Sometimes I wonder if readers read the same review I think I've written. This morning I got an e-mail from Laura in Queenstown saying, in part,

Your evaluation couldn't have been any more off the mark. Our dinner was very well prepared and delicious. I think that the prices are appropriate for the menu choices and are certainly well worth it. I guess if you are looking for the typical boring Chesapeake Bay menu you should cross over to Carols Creek or the Charthouse. Check out their prices for an assembly line service with an atmosphere so loud you can't hold a conversation with the person beside you. I'm glad I decided to check it out for myself. And I would drive 45 min. for the meal I had tonight and so would everyone else in our group. ...   

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Hell Point Seafood" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

My review of Columbia's new Mexican restaurant and tequila lounge, Azul 17, ran in yesterday's Arts & Entertainment section.

I don't have much space to review the food in print, so I didn't want to go on about my annoyance over my $9 margarita that was mostly ice. But it was annoying -- and I wasn't even paying for it. I ordered a second one and it was all ice, too.

I should do a Top 10 of places that put too much ice in their drinks. Suggestions?  ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Azul 17" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking, Wine and Spirits
        

My review of the Reserve in -- to avoid a neighborhood argument I'll call it the Federal Hill area -- appeared in yesterday's paper. Federal Hill is one of those places where I would expect upscale little wine bars and bistros to do very well, but actually bars with standard bar food seem to do better.

Obviously there are exceptions; Corks and Regi's come immediately to mind.

Anyway, the Reserve falls somewhere between the two types, and I'll be interested to see how it does there. Parking is a real problem unless you're willing to walk. Be careful; you now need a permit after 6 p.m. to park on many of the residential streets nearby.

(Kim Hairston/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 3:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I thought I would get more reaction from readers about my review of Volt, which appeared online Friday and in the paper yesterday, but so far I've only heard from one reader.

He reiterated a complaint that I've heard from several others -- that the portions were so small when he ate there that he didn't feel it was worth the price.

I didn't feel that particularly, but then I wasn't paying for my meal, and I ordered all four courses, which you're encouraged to do. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Volt" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I was impressed, as you can tell from my review, at how much the owner of Umi Sake is a presence in her dining room. That used to be a norm for local restaurants, but it's not so true anymore.

Of course, if the owner is also the chef, you hope he or she will stay in the kitchen -- at least until you get your food -- but otherwise it's nice when he or she is out in the dining room making sure things are running smoothly. ...

Continue reading "Monday afternoon quarterbacking: Umi Sake" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 1:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

When I asked my husband whether he would give the food at Alizee, which I reviewed yesterday, four stars, he said it was very difficult for him to separate the food from the service.

It wasn't exactly bad service we got there, just that we had to wait for so long for our dishes. He also asked for more bread, and it didn't arrive until he had almost finished his entree.

I fared a little better because I was the one of us four who got her drink (and I went ahead and drank my glass of wine; it had been a long day). I was just about finished mine when the other three arrived, after some prompting by us. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Alizee" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed the Blue Hill Tavern in Brewers Hill.

I try not to read anything about a restaurant until after I've gone and written my review, but I've been surprised that I haven't heard that much about it. Usually people start asking me if I've reviewed a place about a week after it opens. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Blue Hill Tavern" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (34)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

OK, admittedly I've gotten a little backed up. I'm not firing on all cylinders today. 

I still haven't done my review preview, which usually appears Sunday. But the best I could manage yesterday evening when I sat down at my computer was a six-word post. Then I fell back on the bed feeling like I'd run the Boston Marathon.

I think it's the shortest post in the history of Dining@Large. ...

Continue reading "Monday Afternoon Quarterbacking: B & O American Brasserie" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 5:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

As I make my way through the restaurants that have opened recently (new places are always my priority when I review) I'm struck by how much they are trying to do the same things -- partly because of the economy and partly because of the hottest trends in the restaurant business: local/seasonal/sustainable.

The new places are doing a pretty good job of being affordable, and one of the best examples is the restaurant I reviewed yesterday, Pizzazz Tuscan Grille in the Pier V Hotel. I don't know if it will succeed, but I think it has a better chance than any of the places that preceded it.  I guess the real test is how it does in the winter when it no longer has tourists to draw on.

(Tasha Treadwell/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed Ranazul in Maple Lawn. So far this morning I've heard from one person who thinks I don't like tapas from my review, and one person who doesn't know where Maple Lawn is.

I guess I do need to identify it every time I review a restaurant there since so many of my readers live in Baltimore.

