Wandering Appalachian

Baltimore's restaurant scene has definitely upgraded since I moved away. Coming home, I've found a few real gems in this city. The best one so far has been Foraged. Foraged emphasizes local food prepared in the best possible way, with creative techniques and thoughtful ingredients. I have been wanting to try the place for months, but life just kept happening. We were finally able to get away for a spell this week and were able to visit!The first thing you notice upon entering is that the space is quite small. The tables are mostly of two, and are quite close together. The menu is also small, but well thought and everything prepared carefull...

 A new semester is well underway at HCC, and with it, a new menu at Dragon's Fire restaurant. A lunch-only set-up, it is a reservation-only place, with limited seating. However, for your efforts, you are rewarded with a gourmet, 3-course lunch for $14. This semester features a Cajun-influenced menu, and I have to say, I'm a bit prejudiced because I love Cajun food, but it's even better than last semester!We started with the fried green tomatoes and the fried catfish bites. Each time I order fried green tomatoes at a restaurant, it is served in a completely different manner. This version was lightly fried, in a smoked sauce, topped with blac...

Did you know that there is a restaurant on the campus of Howard County Community College?  The culinary school and hospitality program runs a fine dining lunch time. The food is splendid, and a lunch there is a real treat. Reservations are required, and the dining room is only open for lunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Reservations are made at the following link, along with menus and feedback. https://www.howardcc.edu/programs-courses/academics/academic-divisions/business-computer-systems/ctr-hospitality-culinary-studies/dragons-fire/There are three courses to the lunch: an app, main, and dessert. Choose any of the three, but choose wisely...

I have eaten sushi all of the US (including a questionable mall place in rural North Carolina that was definitely a mistake -- to this day I can't eat a salmon roll). California sushi is generally far superior to other locations due to our proximity to the Pacific, as well as getting the best sushi chefs in the world to bless our tables with their skills and prowess.Matsuoka Sushi is part of the Raki Raki Ramen/Yasai/JCK Chicken combo restaurant, presenting four incredible Japanese cuisines in one building. Guests may order any combination off of the four menus -- ramen, vegan sushi, Japanese fried chicken karaage, and of course, high end s...