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BALTIMORE
CULINARY EXPLORATION IN MARYLAND
BALTIMORE = CHARM CITY
I've made a few food exploration trips to Baltimore, home of old world charm, and amazing seafood. My first visit was spent focusing on a regional specialty called pit beef stands, these little secret treasures make roast beef sandwiches that Arby's can only dream of. And another trip revolved around discovering the attributes that define true Maryland crab cakes. Both trips were amazing, colorful, and left me more knowledgeable of this regions foods.
Roam the Baltimore's scene and you'll find a playful cuisine, a unique BBQ style, and more world famous Maryland blue crab than you can shake a stick at. Baltimore's culinary culture is an exciting mix of old institutions and new culinary exploration, a combination that makes for a new adventure every time I visit. Take a peek below to see what were my favorites from my explorations in the Charm city.
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The Pig
VIDEO: HOW TO EAT A CRAB BOIL - BALTIMORE, MD
PIG'S PICKS
Where to crack crab, slather on tiger sauce, and dine on seafood in Baltimore
PAPPA'S RESTAURANT
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: JUMBO CRAB CAKES
WHEN: You want the true Maryland crab cake experience.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT: (4 locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Crab cakes
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Cucumber salad
WHY: I was on a crab cake research mission and this was my fifth and final stop for lunch. My stomach so full that I couldn't eat anymore, but after my first bite I couldn't stop. Plain and simple, put this place on your Baltimore bucket list for crab cakes.
BLUE MOON CAFE
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: BOHEMIAN BREAKFAST
WHEN: You want a casual yet fantastic breakfast.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Cap'n Crunch french toast
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Maryland crab benidict
WHY: The Cap'n Crunch french toast is a treat to behold. The creative part of adding a childhood favorite to french toast was enough to get me in the door, the execution was enough to get me back.
PIONEER PIT BEEF
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: BALTIMORE BBQ
WHEN: Nothing but the best pit beef sandwich will do.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Cash only
MAP IT:
N Rolling Rd & Johnnycake Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Pit Beef sandwich
WHY: This is a hidden American treasure, no kidding. A little yellow shack tucked under HWY 70 pumps out the best Pit beef in the city. You can taste the mesquite smoke on the freshly sliced rare beef, stacked high on a simple white bun. Make sure you ask for the Tiger sauce and extra onions.
DOOBY'S
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: KOREAN INSPIRED FARE
WHEN: A good place to meet friends.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
WHAT TO ORDER:
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Pork buns
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Korean BBQ steak
WHY: Asian flavors are hot, and Korean cuisine are climbing to the top of that list. Dooby's does a great job of making their food flavor packed, approachable, and still have some authentic flavors for the brave.
RIPTIDE BY THE BAY
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: A MESSY CRAB EXPERIENCE
WHEN: It's okay to get a little dirty earning your meal.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Maryland blue crab boil
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Natty Boh
WHY: A big messy treat. Eat at the old wooden bar where you get the brown butcher paper experience, complete with little tools, and plastic bib. Be ready to get dirty, and lick your fingers, this is not for the faint at heart. Relax, sit back, crack open a few crabs and a Natty Boh or two.
G&M RESTAURANT
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: CRABBY PATTIES
WHEN: You're looking for the Baltimore supper club experience.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Crab cakes
WHY: In a city known for crab, this is one of the premier locations. Huge chunks of sweet crab meat, this is Maryland crab cakes at its best.
CHAPP'S PIT BEEF
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: PAPER THIN BEEF
WHEN: You're craving a quality pit beef sandwich.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Pit beef sandwich
WHY: This little tiny shack is located in the lot of a strip club, can you say two birds? They serve a fantastic version of classic Baltimore Pit Beef, aka Baltimore BBQ.. Make sure to load up on the Tiger sauce and onions.
EJJI RAMEN
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: RAMEN & JAPANESE FUSION
WHEN: You're looking to explore Japanese fusion cuisine.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Mac & cheese ramen dog
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Tonkotsu Porky Ramen
WHY: The ramen is good, but what caught my attention, and was worth the trip is their creative and unique use of noodles in the Mac & cheese ramen dog. This is how trends start and grow from a simple idea like wrapping a hot dog with ramen then deep frying it. Where will ramen noodles go next?
