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Paper Moon Diner opened about 15 years ago and not much about it has changed. It has the scariest decor around - headless or torsoless Barbie and baby dolls nailed to the ceiling and walls, a naked...
Paper Moon Diner opened about 15 years ago and not much about it has changed. It has the scariest decor around - headless or torsoless Barbie and baby dolls nailed to the ceiling and walls, a naked mannekin torso near the front door, creepy remnants of a disturbed child's toybox. The waitstaff is impatient, mocking at times. It is hard to get a refill of any drink without an eyeroll. The food, however, can be quite good, depending on the mood of the grill cook/chef during that shift. The staff's shifts, by the way, run for 12 hours, which may explain a lot. Breakfast is served all day, as are sandwiches, pastas, desserts.
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Donna's Coffee Bar in Mount Vernon opened just as the coffee bar revolution (and grunge) began. It was the place to be seen. Over the years it has steadily declined from its former chic. The...
Donna's Coffee Bar in Mount Vernon opened just as the coffee bar revolution (and grunge) began. It was the place to be seen. Over the years it has steadily declined from its former chic. The beautiful people who worked and dined there have become less and less beautiful. The uniqueness which was a major draw (temperamental waitstaff, modern decor, unusual menu, intriguing art on the walls, the edgiest music playing overhead) has dissipated into a quasi-corporate, slightly dirty average coffeebar with unhappy looking staff, decor that seems to need a fresh coat of paint, a commonplace menu, bland art, and music that even I have listened to LAST YEAR. Still, Donna's is a good place to go to grab your particular caffeine fix, embed the scent of roasted vegetables in your clothes for the rest of the day, and go.
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Towson Presbyterian's Nursery School is centrally located across the street from the Towson courthouse, in the heart of Towson. It is located inside of a large stone church, has a couple nice...
Towson Presbyterian's Nursery School is centrally located across the street from the Towson courthouse, in the heart of Towson. It is located inside of a large stone church, has a couple nice playgrounds, a huge gymnasium, and its own parking lot. It is a huge program which accepts 2, 3, 4 year olds, and kindergarteners. Each age group has 2 to 3 classes. Each class has one teacher and one assistant. The class sizes range from 8 to 10 children for the 2 year olds to 14 to 16 for the 4 year olds. The teachers I have had exposure to have been wonderful for my child - particularly Mrs. Ennis. If you can request her for the 4 year old program, do it - you will not be disappointed. She is creative, gentle, and enthusiastic. The one thing I did not like about this school was that most of the art my child brought home over a period of three years seemed so directed - I could tell that an adult was over supervising. How could I tell? I knew exactly what it was that my then two year old had drawn or cut out or created. I doubt ANY two year old can do that on a regular basis. The best part of the school for me was the option to drop your child off early or have him or her stay late. This was very handy during hectic times or just when I wanted to get some things done.
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I could not have asked to send my child to a better school. My child has thrived while attending Friends. The school is Quaker and Quaker philosophies permeate the program. We are...
I could not have asked to send my child to a better school. My child has thrived while attending Friends. The school is Quaker and Quaker philosophies permeate the program. We are nondenominational, but have found that the Quaker aspect of the school to be gentle, nonintrusive, and nonpushy. There is no forced prayer going on here - just a period of quiet reflection first thing in the school day for about 15 to 30 minutes. I see it as meditation for children. The faculty and staff are wonderful - your child's teacher knows and can read your child as an individual. The grounds are beautiful and expansive, the playgrounds are numerous and well-equipped. The afterschool program is fantastic. Highly recommended.
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Ascension's kindergarten program is second to none. The first rate teacher and assistant usually have master's degrees, but beyond that, they really seem to care about your child. The classroom is...
Ascension's kindergarten program is second to none. The first rate teacher and assistant usually have master's degrees, but beyond that, they really seem to care about your child. The classroom is large, spacious, and sunny; facilities include a large kitchen, open gymnasium/meeting area, and a modern playground with a little rubber-padded track around it. The program is quite academic, which I like, but the teachers tailor it according to each child's developmental stage. I know when I drop my child off at Ascension, I have nothing to worry about. The kids really seem to like it there. HIghly recommended.
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When you enter No. 1 Chinese Kitchen, it does not seem any different from any other Chinese take out place. However, their menu is extensive and their food is just great. They don't just serve...
When you enter No. 1 Chinese Kitchen, it does not seem any different from any other Chinese take out place. However, their menu is extensive and their food is just great. They don't just serve every dish with that ubiquitous brown sauce - there is actually a difference between the garlic sauce and the Kung Pao sauce. Also they make their own duck sauce, which comes in little plastic containers. Be sure to pick this duck sauce over the standard duck sauce packets. The tofu is always fresh, as are the vegetables. Must try.
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Thai Landing has the best Thai food in Baltimore. The dishes are spiced just right, and they will adjust according to your wishes. The ambiance leaves something to be desired, however. The...
Thai Landing has the best Thai food in Baltimore. The dishes are spiced just right, and they will adjust according to your wishes. The ambiance leaves something to be desired, however. The servers are just always on it - refilling your water glass, checking in on you WHEN YOU HAVEN'T JUST TAKEN A MOUTHFUL OF FOOD! Not the best place to take you kids, as the tables are quite close together.
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When I first went to Orchard Automotive, it was because I heard rattling near my muffler. They told me all it needed was some tightening of some screws, which they did for free. Wow, I thought,...
When I first went to Orchard Automotive, it was because I heard rattling near my muffler. They told me all it needed was some tightening of some screws, which they did for free. Wow, I thought, they could easily have ripped me off, but they didn't. Well, the next time, I had a transmission issue. They told me I needed a new transmission and told me they could handle it. It turns out they took it to some shady transmission place, had the guys there fix it, then turned around and charged me extra for it. Then, when I had an issue with this new transmission, they told me to take it to the transmission place. What's the deal? Never went back, never will.
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After shopping at the Wine Source, I can not stand to shop for wine or beer anywhere else. Not only is the staff friendly and helpful, they are never snotty about giving you advice on choosing a...
After shopping at the Wine Source, I can not stand to shop for wine or beer anywhere else. Not only is the staff friendly and helpful, they are never snotty about giving you advice on choosing a wine. Their wine selection, which is organized according to country and region, is out of this world. The beer selection is also great. Their prices are very affordable. They offer wine tastings, which are reasonably priced affairs.
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Rocky Run may be a chain, but somehow it has retained its neighborhood-bar/restaurant charm. Located in the heart of Charles Village, it is easy to locate and access. The only parking is on the...
Rocky Run may be a chain, but somehow it has retained its neighborhood-bar/restaurant charm. Located in the heart of Charles Village, it is easy to locate and access. The only parking is on the street, so be prepared to walk a few blocks. The food is on par with your TGIFridays joints, seems fresher, maybe even healthier. Wednesday night is Kids' Night - definitely take your kids there. There's an employee who deftly does magic tricks, makes your choice of balloon animals, and welcomes you. They also give the kids crayons to draw on their brown-paper tablecloths.
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