Anyway, this is the place to post your opinion of the upscale development's tapas restaurant, wine bar and bistro.

(Monica Lopossay/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (26)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed the Real Seafood Co. in Annapolis. Then just now I got an e-mail asking what happened to the review, so I guess someone was interested, even if it isn't in the city.

More importantly, as far as I know nothing happened to the review. I'm assuming it was in the print edition yesterday, although I don't have time right now to go hunt up a copy to check. Was it hard to find? ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Real Seafood Co." »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I seem to be getting later and later with the regular features this week, and it's only Monday. Oh, well.

Yesterday I reviewed the 13.5 % Wine Bar in Hampden. A few years ago it would have been reviewed by the Other Reviewer, the one that wrote for the Live tab, while I was reviewing more formal restaurants.

But these days, it sometimes feels like only wine bars are opening, and once opened they are the only new eating places that are an instant success. If they have more food than a cheese plate or two, it's a plus. ...

Continue reading "Monday afternoon quarterbacking: 13.5 % Wine Bar" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 4:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed the Prime Rib. My return was sparked by a comment someone made here when I wrote about it and mentioned I hadn't been back in almost a decade.

One of the Prime Rib's strengths is that over the years it's maintained a consistently high quality and hasn't changed enough to justify go back as often as I might want to. That makes it hard to explain to the higher ups why I'm spending as much as you have to there -- and then saying the same things I said in my last review. But when I realized it had been more than nine years, I jumped at the chance to go back. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Prime Rib" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (43)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I got a couple of e-mails from people who were upset about my review of Pairings Bistro in Bel Air that appeared in yesterday's paper. I feel for them. It's a nice restaurant, and most of my review was very positive. But not all.

If it weren't for the stars, I don't think anyone would be complaining. On the other hand, I can only imagine the fuss if I gave the food 3 stars after saying that the crab tasted fishy; really that was the only thing that dropped it to 2 1/2 stars.

And even if I went back, as one reader suggested, it would be hard to ignore my first meal. I wonder what she would have done in my place.

Then another reader felt that my ratings, particularly for atmosphere, should be more consistent:

An objective (non-narrative) system of ratings must be self-consistent.  Three stars must mean approximately the same thing in every case. I believe that Pairings was short-changed in this way.  I'm an engineer and a professor and find consistency in ratings to be paramount. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Pairings Bistro" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I've got my own couple of restaurants like the Hill in my neighborhood. These are places my husband and I go sometimes on a Friday night when the work week for both of us has been cumulative, so we don't have energy even to wash up the dishes we would use if we got carryout.

We know exactly what to order -- and what to avoid. Most of the staff knows us by now, and everyone is friendly. The owners at both of them probably know who I am, but we don't get any more special treatment than other regulars, and that's the way I  like it.

Maybe the food isn't as good as I could fix myself, but it tastes good because I didn't have to fix it. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: The Hill" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Today, of course, there's no Monday Morning Quarterbacking because yesterday there was no review.

When I was a freelancer at the beginning of my career, never a week went by that I didn't have a review in the paper. This wasn't so much dedication to my craft so much as being paid by the review. Not to mention the free meals. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 9:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday my review of Talara, Harbor East's new ceviche and tapas bar, ran in the Arts & Entertainment section.

I liked the food a lot, and I would go back for the tapas and ceviche in a heartbeat, but I hope I emphasized enough that a tapas meal here will cost you as much as a full dinner at some places. One reason tapas has made something of a comeback recently, I believe, is that you can usually eat cheaper with small plates. That won't happen here unless you go for the happy hour. 

(Kenneth K. Lam/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

At this point, Cross Keys seems a little cafe-heavy to me. Yesterday I reviewed the Village Square Cafe, the latest in a series of eating places that have come and gone in the development since it opened.

(Actually it's come but not gone, and I think it has a pretty good chance of not going, but you know what I mean.) ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Village Square Cafe" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (28)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed Crepe du Jour in Mount Washington, a modest little restaurant that dishes out some nice food. It's a good place to keep in mind when you're looking for a relatively inexpensive meal or when you want to eat outside. You can have the sidewalk cafe experience out front, or sit on the covered porch/deck in back.

There's not much more to tell you than what was in my review, except that once again I had bad luck with the credit card process. And once again it wasn't my fault. The waiter came running out and actually caught us in the car just before we were about to pull away from the curb. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Crepe du Jour" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I called a friend of mine on her cell last night, and the background noise was so loud I could barely hear her.

