BALTIMORE

Lunch at Ciao Bella

/ tango449
236 S HIGH ST, BALTIMORE, MD 21202 – 410-685-7733
A friend took us to lunch at the wonderful Ciao Bella restaurant in the Italian section of Baltimore. We were there during the week and sadly the restaurant was not that busy. Hopefully it was because many people were away for the holidays. It had nothing to do with the food, everything was really good. The restaurant is not big, maybe 20 tables in all. Noise was not a factor because we were the only ones in our section. The white table clothes gave it that familiar upscale Italian restaurant feel. Our waitress was friendly and attentive without being intrusive.
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We began with some shrimp and stuffed mushroom appetizers. Both were wonderful  For my main course I enjoyed the lasagna swimming in a rich tomato meat sauce. The sauce was every so sweet and just the right amount of meat. The portion was just the right size, filling but not so much we had to drag a doggie bag around until we got to the car.
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My wife had the Orange Roughy on a bed of risotto and raved about it.
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Our host Elizabeth enjoyed a seafood pasta she described as very good. I tasted a scallop and found it cooked perfectly.
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No dessert with lunch. We were off to Vaccaro’s down the street for pastry.

Dessert at Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop

/ tango449 / 1 Comment

222 Albemarle Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 – 410-685-4905

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A short walk from our wonderful lunch at Ciao Bella is Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop. Elizabeth had told us it was one of her favorite places for dessert. The bakery is divided into a front area serving customers picking up pastry as take out and a section offering seating for those wishing to have pastry and coffee immediately. We waited for a table to sit and enjoy our dessert.

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My wife and I split this wonderful vanilla and chocolate napoleon. It was one of the best I have had. And I have had some in New York that were very good. The dough was light and flaky with rich full flavored fillings. The serving was large enough for both of us especially after just finishing lunch.

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Elizabeth had the traditional canoli with a sweet and smooth filling. It was an excellent end to a great afternoon. The deserts are on the pricy side at about $26 and some change for 2 desserts, 3 coffees, and tip. But it was worth every penny.