174518 Thu Jun 09 12:07:54 -0700 2005 26 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 938370 All of us who post to this board have our favorites in and around town, and there are many restaurants that regularly pop up. We each have personal favorites that we may go out of our way to mention when appropriate. For example, I'm fond of Ras Doobie's, and I think that Sunlight Ethiopian is fast approaching that level for me. That said, as I drive around, I see lots of restaurants that I've never been to, never seen on Chowhound, never seen a review of. True, there are aa lot of mediocre ones out there, but there must be at least a few hidden gems or forgotten treasures. How about if, in the interests of broadening our collective horizons, we each actively try to think of some place that's Chowhound-worthy that we've not seen discussed here on the board? It's tougher than you think - the only one I can think of is a Salvadorean place that used to be around Broadway and Lombard, on the west side of Broadway, just north of whatever the cross street is. It was called Restaurant San Luis, I think, and what was weird was that the owner had worked in Chinese restaurants to save up money, so in the early days, one side of the menu was Salvadorean, and the other side was Chinese. I loved the place, but for some reason fell out of going there. I've not seen it mentioned, and don't even know if it's still there. For those who wrack their brains and can't think of one to recommend, I'd suggest a fall-back. If you have a restaurant that you've driven by and always wondered about, post a query. For example, there's a Chinese place on the west side of Charles just south of 25th (IIRC) called "(somebody's name)'s Hong Kong". I've been curious for years, but have never been. Anybody know anything? And let's be gentle - if somebody posts the name of a place that got covered a while back, just link to that thread instead of scolding. Not everybody has been on this board a long time, so places that haven't been mentioned recently may come up. Thanks!!! Thu Jun 09 12:07:54 -0700 2005 0 Warthog 1 938374 Good idea. As useful as this site is, it seems that too often are different aspects of the same places discussed rather than explorations of new spots. Off the top of my head, one of my favorite places (art student hangout that probably fits into the category of "dive bar") that is never discussed is Dougherty's, a little place up the street from Abacrombie/Meyerhoff across from the Rite-Aid. Two things that make it worthy are the inexpensive burgers, which I think are as good as I've had in Baltimore, and the draft beer selection - they've got some great beers; all available by the pitcher, all substantially cheaper then anywhere else I've been. Also, now that MICA is out for the summer, it doesn't get as smokey as it does during the winter. Places I'm curious about but haven't been are: Dionysus (on Preston, a block down Charles Street from Brewer's Art). I've been to the downstairs bar/lounge for drinks, but haven't heard anything about the nice upstairs dining room or the food. Fatima's: Belly dancers and moderately priced food??? Pisces: Supposedly its fine dining specializing in seafood on the top of (I think) the Hyatt downtown....I've had it recommended but never hear much about it. I'm thinking of some others. Any feedback on any of the above?? Thu Jun 09 13:11:06 -0700 2005 938370 0 rawdog 2 938387 Pisces- I had dinner there a long time ago and was pretty impressed. Had drinks there on a couple occassions and it's a great view but it is definitely starting to show it's age. The Hyatt is supposed to be renovated soon so I'm sure that will change. Thu Jun 09 15:31:11 -0700 2005 938374 0 Sam 2 938441 I've been to Pisces for brunch; I think the Admiral Fell Inn is loads better for not much more food. Haven't been to Fatima's since last summer, but I liked their food; particularly the small plates. A friend of mine really likes their lambs. Belly-dancing: not so much. Definitely worth a visit and on Tuesdays (perhaps Wednesdays), unescorted women eat free! Fri Jun 10 09:02:05 -0700 2005 938374 0 atls14620 1 938380 this is a nice idea. I'd acutally like to make a few points. The first one is "the wet blanket" point: --I am on a fair amount of boards, and the same questions get asked over and over again. I generally think it's fairly important, somewhat cyberpolite (or whatever the phrase is), and I think the OP gets better answers in s/he has proven that the question was given some thought, and some effort was made. I mean, if people coming to Balto., did a "cntl F" search