Seriously Baltimore, restaurant week recap!

Ok, Ok, I know it's been a while but I had to eat out every night last week for Restaurant week so that I could mention a few good places to take you friends, family and dates!

First was Sascha's 527 on Charles St. I am quite embarrassed that I have never been to Sascha's http://www.saschas.com/ before! I have used their catering company a dozen times and ordered "Sascha's Silver Sac's" for business lunch another 2 dozen times, but I have never ventured up Charles St. to step in and taste the UNBELIEVABLE tastes that make Sascha's a total must do! I went with Mom and Dad, which is great cuz dad pays. We had fried green tomato's with crab and remoulade sauce, filet with a demi glaze garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus and the best Napoleon for dessert (and I don't eat sweets)! Fantastic food, a beautiful restaurant and great service (even for a busy night!) The bartender could have used a little help but I won't hold that against them. I plan to go back very soon!

Next up was Pazzo in Locust Point, newly reopened and still beautiful with new touches. We had fantastic bread and olive oil (I don't eat bread), amazing crab salad, my peach with Roquefort salad with a little too different for me but was interesting. I had the chicken and asparagus lemon risotto with lettuce. I'll admit, I didn't like the lettuce in the Risotto (Heather did you like it?) but the lemon risotto was amazing! I believe that the chocolate mousse was the tables favorite but they also make a damn good Tiramisu! Check it out... http://www.pazzaluna.us/.

Finally, The Spice Company in Roland Park. I was turned off by the lack of valet, and the parking garage, the bad date (another time) and the clueless server, the tourists, and the tacky hostess, the pushy bartender, and the dirty wine glass, and the warm wine....but the FOOD WAS AMAZING and so was the ambiance. Don't get me wrong, I liked the Spice Company, I mean I really liked it but I'm in the business I've been the hostess, bartender, server and even the valet once I think. The new space is gorgeous, (turn down the lights a little though) very elegant and just cozy and comfortable. The dining room with the cozy chairs and the banquettes are fantastic, I even like the little living room in the middle (without tacky tourists and with lower lighting). Ok, the food, the stuffed mussels - Yum Yum Yum! I don't eat pork but the rest was amazing, different and oh so good. I will go back for that! The grilled tuna with a tomato relish and pest sauce was too die for. I could have licked the pesto sauce off the plate it was the absolute best I have ever had. I will go back.

Ok, so more about the bad date another time.....

Seriously Baltimore, it's called a fire code for a reason!

Ok, so I've been meaning to write about this for a week and I'm not quite sure that I even should but I was so bothered by this event that I have to say something. Remember in college when we could hang in a small bar or nightclub all night and not be bothered by the fact that you can't lift both arms at the same time because there are so many people in the place. Well, let's just say I've outgrown that. Last week I was in Federal Hill. Yes, I know that I am and East Side girl not a West Side girl, but I ventured out of my comfort zone and probably won't do it again any time soon. We (about 10 friends or so) gathered at a local place around 9pm and chatted and hung out with no problems. 2 hours later, the dinner tables were gone, there was an attempt at some dancing and then the place was full. You could move, but it was still full.

So we figured we would try something else and we moved down the street "big mistake, big, huge!" The next place had many entrances and no one monitoring the number of people in or out. People, it's called a fire code for a reason. Does anyone not remember that tragedy in Rhode Island a few years back check it out at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Station_nightclub_fire.

It really isn't my idea of a good time to be in a bar that has so many people in it you can't get out! Thankfully we moved on after cowering in a corner by the kitchen for 20mn or so. When we hit the next place I said to a Baltimore City Cop (that was at the door of this bars) that the previous bar was well over capacity and his response was "yea those drunks, we really can't do anything about it! This is what the neighborhood wants" Seriously, I would think that the Baltimore City Fire Department is currently under such serious scrutiny that a little thing like 100 to 150 people over capacity on a Saturday night in a bar in Federal Hill would be something to pay attention to! Don't just think fire think gun shot (have ya paid attention to the murder rate in this town lately?)
Check this out http://essentials.baltimoresun.com/micro_sun/homicides/

So, ladies and gentlemen find a quite place to have a conversation with your friends, where you can dance a little, where you can lift both arms, and where you can get out of in case of a fire!