"You'll never guess where we are," she said. "Bistro Blanc. They're giving everyone free champagne because they got a good review."

I see it's already on the Web site.

What the restaurant didn't realize was that she and her husband deserved that champagne. They had been the companions on the review, and they had liked the place so much they returned Saturday night. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Bistro Blanc" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

My review of Si Salsa in Pikesville appeared in yesterday's paper. I actually had a very good time there, but you have to go with the mindset of having fun and not worrying too much about authentic Latino cuisine.

And they are not trying to fool you. Our exuberant hostess, for instance, who ran outside with a big smile and opened the door for us when she saw us approaching, was Russian. I'm not sure about our waiter, but he was definitely not Hispanic. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Si Salsa" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

My review of Taverna Corvino did indeed run in yesterday's paper, but I had a heart-stopping moment when I realized it wasn't under Restaurant News and Reviews, a neat feature that appeared one day on the right side of Dining@Large.

That meant I had to go hunting around the Web site for the review so I could give you a link.

I can never remember whether food is under Life or Entertainment on the Sun's home page, but one thing's for sure: Whichever category I pick, it's the wrong one. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Taverna Corvino" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 6:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

In yesterday's paper I reviewed the reinvented Carlyle Club near the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus.

If you like the Ambassador Dining Room, its sister restaurant, you'll like this place. It's that simple. They offer the same amenities and have the same flaws, or at least what some people will consider flaws.

There are two things I didn't get a chance to mention in my review. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Carlyle Club" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 8:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed Sascha's 527 in Mount Vernon. Of course, faithful readers already knew what I was going to say because I did a twittereview of it in a Saturday post.

See what you miss when you don't check in on the weekend?

I can never think of Sascha's without thinking of crepes, because that was the first place owner Sascha Wolhandler opened in the '70s, an outdoor creperie on a -- I guess you would call it -- second-story mezzanine on Charles Street, now long gone. Eventually the creperie moved to Center Stage.

I also loved her lunch spot on Hamilton Street, which is now the catering company only. It was one of those tiny, hidden-away places with loads of charm that have a lot of appeal for me.

(Amy Davis/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

When you saw that I reviewed Frank & Nic's West End Grille near Oriole Park at Camden Yards yesterday, you must have been impressed that I coordinated the review with Opening Day. But it was just serendipitous. I work far enough ahead that I wasn't even thinking about baseball season the night we ate there.

A couple of things I didn't have the space to mention in the review: ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Frank & Nic's" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (20)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

One of the things I didn't have the space to go into in my Sullivan's Steakhouse review yesterday was the parking situation. The restaurant is next to the Hyatt Regency in the Inner Harbor, so street parking is scarce. Your best choice is the garage between the restaurant and the hotel.

It struck me as odd that valet parking is $6 there, but if you park your own car in the same garage it costs $15. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Sullivan's" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 9:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (34)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed Catches Restaurant, Grill and Wine Bar in Middle River. I try not to be too Baltimore-centric, but the fact remains that although we had fun there, I probably won't go back. There are too many other restaurants like it closer to home.

Still, I defy you to name a better restaurant in that immediate area. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Catches" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I'd been hearing good things about Vito's Cafe in Cockeysville for awhile, but never gotten around tor reviewing it.

When Luca Pesci took over the kitchen after Boccaccio in Little Italy closed, it was time to pay it a visit.My review appeared yesterday in the Arts & Entertainment section.

For someone living in the city, I can't see trekking up to Cockeysville to eat there because I think you can find the same sort of food in Little Italy. But I imagine Cockeysville is quite happy that Vito's is in the neighborhood.

This is the place to let us know what you think of it, particularly if you had a different experience from ours.

(Lloyd Fox/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (34)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Like other restaurants in this economy, the Bicycle in Federal Hill has had to make some changes. In its case, the changes were pretty major: a more casual, less pricey menu and for good measure, some cosmetic changes in the dining rooms and bar.

As you can tell if you read my review yesterday, we had a very good time there. If the Bicycle were in my neighborhood, I would definitely give it a shot as a "Honey, I don't feel like cooking tonight, let's go out" restaurant. 

But maybe you don't agree. It's still not exactly budget fare, in spite of the lead of my review. So if you want to tell us your impressions about the "new" Bicycle (I'm almost scared to use those quotation marks), this is the place to do it.

(Barbara Haddock Taylor/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday my review of Brasserie 10 South appeared in the paper. We've discussed the place so much on this blog, I'm not sure that there's anything left to say. My review was actually scooped by several comments.

