Gino Troia’s Grano Pasta Bar is staying in Hampden but is moving around the corner to 3547 Chestnut Ave., where Dangerously Delicious Pies Savory House used to be. The transition should take place by mid-September.
“We turned away so many people,” Gino said of the current tiny space at 36th Street and Hickory Avenue. “We’ll have [...]

I saw the movie Julie & Julia last night with Cindy Wolf, executive chef at Charleston restaurant, at an early screening at the Landmark Theatre. We really don’t know each other. But we connected over Julia Child.
We both have Julia experiences—more about that in a minute—and had read the books Julie & Julia and My [...]

The Kali’s Restaurant Group is expanding. In early fall, Tapas Adela will join siblings Kali’s Court, Mezze, and Meli in Fells Point. The new restaurant will be in the space formerly occupied by Petticoat Tearoom at 814 S. Broadway, next-door to the Admiral Fell Inn.
Kenneth Petty, Meli’s general manager, said the restaurant will offer “classic [...]

The 2010 Zagat survey was released today and is available on the guide’s website and at many area bookstores. There don’t seem to be any surprises. Charleston reigns for the most part.
But it was sad to see the now-closed Bicycle and Ixia in the listings. Of course, publication deadlines can’t be controlled.
In its “What’s New” [...]

Christian DeLutis, formerly of The Dogwood, The Wine Market, and other prestigious local restaurants, will be heading to Alizée Boutique Bistro and Wine Bar in the Colonnade as executive chef in mid-August.
In an e-mail, Christian told me diners can expect a “strong charcuterie and cheese program, as well as some modern techniques blended with classic [...]

“Hip in Hampden” is how the new 13.5% wine bar bills itself on its website. And I have to agree. It definitely adds a sophisticated element to the other restaurants and bars along The Avenue.
I talked to general manager Peter Keck, who’s been busy handling operations at 13.5%, which opened to the public on Friday [...]

Yesterday, I went to see the movie Food, Inc., now playing at The Charles Theatre, hesitantly. I was worried it would change the way I view food and what I eat. And it did.
Several people have told me they don’t want to see the movie for the same reason. But I hope they will change [...]

It’s not too early to make reservations at one of the 90-plus restaurants taking part in restaurant week, which runs Aug. 7-16 this year. The popular restaurants fill up quickly. And it’s such a great deal—three-course dinners for $30.09.
Many of the restaurants also offer two-course lunches for $20.09 and have special wine deals and events. [...]

If you’ve wanted to go to Baltimore Pho (one of our top 50 restaurants this year) in SoWeBo, tonight would be a good time. I got an e-mail from Pho’s general manager Hollis Albert, who used to own Flip’s bar and restaurant at Clipper Mill, about an art opening tonight (July 9) at the restaurant.
In [...]

Last August, we gave Mother’s Federal Hill Grille a Best of Baltimore nod for its pub fare, citing its artery-clogging but absolutely delicious Heart Attack on a Plate. (It’s quite the burger: beer-battered, stuffed with cheddar, and deep-fried.) Then, earlier this year, FoodNetwork.com picked up on the Baltimore burger for its U.S. roundup.
Now, the Federal [...]