48. Ranazul
Nicole Martyn, Patuxent Publishing
The tapas restaurant and gathering spot has survived the other early tenants of the Maple Lawn development. If the suburban-contemporary setting is a bit cold, such consistently performing dishes like the frito mixto, lamb chops and tuna tartare warm it up considerably. Venue info: Ranazul in Fulton
The tapas restaurant and gathering spot has survived the other early tenants of the Maple Lawn development. If the suburban-contemporary setting is a bit cold, such consistently performing dishes like the frito mixto, lamb chops and tuna tartare warm it up considerably. Venue info: Ranazul in Fulton (Nicole Martyn, Patuxent Publishing)
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47. Severn Inn
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun
The quality of the cuisine has tended to ebb and flow over the years at this waterside restaurant. At its best, the restaurant comes close to the ideal traditional seafood restaurant. The scenic view from here, hard to beat, cushions the blows when things aren't perfect. Venue info: Severn Inn in Annapolis
The quality of the cuisine has tended to ebb and flow over the years at this waterside restaurant. At its best, the restaurant comes close to the ideal traditional seafood restaurant. The scenic view from here, hard to beat, cushions the blows when things aren't perfect. Venue info: Severn Inn in Annapolis (Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun)
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46. Jesse Wong's Asean Bistro
Sun photo by Sarah Kickler-Kelber
When it opened back in 1999, Jesse was credited with bringing bistro-style sophistication to a drab Asian dining scene. ("Asean," by the way, stands for "Association of East Asian Nations.") The tide has turned in Howard County toward more homespun Asian cuisine, but Jesse Wong's is still a sterling date-night option. Venue info: Jesse Wong's Asean Bistro in Columbia
When it opened back in 1999, Jesse was credited with bringing bistro-style sophistication to a drab Asian dining scene. ("Asean," by the way, stands for "Association of East Asian Nations.") The tide has turned in Howard County toward more homespun Asian cuisine, but Jesse Wong's is still a sterling date-night option. Venue info: Jesse Wong's Asean Bistro in Columbia (Sun photo by Sarah Kickler-Kelber)
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45. Michael's Cafe
Jessica Koscielniak, Patuxent Publishing
The very model of the reliable, unpretentious, boisterous, family-owned, family-friendly Baltimore County cafe and pub. The Dellis Family converted the old Fairgrounds Inn into this haven for softball-sized crabcakes back in 1990, expanded it in 1996, and it's been packed ever since. Venue info: Michael's Cafe in Timonium
The very model of the reliable, unpretentious, boisterous, family-owned, family-friendly Baltimore County cafe and pub. The Dellis Family converted the old Fairgrounds Inn into this haven for softball-sized crabcakes back in 1990, expanded it in 1996, and it's been packed ever since. Venue info: Michael's Cafe in Timonium (Jessica Koscielniak, Patuxent Publishing)
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44. El Salto
Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun
The original and still much-loved home (in a former fast-food joint) for inexpensive Mexican food. Old-school combination platters and unlimited supplies of chips and salsa. It's reached inexpensive-eats institution status. Venue info: El Salto in Parkville
The original and still much-loved home (in a former fast-food joint) for inexpensive Mexican food. Old-school combination platters and unlimited supplies of chips and salsa. It's reached inexpensive-eats institution status. Venue info: El Salto in Parkville (Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun)
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