Tuesday, October 26, 2010

the GREEN TURTLE, Delaware


It was a beautiful October day, perfect for walking the boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach. Lynn and I and my Uncle Ed were running errands (walking really) and decided to have lunch outside. One location of The Green Turtle Restaurant is located on the second floor on the boardwalk. There is a narrow balcony with outside seating so the three of us plopped down and enjoyed the food and the view. The sky was clear, the ocean was calm; we couldn't have been happier. In addition to great food and service, eating at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean made that lunch pretty special.

The Green Turtle
101 S. Boardwalk
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Ph: 302-226-2000

Thursday, October 21, 2010

GREEN LEAF, Maryland


Tonight Bill suggested we try the Chinese restaurant in Hunt Valley and when we met there, it happened that the Green Leaf serves Japanese cuisine. We went inside and were graciously seated, not too close to other occupied tables. Don't you hate it when you go out to eat and there are several open tables and they seat you right next to an occupied one?? I was happy that we were able to sit and talk without being crowded. The menu offered lots of options including sushi direct from their sushi bar. It's also a BYOB restaurant with a minimal corking fee, which I think is a plus. Bill took the route of a soup and a healthy entree while I chose an appetizer, a soup, and some sushi. Everything was delicious! And even though we both loved everything we ordered, I still had enough room left for one of my favorite desserts - green tea ice cream. What a treat! I am always looking for this in my travels and found it when I wasn't looking. That's so typical, and in this case - good.

Green Leaf
Shawan Plaza
York Rd and Shaway Rd
11313 York Road
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
Ph: 410-771-0030

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

TAVERN ON JANE, New York


It was our friend Ron's choice for a dinner place and he suggested Tavern on Jane in the West Village. Steve had eaten there, but it was new to me and to our friend David. So, the four of us met there for dinner and were able to get a table in the back room where it is significantly more quiet for conversation. We each enjoyed our entrees but the highlight had to be the macaroni and cheese. This side dish seems to have made a comeback in today's restaurants, or is it a new offering and not just something you find on your mother's table? Either way, this mac 'n cheese was rich and delicious and filling. If you eat all of it, most likely you will have some of your main course left to take home. Not such a terrible thing since all the food got a thumbs up. And Ron, you get a thumbs up too for picking up the tab!!

Tavern on Jane
31 8th Avenue
at Jane Street
New York, NY 10014-5156
Ph: 212-675-2526

CRISPO, New York

Last weekend my brother Steve and I tempted fate in meeting for brunch in New York City without a reservation. Although we have our "favorites", neither of us had the time or energy to worry about definite plans for that Sunday. So, we met and walked and browsed one of our favorite neighborhoods, Chelsea. It was here we stumbled upon crispo. It's a cozy restaurant with optional outdoor seating. Because the weather is changing, we chose a table next to the open doors which turned out to be a perfect place to sit. The food was excellent with equally excellent service. My poached egg with spinach selection was amazing. And speaking of amazing, when you go there, you will love the potatoes. We each loved the croquette styled puffs that melted in our mouths and what seemed like truffle fried fries. A mimosa to start and a cup of hot tea at the end balanced out a very enjoyable brunch experience. A good find.

crispo
240 West 14th Street
between 7th and 8th Ave
New York, NY 10011
Ph: 212-229-1818

Sunday, October 17, 2010

OCEAN CITY, Maryland





A few weeks ago, I drove my Mom and Uncle Ed all the way to the edge of the Ocean City Boardwalk. It was a cold, windy day so we didn't do much walking, but just being there flooded each of us with memories of years gone by. The stretch between Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach has changed immensely through the years leaving very few gaps of empty beachfront property. However, when you stand at the very beginning of this stretch in the heart of "Old" Ocean City, you remember it for how it started. Simple, fun, and filled with moments of breathing clean, salty air while strolling the boardwalk with all its amusements as you munch on your fries sprinkled with vinegar. Another time in life when "less was more".

Ocean City Boardwalk
Maryland

THE POINT, Delaware


One morning a few weeks ago, I had an hour to kill in Rehoboth, Delaware. Nearby I noticed a cafe called The Point. It is located where Route 1 and Route 1A meet. Inside I found lots of sweets and drink options, all of them tempting. I bought a croissant and hot tea and sat at one of the tables watching beach traffic, happy to have found this spot for a retreat - or should I say treat! Get the point?

