165499 Mon Apr 15 09:34:22 -0700 2002 6 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 884179 This is really a two-pronged message. I'll be at the Clagget Center in Buckystown (near Frederick)for this weekend and need a place for dinner. I'm cool with "joints". Also I'll be driving through Baltimore and I'd love to grab softshells for lunch. Any suggestions. Jim (PA Chowhound) Mon Apr 15 09:34:22 -0700 2002 0 Jim Tarantino 1 884194 a little early in the season my friend. I have seen 'em at Whole Foods (still moving!!!) but not on menus yet. Anyone else? Mon Apr 15 21:13:59 -0700 2002 884179 0 pleiades 2 884198 I've seen some pretty decent size ones at my local fish market in Philly. But they're bearly blinking. Something tells me there's jet lag written all over them. Mon Apr 15 23:15:03 -0700 2002 884194 0 Jim Tarantino 1 884197 I would say go to Cross Street Market. You can buy the softshell at Nick's retail counter and then they will fry it for free across the isle. The fry guy has a deft hand and good batter. Mon Apr 15 22:56:38 -0700 2002 884179 0 Tugboat 1 884201 You really can't go wrong with just about anywhere in Downtown Frederick. Avoid the outskirts of town where the chains are. One exception is a place South of Frederick on 355 (Market Street) in Urbana called Monocacy Crossing. They have a small bar area and a dining area. Also an outdoor patio. Awesome food and wine in a charming atmosphere. I was there last weekend and had a delicious salad with greens, capers, onions and thinly sliced salmon. The special that day was a whole red snapper for 2. The calamari appetizer was melt in your mouth perfect. I have included a link to a dining guide that may help. Have fun! Link: http://home.frederick.com/dining/dining.asp?site=11 Tue Apr 16 13:24:14 -0700 2002 884179 0 Liz 2 884205 Thanks Lisa! Isabela's immediatly caught my eye. I may eat there myself if I have to explain to any one at the conference what Tapa's are. Thanks again Jim Tue Apr 16 15:01:40 -0700 2002 884201 0 Jim Tarantino 3 884210 Isabella's is a great choice! The calamari is well cooked, the sausage of the day is usually a good choice. I have had the clams and scallops too, very good. And the cold potato omelet is very good. although it's more like a quiche texture. You will enjoy it very much I think. Tue Apr 16 17:35:46 -0700 2002 884205 0 Liz