So, as a born-Marylander-I do love to chat about crab-- crab cakes that is. When I have a good one, I like to share. This winner came from a surprising spot, not a crab house, not an independent, not a seafood restaurant, but a hotel flagship. Winner of favorite crab cake of the month is The Yard open all day) & Cafe Promenade (open for breakfast, brunch & dinner only) the Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards.                  Tell us where you love crab cakes in the Maryland-DC area below with a comment below or on an individual page on the site--4 people will win a $20-25 free gift card to Blue Hill Tavern, City Cafe or Sullivan's Steakhouse or a CITYPEEK-Facebook Friend Me t-shirt!

Chef Cindy Wolf and Tony Foreman are hosting their special dinner @ CHARLESTON for the Susan G. Komen cause. The June 14 dinner donates 100% to Komen Maryland in support of local breast health programs. To secure a seat, contact Lenore Koors at Komen Maryland or 410-938-8990 x109 or  http://komenmd.org/charleston . Congratulations to all of my friends who CELEBRATE SURVIVING CANCER like me!

Oh and congratulations to The Charleston Groups Chef/Owners Cindy and Tony for 10 years of success at Petit Louis! One evening in June, 2000 Petit Louis Bistro opened its doors at 4800 Roland Avenue and began a relationship with the neighborhood and friends from different cities visiting Baltimore that continues to flourish today. It was Tony Foreman and Cindy Wolf's great love for classic French bistro cooking –such as that of Chez l’Amis Louis in Paris– that inspired the concept. Ten years later, the restaurant remains true to the French bistro it was created after with classic bistro fare, and an ever increasing wine cellar.

THE CAPITAL GRILLE announces a new bar menu nationally--don't worry, the Parmesan truffle french fries are still on:The New Bar Menu Includes:
Mini Tenderloin Sandwiches with Wild Mushrooms and Boursin Cheese
 Chilled Shrimp tossed in Ginger and Mustard Vinaigrette, Lollipop Lamb Chops with Herb Oil and Aged Balsamic, Miniature Lobster and Crab Burgers

The RITZ CARLTON has been celebrating daily 20 years at its PENTAGON CITY location with a fun 20 day-factoid email. We have enjoyed receiving the daily dose of RITZ trivia and give-aways. It was an intimate look into how one of the most exclusive brands promotes itself. For Day 2- To honor the hotel’s most treasured guests, America’s Armed Forces and allies, and the national capital region, The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City has commissioned a challenge coin commemorating 20 years of legendary service.  One side features The Ritz-Carlton logo with “Embracing the Past/Focusing on the Future” around the rim,  the other side depicts the grand edifice of the hotel itself, flags aloft, with the anniversary date of May 7, 2010 and the words “20 Years of Legendary Service” encircling.  The coin is presented in a special box; a small brochure and personal message from General Manager Angella Reid are enclosed.  Only 500 of these commemorative coins will be struck. Today is the day before the official kick-off--good luck to all involved, including lucky guests at the RITZ Carlton! Do tell us.

CONGRATULATIONS to our dear friend, David SHAPIRO on living his dream and opening his 2000 sf shwarma, falafel, corned beef, brisket, coffee bar, sweet shop wrapped up to be named simply, SHAPIRO's CAFE. David is also proud to offer organic juices and specialty smoothie and coffee drinks using local ZEKE's coffee. Each detail of the 2-story cafe was made with painstaking precision by the local area resident, lawyer and father of three lovely ladies. 7 W. Preston Street in the old ice cream hop of Taharka Brothers, Shapiro's is a welcome addition to the area of local Mt Vernon residents, University of Baltimore law students, Lyric and BSO goers. We will get back to you on website but welcome reviews and comments here
CHEERS! Mary Ann Cricchio of famed Da Mimmo Mimmo of Little Italy is saluting her son royally!  She writes us--Mimmo has been accepted to VILLANOVA  for college. "Let's have a toast to Mimmo and Villanova University! Every person who comes to Da Mimmo during  the month of May and mentions Mimmo and Villanova will receive a complimentary glass of champagne. No purchase necessary.

Let CITYPEEK help you organize and grow your social media marketing strategic plan-with tools we use like twitter, facebook, fourquare . CITYPEEK.com integrate it all in building our CITYPEEK marketing relationships and we want to share it with you. This is the new Web 3.0-new tools we must embrace to get more ‘butts in seats,’ ‘heads in beds’ and increase awareness/sales for your venue--it can work for any part of the hospitality business!

CITYPEEK also is pleased to announce the newest national partner of GROUPON-the group online coupon company  that features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in a variety of cities across the United States. Best only if shared with friends. You only need to go to CITYPEEK  www.CITYPEEK.com --top right any page and see the daily GROUPON offer of steep 50% plus discount on luxury items like spa & car services, restaurant & hotel deal. Or search all over USA!

Best of all, marketing with CITYPEEK gets you in the know--we promote the best-you know who you are! Contact CITYPEEK for integration marketing & consultation.

Find & friend CITYPEEK Patti : twitter,      Facebook,      fourquare