Amazing Tastes in Baltimore: Part 1!

This summer we have been at large with the Cincinnati Reds, already partaking in 5 games, even though Heather roots for the dark side (::cough:: Cleveland Indians ::cough::)! We have begun traveling around to visit new cities and even re-visit other great cities within the United States to see the Reds and enjoy what all the cities have to offer, and it has been a very TASTEFUL experience!


Naturally, the first thing we gravitate towards besides food, is their local drinks; an Orange Crush is a extremely well-known local drink made from Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Orange Vodka, and Triple Sec over ice. We could have sat at M&S Grill from the time we got there, 3:00pm until they closed drinking "Orange Crushes."

Crab Cake with Cole Slaw & Fries

Baltimore was not one of the major cities in our minds for foodies, but they certainly proved us wrong... beginning with, of course, their famous crab cakes! Taking on the characteristics and first timers in Baltimore, it was a definite MUST to eat lunch at the Inner Harbor. We took the Inner Harbor ferry boat to a popular restaurant called The Rusty Scupper. Reading the reviews on Opentable.com and searching through many other travel oriented web-sites this seemed to be the most simple and quickest way for us to get our fix for crab cakes. The reviews hit the nail on the head; their crab cakes were memorable, as well as their warm Spinach & Crab Dip served with pita chips! The only disappointment we truly had was, the platings were not desirable, but thankfully, the taste and flavors of the food made up for the layout(s).

Warm Spinach & Crab Dip with Pita Chips

Crab Stuffed Shrimp with Fries & Coleslaw

Rockfish

We also ordered a local fish, known as Rockfish and was typically grilled. This was a white and mild fish served with greens and wild rice with a seasoned melted butter on top. Above is also the Crab Stuffed Shrimp, which was very good in taste, but a small portion (Only 3 Shrimp) which was not worth the price.

All in All, we got our fill of Crab and other forms of Seafood and I don't think we will need anymore for a good couple of months! It was a standard restaurant with a large tourist base, but if you are ever in the area, I recommend the Rusty Scupper for a quick and easy place which has a good view, good service, and good food.

The Rusty Scupper (Inner Harbor)

402 Key Highway

Baltimore, MD 21230

(410) 727-3678

www.selectrestaurants.com/rusty/

Surely You'll Visit Surly Girl Saloon

"Eat. Drink. Rock. & Raise Hell" is the quote Surly Girl Saloon lives by. With the trendy, relaxed atmosphere and good friends, it easily becomes a great place to stop in to and enjoy one of their signature cocktails, organic wine, or even one of their 24 beers on draught to wind down. Not only do they have their signature drinks, but they have some amazing food creations that we certainly recommend tasting! 

Their popular dish; the Frito Pie, which is also well known from the show 'King of The Hill' involves your choice of their house-made meat lovers or  vegetarian style chili,  a three pepper mix that adds a kick, monterey jack cheeses, sour cream and of course, fritos! We had the chance to indulge in their Chips & Queso, which was made up of mexican cheeses and their chunky salsa and was very fulfilling and easy to polish off.

Chips, Fritos & Queso

Next on the list was to try their intriguing Pulled Pork Tacos and the Salad From Hell. The tacos has their slow roasted pork with a cilantro-citrus salsa including mandarines, and fresh slaw wrapped in soft shells. Tacos are not too difficult to mess up, but they nailed these on the head with the hint of spice and pepper and the sweet taste of the mandarines combined was excellent. These were very unique and worth trying, as well as the Salad From Hell; a bed of greens topped with jalepenos, roasted onions & peppers, chili pecans drizzled with a spicy chipotle ranch dressing with a side of mashed potatoes.

Pulled Pork Tacos

With a baroque chandelier, the bizarre yet interesting photos on the walls and the occasional live music, this is a great place to put on your list of restaurants to dine at! If one does get an opportunity to visit Surly Girl, attempt to arrive early, because reservations are not an option and there always seems to be a crowd. Be sure to try their 'Spring Fling' while waiting at the bar for a table! It is a refreshing cocktail with infused ginger vodka; you can't just have one!

Spring Fling!

Surly Girl Saloon
1126 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 294-4900
Hours: 11:00am-2:00am Daily
http://www.surlygirlsaloon.com
Map