Category Archives: Restaurant Reviews

Frisco Grille and Cantina

Located in Columbia, MD off of Dobbin Rd lies a little restaurant that is big on taste in both beer and food. 

Self described: “We specialize in southwestern-style cuisine, so whether you’re in the mood for one of our famous burritos, our world-class grilled barbecue wings or one of our daily specials like flat iron steak, Frisco has something to satisfy your senses.”
Frisco Grill and Cantina on Urbanspoon
Typically, I show up motivated by the ever-revolving list of fantastic craft beers on draught (19 of them).  I can tell you that if you like to try many different brews, this is a place to add to your rotation.   Albeit, I believe there is a hop-head somewhere lurking due to the saturation of IPA’s.
The beer isn’t the only star here, it is also the Southwestern-style food.    I’ve eaten here several times.  I can personally vouch for the Nachos w/ Grilled Chicken, the Chicken Burrito w/ Beans, the Sante Fe Burger & the Corn-Dusted Chicken Sandwich.   I’ve heard great things about the Chicken Fajita Sandwich as well (my wife).
The ambiance is pleasant and the décor is casual.  You can make yourself feel at home here.   This place has a “Cheers” vibe.  Everyone talks to each other.
There isn’t much else to say except the food is excellent, the beer is excellent and you can afford to eat here.  Don’t believe me? – look at the menu for yourself.
 
I’ll be back frequently.  Other reviews here.

Portalli’s

** Update: Portalli’s Revisited.   I went back and everything was extremely enjoyable. **

Went out with the family last night (always enjoyable) to the new Italian restaurant in old Ellicott City that took over the space from the recently defunct Jordan’s Steakhouse.    It is now called Portalli’s and offers Italian food from both the northern and southern regions of Italy.  The dining room aesthetics haven’t changed much, but that doesn’t bother me as the upstairs dining room was rather pleasing.   The piano player would have been a nice touch if I could have heard him.  Now on to the food.

 Portalli's on Urbanspoon
Our service started off with a bang!   While ordering a bottle of wine for the table, our waitress put her hand up to me (signaling to stop talking) and walked away.   Five minutes later she came back to a table of disgruntled diners.   I believe we were mere seconds from walking out as everyone looked around not knowing what to do next.
My wife and I started with a mozzarella & tomato crostini.    It was very tasty.  The toast points were still crunchy while the acid from the tomatoes balanced the cheese.
Next course, all the food except mine showed up!   We let the waitress know, and then I was able to eat my Shrimp and Spaghetti Carbonara while everyone watched.  Despite that, It was the highlight of my dinner.   Nicely cooked firm pasta, not too heavy pancetta cream sauce and a nice poached egg that offered delicious richness to the dish.
Next all of our entrées arrived.   Cheese Tortellini w/ Grilled Chicken – the tortellini was very nice but the chicken was a dried mass of protein.   Broiled Mahi Mahi w/ Arugula – clear winner of the night.  Nicely cooked & still moist.    Chicken Picatta with crispy Polenta – miserable.  Again the chicken was solid without any remains of moisture in it.   The polenta was nothing special so it too was abandoned.   Lastly, a nightly special NY Strip w/ a rich demi-glace.  My brother took one look and that was it.  I love a good NY strip steak with proper marbling, but this was easily the most gnarly, covered in grissle subpar cut off meat I’ve seen in a long time (It was sent back and not one bite was eaten).
All night long the service was lackluster – one example was the food runners reaching over people at the table to serve.   The waitress at one point while clearing some plates, picked up a used fork and set it back down on the tablecloth. (really? zoinks!).   Before you say it – I’m OK with that, but it isn’t acceptable at the price point of this restaurant.    When a restaurant sets itself up with smaller plates fully intending for you to purchase three or more courses, then my expectations elevate.   Our server and the food runners clearly lacked from any hospitality training.  This was no more evident in the handling of the fresh pepper.  We were asked if we would like fresh pepper and upon saying “yes”, someone, minutes later, would arrive to grind it.   Should we have started eating?
Coming in at a moderate price during a touch economy, I’ll be surprised if this place can stay in business without some big changes.  Very sad due to my high hopes for this place.
I will not be heading back anytime soon. Other reviews here!
 
Update (2/21/2010): Upon seeing my review, the owner of Portalli’s requested that I share with everyone that they bought us desert and coffee at the end of the meal due to our experiences.  

Catonsville Gourmet

Looking for a clean restaurant, with extremely flavorful fresh seafood?    Catonsville Gourmet is the place for you.   Listed as a Top 10 Seafood Restaurant by Elizabeth Large brings on some hefty expectations.

Just remember – this place is BYOB for a 5$ corkage fee and first come seating. Now let’s get to the food.

