Seriously, Baltimore has great restaurants....

And did we find a new one last night! But, a little background on me. I am a total food and wine snob, ask any of my friends they will agree. I come by it honestly though, my parents are the same way. We never dined at the Ponderosa or the Old Country Buffet when we were kids, we went to nice quiet out of the way restaurants in every town we lived in - that was their thing. It was good family time. So these nice restaurants, and the subsequent years that I spent waiting tables and bartending all over the city created in me a total foodie, and Baltimore Restaurant Aficionado (at least that's what my friend Heather says). I love to take people to new restaurants and I love to find new favorite places (like I did last night). I'll admit, my classification for what is the best is not solely based on food and wine.... I also take into consideration staff, location and principle for example a true city dweller does not eat at a chain in city! I will admit that once I ate at Du Claw in Fells Point, but it was a first date. I should have listened to my friend Chris he said "he choose Du Claw, dump him now!" There are a few more that I don't patron on principle alone. Anyway, take a look at the links that I put on the right and go check out those scrumptious places!

La Scala is awesome, great for every occasion and super friendly, you will be a member of the family in no time. Make sure that you try....everything! The grilled Cesar, gnocci's, chicken with portabella, anything fish and veal... It's the best, and Momma Germano makes the best cannolli's in town! Stay tuned for La Scala's renovation, it will be even better. I can't say enough about Nick and Nino and the rest of the staff - they get it right every time. You will visit and never want to leave!

Say hi to Burt when you stop insto Boccaccio for a date night or special occasion. The Anilotti and the Grilled Portabella appetizer's are my fav's - but the real hit here is the veal and the fish! You can't dine at Boccaccio's without trying the green bean and potato salad, it is garlic heaven. This is one to enjoy and remember for the future, I always dine with Mom and Dad cuz they pay the check.

Henninger's is the perfect combination of fantastic food, casual dining, cool people, eclectic environment, and location. A little hard to find on Bank in between Ann and Wolfe but so worth it. Jane and JR change the menu often and they tend to blend flavors that will blow you away. I am partial to the Coriander Tuna with sticky rice and the crab cakes and flank strips! Good Wine's by the glass too!

Akbar on Charles Street is a family favorite since we moved here in '87. I'll admit that I probably have tried 10 things on the whole menu in 20 years, I'm a pappadam, mullagatawny soup, and Chicken Tikka Masala girl. But I know that their samosas are great, their Tandoori is fantastic, and the decor and service and perfect! Broaden someones horizon's with this one - Indian is not Curry!

The best place to go with a bunch of girls is Mezze! They have the best small plates and it's the coolest place to run into people you know and people you want to know. I'm partial to the Sangria, Humas and Olive tapenade to start. Then think... cheese pies, spinach pies, garlic creme ravioli, beef kabob's , asparagus in butter, pastitso, and stuffed grape leaves. I suggest if your a local you dine during the week and not on the weekends, they are never hurting for customers.

IXIA is a truly unique place. I think it has some of the best ambiance in the city, and it's perfect for getting close to someone in the lounge on the sofa's. They are great with seafood (especially tuna) and they change their menu often. I've taken a few dates there and it's good when you don't want to run into someone you know, trust me!

I'm biased about the good ole' Speakeasy, I worked there for years and love the owners, they are good people, no matter what you hear on the street. There is a family at speakeasy among the customers and I have met some of the best people in my life at this restaurant. If you are new to town, this is the best place to make friends, at any age. Ok.... my vote for best crab cake in the city goes to Speakeasy, even after working there for so long, I have no idea what the spices are it's a secret. Try the lamb chops, the sea bass, and the Steak Neptune they get it right!

Finally, there isn't a website yet for my new favorite place.

Three! I mentioned it yesterday and it's on Linwood(not Patterson Park) and Baltimore . It was unfrikinbelieveable! Both of the owners couldn't have been any sweeter (one is a celebrity remember) and the food was interesting, different and fabulous. We liked the shrimp cakes so much that we ordered them at the beginning and end of the meal. The restaurant is beautiful and they have outdoor seating too. Izzy was blown away that she met Richard from Ace of Cakes. Kristin (the mom) and I were blown away by the food. Three is a must!