Seriously Baltimore, it's restaurant week!

I think there are only about 7 restaurants on the list that I haven't been to0! So check it out and make a reservation tomorrow!

go to http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com/

Try something new, I'm going to hit Sascha's, Bicycle, and Spice Company. I'll keep you posted!

Last night went on a date with a new guy, he was a gentleman, sweet, kind, interesting, a talker, an open person who knows how to listen, it was fun. He even picked a restaurant that was cool - and he's only been in town for 2 years. But he hasn't called, a few emails today but no call - weird! Men, tell me why women who ask questions are intimidating? Or tall women? Or smart women? It shouldn't be so complicate!

Finally, if you read this please send me a comment and let me know who you are and how you got here!

Seriously Baltimore, the Violent Femmes Rocked!

Ok, so I'm really behind.... Here's the skinny on the last week.

Last Friday my friend Heather and I ventured down to the Powerplant Live to see the Violent Femmes it was awesome, even with the mosh pits.

Had dinner at Blue Sea Grill - it was fantastic, great tuna tar tar and crab cakes. Dinner at Portside in Canton, it was good. Dinner at Three again - always fantastic!

Hit downtown on Friday night for the Yankee game, I love the city when it's so busy - July is Firehouse weekend and Yankees weekend - the energy is awesome. We went to the game and met some nice people, we sat in the 2nd to the top row -- not my best work, but the view was great the Yankees lost and that was too bad.

Saturday we went to the Fluid Movement Water Ballet "War and Fleas" it was hysterical and we had a great time. The costumes were great and the actors did such a great job and looked like they were having so much fun.

Today I have a date with the guy I met on Friday night. My girlfriend Kristin says he was so sweet - I guess we will see.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA AND MAURY!

Seriously Baltimore, is it Karma?

Confession.... I disappeared on a guy that I dated a few months ago (which was probably the Karma that stung when the last guy I dated, disappeard on me). Anyway, we met, we went out, I never called. He was hurt. So last night he calls and I'm thinking why the hell are you calling me? He apparently had been in Canton for Sunday Fun Day (which I have never heard of) and figured my house was a good place to end up. We argued on the phone a little about what happened and then I hung up because he was not listening.

Then, while cleaning the toilet (seriously!) it dawned on me, I was a total shit to him (couldn't help the pun). So I answered the next time and told him to come by, he did and that's when I realized that he was obliterated and had driven! I wanted to kill him, but I just took his keys and yelled. So we chatted, as much as you can with a drunk person, and then I did what I wish the last guy would have done for me. I told him the truth. I used him. I was lonely and he was nice to me, we went out and I didn't have a great time but I knew that he did. I knew after the second date that he was not for me and that he liked me way more then I liked him. So what did I do... I never called and then I went out of town. I called when I got back, there was a little miscommunication and then we blew each other off.

So.... I told him that I was the mean one, that I was the chicken, that I was the one who didn't want to deal with the confrontation of telling someone that there is no chemistry, or that he's not what I am looking for. I apologized. It felt good and he deserved the respect of me telling him that I was the jerk. It's funny, at that moment when I was cleaning the toilet it was like a light-bulb, he needed closure and I was the only person who could give it to him. I understood how he felt. God has a sick sense of humor sometimes!

So I made him stay the night on the sofa, and he just said "thanks for being nice to me." I thought... you are a sweet, nice guy you deserve kindness. You deserve to find what you are looking for, I'm just not it. I just thought I needed to show him the kindness I wish that I was shown, and the respect. I dreamt about the guy who blew me off, I dreamt that he found me to apologize, seriously, if only dreams were an indication of what is to come. Again, God has a sense of humor. I guess what I'm saying is, everyone has feelings and the kindest thing that we can do for one another is to have respect for each other.

