Epicure

While we still mourn the loss of IXIA (and Louie’s Bookstore Café before it), time marches on. The grand, familiar space on North Charles Street is now home to
C Restaurant•Lounge. Tegist Alayew (who also owns Creme Cafe in D.C.) has taken over the spot, stripped out some of the over-the-top swankiness (bye-bye, electric blue walls, swagged mesh draperies and fanciful chandeliers) and brought her own vision to bear. The menu features entrées that are surprisingly affordable (average price $17; nothing more than $19) and tempting: shrimp and grits with andouille sausage, flat-iron steak with “fat” fries, braised rack of lamb with honey and ginger parsnips, to name a few. And be warned: you’ll want to order every single item on the weekend brunch menu.  518 N. Charles St., 443-869-3381