The Point
Route 1 and 1A
Rehoboth, DE
Ph: 302-260-9734



Sunday, September 26, 2010

PAPPARDELLA, New York


Devin and I couldn't decide what we were in the mood to eat, so we kept walking until something struck our fancy. It was a beautiful night for a stroll, our goal being to try a place neither of us has visited. We came upon Pappardella. It's a cozy restaurant that we discovered serves wonderful Italian food in a very warm and friendly environment. Our dinners were delicious; I especially loved my lobster ravioli. If you find yourself on the upper west side with a craving for Italian cuisine, definitely visit this restaurant.

Papparella
316 Columbus Avenue at 75th St.
New York, NY 10023
Ph: 212-595-7996

HI-LIFE, New York


Being a Sinatra lover, this is a great place for me to relax with the perfect martini and think about what it must have been like to experience lounges "back then". In addition to the 1930's decor, there is an authentic sushi bar. The menu is broad and caters to requests from steak, to pasta, to seafood, to sushi. Something for everyone. The demand is great for a neighborhood hangout, it sometimes takes us more than one visit to get seated. Devin and I got lucky last weekend and wrapped up a great day in the "hi life".


HI-LIFE
477 Amsterdam Avenue
at 83rd Street
New York, NY 10024
Ph: 212-787-7199

LIMELIGHT MARKETPLACE, New York

I love walking around Chelsea. Aside from great restaurants, the streets are filled with galleries and places to shop and miscellaneous sites to see. Looking at this picture, would you guess that it houses shops? It was especially surprising to me considering last time I stopped in, someone was using it for a sample sale, not to mention it was one of my dance club haunts in the late seventies. Once inside this very old structure, you enter a very sleek and modern market place filled with a variety of shops offering goods and services. A treat for everyone, but especially those who have seen this building go through some changes.

LIMELIGHT MARKETPLACE
656 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10011
Ph: 212-359-5600

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

CALLE OCHO, New York



Sunday was a perfect day! Or should I say perfecto? I got to New York in time to enjoy one of my favorite brunches with Devin and Christopher. I love Latino inspired restaurants. The music is upbeat, the food is delicious, and don't even get me started about good sangria. This neuvo Latino restaurant is decorated beautifully, the music is just right, the food and drink are delicious, and the service is great. Notice in the picture that it also has a chef with a sense of humor! I always get the same thing, a Cuban version of steak and eggs. Loved it! And, as usual, I visited the sangria bar and chose my favorite roja. The bar is a table featuring about eight pitchers of sangria, blancas and rojas. You can pour as many times as you like which is very easy to do if you're riding the subway and not driving. Sunday Brunch begins at noon and the restaurant is filled in a very short time. Reservations way in advance are a good idea but the experience is definitely worth the wait!

Calle Ocho
446 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10024
Ph: 212-873-5025


Saturday, September 4, 2010

OUTER BANKS, NC


Every year six of us have a fun week together in the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We always vacation together the same week and until this year, we've been pretty lucky. I took this picture the day before we were evacuated because of the threatening Hurricane Earl. We arrived late in the day on Sunday and packed up and shipped out under a mandatory evacuation on Thursday morning. In between, we had three very fun-filled days and nights. Our trip may have been cut short, but our friendships can weather any storm!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

A little Bit of TUSCANY


Zoa has been telling me about a great restaurant on Main Street in Westminster, and tonight I finally met her there to find everything she said to be true. Five of us - Zoa, me, Judy, Cindy, and Kevin - had the opportunity to visit Tuscany with our eyes closed and our mouths full. Owners Rose and Kirk Seaman, came to our table and fascinated us with recounts of their three week trip to Italy. For instance, did you know that a rooster symbol on a bottle of chianti means that it is government approved? They have lots of information to share, not to mention hundreds of corresponding photos. What passion! The menu features various offerings tapas style. It was difficult to make a choice until Rose presented us with a new dish she discovered in Tuscany. OMG! It was so good I knew I had to try more pasta. My choice was exceptional. Agnolotti with pecorino cheese and black truffle shavings in a light cream sauce with peas and mushrooms. Fantastico!


a little bit of TUSCANY
84 E. Main Street
Westminster, MD 21157
P: 410-857-4422

Thursday, June 3, 2010

BLUEGRASS TAVERN, Maryland

When my friends said we were eating dinner at Bluegrass, I couldn't imagine where in Baltimore City it could be located. Turned out to be in the Federal Hill/Locust Point area. This restaurant is small, but you don't feel that with a bar that opens to the outside. Very European. Georgia, Vicki, Marci, and I had a fun time, which wasn't surprising. With good friends, good food, and good wine, how could we miss??


