7104 Minstrel Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 381-3188
Craving a nice bowl of Pho? If in the area, An Loi is your place to go. Lunch time is extremely packed, but the line moves fast and steady. I have never had a wait, even though the place is always hopping.
The service is friendly and ultra fast. You will have your bowl of pho served within 5 minutes of your order guaranteed. The space is ample and very minimalistic, table chairs and the various pho accompaniaments. Nothing fancy.
The pho is always fresh and made in premises, served with fresh basil, jalapeno and bean sprouts. Its deliciously savory sweet flavours will warm you up on a cold winter day or release the heat of a hot summer day. The noodles and meat are always abundant and not a scavanger hunt as in other pho places.
Pho is not the only thing served here, an array of lovely Vietnamese entrees and appetizers are in order at An Loi. Furthermore you can accompany your lunch or dinner with a great selection of asian beers and rice wines.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
RA sushi Bar
1390 Lancaster St
Baltimore, MD 21231
(410) 522-3200
I dig this place for a night out with the girls, but I must be honest, it’s is severely overpriced sushi in a great location that attracts sexy urbinites (who are obviously willing to pay out exhorbitant prices). If you are wondering where the good looking people go to eat in Baltimore, you just found it. If you want to have the feeling of being in a NYC club with loud techno music playing in the background, while eating creative sushi rolls, this is the place for you. What you pay for here is: 1. Eye candy 2. Creative sushi.
Service can be off and on, I have had attentive service some times and very absent service other times, so your luck will dictate how fast and how properly you get service. Overall the waitresses are fun people here.
My suggestion for the night: first don’t waste your time and run for the valet as street parking is nearly impossible to find, second order a sexy drink and then share sushi with a partner. Oh and do not forget to look pretty sexy while eating it.
If you go Thursday thru Saturday I can guarantee you sexiness exploding wall to wall.
Baltimore, MD 21231
(410) 522-3200
I dig this place for a night out with the girls, but I must be honest, it’s is severely overpriced sushi in a great location that attracts sexy urbinites (who are obviously willing to pay out exhorbitant prices). If you are wondering where the good looking people go to eat in Baltimore, you just found it. If you want to have the feeling of being in a NYC club with loud techno music playing in the background, while eating creative sushi rolls, this is the place for you. What you pay for here is: 1. Eye candy 2. Creative sushi.
Service can be off and on, I have had attentive service some times and very absent service other times, so your luck will dictate how fast and how properly you get service. Overall the waitresses are fun people here.
My suggestion for the night: first don’t waste your time and run for the valet as street parking is nearly impossible to find, second order a sexy drink and then share sushi with a partner. Oh and do not forget to look pretty sexy while eating it.
If you go Thursday thru Saturday I can guarantee you sexiness exploding wall to wall.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Woodberry Kitchen
2010 Clipper Park Rd
Baltimore, MD 21211
(410) 464-8000
Woodberry kitchen is named after the little neighborhood that is set in.
It's not the easiest place to get to (at least from 83), it's not right off the highway, but once you are there you realized you have just hit jackpot.
WK is located in a little piece of Baltimorean Oasis. The immediate neigborhood is based on industrial style lofts (the Roman/Pompei ruins style pool is to die for), high end artist shops and enviromentally sane duplexes.
Valet is available, and I would recommend using it.
I have been at WK at lunch/brunch and dinner time. I must say my favorite time has been brunch time and preferably to sit outside. Hands down WK will provide you with a marvelous experience no matter the time of the day. Their baked goods are home made and delicious. Furthermore everything in the menu is locally grown or fair trade imported. The cocktails during my evening visits are methodically thought after, almost as if the bartender holds a chemestry degree. The concoctions are just innovative and brilliant to say the very least. Chef and owner Spike is a "granola" type genius who had an epyfany when he constructed this place from idea to reality. Everything is well thought after with a feel of closeness to nature that surrounds your every sence, from your palate to your sight.
My favorite meal ever was this oven baked omelet type dish that is served during brunch time. It's just delicious and a totally different take on eggs that will blow away your mind. Honesly, I am dying to meet Spike, he has come up with a really great concept of earthyness and flavors in a phenomenal location.
Baltimore, MD 21211
(410) 464-8000
Woodberry kitchen is named after the little neighborhood that is set in.
It's not the easiest place to get to (at least from 83), it's not right off the highway, but once you are there you realized you have just hit jackpot.
WK is located in a little piece of Baltimorean Oasis. The immediate neigborhood is based on industrial style lofts (the Roman/Pompei ruins style pool is to die for), high end artist shops and enviromentally sane duplexes.
Valet is available, and I would recommend using it.
