COSTA'S INN, Maryland

Today I took my "twin mothers", Vete and Rete, to my favorite place that serves steamed crabs. Costa's is located on the east side of Baltimore off the beatin' path, but it attracts folks from all over the state. It's one of the few restaurants that accepts reservations for in-house crab dining, not to mention year round. There is a full menu, but steamed crab lovers rarely utilize it. If you've never tasted steamed blue crabs, this restaurant is the perfect place to treat yourself to this experience. If you're already a fan, it's still the perfect place!

Costa's Inn Restaurant

4100 N. Point Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21222

P: 410-477-1975

RUTH'S CHRIS, Maryland

I normally don't write about chain or franchise restaurants, but my experience in the bar at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Pikesville was too good to be excluded. It's a great place to sit at the bar or in a booth in the bar with friends after work to unwind with a drink and a bite. The restaurant is upscale with a dress code, but the bar area is relaxed and bustling (yes, it can be both). Last night I went there with my friends Christy, Zoa, and Amy. We sat at the bar and had a wonderful time together. Christy got Oysters Rockefeller, Zoa got a sushi grade tuna salad, Amy got the filet trio, and I got my old standby - a caesar salad with steak (who wants chicken in a steak house)? Our food was delicious and we had a good time telling stories and laughing (don't worry Zoa, your story is safe). Several of Amy's friends came in, not a surprise since this is a popular neighborhood meeting place. Who knows, maybe one day someone I know will walk in the door! Could I be the next Norm of "Cheers"?

Ruth's Chris Steak House

1777 Reisterstown Road

Pikesville, Maryland 21208

P: 410-837-0033

COOKSHOP, New York

My friends, Georgia and Vicki, and I arrived at the Cookshop a little before 11am, our reservation time. We had just survived a crazy cab ride and deserved a rewarding brunch. Located on Tenth Avenue in Chelsea, it looked very promising with lots of folks waiting for the doors to open. We were seated by the window which was perfect because it gave us a peek at the High Line right across the street. We chose to forego bloody marys and mimosas since we partied hearty in the Village the previous night. Our brunch selections were wonderful, but for me the breads were the highlight. My skittle eggs wouldn't have been the same without the semolina-raisin toast. Georgia loved the coffee, and not being a coffee drinker, that's good enough for me. All in all, we enjoyed our brunch experience and appreciated the opportunity to once again share good food with good company.

Cookshop

156 Tenth Avenue (at 20th St)

New York, NY 10011

P: 212-924-4440

BAZZINI, New York

Stumbled onto this place this afternoon strolling through Tribeca. From the outside, I thought it was a restaurant, but once inside, I realized it was a market place with an eating area. Bazzini is most known for its nuts, but has expanded and offers lots of gourmet culinary options. You can browse through what seemed like a zillion bottled drinks, order your salad custom made, buy food prepared or ready to prepare, choose from barrels of coffees, and spend countless minutes trying to decide which of their nut offerings suits your craving. If you wanted, you could buy your lunch and walk a block or so and picnic on the Hudson River. How amazing is that??

Bazzini
339 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013
P: 212-334-1280

ELMO, New York

I always love my visits at the elmo restaurant in Chelsea. Sometimes for lunch, sometimes for dinner, doesn't matter - it's always fun! The food is so good I don't limit myself to a favorite. My brother Steve and I ate lunch outside today. We started with the gulf shrimp "popcorn style" with cornmeal batter and chipotle aioli. (see photo). Note: This is an especially good option for folks with celiac sprue diets since most restaurants serve shrimp in floured batters. There are many entree choices; today I ordered the grilled atlantic salmon blt on toasted multigrain bread. The best!! Don't let the photo trick you into thinking this is a calm environment. There is a lot of energy bursting outside from those open windows and entrance way. Inside is a thunderous environment equal to any South Beach club/restaurant. The music is blaring and the later it gets, the louder the audience. Very hip and groovy with lots of people watching opportunities.

elmo
156 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10011
P: 212-337-8000

THE HARRISON, New York

I couldn't get to New York fast enough to meet my two friends, Vicki and Georgia, for dinner at the Harrison restaurant in Tribeca. We had 9pm reservations and I just about rolled out of my cab as it approached the corner of Greenwich and Harrison streets. Found my friends so pleased at the bar we decided to sit there for dinner. My favorite appetizer was the house made ricotta gnocchi with sugar snap peas and asparagus butter. They were exactly like our bartender described them - "pillows". We loved our salmon and snapper entrees and savored our dinner together occasionally toasting with a great wine. Yum. The best part for me was knowing that I would be eating in Jimmy Bradley's other great restaurant the following night. Stay tuned for my Red Cat experience.

the Harrison
355 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013
p: 212-274-9310

PEPPERMILL, Maryland

Once or twice a month I meet my in-laws for lunch. We try to choose a restaurant halfway between us which usually takes us to the Peppermill on York Road near the beltway. We seem to order the same things most visits, mine fluctuating between the shrimp salad club and the grilled chicken caesar salad. Service is dependable there and the food is always delicious. The audience is greatly comprised of elderly folks, probably a lot of them are loyal patrons since its opening in 1982. My father in law told me his friends call it "God's Waiting Room" which is pretty funny. For me, it's a relaxing, enjoyable lunch spot for me to enjoy two people I don't get to see that often. Not to mention it's a place I can go and feel young!

