Urban Discoveries Baltimore

Not everyone can cook well. Me, for example. My first job was working in a restaurant when I was a teenager, and I hated it. The deep fryers and greasy hamburgers made me nauseated, I constantly burned myself, generally spent my shift sweating and smelling bad, and, after a few weeks of being the living embodiment of the squeaky-voiced teen on “The Simpson’s” I quit, never leaning how to do such things as make a salad or “measure” “ingredients.” So now, in a perverse bit of karma, I eat out too much. Thankfully for my easily bored taste buds, new restaurants are always popping up in Baltimore. Here are three that perhaps you haven’t tried yet.

Turp’s Sports Bar (1317 N. Charles Street, 410-347-0349)

Contrary to popular opinion, Turp’s is not some sleazy way to profit off the University of Maryland while cleverly dodging copyright laws. Nope, it is in fact named after John “Turp” Turpin, the manager. But it’s also a sports bar where one could cheer on the Terps (or the Ravens, O’s or the Blue Jays), so that may be where the confusion comes in. Fare is typical pub food, with a full complement of wings, pizzas, burgers and subs to go along with whatever game you may be watching. Their dessert menu is tempting as well; the Brownie Lasagna looks particularly intriguing. Prices are reasonable: a cheeseburger and fries goes for $8.25.

Zhongshan (323 Park Avenue, 410-223-1882)

Apparently, Baltimore has a Chinatown. Maybe not an official neighborhood, but at least a stretch of restaurants along Park Avenue downtown that comes close enough. Live and learn! In any case, Zhongshan is the newest addition and people are talking about their kicking dim sum and the mild secrecy of the wait staff. Let it be said that no one is complaining about the food or the atmosphere, but just generally wishing that they promoted some of their more authentic, more unusual menu items… like for instance, jellyfish. See, you’re already intrigued. Entrees range from $8.95-$17.95.

Azul 17 (Columbia Market Place, 9400 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia, 410-309-9717)

There’s something fascinating about the contemporary Mexican movement. It’s not just that Mexican food is great; it’s that it can go beyond cheese-laden tamales and into ceviches, guacamoles, and chicken moles. Seriously, that stuff’s amazing. And even though Azul 17 is way out in Columbia, it’s still exciting to see contemporary Mexican cuisine make its presence felt in the Baltimore area. The reviews of the food have been favorable so far, and the Midnight Sun makes the bar sound soooo cool. Prices range from $10-$30.

Any other new Charm City eateries we should know about? Any new favorite haunts?

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