Smedly's of Baltmore

There is a fabulous local coffee house right down the street from me called Smedly's. http://www.smedlys.com/ Robby and I went there a few days ago not for the coffee but for the food and had a wonderful lunch. We played chess, ate great food, and had a kid free afternoon. It is exactly what you want in a locally owned and run shop, a laid back feel with some gourmet touches.
I had the chicken and Gnocchi with spinach. It was filling, inexpensive and when ordered with the chilled yerba drink http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerba_mate made a perfect lunch. Yerba comes with an interesting story for me. I saw it for the first time on a Brazilian travel show on TV years ago it stuck in my mind and I thought it looked interesting. I then meet a friend's girlfriend for the first time a few weeks ago who is from Brazil and asked her about the drink not knowing that I just had it right down the street from my house! OK, maybe not that interesting but a coincidence none the less.

Robby had the the masala meatballs with toast. Very good and again a smart portion. Both of the dishes were a twist on classics that enabled us to see the chef's skills.

The atmosphere is comfortable entertaining. There is salvaged furniture with a modern twist. They have books to read, blackboards to draw on (for those who need to study) and games to play a little something for everyone.
And last but not least the dessert. Wonderful warmed cinnamon buns with walnuts. Homemade with love and care. I can't wait to go back and try some more of the special homemade dishes Smedly's has cooking.