FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD & WINE.Scoop.openings.outside dining.film festivals-Baltimore. Howard County restaurant week-CITYPEEK.com Patti is enjoying visiting new hot spots in the region in what is the most delightful, not-too-humid July's in distant memory --well you know that goes first-- here are some of our week's highlights:
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1st SCOOP-Baltimore Restaurant Week is soon: Begins August 7—find & reserve a table for Baltimore Restaurant Week now to secure your favorite.
CITYPEEK recently organized some friends to join in on the weekly Tuesday Cellar Raid @ Cinghiale-50% off ALL wines on their extensive Italian wine list-now extended to 5-10 pm. We savored a soft Barolo while we let breathe and then sipped a larger richer & chewy Montepulciano to cap the meal. Both Lindsay 'Willy" and Lindsay the GM-were helpful in this choices. Our meals (there were 4 of us) were light, perfect for summer-I loved my house salad with lightly fried shallots and grilled calamari 'ringlets' with crispy parsnips (my new passion). It as served in a sweet, chili spiced olive oil. (Not to stray too far, but I also adore the grilled calamari ($9) @ Ryleigh's Oyster in Federal Hill--in a spicy balsamic glaze served on a bed of frise, sweet peppers with a plate coating of chickpea puree--mmmmm.) My friends enjoyed the cod entree, a light seafood pasta and a sampling of other appetizers. The wine list is beyond beginners but the staff is at your beck & call to assist and walk you patiently through the choices. At the end of the meal $70 for fabulous wine, food and stellar service was so worth the money. Other sister spots in the area include The Charleston Group's CINDY Wolf's Charleston Restaurant and PAZO aand wine store BIN 604 which also has a daily happy hour specials. Write comments and learn about more of the best of Baltimore Restaurants @ http://www.citypeek.com/baltimore/dining SCOOP-TEQUILA ANYONE? Sources tell me a new FEDERAL HILL spot across from Cross Street Market Charles Street side-- FEDERALE's Mexican Grill will be a new addition to the neighborhood. The Restaurant should open in the Fall months pending a liquor license. Whereas the Inner Harbor, the Gallery are declining with options, Federal Hill is soaring thanks to some excellent business people. Note: an expereinced, successful restaurant and bar owner is the proprietor! Will the Blue Agave and suffer? Hmmm.
SCOOP-JUST OPENED BLUE HILL TAVERN in Baltimore-NINA, BARBIE, Nancy and all Foodies-do you hear me--run! Tell them CITYPEEK Patti sent you--BLUE HILL TAVERN, an 180 seater hip, yet casual tavern just opened in Conklin Street in Brewer's Hill area. Gorgeous exterior, interior -grab a beer or a bottle of Dom, a burger or a rack of lamb! and a Jorbie Clark of Ryleigh's Oyster & Billabong of Federal Hill reports that the 'food was excellent' and he and his wife savored the Grilled Cheese Soup with Tomato Sandwiches--using Natty Boh beer cheese soup, fried green tomatoes. CITYPEEK Patti cannot wait to go, Dara Bunjon also endoreses. Jorbie, Dara want to go again? www.bluehilltavern.com
VELLEGIA's of LITTLE ITALY since 1930's has revived itself @ the home of the Water Street Exchange on Water Street. Terry Coffman is there to make sure all runs smoothly in his new location. We are glad they are back on the map!
Free shuttle service in a 1954 Chevrolet
Baltimore Frank Sinatra Bar revives.
CITYPEEK Patti is so excited to go to Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia for an exclusive wine dinner prepared especially for a Baltimore contingency next week. Guests are thrilled to be part of the experience at one of the USA's top restaurants. Thank you in advance, Chef Georges Perrier, LE BEC FIN! Pictured Right : Joanna Golden, Chef Perrier and CITYPEEK Patti from Brasserie Tatin's special dinner featuring Le Bec Fin Perrier last winter. Brasserie Tatin has closed and in its place is La Famiglia with GM BOCCACIA'S DINO Z as the GM. Like it there or have other news for our weekly blog? info@citypeek.com
CITYPEEK.com received and email from Bridget & Galen Sampson, of DOGWOOD CAFE in HAMDEN, announcing that the non-profit culinary training program founded by the Dogwood owners, has found its home. As of July 13th, Plates Cafe and Catering is located at 333 North Charles Street at the Baltimore legendary Woman's Industrial Exchange. Plates is a social enterprise that trains individuals who are working to transition to a better way of life. We wish them all the luck!