However, if the earlier conversation persuaded you to give it a try, I'd be interested in what you thought. And let us know if there were any other customers when you went after the owner's invitation.

(Jed Kirschbaum/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesteday I reviewed the Grill at Harryman House in Reisterstown. I'm glad  Elite Elephant Lover mentioned the high price of wines by the glass under an earlier post. I hadn't noticed (I should have) because I was with three other people who all wanted the same wine, so we got a bottle.

Anyway, if you have anything to add, please post below.

(Lloyd Fox/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Earlier we had a discussion about restaurateurs recognizing me because I've been doing this job so long.

I was told after this review had already gone to my editor that I had been recognized at Cafe Troia, and that's why the owner had waited on me. She was also waiting on the large party next to us, so I don't know if that was true.

If it was, what a mistake, as you'll see from my review, which appeared in yesterday's paper. 

(Kim Hairston/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

As you can tell from my review yesterday, I had a very good meal at the newish Restaurant Sabor in the Lutherville/Timonium area. In fact, it's better than the meal I had when owner/chef Roddy Domacasse was cooking at the now-closed Brasserie Tatin.

I guess it helps that he can do his own thing. I mean, you can't serve Puerto Rican lasagna in a French brasserie.

Anyway, if you've eaten there and want to tell us about your experience, or if you have some question about my review, or if you just want to complain about the weather, please post below.

(Lloyd Fox/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Usually I know a lot about new restaurants before I get to them, but not Marie Louise Bistro in Mount Vernon.

In fact, Rob Kasper had heard it was doing mostly catering and takeout, and he was going to review it in his carryout column until we realized it had a bar and a full dinner menu. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Marie Louise Bistro" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (43)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

As you can tell from my review yesterday of Peter's Inn in Fells Point, I liked the place a lot. It's a restaurant where the whole is more than the sum of the parts.

I've had better food. I've had better service. I've had better atmosphere. But off the top of my head I can't say I've had a more enjoyable evening for the price, which was quite reasonable.

Faithful readers know I would love to have a neighborhood bar, cafe, bistro, or whatever within easy walking distance of my house to get a bite after a long day at work. I wouldn't mind if it was modeled on Peter's Inn. However, the flip side is I don't know when I'll ever get back to the place because I can't walk to it, and its parking situation is as abysmal as any in the city.

Plus I don't like fighting for a table.

(Kenneth K. Lam/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed the Abbey Burger Bistro in Federal Hill. I hope my thoughts on the burgers themselves didn't come across as too negative because it's a nice place, and I know that my taste in burgers is like that Jerry Jeff Walker song that goes, "I like my women a tad on the trashy side."

I like my burgers a tad on the trashy side, more guilty pleasure than gourmet food; but I could totally understand how others would disagree with me.  Anyway, this is your chance to defend the lean, meaty burger that Abbey offers. Please do so below. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Abbey Burger Bistro" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (43)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday my year-end wrap up appeared in the paper where my review usually is.

While I was writing it I was struck by how there didn't seem to be any exciting new trends to discuss, except maybe that more places were offering upscale burgers and we even had some gourmet burger joints opening up or in the works. But burgers somehow didn't seem like an exciting new trend, but more a sign of rough economic times. 

Tomorrow's Top 10, the best dishes I had in local restaurants this year, is the last of my year enders.

If you have any thoughts about the past year as far as restaurants go, or if you want to give us a list of the kinds of places you'd like to see open up in the next year, please post below. 

(Kenneth K. Lam/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I just got this e-mail reminiscing about an earlier Hilton dining room in response to my review of the Hilton's Diamond Tavern yesterday:

Thanks for the report,, Poor, like most new Hotel  restaurant, however you omitted to mention ,,,...MillarBros "the place to eat ", at the old Hilton on Fayette St, where I was the Maitre'd until it closed in 1984 ?. Now that was a Beautiful Restaurant, and the Sun did a review of it the Sunday after it closed, I remember calling the then Food -Critic, and telling him that  Millar Bros was closing, he then told me that the Review had to be publishd??.
 

I guess he's referring to John Dorsey, whose reviews appeared in the Sun Magazine, when we had a Sun Magazine. It printed way ahead, so there's no way a review could be pulled last minute. I don't have any distinct memories of Miller Bros., except that it was fine dining plus, and about as far from the dining room in the current Hilton as you can imagine; but the Diamond Tavern, it seems to me, is better suited to its location (across from Camden Yards) and to the times.

