Large chain hotel restaurants might not be known for their unusual or unpredictable touches; FountainSide's food and decor did not shock us in any way. But the service — with its care and spot-on timing — was genuinely unexpected.

Like an out of the blue gift, it was the best kind of surprise.

FountainSide

Backstory: Open for nearly five years, FountainSide is tucked inside the Pikesville DoubleTree by Hilton. The restaurant focuses on American standards, along with a few crab-oriented regional dishes. Though the food offers few surprises, the service is top-notch.

Parking: Lot in front

Signature dish: Jumbo shrimp, butterflied and stuffed with crab imperial, show off the sweet flavor of both shellfish. Buttery lemon sauce, drizzled on top, adds just enough acid to the mix.

Where: 1726 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville

Contact: 410-653-1100

Open: Monday to Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Credit Cards: All major

Reservations: Accepted

Rating: *1/2

[Key: *****: Superlative; ****: Excellent; ***: Very Good; **: Good; *: Promising]