I need feedback on your favorite restaurants in the Baltimore Washington N. VA area

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Permalink Reply by Matt Urdan on March 17, 2008 at 10:52am

If Hogates is still around in DC, it's one of the best seafood restaurants I've ever been to.

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Permalink Reply by Dara Bunjon on March 17, 2008 at 10:55am

Dear Matt:

My goodness that was fast...it just went up. Tell me what you liked about Hogates...I will research and see if they are still in business.

Dara

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Permalink Reply by Matt Urdan on March 17, 2008 at 10:59am

Sometimes we of FohBoh can be Johnny on the Spot! ;-)

What I loved about Hogates was that it was a large, open restaurant with a great atmosphere; but the menu selection was extensive, and every item I've ever had there was uber fresh. I love seafood, but great seafood has to be really fresh! King Crab Legs in Anchorage, Lobster in Maine. Everything, and I mean everything, at Hogate's was awesome, couldn't be fresher, and first class all the way.

I hope they're still in business. I haven't been to DC in a decade, but the impression they left was obviously indelible.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Matt Milletto on March 17, 2008 at 2:22pm

I get to D.C. once a year and the last time I was there, I had a great meal at Oyamel in downtown D.C. I realize the restaurant is part of a large restaurant group, with many other cuisine focused spots. The food was fresh and had a great combination of traditional and progressive flair. I would recommend it as a great place for dinner or lunch. Just being there on business, I am sure I have many great spots to find ... but this was a pleasant surprise.

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Permalink Reply by Dara Bunjon on March 18, 2008 at 12:37pm

Dear Matt:

I appreciate your response. Oyamel is part of a local chain. National chains are ones I don't want so this was great.
Oyamel, Zaytinya, Jaleo, Cafe Atlantico same restaurant group...all excellent.

Thank you again.

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Permalink Reply by Carol Ott on April 21, 2008 at 2:03pm

In DC, I really liked Cafe Milano -- they would go under #1 (Special Occasion Restaurants) and #2 (If company came to town.) I would also add Michel Richard Citronelle under #2. Oh, and La Chaumiere -- it's a wonderful old French restaurant and the atmosphere is cozy, the service excellent. If you want a lovely inexpensive breakfast in DC, try Teaism. The ginger scones are TDF, and the staff really knows about tea.

In Baltimore...I like my own place, of course, but it's a coffee/pastry/sandwich cafe and not fancy at all. Although, my younger neighbors like to bring their parents by, and it's very close to both stadiums -- Evelyn's. I also like Tio Pepe, the Black Olive (Greek food, very fresh seafood and organic produce), and the Wine Market -- all three are suitable for a special occasion or for company. The Wine Market is a nice place for lunch, too. Dukem is my favorite Ethiopian restaurant here...I like to go there with vegetarian friends because the food appeals to everyone (yes, they do sell meat) and it's made for sharing.

Info on all of them:
Tio Pepe
Evelyn's
Black Olive
The Wine Market
Dukem

Cafe Milano
Michel Richard Citronelle
La Chaumiere
Teaism

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Permalink Reply by Dara Bunjon on April 21, 2008 at 7:04pm

Carol:

My goodness, aren't you thorough with contact information...you get 4 gold stars. Thank you so much. I will have to make it down your way one day. Much good fortune in all your endeavors.

Dara

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Permalink Reply by Carol Ott on April 22, 2008 at 3:25pm

Oh I forgot a couple -- these are nice places to take out-of-town family if you want something fun and casual. They're both in Annapolis, which is about 25 minutes from here.

Middleton Tavern is one of my favorite restaurants -- they have an outdoor seating area (which fills up quickly this time of year) and they're fairly close to the water. If you're going for lunch, I highly recommend the lobster roll...it's so close to one you would get in New England, and as far as I know, they're the only place around here that serves a lobster roll. Mmmm...on a split-top bun, too. My son loves Middleton (he's 7) but it can get a little rowdy on weekend evenings, or if there's a regatta going on.

Buddy's Crabs & Ribs sounds like a tourist trap, but they actually have really good food. And you can't come to Maryland without having crabs! Hm...maybe I should rephrase that...but you get the idea. Buddy's is also very kid-friendly, and they have a small outdoor seating area.

Enjoy!

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Permalink Reply by Julia Rose on April 25, 2008 at 12:12am

Marcel's is my favorite by far. It is a french-belgian restaurant that is really out of this world. From the greeting at the door, any lady can feel like a princess, to the cuisine (absolutely perfect,) it is a gem that is not to be missed when visiting the district and in need of a fabulous fine dining venue.

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Permalink Reply by Edan MacQuaid on April 25, 2008 at 10:37am

Pho 75. Just great Vietnamese soup. I eat at the Falls Church location about 2 times a week.

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Permalink Reply by Carol Ott on April 25, 2008 at 11:36am

They have excellent food there! And theyve been in business a long time -- I remember going there when I was in...high school? Wow. Now I feel old.

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