(Lloyd Fox/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (40)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I wasn't happy with the photos taken for my review of Juniors in Federal Hill that appeared in yesterday's paper.

Not because of the pictures themselves -- Chiaki is an accomplished photographer -- but because of the restrictions that were placed on her. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Juniors" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

My review of Feast@4East appeared in yesterday's paper, and rereading it I'm struck by how unlikely a city restaurant Feast is.

It reminds me of what Gabriel's Inn in Ijamsville used to be like. (I haven't been there in years, so I have no clue if it's changed. Note to self: Call the place later today and find out.)

Like Feast, Gabriel's was in a grand old house, and when you ate there you didn't feel as if you were in a restaurant at all. This is in contrast to places like Abacrombie, also in a city B&B, and the Milton Inn, also in a grand old house in the country.

I'm trying to think if there are any other restaurants around here that have that nonprofessional (not in a bad way) quality, but right now I can't think of any.

I can think of one that's now closed: Martick's.

(Glenn Fawcett/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday my review of the new Mari Luna Latin Grille appeared in the Sunday paper, and I did something I've never done in all my years of reviewing. I went to a restaurant I had given a positive review to the same day it appeared in the paper.

I had an excuse. ...

Continue reading "Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Mari Luna" »

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed the newly reopened Corks in Federal Hill.

We were seated at the bar because at first there was no table for us; and if I hadn't been reviewing, I definitely would have stayed there. It's one of the most attractive bars in Baltimore.

Reading over my review to link to it here, I hope I didn't give you the impression that if you don't like cheese you won't find anything to eat there. But for those who like American artisanal cheeses: this is your spot.

If you've tried the new Corks, please tell us what you thought below. Or you can just tell us about your weekend. 

(Monica Lopposay/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 5:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Just now I took a look at my review of the Brewer's Art that appeared in yesterday's paper so I could link to it. In it I said this:

Finally, there's no place in town even remotely like it - a brew restaurant, not brew pub, which treats beer drinkers as just as deserving of fine food as wine lovers are.

I know better. Not that my point isn't valid, it's how I said it.  I'm just waiting for one of you to come up with some restaurant in Baltimore that IS remotely like it.

The Hamilton Tavern is a possibility, but it's too much of a bar and not enough of a restaurant.

Anyway, at this point in my career I know to leave myself some wiggle room.

Are there other things you want to discuss about the Brewer's Art? This is the place to do it. Or, knowing you guys, anything else you feel like talking about on a Monday morning.

(Jed Kirschbaum/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 6:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (20)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed Luminous in the Westin BWI Hotel in Linthicum. I talked about how often people wanted to know about a good place to eat around the airport, although I didn't quite understand why.

Well, now I do. I just found out that Gailor is flying in a little after 6 p.m. on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, while my brother, who's coming from LA, will be getting in some three hours later. The only thing that makes sense is for us to pick up Gailor, drive somewhere nearby and eat dinner while we wait for her Uncle Tom.

So this is the place to tell me you had great service at Luminous so I should give it another try, or suggest an alternative. Or let me know other places where you had an incredible wait and what the restaurant did about it.

(Christopher T. Assaf/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (22)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

As you know if you read my review of Red Maple in yesterday's paper, I love the atmosphere, the food is good, and the staff couldn't be nicer. I had had just as good an experience if not better when I first reviewed Mount Vernon's stylish lounge just after it opened.

So why haven't I been back until now? I think for me, a meal is such a priority I really don't want to eat essentially balancing a plate on my knees. At least, that's sort of how I feel there. (I don't like buffets at people's homes for the same reason.)

But if you go to Red Maple for drinks and the music and nibbles when you need a little sustenance, then it's just about perfect.

I was interested in the fact that executive chef Jill Snyder's sudden celebrity status hasn't seemed to put Red Maple any more on the map that it already was. Or am I wrong? Have any of you tried it because you learned she was a contestant on Top Chef?

(Chiaki Kawajiri/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I've written so much here about Michael's Steak & Lobster House, which I reviewed yesterday, and Old Baltimore restaurants, I'm not sure there's much else to say.

I was interested that Robert (the Single One) has had better luck than we did with the beef. Maybe we ordered the wrong cut.

To show you the power of pictures over words (like it needed to be illustrated), at the block party yesterday a guy came up to me and said, "I'm heading out to Michael's. The prime rib in that photo with your review looked really good."

(Kim Hairston/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 6:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed Tapabar, the new tapas restaurant in Little Italy.

If you have something you want to say about the review, this is the place to do it. Or if you've been and want to tell us about your meal there, feel free.

