Support Local Restaurants During COVID-19
Uncertain times, to be sure. The best we can do is go day to day which I have found to be helpful. The trouble is those days are going by very quickly. We have learned to adlib, operate by the seat of our pants, plan our days with less thought (since most of them are the same), and to seek out advice. Restaurants, however, are planning for their very future.
Those that can have taken to offer carry out service, curbside service, delivery by outside firms, or a combination of all three. Following is a list, albeit very small, of what some area restaurants are doing. The best advice is to call. If someone answers that’s a good sign. This suggestion is true for all restaurants, it’s best to order and pay in advance. The list is in no particular order.
I’ll begin in Glyndon with the Glyndon Grill, 4844 Butler Road. They are doing curbside, carry out (in future reference to that word that means going inside) and delivery. The menu is revised and fairly new offering menu items, gourmet meals, and family-style (up to 6 people). Package goods on Sunday, there is an adjacent parking lot and cocktails to go. There are tables outside that can be used. (443-881-4183)
Costas Inn, 4100 North Point Road, is offering steamed crabs and I understand it’s a hot item (take that any way you want). They also have their full menu. Drinks to go. And yes carry out and curbside. If you haven’t had one of their crab cakes, where have you been? They have a huge parking lot. (410-477-1975)
Hull Street Blues & Café, 1222 Hull Street, Locust Point. Service from 11 to 9 daily with a full menu and daily specials. Specials like Monday being Burger Night, Tuesday Taco, Wednesday Pasta, and Thursday Steak. Drinks to go. Curbside and carry-out. Pull the car in front and go in. I’m counting the days until their Sunday Brunch returns. Love those pancakes. (410-727-7476)
La Scala, 1012 Eastern Avenue, Little Italy. They put together an online Mercato La Scala Market. They offer produce, meats, chicken, seafood, Italian of course and more. Order and pick up on Saturday. The food is prepared in your home but there are simple directions. (410-783-9209)
Il Basilico Trattoria Italiana, 49 West Aylesbury, Timonium. Curbside only. Open Monday-Thursday 11-8, 11-9 Friday & Saturday, 12-8 Sunday. Plenty of parking and the full menu is available. Anna operates a wonderful Italian kitchen. She is after all from Italy.
And by the way, lots of pizza. (410-453-6603)
Ruth’s Chris, 1771 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville. They will come to your car, Tuesday-Saturday 4-8. Limited menu with some items as spicy salmon, filet, lobster mac & cheese, and chocolate sin cake. I can tell you folks are still raving about their steaks. (410-837-0033)
Salsa Grill, 6644 Security Blvd, Woodlawn. Owned and operated by Jay for nearly 30 years. Curbside and carry-out with occasional specials. The last I spoke with Jay the special was BBQ ribs and wings. They also offer a full menu with items like cheesesteak, chicken Philly, caesar salad, fried shrimp, and my favorite chicken fra diablo. (410-265-5552)
Okay, this is a good start. I’ll be back in a few days with more. Remember this, if you want your favorite restaurant to return when this pandemic is over, support them now.
Eddie Applefeld is a Baltimore native and a graduate of Towson University. He has been in the broadcasting profession for over 30 years. Currently he is the Promotions Director of WCBM radio. Before that, he was part of the Rouse & Company show on WQSR, host of a cable TV show called Dining Out and adjunct instructor at Towson.
His past accomplishments include being named a finalist in Baltimore Tourism’s Employee of the Year Program and winner of Toastmaster’s Speaker of the Year contest. He was also twice a heartthrob for the American Heart Association’s gala fund raiser.