A Taste of Baltimore is back - Santé

A New Year and the flush of charity events begin.  Santé is the Kidney Foundation of Maryland’s annual fundraiser taking place Thursday, February 28 at the Visionary Art Museum, 6-9 pm. An evening filled with food and drink from Baltimore’s top restaurants and caterers.  Adding to the festivities will be celebrity judges, the People’s Choice competition, entertainment, raffles and a silent auction. Admission to this business causal evening is $100/person or $2,500 for a table.  Actually $100 per person for an array of unlimited food, libations and entertainment is pretty much a steal for an evening out……more information and tickets HERE.

I have always supported the Kidney Foundation, in memory of a girlfriend, Peanut Kassel, who was the first live kidney transplant at Johns Hopkins.  Also, my cousin Debby… both, who for long periods were on dialysis and had their lives prolonged with a transplant.  Both are gone now, but I am ever so grateful for the strides the Kidney Foundation has made for patients in the past 40 years since they passed. 

Santé – A Taste of Baltimore

WHEN:    Thursday, February 28, 2019
TIME:       6:00pm to 9:00pm
WHERE:  American Visionary Art Museum
The Jim Rouse Visionary Center, 3rd Floor
840 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230

Individual tickets are $100.00 per person.

A modern twist on Greek cuisine: Cava Mezze

One of my favorite restaurants here in Baltimore, Cava Mezze, puts a modern day spin on our Greek favorites.  Their menu items are traditional in the sense of Greek cuisine but their presentations are more upscale.  Just look at the Dolmades photograph:  stuffed grape leaves, roasted eggplant, za’atar rice, presented on a celery root puree, caper chimichurri, with micro cilantro.

Mezze in Greek translates to appetizer, but it often makes up an entire meal, combining an assortment of dishes: hot and cold, vegetables and meat - the assortment at Cava Mezze doesn’t disappoint.  Along with their popular array of small and medium plates they have just introduced fourteen new dishes to their Baltimore location and coming soon to their other four locations in the DMV.  

READ MORE: Baltimore Post Examiner Dara Cooks Blog

Holiday themed dinner and live holiday music

Last year I had the joy of attending Sotto Sopra Restaurant’s evening of holiday songs. They created an ensemble of their Broadway Night singers for an evening of the holiday season’s most beloved songs.   The live performances in this stunning venue really set the tone for 2017’s holiday season.  Lucky you, they are doing an Evening of Holiday Songs and a Four Course Dinner, Sunday, December 2, 2018 starting at 6 pm.

READ MORE at Baltimore Post Examiner - Dara Cooks 

Atelier Culinaire intros 2 Course Dinner - $9.95

Yes, you can eat at the fast food joints for under $10 but is it a quality meal?  For $9.95 you can indulge in an Early Bird Two Course Dinner at Stratford University Culinary Program Restaurant, Atelier Culinaire located in the heart of Little Italy.  From 5 pm to 6:30 pm, Wednesdays through Saturday... Read the full story at Baltimore Post Examiner - Dara Cooks 

There is a new restaurant in Little Italy: Atelier de Culinaire

) Stratford University – School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality has officially opened their own restaurant, Atelier de Culinaire, in Baltimore’s Little Italy at 806 Stiles Street and is running a grand opening special for $25, plus tax & gratuity, for a three course dinner including a non-alcoholic beverage.  All additional items are at listed menu prices.   The grand opening special will run through Friday, August 3^rd – be sure to mention the soft opening special when making your reservations and upon your arrival.   Atelier de Culinaire will serve the public Wednesdays through Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  They will be adding a Sunday Champagne Brunch as of August 12^th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Read the full story at Baltimore Post Examiner - Dara Cooks

Best place to slurp oysters on National Oyster on the Half Shell Day

Ok, there are a number of places to get your raw oysters on National Oysters on the Half Shell Day on March 31^st BUT, how about free valet parking all day long, an amazing view and portions of the proceeds benefit Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation.  Oysters are only $1.50 each and if you order a dozen, enjoy a glass of Prosecco for just $6.

You ask, OK, where is this place? It is 16 on the Park (the 16^th floor), the Residence Inn Baltimore at The John Hopkins Medical Campus’ rooftop restaurant in Eager Park. Located at 800 N Wolfe Street, near Orleans Street, and again, let me stress free valet parking all day.  We might even be seeing spring that day, highs near 60 – enjoy the patio and the sunshine. 

Where is Giada de Laurentiis opening her Baltimore restaurant?

