Pazza Luna

May 5, 2001 

410.727.1212

1401 E. Clement St

Decatur & Clement Streets

Baltimore, MD  21230

First off, I must start by saying that even though the Caesar's Salad here wasn't "to die for", the restaurant and ambiance was enough to make us return.

Pazza Luna is a charming two story home converted to a restaurant, just outside of the famous Baltimore Inner Harbor.  The moon, sun and star themes appear everywhere: on the walls, plates (specially imported from England), the upholstery, as well as the bottles of olive oil on each of the tables.  Complementing this is the Italian theme, with Sinatra and "Soprano's" memorabilia throughout (Sinatra's songs played in the background), and roasted garlic heads freshly prepared with your meal.

We arrived just as an electrical blackout rolled in (an unexpected Saturday night closing for a restaurant is a killer).  The host began his phone calls to cancel reservations, as guests were turned away and the kitchen prepared to close early.  We were not able to order any entrees, but the kitchen was obliging in preparing us our Caesar's Salad.  We ate at the bar as guests reluctantly (and slowly!), prepared to leave.  

One of the neighbors came in with sets of Waterford crystal candleholders and candles, which romantically lit up the bar.  The bartender continued service until we left, making our unexpected pleasures all the more memorable.  The ambiance of the evening was magical. 

I had a glass of champagne with my salad.  It was not an extraordinary salad.  Apparently, the dressing recipe was handed down from Danny Dickman, who once managed "Danny's", a 5-Star restaurant in Baltimore.  It wasn't too oily and coated the leaves well.  Beyond that, my memories have faded beyond the beauty of the whole night.  Which makes me conclude: a blackout in a restaurant can evoke just about any response, and this one supplanted all negative...

 - LL