on Harborplace or crabs, that would go far. I have no trouble answering people who want to know the difference between say, Bo Brooks and Mr. Bill's, but, basically I think people have to meet you half way. --As to Dionysis in the other post. I was there sort of late one night as was very impressed. Had a lovely greek salad, and shrimp with phyllo. that was really wonderful. I'm hoping to go back....and, if I do, I'll do a real review. --And, as for "undiscovered Baltimore," tonight, I am going to MR. FOOD on 22nd St. bet. Maryland and Howard, on the word of the Punjabi cabbie I had the other day. (He didn't really recommend it; he just said that that's where he ate when I pressed him.) All I know is that it is Halal. Everything else will be the great unknown. boy, and I hoping it's a little hidden gem. tomorrow, I'll post whatever it is I find. Anyway...this is a good project. Maybe we can pull togther a collective "Tyler Cowen-type" guide to ethnic eateries from this or something.... Thu Jun 09 14:25:19 -0700 2005 938370 0 baltoellen 2 938399 hey, did I miss the point of your post: my choice that hasn't been discussed (except by me a while ago) is Caribbean Food Store in Woodlawn for the best Trini food at this latitude! Thu Jun 09 16:15:08 -0700 2005 938380 0 baltoellen 3 938454 Do you have an address for CFS? I did a Google search, but couldn't find it. My suggestions: the daily pasta specials at DiPasquale's in Highlandtown (best pasta in town, at bargain prices; does anyone know if and when DiP's is gonna start its Friday-night dinners?), and Zack's in Parkville, the only place in town I know where you can find a Chicago-style hot dog. No, not as good as one in Chitown, but pretty damn good, nonetheless. Fri Jun 10 11:20:08 -0700 2005 938399 0 Chris S 4 938456 I just tracked them down by calling information. It's actually in Windsor Mill, 7408 Windsor Mill Rd, phone 410.922.9100. Make sure to get the "doubles!" Fri Jun 10 11:56:21 -0700 2005 938454 0 baltoellen 1 938383 Warthog, thank you for starting this thread. I had begun to lose interest in the board. This post is exactly the reason I was attracted to this site in the first place. You are to be commended. On to your question .... I am surprised that Harvest Table in Locust Point does not get more press on the board. I have only been on Saturday's and the brunch is fantastic. The chicken pancakes and carolina breakfast are both winners. And those muffins are ridiculous. It is closed on Sunday, so if you are ever looking for Brunch on Saturday, its your place. It's at the end of Hull Street at the entrance to the Tide Point complex. This weekend is the St. Anthony festival in Little Italy. Each year, I look forward to the fried calzones. And each year they are worth the wait. Not cheese based, but filled with a tomato, beef, rice mixture. They are absolutely fantastic. I will be working the festival on Sunday this year, so if any of the 'hounds want to stop by and talk food, I'll be there (don't know what I'm doing yet, perhaps serving beer). Thu Jun 09 15:03:12 -0700 2005 938370 0 KAZ 2 938386 thanks for bringing up the festival. the Greek one, around the church, about a block from Samos, is on this weekend, too. I'm sure the food will be well above average.... Thu Jun 09 15:17:06 -0700 2005 938383 0 baltoellen 2 938391 The pork ("porchetta") sandwiches at the festival are the bomb, too. Thu Jun 09 15:38:49 -0700 2005 938383 0 ko 1 938384 Really good idea. Thu Jun 09 15:10:49 -0700 2005 938370 0 Tugboat 1 938388 Thanks for raising this topic. I think it's a good one. I think you're thinking of Paul Chen's (I'm pretty sure it's "Paul," not so sure on the "Chen"). Used to eat there five years ago when I worked up that way. IIRC, it's a bit less than okay. The Chinese place in the shopping center down near 21st and Howard is better. BTW, there was a Caribbean place on 25th street near Maryland that I used to eat at as well that's pretty good. Is it still there? Need to think about what restaurants I would add Thu Jun 09 15:35:08 -0700 2005 938370 0 atls14620 1 938390 Thanks for raising this topic. I think it's a good one. I think you're thinking of Paul Chen's (I'm pretty sure it's "Paul," not so sure on the "Chen"). Used to eat there five years ago when I worked up that way. IIRC, it's a bit less than okay. The Chinese place in the shopping center down near 21st and Howard is better. BTW, there was a Caribbean place on 25th street near Maryland that I used to eat at as well that's pretty good. Is it still there? Need to think about what restaurants I would add Thu Jun 09 15:35:57 -0700 2005 938370 0 