On Friday November 7th, 2008, I met up with two friends at Tapas Teatro. We started off the evening with red wine and sangria. Bread, oil, olives, and pickles were brought to the table. Some of our selection included: monkfish medallions wrapped in a prosciuitto topped on artichoke hearts drizzled with a spicy oil, marinara and bread, baked potatoes in a cream sauce, and Gulf Shrimp swimming in a garlic butter. Throughout the light bites we viewed pictures from my friend's fall wedding in October 2008. The wedding took place at The Belvedere in the Charles room. It was quite an exquisite affair; I was a part of the bridal party.
After light bites, we drove up to the Johns Hopkins Campus to the ROTC building off of San Martin Drive for ballroom dancing. The lesson started at 8 PM. We learned the tango, the waltz, the electric slide, and the Achy Breaky Heart line dance. As I picked up the waltz and tango (one goes T A N G O to keep count with the steps), some of my partners unveiled more complex steps. Of course our instructor named a few. I felt special as I was a part of these more complex moves, I could be led by the gentleman and share in the experience of dancing. One feels graceful and accomplished when truly dancing the dance.
Overall, I'd go again. Where else can you learn dancing for free every Friday at 8 PM and from an event that is 20 years and counting?
About Me
- The Baltimore Babe
- Late 20 something professional who loves Baltimore and all it is and can be.
Showing posts with label Restaurant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Restaurant. Show all posts
Friday, December 19, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Lobster Dinner at Sotta Sopra
I was on localwinevents.com checking out Sotta Sopra's Aperitivo Happy Hour when I happened upon the restaurant's blog. This weekend, Sotta Sopra is having a Maine Lobster Fest only for $23! That is a very good deal.
The special is also featured at a food and wine blog.
The special is also featured at a food and wine blog.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Dining for Life
Thanks to Baltimore Snacker!
Dining out for Life will be on Thursday, September 18th. Some restaurants have elected to donate up to 50% of profits to local HIV/AIDS charities.
Brewer's Art and Chameleon Cafe are on the top of my list for now.
Any other suggestions?
Dining out for Life will be on Thursday, September 18th. Some restaurants have elected to donate up to 50% of profits to local HIV/AIDS charities.
Brewer's Art and Chameleon Cafe are on the top of my list for now.
Any other suggestions?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Harford Friends School Wine Tasting
Quaker education is one of the best there is out there. I am a proud product of one such institution. I have connections to this one though...
Harford Friends School
A Taste of Excellence
Sunday November 9, 2008 from 2 to 4:30 PM, there will be a wine tasting at the Bel Air Armory in Bel Air, MD.
Food will be provided by Laurrapin Grille. (SCORE! They serve amazing food in Havre de Grace.)
Tickets are $35 in advance.
This should be a rather nice event...
Harford Friends School
A Taste of Excellence
Sunday November 9, 2008 from 2 to 4:30 PM, there will be a wine tasting at the Bel Air Armory in Bel Air, MD.
Food will be provided by Laurrapin Grille. (SCORE! They serve amazing food in Havre de Grace.)
Tickets are $35 in advance.
This should be a rather nice event...
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Martick's is closed!
Martick's has closed!
I am so glad to have visited this restaurant finally in April 2008 with family and friends to celebrate my promotion.
Dining@Large wants us to unite in helping to protect this Baltimore Institution. Update: The Dining@Large blog was posted before the restaurant closed. (Thanks MinxEats!)
Small known facts: Martick's used to be a speakeasy in the 20s, owned by his parents. He is really from Paris, and he has one of the oldest espresso machines in the U.S.
I am so glad to have visited this restaurant finally in April 2008 with family and friends to celebrate my promotion.
Dining@Large wants us to unite in helping to protect this Baltimore Institution. Update: The Dining@Large blog was posted before the restaurant closed. (Thanks MinxEats!)
Small known facts: Martick's used to be a speakeasy in the 20s, owned by his parents. He is really from Paris, and he has one of the oldest espresso machines in the U.S.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Georges in Mt. Vernon
On Thursday evening, July 31st, I enjoyed a quiet night at George's in Mt. Vernon. The restaurant is at the corner of Monument and Cathedral. I was able to get street parking less than two blocks away.
The walls of the restaurant were a deep mahogany color, while the floors of the hotel were an old aged marble. The dinner tables were made of marble, and most people sat outside enjoying their dinner.
Unlike Aldo's, the pairing of textures and flavors were more interesting. The ambiance was a simple sophisticated relaxed-ness. Good and innovative American food was the main draw. The service was much more attentive.
