Birroteca takes on the Devil

The Red Devils charity that advocates for patients and their families affected by breast cancer has a commitment from Baltimore’s Birroteca Restaurant for donating a portion of the restaurant’s proceeds throughout an ENTIRE YEAR.  I emphasize YEAR LONG so as not to be mistaken for a restaurant doing a one-night benefit. Birroteca is known for its rustic Italian fare and oh so many craft beers (60) in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood. 

Read the full story at Dara Cooks at Baltimore Post Examiner.    

Hash revival

What is hash? Well, in the ’60s or later the hash I knew was not edible, but it could surely give you the munchies. Hash, in the edible world, has been around eons, usually chopped or cubed leftover meat, potatoes, and seasonings seared up in a sauté pan and topped with an egg. My Aunt Hannah was a master of making a mean hash, insanely tasty with leftovers from her fridge. Hash is not just for breakfast, it is any time of day you want a nosh or a hearty meal. Read the full story at Baltimore Post Examiner Dara Cooks

Bakery, Restaurant, Bar: Charmed Kitchen does it all!

The lucky locals of Upper Fells, Butchers Hill and those around Patterson Park have the recently opened, bakery, restaurant and bar, Charmed Kitchen.  They are open 7 days a week from early 6:30 a.m. for takeout Ceremony coffees and the bakery’s offerings from croissants, bagels to Danish pastries. At 9 a.m., seated breakfast service starts (omelets, waffle, and more) and lunch kicks in at 11 a.m.   The grueling schedule continues Wednesday through Sundays with happy hour, small plates, dinner service and full bar in the evening hours. 

Passion is the word that best describes Christa Bruno (chef) and Shadee Holden (baker) and their combined visions for this small, urban corner restaurant-bakery-bar, Charmed Kitchen. 

Enjoy the full story at Dara Cooks Blog - Baltimore Post Examiner

Gypsy's Truckstaurant cruises into Hampden Woodberry

I bet you are asking what is a truckstaurant?  In essence, it is a former industrial garage, converted into a restaurant and bar with the kitchen being outside in what seems to be a large car carrier. And who better than the winner of numerous tri-state food truck cook-offs than Chef Anne Langton of Gypsy Queen Café to bring her casual cuisine to this unique space. Now add, Chef Tom Looney, her former partner from Helen’s Garden in Canton and you have another big time winner.  Looney’s Bar Liquorice has just garnered Baltimore’s Best Cocktail Bar by the Baltimore Business Journal. Of course, one can find the same creativity at the bar at the truckstaurant.  Now that is not to say that Looney’s creativity is limited to cocktails – his culinary creations are probably 50% of what is on the menu.  Continue reading at Baltimore Post Examiner Dara Cooks. 

Fleming's Steahouse Prime Happy Hour

Fleming’s  Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, one of Baltimore’s leading steakhouses, added a NEW Prime Happy Hour and a la carte bar menu.  Add yourself to that equation for great eats and drinks from 5 pm to 7 pm for the Prime Happy Hour. Get to Fleming’s  before Labor Day, they are running Prime Happy Hour seven days a week – all evening.   

Cozy up to the bar with friends and indulge in the sharable a la carte bar menu that is touting taste tempting vegetarian options like Crispy Castelvetrano  Olives , Vegetable Tempura, Mushroom Farro Veggie Burger or go for the meat; Candied Bacon, The Calfornia Burger or the unique Filet Mignon and Potato Waffle.  You want shrimp – no problem, try the colossal U6 Shrimp Tempura. 

Read the full story at Baltimore Post Examiner - Dara Cooks Blog  

Feastival: A Food Adventure for a Cure

The Sandlot at the harbor’s edge is the new home for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundations Annual Feastival, an al fresco dining and drinking adventure scheduled for Saturday, June 9^th from noon to 4 p.m.   Join fellow foodies at the Sandlot Baltimore for a rare culinary experience. Guests will feast on delectable bites by Baltimore’s hottest culinary talent and sip stylish cocktails and craft brews. With refreshing sights and sounds, relish in this epicurean adventure.

  

Proceeds from this event go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Founded in 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world's leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation was started by parents desperate to save their children’s lives. Their relentless and impassioned determination to prolong life has resulted in tremendous strides over the past 60 years in accelerating innovative research and drug development, as well as advancing care and advocacy. Virtually every approved cystic fibrosis drug therapy available now was made possible because of the Foundation and its supporters. 

Baltimore’s top restaurants that will be providing tasty bites:

·         Ampersea

·         Blue Pit BBQ

·         Chez Hugo

·         Cosima

·         Ikiben

·         Gunther & Co

·         Hersh’s

·         Honey Grow

·         La Fod Marketa

·         Minnow

·         SandLot

·         Stall 11

·         Charmery

Libations:

·         BCB brewery

·         Belle Isle Moonshine

·         Ceremony Coffee Roasters

·         Lyon Distilling

·         Moet & Chandon

·         Tequila Partida

·         Sagamore Spirit Rye

·         Sandy Bottom

·         Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Feastival - Saturday, June 9^th  - Noon – 4 pm

The SandLot

1000 Wills Street

Baltimore MD  21231

http://feastivalbaltimore.com/

Purchase Tickets: https://feastival.eventscff.org/site/participate.do?siteIdCode=ZLK6X86M&tab=registration

Apropoe's new spring menu tells a story

The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel Apropoe’s restaurant and bar, plays tribute to the city’s most renowned author, Edgar Allen Poe.  Poe wrote mysteries, even a food-related short story, The Duc de L’Omelette , who ate an ortolan (a rare tiny bird, eaten whole in one bite) and then damned to hell’s fire. Apropoe’s story is different, if you partake of their comestibles, you will be heaven bound.

