RSS FEEDNot really. But when I read Elizabeth Large’s blog about the Food Network’s hamburger issue, which named the Heart Attack on a Plate at Mother’s Federal Hill Grille as one of its 50 ultimate burgers, I did get palpitations because I was involved in its selection. I wasn’t exactly a judge for the magazine, but they had called me and asked for recommendations.
And that was many, many months ago. Here’s the scene: It’s Dec. 10, days before Christmas, and I’m trying to wrap up our best restaurants issue for March and edit and write scads of other stories. (By now, I’ve had my car accident and am going to physical therapy several days a week.) So things are pretty crazy when I get a call from Jennifer Beck at the Food Network asking for Baltimore’s "must-have burgers."
Right away, I think of Five Guys, Burger Bros. (in Towson), Alonso’s, and Woodberry Kitchen, but the magazine wants something "over the top." And they want three recommendations. Unfortunately, I hadn’t been to Abbey Burger Bistro yet, or I would have suggested its Harry’s burger with the fried egg because I love anything with a fried egg on top.
So I came up with Mother’s burger because it is different and, actually, is quite delicious if you haven’t had it. I also suggested the Kocoburger at Koco’s Pub and the Luca Burger at Luca’s Cafe in Locust Point because they each have a different twist.
Then, I promptly forgot about the burgers till now. In fact, when I saw Elizabeth’s question about what the other choices were, I couldn’t even remember when I talked to the Food Network folks until I began paging through my piles of notebooks.
Anyway, tomorrow, I’m talking to another publication about where business visitors should go for steamed crabs and who are our hot, new chefs. Any suggestions? I could use some help.
