Clementine and Baltimore to be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Photo: Drink Nation

Many Baltimore Fishbowl readers have already heard this, but I must give my friends at Clementine a little more ink! On Friday, November 21 at 10:00pm, Clementine Restaurant is one of the restaurants to be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network. Also on the “All Baltimore, All the Time” episode are Sláinte and  Johnny Rad’s, both located in Fells Point.

Even before the farm-to-table movement took off, Clementine owners Winston and his wife, Cristin, were pioneers in offering a menu where everything was made from scratch. Now, thanks to being showcased on the very popular Food Network show, Baltimoreans and out-of-towners, as well, will have a new reason to reacquaint themselves with this authentic, approachable neighborhood restaurant. Clementine has long been a favorite of mine. Winston makes the best charcuterie and has for a long time. Also, a few years ago when I wanted to try my hand at making bacon, The Green Onion was my first thought as to where to buy the pork belly. And Winston himself helped me pick it out and then gave me lots of great advice and pointers. I was so impressed with his patience and willingness to help. God love him.Over the last few years I’ve gotten to know Winston and honestly, he is one of the most real people I know. He’s also very honest, funny and warm. A good egg. (Probably an egg wrapped in bacon…)When Winston and I chatted about the Food Network and Guy Fieri thing, he said that he was legitimately impressed (surprised, I’d say) that Fieri seemed genuinely interested in what they were doing at Clementine. After the wrapped filming, he stuck around and visited with everyone and was in no real rush to depart. Winston said, ” He was really interested in the pork we use, asking questions about the heritage breeds and he wanted to know my philosophy toward it all, too. He was incredibly warm and  genuine off camera.”

Leading up to the airing of the show, Clementine will be providing an amuse-bouche course to all patrons with the dishes featured on DDD. The show will also be aired at the restaurant on Sunday night.

At Clementine there is exceptional craft, care and the utmost respect for local farmers and their land. Clementine was one of the first places in Baltimore to really cook totally nose to tail and highlight the farmers they source from and I wish more people knew that. Maybe they’ll know now.Get over to Clementine soon. Harford Road isn’t on everyone’s radar, but with Clementine, Hamilton Tavern and Maggie’s Farm all within a few blocks of each other, it should be. For reservations call  (410) 444-1497.