Watch the slideshow and read the complete story at Baltimore Post Examiner - Dara Cooks Blog

New hardy winter dishes at the BoatHouse in Canton

Canton’s waterfront restaurant, the BoatHouse, is way more than that beautiful waterfront view and al fresco dining.  The restaurant boasts an active bar and multi level dining rooms.  The BoatHouse is the full package: lunch, happy hour, dinner and brunch on the weekends.  

Check out the new menu items, slideshow and puppy pop-up at Dara Cooks at Baltimore Post Examiner

16 on the Park Restaurant: Put it on your dining list

Dinner with a view at 16 On The Park, high atop the newly opened Residence Inn Baltimore at Johns Hopkins Medical Campus. Take the express elevator to the top floor, sixteen of course, not only offers up the great views of the city, the bar/dining room is filled with nooks and crannies for comfortable seating both indoors and outdoors.  

The restaurant is American themed, seafood focused.  A holiday party afforded me an opportunity to indulge in many offerings inclusive of their seafood tower:  lobster, oysters, shrimp, tuna poke and lump crabmeat. I was hard pressed to have to share this, but I did.

Read the full review and watch the slideshow at Dara Cooks at Baltimore Post Examiner 

A Spanish obsession: Gin and Tonic

“The Spaniards are obsessive about gin and tonics” espoused Chef José Andrés in an August, 2017 article in Food and Wine Magazine. He said, “Spanish bars can have upwards to 50 gins.” These gins vary  with assorted aromatics and botanicals. 

Baltimore’s own Spanish tapas restaurant, Tapas Teatro, located in the Station North neighborhood, next to the Charles Theatre, tempts patrons with their signature gin-tonics. 

Read more at Dara Cooks at  Baltimore Post Examiner

Ekiben: Don't leave Baltimore before trying their Asian fusion fare

The word “ekiben” loosely translates as a boxed meal sold at railway food stalls in Japan to passengers for their journey. The proprietors of Ekiben on Eastern Avenue are three college buddies who created a steamed bun phenomenon, selling their Asian fusion mashup fare at the local farmers market, and now at their own restaurant. 

Read my review at Gayot.com  - 10 Hot Spots for Dining in Baltimore

Asian inspired five course dinner at Sotto Sopra Restaurant: Guest Chef Tayfun Abuska

Baltimore’s award-winning Sotto Sopra Restaurant located in the heart of the Mt. Vernon cultural district has been very active with special events, especially their guest chef series.  Mark your calendars for a most engaging five course Asian inspired dinner from Chef Tayfun Abuska on Wednesday, March 22nd with two seatings:  5:30pm to 6:00 pm and 7:30pm to 8pm

Chef Tayfun Abuska, a Turkish native who started working at an early age at the Izmir Palmiye Hotel, transitioned to the 5-Star Ankara Hilton Hotel and continued to work for the Swiss Hotels. His culinary path has taken him through the French Embassy to the United States in 2008, where he worked for the Four Seasons Hotels in Wyoming, California and here in Baltimore. A stint at Michael Mina’s Pabu Japanese Restaurant working with Chef Jonah Kim has inspired his penchant for Asian dishes which is apparent in his Guest Chef Dinner’s menu.

Check out the menu and further details at my Dara Cooks blog on Baltimore Post Examiner

Sotto Sopra Restaurant's Friendship Covered Dish Party

Sotto Sopra Restaurant’s owner Riccardo Bosio is a true believer that breaking bread with others, sharing food, talking and listening to others is core to understanding and friendship no matter your cultural or religious background.  It is in that spirit of hospitality that he is inviting anyone who brings homemade food for 12 to 15 people to his Friendship Covered Dish Party Monday, January 30^th at 7 pm at Sotto Sopra Restaurant at 405 N. Charles Street in Baltimore.  His staff is receiving a paid day off and the restaurant will close for the Friendship Covered Dish Party, an opportunity to meet new people from all walks of life; engage, share and smile.

Read the full story and get all the details on how you can join the party at the Dara Cooks blog at the PostExaminer.com 

Snap out of the lunchtime blues: Brusco Luncheonette

Cava Mezze, my favorite “new Greek” restaurant, has a not-so-hidden secret luncheonette called Brusco inside that features sandwiches and salads, Mondays through Fridays 11 am to 3 pm. Brusco luncheonette is not quite Harbor East, located on Fleet Street in the Hyatt Place Baltimore – just follow the signs to Cava Mezze. If you haven’t found Cava Mezze or Brusco, it is time to search both out.