Bluegrass Tavern
1500 S. Hanover Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Ph: 410-244-5101

Sunday, May 30, 2010

SABOR, Maryland


Lizette and I hadn't been out together in ages and we were both in the mood to sit and relax and catch-up. We talked about a few places to not go, and then she came up with the idea of SABOR. It's one of those places that you keep meaning to visit, but don't. Restaurant SABOR is located in Timonium, a few doors away from the ever popular Graul's food market in the Mays Chapel neighborhood. When I got there, she had already gotten our wine corked (byob) and as soon as I sat down I decided it had breathed long enough! Our waiter was very attentive and helpful. I was surprised to see Lizette order the skirt steak, she is usually the dainty fish eater, while I eat what a football player would order. This time we were trading places however, because I ordered the salmon with risotto. Despite our reversed positions, we both loved our dinners. We can now add it to our list of places to go again, which will probably be very soon.


SABOR
12240 Tullamore Road
Timonium, MD 21093
Ph: 410-628-7227

Saturday, May 29, 2010

FIVE, Maryland

All respectable partiers know that Thursday night is the weekend kickoff. Sometimes you want to paint the town red, other times you just want to be out. Such was the case for us this past Thursday. Ed met Bill and I at FIVE, in Timonium, for martini's and burgers. The place was packed, but we managed to get the last tall table near the bar. Although happy hour was over, we still had a fun dinner together. The kitchen also prepares food for Christopher Daniel, a casual upscale restaurant attached to FIVE. You can't lose here, eating on the premises is a win - win!

FIVE
106 W. Padonia Road
Timonium, MD 21093
Ph: 410-308-1800

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

BLUEHILL, Maryland

Lately I've been hearing lots of people talk about how much they like going to bluehill tavern in Canton. I've been meaning to go, but haven't had the opportunity. Until last night, that is. My cousin Lynn and I wanted to go somewhere neither of us has been and this was the perfect choice. We shared a delicious burger and an amazing special featuring grilled shrimp and scallops with rice. In between bites we sipped our margarita martinis and couldn't have been happier. It was the perfect ending to a stressful day, one I would recommend to everyone.


bluehill tavern
938 S. Conkling Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
P: 443-388-9363

Saturday, April 17, 2010

DIABLITA, Maryland

I had a hard day at work today, but managed knowing there was "fun" to look forward to at the end of the day with my friends, Bill and Brian. We used to meet once a month to check out a new restaurant, but time got away from us, so tonight was like "old times". We met at the bar for drinks, my LaDiablita Classic Margarita was excellent. Afterward we were seated in the bar area in a nice, roomy booth. Bill always has the honor of choosing our appetizers and desserts; we started with Braised Beef Nachos. They were delicious, served in a bowl which we found was the perfect serving size for the three of us. No second choice necessary. My entree was the Steak Burrito, accompanied by rice and black beans. It was very good, but I could only eat half and chose to take the remainder home for lunch tomorrow (looking forward to that). Although my stomach was full, I managed to squeeze in a few bites of dessert. Bill chose the Mexican Chocolate Cake and Tres Leches Cake with tequila berries. Bueno with a capital B!!