I got an e-mail from someone recently complaining about the concept of tapas. He said the portions were so small what was the point of spending $10 each for three dishes when he could spend $30 for one entree at a more traditional restaurant.

I pointed out that this way you have some choice about how much you want to eat without having to ask for a doggie bag, and the mix-and-match variety is appealing, but I don't think my arguments convinced him. 

(Gene Sweeney Jr./Sun photographer) 

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (36)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I got a very nice phone call from Tom Creegan (pictured) the other day when I posted about how noisy the Hamilton Tavern in Hamilton was.

Creegan owns the building, and his wife is one of the business partners.

I say "very nice" because it sounds like he's heard the same thing from other folks, and maybe more than once, but he was patient about explaining the different things they're doing to cut down on the noise. He also said they hadn't counted on how busy the tavern would be from the beginning, which of course is the main reason it's so noisy.

I told him to feel free to post the particulars under the entry, but I guess he never got around to it. He also said that the menu was going to change soon. It may already have changed by the time you read this.

Anyway, my review of the Hamilton Tavern appeared yesterday. If you've eaten there and want to put your two cents in, feel free.

(Algerina Perna/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)
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From the comments under my review preview of Crush in Belvedere Square, I know some of you had a different experience than I did when I ate there. Here's my review.

I hope other readers will chime in. I'm not sure Crush will sell enough $25 entrees to sustain itself in this economy; but I think there are enough small plates, dinner salads, and sandwiches also offered to give it a chance for success. ...

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
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My review of Carpaccio Tuscan Kitchen/Wine Bar in Annapolis appeared in yesterday's paper, and this is the place to post if you have anything you want to add to my assessment of it.

If you haven't been and aren't interested, this is also the place to talk about the incredible popularity of mid-priced Italian restaurants that have decent food. Marylanders' appetite for this kind of restaurant seems to know no bounds, I'm not sure why.

Or just tell us about your weekend.

(Doug Kapustin/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I hope you had a chance to read my review of Pisces, the high-end dining room of the Inner Harbor Hyatt Regency, or if not I hope you'll read it now. I'm dying to get some more opinions on the fact that one of the best crab cakes I've had in a while sat in a pretty little pool of...horseradish sauce.

The copy editor who worked on my review was so outraged she e-mailed me this, which had me laughing:

"Horseradish goes in cocktail sauce, for people who don't actually like the taste of their ice-cold airport-bar shrimp."

On the other hand, my husband loved the combination. Anyway, this is the place for you to talk about my review, why you love/hate horseradish, or what you're having for your Labor Day picnic.

(Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Web site)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (33)
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OK, it's not exactly morning. In fact, it's almost not Monday any longer. But it's always time for hindsight.

Yesterday I reviewed Shin Chon, which reopened after extensive renovations. It's a fun place to eat, but to get the most out of it I suggest you do your homework on the 'net first. You'll feel more comfortable if you aren't obviously a tourist.

Don't get me wrong. Everyone is anxious to help. But of the servers working the night we were there, only the owner Jum Suh, pictured on the left, had enough English to explain the menu and identify some of the dishes. If you're adventuresome, this won't matter. Jump right in. There's plenty on the menu to like.

If you've eaten at Shin Chon since it reopened and want to add your two cents, please post below.

(Jed Kirschbaum/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 5:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Until I started this feature, I didn't read my reviews once they were in print. I didn't want to make myself crazy if something had been changed when it was too late to do anything about it. But now I read them just to see if there's anything that needs to be addressed here.

Alas, at the very end of my review of Jumbo Seafood yesterday there was this strange sentence (my bold): ...

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 6:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Sorry, I was working on happy hour food for tomorrow morning, and I totally forgot about Monday Morning Quarterbacking. Here's the link to my review of Bliss in Riverside, which appeared yesterday. If there's anything you want to say about the place or the review, please post below.

And if you have any thoughts about happy hour deals, I could use a few more of those, too. 

(Lloyd Fox/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
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When I go into work today, I'm expecting three or four e-mails saying, "I used to trust you, but I went to Fin Steak & Seafood based on your recommendation and we had to wait an hour and they were out of half the things on the menu and it wasn't that good anyway."

It almost makes me want to not give places that seem pretty much like a one-man show a positive review. Too many readers think, "Wow. Let's try it tonight." ...
 

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 6:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

For some reason my review of Riptide by the Bay in Fells Point yesterday got people so excited they started talking about it under the Next Sunday's Review post. I think it was the crab cake sandwich with bacon that did it for them. Currently the question under discussion is whether it would be better without the remoulade sauce.