PIZZAZ TUSCAN GRILL (pictured to left Sarah Kessler, Dora Carroll and The Bird, -not in pic or The Bird hid, petite, Ericka Alston, Spin, LLC)-A few friends and I headed over to the newest addition to the restaurant world located @ the Pier 5 Hotel before an 'Ani D' Concert at RAMS HEAD LIVE for a great live music concert. Never fear, the Ruth's Chris Steak House and McCormick & Schmick's are still there too. The Grand Opening was amazing and Propriestress Deanna Cook (back seen in the background)and husband, Chef Joe, know how to throw a party. All elements worked together. The Music "HARD SWIMMING FISH", the food, from soy ravioli’s to the desserts donated from GOODIES 'to die for' cupcakes, Deanna's friend, Lauren, made a scrumptious tiramisu cake, Patisserie Poupon" made the strawberry and white chocolate cake and YIA YIA’S made a cake with their logo, and pal, Linda provided her decadent biscotti. PIZZAZ touts using "THE BEST OF THE BEST" suppliers and staff! Pier 5 Hotel staff were big crowd supporters as was the “ORIOLE BIRD”. Also seen in the crowd were Councilmen YOUNG who assisted with the ribbon cutting! A special thank you from owner Deana to “all to my amazing children who always work so hard and show up to pitch in. Family business Is not always easy, but oh so rewarding”. We look forward to going back and trying out the affordable pasta dishes, thin crust pizzas and sustainable foods prepared fresh to order!
Did you see CITYPEEK.com mentioned in Susan Reimer's Baltimore Sun 4th of July Fireworks and Bogart (pictured left) deciding to skip in lieu of hiding. UNLEASHED by Jill Rosen under a table? Well, in honor of his 7th birthday (JULY 17) this month July 6-Bogart was highlighted in yet another column/blog @ http://www.citypeek.com/content/citypeek-press
FREE WEDDING SCOOP-LEE JOHNSON, Executive @ the Pier 5 Hotel at the above opening event took me aside to tell me about a FREE BALTIMORE WEDDING GIVE-AWAY the PIER 5 Hotel is orchestrating. http://www.citypeek.com/baltimore/event/free-wedding-giveaway-event
SORSO Café at HARBORVIEW MARINA-Brian Johnson and Brett Austin have recently opened SORSO CAFÉ at HARBORVIEW MARINA next to TABRIZI’s. Sorso offers fast service to pick up a sandwich, a bottle of wine or beer and homemade gelato. We love this spot also as a break from a walk around S. Baltimore. Note: TABRIZI's has a weekly happy hour 4-7 pm and special al fresco dining always with live music on weekends. A delightful view of the marina delights guests too. http://www.citypeek.com/baltimore/dining
SCOOP!! Word from a reliable source: on the street is there is another Chef Exchange. Christian Delutis, Executive Chef at Dogwood Café, former chef at hot spots Cork’s, Hampton’s @ Harbor Court, Brasserie Tatin and Woodberry Kitchen) in Hamden –is heard to be packing up and moving to the Executive Chef position at alizee bistro and wine bar.
Al fresco dining is growing in Baltimore. Some LOCAL outside Dining Favorites: NICK'S FISHHOUSE on the marina in S Baltimore--mention CITYPEEK and all ladies get a free drink-anytime!
RUB in South Baltimore, Inner Harbor abounds with choices, like Phillips Seafood Restaurants and Cheesecake Factory, M&S Grill and McCormick and Schmick’s.
Now Gia’s Café in Little Italy has a fabulous rooftop, byob still, but liquor license to be added soon. Metropolitan Wine Bar/Coffeehouse, Ryleigh's and a couple tables @ Taverna Corvino in Federal Hill, Cinghiale in Harbor East. Alizee bistro and wine bar has added al fresco Baltimore lunch and dinner dining. Check out their upscale Sunday Brunch for $35, including bottomless mimosas and bloodies. Free Valet & Self Parking! TARK's in Greenspring Station seems to please all since they joined the neighborhood. GM Bill Shriver writes that Sunday enjoy live music outside as you dine. We love so many things but must meention the Lindsay Chopped Salad. Chesapeake Wine Company in Canton and Belvedere Square Market has a few outside dining options.
