Baltimore - Cross Keys area

[skipper]

We are looking for a restaurant to hold a pre-wedding reception for 75+ near the Radisson at Cross Keys. Any ideas?

[workingmom21128]

The food is actually very good there but have the chef/catering customize your menu. Hotel catering is always a little more pricy but if that's where your guests will be it's an ideal choice.

[skipper]

Thank you. We appreciate the help.

[skipper]

Does anyone have any opinion of the catering (or of the restaurant since they share a chef) in the Radisson Hotel at Cross keys?

[maddogg280]

If you have connections, the Johns Hopkins Club is also an excellent alternative to public restaurants. They do catered functions as their 'bread & butter' so it would be a perfect alternative, and very close by. Prices are more than reasonable for what you get.
Not sure if they have the space, but Alizee in the Collanade has fantastic food. If they can configure their space in a way to accommodate your large crowd, I highly recommend it as a special occasion place.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

[FoiGras]

Perhaps you should try Gertrude's at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Don't know when your event is planned, but if it is in the Spring season, the venue would be beautiful. The food is quite nice--not exemplary, but very good. I'm certain that the staff would be very accommodating. FoiGras

[jck]

My first thought for such a large group is to find a connection to a member of Baltimore Country Club because you would need a sponser. Their in-town location is a windy 2 minute ride straight up hill from Cross Keys. There you will find a mansion that has always been my favorite in Baltimore for special functions. The food and service will be top notch and they may have ways to do it either casual (bowling alleys on-site) or more formal depending on your needs. The day of the week and the season will also effect the availability of restaurants close by. From a non-foodie standpoint, the Mt. Washington Tavern is nearby and if weather is good has a nice outdoor courtyard that would be excellent. Another option would be to contact Donna's in Cross Keys and see what they could set up for you somewhere within the immediate area of Cross Keys...you might be surprised. 10 minutes straight up 83....Tarks Grill. 15 minutes straight down 83,,..Tio Pepe are more suggestions.

[lawhound]

I respectfully disagree on Mt Wash Tavern and Tarks. The food at both is terrible. Gertrudes could accomodate a crowd this size and is excellent.

[skipper]

The problem with Gertrude's is that it, apparently, closes at 9 pm. We'd need someplace that would stay open until at least 11, perhaps midnight. Any other suggestions?

[lawhound]

Petit Louis (maybe a mile from Cross Keys?) definitely has the space and certainly stays open late. Don't know your rpice range, but if you were looking at Gertrudes then my guess is that it should be comparable.

[michael4ny]

Lawhound......I saw your comment about Tarks and while I don't disagree at all, what does that say about Baltimore Mag's new top 50 list which gives them a fairly high rating?...I was surprised they even made the list.

[lawhound]

It says . . . trust in Chowhound, not Baltimore Magazine. Tarks' success is a mystery to me -- I can only attribute it to the well-heeled surrounding demographics and in that context, its inexplicably high prices may actually act as a signal of "quality" to customers.

[bmorecupcake]

"Trust in Chowhound, not Baltimore Magazine."

Amen. Start printing the bumper sticker. ;)

[jck]

Agreed about food but please notice my post said "non-foodie" standpoint, ie location would work. Depending on the time of the year another great suggestion would be the Ambasador...their outdoor garden area is fabulous and I have been there for a rehearsal dinner before. Indian food......good not great.