So what happended to me? I met a guy (that I kinda already knew) we started dating, I went out of town, he went out of town, we kept seeing each other and getting to know each other. We communicated daily and I realized that I actually liked him (it had been a long, long, long, long, long time since I actually liked someone). We were very different but I felt comfortable with him. But then, I acted like a girl, I was excited that I liked him and I told him and I scared him and he disappeared. I've never heard from him again, and I don't plan on getting smashed and showing up at his house. I know that he feels bad and I know that he is a good guy. It still stings, but I'm pretty sure it was my karma.

Seriously Baltimore, the E-Z Pass lane is to make things easy!

Ok, so I know that I might be on a little of a rant but seriously, what is it with people who can't figure out on a daily basis which lane is labeled E-Z Pass and which are labeled cash. E-Z Pass is Purple and it's on the left and the right of the toll booth area. If you drive 95 or 895 on a daily basis how can you not know this? Seriously, I'm in the left lane and you're trying to figure it out, and I'm in the right lane and you're trying to figure it out. What is the deal, the toll booth people don't move the easy pass lane, they don't move the purple signs, what is so hard to get? I understand that there are distractions like the phone, radio, IPOD, Satellite Radio, and kids. But, pay attention! LEFT is easy pass, RIGHT is easy pass - pick one.

As for the E-Z Pass drivers, what is it with the "hey, I can't attach this thing to my car so I have to pull it out of the center console and hold it up so it activates" seriously, you slow traffic down. Who really cares if you have the little sticky things in the windshield of your car. It's a car! The purpose of the car is to go from point A to point B - the E-Z pass makes it easier! Relax people no one cares about the E-Z Pass in the windshield of your BMW or Mercedes. Please be a courteous driver take the E-Z Pass lane if you know it, attach the little white pass to your windshield and move faster...some of us are late for work!

Seriously, Baltimore has great restaurants....

And did we find a new one last night! But, a little background on me. I am a total food and wine snob, ask any of my friends they will agree. I come by it honestly though, my parents are the same way. We never dined at the Ponderosa or the Old Country Buffet when we were kids, we went to nice quiet out of the way restaurants in every town we lived in - that was their thing. It was good family time. So these nice restaurants, and the subsequent years that I spent waiting tables and bartending all over the city created in me a total foodie, and Baltimore Restaurant Aficionado (at least that's what my friend Heather says). I love to take people to new restaurants and I love to find new favorite places (like I did last night). I'll admit, my classification for what is the best is not solely based on food and wine.... I also take into consideration staff, location and principle for example a true city dweller does not eat at a chain in city! I will admit that once I ate at Du Claw in Fells Point, but it was a first date. I should have listened to my friend Chris he said "he choose Du Claw, dump him now!" There are a few more that I don't patron on principle alone. Anyway, take a look at the links that I put on the right and go check out those scrumptious places!

La Scala is awesome, great for every occasion and super friendly, you will be a member of the family in no time. Make sure that you try....everything! The grilled Cesar, gnocci's, chicken with portabella, anything fish and veal... It's the best, and Momma Germano makes the best cannolli's in town! Stay tuned for La Scala's renovation, it will be even better. I can't say enough about Nick and Nino and the rest of the staff - they get it right every time. You will visit and never want to leave!

Say hi to Burt when you stop insto Boccaccio for a date night or special occasion. The Anilotti and the Grilled Portabella appetizer's are my fav's - but the real hit here is the veal and the fish! You can't dine at Boccaccio's without trying the green bean and potato salad, it is garlic heaven. This is one to enjoy and remember for the future, I always dine with Mom and Dad cuz they pay the check.

