If you know Baltimore’s food scene, then you already know Simone Phillips.
As the founder of Charm City Table, Phillips has built a trusted platform that highlights where to eat, what to try and which local businesses deserve your attention. But after sitting down with her for Be More Positive, one thing became clear: Simone is doing much more than posting great food.
She’s helping tell a bigger story about Baltimore.
During our conversation, Phillips reflected on her upbringing, her deep family roots in West Baltimore and Baltimore County, and how community shaped the way she experiences food. From family gatherings in Reservoir Hill to a childhood filled with home-cooked meals made from scratch, food was never just about eating. It was about connection, culture and memory.
That foundation eventually grew into Charm City Table.
What started as a personal way to document restaurants and meals around the city has grown into a major lifestyle and media platform. Over the years, Phillips has turned her love for Baltimore’s dining scene into a brand that celebrates not only good food, but also the people and creativity behind it.
And that’s what makes her work stand out.
Phillips has been especially intentional about highlighting Black-owned and minority-owned businesses, helping show the depth and diversity of Baltimore’s culinary scene. In a city as creative and culturally rich as this one, that kind of visibility matters.
Our conversation also touched on something many locals already know— Baltimore’s food scene still doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. While crab cakes will always have their place, Phillips made it clear that Baltimore offers far more than the usual stereotypes. From neighborhood staples to elevated dining experiences, the city’s restaurant scene is layered, dynamic and full of talent.
She also shared a perspective that resonated beyond food— that one of the biggest misunderstandings about Baltimore is that people often overlook just how creative the city really is.
And she’s right.
Baltimore is full of artists, chefs, entrepreneurs and storytellers who are constantly creating, building and pushing culture forward. Phillips is one of them. Through Charm City Table, she isn’t just showing people where to eat — she’s showing them how to see Baltimore.
That includes what’s next. In addition to continuing her work in food and hospitality, Phillips is also creating new opportunities for local creatives, including a short-form film screening initiative connected to the Maryland Film Festival.
At its heart, this conversation was about more than content creation or restaurant recommendations. It was about city pride, creative evolution and the joy of celebrating Baltimore for all that it is.
Simone Phillips has built a brand around good taste, yes — but also around community, culture and love for this city.
And that may be the most Baltimore thing about her.
Listen to the full episode of Be More Positive wherever you get your podcasts.