Sonar-Virgin Fest After Party-August 9th

Saturday night, August 9th, I went clubbing with some friends at Sonar in Baltimore. Two years ago I'd be all over the club scene; dancing, meeting people, trying new bars, etc. Now my interests have expanded to include: going to events, concerts, operas, and being active in groups. I was lucky to find a DJ that lived up to the reason why I go out dancing now and that IS the music, primarily. Dave Nada, a resident DJ of the TAXLO party, spinned at Sonar Saturday night. To sample some of his music you can download a mix here.

You can also enjoy the mix at Bmore Original Records and even download it there. Mark Nada is a featured artist on the website. Mark Nada will return to TAXLO August 22nd. Baltimore has a unique dance mix culture known as Baltimore Club House. Mark spinned this flavor of house Saturday night and got the crowd going all night long. I approached the security guard to ask where Dave spinned and the guard said, why don't you go up on stage and ask. I was astounded. I couldn't believe that I was invited to go on stage like it was easy as getting a water at the bar; in fact easier! So up I went and danced on stage until I could find an opportunity to talk to Mark. A girlfriend joined me on stage dancing.

92.3Q would play Baltimore Club House late at night in the early nineties. Enraptured, I'd lean over the edge of my bed staring into my stereo feeling the music. It is said that K-Swift started spinning in her teens. I think 92Q let Khia on the decks so she could practice her amazing talent as a pre-teen. The frenetic beats, the repetition, all of it was hypnotizing. I couldn't get enough of it.

Wings Wishlist

Last week, a friend and I visited Don't Know Tavern in Baltimore to give their wings a try. It was Monday night so it was a half price cheese steak night. Don't Know Tavern, the sister bar to No Idea Tavern, is located in Federal Hill across from the Bicycle. Each night on Monday through Friday there are drink and/or food specials at either bar. Some nights feature discounted wine for the ladies. Don't Know Tavern is low lit with hard wood floors, wooden booths and calm lighting. One will find quiet elements of a sports bar; tvs quietly showing sports, men in baseball caps, a pool table and an air hockey table.

All of the usual suspects are found on the menu. I love wings and how could one not have wings with a beer? We got the Maryland and Orange Chipotle BBQ grilled over an open flame. The wings are a good quality meat and I could taste the butter on the Maryland flame. The bartender claimed that they were better fried. I loved the charred flavor that is achieved with an open flame. So if you're craving some wings and don't know where to go, head on over to Don't Know Tavern in Federal Hill!

Don't Know Tavern-Federal Hill

Jumbo Wings

Fried or grilled over an open flame, tossed in your choice of: golden buffalo, chipotle orange bbq, maryland, key west, teriyaki or honey coriander

http://dontknowtavern.com/pdfs/summer-menu.pdf

Other good places to get wings:

Mick O'Sheas-on Charles Street south of Mt. Vernon

Wings with a Pepper Buffalo Wing Sauce. About 3 bucks M-F during 4-7. Half off appetizers

Joe Squared-Near MICA

Unusual wing specials and a few good old standbys. No discounts to be known.

Mt. Washington Tavern-Mt. Washington

20 cent wings on Mondays and free wings on Tuesdays.

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...