Upscale

When Thomas Seitz sought out a hospital for treatment of his liver disease, the perks were nearly as important as the quality of care. The 58-year-old retired commercial fisherman from Ocean City wanted a private room — free from the noises of another patient — with some additional amenities that reminded him of home. He wound up going to Franklin Square Hospital Center in Rosedale. There, he channel-surfed on a flat-screen TV with a remote that could also adjust the room lighting or request room-service meals.

Atlantic City gets an undeserved bad rap. The area doesn't exactly conjure thoughts of luxury, class and glamour. Its casino roots are kind of hard to shake. (Insert images of smoke-filled rooms, gold chains, exposed chest hair and hideously cheap outfits.) The MTV show "Jersey Shore" hasn't exactly helped to inspire thoughts of class. When the Miss America pageant abandoned Atlantic City for Las Vegas in 2006, some thought that was the last bit of glitz to leave. And now comes HBO's "Boardwalk Empire," a TV drama that paints the city with gangster stripes.

You might find yourself sitting in your comfortable booth in the Stanford Grill's big, wide-open dining room saying things like, "You know what, these are really amazing ribs," or, "Actually, this steak is fantastic." All along, the food the Stanford Grill sends out is better than you anticipated, and the surprise factor has to do with how the restaurant sets expectations — not low, really, but as middle as middle can be. I think this is all deliberate. The Stanford Grill, which opened in early May, is the first foray into the upscale casual market by the Howard County-based Blue Ridge Restaurant Group, which operates six Copper Canyon Grill restaurants in Maryland and Florida.

Baltimore might never be a club-going city like New York, Miami — or even Washington. For many reasons, only a few high-end lounges have been able to make it for the long haul in Charm City. Generally, they're run by people who understand what Baltimoreans want — and don't want — in a club. We hate pretentiousness, and are only willing to shell out for cover charges and expensive cocktails if we get our money's worth. The owners of Red Maple and Good Love understood this, which is why their businesses prospered.

A DJ booth has replaced the stage where the White Stripes and other rock bands once played, and the formerly dim, grungy music hall is now awash in thousands of small lights. Fletcher's, a long-running Fells Point club, is no more. In its place is The Get Down, a swanky new lounge that celebrates its grand opening Friday and Saturday. It's a total about-face orchestrated by owner Bryan Burkert. As a result, the space manages to bring together the alluring feel of an upscale lounge with the laid-back vibe of a neighborhood tavern.

Tiffany & Co., the upscale jeweler known as much for its turquoise boxes as its silver jewelry and diamonds, said Thursday it will open a store this fall in the luxury wing of Towson Town Center. Tiffany will open a 3,700-square-foot store with some of the architectural elements of its flagship boutique in New York. It will feature polished marble, a stone arch at the entrance and large glass show windows. The planned opening is Sept. 3. The jeweler is opening as the economy is starting to rebound even though consumers are still skittish about spending.

In a word, Vino Rosina is adorable. OK, two words: Adorable and overdue. Harbor East can't get enough bars and lounges of any kind, and the clean cut wine bar Vino Rosina, which opened in the Bagby building in mid-May, is a perfect fit for the ritzy waterside neighborhood. Opened by Jim Lancaster, the man behind the Rosina Gourmet sandwich shops, Vino Rosina ticks nearly all the boxes. As soon as you set foot inside Vino Rosina, you'll notice the tasteful rehab of the rustic warehouse space, with its high ceilings, exposed brick and light wood trimmings.

Just three months after Milan opened its doors, billing itself as a restaurant-lounge "where food meets fashion," it seems a few more introductions are in order: Milan, meet Little Italy. And Little Italy, meet what could be the future. The old city neighborhood that's been known to split bitterly over bocce court lighting has turned its feisty spirit on the sleek newcomer. Complaining that Milan is more nightclub than restaurant, attracting noisy crowds and employing outside promoters, a group of neighbors has petitioned the city not to renew Milan's liquor license.

A few local restaurants want you to know - you don't have to eat a big meal there. Drinks and snacks are just fine. With the recession still squeezing wallets, upscale Baltimore restaurants are looking for ways to lure patrons - even if it's only for lounging, drinks and nibbles. Pazo launched a Cupcakes and Cocktails menu, which brings together sweet desserts with swanky drinks. Phillips Harborplace started a new lounge area with Wi-Fi, cocktails and an inexpensive menu. And Lebanese Taverna in Harbor East began a late-night happy hour Friday nights.