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[deleted] t1_j5v94w4 wrote

[deleted]

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BmoreBr0 t1_j5vjvmu wrote

Hasn't she been nominated for a James Beard award like the past 20 years in a row? It is not exactly like they are snubbing her.

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umbligado t1_j5vlv8q wrote

Charleston was nominated, but for hospitality this time around.

To be clear, Wolf herself or one of her restaurants have been nominated over 20 times (with various wins) since around 2007 in many different categories.

Again, a lot of these nominations and awards are kind of arbitrary. I was (mildly) surprised Little Donna’s didn’t make the list, but it could be too new. I’m sure there’s other deserving spots as well that haven’t been nominated recently.

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PoopIsAlwaysSunny t1_j5vjf05 wrote

Lol hater.

Ekiben is mid range in prices but great for what you pay and unique.

Cindy Wolff’s stuff lately has been uninspired, expensive, and just not that great in my experience.

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HorsieJuice t1_j5vwx2r wrote

I feel the same way about Ekiben. It’s good for what it is, but… eh? Also, their takeout-only model lets their food steam in the boxes more than it ought.

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PoopIsAlwaysSunny t1_j5w1oiz wrote

Good news! You can eat in at ekiben again.

I agree, their food is significantly better fresh, particularly anything fried

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HorsieJuice t1_j5wk651 wrote

At which location? Fells? There’s nowhere you even could sit Hampden.

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PoopIsAlwaysSunny t1_j5wpbgl wrote

Hampden has a bunch of seating. Have you not been?

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HorsieJuice t1_j5wppun wrote

Where? Maybe I just haven’t paid attention, but I only remember a little alcove by the door.

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DfcukinLite t1_j5wxuoe wrote

No it doesn’t. Hampden nor fells locust point

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PoopIsAlwaysSunny t1_j5x4fft wrote

Not dozens of seats, but it does have seating. I have sat there and eaten.

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DfcukinLite t1_j5x4kdp wrote

There maybe 8 seats in there

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Nespot-despot t1_j5wacfm wrote

Yeah I have never felt the same about her places since I ate the travesty they were serving as bread at Petit Louis. Bread is an IMPORTANT part of a French meal!

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Timid_Teacher t1_j5wn41r wrote

What's wrong with the bread at Petit Louis? I love the bread there, along with all of the other food. I was just there for my 30th birthday last week and it was amazing. The pot de creme was god tier.

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DfcukinLite t1_j5wy1o6 wrote

Lol I’ve eaten at Petit Louis a million times and have worked /patronized amazing French bistros in France and brought French people. YOU’RE A DAMN LIE.

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umbligado t1_j5vmm4b wrote

I could be entirely wrong here, but I suspect the nominating committee tried to diversify the nominee slate based on multiple factors, cost likely being one of them. There’s always a big deal made over the cheapest 1 Michelin star restaurant in the world (I was lucky enough to go to Tim Wo Han in Hong Kong when it held the title) — it’s possible that was in their mind when making some of these choices. No disrespect meant toward Ekiben, just to be clear.

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CaptainObvious110 t1_j5vvct4 wrote

I don't think that any one should be offended about a particular food place not being chosen here. I am sure it has been on plenty of positive lists of great food in this city and will continue to do so so no big deal at all.

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HorsieJuice t1_j5vx762 wrote

Yeah, the last couple years they’ve kind of gone out of their way to push novelty and diversity. I’m glad they’re casting their gaze wider but I think they’ve overshot in many cases which dilutes the meaning of the award.

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rmphys t1_j5wu87g wrote

Its just showing the truth that was always there: these awards are just commercials with a wrapper of authority.

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sxswnxnw t1_j5vcvnf wrote

I agree. Smh it's nice for the Baltimore restaurant scene I guess, but something is off. I don't understand the appeal of Ekiben, either. Maybe I am not eating the right things. Neighborhood bird. Like, it was OK, but I'm not breaking my neck to go back.

But congrats to folks who were recognized.

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TheSchneid t1_j5vj8q8 wrote

The tofu is the best thing on the menu.

I say that as a 6 foot 4 300 pound meat eater too.

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Autumn_Sweater t1_j5vs92f wrote

The bowls with rice and pickled veggies included are better than the sandwiches

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DfcukinLite t1_j5wxmmu wrote

Same. The only great thing at Eikben is the sides. You can keep the rest. I get better bao buns at Doobys and chicken at Brd. They’re not worth the hype unless you’re not use to great food options

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FTR_Hair t1_j5w3vlf wrote

Stop trying to make streets ahead a thing, Pierce.

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CaptainObvious110 t1_j5vv3w2 wrote

I have yet to eat at Ekiben and it's true that it is talked about here quite a bit as if it's super awesome. I guess by it being hyped up so much it makes some people doubt it even more.

Once I try it, I'll give my thoughts on it and go from there.

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omg_itsryan_lol t1_j5wc99s wrote

It’s just this subreddit and Reddit in general. Go find a subreddit on any subject you know a lot about and you’ll find an army of people who are so passionately wrong or misinformed, it helps put the opinions you read on everything else into perspective. With that being said, Ekiben is pretty tasty, and I think getting the bowl with a bun on the side is a great way to experience it. Enjoy!

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DfcukinLite t1_j5wx5p6 wrote

It’s not that good. The sides are the only good thing.

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CaptainObvious110 t1_j60w6px wrote

What did you order and what in your opinion could be improved? Is it the flavor or portion size or price?

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Few_Construction_654 t1_j5wwhg5 wrote

I like Ekiben, but I’ve also lived in Hampden for 3.5 years within a short walking distance and have only gone maybe 5 times. It’s completely overhyped.

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Expendable_Red_Shirt t1_j5vfbyc wrote

My mind replaced Ekiben with Ni Hao. Because that made more sense to me.

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CaptainObvious110 t1_j5vvigh wrote

Agreed. Ni Hao is amazing. As is the Charming Elephant which is very close to it. Oh and don't let me forget Katana either.

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gizmojito t1_j5whqv8 wrote

I tried Ekiben’s Neighborhood Bird and the chicken was undercooked so I never tried anything else. 🤷‍♀️

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Nicktendo t1_j5w1d6m wrote

They are both good, but even Steve Chu would probably admit they are in different leagues.

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miada001 t1_j5x81zl wrote

agreed that ekiben is mid. i was so excited to get it after all the rave reviews but it was greasy and flavorless and the bun was so dry it was almost inedible

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downwithlevers t1_j5yname wrote

Every time I mention this I get downvoted to hell but somehow people are agreeing with you and upvoting you. Maybe the rebellion has begun.

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Ndysmth t1_j5x69ps wrote

Why would you come in and express you opinion while demanding others don’t express theirs? They are different restaurants, different cuisines, and different dining experiences all together. And seemingly the white cloth dining experience isn’t the one favored this time.

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[deleted] t1_j5yemwa wrote

[deleted]

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Ndysmth t1_j5yf7ot wrote

You clearly came in aggressive that someone who has ties to over twenty nominations in the past didn’t get a nom this time. And now you just use troll bait? Bye.

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DfcukinLite t1_j5wwv25 wrote

Yeah the fact Ekiben is in this category makes this ranking a farce

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