Mr. Graham Dunstan

Baltimore’s Burgeoning Culinary Scene: Do You Know Charm City? (Part 2)

Posted by Mr. Graham Dunstan, Mar 10, 2010 0 comments


Mr. Graham Dunstan

by Kristin Symes

The James Joyce Pub

The James Joyce Pub, just a short walk from the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.

Wondering what the food is going to be like in Baltimore this summer when you come to visit during the Annual Convention? It should come as no surprise that a city generating so much buzz about its recent growth and downtown development also boasts some of the greatest chefs and cuisine to match. It's as if Baltimore has experienced a gastronomic renaissance. The locally grown culinary scene has sprouted a new crop of extraordinary restaurants for you to harvest.

Baltimore has an emerging culinary scene and is quickly becoming a hot spot for foodies from around the globe. With culinary accolades appearing in Gourmet, Food & Wine, and Bon Appétit, and with two Baltimore chefs recently featured on The Food Network’s hit show, Top Chef, it’s clear that Baltimore is finally gaining the culinary recognition it deserves.

Local restaurants feature sophisticated and original menus that embrace the farm-to-table concept. No longer is Baltimore thought of as only the home of the crab cake (although we do have the best!). The city's progressive compilation of cutting-edge eateries pedaling fresh, funky-fusion recipes like crispy Thai string beans, lobster mac and artisan beers has put Baltimore on the map as an up-and-coming culinary city not to be missed.

The most inviting part is Baltimore possess all the palate-pleasing tastes and nouveau fare while also offering the comfort and accessibility of a hometown. Many of the city’s hottest new restaurants are just steps away from downtown hotels, and with the recent addition of Baltimore’s new FREE Charm City Circulator, sampling Baltimore’s eclectic cuisine has never been easier.

The city’s culinary synergy of sophistication and a laid-back attitude sets the scene for an unforgettable experience. Renowned chefs are venturing out from the Inner Harbor to set up shop in eclectic and quaint historic neighborhoods rich with culture and flair. Areas such as Harbor East (where the Convention headquarters hotel--the Baltimore Waterfront Marriott--is located) have also experienced a surge of restaurant development, much to the delight of the locals and visitors.

Baltimore’s swanky Harbor East neighborhood features upscale restaurants that have replaced dilapidated warehouses and industrial mills. Now, about the only thing stored in bulk, in Harbor East, is wine. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy southern-inspired cuisine by James Beard Foundation nominee, Cindy Wolf at Harbor East’s Charleston. If a laid-back lounge is more your style, Teavolve’s Honeydew Bubble Tea Latte will hit the spot. For the more adventurous diner, sample an Avocado and Crabmeat Tian at Harbor East’s only civiche bar, Talara. In short, Harbor East has evolved into a restaurant lover’s paradise, with something to please any palette. You and your appetite should be excited about the many culinary curiosities you'll enjoy during your stay in Baltimore when you come for the 2010 Americans for the Arts Half-Century Summit.

For a list of restaurants just a stone's throw from the Annual Convention headquarters, click here.

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