Diablita
1300 Bank Street, # 120 (at Central Ave)
Baltimore, MD 21231
P: 410-522-0012

Thursday, April 15, 2010

MIA CAROLINA,Maryland


Tonight I met my friend Diana and her twin sister, Lynn (my new friend) for a drink and a bite. They were named after a movie star named Diana Lynn (I am hoping the reason I don't remember her is because I am too young). We went to Mia Carolina in Glyndon Square. When you enter the restaurant, there is a wine shop that carries package goods as well, the bar area directly ahead, and dining rooms beyond that. We never got past the bar, tended by George, who makes eating in his company even more of a pleasure. It turned out to be pizza night for us since we all shared that craving. The other two pizza's looked delicious, but I have to feel that my thin crusted Marechiaro with shrimp, scallop, and crab was the winner. I ate too much but it was so good I couldn't stop. My compliments to Jay Cohen, the owner/chef, who was gracious enough to visit with us before we left. It was a fun night with many more to come. Mia Carolina - Seriously Good!


Mia Carolina
Glyndon Square
4844 Butler Road
Glyndon, MD 21071
P: 410-526-5711

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

CAPE HENLOPEN, Delaware


April is a great month to visit Delaware beaches. The sky is blue, the air is fresh, you can walk in shorts and a sweater, and school is still in session so there are no major crowds. Cape Henlopen is an oldie, but goodie. A great park for all kinds of activities and a beach for sea shell collecting. Entrance is under ten dollars per car, a real steal considering all that is available. Definitley add it to your list of places to spend a day at the shore.


Cape Henlopen
42 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE 19958
P: 302-645-8983

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

JAKE'S, Delaware

Once a month, my cousin Lynn and I visit her Dad in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. And, once a month, the three of us go to our favorite sports bar - Jake's. He frequents there regularly so it's a place we can go where everyone know us. Afterall, don't we all want our own "Cheers"? We sit at the bar just like Norm and enjoy every moment of the experience. Good food, good drinks, good company, and several tv's displaying various games. The only thing missing was a win from the Orioles!




Jake's
Highway One
19178 Coastal Highway
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
P: 302-644-7711

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

b, Maryland

Tonight was a fun night at b, a bistro in Bolton Hill in Baltimore City. I met my friends Marguerite, Georgia, Robin, Diane, and Susan to celebrate Marguerite's birthday. We had a real girls' night out, with great conversation and laughter. My octopus risotto was excellent and everyone seemed to enjoy their selections as well. This restaurant is not large, but each time we visit b, we manage to be comfortably seated in the corner. Or, could they be trying to hide us??

b Bistro
1501 Bolton Street
Baltimore, MD 21217
P: 410-383-8600

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

SARABETH'S, New York


This is a wonderful restaurant in New York's Upper West Side. It's always crowded and hard to get seated, but today my brother Steve and I got lucky. Breakfast was terrific with equally good service. Sometimes we try to eat dinner there with my son Devin, but usually we are too hungry to wait for a table. It can get loud accoustically, but it's a fun, happening spot. Definitely give it a try.

Sarabeth's
423 Amsterdam Avenue
At 80th Street
New York, NY 10024
P: 212-787-9655

SEVEN, New York


This is a great restaurant to visit on your way to the train station or the megabus stop. It's perfect if you find yourself in that neighborhood a little early and want to sit down and rest a few minutes with some good food and a drink. Today, my brother and I plopped on the sofas near the window and did just that! The servers were attentive, helpful, and friendly. I love the ambience there, it reminds me of restaurants in the fifties. A real classic!


Seven Bar and Grill
350 7th Avenue
Between 29th and 30th Streets
New York, NY 10001
P: 212-967-1919

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

TALARA, Maryland




Last night I met my friends Vicki and Joanna at a new hot spot in the Harbor East (HE) neighborhood in Baltimore. The restaurant features Latin American tapas, specializing in ceviche offerings. We ate at the bar and shared three great choices. I would definitely recommend the "shrimp pot" even though you won't find it on the menu. It had an amazing sauce for dipping once you've eaten the shrimp! In addition to food and house specialty drinks, this restaurant offers events. Almost every night there is a special treat, Monday it was free salsa lessons at 9pm. Next time I may have to eat there in my dancing shoes!

Talara
615 President Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Ph: 410-528-9883

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

SEVEN WEST, Maryland


Met my new friend Teri at 7W tonight for a burger and some wine. She owns "Tease Me Salon" and is a neighbor to this fun restaurant on Chesapeake Avenue in Towson. Seven West is a great place to meet friends for delicious appetizers, but the burgers are so good, I couldn't resist. The bar area is huge with tall tables on three sides and you can sit with your friends and chat without feeling cramped. There is more seating in the back, but I prefer sitting up front. The staff aims to please and as of yet, I have found no reason to not go there. Give it a try, I think you'll become a fan.

