Winners of contest #1

I loved reading the responses. I often slapped my knee. Some of you added letters or moved them -- still funny but not eligible.

Fun, but the whole thing went on too long, and then it stopped being as much fun. Diminishing returns. So, I am making the contest into a Wednesday-only feature.

In Contest #1, you were to change exactly one letter (without scrambling or repositioning) in the name of a Baltimore area restaurant and supply a super brief explanation of, or come-on for, the re-branded eatery.

I liked them all so much that I went out empaneled veteran drudge and You Don't Say blogger John McIntyre on the Contest Jury.

First place, and a signed copy of What the Great Ate by Matthew Jacob and Mark Jacob

Job Squared -- every pizza is a curse from God -- Rahne Alexander

Second Place

Brewer's Ark - two of every beer --Stagger Lee

Third Place

Five Gays - Not that there's anything wrong with that -- Doug

Fourth Place

Cafe Han: Finally, Baltimore gets good Chinese! --Eric

Fifth Place

Double-D-Diner (we make Hooter's look like children!) --Lone Lady

Honorable Mentions

McCormick and Schmuck's - fish done the wrong way -- Lloydie

Dogfood Deli – for the socially conscious pooch -- Karen

Salk - Vaccines and Foie Gras! Save your Spine, Destroy Your Heart! --The Fever 

Jolt – Reaction to discovering the length of the waiting list for reservations --Anonymous

Cutback - enjoy very limited menu at this Tribune Company cafeteria -- Federal Hal 

Grand Cry--a real tears-in-your-pinot-noir kind of joint --Mitzi