I have been at WK at lunch/brunch and dinner time. I must say my favorite time has been brunch time and preferably to sit outside. Hands down WK will provide you with a marvelous experience no matter the time of the day. Their baked goods are home made and delicious. Furthermore everything in the menu is locally grown or fair trade imported. The cocktails during my evening visits are methodically thought after, almost as if the bartender holds a chemestry degree. The concoctions are just innovative and brilliant to say the very least. Chef and owner Spike is a "granola" type genius who had an epyfany when he constructed this place from idea to reality. Everything is well thought after with a feel of closeness to nature that surrounds your every sence, from your palate to your sight.
My favorite meal ever was this oven baked omelet type dish that is served during brunch time. It's just delicious and a totally different take on eggs that will blow away your mind. Honesly, I am dying to meet Spike, he has come up with a really great concept of earthyness and flavors in a phenomenal location.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Donna's
5100 Falls Rd
Baltimore, MD 21210
(410) 532-7611
I frequently go to the Cross Keys Location. The place is contemporary and has a great outdoor patio.
Donna's has become one of my favorite places, not just because of the vicinity to my house, but because the food is always phenomenal.
It is great to have a good home made meal that wont make a hole in the wallet, but yet it taste like Giada De Laurentis slaved for hours in the kitchen. From the home made personal pizza to the burgers to the abondandly beautiful seafood dishes.
The serviuce is always friendly at this location, I even had the chance to meet Donna's here who is an exquisitively sweet woman that will take the time to talk to the true food fans (hehhe)
Donna offers cooking classes on Wenesday at their Columbia location. Something I have been meaning to get into as I would like to replicate some of these delicious dishes.
Baltimore, MD 21210
(410) 532-7611
I frequently go to the Cross Keys Location. The place is contemporary and has a great outdoor patio.
Donna's has become one of my favorite places, not just because of the vicinity to my house, but because the food is always phenomenal.
It is great to have a good home made meal that wont make a hole in the wallet, but yet it taste like Giada De Laurentis slaved for hours in the kitchen. From the home made personal pizza to the burgers to the abondandly beautiful seafood dishes.
The serviuce is always friendly at this location, I even had the chance to meet Donna's here who is an exquisitively sweet woman that will take the time to talk to the true food fans (hehhe)
Donna offers cooking classes on Wenesday at their Columbia location. Something I have been meaning to get into as I would like to replicate some of these delicious dishes.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Il piccolo angolo
621 Hudson St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 229-9177
If you want to have the best Italian meal outside of Italy and not in my mamma's kitchen, then a visit to il piccolo Angolo (little corner) is a must.
After travelling to NYC many many times and trying all sort of Italian restaurants in the city, including in little Italy and Arthur Ave, I felt short of finding that special gem that would bring me miles away and back home.
I was thankfully introduced to Il piccolo angolo by my cousin who had found this place thru client meetings and friends. Upon my first visit she insisted we dined here, so I could tell her if this place was truly authentic or she was just dream it. I tell you this, I lived 12 years in Italy and my mamma, who is an esemplary chef, only cooks authentic Italian food, this place is just like my mamma's cooking.
I was floored!! Happy yet nostalgic for my mamma's food (my parents have now moved thousand of miles away). Everything is made in the premises, including pastas and tomatoe sauces. I usually order the Lobster Canneloni with the Vodka sauce, DIVINE! From other people's experiences, other dishes are equally phenomenal. In fact each and every one of the people I have brought here has come back again and again, with me or by themsevels bringing in a new era of followers.
Since the place (10-15 tables max) is small and demand is high I recommend calling a few days before your visit to make reservations. I assure you, you will be extremely satisfied with the attentic/friendly service as it is as impeccable as the food. You will soon fall in love with the cozyness and the beauty of true Italian flavors that will keep you coming back for years to come. I for one have made this my permanent pit stop while in the city.
Renato the owner is truly an amazing chef/business owner!!...and of course host!
New York, NY 10014
(212) 229-9177
If you want to have the best Italian meal outside of Italy and not in my mamma's kitchen, then a visit to il piccolo Angolo (little corner) is a must.
After travelling to NYC many many times and trying all sort of Italian restaurants in the city, including in little Italy and Arthur Ave, I felt short of finding that special gem that would bring me miles away and back home.
I was thankfully introduced to Il piccolo angolo by my cousin who had found this place thru client meetings and friends. Upon my first visit she insisted we dined here, so I could tell her if this place was truly authentic or she was just dream it. I tell you this, I lived 12 years in Italy and my mamma, who is an esemplary chef, only cooks authentic Italian food, this place is just like my mamma's cooking.
I was floored!! Happy yet nostalgic for my mamma's food (my parents have now moved thousand of miles away). Everything is made in the premises, including pastas and tomatoe sauces. I usually order the Lobster Canneloni with the Vodka sauce, DIVINE! From other people's experiences, other dishes are equally phenomenal. In fact each and every one of the people I have brought here has come back again and again, with me or by themsevels bringing in a new era of followers.
