Epicure

What was once just the lower level of Crush restaurant in Belvedere Square is now Demi, a new restaurant-in-a-restaurant venture that offers a variety of small plates along with VIP views of behind-the-scenes action. Executive chef Tae Strain recommends grabbing one of the stools at the bar that runs along the lively open kitchen. There, you can watch as the chefs prepare everything from Ahi tuna with jasmine rice in a vanilla soy broth with sriracha aioli, to a bistro steak with potato hash and red onion tomato jam. The dishes, priced from $8 to $15, are great for sampling and sharing but are also designed as “composed plates” so they can serve as stand-alone meals. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner. 510 E. Belvedere Ave., 443-278-9001 —Kelsey Haywood