The good thing about the decade actually ending at the end of 2010 is that you can do the same story again next year. :-)

Captcha: Likening Bowl

Martink's closing has to be one. But, since I wasn't here for most of the decade, I'm not a good person to judge.

Hal is right, though. About both.

Brass Elephant closing.

Voltaggio Bros. on Top Chef - that's got to be on the list.

I'd also say the destination casual restaurant, most popularized by the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show on Food Network.

spammer at 4:08, although, discount ugg boots are nothing to sneeze at!

wow, I also now see that he has serial spammed the entire site on every thread.

captcha doesn't see to be helping!

I think they pay people in India to do that. Imagine filling in 11 captchas. EL

Joyce W., while "discount ugg boots" may be nothing to sneeze at, something tells me that our serial spammers are not selling the real thing. If you do a Google search on that term, you will find that numerous search results have been removed due to complaints under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Like they say, caveat emptor.

Obviously the closings will lead the list, but I think the Dogwood may deserve it's own entry. Also, in honor of your most recent review, what about oddly-named places? I know this is not actually "new" but it does seem more prevalent locally. Also, the prevalence of "Asian" restaurants.

Maybe something about Cindy Wolf and Tony Forman bringing serious upscale food and wine to Baltimore?

Anonymous @ 8:13 AM, since Cindy Wolf and Tony Foreman opened Charleston in 1997, more than 10 years ago, they were here well before the "current" decade started.

The biggest trend of the decade is the overall elevation of quality at restaurants throughout the city. On the whole, local chefs (and even corporate chains) became more creative with ingredients. Most of us weren't talking about charcuterie, banh mi, kobe beef, posole, or duck fat, ten years ago.

Expectations about the quality and provenance of ingredients are generall more elevated (I can't think of too many restaurants that listed their vendors on the menu back then). Now the school systems and even the dreaded fast-casual places are paying attention to premium ingredients.

And, having waited tables ten years ago, it seems to me that diners nowdays are more willing to enjoy multiple courses or order a bottle of wine.

My second vote for food stories of the decade is the development of Harbor East. The neighborhood basically didn't exist ten years ago and now it's a food destination with restaurants and bars of all types, including some of the best in the region. (I'm looking at you, Charleston Group.)

My question is, is that line as long as it looks to get a seat at Bagby Pizza? And if so, are they that good?

Trixie - I've been there once and yes, the pizza was very good. I thought it was sorta pricey. As much as I love pizza, I'll stick with Pasta Mista because it is easier on my pocketbook and their spaghetti pizza is awesome!

I vote for half price burger night at Golden West Cafe!!!!!

re Captcha:

Ramsey training

Don't they make condoms? Sounds like fun.

I think the inception of this blog should be one!

**Just an aside, I must thank all of you that have talked up One Eyed Mike's. We went with friends on Saturday night to celebrate my hubby's Xmas bday, and it was fabulous. Every single one of us loved our dinners, and we will definitely be back. Without you all, I never would have even known about OEM.