A couple girlfriends and I took a quick road trip to check out a restaurant called Bo Brooks, in the Canton section of Baltimore, off the Harbor. When I made reservations 3 days prior, I requested outdoor seating on the patio, which sits right on the marina.

Since I’ve never been to this place in particular, I used Waze to navigate. When we pulled up, Waze took us to the rear of the building which was actually a parking area for the apartment complex that sits right behind the restaurant. So I had to drop my girlfriends off at the rear door to go in and claim the reservation under my name while I circled back around to the front to find proper parking, which turned out great because the restaurant gives you 2 hours of validated parking for that lot.

When I got out of the car and headed into the restaurant, I noticed the tiki bar at the front of the building which was full of loud and fun patrons. 😁 I proceeded inside to find out where my group was.

I went in to find that my friends had been seated at a table on the patio out back while I parked, but once I went inside, I wasn’t greeted immediately by anyone. The host station at the front door was empty. Another employee, who must have just gotten off, saw me but just smiled. And the bar maid, who was working the bar which sits right inside the entrance, would not look up at me until I asked her if someone was going to seat me. Not good

Finally, as the bar maid was “gleefully” explaining that the host would be right out, the host was approaching me at the same time. He validated my parking slip and directed me to the table where my friends were.

Once I sat down, I took in the atmosphere and noticed how cozy the patio was. The view was amazing, as we sat right on the water, next to parked boats and the other sections of the Harbor were in view, off in the distance. The only thing I think the patio was missing was drop screening to help block the sunlight when it starts to set and its right in your eyes if you’re sitting facing the water. Other than that, the seating was great. 😁

In the meantime, I traveled down there thinking I was gonna tear up a table full of steamed crabs. I even dressed the part – instead of getting “cute”, I wore jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers, expecting to get bust-down dirty with some crabs. 😂😂 But once I sat down and read the menu, I changed my mind. I’ll tell you why… Just know that I could have worn my bougie clothes after all 😁

As I looked over the menu, I was still looking around at the other tables nearby, to see what other patrons were eating. The couple directly to our left had ordered the steamed crabs. And the table of ladies to our right ordered a little bit of everything. So that left us feeling more hungry than we already were, wanting to order up everything too. 😂 But wait…

The menu doesn’t list the prices for the steamed crabs – we had to ask our server. I asked, because I was ready. 😁 But I was shocked to find out that the steamed crabs (mediums were in stock, this day) were sold by the dozen, and the dozens were $75. 😳🤯😳 Listen. Crab cracking has been a summertime staple in my culture for all of my life and then some. Never have I ever heard of a dozen crabs costing that much. I just couldn’t do it.

However, most everything else on the menu seemed reasonably priced. I ordered the following:

Soup – I had the Maryland Crab Soup, which is tomato-based with vegetables and lump crab meat. While it had VERY good flavor (it was absolutely delicious!), it had minimal crab meat. But as good as this soup was, I really had the mind to order another bowl despite the lack of meat. I didn’t ask for more though because I needed to be able to taste everything else. My soup was $6.50.

Appetizer – I had the Steamed Mussels, which were also really tasty. And they came with a sliced baked roll. While I was very pleased with the flavor of the mussels overall, some of them still had the tough beards still attached. Things like that distract me easily. My appetizer was $15.

Entree – My entree was the Steak & Cake, which consists of:

An 8oz Beef Tenderloin – I usually ask that my steaks be cooked to medium, and this one came out perfectly. Juicy, tender and flavorful. Almost like a slow-cooked roast. I feel that it needed just a tiny bit more seasoning though. Just a pinch.

A Broiled Crab Cake – I LOVE crab cakes, and this one was very good. I didn’t need the tarter or cocktail sauces that were included on my plate for it. They were actually in the way. I ate the crab cake plain, it the way it came. I was very pleased with it.

Mashed Red-Skinned Potatoes – While the potatoes weren’t bad at all, in my opinion they could have used a little more seasoning as well. But it was nothing a little bit of salt and pepper couldn’t fix.

Steamed Sweet Potatoes & Brussel Sprouts – Honestly, I didn’t eat this part of the entree. I didn’t feel like it. As a kid, I would have gotten yelled at for wasting food, the way I let this sit on my plate.

My entree was $36.

My friends ordered the same entree and appetizer as I did, but they also had an appetizer of crab dip, which is a cheese-based crab dip that comes with a sliced baked roll. I tasted a bit of that and liked it. 😁

To top everything off for the evening, we ordered cocktails. I like vodka and was surprised to learn that this establishment doesn’t carry Grey Goose, which is my vodka of choice when I plan to juice it with cranberry. Their staple was Stoli. I didnt drive all the way down here to drink Stoli..I don’t even do that locally. So for me, my substitute was Belvedere. My friends substituted theirs with Svedka. Both ere generous pours. My cocktail of Belvedere Vodka, cranberry juice and a splash of pineapple was $10.25.

But wait…I thought I was done until one of my friends got bowl of Apple Pie A La Mode for her birthday. She let me taste some of hers and I just had to have one too. 😂😂 It tasted like heaven! The pie was $5.

