GREAT SAGE, Maryland

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.

GREAT SAGE
5809 Clarksville Square
Clarksville, MD 21029
PH: 443-535-9400

KEFI, New York

KEFI, located on the Upper West Side, turned out to be a gem. If you like Greek cuisine, you will like this restaurant. Devin and Christopher and I ate downstairs and thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. We shared delicious appetizers followed by delicious entrees. The desserts at the next table looked wonderful, but we were all too full to make an attempt. The service was equally satisfying and we will definitely be returning.

KEFI
505 Columbus Avenue at 84th Street
New York, NY 10024
PH: 212-873-0200

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, New York

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.

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
New York, NY 10028
PH: 212-535-7710

OCEAN GRILL, New York

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.


OCEAN GRILL
384 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY
PH: 212-579-2300

BIG FISH GRILL, Delaware

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.

BIG FISH GRILL
20298 Coastal Highway
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
PH: 302-227-FISH

GERMANO'S, Maryland

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!

Germano's Trattoria
300 S. High Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
PH: 410-752-4515

KATHRYN'S, North Carolina

Every year, fourteen to sixteen of us meet at this restaurant for dinner to kick-off a few days of vacation together. While the food is delicious, I love the martini bar the most! Other than my friend Brian, nobody makes a better Cosmopolitan!! Kathryn's is located on Emerald Isle, a perfect place for an Ocean escape. You don't want to go there without stopping here first.






Kathryn's Bistro & Martini Bar
8002 Emerald Drive
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
PH: 252-354-6200

TAMARIND, New York

Looking for upscale Indian cuisine? This would be the place. The food, service, and ambiance are equally wonderful. Steve, Lynn, and I had a wonderful lunch here and it is on our list of places to try for dinner. Do stay tuned.

Tamarind
41-43 E 22nd Street
New York, NY 10010
PH: 212-674-7400

MAX BRENNER, New York

I recently found a fun chocolate store while strolling the streets of New York. The eye catcher was The Bald Man logo. Inside is a chocolate mixer, a well stocked retail area, and a restaurant. A great place to stop if you need a chocolate fix, something I need often.

Max Brenner

Chocolate By The Bald Man
841 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
PH: 212-388-0030

THE OYSTER SHELL, Florida

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.

The Oyster Shell
Cypress Square
13451-10 McGregor Blvd.
Ft Myers, Florida 33900
PH: 239-481-2040

ROYAL SCOOP, Florida

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!


Royal Scoop
15 8th Street, # D
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
PH: 239-992-2000

HANDSOME HARRY'S, Florida

Last weekend was fun filled with my friends Robin and Bob in their neighborhood - Ft. Myers, Florida. We're pretty familiar with each other having been friends since the early 70's, and although computers and phones have helped us stay connected, there's nothing like a visit. One of our nights, we dined at Handsome Harry's in Naples, Florida. It was located on a street filled with fun places for the hip and groovy. We had a drink at the bar and then were seated outside, perfect since it was a beautiful evening. The food was equally good, making our night out even more special.

Handsome Harry's
1205 Third Street South
Naples, Florida 34102
PH: 239-434-6400

BOATYARD, Maryland

Each time I walk around the waterfront community in Annapolis, I realize I don't get there nearly enough. Last week I met my friend Mary at the Boatyard for lunch. It was a clear day, perfect for walking outside around the water's edge. We were surrounded by homes, restaurants, shops, marinas, and the Naval Academy. Lunch at the Boatyard was wonderful. The menu is extensive, be prepared to need some time to narrow-down your choices. Our food was great and our server was friendly and helpful. I am looking forward to returning this summer when the weather is better and the harbor is filled with boats.


BOATYARD BAR & GRILL
400 Fourth Street, Eastport
Annapolis, MD 21403
PH: 410-216-6206

MIGUEL'S, Maryland

Bill, Brian, Bill, and I had fun tonight at Miguel's in Silo Point, in Baltimore. The maragaritas were flowing and we chatted over chips and salsa, three appetizers, entrees, and two desserts. Our food was good, and plentiful. Even though my enchilada was covered in a wonderful mole, I think the "winner" was Bill's pork that was cooked with Coca Cola. Muy bueno. As the evening progressed, the restaurant filled completely. After eating there tonight, it was easy to see why.


MIGUEL'S
Silo Point Condos
1200 Steuart Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
PH: 443-438-3139

GABRIELA'S, New York

Mexican food is one of my favorites! And Gabriela's confirmed that. Steve and David and I decided to try a restaurant new to us for dinner on Valentine's Day and we weren't disappointed. Our margarita's were wonderful and my entree was delicious! I ordered an enchilada special that included three different enchiladas (chicken, cheese, and beef) covered in three different sauces (red, sour cream, and verde). The flags were a surprise (photo). We left pleasantly filled and agreed that love was definitely in the air - for Mexican food that is!


