And then there were 49

Fin Steak & Seafood in Fells Point closed on Monday, leaving a gap in our top 50 restaurants list. It was number 19. It’s always sad to see a restaurant close, especially when so much hard work went into making it a success.

In our March issue, we wrote: "Chef/owner Avi Cohen is a thoughtful and imaginative talent in the kitchen . . . Fin is simply a surpassingly pleasant venue for some of the most rewarding New American food in Baltimore."

I don’t know the details of the closure, but I received an e-mail today from Sherry Cohen, the chef’s wife who was also director of food and beverage at Admiral Fell Inn Catering, saying, "This was a decision that we agonized over and have not taken lightly. We are deeply upset about the turn of events."

Sherry also said they had no other plans at this time. She sounded sad, adding, "We are missing all aspects of Fin."

The down-the-stairs space under the Admiral Fell Inn does seem to have difficulties keeping restaurants—e.g. True and now Fin. But Cindy Wolf got her start there with Savannah, so maybe there’s hope for the future.