Speaking of Sunday Brunch with bottomless bloodies and mimosas-we loved our recently at Little Havana-also touting lots of parking and the price tag, only $15 for various menu items with a Cuban flair! CITYPEEK Patti and Terri Harrington of Mackenzie Commercial Real Estate Services spent the afternoon sipping, laughing and watching the boats go by.
Wine News:13.5% opens wine bar opens in Hamden.
ALIZEE Wine Bar & Bistro announced something new in their BINS! You can now get a personalized bin and store your own wine! We are so excited to get ours there! Thank you Steve and Daniel for this opportunity. If you want your own private wine bin at a restaurant and get your wines, priced retail—all the time this is a great idea! The Capital Grille, one of our favorite wine bars, their bins seem to be sold out almost completely, so this is another opportunity to store your favorites, go to VIP tastings and pay retail prices while you dine out!
Other Baltimore BYOB options given by our facebook- www.facebook.com/citypeekpatti & TWITTER www.twitter.com/citypeekpatti audience is SABOR (see review below) in Timonium, FEAST at 4 East in Mt Vernon (now serving a new sustainable menu with many additions and new dishes), Terri Harrington -Pasta Blitz-Timonium for $3 and I believe Baba's on Fort (not sure of charge). Ian Robbins -Clementine - 5402 Harford Rd ($5 fee) ... ‘corkage fees displeases me, writes Ian’.
OPENINGS: HOLLYWOOD DINER is being resurrected! I first went there in 1989 with my friend, Adam Goldsmith whose father, Harold, of Merry-Go-Round fame, (of blessed memory) was one of the true Diner guys, along with others like Barry Levenson . The long awaited reopening of the Hollywood Diner is scheduled for August 24th. Work is underway to bring the diner better than ever. Details to follow in the days ahead. Ivan Leshinsky, Executive Director-Chesapeake Center for Youth Dev-400 E Saratoga St, a restaurant in Downtown Baltimore 21202
CITYPEEK Restaurant Reviewer-Millie Caplan writes: “We went to a new Japanese restaurant on York Road called Umi Saki. http://umisake.com/home.php It is stunning, and the menu and food is fabulous.” And 2 more reviews by Millie K. Caplan, Food Critic-CITYPEEK.com: Village Square Cafe: 66 Village Square-Village of Cross Keyes-410-433-CAFE / www.villagesquarecafe.com. With Shawn A. Lagergren at the helm, this stylish cafe has quietly opened for breakfast and lunch daily. A palette of soft tones has created an understated background for what is important-the food! With a liquor license, herbal teas, fabulous coffees, and a helpful wait staff, it is easy to respond to good food when the setting is so comfortable. Challah french toast, buttermilk choc. chip flapjacks, Roland Park omelet, Cobb salad (to perfection), pizzas, sandwiches on incredible breads, yummy brownies and a kid's menu, it is no wonder that the long awaited Village Cafe is already packed with merchants and neighbors.
Review : Restaurant Sabor-Tullamore Road-Roundtree Center-410-628-7227 At a time when restaurants are closing , Owner and Chef Roddy Domacassi has found the secret of a successful restaurant ; wonderful food. With Janet Rafky welcoming all. a pleasant and helpful wait staff, and a setting that is comfortable with a fun, communal table and open kitchen, the crowds are responding. A menu that changes with the seasons , with tried and true fare. An amuse bouche of truffle potato chips is being offered now. Onion soup to delight the palate, beet carpaccio and Goat cheese salad, salmon spring rolls are just a sampling of the various appetizers. Foodies proclaim “ the absolute thinnest, crispiest, best calves liver anywhere! “ Delicious lamb chops, chicken , pasta, and fish that is always fresh. Save room for the desserts, made in house. Until a liquor license is obtained, bring your own wine.
