I had the pleasure of attending the 45th National Chicken Cooking Contest recently in Baltimore, Maryland. I must remind you when flying across country these days to find out if you will be served breakfast, lunch or dinner. I went Southwest direct from LAX to Baltimore/Washington D.C. International.
We left early morning and arrived late afternoon. Everyone on the flight brought food but me. I had to be satisfied with peanuts and cookies while everyone around me enjoyed slads, sandwiches, etc. The aromas were killing and gave me a real appetite for the best of Baltimore cuisine.
In the middle of the Mid-Atlantic coast lies the Chesapeake Bay. While most of its eastern seaboard neighbors have become vast urban areas, transforming themselves into cosmopolitan centers, the Chesapeake region has quietly continued its more genteel way of life with a self-sufficient life-style and time honored cooking traditions.
Recently the Chesapeake has enjoyed a rediscovery by the rest of the country with visitors from all parts making the Bay a destination.
Baltimore is a beautiful city. The renovations blend the historic building beautifully with the most modern buildings. The harbor area is pristine , colorful and one of the top tourist attractions. Restaurants and shops are sprinkled throughout the area. McCormick & Schmick’s has a huge free standing building in the center of the harbor.
Living in the west I always forget how close the States are to each other along the Atlantic. As I give you my favorite destinations they are car or cab close to any of the downtown hotels. I was at the Hyatt Regency overlooking the harbor. The views from my room were spectacular. Everything is bright greens and blue with all the trees, inlets and bays.
Baltimore has an eight block section of the old town called “ Little Italy”. In this small area it has 23 Italian restaurants. A great lover of Italian cuisine, I knew I had limited time so went on instinct and chose Da Mimmo, 217 5, High Street. The owner and hostess Mary Ann Cricchio was not only gracious and charming , she was gorgeous. It had been her family’s restaurant and they lived in the row house next door.
The food was exquisite, the ambience was true Italian. Chef Mimmo will prepare any dish from any region if you call him in advance, In fact if you book for dinner they will come for you even to the airport.
Reservations are suggested. Daytime (410) 727-7301 and nights (4l0) 727-6876.
The Inn at Perry Cabin, 308 Watkins Lane in the lovely old village of St. Michaels was one of the highlights of my visit. Located on the sparkling blue Chesapeake Bay as you drive through the main street you are in the midst of living history. After passing quaint Victorian storefronts and interesting local boutiques you enter the dramatic tree-lined drive and find yourself in front of the original 1816 mansion. Next time I go that way I shall stay there.
Chef Mark Salter, well acquainted with area watermen and farmers, adds his own gift for color, taste and texture to the freshest local seafood, fowl and produce to create his award winning cuisine, lauded as among the finest on the eastern seaboard.
With an abundant menu some of his signature dishes are Crab spring rolls with grapefruit; succulently tender honey and tarragon-glazed Lamb shanks with sun dried tomato sauce and smoked Bluefish Pate. In also has one of the best wine lists I saw on the entire trip.
Reservations to dine or book a room call (377) 540—2617.
Mason’s has been around for over 55 years. Located at 22 S. Harrison Street in Easton, Completely remodeled and expanded Mason’s offer one of Talbot County’s finest dining experiences. The dinner menu features classic French cooking techniques with a clean light presentation infused by the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay.
Executive Chef Chad Scott represents freshness as well as the current culinary trends. I found a lot of not only French but Asian and Italian influence in his cuisine. In all these restaurants I found the prices moderate.
You can travel to your favorite Mediterranean City with out leaving Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. This Spanish influenced restaurant, Ispuma, turns heads and pleases palates with its authentic new -garde approach to Mediterranean Cuisine.
The wine list is extensive and the Tapas bar and cocktail lounge make your dining experience one you will always remember.
Some of the dishes we tried were: Tuscan Onion Soup with smoked Mozzarella. Spinach and duck confit sauteed with sun dried Cherries and Walnuts tossed with Manchego Cheese and Balsam Vinegar. Lump Jumbo Crab Cake with Onion Agradolce and Saffron Aioli, and Espuma Paella, a traditional blend of Lobster, Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops, Clams, Calamari, Chicken and Chorizo Sausage over Saffron Rice. Items ranged from $7 to $56 . Open 7 days from 5 p.m. Eapuina, 28 Wilmington Ave. Rehoboth Beach, De. Reservations (302) 227-4199.
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