I'm downgrading Hamilton Tavern from 5 to 2 stars. Why? Because we went there recently on a weeknight, arriving about 6:30. There was a big table along the wall and the bar was full. All the other tables were full, except for two four tops. Since there were only two of us, they wouldn't seat us at either one -- "we can't," said the hostess. We were told there would be a half-hour wait. Like all the tables in this restaurant, the open ones were tiny and much better suited to two. Plus, I'm not aware of the rule that says you can't seat two people at a table for four. In fact, I've actually seen it happen!

No apology, no offer of a beer, nothing. Just "we can't." In a service business, you can do just about anything you want to do for your customers. This experience tells me that what they can't be is bothered. Perhaps the Hamilton Tavern is having a moment and can afford to lose two customers.

Guess what? A moment is usually just that long.

Just had yet another great meal at Peter's Inn, which is one of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore. We go early -- at 5:30 or so -- and wait for the kitchen to open at 6:30. There are so few tables and even bar seats there that it's the only way to avoid what can be a long line. The menu changes frequently, but the food is always fresh and interesting, from long-time favorites like shrimp and grits to perfectly prepared lamb and even raw tuna. Recent desserts were the must-have chocolate pot de creme (this time with espresso sorbet) and not-too-sweet individual pecan pies. Service is casual but efficient. Peters is tiny and jammed full of eclectic artwork, stuffed fish and other strange but entertaining stuff. The best of Baltimore -- quirky and without pretension.