Since the place (10-15 tables max) is small and demand is high I recommend calling a few days before your visit to make reservations. I assure you, you will be extremely satisfied with the attentic/friendly service as it is as impeccable as the food. You will soon fall in love with the cozyness and the beauty of true Italian flavors that will keep you coming back for years to come. I for one have made this my permanent pit stop while in the city.
Renato the owner is truly an amazing chef/business owner!!...and of course host!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Vintage Tavern
1900 Governors Pointe Dr
Suffolk, VA 23436
(757) 238-8808
www.vintagetavernvirginia.com
I love good food, I should say I love outstanding food. While travelling down to VA Beach this summer I was intrigued to hear Virginia Tavern was voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the country...so I made it my quest to go visit.
Vintage tavern is nested in a nicely secluded neighborhood of Suffolk, southern Virginia. Surrounded by lovely estate and small family owned foodie shops (right accross the streets on Saturdays is the fresh market). From the outside the place doesnt say much, I mean is not a hole in the hole or a warehouse, its a nice house looking like building. It blends nicely with the green surroundings of the location.
The interior is dimmly lit, and it gives a feeling of an Alp ski chalet. Lots of wood, lots of natural colors, and lovely live flowers spread throught the place. Indeed a lovely touch of southern elegance.
The service is exceptional, the manager came and checked of us possibly three times.
For starters, this people really do aim to please.
For drinks I explained to our waiter the cocktail that my companion wanted, something we had seen on the food channel and obviously not on the menu. He assured it could be made....and I assure you upon receipt of the cocktail, they had done a perfect job into bringing my recipe to life. I on the other hand ordered a martini with Hendricks gin, served with bacon stuffed olives (stuffed at home...perfect).
The martini had a little of ice floaties, I know I am picky, but something I ought to mention that even with the floaties, the martini was EXCELLENT!!
We ordered the Southern sampler....a delicious array of homemade marmelade...just like my mom use to make (even though she is not from the south) home made buscuits, home made deviled eggs...local sausage and local Virginia ham, from a neighboring family's farm. I love how everything is home made, everything simple and everything just a dance to my taste budds.
For entrees I had a massive Bison filet. Cooked to perfection!! I like things rare, well it was not mooing, but it was surely cooked with an attractive rareness to the middle. My entree was definitively from the south, but I tell you this, I thought I had had the best piece of meat ever in England, but this one battle that place head to head. Bison sometimes tends to be a gamey in flavored...well this one did not have a slight hint of gameyness..
My companion, a true southerner from the heart of Missisipi (accent and all, you all)had a southern Jambalaya sorta dish...lovely humongous praws delightfully condimented on a bed of savory rice. She was extremely pleased with her choice.
Additionally she was very impressed with the truly authentic corn bread (wich I learned is supposed to be non sweet) and with the onion bread pudding.
Overall this place is a delight.
Truly one of a kind.
If you like good food a trip to Vintage Tavern is definitively worth it.
Suffolk, VA 23436
(757) 238-8808
www.vintagetavernvirginia.com
I love good food, I should say I love outstanding food. While travelling down to VA Beach this summer I was intrigued to hear Virginia Tavern was voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the country...so I made it my quest to go visit.
Vintage tavern is nested in a nicely secluded neighborhood of Suffolk, southern Virginia. Surrounded by lovely estate and small family owned foodie shops (right accross the streets on Saturdays is the fresh market). From the outside the place doesnt say much, I mean is not a hole in the hole or a warehouse, its a nice house looking like building. It blends nicely with the green surroundings of the location.
The interior is dimmly lit, and it gives a feeling of an Alp ski chalet. Lots of wood, lots of natural colors, and lovely live flowers spread throught the place. Indeed a lovely touch of southern elegance.
The service is exceptional, the manager came and checked of us possibly three times.
For starters, this people really do aim to please.
For drinks I explained to our waiter the cocktail that my companion wanted, something we had seen on the food channel and obviously not on the menu. He assured it could be made....and I assure you upon receipt of the cocktail, they had done a perfect job into bringing my recipe to life. I on the other hand ordered a martini with Hendricks gin, served with bacon stuffed olives (stuffed at home...perfect).
The martini had a little of ice floaties, I know I am picky, but something I ought to mention that even with the floaties, the martini was EXCELLENT!!
We ordered the Southern sampler....a delicious array of homemade marmelade...just like my mom use to make (even though she is not from the south) home made buscuits, home made deviled eggs...local sausage and local Virginia ham, from a neighboring family's farm. I love how everything is home made, everything simple and everything just a dance to my taste budds.
