Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Loretta Jergensen

LITTLE HAVANA RESTAURANTE y CANTINA
1325 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD
410-837-9903
Visit this neighborly haunt in Federal Hill and enjoy a different brunch experience. Once a warehouse, Little Havana is a spunky spot with a lot of funk. The wait staff is quite friendly and more than willing to help you choose a delicious Cuban-inspired brunch dish. A favorite dish is the Tortilla de Cangrejos (a crabmeat omelet), combining eggs with crabmeat, onion, peppers, and tomato-a true Cuban experience. Another popular dish is the Pisto Manchego (scrambled eggs Spanish style), scrambled eggs with chorizo ham, shrimp, potatoes, onions, peppers, and peas. All brunch entrees are $10.95 each, which is heavy on fun dining, but light on the wallet.

by Loretta Chilcoat Jergensen

SUSHI HANA
6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, MD 410-823-0372
Just a few miles north of downtown, the secret of Sushi Hana is getting out. Patrons are greeted by a soothing Koi pond, before choosing between the bright, main dining room or the dimly lit (and more intimate) adjoining one just a few steps up, which also has the bar and a few televisions. Devotees of Po Chen and his clever sushi chefs know the best rolls are not on the menu, nor on the special board—one of their most popular rolls is the Monster Roll (avocado, yellowtail and cream cheese, then dropped in tempura batter and served warm). Great presentation, fat maki rolls and the freshest nigiri that melts in your mouth make this restaurant a standout among the dearth of sushi joints in the area.

by Amy Cynkar
TIO PEPE
10 East Franklin Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Pepe’s intimate Spanish basement setting works extremely well with the restaurant’s regional Spanish cuisine, making it one the most popular, and on weekends, one of the most crowded spots in the city. Start off with a glass or two of their famous red or white fruit-infused sangria, followed shortly by the very flavorful Seafood Bisque. You won’t be disappointed with the tasty Paella a la Valenciana, a saffron-seasoned Spanish rice dish with chicken, veal, lobster, chorizo, shrimp, clams and mussels, followed by the popular pinenut cake roll for dessert. Tio Pepe is a great place to go when someone else is picking up the bill, and is often dubbed one of the best “special occasion” restaurants in Baltimore.

by Amy Cynkar

PRIME RIB
1101 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 539-1804
 

The Prime Rib’s dramatic décor sweeps you back in time to a 1940’s Manhattan supper club when dining out was romantic and quite in vogue. The restaurant prides itself on being “the civilized steakhouse.” Both the décor and staff are meant to create the feeling of timeless elegance. Sink into one of the high back leather chairs and sip your martini while you listen to the live piano and bass music, performed nightly. Known for their aged steaks and thick chops, you’ll also find excellent seafood on the menu, including the Crab Imperial. The restaurant also has two other locations: Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

by Loretta Chilcoat Jergensen
THE ORIENT
319 York Road, Towson, MD
Hours: (Mon-Thu and Sun) 11:00am-10:30pm, (Fri-Sat) 11:00am-11:30pm
A hotspot among the lunch crowd in Towson, The Orient pulls a decent dinner crowd in as well, with its creative cuisine pairings. Lamb stir fry, sautéed baby shrimp and walnuts, and spicy squid rolls with peanuts are just several delicious creations. A large variety of tempura and sushi offerings warrants an additional menu. Vegetarians are well-catered to here as well, with selections like rich Kung Pao Tofu and Chinese eggplant in garlic sauce. Don’t come here for a quiet, romantic evening—it’s popular with students from nearby colleges so the atmosphere is fun and lively. Parking can be a bit of a bear as it’s located on a busy road—try the garage located one block north by the movie theater.

by Loretta Chilcoat Jergensen

PLANET ON THE CORNER - Café, includes Vegetarian
2229 Fleet Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
410-732-3700
When you’re dining with a group, Planet on the Corner’s extensive menu of appetizers, sandwiches, pastas, salads, pizzas, and desserts-along with its full-service bar-will no doubt please everyone in your party. There are lots of veggie items to choose from, so this could take awhile! The hummus is a hit, and while you’re waiting to dig in with your pita points, you can check your email at the free Internet terminal. And if there’s a slow moment at the bar, you never know when the bartender will whip out his guitar and serenade you and your fellow diners.