Thanks much..this will be my first year..I always miss it some how

So judging from the list of particpating restaurants the opportunities for a good meal are abundant.

I've eaten at most of the better restaurants in town - yeah, that's how I roll...what? But some standouts...for me at least...in no particular order are:

Bicycle - One of my favorites - nice wines, great food, wonderful staff.

Black Olive - get your greek on...and we're not talking gyros here my friend. This place will surely be packed as the price is typically prohibitively high. Do it...you won't be disappointed.

Blue Sea Grill - Now I usually shy away from any restaurant with the word grill in the name...but this place is different. Sure it's got a chainy pedigree (big steaks mgmt.) but the selction of fish is second to none. Order the crab soup...marvel at the cup of actual lump crab meat on the side. Great staff as well - I actually got a thank card from a waitress once.

Brass Elephant - the food used to be great...and the drink even better. Haven't been there in a while...but here's to hoping that things haven't changed.

Cinghiale - Sure Tony Foreman is a prick...but this place really has everything on point for a great meal and a nice dining experience. Also typically expensive...so go...you'll thank me. This is one I'll be revisting.

Flemings - Need I say more? I don't even like steak...but I love Flemings.

Helmand - Two words...Baby Pumpkin. If you don't go anywhere else, go here. Besides, the owner's brother is the president of Afghanistan. Yes, the president. Howhot is that?

Ixia - again, haven't been here in a while...but I recall this being a great place for an exciting meal. Particularly if Johnny Bodacious is your server. Great place for pre-game drink if nothing else.

James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant - I've only had the soup here...it was pretty good. However, the draw for me is the authenticity. Stand 30 yards from this place and you'll smell burning peat...a distictly irish practice. Always makes me feel warm inside. Or was that the margarita?

Lebanese Taverna - Very authentic Lebanese...although I'm not exactly an authority. The decor is all wrong though. Feels like you're eating in a badly lit upscale cafeteria. However, still a great experience.

Pazza Luna - Excellent italian, great staff, wonderful experience. Also these guys usually give 100% of their profit during "dining out for life" making them socially concious AND a great place to eat. Come for the food, stay for the karma.

Pazo - A favorite for a few years now. A little loud, so I wouldn't reccomend a first date here...unless you aren't interested in conversation. They change format a little...and small plates are no longer the standard...but still some great selections have remained...don't be afraid of the sardines...seriously...it's ok here.

Spice Company - excellent for brunch - not sure if that's part of the deal...but go there anyway.

Places I might check out. Although Restaurant week is a little weird...some people call it amatuer week....I'll definitely check out some places that for whatever reason I've avoided.

Roys - anyone know about this place? Yes...no..?

Tsunami - I've heard mixed reports. Anyone?

!

I want to try the Oceanaire... but the Blue Sea Grille does look enticing.

In my opinion, the best restaurant in Baltimore is Charleston. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive. Cindy Wolf's food is amazing. It will cost you about $300 with drinks for a couple. It's alot but it's worth it at least once a year.

ycktr, stay away from Roy's. I've been there 3 times and it got progressively worse. The last time was a disaster and we will never go back. If anyone does go I would suggest sitting at the bar near the open kitchen and just order appetizers. The starters are solid especially the skewered spare ribs. It all goes wrong once the entrees arrive.