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