I
will be the first to admit that I love the lunch options around Charles Village. Carma's meatball rocket, Eddie's tuna sandwich, Donna's chicken salad c9 even Tamber's promises to satisfy a midday greasy craving for grilled cheese, and One World surprises meat lovers with hearty nachos.
Most people would not publicize this view because the fact is, such a "generous" statement has the potential to tarnish the reputation of a food critic, instantly undermining the legitimacy of his or her opinions.
I am not claiming that the area surrounding Johns Hopkins could be accurately described as an epicurean heaven, but now that the neighborhood has been blessed with fast-food superstars Einstein's and Chipotle, it is difficult to deny that casual lunch options close to campus continue to improve, particularly for a cost-conscious college student.
Whether you are in the mood for a burrito the size of your head or a light salad, Charles Village has a handful of convenient and satisfying options. With spring fever in the air, the weather getting warmer and the year quickly coming to an end, it is the perfect time to explore Baltimore's more refined alternatives that will surely win over dinners with quality, variety and charm.
HELEN'S GARDEN
2908 O'Donnell St., Canton
(410) 276-2233
http://www.helensgarden.com
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A traditional Baltimore structure with cheerful yellow trimming splashes color along Canton's quirky restaurant row on O'Donnell Street. Inside, a painted floral mural embellishing the narrow brick hallway welcomes visitors to Helen's Garden, an enjoyable dining destination perfect for any meal of the day.
Whether you're looking for a cute breakfast spot, a tasteful lunch choice or even an affordable romantic dinner for two, diners will be pleasantly surprised with this underrated treasure.
The modest-sized row house boasts two dining rooms, a rooftop garden and a smoke-free bar, providing an unexpected amount of open seating during even the busiest hours of the week. Paintings by local artists hang above safari-patterned booths, creating an ambiance that is casually funky yet subtly sophisticated.
The slightly off-beat decor is highlighted by an eclectic menu of international influences. Lunch platters vary between a salmon ciabatta sandwich grilled with horseradish, red onion, tomato and spinach to a persian salad tossed with mixed greens, fresh mango, pear and feta. Another exceptionally notable choice is the almond-crusted tomato sandwich with portobello, chevre, pesto mayonnaise and roasted red peppers on pita. Finally, don't miss the spinach and parmesan omelette with toast and crispy potato slices.
In addition to Helen's savory cuisine, all week long the restaurant offers excellent, inexpensive glasses of wine for half the price, between 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., claiming the title of Baltimore's longest happy hour. Furthermore, diners on a budget can enjoy a three-course wine dinner for $29 on Tuesdays, any entree for $12 on Wednesday, and $14 bottles of wine on Thursday.
Stepping into Helen's Garden is more like entering Helen's house, where each individual is treated like a personal guest visiting for a home-cooked meal, not just a paying customer arbitrarily stopping in for a quick bite to eat. Sounds too good to be true? Fortunately, several experiences have proven this to be fact, not fantasy. After requesting to have my eggs fried instead of scrambled with my Mexican breakfast platter, the waiter agreeably accepted my
entr8ee modification. Moments later, he returned to the table with a sincere look of concern and politely explained that he thought about my order and decided that I would not be satisfied with my decision, strongly urging me to change my selection. His honesty and forthright thoughtfulness were at first slightly awkward, but it was ultimately refreshing to see that the wait staff was truly concerned with the happiness of their diners.
Although the caf8e is a top pick for locals and is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, this Canton classic somehow always has room for one more party. For instance, one Sunday, when I desperately needed to find an impressive brunch location at the last minute, I called the restaurant armed with a persuasive speech, ready to plead with the host for a reservation. I knew that it was the peak of weekend restaurant traffic, and I anxiously asked if a free table would be available in 45 minutes for 11 people.
Without hesitation, the startlingly enthusiastic receptionist replied, "Of course," adding it was just a matter of moving some people around and shifting a few tables. He made it seem that it would be easy as pie, suggesting that my request was completely reasonable, although I knew that this was far from the truth. This atypical experience is a testament to the staff's genuinely accommodating nature, even more than the cozy facility's effective use of space or the owner's desire to fill the restaurant. From beginning to end, gracious hospitality and consideration for their client8fle characterizes the true Helen's experience.
Creative, reasonably priced food, an inviting setting and incredibly courteous service (did I mention that the host shakes each guest's hand upon departure?) make this a delightful anomaly in the world of Baltimore's dining establishments.
Recommended dishes: crab cake sandwich; pub burger with cured mustard, mango chutney and cheddar; gorgonzola, artichoke and spinach dip.
Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 5-10 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.
Prices: $6-12 brunch entr8ees, $8-12 lunch entr8ees, $14-30 dinner entr8ees.
Transportation: $18 cab ride from Hopkins.
Cuisine and style: New American and appropriately eclectic.
