Prelude: When I wrote this, I wanted to have a new post, because I didn't like the ad that popped up from ad sense. I thought I would write about the meeting's content, but in the back of my mind, I recalled a posting on our neighborhood bulletin board about ideas for a low cost vacation, close to home. My description of Baltimore and the restaurants that I visited is intended for this purpose. I was also interested in seeing what ads would result from what I was writing. I don't think anyone really cares about where I ate in Baltimore last week, but someday I might want to know so I can return to them myself. If you might visit Baltimore, read on.
It was the 10th such meeting that occurs on a triannual basis. The venue, in the East Harbor community of Baltimore, was perfect for the conference. The meeting was held at the Marriott Waterfront hotel, a sky scraping building with a spectacular view of the inner harbor with its waterfront, museums, shops and new condos on the West side with Bunker Hill's flag flying behind them. . At night, the multiple lights from the harbor and Baltimore’s skyline and highways behind it was spectacular. The inner harbor appears to be a bustling community that supports residences, business and tourists. At the East Harbor, the hotel wasn’t full, in spite of the three simultaneous conventions; the hotel facilities worked well. Our room expanded or separated into two, we had ample space for posters as well as space for meeting informally in the hallway surrounding the rooms. Neither the medical nor legal conferences interfered with ours. And we all chuckled at the sign saying, “This breakfast is for asteroids only.”
The weather during the week was exceptional for this time of year. It was warm but not too humid. It didn’t rain (because I brought my rain jacket with me). When we ventured out for lunch, we were able to find restaurants within walking distance that didn’t have long waiting lines. The hotel’s concierge was very helpful in making suggestions and reservations for us when we had a large luncheon meeting. Any of the restaurants I would recommend going to if you are in Baltimore for any reason. I had lunch twice at the Lebanese Taverna at 719 S. President St. Both times they accommodated a group larger than ten. I think we all enjoyed the fare which is mediteranian and was attractively served on glass plates with indentations for each dish.
A group of six of us ate at McCormick and Schmick's at 711 Eastern Avenue. We arrived early and enjoyed our lunch, though I hear that others left before being served so I take it that the restaurant had reached their capacity.
Two other places I’d like to mention. Dining at Pazo was a lot of fun. I went with some old friends and a science writer. We had an engaging and entertaining waiter, who would have irritated me if the evening were to be serious, but it wasn’t. The building is a former machine shop with good acoustics and a fine menu. We had a preselected tapas menu for two while my friends picked and chose from the menu. Two bottles of the house wine paired well with everything and we all enjoyed the entire meal. We weren’t rushed and had plenty of time for recent and past stories. It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends. I was disappointed to learn that the restaurant was not open for lunch.
My friend Jill Jonnes and I had an early dinner at a Sushi restaurant, Chiu's Sushi at 608 S. Exeter St. I was initially irritated by Jill's reminding me that tuna and salmon were on the fish don't eat list. In the end, the vegetarian sushis were very tasty. I ate there twice too.
The weather during the week was exceptional for this time of year. It was warm but not too humid. It didn’t rain (because I brought my rain jacket with me). When we ventured out for lunch, we were able to find restaurants within walking distance that didn’t have long waiting lines. The hotel’s concierge was very helpful in making suggestions and reservations for us when we had a large luncheon meeting. Any of the restaurants I would recommend going to if you are in Baltimore for any reason. I had lunch twice at the Lebanese Taverna at 719 S. President St. Both times they accommodated a group larger than ten. I think we all enjoyed the fare which is mediteranian and was attractively served on glass plates with indentations for each dish.
A group of six of us ate at McCormick and Schmick's at 711 Eastern Avenue. We arrived early and enjoyed our lunch, though I hear that others left before being served so I take it that the restaurant had reached their capacity.
Two other places I’d like to mention. Dining at Pazo was a lot of fun. I went with some old friends and a science writer. We had an engaging and entertaining waiter, who would have irritated me if the evening were to be serious, but it wasn’t. The building is a former machine shop with good acoustics and a fine menu. We had a preselected tapas menu for two while my friends picked and chose from the menu. Two bottles of the house wine paired well with everything and we all enjoyed the entire meal. We weren’t rushed and had plenty of time for recent and past stories. It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends. I was disappointed to learn that the restaurant was not open for lunch.
My friend Jill Jonnes and I had an early dinner at a Sushi restaurant, Chiu's Sushi at 608 S. Exeter St. I was initially irritated by Jill's reminding me that tuna and salmon were on the fish don't eat list. In the end, the vegetarian sushis were very tasty. I ate there twice too.
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