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

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

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

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

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