Anyway, now it's Monday morning and we can continue talking about the restaurant or the review under this post, or about anything else that occurred to you over the weekend. (I don't know why I bother throwing in that last option. Like any of you would be shy about veering off topic.)

(Amy Davis/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (18)
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My review yesterday was of Clementine, the new casual-upscale (if there is such a category) restaurant in Hamilton.

Obviously I liked it a lot, but in fairness I have heard people complaining that the place is often out of things on the menu. I guess we lucked out. Nothing like that happened to us.

If your experience differed from ours, or you have something you want to say about my review, or if you just want to complain about the weather, please post below. 

And by the way, please forgive me for not quite making this Monday morning quarterbacking. It's been a busy morning.
 

(Andre F. Chung/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

My review of the Oregon Grille in Cockeysville appeared in yesterday's paper.

I went there because there's a new executive chef after many years, and I was curious to see if I would notice any changes.

But coincidentally, the review appeared a week after Dan Thanh's consumer column about one customer's disagreement with the management.

Most readers took the customer's side, although I thought the discussion here was thoughtful and entertaining.

Anyway, the following comment appeared, for some reason, under yesterday's entry Looking for Lunch in All the Right Places: ... 

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 7:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (25)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I feel like I've abandoned you this morning. I'm still in vacation mode, I guess, and having trouble doing anything on schedule today.

I'm just proud that I don't have to label this Monday Afternoon Quarterbacking.

Among the many hundreds of e-mails that were in my inbox when I got back was one from Stephanie Charles about my review of Sushi Hana in Lake Falls Village:

You don't have to "guess" why Panda Gourmet closed; you could have asked. This successful Chinese restaurant closed because it's owners reached retirement age, and their children who have professional careers chose not to continue in the restaurant business.

I can't help but wonder why you devoted the entire lead paragraph of your review of Sushi Hana to the Panda speculating that perhaps it was the "quality of the food" that caused it to close. What was the point? ...

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
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This is Saute's Ultimate Meatloaf pictured to the left. Saute is the new bar/restaurant in Canton I reviewed yesterday.

I went almost three weeks ago, so things may have changed by now. Just from the comments under my Next Sunday's Review post, I'm guessing you have plenty to say about the place or my review. If so, please post below.

(Monica Lopossay/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 5:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (21)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

First of all, I should point out that the mystery photo in Next Tuesday's Top Ten is Ciao Pizza Bistro Italiano. But all the guesses made sense to me. (I used it because the photos weren't taken in time to include one with last week's Review Preview.)

Ciao Pizza Bistro Italiano is one of those restaurants where there's not much more to say than what I said in my review. I've already joked too much about the name, although I swear I had to look it up once again to make sure I got the words in the right order before I wrote this. The name is that forgettable.

I should also point out I can't even bring myself to include the exclamation point after Ciao, as in Ciao! Pizza Bistro Italiano, although that's officially its name. 

Anyway, if you have anything to add, want to say something about the review, or just feel like telling us about your weekend, please post below 

(Elizabeth Malby/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 5:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

 
I got this e-mail from Harry A. about my review of Stone Mill Bakery yesterday, which I reprint in its entirety:

I just read subject and I could not pass without my comment. No doubt the best bakery in the area. That is not saying much as this is a labor town. We do not even have a decent shopping center here like Tyson Corner.

I think he's saying he likes Stone Mill as much as I do. Sure, the service can be funky and not everything is perfect. But it's just one of those places I keep going back to. Given the cost of the breads (well worth it), I thought the dinners were surprisingly reasonable. What do you think?

(Elizabeth Malby/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Many of you reading this will probably never bother to eat at Catonsville Gourmet, the restaurant I reviewed yesterday, because it doesn't offer anything you can't get closer to home.

But I was impressed by how the owners figured out what folks in the area needed and how well they provide it with their new venture. I was also impressed by how prepared they were for the crowds of people who responded.

Think of every really successful restaurant you know in Baltimore: Tio Pepe, the Helmand, etc. If you go when they are very busy, it adds to the pleasure rather than making you feel as if you are having to wait or being ignored because of the other customers.

I don't know what makes a restaurant an instant success. Some languish unnoticed for weeks and months. Some are slammed from the beginning and then turn off customers because they weren't prepared.  

Anyway, feel free to post below about my review, the Catonsville Gourmet if you've eaten there, or How to Succeed in the Restaurant Business Without Really Trying. 

