Annoula’s Sobo Café: This sunny Federal Hill café isn’t particularly
inviting from the outside—I walked right past it en route to Cross Street
Market many times—but I was totally impressed with the quality of its food, the
cheery atmosphere and the reasonable prices. I went for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed
the rich homemade mac and cheese, which was only $6! The service was prompt and
friendly. They make their own breads in house and also offer lunch options to
go. I would most definitely recommend the Sobo Café for a weekday lunch, Sunday
brunch or a date night.
Red Canoe and Zeke’s: These two
standout coffeeshops are pretty much the only reason I trek all the way up
Harford Road to Lauraville (I’m sure it’s a lovely neighborhood, but it’s way
outside the Jones Falls corridor, where I spend most of my time). Red Canoe is
a combination bookstore and café with a very family-friendly vibe. They have
quite a few seating options—including a spacious backyard—and the entire space
is so comfortable, it feels like someone’s living room. I think Red Canoe is
the perfect spot for a rainy Sunday afternoon—you can grab a light lunch and a
big cup of coffee while reading. Zeke’s storefront, just a few blocks north on
Harford Road, is a very cool space with large windows, a remarkable tin ceiling
and very simple décor. They have amazing pastries for sale in addition to
coffee (to drink now or later). I was also delighted to learn they sell giant
burlap coffee bags for $1-2!
Mem Sahib:
If you’re looking for a great lunchtime deal near downtown, look no further
than Mem Sahib in Lexington Market. I don’t quite understand how this classy,
formal establishment has stayed in business for seven years, as the
neighborhood can be (or can appear to be) somewhat unsavory after dark.
However, it is a perfect choice for a lunchtime office outing with its
colorful, expansive, ornate interior and all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for $10.
I sincerely hope they are able to attract a steady lunch crowd and stay in
business.
Please excuse my cell-phone camera photo of Mem Sahib's bright orange interior.
Zach & Jack Food: Tucked into the basement of the Women’s
Industrial Exchange (in the space formerly occupied by Sofi’s Crepes), this
petite lunch counter is worth a visit. Jack and Zach stick to a very limited
menu of all local, organic ingredients—they list their vendors on a chalkboard
for all to see. I enjoyed a homemade sweet potato-based veggie patty on a
Kaiser roll with a side of (homemade) chips. Although the menu was limited they
did offer many gourmet toppings to choose from, and snacks to go as well.
Mount Washington Pizza and Subs:
This carry-out spot in the
village of Mount Washington is in serious need of a designer, or at least a
fresh coat of paint, but once you get past its stark, fluorescent-lit interior
you will be impressed with their delicious Indian dishes. We ordered naan,
shahi paneer (which comes with rice) and samosas as a light dinner but were
surprised to pick up enough food to feed two for dinner with plenty
leftover—and the whole meal was just $16. It looks like they have an extensive
menu of other types of food (hence the “Pizza and Subs” in their name), but I
plan on trying another Indian dish if I go there again.
Roland Park Bakery and Deli:
This bakery is dangerous for my sweet tooth as their pastries and desserts are
always tempting, but they also have breakfast sandwiches and lunch items. In
general, there are few frills—all coffee is served in those white Styrofoam
cups with birds on them—but this results in very reasonable prices. I often buy
four pastries for less than $5. The owner and staff are always friendly,
greeting regulars by name and asking everyone how they’re doing. This cheery
neighborhood spot was located in the shopping plaza in Roland Park for twenty
years, but relocated last year to Chestnut Avenue in Hampden. I love the sunny
interior with exposed brick, and having any business there at all is lovely
since this building was vacant for so long.
Next on my agenda are Liquid Earth in Fells Point,
Hersch’s Pizza in South Baltimore, and the Land of Kush in
Mid-town.
I’m very excited for the bevy of other eateries that are
coming to Baltimore in the coming months. The ever-popular Woodberry Kitchen is
rumored to be opening two new ventures—a coffeeshop in Union Mill (the awesome
mixed-use development in a former mill on Union Avenue, next to the Woodberry
Light Rail stop) and "Half Acre," a bistro on Falls Road. Read story here.
Hampden is also welcoming Food Market on the Avenue (started by the former chef
of City Café) and a second Milk & Honey Café in the former Chesapeake
Restaurant space at Charles and Lanvale; story here.
I’m also looking forward to the Friday afternoon Charles Street Farmer’s Market starting up again in May. Although
there were just a few vendors there last year, I’m sure it will be stronger
this spring. My friends Katie and Marie have started a seriously delicious
snack company, Kinderhook Snacks,
and I’m ready to stock up on their homemade Cheez-Its! And speaking of
restaurants opening, did you hear there is now a Panera on Baltimore Street and a Chipotle in Mount Vernon?
No comments:
Post a Comment