Oh my lord, I have been going to Peter’s Inn since about 1997. That was when I was in my second “real” job at the Baltimore Museum of Art and my little group of friends from work would go down to Peter’s in Fell’s Point and it felt grown up, edgy and exciting all at once. I had not yet gone down the rabbit hole of food, so I absolutely did not appreciate the depth and uniqueness of the Peter’s Inn experience, but I just remember thinking it was so, so cool. Like, maybe even that I was cool for being there.
Fast forward to about 2012 – once I had become a pretty good cook – I started going to Peter’s more often and got to know the owners Karin and Bud Tiffany. After each visit, I couldn’t wait to go back. Every single time. And while the food and drinks are supreme, I feel the way I feel about Peter’s because of Karin and Bud. They are the nicest and hardest working people. And they are not trying to be anything other than themselves. I love that part the best. I always say that, to me, restaurants are about the people in them. And I can’t think of a better example of this.
Karin always says hello, wants you to enjoy yourself and she’s just so fun and also very funny! We sometimes talk about restaurants and it’s fun to hear where they’ve gone recently. Even with running their own place, they are very good about supporting other spots on their nights off. Every time I go to Peter’s, I want to talk with Karin more but it’s always so busy and we have a quick hug and “how’ve you been, you good?” and she’s gotta get back to work.
One thing that I really love is that if you want to go to Peter’s Inn, you have to make a little bit of effort. In today’s click-a-button-and-get-what-you-want world, you must email the restaurant to make a reservation. Karin gets right back to you and their system just works and it immediately creates a relationship and a reminder that you’re dealing with a real person and not simply a website. And, it’s only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, so you really have to plan ahead to be sure you can get a table. Another virtue of Karin and Bud is that they hire the best people and most of their employees have been working there for many, many years. That’s always a good sign to me. They keep it tight and it seems to work for them.
Peter’s is just what a neighborhood place should be: unique, easy, approachable and memorable all mixed together and that is a clear reflection on the owners. Karin and Bud (he’s in the kitchen) keep you guessing with new spins on seasonal dishes and yet at the same time, you can usually get an old favorite on the same visit. Hello, garlic bread, hi. It is one of those places you can rely on, yet it is never, ever boring. Incidentally, this is also how I describe other big faves. Peter’s Inn has stayed in my top three restaurants forever and as a Bmag article (you absolutely need to read) beautifully written by Lydia Woolever pointed out: Peter’s Inn is quintessential Baltimore. I’ve celebrated birthdays and brought out-of-towners, first-timers and longtime fans, new friends and old. It’s been said that if someone doesn’t like Peter’s Inn, run, especially if you’re on a date. While that is something that makes me laugh, it’s true. RUN.
Thanks, Karin, for doing my Baker’s Dozen thing. I’ve admired you for a long time, my friend.
Cake or pie? And, what kind?
Cake – burnt sugar
Your most prized possession?
A chest of drawers from family – 1789 era
What’s your favorite thing to order out at restaurants?
Soups, always.
What’s your favorite thing to cook at home?
We live upstairs from the restaurant and don’t have a kitchen. But sometimes we will have rice with grilled fish, big fan of squeeze cheese, Triscuits, sugar–free chocolate pudding, yogurt.
What is your morning beverage and how do you take it?
Coffee with two tablespoons of heavy cream.
What’s your personal motto?
Don’t thicken/reduce.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Thanksgiving, low expectations.
Best advice you were ever given? And from whom?
Should’ve, could’ve, would’ve – from my Uncle Mugsy
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Serving the coast guard 1985–1989.
The last text you sent?
Love you–4 o’clock, sis.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Time to think & plot.
What do you love most about food?
Preparing it.
Your favorite place in Baltimore?
American Visionary Art Museum