Revealed during a live Facebook interview, the Italian chef and television personality Giada de Laurentiis let it be known she is opening a restaurant in Baltimore in 2018 but not the specific location.  My best guess, and guess it will be, is Baltimore Horseshoe Casino.

1.       Horseshoe Baltimore Casino has 3 banners showing the chefs/restaurateurs (see photograph) on the front of the casino: Guy Fieri with his Guy Fieri’s Baltimore Kitchen + Bar, Gordon Ramsay taking over the Jack Binion’s Steak House location with his  eponymous steak house and the 3^rd, a silhouette of what looks like a woman --- could it be Giada? My guess is yes!   

2.       Giada has a relationship with Caesars Entertainment Corporation with her Las Vegas restaurant in the Cromwell Hotel and Caesars is affiliated with the Horseshoe Baltimore Casino

So a second question arises, why there is no banner for the celebrated chef duo of Aaron Sanchez and John Besh for their Johnny Sanchez Restaurant – is that the space Giada will be taking over?  This is all speculation on my part; I have no confirmation on any of this. If Johnny Sanchez Restaurant remains, then where does Giada’s restaurant go? Not the tiny Asian Fύ Noodle House – so again, my guess, Johnny Sanchez’s location. The Baltimore Horseshoe Casino opened in August, 2014 – so are we looking at 4 year contracts on the restaurants?  Again, this just conjecture, no real facts to support any of what I have posted here. Let me know if you think she is opening elsewhere in Baltimore.

Feastival is back: Come hungry

Benefitting Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, this waterfront food and drink walkabout is my charity event pick for June.

 

Enjoy the waterfront view at the Four Seasons Hotel Promenade on Saturday, June 17^th from noon to 4 p.m. as you indulge in culinary delights from restaurants  like Wit & Wisdom, Gnocco, Cask & Grain, Minnow, La Food Marketa, Center Cut Doughnuts, Modern Cook Shop, Loch Bar, Clavel, Azumi, Gunther & Co., Hersh’s, Blue Pit BBQ,and more!

Feastival, Date: June 17, 2017 - Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Harbor East’s Waterfront Promenade (Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore) - 200 International Drive, Baltimore, MD 21202
Tickets: $125 or Two for $200 

Purchase tickets at the event website:   bit.ly/CF4Feastival

Instagram @Feastivalbaltimore

A Marriage of Culinary Icons: The Elephant and Sascha's Catering

Hot off of Facebook comes this post from Mallroy Staley, General Manager and Co-Owner in the Elephant. I'm not going to re-write this, here it is:​​

When two of Baltimore’s culinary icons – rich in great food, hospitality, style and entertainment – join hands, one can expect a welcomed smile of anticipation for upcoming dining delights and special events.

The Elephant restaurant, with its stunning revival of a historic Mt Vernon mansion and welcoming culture, has been winning the hearts and appetites of its guests since its recent opening. And now, The Elephant has added one of Baltimore’s most well regarded and charming caterers to its family – Sascha's.

“Together, The Elephant and Sascha's will blend their culinary creativity, kitchen mastery, guest-centered service, commitment to excellence and stylish presentations to better serve the Baltimore community's fine food and entertainment needs,” promises Mallory Staley, General Manager and co-owner of The Elephant and the new co-owner and catering director of Sascha’s.

The “marriage” was arranged soon after Mallory Staley met Sascha Wolhandler, a trend setting caterer in Baltimore for the past 40 plus years, a few weeks ago. “It quickly became clear to both of us that this was a marriage made in heaven,” admits Sascha.

In the late 70’s, Sascha Wolhandler started making French crepes prepared on authentic griddles outdoors on Charles Street. Then due to its popularity, she was invited to provide them at Center Stage, as before and/or after theatre treats. Sascha soon became known for her outstanding and out-of-the-ordinary food, presented with flair and in a way that no one else was doing at the time. People wanted Sascha to provide her creative and taste-forward creations for dinner parties at their homes and special events at various venues around town. Thus, by public demand, Sascha’s Catering was born and became one of the premier caterers in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

Now after more than 40 successful years, Sascha found herself wanting to offer her thriving catering business to – Mallory Staley, a life-long hospitality professional with a background in high-end catering and the co-owner of one of Baltimore’s top-rated restaurants – The Elephant.

As a young girl, Mallory spent a lot of time on her grandparents’ farm in Frederick, Maryland. She loved the farm life – growing plants, riding the tractor, digging for potatoes, and picking beans and corn. “I remember the farmhouse meals: the smell and taste of simple, local, fresh-picked food,” she fondly recalls.