Henninger's is the perfect combination of fantastic food, casual dining, cool people, eclectic environment, and location. A little hard to find on Bank in between Ann and Wolfe but so worth it. Jane and JR change the menu often and they tend to blend flavors that will blow you away. I am partial to the Coriander Tuna with sticky rice and the crab cakes and flank strips! Good Wine's by the glass too!

Akbar on Charles Street is a family favorite since we moved here in '87. I'll admit that I probably have tried 10 things on the whole menu in 20 years, I'm a pappadam, mullagatawny soup, and Chicken Tikka Masala girl. But I know that their samosas are great, their Tandoori is fantastic, and the decor and service and perfect! Broaden someones horizon's with this one - Indian is not Curry!

The best place to go with a bunch of girls is Mezze! They have the best small plates and it's the coolest place to run into people you know and people you want to know. I'm partial to the Sangria, Humas and Olive tapenade to start. Then think... cheese pies, spinach pies, garlic creme ravioli, beef kabob's , asparagus in butter, pastitso, and stuffed grape leaves. I suggest if your a local you dine during the week and not on the weekends, they are never hurting for customers.

IXIA is a truly unique place. I think it has some of the best ambiance in the city, and it's perfect for getting close to someone in the lounge on the sofa's. They are great with seafood (especially tuna) and they change their menu often. I've taken a few dates there and it's good when you don't want to run into someone you know, trust me!

I'm biased about the good ole' Speakeasy, I worked there for years and love the owners, they are good people, no matter what you hear on the street. There is a family at speakeasy among the customers and I have met some of the best people in my life at this restaurant. If you are new to town, this is the best place to make friends, at any age. Ok.... my vote for best crab cake in the city goes to Speakeasy, even after working there for so long, I have no idea what the spices are it's a secret. Try the lamb chops, the sea bass, and the Steak Neptune they get it right!

Finally, there isn't a website yet for my new favorite place.

Three! I mentioned it yesterday and it's on Linwood(not Patterson Park) and Baltimore . It was unfrikinbelieveable! Both of the owners couldn't have been any sweeter (one is a celebrity remember) and the food was interesting, different and fabulous. We liked the shrimp cakes so much that we ordered them at the beginning and end of the meal. The restaurant is beautiful and they have outdoor seating too. Izzy was blown away that she met Richard from Ace of Cakes. Kristin (the mom) and I were blown away by the food. Three is a must!

Seriously, Baltimore has celebrities!

In an effort to be a better blogger, yesterday I called my best friend Linda who lives in Florida, she's actually the one who inspired me (which she didn't event know) to write a blog in the first place. I needed some tips on look, length, count etc. You can find her blog at www.uglymailbox.com/, it's hysterical and if you've ever driven in Florida you'll get it! But I digress, anyway we were talking about her next blog, something about cakes I really didn't get it but she's into it. Suddenly Linda interrupted me and said, "Do you know Charm City Cakes? Do you know Duff?" and I realized....

Seriously, Baltimore has celebrities!

Ok, so I know that over the years many movies and TV shows have filmed here so Baltimore has always been a little famous for Hairspray (again!), Liberty Heights, everything John Waters, Sleepless in Seattle (I always thought it was funny that "Annie's" house was really a condom shop), Homicide, The Wire and Ladder 49 to name a few (check out http://www.imdb.com/ for more movie info, it's the best site!) But do we really have celebrities? Barry Levinson - does anyone even know what he looks like? Sorry Barry! John Waters.... not so main stream, ok, Columbia, MD has Edward Norton and that's cool.

But did you know that we have our own home grown celebrities these days and you could bump into them all over town. Duff Goldman and his crew from Charm City Cakes have their very own TV show on the Food Network called "ACE OF CAKES!" (Thursday's at 10:30pm)! If you haven't seen it, you are truly missing out, because these people are one spectacular creative bunch! I swear the can conceive of the most interesting and beautiful and perfect ideas for cakes from things like a cheeseburger, a jeep, a ski jump and the Taj Mahal (my personal favorite). But that is just a few of their masterpieces (check out their gallery at http://www.charmcitycakes.com/.

