I might as well write up my explorations of Baltimore. It might prove to be of interest to someone moving here as I just have and it might save some grief in restaurant choices.
This morning, my experiment was to hie myself down to Canton and try a new place for brunch, recommended as one of Baltimore's Top 25 in a recent issue of the Baltimore magazine.
What a disappointment. The host Mark seemed nice enough when he told me that he had to reserve the restaurant two-tops for incoming folks and "Would I mind sitting at the bar?" "As long as it is non-smoking," I replied. I was assured that the entire restaurant was non-smoking and I thought that this was a very good start. Their wine list looked quite good, with a heavy representation of Franciscan wines (Magnificat and Estancia) so I thought things are looking up.
Until, of course, I had to wait a good ten minutes for the bartender to ask me if I wanted anything to drink and then another five for her to take my order. It's not as if the place was busy, she just seemed overwhelmed filling drink orders and actually having to serve patrons seemed beyond her. Twenty stools at the bar and only three occupied.
The food had sounded promising, a Tilghman omelette which had lump crab meat and asparagus with a side of thinly-sliced potatoes. What appeared was pretty unappetizing.. the omelette was slightly overcooked and the ingredients seemed to be very indifferently spiced if at all. Toast not buttered, potatoes limp and a bit cold.
A completely unmemorable brunch for $17 (included in that tab was a coffee and a $3 V-8 juice). I haven't entirely given up because the host was nice and the wine list looked interesting but unless my next experience is far more positive this one has to get struck off the list.
I'm beginning to fear that Baltimore is very far behind the curve in good restaurants.
Next up, Petit Louis (in my neighborhood) I think.
Posted by artandscience at July 16, 2006 09:34 AM