Rallo's

Egan & Immie hanging at Rallo's

Rallo's, or as we refer to it: Where the Elite Meet to Eat (followed by a bit of a smirk) is on Fort Avenue in South Baltimore, Federal Hill or Locust Point, depending on who's giving directions.

I adore Rallo's for no other reason that every time I am there, and that would be for breakfast ever single Saturday and Sunday, I see someone I know. Sometimes, I end up there for longer than I had planned because there's a revolving cast of characters at my table.

Sure the service is a bit surly, and the food is less than gourmet. The ambiance and decor are somewhat lacking, but it's the customers who make it great. You can either snuggle into one of the booths, or take a table. You can sit reading the Sun, the New York Times or the assorted free publications for hours while they fill your coffee cup, or you can get a meal to go.

Rallo's is presided over by Mr. Vincent Rallo, the second-generation proprietor, and his lovely wife, Angie, whom we suspect is the missing Gabor sister. Rallo's has old-line foods including sour beef, chipped beef and grits, all things you won't find at the local fern/wine bar brunch.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am at Rallo's between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Maybe I will see you there.