Patti Peek Neumann's blog

Robbin Haas called me recently to tell me the good news that he is opening a new spot in Hampden called Birroteca in the space formally the Mill Steakhouse at 1520 Clipper Road. The new space will serve organic, artisinal small Italian plates, Chef Robbin tells me. Currently he is seeking a General Manager and a Bar Manager who is adept in the workd of Craft Beer and whose title might be more appropriately called, Beer Geek.. Twenty-four beers are to be expected to be poured as this is a Beer-oteca, not a Vino-teca.

UPDATES from Harborplace:

Competition is heating up in the local “Iron Chef” style Mason Dixon Master Chef Tournament, being held at Blobs Park in Jessup, Maryland this summer. The original field of 16 top area chefs will be down to just eight after this week’s matches. Monday, July 23rd will be between Chef Luis Echeverria of Newton’s Table of Bethesda and Chef Ben Simpkins of Richardson Farms in White Marsh. Tuesday, July 24th will pit Chef R.L. Boyd of Mie N Yu in Georgetown against Chef Sotheare “Ree” Kem of Elite Spice of Jessup.

Harbor East today announced national retailers J.Crew and Anthropologie will soon debut at Harbor East, opening their doors Wednesday, July 25 and Friday, July 27, respectively.  News broke in April that the notable retailers would set up shop in the bustling waterfront neighborhood, inciting growing anticipation from Baltimore area residents and businesses alike.  Also included in the April announcement, MAC Cosmetics will soon reveal its opening date and Lululemon At

Recently have had occasion to sample some terrific meals and even cooked a few with friends. Well, what's a gal to do in back-to-back-to back 100+ degree days?!! I dined at THE CHARLESTON Restaurant by Chef Cindy Wolfe. As always, the Harbor East piece of gastronomic heaven operates like a theatrical stage, every worker knowing their role, memorizing their lines with excellent service like a seasoned actor. It truly was an impromtu choice with a gastronomic meal enoyed in the bar area.