7W
7 West Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
P: 410-337-WEST

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

JESSE WONG'S KITCHEN, Maryland


When this restaurant opened in the Hunt Valley Center, my friend Lizette and I had a nice lunch there together. Last week, my brother Steve and I went there for dinner because I found them on Restaurant.com and purchased a voucher. Our entrees were good, but my favorite part of our visit was the live music. How many times do you go to an Asean restaurant that has a guy beautifully playing classics? What a treat to hear Sinatra music while eating sushi and pad thai! It was my pleasure to drop a tip in his jar on the piano, and speaking of that, come on people! That guy was playing his heart out and no one seemed to even notice. I for one appreciated his efforts and wish everyone the enjoyment of good music with good food.

Jesse Wong's Kitchen
118 Shawan Rd.
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
P: 410-329-1088

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

SOTTO SOPRA, Maryland



Tonight was the perfect night! Good friends, good food, good time! Vicki, Georgia, Marguerite, (and Marci, in spirit) treated me to a fun night out with a belated birthday celebration. It certainly took the sting out of getting older. Sotto Sopra is a wonderful restaurant on any night, but tonight was even more special. It was "Broadway Night" featuring vocalists Mary Reilly, Lonny Smith, and Katie Hale with James Fitzpatrick, the Music Director and Accompanist. Our table was near the stage area which I loved. Several times I've visited establishments in New York on a "dark night" to hear Broadway performers sing, and tonight was my opportunity to experience this fun event Baltimore style. The six course dinner started with carrot and ginger soup, followed by roasted pear and brie salad with chestnut honey vinaigrette, wild mushroom risotto with grilled shrimp, pink champagne sorbetto, grilled hanger steak with celeriac puree and tomato relish, and gianduja pot du creme. Marguerite, who writes for "WineReviewOnline.com" chose our wines which is always a real treat for me. It was an evening for which I am very grateful!

Sotto Sopra
405 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
P: 410-625-0534

Monday, February 15, 2010

IRISH EYES, Delaware




If you've ever visited Lewes, Delaware, you probably know about Irish Eyes. It's the restaurant that has burned down and been rebuilt twice. Surely, its determined owner must believe "the third time's a charm"! As one who has been there several times throughout its history, I can say it is now at its best. While the food is very good, I most love eating lunch while overlooking the pier. There's something mesmerizing about watching water - any time of the year. Yesterday, my cousin Lynn and I went there for lunch with her father, my Uncle Ed. We had a nice lunch together as the blue water rippled against the snow covered pier. Last week the shoreline received over two feet of snow providing very different scenery for us. It was a great day for Irish Eyes burger lovers.


Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant
213 Anglers Road
Lewes, Delaware 19958
Ph: 302-645-6888















Saturday, January 23, 2010

THE GRILL AT HARRYMAN HOUSE, Maryland


This is a favorite meeting place for my friend Zoa and I to unwind after a long day at work. It's geographically convenient from both work and home for each of us. As nice as that is, the food is even better! The bar is always busy, as are the intimate dining areas scattered throughout. We can always count on having an enjoyable evening whether we're eating a complete dinner or munching on a burger. In addition to good food, the servers are attentive and friendly, giving us no reason to meet elsewhere!


The Grill at Harryman House
340 Main Street
Reisterstown, MD 21136
P: 410-833-8850

Viva Las Vegas!




Last week my brother Steve, my sister Carol, my cousin Lynn, and I zipped out to Las Vegas for three days to catch Bette Midler's show at Caesar's Palace. She was amazing! We had a great trip and even though we came home empty-handed, it was a real treat! While we were there, we ventured down to the "Old Strip" for a peek at the original Vegas. We treated ourselves to a delicious dinner in the Ranch Steakhouse on the 24th floor of Binion's Horseshoe Hotel and Casino. It was hard to believe we were anywhere near a desert with all the twinkling lights all around below. I couldn't help but picture The Rat Pack sitting at our table at a time when more than the steaks were sizzling!

Binion's Horseshoe Hotel and Casino
128 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
P: 702-380-0952