cathmc

We used to live right across from Little Italy in a condo on the Inner Harbor (albeit 10 years ago). Amicci's was always the best place to go for good quality inexpensive Italian. They have expanded into neighboring houses over the years. Most nights there is a wait for a table, but the turn over is high. We used to particularly enjoy the gnocci. This is basic Italian food at great prices in a family friendly environment. To be honest, it was really the main Italian restaurant that the locals would frequent. For finer dining and better food (at much higher prices) we favored Boccaccio. However, as it was so long ago -- I'd look that one up in Zagat's before going.

Okay -- I am hoping to shame all you "long-time" dr.com members in to upping my bid. The fundraiser was my first DR event (and I loved it!). It's a worthy cause; let's help Chris and Binni meet their goals. Going once, twice....

As far as the safety of ordering online vs. at a local store -- I think much of it depends upon the reputation and integrity of the retailer. I have yet to have any problem with wine we have ordered online (or had shipped directly from a vineyard). Our experience isn't as vast as some -- probably five hundred or so bottles purchased and/or shipped that way. I know it can happen; thus far, we've been lucky. Usually the big retailers will hold purchases and ship during the cooler months. Many use specialty packing and shipping services for more control. We always ship to our office address so that there is no chance of the sitting outside for any length of time at our end. On the other hand, I have had at least half a dozen "corked" bottles from a certain "speciality" wine purveyor in the McArthur Blvd. corridor. In fairness, most of these bottles were purchased during or right after a large renovation project on their premises. Nonetheless, that's a lot of spoiled bottles. Did they all get spoiled at that location? I doubt it. Interestingly, the wines have included inexpensive and very expensive bottles. And, in the defense of the wine store -- I still do business there. Their consultants have helped me pair wines with many a menu. They are good about taking returns -- I am just not that good about bothering to take the "corked" bottles back. I don't catalog and save all my wine receipts, and I remove the price tags before serving the wine. Therefore, returning the wine isn't as simple as if I was bringing it back to Target where they can pull up my receipt using my credit card number. Speaking of that -- when will Target start selling wine...

We have had excellent luck with The Carolina Wine Company. They often have access to new releases of previously sold out vintages. We've been pleased with both the price and the service thus far. They seem to have a better than average selection of hard to find wines. www.carolinawine.com (Please excuse the fact that I didn't include a hyperlink -- I am a total novice at this whole thing. Wait -- I believe I am on to something here...) Carolina Wine

After hearing all the praises of Corduroy, I couldn't wait to try it myself. It's out of the way location made it all the more difficult to recruit some fellow diners, but I finally managed to do so. From start to finish the night was a treat. As many other people have mentioned, the service at Corduroy is outstanding. From the moment you enter the restaurant, you are taken care of by the far more than competant staff. The food was cooked to perfection and represented a perfect marriage of flavors and textures. The sauces add to the flavors without overpowering the dishes. The meats were tender and bursting with flavor. If there is one problem with Corduroy, it has to be it's location -- hidden on the second floor of the Four Points Sheraton. This is a restaurant that could just as easily fit in at the Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton. The food and service is far better than one would normally expect to see at the Sheraton. People who dismiss Corduroy for this reason are really missing out on a gem. I will definitely recommend it to friends and family.

I tried Kotobuki for the first time last week with my parents. We all loved our food. Our server recommended that we try the Shumai dumplings. They were amazing. I have never tasted any with that much flavor. As others said, the scallop sushi and toro were excellent. We also enjoyed the "Virginia" roll -- a bit like a california roll wrapped on the outside with salmon. They are in the process of putting in a large bay window in the front (the hammering is likely all done by now). It made for a little bit of a noisy dinner, but it will definitely brighten the place up. We went on a Wednesday night right at 5:00 p.m. By the time we left, there were people waiting for tables. This was the first restaurant I tried after joining the board and it definitely passed muster! Catherine