What's the difference between DC and Charm City you ask? As a recent transplant I feared there would be a lack of locations to dine in Baltimore. 5 pounds later my husband and I have found the city to have so MUCH more to offer than our fair nations capital in the way of restaurants and funky hang outs. Not only in the way of food but ambience. Ambience, you ask? On a recent visit to Grand Cru you couldn't help but feel the most welcome vibe from this narrow and wine cooler- (the fridge-type, not the peach-type) lined bar. We arrived to find one chair left in the middle of the bar and when some patrons saw there were two of us, they actually "scooted down" to make room for both of us. The folks to our left worked in the f&b industry, ladies to our right were making an afternoon out of wine tasting. We dropped "terroir" and "notes" with the knowledgeable barkeep, but this place wasn't snooty at all. Our one drink idea lead to many and we felt like family with the people in the room as we departed. This just didn't happen often in DC over my 14 years. Grand Cru is part of the Belvedere Square "market" and the coolest part is that you can grab a smoked sausage from vendor A., triple cream cheese from vendor B. and a baguette from vendor C. and bring your goodies to said bar at Grand Cru. Great for a second date place or a fun afternoon spot with the girls. Thank you Charm City. I think we'll stay awhile.

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