First appetizer: Smoky flavored black bean soup with lime and cilantro
Main Course: Espresso, chile, cocoa powder rubbed sirloin (rare) with a blackberry sauce on rice and summer vegetables
Dessert: Godiva flourless thinly sliced chocolate cake
Accompaniment: House Cabernet Savignon
Sometimes an unpretentious air adds so much more to the dining experience. The wine was also reasonably priced, portions sizable, and flavors interesting.
The walls of the restaurant were a deep mahogany color, while the floors of the hotel were an old aged marble. The dinner tables were made of marble, and most people sat outside enjoying their dinner.
Unlike Aldo's, the pairing of textures and flavors were more interesting. The ambiance was a simple sophisticated relaxed-ness. Good and innovative American food was the main draw. The service was much more attentive.
First appetizer: Smoky flavored black bean soup with lime and cilantro
Main Course: Espresso, chile, cocoa powder rubbed sirloin (rare) with a blackberry sauce on rice and summer vegetables
Dessert: Godiva flourless thinly sliced chocolate cake
Accompaniment: House Cabernet Savignon
Sometimes an unpretentious air adds so much more to the dining experience. The wine was also reasonably priced, portions sizable, and flavors interesting.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
The Zodiac is Closing Tonight!
I have just learned via the Baltimore Snacker that the Zodiac is closing tonight.
After twelve years, the owner has decided its time to close the restaurant. Glad I heard about this!
After twelve years, the owner has decided its time to close the restaurant. Glad I heard about this!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Extended Restaurant Week
Apparently, numerous fine Baltimore Restaurants are extending their fix price menus beyond Baltimore Restaurant Week which ended on August 3rd, 2008. Please click here to read more.
I've also heard that The Oceanaire Seafood Room was continuing with the fix price menu likewise. This is a good time to note that many of these fine dining restaurants already have weekly fix price menus and specials on wines to draw in a crowd during the week. Roy's has a fix price menu for 30 dollars either on Tuesday or Wednesday. Helen's Garden of Canton and many other restaurants follow suit. Of course call to confirm the information!
Howard County HAD a Restaurant Week.
DC Restaurant Week August 11-17, 2008 here.
I've also heard that The Oceanaire Seafood Room was continuing with the fix price menu likewise. This is a good time to note that many of these fine dining restaurants already have weekly fix price menus and specials on wines to draw in a crowd during the week. Roy's has a fix price menu for 30 dollars either on Tuesday or Wednesday. Helen's Garden of Canton and many other restaurants follow suit. Of course call to confirm the information!
Howard County HAD a Restaurant Week.
DC Restaurant Week August 11-17, 2008 here.
Aldo's in Little Italy
On Wednesday, July 30, I enjoyed an exquisite dinner with friends at Aldo's Ristorante Italiano in Little Italy in Baltimore, MD. Aldo's is one of the highest rated Zagat restaurants in Maryland. The website boasts beautiful pictures and I've always heard good things about the restaurant.
Baltimorerestweek.com posted Aldo's menu for the fix price dinner and Aldo's offered up stuffed Amish chicken with mashed potatoes, penne pasta with eggplant, seared beef tenderloin, and line caught pomfret with summer vegetables and couscous. Two desserts; a strawberry shortcake and a vanilla custard with peach sauce were offered. I decided upon the beef tenderloin on arugula encrusted in sea salt, with the ahi tuna loin as appetizer and vanilla custard for dessert. To enhance the flavors, I ordered a Cabernet for the beef. My two friends got the Amish Chicken with mashed potatoes and Chardonnay and the penne pasta with tomato sauce, roasted eggplant, softly spreadable ricotta and a Pino Grigio.
The words to describe the dinner were sublime. Aldo's considers the diner's experience to be paramount and great attention was placed on pairing flavors of vegetables, meats, seasonings, and even down to the texture of the food. The food came in slow succession, however the server made up for it with a complimentary restaurant mixed drink of limoncello with cream. The after dinner cordial was very tart and pleasing to the senses.
However the words to describe the ambiance was interesting...the dining hall was beautiful and serene with low lighting. The seating was plush. A table sitting next to us used sailor like language all evening culminating in one lady's shocked gasp. It appeared that many drinks were enjoyed. Rising from the table the loudest gentleman knocked his chair upon the ground and into his neighbor's table. As he apologized, he recognized the unfortunate diner who was victim to his flying chair.
All in all, the overall experience was pleasant and memorable.
