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11 Reasons Baltimore Is The City Best Suited For Hungry Stomachs

WARNING: Don't read this post before eating.

Downtown Baltimore
by Downtown Baltimore

Brand Publisher

1. Bryan Voltaggio's Aggio

James Beard-nominated chef Bryan Voltaggio opened Aggio in Charm City this year. If you can figure out a way to book a table, you're guaranteed to experience one of the best meals of your life.

2. Cindy Wolf's Charleston Restaurant

cdorobek / (CC BY http://2.0) / Via Flickr: cdorobek

Baltimore is a northern city with deep southern flavor. Chef Cindy Wolf reflects this duality and proves that even humble food can make for fine dining.

3. Peter's Inn

George L Peters Jr @mobtowngeorge

I'm at Peter's Inn (Baltimore, MD) http://t.co/5Z12GbLVLH

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Owners/chefs Karen Fuller and Bud Tiffany live above this rowhouse restaurant in Fell's Point. This restaurant has been a local favorite since the dawn of time (almost). John Waters says you shouldn't miss their garlic bread.

4. Spike Gjerde's Woodberry Kitchen

goodiesfirst / (CC BY http://2.0) / Via Flickr: scaredykat

If it’s not in-season and locally available, Spike Gjerde won’t serve it. In a space best described as rustic-industrial, this James Beard-nominated chef will make you think you 've died and gone to foodie heaven.

5. Michael Mina's Wit & Wisdom Tavern

Janet Bates @janetruthbates

An awesome presentation for the oysters from the wit and wisdom tavern - clearly I ate them all immediately

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Michael Mina, another of Baltimore's James Beard-nominated chefs, creates globally influenced cuisine that should NOT be overlooked. If you can pull yourself away from his wood-grilled rockfish, you'll notice one of Baltimore's most elegant dining spaces at the base of the Four Seasons Hotel. Extra-classy points: grab an after-dinner cocktail on the deck overlooking the harbor.

6. DIY, Part One

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Throw a rock on any given day, and chances are you'll hit one of the dozens of Baltimore farmers markets. The Sunday Farmers Market under the JFX is the largest in the state, and the Thursday Pratt Street Farmers Market sells out weekly (so get there early!).

7. DIY, Part Two

AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker / (CC BY http://2.0) / Via Flickr: atbaker

Many assume that cities as industrial as Baltimore couldn’t support homegrown products. DON’T MAKE US LAUGH. Big City Greens grows hydroponic lettuce and tomatoes right in the middle of the city, and Max’s Degrees creates spices out of a garden in a small rented lot. Produce, sauces, and baked goods are sprouting up, chickens are hatching, and butchers are making the coolest stuff out of the weirdest parts.

8. After Midnight

Navin75 / (CC BY-SA http://2.0) / Via Flickr: navin75

The town that brought you the movie, Diner, is full of the real thing, like the Sip & Bite in Canton, or the Blue Moon Café in Fell’s Point and Federal Hill. Or, may we suggest a hot dog covered in crab macaroni and cheese at Stuggy’s?

9. Faidley's Crab Cakes

Navin75 / (CC BY-SA http://2.0) / Via Flickr: navin75

Even Andrew Zimmern from the Travel Channel couldn't resist the majestic taste of a Faidley's crab cake. These luscious lumps of crab meat are a Baltimore city staple and a "must try" for any out-of-towner.

10. Pizza Pizza Pizza

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Pizza is polarizing. Everyone has a preference, but whatever yours is, Baltimore’s got you covered. Like it thick? Go to Matthew’s. Thin? Iggie’s in Mt. Vernon or Hersh’s in South Baltimore top the list. Forget the standards and try it topped with crab, oysters, or house-cured meats. We're talking about you, Homeslyce!

11. Home of Old Bay Seasoning

delgaudm / (CC BY http://2.0) / Via Flickr: mydailycommute

AKA "the greatest seasoning in the history of mankind."