My last article on Philly Cheesesteaks was rightly criticized for mostly covering "tourist" cheesesteak restaurants. However, I received several recommendations in the comments. I went to each one.
Ampersea
Some friends were in from out of town and we were looking for a place to dine at. We decided on a place in the neighborhood of Fells Point, right at the edge of the Baltimore harbor. There, we had a great meal at the nautically themed restaurant Ampersea.
Fox’s Den
A couple of years back, a friend from Annapolis recommended a gastro pub there. When I was looking for a place to eat for an out of town guest, The Fox's Den came to mind. It now tops my list of places to dine in Annapolis!
HCK Hot Chicken
Recently, a new chicken chain opened in Buffalo. I went there the day after it opened. If you like hot, spicty chicken, HCK Hot Chicken is the place for you.
Lake Effect Ice Cream
Lake Effect Ice Cream, a small artisanal ice cream maker in Western New York, has become one of my go to spots for ice cream.
Reading Terminal Market
I was recently in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There was was a public market a short walk from my hotel. I have been to public markets before, but nothing like this. Huge, historic, and filled with a plethora of grocers and eateries, Reading Terminal Market is the place to shop and dine in Philadelphia.
Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs
Buffalo is home to several gourmet hot dog restaurants. But there is one that stands out above the rest. After hearing about it for years, I have finally treated myself to Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs.
Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream
I first encountered Toby's Homemade Ice Cream in 2021, when they had a Cicada themed special. A small regional chain, they only have a few locations in Virginia. I enjoyed their ice cream well enough that when I was recently in the area, I found a nearby Toby's. As I remembered, Toby's Ice Cream is among the best in the region.
Newberry Sub Shop
Before a trip through Pennsylvania, a friend asked me to stop in Williamsport to pick up some subs. Not one or two subs, mind you, but over a half dozen. He wanted to share them with friends. I honored his request and soon learned that Newberry Sub Shop has earned such devotion.
The Baked Bear
I was looking way a place to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, when I came across a list of the best ice cream places in Montgomery County, Maryland. The Baked Bear was the place that interested me the most. I soon found out, they have the best ice cream sandwiches in the world.
Jim's Dining Guides 