New restaurant in Owings Mills: Stanford Kitchen is a winner

The made-from scratch offerings from the new Stanford Kitchen at the Boulevard College Center are hitting the right notes.  What was the former Stone Cove Restaurant, located in close proximity to Stevenson University; the Blueridge Restaurant Group has hit the bull’s-eye with the redesigned space, service and American classic dining options.

My companion, who had previously eaten in Stanford Kitchen, and I dined early. When we arrived, the bar was filled with businessmen, the garage-styled doors were rolled back to the al fresco dining patio and there were a few parties seated in the main open-kitchen dining room.  By the time we finished having dinner, the dining room and al fresco patio were full of patrons.  The restaurant has in a short time, accrued a loyal and repeat following. In fact, they have a loyalty reward program for those who dine at any of the Blueridge Restaurant Group Restaurants; Stanford Grill, Stanford Kitchen, and Copper Canyon Grill.

Read the full story in Baltimore Post Examiner: Dara Cooks Blog

Citron Restaurant and Bar: A legacy from the past and a fork to the future

Baltimore County, Quarry Lake off Greenspring Avenue is home to caterer Charles Levine’s dream come true restaurant, Citron.  Levine’s culinary career started at the iconic Pimlico Hotel Restaurant, working for his uncle, one of the partners and there was no looking back.

A number of you probably never heard of the Pimlico Hotel Restaurant although, many have; celebrities, dignitaries, sports figures and Baltimoreans dined there. It was “the place” to be and be seen, and featured a menu thick with culinary options from Chateaubriand to their big egg roll. There wasn’t an occasion that wasn’t celebrated at the Pimlico Hotel, in fact, that is where I had my wedding dinner. Always top-notch food and service, it was Baltimore’s premier restaurant.  My sensibilities feel Levine’s Citron yearns to pick up where Pimlico left off. 

All in dining at Baltimore’s Horseshoe Casino

The Russell Street cathedral to gambling, Horseshoe Casino, now open close to four months offers up new dining choices for locals and visitors alike.  Choices range from their Baltimore Marketplace food court with local vendors from marshmallow treats from The Mallow Bar, corn beef sandwiches from Lenny’s Deli, crab cakes from Tarks at the ‘Shoe, Heavy Seas burgers and Italian, Piezetta.  My recent trip to Baltimore’s Horseshoe Casino was focused on the restaurants and doing a dine-around, a course and cocktail at each restaurant. 

As part of a small group of food writers, we made three stops; Johnny Sanchez, a high end Taqueria, the first in what will be a series of Johnny Sánchez restaurants reflective of the celebrity chefs Aarón Sánchez and John Besh, Guy Fieri’s Baltimore Kitchen & Bar and Jack Binion’s Steak, named after the founder of the original Horseshoe Casino. 

Read the full restaurant reviews and view the extensive slideshow HERE.