Fancy birthday dinner - Baltimore

[pigtowner]

My dad is taking me out for my birthday next week and he's given me free reign to pick where I want to go. For some reason I can't come up with any ideas. I'd like to try something new (to me at least) and somewhere I wouldn't go on my own.

I've been to the whole Cindy Wolf enterprise, Salt, Nasu Blanco, Woodberry Kitchen, Corks, Bicycle, Ixia, Pazza Luna, Sotta Sopra, Blue Elephant...

I always wanted to try Abercrombie (sp?), but that's still closed. What other fancy restaurants are out there that I just have to try?? Anything goes pretty much except steak places, I'm just not that into steak.

[pigtowner]

Thanks for all the suggestions...lots will go on the list for the future :) Although I think I am the only person on chowhound that doesn't like Peter's.

We ended up at at the Chameleon Cafe, which was really great. So nice to see actually seasonal items. I got the venison for my entree, which was fabulous, my favorite item of the night - I highly recommend it. Everyone else liked their meals as well. The service was really wonderful too.

[sistereurope]

So good to hear that you had a nice meal (and happy birthday!) I sure wish that the Chameleon Cafe wasn't on the opposite side of town from me...

[bordeauxfan]

If you live in the SW Baltimore metro area, Chameleon is a pretty easy drive. Just head through either B'more tunnel and take either the Erdman Ave (I-895) or Moravia Road (I-95) exits into NE Baltimore City.

[Hue]

Been awhile siince I've eaten there but Pierpoints on Aliceanna Street in Fells Pt. sounds like it might meet your needs!!!

[GregJ]

Haven't been in two years or so, but based on my last experience I'd suggest Charleston. It was quite wonderful.

[elegantelliot]

i think that would fall under the cindy wolf enterprise

[ko1]

Chamelon Cafe, Salt, or Timothy Dean's. I['ve only had lunch at the Dogwood but the dinner menu looks fantastastic. It's BYOB.

[SGI]

If you've hit most of the usual suspects in Baltimore, perhaps heading a little off the beaten path could be a consideration. Antrim 1844 is uber-fancy with a historic lean and every time I go there I'm reminded how much faster the trip is then I anticipate. If dad drives, you can drink at will! The meal always begins with cocktails prior to the seating - lovely.

http://www.antrim1844.com

Along those same lines, I'm a big fan of Elkridge Furnace Inn. Again, this is fancy and won't deliver on the more hip tilt of Salt, Bicycle, Pazo, etc. although, it certainly fits a nice dinner out with dad.

http://www.elkridgefurnaceinn.com/

Terisguel's in historic Ellicott City is wonderful.

http://www.tersiguels.com/

FYI - I've heard Corks is moving into Abacrombie's space. Can't wait!

[AlyKen]

If you're not stuck on being in the city, I agree with the rec of Tersiguel's. My husband took me there for my last birthday. It was wonderful. I did the prix fixe menu and was thrilled. They grow all of their own produce (at least during the summer).

[frites]

Cork's is staying where they are. A new team is opening something where abacrombie was and Jerry Pellegrino is a partner.

[charmedgirl]

How about the Black Olive? The food is tasty and well prepared. I know people often pan it for poor service, but I've never had a problem. I've also recommended it to several people, and each time they've come back very happy.

[kelarry]

have you been to Aldo's in little italy? the beef carpacio is to die for as is the filet with foie gras. if you are a two top, ask to sit in the atrium. also request the complimentary homemade lemoncello after your meal. have it at the bar, & see if you can talk the bartender into showing you the wine cellar. this was my first experience there & i felt like a princess in a fairytale.

[maddogg280]

Boccacio or Aldo's in Little Italy are a bit more upscale than their neighbors.
If you are up for a ride out to Ellicott City there is Tersiguels or Cocoa Lane (there is a nice steak house out there, but you said you are not into that)
If you drive north, there is Oregon Grill or Milton Inn.
Brasserie Tatin near JHU is also a treat. The Spice Company in the Collanade hotel nearby is also becoming one of our favorite 'special occasion' places.

[PaulaG]

At the risk of sounding like their publicist, I can't say enough good things about Chameleon Cafe. The name is misleading; it makes me think of Southwestern cuisinewhen in reality it's New American with French techniques. I had my birthday dinner there last week.

http://www.thechameleoncafe.com

[sistereurope]

Peter's is probably my favorite "go-to" place in Baltimore and we eat there pretty regularly...but I have to agree with the above post. If you haven't been to the Chameleon Cafe, I think it would be very worthy of your birthday celebration.
I also like the Bicycle but you've already been there...
Or...how about Timothy Dean's? Little more "fancy" French.

[scarlet starlet]

It's not ultra fancy, but check out Peter's Inn (http://petersinn.com/) in Fells Pt. Their menu changes weekly and the food is wonderful. It's a small, cozy place, but definitely a treat.

I also like the Ambassador - definitely a more fancy place to eat, and the food is also great.

Two very different suggestions for you!