Diablita's - Blackball (Last reviewed Apr 2010)

Strange how this place is connected to Lemongrass, on my list of fun restaurants, and I walked away with the opposite opinion. We held a work function at this place and to a person, no one liked their food -- ranging from not tasty to nasty. The dining crowd, as you know a good leading indicator of success, was sparse. There really was nothing to write home about -- food, menu, atmosphere, anything. Given its challenging location on Central Ave just a couple blocks too far away from Harbor East, Nostradorkus predicts this place is headed for closure by the end of 2010.

The Grilled Cheese & Company - so so (Last reviewed Apr 2010)

Well, I liked the concept of a brand new place that serves up gourmet grilled cheese and a cup of tomato soup. The novelty of the idea may not carry the day as there are a few issues here. Where do I start? Firstly, it's located on gangster alley -- Edmonson Ave right near 695 interchanges. So, I'd suggest lighting up the parking lot like an O.R. and not so dimly lit. The menu was interesting but I botched it ... ordered a veggie grilled cheese which included olive spread. The cook went a little crazy on the olive spread so it was more like an olive sandwich, not my favorite. The tomato soup was good but was too thick and had too much cheese, kind of like eating a jar of warmed up Prego. Had the presentation been a little better, I might not have had that same impression. Everything was served to go and to me, that just doesn't cut it when dining in as I expect a real plate, silverware, etc. I think we filled up one trashcan alone on the excess stuff. The pricing is on the high end of what I would expect. While a great place for kids to get a grilled cheese sandwich and a drink, it will set you back about $10 per kid and x3, I'll just go to Deusenberg's. I want to see this place do well but I'm afraid its days are numbered.

Deusenberg's (5 star) -- Last reviewed Apr 2010

As an old bschool professor used to say, that place is too busy so no one goes there anymore. That is the only problem with Duesenberg's (and also I don't know how to spell the name). The restaurant has a seating capacity of about 25 and on nice days, they have outdoor seating for another 15 or so. Catonsville's best kept secret is out and it is not uncommon to have a 30 minute wait for two. The food is reasonably priced and is my favorite spot for breakfast and lunch -- it's only open until 3PM daily and closed on Sunday. I'd suggest starving yourself for a late afternoon lunch around 2 so you have half a chance of finishing the meal and can avoid most of the crowd. Favorite picks include Route 66 Chicken sandwich with avocado and side of green bean fries, lobster roll with sweet potato fries, and really anything off their breakfast menu. Portions are huge, service is great, and selection is unusually wide for a small diner style resaurant. Note that this place is one of the select few 5 star rated restaurants. I understand that the owner will be expanding soon so that is great news.