With this love for farm fresh food in her soul, she head to New York City to study at the French Culinary Institute, one of the most highly respected culinary schools in the world. Upon graduation, she began her professional career at some of Manhattan’s finest restaurants and catering companies. With passion, creativity, and culinary skills – she worked her way up to become the Pastry Chef at the Plaza Hotel in NYC and at Iron Chef Marc Forgione’s American Cut restaurant in Atlantic City. But after a few years in New York and New Jersey, she wanted to get back to her Maryland roots. Heading to Baltimore, she moved from the “back-of-the-house” to the “front-of-the-house” becoming the General Manager at Sotta Sopra and helping to manage Ouzo Bay in Harbor East.

Then over two years ago, Mallory teamed up with Linda Brown Rivelis and Steven Rivelis to open The Elephant restaurant, serving globally inspired cuisine and classic cocktails in an 1850’s midtown mansion. Located in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, The Elephant is recognized as one of the regions “Top Ten Restaurants” with a vibe that is chic, yet elegantly casual.

Now with the marriage of The Elephant and Sascha’s, they will be able to enhance the boutique catering company’s delivery of best-in-class experiences from small corporate lunches to intimate parties to large scale weddings. “Our vision is continue the success of Sascha’s legacy with a smooth transition of leadership and in combination with the resources and reputation of The Elephant to delight and wow each of our clients and their guests,” states Mallory Staley.

Whether you desire a …
- Sumptuous dinner in a lovely historic townhouse
- Gourmet "Silver Sac" luncheon for your next business meeting
- Private Chef to design, create and serve an intimate dinner party at your home, or
- One-of-a-kind wedding reception or other elegant event to honor a very special occasion

… Sasha’s and The Elephant will be at your call, providing you, your friends and family with a spectacular and most memorable experience.

Sunday Brunch Pick: Iron Rooster

Sunday brunch, where to go?  One of my picks for Sunday Brunch is the Iron Rooster, an upscale full service restaurant that serves breakfast all day long with the option for lunch and dinner choices.  It was just before Christmas that they opened their 3^rd location in Hunt Valley; the other two locations are in Canton and Annapolis.  All three locations offer out a new twist on traditional comfort food.

Mama’s on the Half Shell will be open Christmas Day

Mea culpa in my list of restaurants open Christmas Day I forgot put down that Mama’s on the Half Shell in Canton which will be open from 11 am and operating regular hours.  The kitchen will be open from Noon-8pm and offering out their regular menu.

Perfect if you want to carry over the Italian tradition of 7 fishes on Christmas eve through to Christmas day.  It is a great way to get your seafood on for the holidays; a nice bouillabaisse, crab imperial or a solid crab cake platter.    

Mama’s on the Half Shell – 2901 O’Donnell Street- Baltimore, MD 21224 Reservations (410) 276-3160 https://www.mamasmd.com/MamasSite/ Facebook and Instagram: @mamasonthehalfshell Twitter: @mamashalfshell

Check out the other restaurants that are open on Christmas Day at my column at Baltimore Post Examiner 

Baltimore area restaurants that are open Christmas Day

When you just want something different for Christmas brunch or dinner. As in years before, I have put together a list of restaurants that are open on Christmas.  I don’t know about you, but all I want for Christmas is Dim Sum from Asian Court in the morning and for the first day of Hanukkah, which falls on Christmas Day, brisket and potato latkes for dinner from Regi’s American Bistro in Federal Hill. Guess what, both are available, as is Italian fare at Sotto Sopra Restaurant in Mt. Vernon or Indian cuisine at Akbar Palace in Randallstown.  Dare to be different and wear your PJ’s and you will get 20% off your tab at Blue Moon and Blue Moon Too in Fell’s Point / Federal Hill.  

Read the full listing and watch the slideshow at my post on Baltimore Post Examiner.

Dining Dish's Facebook Live Interview with Chef John Shields - mark your calendar

LIVE VIDEOS SAVED - PART 1 AND PART 2 - We had some technical difficulties, henceforth, two videos.  Great time with an amazing chef.  Enjoy the videos.


Tomorrow, Thursday, November 3rd at approximate 12:15 pm Dining Dish will be streaming a live Facebook video interview with Chef, Cookbook Author and Television Personality John Shields from his restaurant Gertrudes and the Baltimore Museum of Art. No technical difficulties withstanding, it should be fun and informative.If you have specific questions you would like John to answer, please send them my way diningdish @ hotmail.com.