For entrees I had a massive Bison filet. Cooked to perfection!! I like things rare, well it was not mooing, but it was surely cooked with an attractive rareness to the middle. My entree was definitively from the south, but I tell you this, I thought I had had the best piece of meat ever in England, but this one battle that place head to head. Bison sometimes tends to be a gamey in flavored...well this one did not have a slight hint of gameyness..
My companion, a true southerner from the heart of Missisipi (accent and all, you all)had a southern Jambalaya sorta dish...lovely humongous praws delightfully condimented on a bed of savory rice. She was extremely pleased with her choice.
Additionally she was very impressed with the truly authentic corn bread (wich I learned is supposed to be non sweet) and with the onion bread pudding.
Overall this place is a delight.
Truly one of a kind.
If you like good food a trip to Vintage Tavern is definitively worth it.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Pizza Johns
113 Back River Neck Rd
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 687-7733
Pizza Johns, even if located in a the hood, has become my favorite pizza place here in the Baltimore area. In fact I travel 15 minutes in and 15 minutes back just to get me some good pizza. This place is one of the most authentic places around the area. None of the yucky too thick crust stuff, and none of over done toppings that leak oil from side. They even offer a do it yourself package, where you buy the crust and some of the toppings for you to make at home.
I have tried such package and it taste just like the one in the store.
It doesnt matter when you go, the pizza is always perfect.
as my "invisible" readers know, I am picky when it comes to pizza. Growing up in Italy, definitive trained my palate to the original stuff.
I have not had Pizza hut in years, I am not that desperate...even though I must say if I am in the mood I might eat it.
Unfortunately, this is the only location, I wish there was one by me.
The restaurant per se its very nice, family style ambiance, well lit, very clean.
The service is friendly and on top of things.
A good selection of Italian wines is available for purchase to acompany your pizza.
Overall rating= 10.
This is the place to take your family for a low key evening.
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 687-7733
Pizza Johns, even if located in a the hood, has become my favorite pizza place here in the Baltimore area. In fact I travel 15 minutes in and 15 minutes back just to get me some good pizza. This place is one of the most authentic places around the area. None of the yucky too thick crust stuff, and none of over done toppings that leak oil from side. They even offer a do it yourself package, where you buy the crust and some of the toppings for you to make at home.
I have tried such package and it taste just like the one in the store.
It doesnt matter when you go, the pizza is always perfect.
as my "invisible" readers know, I am picky when it comes to pizza. Growing up in Italy, definitive trained my palate to the original stuff.
I have not had Pizza hut in years, I am not that desperate...even though I must say if I am in the mood I might eat it.
Unfortunately, this is the only location, I wish there was one by me.
The restaurant per se its very nice, family style ambiance, well lit, very clean.
The service is friendly and on top of things.
A good selection of Italian wines is available for purchase to acompany your pizza.
Overall rating= 10.
This is the place to take your family for a low key evening.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Gibby's seafood
Towson, MD
Gibby's is a nice little seafood merchant. They carry pretty much a little bit of everything, from the giant crabb legs to the deviled eggs.
This little place is not to be underestimated.
They food is extremely savory. They make everything in house, including their soups and deviled eggs.
I usually order steamed crabs to go. They even provide you with the thick heavy duty paper for free.
Their prices are extremely competitive and they are located right next to a wine store....what more convenient than that?
Gibby's is a nice little seafood merchant. They carry pretty much a little bit of everything, from the giant crabb legs to the deviled eggs.
This little place is not to be underestimated.
They food is extremely savory. They make everything in house, including their soups and deviled eggs.
I usually order steamed crabs to go. They even provide you with the thick heavy duty paper for free.
Their prices are extremely competitive and they are located right next to a wine store....what more convenient than that?
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Blue Sea Grill
614 Water StreetBaltimore, MD 21202
(410) 837-7300
So this place has been closed down since I last went to it. Here is probably why.
This place is hip and sexy, total eye candy, but that is pretty much all it is.
The place is gourgous, it gives the impression of being under water with an appeal of a NYC extablisment.
The service was phenomenal, the waitress on top of everything, extremely attentive.
The only problem was the food, it did not came remotely to par with the aura of the place.
We were three and order 3 appetizers and 3 entrees....of all the food only one I would consider delicious, all the other food was overthought and the flavors just too complicated that created an array of messy notes. For the one entree we like, we complimented the chef, who came out to greet us. Nice Italian guy, wich whom I bonded a little since I grew up in Italy, but I was quite disturbed his culinary grills were not quite at par.
The cocktails were perfect! Gotta love a bartender that puts together a mean dirty martini James Bond style.
Honestly if you are a foodie, I would not waste my time and money on this place. I was highly dissapointed!!
If the food sucks, you are going down.
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