Karim Kiriakos of Midlina and Poe’ s Tower
For the visitor who wants to indulge in a multitude of experiences in one place, we recommend Midlina, the brainchild of Karim Kiriakos. Arrive for dinner at the Canton restaurant and bar and you’ ll discover an eclectic range of food od and drink conceptualized by chef-owner Kiriakos. Enjoy a round of reimagined classic cocktails( try the smoked Old Fashioned) with the tandoorispiced octopus and escargot tostadas. After your meal, find your way to the upstairs speakeasy, Poe’ s Tower. As the name implies, guests enjoy a moody vibe with cocktails and decor inspired by the literary legend, roomy leather couches and live music. 2206 Boston St.
Steve Chu of Ekiben
If you think you’ ve tried every fried chicken sandwich, think again: Ekiben’ s Neighborhood Bird is several levels up from the standard fast-casual fare. The mouthful of a sandwich comes from the mind of the restaurant’ s co-owner and James Beard Award-nominated chef Steve Chu. With its Taiwanese spices, spicy sambal mayo and squishy steamed bun, the menu item goes big and bold on flavor and texture. Each of Ekiben’ s offerings is built with this same creativity: the spicy version of their popular sandwich gets its kick from Ethiopian spice, and the pho-spiced cheesesteak egg roll marries favorites from Vietnam and Philly. 1622 Eastern Ave.; 911 W. 36th St.; 801 E. Fort Ave.
BALTIMORE. ORG 25