I just heard back from Harford Countian, who sought Baltimore restaurant advice from The Sandbox last week. Looks like you steered him right. Here's his report. LV
First off....I want to thank you, Laura, and everyone that wrote telling me of their suggestions!
You gave me names of some very good restaurants.
I wanted to be close to downtown. I hadn't tried anything yet in the Harbor East area of the city, so I decided to go to Cinghiale on Lancaster Street.
I was glad I did! I made reservations on Wednesday and was happy to have the restaurant call me back on Friday to confirm the date and time.
Cinghiale is large with a long bar toward the back and seating on two sides of the bar. Our reservations were for 8 p.m. and we got there a little early. We found a place at the bar and ordered a couple of drinks. (The bartenders were prompt and terrific!).
A few minutes after 8, our table was ready and we were shown to our table.
Appetizers were ordered and along with our entrees. I had the rockfish and my date had pasta. Both dishes were delicious as was dessert! The service is what you'd expect at an upscale restaurant, efficient, without being obtrusive.
I would recommend Cinghiale in a heart beat! Saturday Night, it was crowded, a little loud, but a great place to take a date or celebrate a special occasion.
Thanks again everyone for your suggestions!!
Harford Countian
Sun photo of Cinghiale table setting by Jed Kirschbaum