The Peppermill

1301 York Road

Lutherville, MD 21093

P: 410-583-1107

JULIE & JULIA

Can't resist raving about this movie. It was such a pleasure to watch two true stories ping-pong style. One minute you're immersed in Julia Child's life and the next you're catching up with Julie Powell. They are both determined women who succeed in their goals despite setbacks throughout the movie. It only takes a few minutes for Meryl Streep to have you believing you are watching Julia Child; as usual, she was great. And Amy Adams makes you want to be at Julie's table every night for dinner to give her a high-five and enjoy her masterpiece meals.

The movie was extremely entertaining and I left in awe of both women. As a new blogger, Julie Powell is now my inspiration. Julie, if only you would follow my blog - you are my Julia Child!

CENTENNIAL PARK, Maryland

My cousin Lynn and I decided to take a stroll around Centennial Lake while my brother did some kayaking with his IPOD. It's a beautiful park in Howard County so we thought the trek would be a "walk in the park". Hah! Little did we know it was about two and a half miles around the lake back to our starting point. It was a warm afternoon and we're both out of shape - a bad combination. We kept asking people on the path how far away the boathouse was, getting various answers, none being the one we wanted (near). So, we kept walking knowing going back was already too far. When we finally got back to the boathouse, our faces were beet red and our clothes were wet from dousing ourselves with our water bottles. We were the poster children for "get in the gym". And, to get humbled even more, we couldn't get over how this really old guy had passed us on the path twice!

There are four entrances to the park, each leading to various facilities. You can hike, rent a boat, cast for fish, play a sport, have a picnic, and enjoy wildlife. There's plenty to see and do!

Centennial Park

Off Route 108

Ellicott City, Maryland 21042

p: 410-313-4700

TIO PEPE, Maryland

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore! When I was fourteen, my Spanish teacher took our class to this restaurant as a Spanish lesson, we were not allowed to speak any English. I immediately fell in love with everything and have continued to keep it one of my special occasion destinations.

Located in Baltimore's Mt. Vernon neighborhood, this restaurant attracts locals and visitors wanting lunch or dinner to be "special". Many diners accompany the fine Spanish cuisine with a pitcher of Sangria. Hmmmm, my favorite way to eat fruit. If you know anyone who frequents this restaurant, you will surely hear about their "favorites" (things like the shrimp in garlic appetizer or the paella or the scallops in champagne sauce or the pine nut roll). My brother and sister and I decided to make our dinner even more special than usual and asked about lobster options not on the menu. The waiter said they were out of "Lobster Cardinale", but the chef recommended "3 O 3". We were intrigued and all ordered it. What we got was amazing. Crab, shrimp, and lobster mixed together in champagne sauce served with rice and vegetables. Wow! I brought some of my dinner home and savored it tonight, just as much the second time! It's a must for anyone who wants to make their dining experience a special occasion. p.s. Reservations are a must.

Tio Pepe

10 E. Franklin Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

p: 410-539-4675

NACHO MAMA'S, Maryland

Buenos dias! Celebrated my brother's Big 50 this past week at several restaurants. He loves the crab nachos at Nacho Mama's in Canton, so away we went. As usual, there was a wait list for a booth (they don't take reservations), but their margaritas helped make waiting bearable. Unlike many Mexican restaurants, the decor here is extremely eclectic and very Baltimore. You need to see it to believe it.

Dress is very casual, it's a fun spot to let your hair down and just have a good time. Portions are big, be hungry.

Muy bueno!!

Nacho Mama's

2907 O'Donnell Street

Canton, Maryland 21224

p: 410-675-0898

BLUESTONE, Maryland

Sunday Brunch - one of my favorite times of the week. Today was especially fun because I shared this time with my brother Steve and my friend Lizette at Bluestone. Good food, good mimosas, good company, good time.

The menu specializes in seafood offerings with crab cakes that are hard to resist. An additional brunch menu is offered and in effect until Labor Day. You get three courses for just under thirty dollars (drinks not included). We considered that a deal and definitely got our money's worth. So much, that none of us could breathe as we walked to the car. I still haven't mastered the art of putting down the fork when I start to feel full. Does anyone have a place for me to review that teaches this lesson?

