Owings Mills restaurant suggestions for college graduation brunch

[swimmom1]

I'm looking for suggestions for a restaurant in either Owings Mills or Reisterstown for my daughter's college graduation brunch. It must be handicapped accessible. It can't be a crab house (half of the family is kosher) but it can have seafood. There will be young kids in our party (one toddler, 4 yrs. old, 9 and 10) so I'm not looking for anything too fancy

I hope I've given enough information. Thanks for your help.

[FoiGras]

You may want to check out Ruths Chris--I am not certain, but they can arrange to "price/down--scale down" their menu. Friends of mine often just dine on hamburgers in the bar area. FoiGras

[salad man]

salad man about 21 hours ago
your choice of drinks, as long as we agree

The above is a paraphrase of a Henry Ford quote. But this one I made up after a series of incidents at a Ruths Chris Steak House in Pikesville,MD(suburb of Balto.)

In September 2012 while at this restaurant I ordered a "Beefeater Martini,straight up,shaken very cold,olive." Now I have been ordering this exact drink since April 17, 1960,the day I turned 21. A time when Martini meant gin, dry white vermouth to taste and an olive or lemon peel twist.

Now I am very aware that James Bond rocked my world a bit with the
choice of vodka. I am also cognizant that over the past 10 years many have invented fruity,treacly sweet concoctions served in Martini glasses.
There are even "Shrimptinis"

I,however, believe that a supposedly top tier steak house's bartender
could still fill my classic drink order properly. I WAS WRONG WITH A VENGEANCE.

The first drink I received was so loaded with olive brine that it was undrinkable and I had not even ordered a "dirty martini." When I got my waitresses attention I explained the problem and said "all I want is the gin,a little vermouth, and this time I'll try a twist." And she says,"Oh,we make all of our martinis with vodka and we never put vermouth in them."
I responded by saying "even when the customer orders gin by brand and now asks for vermouth. Please ask your bartender to make it my way." I got my drink. All was now right with the world.:I thought.

The episode bugged me. What primarily bothered me was "is this really
Ruths Chris POLICY. I found that hard to believe,so the next day I called
manager. His assistant told me" oh no that is our POLICY." I told her I was stunned that a customer's order would be totally disregarded in a top of the line restaurant,"even Burger King does it my way." She apologized and said she would take it up with her manager, and to please "give us another chance."

I did. In November friends suggested Ruths Chris and I said what the hell,let's see what happens. Even worse. When I order this time I am very specific and am again told of the POLICY(with a great deal of attitude.) I am now in total anger management mode, and tell her I still want gin to which she comes back with "and do you want red or white?"
I am momentarily puzzled and ask "red or white?' to which she responds
"Vermouth.I have many customers who prefer the red in their martinis."
And with every ounce of self control I can muster "white" She leaves and through a busboy I summon the manager and relate what has just happened,with the waitress at his side.He expresses shock and apologizes. I ask him to get a different server and we finish the evening.

I put in a call to Steve De Castro,the franchisee of about eight RC restaurants. He gets back to me in a couple of days and we have
a very frank and pleasant conversation during which he in turns seems to be stunned at the stupidity of it all ,angry at how I have been treated,
and apologetic.He implores me to wait two weeks, try us again and you will be happy. Against all better judgement I say I will.

NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED
After a disheartening Ravens game,NEVERMORE
PRINT EMAIL LINK FLAG

[michael4ny]

I've been to MiaCarolina and I won't knock it. The food is reasonably good.
In Owings Mills which for the most part is a vast wasteland of mediocre chain restaurants and even more mediocre non-chains, I would recommend Artful Gourmet Bistro. Quite good and fairly reasonably priced. Check out their menu on the website. For truly excellent (although somewhat high-priced) food, nothing really compares to Linwoods on Reisterstown Rd. just about on the border of Owings Mills and Pikesville.

[FoiGras]

I agree withh michael4ny with regards to Linwood's. Just didn't recommend it as I thought it would be too pricey for what the Op was looking for. FoiGras

[swimmom1]

I forgot about Lineoods. It's very difficult to come up with
a place for such a diverse group. I forgot about
Linwoods but will check them out.

Ease keep the suggestions coming.

[Hue]

You may want to check out Mia Carolina's in Glyndon. reasonably priced and dependable food prep.
http://www.miacarolina.com/home.php

[MDicecreamguy]

Mia Carolina would be much better than Captain Harveys.......MC has a great private room.....excellent food....very reasonable

[salad man]

A real thumbs up on your suggestion. The most accomodating staff I've seen in a long time and really good food,

[FoiGras]

Harryman House in Reisterstown would be perfect. They offer a variety of options and cater to private parties as well. Their pricing is somewhat reasonable and am certain that a special menu would accomodate your needs.

In Owings Mills -you may want to check out Captain Harvey's. Not just seafood--there are many Italian oriented pasta dishes, chicken, burgers, etc. I believe that they also have private areas for occassions such as your upcoming event. FoiGras