I am no restaurant critic. The pleasure of food defies a pinpointing description far too often for me. Frank Bruni can sleep at night, I'm not after his day job.
At the same time, I can't deny the small triumph of a dish that transcends mere sustenance to become, perhaps, the highlight of the evening. And the small satisfaction that comes from your lucky guess as to what might be the best thing on the menu.
So, here are some of my very favorite items, from some of the places I'm happy to frequent.
Some are places you suffer through abominable service to get to the food (Mezze, Taste). Others are spots where the atmosphere is part of the fun (Henninger's, Golden West, Pazo). And still others you likely don't notice anything, except the Ode to Joy your tastebuds are singing.
But all are dishes I adore.
Akbar - tamarind chicken, lamb pasanda
Attman's - rare roast beef
Blue Moon - cinnamon bun and eggs Benny
Bob's Noodle 66 - oyster pancake
Brewer's Art - rosemary garlic fries
Charles Theatre - the classic combination of popcorn and Junior Mints
Dipasquales - tuna diavolo
Dangerously Delicious - cherry pie (mixed berry running a close second)
Dukem - kitfo and lamb wot
Five Guys - little cheeseburger
Golden West Cafe - whole wheat blackberry pancakes, and Rose's cake (n.b. - the version with chocolate cake & mocha icing. An important distinction.)
Henningers - pan fried oysters with Pernod sauce
Helmand - kaddo borwani and kabouli
Jack's Bistro - smoked gouda grits
La Cazuela - plantains...in all their glory
Mama's on the Half Shell - raw oyster selection and diver scallops
Mezze - grilled mushroom
Nacho Mama's - ribs (best delivery in the [relative] 'hood)
Pazo - fish with pomegranite sauce
Petit Louis - cheese plate, but everything here is good
Salt - pecan-crusted venison with cherry foie gras spaetzle and ginger butter brussel sprouts
Samos - souvlaki
Sotto Sopra - lamb with gorgonzola risotto (a special- if you see it, order it)
Sushi Sono - rolls - some of the absolute best sushi I've ever had.
Tapas Teatro - the olive and cornichon amuse bouche
Taste - grilled Caesar
Teavolve - bubble tea
Thai Arroy - tom yum
Tio Pepe - sole with hollandaise
Feel free to comment...I'd like to hears others' suggestions or opinions.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
sympathy for the tummy
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6 comments:
When did ya'll get a five guys? I remember when they only had one outfit in Virginia and I would get lost trying to find it.
I had some rosemary garlic fries the other night and was regaling folks with tales of the brewer's art masterpiece (because the ones we were having were lackluster).
There's a Five Guys in Canton now. It's been around a few months. Preceded by one in the Inner Harbor, but I tend to avoid that area.
B. Art have ruined all other attempts of the rosemary garlic fry. It gets so packed, though.
Additions:
Sotto Sopra- chocolate tart
Peter's Inn- Filet mignon
I know you'll disagree with me on the latter but I've had it better there than Ruth's Chris.
I'd like to see this post updated frequently. I'll help with the research. :)
"shameless plug or vote of confidence?" was the first thought I had with the Waterfront mention.
then the more I thought about it - yeah, my bar is one of the best in the city. as usual, you're right.
i still have vivid dreams of Sotto Sopra's amazing special, enjoyed after the best anniversary present EVER.
Your bar is def. a jewel - now it's time to dump those pool tables and move the music back there - -
Agree on the music. Although I wouldn't mind hearing something other than country twang....ahem.
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