Be sure to go to the DiningDish Facebook Page www.facebook.com/DiningDish/ to catch the live interview, with your questions and say hello.  While you are at the DiningDish Facebook page, give it a "LIKE."

John Shields has been an ambassador not only for Chesapeake Bay seafood but all coastal seafood and an early, early supporter of sustainable, farm-to-table. Those of you in Baltimore see him regularly at the local farmers markets and enjoy the bounty at Gertrudes Restaurant whether lunch, brunch, dinner or your very special event.

John Shields's Chesapeake Bay Cooking 25th anniversary edition celebrates a year since being published - be sure to grab a copy for your cookbook library.

Tapas in the City: A new generation of restaurant tastings

Before the age of Instagram and Twitter, before social media had such an impact on restaurant visibility, there were organizations like the American Institute of Wine founded by the likes of Julia Child and Robert Mondavi that emphasized learning about food and how it comes to the table.  Food and wine dinners at local restaurants around the country allowed the populous to come in and taste a multiple course dinner paired with wines. That was yesterday, today pop-up dinners are the rage, and taking advantage of that concept is Tapas in the City.  Take two young ladies with marketing backgrounds, Jordan Zelesnick and Rachel Lipton, highly visible social media curators, created Baltimore’s Tapas in the City - multi course pop up food and wine events at a fair market price. 

The fledging Tapas in the City dinners have been held at Bluegrass Tavern in Federal Hill, Sammy’s Enoteca in Fells Point, Cava Mezze which borders Harbor East on Fleet Street and an upcoming event at  Cosima in Mill No 1 in the Woodberry area of the city on Tuesday, September 20^th.

And the winners are

Being a big supporter of my hometown Baltimore it was a joy to see recognition for jobs well done recently handed out by the MADE: In America organization.  The city’s leading chefs created tasty morsels and Wit and Wisdom’s lead bartender created cocktails all reflective of the Foodways Award winners:

The American Treasures 2016 awardees in the Culinary Arts/Foodways:

·         Bourbon Barrel Foods, Louisville, Kentucky

·         J.M Clayton - Seafood, Cambridge, Maryland

·         Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey Distillery, Baltimore, Maryland

The 2016 American Treasures Awards were presented to the Nation’s top farmers, foragers and craft producers who were featured in a tasting created by the All American Chefs, chaired by Zach Mills, Executive Chef at Wit and Wisdom.

The Honorable Stephanie Rawlings Blake, Mayor of the City of Baltimore presented the inaugural Baltimore’s American Treasures Awards to individuals in recognition of their meritorious contributions to the city.

The Baltimore’s American Treasures Awardees are:

·         The Honorable Barbara Mikulski, United States Senate, Maryland

·         Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress elect

Also presented at the event was the prestigious American Benefactor Award to the Paterakis Family of Baltimore, Maryland for their support of the All American Chefs:

·         Zach Mills (Chair) Executive Chef, Wit &Wisdom, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

·         Chris Amendola, Executive Chef, Waterfront Kitchen

·         Chris Becker, Corporate Executive Chef, The Bagby Group

·         Jerry Edwards, CPCE, Pres. and Corp Chef, Chef's Expressions

·         Chad Gauss, Chef/Owner at Food Market

·         Cyrus Keefer, Executive Chef

·         Jerry Pelligrino, Chef at Schola

·         Nicholas Sharpe, Executive Chef, Birch and Barley

·         Jonathan Levy, Lead Bartender, Wit and Wisdom, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

MADE: In America’s mission is to create and foster a business climate conducive to the free exchange of ideas and information to revitalize and sustain the competitiveness of American commerce and industry in a global economy. A non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, MADE: In America serves businesses throughout the United States. The organization presents the American Treasures awards to individuals and organizations for significant and singular contributions that are shaping and transforming our Nation’s cultural heritage. Learn more at http://madeinamerica-usa.org/

The Bagby Restaurant Group Welcomes New Executive Chef at Cunningham’s

Towson's Cunningham Restaurant announced today that Chef Jay Rohlfing, a Baltimore native has taken over the top toque position. Rohlfing has worked at a number of top restaurant in Baltimore: Harbor Court and Linwoods in Owings Mills.

Chef Rohlfing describes his approach to cooking as “cooking with the seasons,” and enjoys creating approachable dishes and a fantastic experience for each and every guest. He is excited to have the ability to source products from Cunningham Farms – and believes that knowing where a product comes from only multiplies the respect culinary staff has for their craft. Chef Rohlfing’s favorite pastime is growing his and his wife’s small farm. The couple raises chicken, ducks, rabbits, and a bounty of vegetables each season.

