Special Supano's?

Three couples are spending the weekend at the Renaissance Hotel in Baltimore, MD for a special big birthday. Reservations are made at Supano's Steakhouse for the proximity to the hotel, the live music, and the special food. Or is it special?

Photos, videos, and lots of ambiance all revolving around Frank Sinatra and his buddies are abundant and wonderful. Frank, Dino, and Sammy are alive and happening here. You definitely feel that you are back in time during the era of Rat Pack.

Appetizers start the dinner, but with no bread plates it is tough to begin. The crab dip becomes pretty cold and unappetizing by the time the plates arrive. The calamari and bruschetta are tasty, but cool. The waiter is adorable and friendly, but it is probably his first day. He doesn't really know that there is a difference between Zinfandel and Merlot. Warm bread and olive oil are served that beat out all the appetizers.

Dinner arrives one or two dishes at a time. Unfortunately, the cute waiter is busboy, server, sommelier all in one. It doesn't work out too well.

Starting with the positives: Have the Veal Francaise. It is lightly cooked with a delicious lemon sauce. "Steak and Cake" is a great way to go. The crab cake is gigantic and perfectly cooked, and the steak is cooked just right with plenty of flavor. Pasta in a light olive oil sauce with excellent spices is a classic. However,  DO NOT have the peppercorn encrusted tuna steak. It is completely overcooked (even though rare is requested), dry, and void of any real flavor. It is served atop a warm mushroom bacon salad, which is completely uneventful. While eating this dish, the owner appears. He offers to bring another tuna, but it is too late in the meal to enjoy it. Unfortunately, he chooses not to offer anything else.

Coffee is served, but with no spoons. This restaurant really needs a few busboys and chefs to straighten it up. A delicious Tiramisu cake is served to the birthday girl. That is always a great touch.

The restaurant is a in a perfect location in the heart of the Inner Harbor with entertainment. Go for the steak/cake, veal, pasta, and bread, but don't expect a bread plate or spoon.

If you would like to dance the night away and burn off some of the bread and pasta, walk over a few blocks to the Power Plant Live. You will not find Frank's music here, so instead be ready for top 40's of 2011. Start jumping now. We did.