atls14620 1 938396 Dellarosa's on the Avenue in White Marsh (of all locations) has the best cheeseburgers and sauerbraten and dumplings going. Speranza's in the Charles St. Marketplace at Charles and Saratoga for meatball calzone and NYC style pizza slices. Pastore's on Loch Raven just before Joppa for Italian cold cuts. Pastore's has no seating. Thu Jun 09 15:51:43 -0700 2005 938370 0 ko 2 938442 Thanks for the tip, ko. I am always looking for new lunch spots in the city. I'll try to make it to Speranza's today for lunch. Anything besides the pizza and calzone's I should know about the place? Fri Jun 10 09:19:56 -0700 2005 938396 0 KAZ 3 938460 They just re-opened after a remodeling and expanded the menu. A lot of stuff I haven't tried. The Italian sausage should be good as it's made with Baltimore's own Roma. The meatball subs are very good (excellent sub rolls). Fri Jun 10 13:58:21 -0700 2005 938442 0 ko 4 938500 that's a good tip for me too. speaking of lunch places in the City, have you been Sugarbee's downtown? I think it is on Lexington (possibly Saratoga, I can never get those streets straight). Sat Jun 11 11:58:20 -0700 2005 938460 0 atls14620 5 938511 Yea, Sugarbee's is right next to my office, on Lexington. It used to be Kingsway Grill in the same food court as Speranza. The food suffers from being cooked ahead of time, but I occasionally stop in for the hot turkey sandwich or the chopped sirloin with onions and gravy. The mashed potatoes are real. Have you tried the Caribbean kitchen on Calvert? Very good. Sat Jun 11 18:12:00 -0700 2005 938500 0 ko 1 938397 Fortunato's near Wells Liquors for butt kicking pizza. Carribbean Kitchen on Calvert for codfish and dumpling. Thu Jun 09 15:58:00 -0700 2005 938370 0 pok gai 1 938400 Enrichos of Highlandtown, the food used to be hit or miss, it's gotten better! The softcrab sandwich had on it the biggest (I ain't kiddin) softcrab I have EVER seen and the fish and chips I had were greaseless and delicious, the batter was peppery. Plus, ice cold frosted mugs of PBR for 85 cents! Thu Jun 09 16:22:34 -0700 2005 938370 0 Hon 2 938640 I can not agree about improvements at Enrico's, though I admit Ihave not had the soft crab. I have tried this place three times, and the only reason I have gave it a third try is the few places right in that area, especially where you can watch sports while eating, which was my goal. Mon Jun 13 19:43:25 -0700 2005 938400 0 writehere 1 938404 Kislings Tavern on Fleet between Fells and Canton. Great burgers and absolutely the best wings in Charm City. Also, Italian Gardens is the Kennilworth Mall in Towson has, in my opinion, the best pizza in the area. Thu Jun 09 16:35:36 -0700 2005 938370 0 Boris the Meat 2 938439 LOVE the wings there. I just wish they would grill them after the fry like they used to. Fri Jun 10 08:52:46 -0700 2005 938404 0 Tugboat 1 938413 It opened fairly recently, so I don't know how many folks would have stumbled across it yet, but we love Mazatlan in Carney on E. Joppa Road. It's a little tiny place with lots of inexpensive and terrific basic Mexican fare (tamales, soft tacos in either flour or corn tortillas, etc.) with a variety of meat options (barbacoa, chorizo, pork, steak, chicken). They have even have a mole dish on the menu, which I haven't tried yet..And for you flan fans, great flan (I swear, I didn't like flan until I tried theirs - it's flan like your grandma's flan, if you had a grandma who made great flan). Seating is limited to a couple of small booths (although they are in the process of adding a few more tables) so they do primarily carryout and delivery business now. Thu Jun 09 18:56:57 -0700 2005 938370 0 M 1 938480 I enjoy the Yabba Pot on St. Paul just below 25th. The menu is all vegetarian "world cuisine", served in a laid back afro-caribbean sort of environment. The menu is different every time, and there are sampler plates where you can choose a few different selections of whatever sounds good to you. I've found the live kale salad to be especially yummy. The food is bountiful, flavorful, and I feel good after having visited. Fri Jun 10 16:44:19 -0700 2005 938370 0 DianaG 1 938561 Tried out Mazatlan (just east of Harford Road on Joppa, crammed between a High's and a Love Craft) yesterday. I had a couple of tacos (barbacoa and chorizo) and rice/beans. While not as good as the Tortilleria y Taqueria in Fells Point, it's definitely a find for that area. Real tortillas, good fillings, hot salsa available. The beans/rice, not so hot, but good enough. If you live/work around Parkville/Carney, go now. Mon Jun 13 09:23:35 -0700 2005 938370 0 Chris S