What I'm working on
This afternoon and tomorrow I'm working on a story for next week's Taste section.
On the last Sunday in December I usually have a wrap-up of the year's dining scene instead of a review, but of course that's a little late for those of you who want some guidance on where to eat out during the holidays.
It's always fun for me to go back and review my reviews in preparation for writing my year-ender. This time was no exception. I was struck by how many good new restaurants opened up that I had forgotten about -- like Sabor in Lutherville. ...
I'm also going to do awards, so if you have any category suggestions, please post below.
While I was working on the story and trying to decide just what info people need this time of year (there are too many places open for Thanksgiving for me to list and too few open for Christmas, so I can't help you there), someone called with an odd request.
She wanted to find a restaurant for an 80 year old who is "rich as Croesus." (Not sure why I need to know that.) What does he want? An inexpensive place where he can get a steak for lunch.
He wanted to go to Outback, she said, but it isn't open for lunch. For a second choice, he likes dives with good steak. I couldn't think of any place to suggest except maybe Stoney River Legendary Steaks, and that only because I know it has steak and is open for lunch. Not because I've been there.
I finally said to wait until next week. "Fine-Dining Bars" will appear in next Wednesday's Taste section.
To get back to my story, there's only one problem. Now I have to come up with something for the last Sunday in December. If you're making suggestions, might as well make one for that.
(Lloyd Fox/Sun photographer)
Comments
For last sunday in december, perhaps comment on restaurant or restaurants that, in your experience, have improved with time?
It could even be a Top 10 list. EL
Posted by: robert h. mcgowan | November 10, 2009 3:39 PM
What about restaurants where the noise level is low to minimal?
Great idea. Er...any nominations? EL
Posted by: Hugh | November 10, 2009 4:12 PM
The Prime Rib is on the quiet side.
Posted by: Lissa | November 10, 2009 9:37 PM
Wellllll, I dunno Lissa. The Prime Rib is quiet early in the evening, say before 7:30, but by 8:15 or so, when the place starts to get crowded, the noise level rises steadily and stays there. ... But then, I have "dog ears" and am fairly sensitive to noise.
Posted by: Dottie | November 11, 2009 1:59 AM
How about restaurants with one dish that is so terrific, it keeps you coming back time after time?
Posted by: Michael A. Gray | November 11, 2009 7:45 AM
Last Sunday in December - how about an "out with the old" (saying goodbye to great places that have closed), "in with the new" (highlighting good new places).
Or do likewise with local food trends...as long as foam is on the way out...
Posted by: Zevonista | November 11, 2009 7:50 AM
What about restaurants where the noise level is low to minimal?
I guess two kinds of restaurants could fit this category: places would good acoustics and places without a lot of customers.
Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | November 11, 2009 8:05 AM
How about food pairings with champagne? Best place to have a meal with champagne in honor of the New Year?
Posted by: Christine the Lioness | November 11, 2009 8:21 AM
how about places to just get dessert and coffee (or tea) at night? It may have been discussed before, but I don't recall it.
Posted by: Joyce W. | November 11, 2009 8:59 AM
How about a takeoff on Desert Island Discs--5 menu items from Baltimore restaurants you'd take to a desert island? Or, top ten songs about food with food/drink pairings?
Posted by: Mary Roby | November 11, 2009 9:42 AM
Fair enough, Dottie. I tend to eat early. It isn't like I eat at the Prime Rib once a week, either.
Posted by: Lissa | November 11, 2009 12:46 PM
I hear that Lissa. I hadn't been in probably 20 years, but decided my husband's 75th birthday deserved a special treat, and then we decided to try the Restaurant Weeks menu to celebrate our wedding anniversary in October. The food is absolutely outstanding, but drinks cost too much and the noise level rises as the rooms fill with customers. Even so, it's a terrific restaurant. We'll be able to afford to go a lot more often after we win the Mega Millions (wink, grin).
Posted by: Dottie | November 11, 2009 10:26 PM
Christine's champagne idea is brilliant. I often order champagne when I'm not in the mood for a cocktail, and get a fleeting thought about what food to order. Then I just order whatever looks good on the menu and don't worry about it...
Posted by: Richard | November 12, 2009 8:42 AM
How about people who passed during the year that you would have liked to dine with and where you would have taken them.
Posted by: Lone Lady | November 12, 2009 10:58 AM
interesting, Lone Lady. I'd also like seeing people you'd just like to dine with. My top person right now is Jeffrey Steingarten. I think he is hilarious and would be fun to dish with about the dish.
Posted by: Joyce W. | November 12, 2009 11:37 AM
Hmmm ... is there anything that isn't improved by a glass of champagne?
I like Lone Lady's idea, but not sure we need to limit it to those who departed in the year just past.
Posted by: Dahlink | November 12, 2009 2:04 PM