JoeMollica "Never eat more than you can lift"

Pistachio is a small, cozy, cafe nestled in between two antique shops in a tiny shopping center in Laytonsville. Easy to miss, the only way to know this bakery/cafe exists is the lone “Bakery” sign facing the road.

Entering the bakery you’re greeted by a smiling Maximo Morales, the shop owner, and his helpful staff. The shop reminds me a lot of European bakeries. Fresh bread abounds behind the cashier, pastries and pies populate glass cabinets, and brewed drinks are an arm’s-length away.

The food is 100% fresh and delicious. Both my girlfriend’s and my own meal came fresh out of the oven- having been prepared just minutes earlier. The croissant crusts are flaky, flavorful without being too butter-heavy, and perfectly formed.

If you’re in the mood, try one of their fresh-made lattes. The Chai Latte is ten times better then Starbucks and half the cost.

The atmosphere here is perfect for a lazy Sunday outing. Pistachio green walls, a fireplace in the corner, wrought iron bistro tables with comfortable chairs, low-volume music and beautiful decor invite you to sit with a book or good company watch the time go by. Bring a watch- you may forget what time it is!

All in all Pistachio Bakery is a place I wish I had tried years sooner. A must-visit if you live in the area.

There’s a small, back-lit sign on North Ave in Baltimore with a trucker’s face marking an otherwise ordinary building in the Arts & Entertainment district. To the unfamiliar this may look like any other dive joint in Baltimore; but to the adventurous or well-connected this sign denotes a hidden gem. Pass through two small doors and Joe Squared’s low-key exterior gives way to a homey-yet-hip restaurant and bar.

Low light, crimson walls, and ornate stenciling on the rafters bring you into Joe’s world. One of a well-stocked bar complete with international beer on tap, pizza that brings new possibilities to the meaning of life, and free live music every night. This is a pizza joint you could bring a date to and NOT get harped on.

The staff is excellent. Rarely have I shared a beer with a ‘cheers!’ with my waitress on my first visit to a restaurant. The staff is attentive, animated, and fun. You’ll leave this place not only full but happy for the people you’ve enjoyed your meal with. How often can you say that?

The pizza here is worth the hour drive we took to get there. While our original purpose for coming to Baltimore was a friend’s CD release party, we asked around and heard about this ‘pizza place’ on North St. Well, we were not let down. The pizza ingredients were incredibly fresh. The pesto perfect, the cheese melty, the crust delicate and well-flavored. The best part? Joe Squared has the only coal-fired pizza oven in the state of Maryland! This brings the flavor over the top. Pizzas are available in 10", 12", 14", and 16" squares. A 14" and a pitcher of beer was enough for 3 people to be comfortably full.

The prices may seem a bit high at first, but if you can appreciate the freshness, the portion size, and the atmosphere you’ll soon be at peace with your wallet.

Quick notes: Parking is available though we parked at Penn Station and walked (four blocks). Beer samples are available for anything on draft in case you’re unsure. Online ordering is available.

Bottom line: This is a must-visit if you’re in the vicinity of Baltimore. My girlfriend and I WILL be back to sample the rest of the menu!

Sol Azteca was the first real “Mexican” restaurant to hit Olney since Casa Rico moved out a handful of years ago. Situated in the Olney 9 Cinemas shopping center, it’s location provides plenty of parking and ease in finding.

The Food The food is amazing, simply put. The Carne Asada is among the best I’ve had, and most of their antojitos (appetizers) are delicious. Everything is fresh, the portions are generous, and they have a lot of (and I hate using this term) authentic dishes.

The only downside to the food is the guacamole doesn’t meet up to the same level as the rest of their food. Everything is so delicious, then you get the guacamole which is almost runny and no t as fresh as the rest of the food. It’s still good, but the freshness is not matching with the rest of the meal.

Service This is their real strong point. The wait staff here is among the most attentive I’ve ever had and oh boy are they friendly. I’ve also noticed that their meal suggestions are spot on.

Value Meals here are generously portioned and reasonably priced. A delicious Carne Asada with beans, rice, guacamole, and cheese is going to run you around $14. Most appetizers are between $7 and $10.

Atmosphere While not totally upscale, this restaurant would be a good choice for a romantic dinner or a night out with the family. The bar is separated from the main dining by a good-sized wall, so roudiness is kept to a minimum.

All in all, if you’re too tired to drive to Mi Rancho or Guapo’s, give Sol Azteca a try. You won’t be disappointed!