BLUESTONE
11 W. Aylesbury Road
Timonium, MD 21093
p: 410-561-1100

DRAGON BEST, Maryland

Like a pearl in an oyster, this little sushi spot is hidden in Woodholme Square off Reisterstown Road. The restaurant is small in size with a few tables for seating and a counter for their carryout/delivery service. The menu offers Chinese and Japanese cuisines, sushi being my first choice. Today I ordered one of my favorites - the Pikesville Maki. These rolls are lower and wider, filled with shrimp and crab meat with an avocado nestled inside. If this doesn't appeal to your sushi senses, there are 54 other Maki options. Let the good times "roll" !

DRAGON BEST

Woodholme Square

1860 - C Reisterstown Road

Pikesville, MD 21208

p: 410-602-2208

SNYDER'S WILLOW GROVE, Maryland

An Oldie but a Goodie. Don't let the outside appearance stop you from thinking it's not interesting. Inside there are two dining rooms that take you back to 1975 while you enjoy some pretty good dinners. Our favorites are fried shrimp and the open steak sandwich. I'm mentioning this because just today I was talking with a friend and not only did this restaurant come up, but so did those very two entrees. Seems four of us always order those same two selections. I'm wondering what Kevin Bacon would order????

This restaurant has a history of perserverance. It opened in 1937, was destroyed by a fire in 1944 and reopened across the street (photo). It was remodeled in 1964 and then again in 1972 after it was damaged by Hurricane Agnes. Then it was remodeled again in 1975 because of water damage sustained from Hurricane Eloise.

I used to go there with my Dad in the 70's and sitting in the dining room with the green leaf wall paper is very comforting to me. When I look around the room, I think I am not the only one. If you've never been there, look forward to a blast from the past with good food for today.

SNYDER'S WILLOW GROVE

841 N. Hammonds Ferry Road

Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

p: 410-789-1149

TEXAS de BRAZIL, Florida

Who would guess that you can satisfy your carniverous cravings in the Sunshine State? When I think about Florida, orange juice and Disney World and bathing suits come to mind. When I think about meat in Florida, I wonder about alligator - not beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and sausage. Going to this Brazilian-style all-you-can eat restaurant is a fun experience. Gauchos (carvers) come to your table offering choice cuts of various grilled meats. In addition to these offerings, there is a 50-item "salad bar" with something for everyone. My family frequents this restaurant during our annual trip to Orlando and each time, we swear we are not going to eat as much as we did "last year". I'd like to say that this year we accomplished that, but everything was so good, no can do.

FYI: This is a fixed-price dinner which could be considered moderately expensive once beverages, desserts, tax, and gratuity are added.


TEXAS de BRAZIL
5259 International Drive
Orlando, Florida
p: 407-355-0355

THE HIGH LINE, New York

Walking the streets of New York City is one of my favorite things to do. There's so much to take in and it's so much more interesting than walking on a treadmill facing the wall in a gym (not that I would know). Recently I discovered the High Line, a former elevated freight railroad track that has been partially rejuvenated and newly opened in June, 2009. Located on the West Side of Manhattan, you can walk a little over a mile with the city landscape on all sides. It's a real treat to see Manhattan architectures, the Hudson River, and the Jersey coastline all in such a short span. In two places, the park travels under and through buildings. There are many benches for soaking up the ambiance as well as a stadium style bleacher area overlooking traffic. This wild flower filled attraction screams eclecticity!

The High Line

Manhattan's West Side

From West 20th St. in Chelsea to Gansevort St. in the Meatpacking District

THE BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT, New York

I took this picture of the Boathouse Restaurant from our boat as my strapping brother, Steve, rowed me around The Lake in Central Park. It was a beautiful morning to sit and take in the sights, not to mention watching him "heave-ho" helped me work up an appetite. Afterward, we turned-in the boat, went next door to the restaurant, and got in line to receive a little disk that we were told would signal us in an hour and a half to tell us that our table was ready. Normally an hour and a half would seem like an eternity, however there is a lovely little bar on the adjoining pier with terrific mimosa's. After two rounds and a spill (I swear the wind knocked it over), our buzzing disk beckoned us to the restaurant and we were immediately seated. We had a great table for two facing out to the water. We could see the reflection of the waves dancing on the ceiling, the blue sky spotted with white puffs, majestic building tops, plush green trees, and the lake with all it's boaters. The perfect view! Our waiter took great care of us bringing us various breads, delicious appetizers and wonderful entrees, giving us even more reasons to not be in a hurry (notice I'm not mentioning drinks). It was the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in New York City.

The Boathouse Restaurant

East 72nd St and Park Drive North

Central Park, NY

P: 212-517-2233