Cunningham's http://cunninghamstowson.com/ 

Mark your calendar and buy your ticket: 5th Annual Taste of Pikesville

Eat, drink and be merry at the  Annual Taste of Pikesville, Wednesday, April 6^th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 pm.  This is the fifth year that the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce has pulled together numerous restaurants who will sample their comestibles and libations for attendees.  Whether you are a Pikesville resident or living in Canton, this is the deal of the month, $40 per person with advanced ticket sales or if you are a procrastinator, it is $45 at the door. Even better, a portion of the proceeds will be going to Meals on Wheels. 

The Taste of Pikesville will be held at the Double Tree by Hilton Pikesville, just off 695. There is plenty of free parking, easy access off Reisterstown Road at the beltway and again, only $40 per person.

Enjoy the noshes from these local restaurants and food purveyors (in no particular order):

Stone Mill Bakery

Bagby Pizza

Linwoods

Gourmet Again

Suburban House

Silk Road

Island Quizine

Mari Luna Latin

Mezcal

MIski Peruvian Chicken

Mr. Chan

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Arlons

Corner Bakery

For the Love of Food – cooking school and catering

5^th Annual Taste of Pikesville – Wednesday, April 6^th – Double Tree by Hilton Pikesville – 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.  www.tasteofpikesville.com   TICKETS:  $40 IN ADVANCE - $45 AT THE DOOR

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Brunch all day Sunday: FLAVOR Restaurant in Mt. Vernon

Executive Chef Julia Belton brings serious street creds to FLAVOR: A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Cornell’s Business Hospitality School and working at the 3 starred Michelin rated Eleven Madison Park under Chef Daniel Humm.

I had met Vanna and Julia Belton, FLAVOR owners, about six weeks ago to talk about the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs organization and it was at that time they invited me back as their guest. Brunch it was going to be.

The new FLAVOR Restaurant, Bar and Lounge, formerly located in the spot known as the Midtown Yacht Club and Midtown BBQ , has cleaned up the former’s act --- no more peanut shells on the floor. A total remodel on the Mt. Vernon space on Centre Street, FLAVOR is fresh, clean and bright. The muted pale grey washed brick façade with a large picture window, lets plenty of light in the main dining room and bar. Wood floors, well placed mirrors, off white wainscoting and light grey walls open up the small space to feel very spacious and airy.

Watch the slideshow and read the full story at Examiner.com/Dining

Discount dining with free app Loupe in multiple cities: Baltimore, Pittsburgh, New Orleans

Loupe, formerly City Dining Cards, is evolving with their new app for both I-Phones and Droids. The app lists a large selection of restaurants in the city and surrounding areas.  A good number of those restaurants offer a $10 discount on $40/ $5 off $20 purchases of food and reusable after 90 days from the previous dining.  Baltimore, Buffalo, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Rochester and Syracuse are enjoying the discounts now with Chicago, Philadelphia and Toronto to soon come aboard.

The application is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. New restaurants are being added every day. 

For Baltimore readers here are just a handful of the numerous restaurants on Loupe offering the discount:

Birroteca

Nickel Taphouse

La Cuchara

The Food Market 

Gertrudes

Tapas Teatro

Aldo’s Ristorante Italiano

The Brewer’s Art

Cunninghams

Alewife

 Go to www.loupeapp.io to download the free app and save on dining. Facebook   Twitter and Instagram @getloupeapp 

Baltimore’s Ouzo Bay Restaurant is template for 2nd location in Boca Raton

Baltimore’s own Atlas Restaurant Group, owners of Ouzo Bay, Azumi, Harbor East Deli and soon to open Loch Bar are expanding with a second rendition of their Ouzo Bay Greek Kouzina to open in Boca Raton, Florida late summer 2016.

When contacted, spokesperson Joe Sweeney advised, “We have an operating partner in Boca Raton and this is the first part of their planned expansion and goal of opening multiple units for the Ouzo Bay concept over the next 10 year.” 

Located in the upscale Mizner Park in Boca Raton, the new Ouzo Bay will seat 325 comfortably and continue to promote their Mediterranean cuisine with a strong salute to its Greek influence – OPA!  Menu items will highlight whole, fresh fish flown in from around the world, grass-fed lamb, and prime beef.   The “posh” full-service bar and lounge will feature handcrafted cocktails, small batch whiskeys and a strong Greek selection of wines.