If you are anything like me, when I was an office worker, lunch offerings became quite boring and redundant.  Not so with Brusco luncheonette who is changing up their menu with new offerings on a regular basis, almost monthly.  Brusco’s blackboard tells all their luncheon choices with flavors from  Greece, Vietnam and regional American favorites.  Read the full story and watch the slideshow at my Dara Cooks blog at Baltimore Post Examiner.

Baltimore Chef Doug Wetzel competes on Chopped

This is a ride by post. When I say that, I'm just cutting and pasting the information.  Time is limited today but so happy to see Chef Doug Wetzel from Gertrude's back in action.  Here's the skinny from Gertrudes:

We are so excited that our own Executive Chef Doug Wetzel will be starring on The Food Network's CHOPPED on Tuesday, February 7 at 10pm in

A CHOCOLATE OBSESSION

Four Chefs start the competition but only 1 remains standing at the end.  Where will Doug be at the end of the show?  We'll all find out together.

JOIN US AT A VIEWING PARTY    

Join Doug and the rest of the Gertrude's team 

TUESDAY, FEB 7  9PM-11PM

at

THE DIZZ

300 W. 30th Street on the corner of 30th & Remington

Our friends at The Dizz, a favorite neighborhood bar and cafe have graciously offered to host our viewing party since they have big screen tvs on both levels.  There's no admission charge however food and beverages (adult and otherwise) will be available for purchase.  Come help us cheer Doug on.

LET US KNOW YOU WILL BE THERE:  Gertie @ Johnshields.com 

A CHOCOLATE OBSESSION is the perfect competition for Doug.  He started at Gertrude's 7 years ago as a Pastry Chef and his love of all things chocolate has done us proud!  We can't wait to see this competition and we hope you'll come join us.

Taste wine like a pro: Cellar Sessions at Wit & Wisdom

Advanced-Level Sommelier Julie Dalton of Wit & Wisdom Restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel  is offering  three classes on tasting wines like a professional. The classes are once a month. Participants will enjoy an interactive, fun, educational and approachable way to taste, sip, swirl and learn about the world of wine.  Along with the wines, attendees will indulge in snacks prepared by Wit & Wisdom’s executive chef Zack Mills. 

Food and Wine's Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Every State

Hot of the web, Food and Wine's list of their top picks for the  "Best farm-to-table restaurants" in every state. If you are anything like me, I immediately went to see who they picked for my home state of Maryland. For Maryland, it is a Baltimore local, Maggie's Farm in the Hamilton ---kudos and well deserved..

Amazing beer and food pairing at Fleet Street Kitchen

Honestly, I thought I hated beer but a recent food and beer pairing from MillerCoors turned me around. 

The only beer I remember having that tasted any good was at the Bluebird Bar on South Carolina Avenue in Atlantic City circa 1968. Not a far walk off the beach to the bar with a friend who treated me to a beer, it was cold, it was wet and it had been a sizzling 100 degrees out in the sun.    

Circa 2016 and an invite by MillerCoors to their Tasting Room,  a multi course beer and food pairing  at the highly touted Fleet Street Kitchen arrived.  Normally I don’t do beer or coffee – I have too many bitter receptors.  A friend and mentor, Antoinette Bruno of StarChefs.com had recently encouraged me to taste EVERYTHING when we were at a local coffee shop, even if it isn’t in my culinary roundhouse 

Check out the slideshow and menu at my Dara Cooks blog post at Baltimore Post Examiner.

Meatballs, Mustaches and Movember, Oh My!

November, designated Movember, is when men grow mustaches to heighten awareness of men’s health issues.  With that in mind, my charity pick and fun evening choice for this coming week is Eatmore (Meat) Balls for Movember. 

Mark your calendar, one of Baltimore’s leading Instagrammers @EatmoreBaltimore and Fell’s Point restaurant 8Ball Meatball  have combined forces to raise awareness of men’s health issues, supporting the Movember Foundation .

There will be no ta-ta’s talk during this evening, it’s about challenging men to be cognizant of their physical and mental health: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide prevention plus a lot of balls (meatballs).  

Participants will enjoy a selection of appetizers, their choice of a complimentary draft beer or specialty cocktail, and Movember swag for a mere $20 donation.

• When: Wednesday, November 30^th from 5:30 to 8:30pm.
• Where: 8 Ball Meatball – 814 S Broadway – Baltimore MD 21231
• Purchase Tickets: http://bpt.me/2712611 $20 per person donation  

Prizes will be awarded for the best Movember mustaches! 

Grand Opening of Fells Point Tavern Benefits the Living Classroom Foundation

Everyone is invited to the “official” grand opening of Fells Point Tavern on Friday, November 18^th which is split in two parts. A buffet and drink pre-event from 6 to 9 pm – purchase your ticket for $30 or come later, from 9 pm to 2 am, where one can sway, hum, or tap their toes to the live music, drink a cold brew or classic cocktail and peruse local vendors promoting their wares to benefit the Living Classroom Foundation.