So with all of this – I do recommend Bo Brooks as a place to try for yourself. Outside of a few little kinks in the beginning with the less-than-attentive staff, and the things that I nitpick about in regards seasoning, the food overall was well-portioned and pleasurable, and we did really enjoy our time there. 😁

#BoBrooksCanton #Baltimore #Maryland #Dining #Seafood

I had an evening to myself yesterday – all of my immediate loved ones had to work, so I wanted a treat and a moment to relax on my own. ☺️ My absolute favorite place to eat in my town is the Progress Grille, an upscale, Greek-American restaurant on Walnut Street that specializes in seafood, steaks, and so much more in between. My personal favorites are the broiled crab cakes and the broiled lobster tail. ☺️

Progress Grille, in my opinion, has always been one of those places that adults went to for date nights, to have a nice dinner and time out, without kids – although there is a “kid section” on the menu. It reminds me of one of those restaurants you’d see in movies – with the dimmed lights, cozy atmosphere, candle-lit tables, couples conversing, upscale menu – everything you can think of.

The dining experience at Progress Grille doesn’t disappoint my imagination, with their well-trained and structured staff – complete with uniformity and professionalism. I was warmly greeted upon arrival this evening by Nick, the host, who is a co-owner of this establishment with his brother John. When I asked for bar seating, Nick escorted me to my desired area, where I was then met by a server named Cody, who welcomed me to my seat as if he’d read my mind as to which seat I’d choose. I found that small touch of intuitiveness to be refreshing.

As I sat and received gracious service by not only Cody, but also his co-worker Dory, who checked on me and made sure my water glass was never empty, I watched as everything around me ran like a well-oiled machine. As the staff moved about, the customers, including myself, were laid back and comfortable, while being served with confidence. Nothing was out of order or out of place, as regulars filed in and greeted the owners, John and Nick by name, and were treated like old friends.

I started my order with a cocktail of Grey Goose with cranberry juice. What you will understand about this establishment is that when you order a drink, the pour is heavy. So expect to get the drink of Grey Goose and not so much the cranberry juice, unless you specify that you want extra juice. I don’t recommend you ask for “a double” of anything unless you know for sure what you’re getting into. 😂😂

For dinner, I had one of my favorite dishes – the broiled crab cakes, a baked potato, a Greek salad and dinner rolls, all of which I never share with anyone because they’re all THAT good! Even the rolls! 😁 I normally don’t finish my dinner in one sitting, but this time I was hungry, so I ate everything but one of the crab cakes, which I did have boxed to bring home.

During my stay, co-owner John came and sat next to me and in the midst of small talk, he informed me that they’ve been in business there, serving the community for 38 years. I saw the pride in his smile and warm demeanor with me, as well as the professionalism of his staff. I also met a served named Andrew who came to greet me personally as well. 😁 Nick, the host and co-owner also sat and talked with me a while and informed me that the summer months are the best time in which customers can come in for quick and easy seating, as the late fall, winter and early spring months are their heavy season where seating is tight and reservations are highly recommended. I had noticed that but it made much sense having it explained by him.

So for me, Progress Grille comes highly recommended if you’re looking for a good place for either a date night or an upscale dinner with adult family and/or friends. I’ve been patronizing this establishment for several years and it has never once failed me. So if this is one of those spots that you’ve always seen but never stopped in, make it a point to try it soon. And thank me later. 😉😁

– Alonda Nyree, The Dining Room Snitch 😘

Today I had a taste for comfort food for lunch – that type that settles with you and puts you in “relax” mode. So I decided I wanted something Spanish – centered around my favorite, arroz y frijoles (rice and beans). But I was undecided as to which meat I wanted, so I was going to figure that out once I made it to my stop, which was initially going to be Cidra’s Cabana, at the Big Ugly Warehouse on 18th and Derry (in Harrisburg, PA). But unfortunately, they added Wednesday’s to their list of days that they’re closed. I was disappointed… But! I knew that there was a new place half a block away, where the former 17th St Diner was, that also served Spanish food, called the Rice & Beans Diner. I had never tried it before but I have heard a good review on it previously, so I went on around there to see if they could properly satisfy my craving.

What I walked into was a fresh, clean, well-lit and cheerful atmosphere, with smiling faces, in front of and behind the counter. Music playing, aroma from the kitchen, a bright serving buffet display and friendly staff all lend in to invite you, to either get your lunch the way you want it and keep going if you must, or stay awhile and be served with a smile. I was moving quickly, so I had to take mine to go.

I knew straight off that I wanted rice and beans, but I had to peruse the display to settle on a meat. I keep my choices simple – it’ll either be stewed chicken, beef or on rare occasion, pork. I very VERY rarely eat pork but my server let me sample a bit of it. And I was hooked. 😁 The flavor was PERFECT! And I figured since I’m getting back into telling you all my truths about where I eat, I’d stick a toe outside the box and have the stewed pork with my rice and beans. I was SO satisfied, as the rice was done just the way I like it as well. Done just right, not too soggy, sticky or mushy.

I don’t eat big enough to have had an appetite to try much else today and I didn’t wanna end up asleep at my desk, so along with my lunch I just got a fruit punch. 😂😂 No more food! But I WILL be back to see what else I like, in the near future!

This place is running neck and neck, in my opinion, with Cidra’s Cabana, as far as flavor, cleanliness, atmosphere and friendly staff. For me, the competition is stiff. And I love it! #Options

It’s been 5 whole years since I’ve blogged on my dining experiences, but after quite a bit of demand, I’m BACK y’all!! 🙌🏾 I’ll be trying to blog regularly as I come across new and/or interesting places, people and events, so bear with me as I embark on this return. I’m excited for the ideas and things I have lined up! Stay tuned to see who and what’s cookin! 😁