 Catonsville Gourmet on Urbanspoon
My wife had the Mystic oysters from Noank, CT.    These are smaller than the normal Chincoteague oysters we see around here.   These are described as “Full, plump meat, medium brine with a sweet, clean finish” She absolutely loved them!  Personally, I enjoy the flavors of New Orleans and the gumbo here is as close as I’ve see in Maryland – a proper dark rue (not burnt) with lots of meat, okra and the little punch in the end.
Next we had the fresh fish prepared in the manner that you select.    Choices in the past have included: Halibut, Grouper, Salmon, Rockfish, Tuna and Chilean Sea Bass.    This is typically the highlight of my meal.   The fish is exceptional and nearly always properly prepared.    I prefer my fish blackened with some lemon butter on the side.
While this place can be a little pricey, the BYOB helps to keep the price down.  A true neighborhood gem that I’m thankful we have.    The service isn’t always the absolute best but they are always friendly.
A definite repeat performer!  See other reviews here.

Aida Bistro and Wine Bar

Aida Bistro describes itself as “Howard County’s Award Winning Progressive Italian Restaurant”,  Family owned and operated, Aida Bistro has been recognized as “the Best Italian Restaurant in Baltimore & in Howard County for the past seven years”

They continue to say that they support local farmers and feature local fruits, vegetables, herbs and other locally grown food such as Larriland Farms and others. 		Aida Bistro & Wine Bar on Urbanspoon
Now to the review…
 
The location is flat-out weird; tucked into an office park, you have no idea what you are getting into.   Once you settle in, things change for the better and you are in for a real treat.   This place has a nice vibe.  The wine menu is intriguing and seems to mostly cover the globe from light and fruity to luscious and  bold, but where are the big California Chardonnays? 
 
Last night, I stepped out with a grilled romaine side salad.   Excellent.   Good texture and not over dressed.  Then went straight for the homemade spaghetti and meatballs.  Easily some of the best pasta I’ve ever eaten.  Do yourself a favor and try the homemade pasta – it is incredible.  This meal was complimented nicely with a Sangiovese/Cabernet blend by the glass.
 
On several differing occasions, I’ve tried the daily specials.   This includes a previous visit where I tried the bone-in veal chop.   It was delightful.   Paired with a Willamette Valley Pinot and things couldn’t have got much better.  But they did – a nice savory mushroom risotto.

After this last visit, I’ve concluded this place is a gem.  Its a little pricey ($$$) but I’ve never been disappointed with the food.   Atmosphere: clean & modern.  The bar side is the dining room to sit in. Be forewarned, it can be noisy.   I’m not thrilled with the alternative dining room.  Feels stuffy and secluded; a deal breaker for me.   The service has varied from excellent to other times depressing (looking around waiting for service).  Not sure what the deal is with this.

Hey beer crowd – Monk’s Blood, 21st Amendment IPA, Allagash White and others are available.   A nice surprise for when you do not want wine.   Side note: nothing on draught here.  
 
Warning: If you don’t like cream and cheese, this might not be the place for you.  
 
I’ll definitely be heading back sometime soon.   Other reviews here.

Venegas Prime Filet

A few weeks back, my wife and I had the pleasure of trying Venegas Prime Filet, the new upscale steakhouse in Maple Lawn.

I started with a cocktail and my wife had a glass of vino.   The recommendations were decent but $14 for a glass of Pino Gris?  Next came my appetizer – a Caesar salad.   Very good if you like a true example including anchovies.

 Venegas Prime Filet on Urbanspoon
Finished up with the filet (after all, it’s in the name of the restaurant).   My steak was cooked perfectly and exactly to temperature just as I ordered; rare if you were wondering.   We had ordered a family style side of asparagus.  This lacked as there were literally five pieces in that order (C’mon Man!)  As with any self-respecting steak eater would have it, I had to have a proper baked Idaho.  It was spot-on, properly cooked and rubbed with olive oil and salt.

Overall, the food is very good but somewhat $$$$.  The service was adequate but I wouldn’t say it was stellar.    The room is nicely decorated but feels like a cavern with the 20ft+ ceilings.    It was also somewhat drafty every time the outside door was opened.
Impressions:

  • Food – Very Good
  • Portions – Good
  • Ambience – Good
  • Service – Good
  • Noise Level – Moderate
I’d go back but I think this restaurant will have to go on the special occasion list.   I wasn’t wowed the way I thought I should have been.  I hope this doesn’t cause this place to close like Jordan’s Steakhouse did.

Baltimore Has No Palate

According to Urbanspoon, the #1 restaurant in Central Baltimore is Fogo de Chao.    It’s listed under “Best Fine Dining”.  

So my question is simple – how is Fogo de Chao fine dining?  Any restaurant with a salad bar automatically should be compared to Ponderosa – “Darn Good Steaks, Big Honkin’ Buffett”.  I’m feeling sick just thinking about the hoards of meat/protein that are deluged onto your plate.

Yuck.

People of Baltimore – You can and should do better than this.

Miss Irene’s (Fells Pt)

Cool new pub/restaurant in Fells Pt.    This building was literally falling down the last time I was missireneslogodown there.    We went to John Steven last night to walk along the waterfront and have some beers when we came upon this place (directly across Ann St).    17 draft beers including Belgians (Affligem & Leffe Bruin most notably).   Didn’t have a chance to sample the food but looking around, everyone seemed happy with their selections.

 

Stop in and try this place and let me know what you think.