Why won't Baltimore area restaurants offer separate checks for their customers? I visit many fine restaurants in the triangle area of NC and they gladly provide that service, in fact many volunteer it. So it can't be that difficult. I think they are lazy.

EL wrote Sometimes I think I've written about a subject on the blog when it's actually been in the print edition, and vice versa. And one thing we've learned is that the two audiences are quite separate.

Harrumph. Some of us read it ALL.

I've never had trouble getting separate checks here in Baltimore.

I've had trouble with splitting checks here in that when you ask them to do this, they make it seem like you're asking them to give up their firstborn child. Where I'm from (metro NYC) you could ask to split a $5 check and no one will question it.

I bet Springs1 could tell you why you have trouble getting a check split.

Elizabeth,

Any idea where Russell Braitsch has ended up? I've been a big fan since he owned his carryout Noah's on the Side and would love to try his food again.

Nope, because of course no one at a chef's last restaurant will ever tell, and I can understand why. But if you find out, let us know. EL

Who cares about print, including writers, because print is dead. The next restaurant you hear about closing, check to see if Russell was not the Chef!

The reason restaurants look at you askew is b/c folks who ask for separate checks are notoriously poor tippers. If you can't stomach working out minor finances with someone you're breaking bread with, maybe you should queue up at a cafeteria or subshop.

Hmm, I don't know vin, when my friends and I split checks we each end up tipping a solid 20% with the round up, so the waiter usually comes out ahead. It's usually a lack of cash rather than not being able to sort it out among us. But, then again, we also usually just ask to split the bill among a couple of credit cards at the end rather than asking for seperate checks up front, and recognize that it's a little annoying, so maybe that's the difference.

IS it true that Meridian 54 is shutting down? I heard there was some legal issues.

I think that location is cursed...

Russel is now the chef at diabilita.

Last time I was in there they were out of everything, even basic beers and drinks. The Bartender was great though, I felt sorry for her. Hopefully the staff will find new jobs. I guess the owners couldn't make it work no matter what they named it.

As far as the closing of Meridian 54, it's a shame but no suprise. They did all the things an unsuccessful restaurant does right from the begginning. Spent a lot of money on a sign but skipped the awning? Wrote on the windows with colored grease pens about special drinks. The menus were/ are taped to the windows. You should do a column on all the things not to do if you are going to open a restaurant. After working as a waiter for 15 years through college and getting my business started, I've seen it all. Besides the above mistakes add letting employees sit at the bar when their shift ends and getting tanked, and allowing employees to complain to each other loud enough where customers can hear it. There are many more.

Heard the Chef who left M-54 is now at skipjacks in overlea. So M-54 has one less drunk employee at the bar. The foods much better now. Maybe it'll turn them around.