Take the ‘Culinary Tour’ around Baltimore

I hope you’re hungry. We’ll be talking about lots of different foods on this trip around the area.  If not, you will be when we get back.

I’m going to begin in Towson at Cunningham’s. We’ve been here before but a restaurant like this deserves another quick look. They’re located at 1 Olympic Circle in the Mile One Building, just off the infamous Towson roundabout. My advice is to try to avoid this. My cousin is still going around from four days ago.

There’s complimentary parking so just pull into the lot (look for the sign). You’ll take an elevator up one flight and there is the main entrance.  Actually probably the only entrance.

They serve dinner only seven nights a week and selected items of the menu can change every two to three months. The restaurant is causal, but please no jeans, this is not a hayride. Reservations are suggested on weekends.

There’s seating for about 180 and this time of year that includes both outside and in. They have a full service bar and the entire restaurant has lots of outside light streaming in.

Cunningham’s, owned by the Bagby Group, has three operating nearby farms where many of the veggies come from.  There is space for private parties or meetings.

Some of the more popular menu items are cornmeal fried oysters, seared ahi tuna, salmon harvest salad and the scallop and mushroom risotto.

You can reach them at 410-339-7730 or go to cunninghams.com.

Now we’ll go further out Baltimore County, Monkton to be exact, and visit Manor Tavern, 15819 Old York Road. Open seven days for lunch and dinner with Sunday Brunch this venerable establishment may be worth the trip just for the scenic ride.

Manor Tavern doesn’t have a farm but they do have an extensive garden on the grounds which grows many of the veggies and herbs used in the kitchen. They also have live chickens. I assume for the eggs and not for some kind of ceremony.

They have lots of room and rooms for private affairs. In the last year I have been to three and can tell you their banquet staff of Terry and Jill do a great job. One area used is an outdoor tent.

There’s a bar where many people prefer to eat. Some come in to watch sports on the TV’s located around the bar. Two fireplaces will warm you in the colder months and their extensive wine list can help also.

The kitchen is the domain of George Batkas who closely watches all aspects of the kitchen. That includes their more popular entrees such as the fresh fish, rack of lamb and crab cakes.

Reservations are suggested for weekends, the dress is casual and there’s plenty of parking.  By the way, did you know George Washington’s horse slept at the inn across the street, or road back then.

Reach them at 410-771-8155 or go to manortavern.com.

For our final stop we’ll head to Randallstown and visit Akbar Palace, 3541 Brenbrook Road. Here you’ll find one of my favorite restaurant people, CK, the owner.

When I first started going here I knew nothing about Indian food. He was a great help for the first year. Actually he still advises me on what to order, however I never listen and generally get my favorite, tandoori chicken.  He is sure to stop by your table.

They have a great lunch buffet. It’s all you can eat and very reasonably priced. But be advised, no take-out on the buffet. And there are plenty of selections. Happily I can report the tandoori chicken is offered.

There’s catering for all occasions both on and off premise and once in awhile offer cooking classes. Parking is never a problem and they do a good business in carry out.

Some of the entrees include lamb seeth kebab, chicken tikka, vegetable tandoori, tandoori lobster, special tandoori mix grill and the special Akbar dinner. For dessert try either the mango ice cream or the saffron and pistachio ice cream.

Closed Monday. Reach them at 410-655-1600 or go to akbarpalace.com.

OK, let’s eat.