Actually, Linda wasn't the first friend that mentioned the show. I was originally introduced to Ace of Cakes by Izabella, my friend Kristin's daughter. One night while babysitting we watched several episodes (thank God for Tivo). She knows every person on the show and what they can do with fondant, icing, a blow torch, a drill, some rice krispies, and what physics challenge made the castle cake fall. It was fantastic! One of the best parts about Ace of Cakes is the introduction of all things Baltimore. Just last week I saw an episode that featured a local theater group and their production of "Glitterama", there were episodes featuring The Senator Theater, Crabs, a Maryland Terrapin, The Monument Lighting, The Science Center Birthday celebration, the Preakness, and a classic Baltimore critter - a rat! Through watching the show I, a local, am discovering new things about our city, ie. next week my friends and I are watching the Water Ballet in Paterson Park (http://www.fluidmovement.org/). So those fantastically creative and interesting celebrities at Charm City Cakes, are showing the world and some of us from Baltimore the Fabulousness of our fare city.

And get this, I ran into Richard from the show a few weeks ago and asked him if I could bring Izabella down to his new restaurant "Three" (just opened on Patterson Park and Baltimore St's) so that she could meet a celebrity from Ace of Cakes, he was gracious and agreed so I'll keep you posted. My last celebrity sighting was Saturday night. My friend Laura and I were trying out the new restaurant in Canton Jack's Bistro (www.myspace.com/jacksbistro) which was great! Anyway, all of the sudden, I heard Mary Alice and looked to my right and there she was! Mary Alice was kind enough to give me her autograph for Izzy, and from what I heard that made her day!

So seriously Baltimore, keep an eye out for those celebrities from Ace of Cakes, they are everywhere and they rock!

Seriously, what was I thinking

I have no idea why I think that I can do this, I am not a great writer, I use too much punctuation and I love the proverbial .... and -- ! I have no idea if my thoughts mean anything to anyone - in fact most of the time, my thoughts scare people away (mostly men though). I just wanted to do something different, and I'm not even sure that I can commit to this. So we will see. Hang in there with me, I'm sure that some information will be useful and some will be useless. I hope that people will also share their random thoughts on all things Baltimore and maybe, just maybe, we will all discover just one thing new and exciting about the city that we live in (or visit, or want to visit, or never want to visit) and it will be helpful to our future! But, I ask something from the people that read this, If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all! Share your constructive criticism's but don't be mean. The world is full of mean people, we need more love and less mean.

So for today... my "Seriously, Baltimore" thought is... "Alls" is not a word people!

I'll admit, I have never used the non-word alls. I'll also admit that I can't stand when people use it. Hearing it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and sends shivers down my spine. For those of you who aren't local, "alls" is often used in place of "all I" or "all you" for example.... "Alls I want for Christmas is a car" vs. "All I want for Christmas is a car".

Now generally, depending on who I am talking to I keep my mouth shut and don't say anything to the person using the word. Often this person is older then me, sometimes in an authority position at the office, sometimes it's someone that I don't know well, and therefore I say nothing. However, sometimes when it's with new friends, or most recently the guy that I was dating for a millisecond, I snap and without thinking "ALLS IS NOT A WORD!" comes out of my mouth, and then I feel bad -- open mouth insert foot, and then the next thing that runs through my head is "don't insult the hot, nice new guy on your fifth date idoit!"

OK, so I have lived all over the country, I come from a long line of educated people and I went to a good college. My mother was (before her current occupation) an English teacher and my father is a really smart guy with a difficult and highly intellectual job (more on that eventually) so I never heard the word until moving to Baltimore. I really didn't notice the use of the word until just a few years ago. But now it irks me! Listen, I know I am not a true native of Baltimore and I know that the word is. Balitmore has been my home for over half of my life and I didn't pick up the usage. I also know that most people say it and don't even realize it. But seriously people, "alls" is not a word.