, the mental image of a gaggle of 40+ year old lesbians dressed in Xena garb going into a steak house is about doing me in.

Nerf swords would be mandatory, I think.

Laughing out loud - really! Lissa, that image is going to be giving me smiles all day!

Uh, Laura Lee--I was the one who pointed out the extraneous apostrophe, so don't take it out on Owlie.

Did Hill Street Blue have warrior princesses? I doubt it. Duh.

It would truly be a lavender menace, no, Joyce?

Indeed, Lissa. Still laughing at the image of the "gaggle of 40+ year old lesbians dressed in Xena garb".

re oZ Chophouse in the Ritz: But I haven't pursued it any farther. My guess is that the economy has squelched it. EL

Maybe the Ritz looked over the plans and asked, "What are all these damn rocks in the restroom sinks?"

Duuude, This place rocks!!!

You are right, RayRay, that is the target demographic of Sullivan's, apparently.

Solid bro-ham, slap me five, now down low. Chest bump. Dude! Now group high fives. ALL RIGHT! I love being a high fivin' white guy! Jaegar bombs for my bros. Suuuuuhhhhhhhh-WEET!

Solid bro-ham, slap me five, now down low. Chest bump. Dude! Now group high fives. ALL RIGHT! I love being a high fivin' white guy! Jaegar bombs for my bros. Suuuuuhhhhhhhh-WEET!