Baltimorerestweek.com posted Aldo's menu for the fix price dinner and Aldo's offered up stuffed Amish chicken with mashed potatoes, penne pasta with eggplant, seared beef tenderloin, and line caught pomfret with summer vegetables and couscous. Two desserts; a strawberry shortcake and a vanilla custard with peach sauce were offered. I decided upon the beef tenderloin on arugula encrusted in sea salt, with the ahi tuna loin as appetizer and vanilla custard for dessert. To enhance the flavors, I ordered a Cabernet for the beef. My two friends got the Amish Chicken with mashed potatoes and Chardonnay and the penne pasta with tomato sauce, roasted eggplant, softly spreadable ricotta and a Pino Grigio.
The words to describe the dinner were sublime. Aldo's considers the diner's experience to be paramount and great attention was placed on pairing flavors of vegetables, meats, seasonings, and even down to the texture of the food. The food came in slow succession, however the server made up for it with a complimentary restaurant mixed drink of limoncello with cream. The after dinner cordial was very tart and pleasing to the senses.
However the words to describe the ambiance was interesting...the dining hall was beautiful and serene with low lighting. The seating was plush. A table sitting next to us used sailor like language all evening culminating in one lady's shocked gasp. It appeared that many drinks were enjoyed. Rising from the table the loudest gentleman knocked his chair upon the ground and into his neighbor's table. As he apologized, he recognized the unfortunate diner who was victim to his flying chair.
All in all, the overall experience was pleasant and memorable.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Top 3 for Restaurant Week
Baltimore Restaurant Week is finally here, starting this fine Saturday evening and running until August 3rd. Most assuredly, the restaurants will be brimming full of diners on this twice a year treat (Restaurant Week is in the winter too). From the website, I've whittled my top 3 down to this:
George's in Mt. Vernon
Petit Louis Bistro on Roland Avenue
and Aldo's in Little Italy
George's by far had the most innovative menu from my brief research, and I've always wanted to try Aldo's and Petit Louis Bistro. I must say that I am sad to not see Kali's Court participating this year. Still the participation is good and hopefully many satisfied diners will leave truly satiated and stuffed.
George's in Mt. Vernon
Petit Louis Bistro on Roland Avenue
and Aldo's in Little Italy
George's by far had the most innovative menu from my brief research, and I've always wanted to try Aldo's and Petit Louis Bistro. I must say that I am sad to not see Kali's Court participating this year. Still the participation is good and hopefully many satisfied diners will leave truly satiated and stuffed.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Chinese Restaurants that Serve Sushi
Over the years, I've always thought it a novelty that a Chinese restaurant would serve both Chinese cuisine and sushi. I've indulged in ordering sushi from Chinese restaurants if I needed a quick fix. In the two years, my experience has been less savory therefore I do not endorse or recommend getting sushi from a Chinese restaurant. I think the soft shell crab roll clumsily rolled in a small Perry Hall restaurant was the last straw. If you go to eat sushi...why not eat good quality sushi at a Japanese restaurant? And if you're a Chinese restaurant owner, instead of trying to gain a larger audience, why not make your dishes more innovative and healthier, or perhaps (GASP!) try serving some traditional and authentic Chinese cuisine? We live in a consumer based capitalistic society that is currently experiencing an economic downturn...therefore its up to the business owner to be even more innovative and savvy in drawing current customers back and attract new customers. And its up to the customer to choose wisely and to know one's cuisine...
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Baltimore Restaurant Week
Via Adventures in Baltimore Restaurants, I learned that Baltimore Restaurant Week is coming to Baltimore from July 26th to August 3rd!
Baltimore Restaurant Week occurs twice a year, once in July and and once in January as a way to encourage dining out at local establishments. For a reasonable price, you can try out a new restaurant. Its always best to reserve as early as you can and call the restaurant to confirm the menu.
The participation list of restaurants is already posted on the website. And below is my wish list. I'll make final cuts as menus are posted.
Georges on Mt. Vernon Square
VIN
The Black Olive
The Brass Elephant
Brasserie Tatin
Kali's Court Restaurant
Roy's Hawaiian Fusion
The Wine Market
Baltimore Restaurant Week occurs twice a year, once in July and and once in January as a way to encourage dining out at local establishments. For a reasonable price, you can try out a new restaurant. Its always best to reserve as early as you can and call the restaurant to confirm the menu.
The participation list of restaurants is already posted on the website. And below is my wish list. I'll make final cuts as menus are posted.
Georges on Mt. Vernon Square
VIN
The Black Olive
The Brass Elephant
Brasserie Tatin
Kali's Court Restaurant
Roy's Hawaiian Fusion
The Wine Market
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Golden West
Rest assured, I always have an interesting time any time I decide to go to the Golden West Cafe nestled on the Avenue in Hampden. I first visited Golden West back in 2002 when it was at its original location on the fringes of the Avenue (closer to Breathe Books and Ma Petit Shoe). I had brunch there and was thoroughly impressed. In 2007/08, I've since returned to the Golden West in its much larger and noticeable location closer to Falls Road. Upon first entering, there are all sorts of knick knacks adorning the walls and shelves, and in the bathroom, record covers wallpaper the wall and personal messages are etched into the bathroom walls and doors.
