Does anyone have any suggestions about hotels and/or restaurants you like in Baltilmore??? thanks jan

YES: Go to Obrycki's on Pratt Street for the best steamed Chesapeake crabs in the world. If you've never picked crabs before, it can be intimidating and messy but with a pitcher of beer there is nothing better in the whole wide world. The crab cakes are also delicious if you don't feel like contending with with the crustaceans themselves.

Baltimore: I really liked the Ze Mean Bean Cafe in Fell's Point; sometimes on weekends for brunch they would have musical entertainment. They also serve lunches here. The Helmand in Mount Vernon (Charles St., just above Mt. Vernon Square) was one of the best Afghan restaurants I've been to anywhere.

It's been about two years since I lived there, but hopefully these places are still open and good. DAN

Another yes on Ze Mean Bean for a warm, intimate spot. Very special.

The Helmand is not only great, you can tell the folks back home that you ate at the restaurant owned by the brother of President Karzai of Afghanistan. The neighborhood of Mount Vernon Square where it's located is quite picturesque. I also like Tony Cheng's for Chinese in that neighborhood. It's in a great old 19th century mansion overlooking Baltimore's Washington Monument. Also Ruby Lounge in the same neighborhood for American cuisine and a sophisticated, younger clientele.

For good seafood (not great) but the best view of Baltimore and the Inner Harbor--the Rusty Scupper, on the quiet (south) side of the Harbor.

For upscale dining, Charleston between the Inner Harbor and Fell's Point. Southern U.S./French fusion, and one of the finest restaurants I've experienced anywhere.

In Little Italy we always go back to Amicci's. They have a website -- amiccis.com Great food, reasonable price.

For lunch, Bertha's in Fells Point. Be sure to "Eat Bertha's Mussels" if you decide to go -- ask for one of their bumper stickers.

I would skip Obrycki's--their crabs are covered in a black pepper seasoning, not the traditional Maryland Old Bay seasoning. The Ruby Lounge that JohnCharles recommended was great--but last time I was there--they had closed their doors. Amicci's in Little Italy is great and stop by Vaccaro's afterwards for a canolli. I also like the Joy America Cafe at the American Visionary Art Museum--the museum is even better! Kali's Court in Fells Point is also very good. Kawasaki on Charles has some of the best sushi--ask to sit at one of the tables in the window.

First, when are you coming? That can affect which restaurants you choose, especially with Obryckis, which closes during the winter.

Second, what kind of neighborhood do you want to stay in? Downtown by the harbour or in a quieter area? Staying downtown or in Mt. Vernon are very different experiences.

Can you provide more details about what you're interested in?

Bo Brooks, in the Canton area,has a great water view location and wonderful crabs(you can get there via the water taxi which has many stops around the Harbor and Fells Point). The cream of crab soup is terrific. If you are up near Penn. Station, try XS which is on Charles St one block south of the train station. It is a informal, inexpensive "hip" place that serves everything from pancakes to sushi. Also, near Johns Hopkins University - Charles Village main campus, is the Ambassodore Restaurant - it is great Indian food (a little expensive) in a beautiful Victorian-like room in an old stately apartment building. In good weather you can sit outside in a lovely garden. I don't recommend the Brass Elephant (supposedly one of the best in Baltimore). We ate there a few weeks ago and found it to be an unimaginative and overly sauced meal. Petit Louis is in Roland Park in North Baltimore and is a great neighorbood bistro - good food!