Gabriela's
688 Columbus Avenue
At 93rd Street
New York, NY 10025
PH: 212-961-9600

EATALY, New York

What does Eataly have in common with Italy?? Lots! Eataly is a huge market that offers gourmet Italian cuisine that can be eaten on premise or taken out. I saw five different locations for eating in and all were filled with people who appeared to be loving their lunches. There was an entire wall of olive oils (photo), a bread market (photo), cheese markets, seafood, meats, an espresso stand, gourmet pastries, wine, and more. You could spend an entire afternoon exploring everything this building has to offer. It is a "must see". Know that I will be going there again when I have more time to browse with hands free to buy!


Eataly
200 Fifth Avenue (and 23rd St)
New York, NY 10010
PH: 212-229-2560

SCHILLER"S, New York

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.

Schiller's
131 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002
PH: 212-260-4555

ESSEX, New York

Usually when in New York, I find myself hanging
around the West Side. But this time, we ventured to the Lower East Side for a happy hour and dinner. Devin and Christopher suggested Essex for happy hour since they are "regulars" there. We parked ourselves at the bar (Devin, Christopher, Steve, Schulyer, Ron, and me) and had a great time. Drinks were half price from 6 to 9pm (every Sunday through Thursday) which meant my cosmo's were $5 - a real deal anywhere. As I sat at the bar, I couldn't help but notice the wall treatment next to me. I loved the way the light reflected off tennis balls that were glued to the wall and painted to match. Very simple, clever, and fun. In fact, I think FUN sums it up regarding our ESSEX happy hour!

Essex
120 Essex Street
New York, NY 10002
PH: 212-533-9616

HIGHPOINT BISTRO AND BAR, New York

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!


Highpoint Bistro and Bar
216 7th Ave
(Between 23rd and 22nd Streets)
New York, NY 10020
PH: 646-410-0120

CATONSVILLE GOURMET, Maryland

I've heard good things about the Catonsville Gourmet, and last night I finally got there when I met my friends Vicki, Clare, and Andrea for dinner. The place was very crowded considering we met early (6:15ish). Our table was located in the front room next to the bar area. In the rear area there were more tables and a fresh market where you can purchase seafood and cuts of meat to go. It can get a little noisy, a few times I had to lean in to hear, but that seems to be the case in many smaller restaurants. Andrea brought wine for us since it's a BYOB establishment. We got caught up and loved our dinners in the process. I ordered the rockfish with pistachio crust and Asian BBQ sauce. It was excellent. For dessert, we sampled the Smith Island cake which I believe is the "state cake". That plate got returned to the kitchen almost clean. The experience was a good one. Their company is always good and the delicious dinner completed the treat!


Catonsville Gourmet
829 Frederick Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
PH: 410-788-0005

BASTA PASTA, Maryland

Saturday night Bill and I met Dave and Judy for a casual dinner at Basta Pasta in Timonium. None of us had been there so it was a group adventure. We had a reservation and after a friendly greeting , we were seated promptly. On our way to our table, I noticed the huge bar was filled with folks eating and not just drinking. As each party around us was served, we stretched our necks to see what looked good. Our waiter was attentive and helpful, without being over-bearing. I figured since we were dining Italian, I might start with wine, but when Judy ordered a cosmo (a new twist), I had to have one too. The salad came Olive Garden style with warm bread. Our entrees were great, I think Judy's Chicken Chesapeake was the big winner, even though Bill raved about his Shrimp Scampi because it wasn't drowning in sauce . We were too full for dessert, which means we cleaned our plates. All in all, it was a favorable experience - one that we will most likely repeat.

Basta Pasta
60 W. Timonium Road
Timonium, MD 21093
PH: 410-308-0838

CHOCOLATEA, Maryland

Today I treated myself to lunch at one of my new favorite lunch spots - Chocolatea. I had an appointment in the area and took advantage of a few extra minutes afterward. Chocolatea is several years old, but only recently have my friend Marilynn and I become fans. It's a cozy little cafe inside the Ambassader building that makes you "feel at home". The menu is great and the food is equally wonderful. I recommend the tuna melt if you're ordering warm, and the salmon avocado wrap if not. I've had my eye on the teriyaki rice bowls and the noodle bowls, but old habits are hard to break (even though they are new). The selection of teas is amazing, not to mention the variety of swiss truffles neatly arranged in the glass display. I understand that from 4 to 6pm on weekdays, they offer Tealax (tea and dumplings at special prices). Definitley on my list of things to do!

CHOCOLATEA
3811 Canterbury Rd
corner of 39th & Canterbury inside Ambassador Apts.
Baltimore, MD 21218
PH: 410-366-0095

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!