Occasionally one will find a bartender who only 'fills in' and serves beer. Sometimes an odd server will check his Gmail Account on the left side of the bar. The perfect margarita is served on Tuesdays nights by a co-owner of The True Vine. On the night of the perfect margarita (which was 2 bucks, btw), I knocked over a couple figurines behind a wall across from the bar. I am reasonably sure that no one will notice for the next five to ten years. A knitter sat too enjoying her beer.
Last Friday I found myself staring into a wall that had three to five versions of the Last Supper. And if I peered up above me to the right, there were tins, boxes, paintings that had 'Golden West' somewhere on the item. I enjoyed a seasonal dish of white bean hummus with quite a spicy kick on top of shredded carrots and romaine. I was able to save half for lunch the next day. A ghost taste of garlic remained in my mouth for the next day despite brushing. I am always leery of a restaurant that prints up a page of rules in the first page of its menu, but somehow I find myself returning again and again.
Occasionally one will find a bartender who only 'fills in' and serves beer. Sometimes an odd server will check his Gmail Account on the left side of the bar. The perfect margarita is served on Tuesdays nights by a co-owner of The True Vine. On the night of the perfect margarita (which was 2 bucks, btw), I knocked over a couple figurines behind a wall across from the bar. I am reasonably sure that no one will notice for the next five to ten years. A knitter sat too enjoying her beer.
Last Friday I found myself staring into a wall that had three to five versions of the Last Supper. And if I peered up above me to the right, there were tins, boxes, paintings that had 'Golden West' somewhere on the item. I enjoyed a seasonal dish of white bean hummus with quite a spicy kick on top of shredded carrots and romaine. I was able to save half for lunch the next day. A ghost taste of garlic remained in my mouth for the next day despite brushing. I am always leery of a restaurant that prints up a page of rules in the first page of its menu, but somehow I find myself returning again and again.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
NO2R2V, Gold West, and Extended $2 Margaritas
On Tuesday night, we decided to go out for a quick appetizer and drink. 'R2V' as the hipsters/scenesters say was the first choice. Upon our arrival, we were dismayed that there were only two separate seats open at the bar and there was a half hour wait for unreserved parties. Five reserved tables sat mournfully empty. Can a restaurant/bar be able to afford the luxury of holding tables and turn away paying customers?
Yes was the answer; away we scurried to Golden West Cafe on the Avenue in Hampden. We opted for the more ambient bar and learned to our surprise that it was $2 Margarita night. The owner of the True Vine (also on the Avenue) worked there Tuesday nights, providing the 70s Funk/Rock/Bo Diddley soundtrack and tasteful drinks. I proclaimed that the drinks were the best Margaritas ever! Our happy hour extended beyond the customary 8 PM. Jason's secret lay in orange juice, triple sec, lime juice, and tequila. Even the glass was rimmed with lime juice to make the salt stick. The result was a less sour drink, easier on the stomach and hid the acridness of the rail tequila. With that we ordered the Caprini Crostini, which came with a bed of mixed greens drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil/sea salt toasted points, soft oily roasted garlic cloves, sundried tomato paste and goat cheese. Boy was it delicious!
Other than that we heard crazy stories about 60s go go dancers in Australia, the Isle of Lesbos style adventures, and possessed ex Tasmanian lesbian brunettes. I am not sure one will find that elsewhere in good ole Charm City...
Yes was the answer; away we scurried to Golden West Cafe on the Avenue in Hampden. We opted for the more ambient bar and learned to our surprise that it was $2 Margarita night. The owner of the True Vine (also on the Avenue) worked there Tuesday nights, providing the 70s Funk/Rock/Bo Diddley soundtrack and tasteful drinks. I proclaimed that the drinks were the best Margaritas ever! Our happy hour extended beyond the customary 8 PM. Jason's secret lay in orange juice, triple sec, lime juice, and tequila. Even the glass was rimmed with lime juice to make the salt stick. The result was a less sour drink, easier on the stomach and hid the acridness of the rail tequila. With that we ordered the Caprini Crostini, which came with a bed of mixed greens drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil/sea salt toasted points, soft oily roasted garlic cloves, sundried tomato paste and goat cheese. Boy was it delicious!
Other than that we heard crazy stories about 60s go go dancers in Australia, the Isle of Lesbos style adventures, and possessed ex Tasmanian lesbian brunettes. I am not sure one will find that elsewhere in good ole Charm City...
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