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click photos for larger imageFrom its nondescript exterior, you might pass by Clementine, as it blends in with the other storefronts along a business block of Harford Road in the working-class neighborhood of Hamilton. But inside, it’s anything but nondescript. From its homey decor— complete with a seating area of overstuffed sofas and a children’s play corner— to its inventive menu, Clementine is a pleasant surprise. For breakfast, order up some espresso or a blend from Zeke’s Coffee. (They also bake their own muffins and mix their own cream cheeses for bagels.) For lunch, choose from a list of gourmet sandwiches (like sliced grilled chicken breast with maple bacon, avocado, tomato-onion jam and Danish blue cheese mayo) or the daily specials of stir-fries and small-plate entreés. For dinner, we swear by the mac’n’cheese and the Maryland crab soup, but entreés change nightly, depending on what’s fresh and in season. A recent sampler: thyme spring onion and rye-brined roasted chicken breast over bacon and pecan wild rice pilaf topped with sauteéd grapes, kale and shallots— does that paint a picture? Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Wednesday through Sunday. 5402 Harford Road, 410-444-1497