MIGUEL’s is prepping to open soon in the luxury Baltimore condos, SILO POINT CONDOMINIUMS in Locust Point. This new spot is operated by Chef Michael Marx of RUB and the original owner operator of Blue Agave in Federal Hill. Chef Michael is a dependable, consistent restaurant owner with a firm handle of the business and cost-effective meals options. We can’t wait to try it. Opening is Fall 2009. There will be outdoor seating and a liquor license.
A Note from CITYPEEK Eastern Shore Blogger Lindy from The Carousel Hotel & Resort: Great Family Restaurants in Ocean City.By Lindy Kosydar lindy@citypeek.com CITYPEEK Eastern Shore/Ocean City blogger--Looking for a great place to take the entire family for dinner while in Ocean City? Well I visited 2 great restaurants this week that I would like to recommend to everyone when you come to the beach.
The first is my personal favorite Bull on The Beach. Whether you’re on the boardwalk around 2nd Street, in North Ocean City at around 94th St. or in West Ocean City on Route 50, there is a Bull on The Beach location close by. If you’re in the mood for a great Pit Beef sandwich, Bull on the Beach is famous for them. There is something on the menu for everyone and they also have carry out if you’re on the go.
ALSO remeber THE PENGUIN DINER in BEETHANY is fabulous for families! Baltimore-based Bethany business-they know crabcakes. Ask for Alex!MORE @ http://www.citypeek.com/eastern-shore/blog-entry/great-family-restaurant...
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FREE EVENTS of Note: Click: To Submit Your Event for CITYPEEK Calendar The Little Italy Open Air Film Festival –every Friday thru August 28—grab a lawn chair and a picnic or eat in Little Italty—love the rooftop dining at Gia’s Café, the authentic Spanish tapas @ Taps Bar Restaurant and the fabulous regional Italian Cooking of La Scala-the grilled Caesar is outstanding!
http://www.citypeek.com/baltimore/events/44/all/all/all/all
This weekend is the fabulous ARTSCAPE 2009 Baltimore-the East Coast's biggest arts festival in the Mt Royal Avenue area. http://www.citypeek.com/baltimore/events/44/all/all/all/all
AVAM THURSDAY MOVIES ON THE HILL-FEDERAL HILL-Time Machine 7-17. Popcorn and hot dogs avail, bring a chair, kids, picnics, c/o American Visionary Arts Museum www.avam.org Remember to see their window dressed @ Bergdorf Goodman's in NYC!
Belvedere Square also has a Friday Film Festival.
Reggae Festival in Maryland at Linganore WineCellars expected to bring over 18,000 guests. July 18/19 in Mt Airy.
NEW IMAX HARRY POTTER @ MD SCIENCE CENTER: http://www.citypeek.com/baltimore/entertainment With special 3D footage & extended scenes filmed exclusively for IMAX. See Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince at the Maryland Science Center beginning Wednesday, July 29, 2009. The Maryland Science Center’s St. John Properties IMAX Theater is the only Baltimore-area theater to present the latest installment of the Harry Potter series in the superior quality and rich detail of the true IMAX format.The drama of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince unfolds on the Maryland Science Center’s five-story IMAX screen. The Maryland Science Center is located at 601 Light Street at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. For information and tickets, visit www.marylandsciencecenter.org or call the 24-Hour Information Line at 410-685-5225.
Howard County Restaurant Week once again-- Summer's Restaurant Weeks in Howard County is July 27-August 9.
Remember to visit Victoria Gastro Pub in the Howard County area-highly recommend Victoria Gastro Pub-One of their many Events of Note: Dogfish Beer Dinner August 12
Baltimore Restaurant Week Begins August 7—find and reserve a hotspot for Restaurant Week now @ http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=18&ref=1081&pid=200
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PS CAN YOU BELIEVE I Have more info I haven't included like special Chef event with Wine Jester @ Cross Keys Radisson's Crossroads Restaurant patio--more next week. Mike Radike, GM and Sandy Navorro, WINE JESTER. Am looking forward to everything this w/e including my rooftop cocktail dip-themed soiree. More next week including a column in the BBJ on Social Networking. Hi 'friends' we know there are some new Facebook fans-big sister knows. Welcome and enjoy connecting.
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