It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Hampden in Baltimore. Devin and I thought we would grab some lunch and walk around and maybe see some good "finds". It was "Support your Small Business Day" so the streets were crowded. The main street in this neighborhood is 36th Street, also known as "The Avenue". On "The Avenue" sit several restaurants and many stores of interest. Since Baltimore is known for its Hons , we decided to first eat at Cafe Hon and then browse their gift shop Hon Town across the street. It was a fun day, one to be repeated any day of the week, any chance we get.
Town Dock is located in St. Michael's on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It's a wonderful place to sit by the peaceful water or browse lots of shops throughout the town. My brother and I spent several enjoyable hours there last weekend. We started out sitting on a dock at the Crab Claw Restaurant, eating a crab cocktail, drinking margaritas, and watching folks feed the ducks nearby. Afterward, we strolled through the historic town and chose to eat dinner on the deck of the Town Dock Restaurant. It was a beautiful night and our food was delicious. We chose two entree's to share, seafood risotto and scallops with polenta. Both were excellent, but rich. Neither of us could eat dessert. The restaurant sits in three levels facing the water. The bar sits above the inside restaurant area which sits above the outside seating area. It's a great place to satisfy patrons with diversified tastes.
I've never been a vegetarian, but tonight's dinner certainly made that appealling. My brother Steve, took me to Great Sage in Clarksville Square, also considered Conscious Corner. There are several stores in this group committed to natural and healthy living. The restaurant sits on the corner with outside seating on a quaint patio with lighting. We chose to eat inside because of the humidity, but sat by the window so we could enjoy the view. Our dinners were delicious. Both of us ordered gluten free choices as there were several on the menu. We started with warm rice bread and drank white home made Sangria. For entrees, Steve got the "crab cake" and I got the Thai "chicken" salad. Both were excellent. We shared a chocolate mousse (also gluten free) for dessert. It was a very filling and fulfilling experience, one that we will definitely repeat.
After brunch, Devin and Christopher and I decided to stroll through Central Park and go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit. There was a forty minute wait, but it was a little price to pay to see his fascinating creations. Afterward, we ventured to the roof where there is a bar so you can sit, sip, and relax outside with a great view.
Last weekend Devin and Christopher and I tried a new brunch spot. We love walking around the Upper West side, trying different restaurants whenever we can. There was outside seating and since it was filled (and I like air conditioning) we went inside. We loved the decor - very fun. Our brunch included one drink which we appreciated since that's not the case everywhere. The food was delicious. In fact, my eggs/salmon benedict may have been the best I've ever eaten. I would definitely recommend it. We enjoyed a leisurely afternoon there, it was the perfect place to start our day.
It was Fathers Day weekend in Rehoboth, Delaware and our group needed a place to meet for lunch. Big Fish Grill sits on Rte 1 and was easy for all of us to find. Our food was delicious and the service was friendly. The big hit at our table was fried oysters. FYI, I don't know about other desserts, but the bread pudding is way too large for one person. All of us agreed we would return, maybe next time for dinner. Also, there is an adjoining small market for carryout meats and seafood. As I sat in our booth looking at all the fish hanging around a room filled with ceiling fans, I couldn't help but think they could have named it Big Fish Casablanca.
Love cabaret dining? Then you'll love Germano's. Vicki and Doc invited us to join them last Sunday evening and were we glad we could. Mary Reilly performed her "Here We Are At Last" repitoire for a packed house. Our table was perfectly positioned for her show. The wine was good and the food was great, but the company surpassed them both. It was a great night for those who love wining, dining, and entertainment! Checkout their website, http://www.germanostrattoria.com/ , they offer four different performances weekly. Look for me there when you go!
Several years ago Robin and Bob introduced us to The Oyster Shell, a modest little restaurant that serves amazing fried soft crabs. We went for lunch and loved every bite. It was a fried culinary delight, one that we don't treat ourselves to every day. The fried clam strips were a perfect appetizer that lead to our fried soft crab sandwich entree, followed by one slice of homemade pecan pie with four forks. Wow! I haven't found another place that can equal the food here, not even in Maryland, a seafood state. Oyster Shell, I shall return sooner or later! Hopefully sooner.
You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream!! This holds true in Florida, maybe even more so. At the end of a fun day in the sun, there's nothing better than eating your favorite flavor of homemade ice cream. For me, that would be chocolate peanut butter. I'm usually a Hershey's fan and was somewhat skeptical when I saw it in the cooler at Royal Scoops. Still, with two lines reaching the front door, I figured chances were pretty good it was going to make me happy. And it did. Don't let the lines scare you, it's worth the wait!
While experiencing the Lower East Side, six of us (me, Steve, Devin, Christopher, Schuyler, and Ron) enjoyed dinner at Schiller's. It was a comfortable restaurant filled with what I'm thinking were mostly locals. I love places that tourists don't necessarily know about. The menu was interesting and allowed us to make wine choices by color, caliber, and quantity. I ordered the seared salmon with tomato, coconut and cilantro over basmati rice. Very tasty. We all loved our dinners and enjoyed being together at our table against the wall where we could look out at happy people.
Usually when in New York, I find myself hanging
As you know, one of my favorite culinary delights is brunch. I love the combination of breakfast food and lunch food, not to mention adding afternoon champagne to breakfast orange juice. Six of us (me, Steve, Devin, Christopher, Beth, and Neal) met for brunch at Highpoint, a relatively new bistro in Chelsea. We sat up front which was perfect. I love to watch the comings and goings of the front door versus the kitchen door. Our server took great care of us and made us feel welcome. After we ordered, we were given a complimentary order of house-made donuts. Nice touch. Our food arrived and was very good, I especially loved my Steak-n-Eggs. The eggs were sitting on spinach next to shoestring fries, holandaise, and steak so tender I only used my fork. We ordered three sides for the table (they were 3 for $10) and loved them all. None of us could eat dessert, which I'm sure must be equally delicious. I would recommend a reservation, I know I will be making another!
