Restaurant Tour 2 by Eddie Applefeld

     I received so much positive feedback from my first Restaurant Tour that appears in this Patch, it's time to do another.  And as before, we'll begin downtown because that's where I think so many good restaurants have located.  I encourage you to go downtown and experience some of these.  Parking is not that much of a problem, there's lots all over the place.  And in addition, many of these restaurants are in neighborhoods ideal for a walk.  Again, don't get too comfortable at any of these, we wont be staying long.

     I'll begin at Tapas Adela, 814 South Broadway in Fells Point.  Here you'll find wonderful Spanish cuisine with an eclectic array of tapas with influences from the cultures across the country.  They offer fine tasting cocktails and they have a rather extensive wine list with bottles from Spain and South America.  I suggest you check out the 'secret garden' for dining.  During happy hour (Sunday thru Friday 4 to 7) try various tapas dishes and drinks for only $5.00.  This is part of the Kali's Restaurant family which includes among others, Kali's Court and Admiral's Cup. (tapasadela.com)

     We'll zip over to the very chic Harbor East and drop by Ten Ten, located in the courtyard of the Bagby Building on Fleet Street.  This is described as an American Bistro that seats 65 including a bar, lounge, and an upper level dining area.  It's certainly casual yet there is definitely a degree of sophistication.  The design combines elements from the original building with the new.  It's open for lunch and dinner with menu selections for dinner such as grilled shrimp, pan seared Scottish salmon and appetizers, salads and sandwiches for lunch.  The website states, 'it is a neighborhood cafe, elegant bistro and eclectic tavern all balanced into one beautiful and inviting space.'  It's a great addition to the Baltimore restaurant scene. (bagbystenten.com)

     Directly next door, and owned by the same group, is Fleet Street Kitchen.  Jason Lear, Chef de Cuisine, is combining contemporary American cooking in offering patrons excellent choices for dining.  It is open for dinner only.  This is bigger than Ten Ten but receives the same care and attention to detail.   The menu is constantly evolving with seasonal items with an emphasis on 'locally sourced, ethically raised, sustainable ingredients.'  Many of the herbs and vegetables are grown on their very own farm, Cunningham Farms.  I suggest you try one of their specialty cocktails. (fleetstreetkitchen.com) 

     Just a stones throw from Harbor East, we drive or walk west and arrive at the Inner Harbor, home to so many great Baltimore attractions and restaurants.  One of them is of course Ruth's Chris at Pier 5.  There happens to be about 130 world wide.  It all started in New Orleans in 1965.  No doubt the steaks are out of sight and the location is terrific.  Did you know there is something called the Waterfront Deck at Pier 5.  I wanted to alert you to three upcoming events.  On June 11 from 5:30 to 8 there will be an appearance by the Urban Pirates.  You can enjoy pirate inspired cocktails, complimentary appetizers, music and giveaways.  On July 16 you can win tickets to see the Beach Boys at Pier 6 and on September 16 a California Wine Tasting.  Details are available for all by going to ruthschris-pier5.com.

     As we head toward Towson we'll first make a stop at Birroteca, 1520 Clipper Road.  I found dining al fresco on the outdoor patio is fun.  But if you don't like outdoors, try the bar or dining room.  Wherever you wind up you'll be treated to a wonderful Italian meal.  Every night there are specials.  For example,  Tuesdays it's duckling and Wednesdays it's roasted salmon.  The summer menu offers pizza, pasta and bruschetta.    

     In Towson, we'll try some really good Cuban cuisine by dining in Havana Road Cuban Cafe, 8 West Pennsylvania, owned by Cuban born Marta Ines Quintana.  She arrived in this country in 1962 and brought with her the flavors, traditions and lifestyles of her home country.  So the question you must ask is, how many places can you go to eat and sample authentic Cuban food.  The answer, not many.  She will be cooking up a Father's Day brunch served from 11 to 3.  I got a glimpse of the menu and it looks terrific.  Recently Havana Road was nominated as one of the top five new restaurants in Maryland by the Restaurant Association.  Marta can be found everyday back in the kitchen serving up those delicious Cuban treats and her daughter Ines creates the desserts.  (info@havanaroad.com)    

     Finally, we go one block south, to 3 West Chesapeake Avenue, and try the newly opened Miller's Deli.  Of course their first location in Pikesville has been open for years.  Open Monday thru Saturday, the menu is very similar to Pikesville's, only not quite as many items.  They serve breakfast all day.  I enjoy the pancakes, french toast and waffles.  The restaurant is small so they do a big carry out business.  Catering is available.  Is there any reason I have to suggest the matzoh ball soup.  We all know by now, it's good for what ails you.  I understand another location, this one in Timonium, will be opening soon. (millersdeli.com)

Editor's Note: The original version of this blog listed the incorrect chef for Fleet Street.