(Monica Lopossay/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 5:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

If you missed it yesterday, check out my review of the new Meli in Fells Point. When I interviewed Damon Hersh, executive chef of Kali's Court, he said that  it completed the Kali's Restaurant Group's trio of three very different places: high end (Kali's), mid-priced (Mezze) and very casual (Meli).

I was expecting something quite different, especially because Meli calls itself a "patisserie and bistro," with patisserie coming first. Hersh even described it as Fells Point's answer to Little Italy's Vaccaro's, a place to stop for coffee and a sweet.

If anything, to me Mezze seems to be more casual, a tapas bar where you can get just a nibble with drinks if you don't want a lot of food. That's harder to do at Meli. ...
 

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

If you missed my review of the Brass Elephant yesterday, here's the link. It's a beautiful restaurant in an era when, now that I think about it, beauty doesn't count for as much as it used to (at least in restaurant decor). Do you think that's true? It's the high-energy restaurants that seem to be packed.

Even the Tusk Lounge upstairs was very busy the night we ate there. Of course, that's partly a function of what it costs to eat there as opposed to the main dining room. ...

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 5:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
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Each week I like to give you a chance to tell us about your experience at the restaurant I reviewed the day before, in this case, Luca's Cafe in Locust Point.

I've noticed this works better if it's not a new place. But that's all right. If you want to talk about the Locust Point restaurant scene, or what you had for breakfast this morning, that's fine, too. 

(Monica Lopossay/Sun photographer)

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 5:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

Yesterday I reviewed Baltimore Pho, the new Vietnamese restaurant in Southwest Baltimore near the Hollins Market. In the review I told you that "pho" is pronounced "fuh," sort of; but after I wrote it, I read Richard Gorelick's review in the City Paper, and I thought he made a really good point. If you pronounce the first e in "crepes" as a long a (in other words, if you've anglicized the word), you might as well pronounce "pho" the way it looks.

I also had another thought about the restaurant that never made its way into the review. ...

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 5:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
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I finally had a moment to look at yesterday's paper, and I see the photo with the review of Tark's Grill ran in black-and-white, so here it is in living color.

The neighborhood certainly seems to have embraced the place. If it were located downtown, I think it would need more edge to survive; but maybe not. If you've eaten there, let us know what you think.

Obviously I was most impressed by the service, particularly as the place was packed. The line got cut from the review for space reasons, but I originally pointed out that when the waitress told the manager we hadn't liked one of the entrees, even though we hadn't complained, and he took it off the check, it could have affected her tip. She did it anyway.

(Gene Sweeney Jr./Sun photographer) 

Posted by Elizabeth Large at 2:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

This is the place where you get to comment on the restaurant I reviewed yesterday or the review itself.

If you look at the latest Zagat's lists of Best Buys and Other Good Values in this area, you'll find that they are mostly delis, cafes, a crab house, and unassuming ethnic places.

The exceptions are Orchard Market, Peppermill and the Helmand. Of those, it seems to me (although I like both Peppermill and Orchard Market), the Helmand gives you the most in terms of swank for your money. ...

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 5:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
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I've been meaning to get to this all morning, but other stuff keeps popping up.

Yesterday I reviewed McCabe's in Hampden, and I was interested to see that no one had much to say about it online other than one smoker who felt I was using the review format to justify the smoking ban.

I noticed I didn't get much in the way of comments here when I previewed McCabe's either. ...

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (21)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

 
I'm sorry to be so late posting this morning. Did you miss me? Now that our crack legislators in Washington have taken all the light and warmth out of the morning, I'm having trouble adjusting. Everyone else loves early Daylight Savings Time but me.

If you want to talk about yesterday's review of Abacrombie, this is the place. Or if you want to tell us about your experience there, please do.

I'll look forward to your updates further along (just use the search function to the right to get back to this post) because sometimes restaurants get better with age, and sometimes they falter.

This is an opportunity, too, for us to talk a little about why even good restaurants don't seem to be able to maintain a consistent clientele...

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (34)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking
        

I decided to start a new feature today called Monday Morning Quarterbacking that will last till we get tired of it or I forget about it.

The idea is that I give you a chance to comment on the restaurant I reviewed the day before, in this case Kali's Court.

I can also show you photos in color if the review ran in black and white. (Yesterday's happened not to, but here they are.)

And finally, I get a chance to add something if I want to that didn't make it into the review, such as...

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Posted by Elizabeth Large at 6:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (27)
Categories: Monday Morning Quarterbacking