The Turn House in Columbia: Seasonal dining at its best!

There is a real sense of warmth and hospitality with the staff at Columbia’s The Turn House Restaurant and that is a trickle down from owner and chef, Tom Zippelli beliefs.  Zipelli’s CV lists him working at world renowned Michelin starred restaurants:  Eleven Madison Park and The French Laundry, both known for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.  Chef Zippelli is zealous about supporting local farmers and producers with menus that reflect that respect of the land and sea.

Read the full story at Dara Cooks at Baltimore Post Examiner

Maryland's only pop up Christmas cocktail Bar: Miracle on Magothy Beach

What started approximately 4 years ago, a Christmas themed pop up bar with all the holiday decorations and clever designed cocktails, has grown into an international phenomenon. This year almost 100 Miracle™ Christmas Pop Up Bars are participating.  Christmas lights, tinsel, and holiday décor set the tone while cocktails like Christmaspolitans, Jingle Bell Nogs, Naughty or Nice Shots take holiday ‘spirits’ to the next level. 

Read more at Dara Cooks - Baltimore Post Examiner 

Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin's theories on pizza

Author of Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin's shares his theories on New York City pizza and the best places where you might find Daenerys Targaryen, John Snow or anyone from the Lannister family.  Just published is a new book by the author, Fire & Blood, 300 years before a Game of Thrones (A Targaryen History).

Do note that the true authority on pizza is Daniel Young who compiled  a world-wide compilation of Where to Eat Pizza.  

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 

Got the late night "hangries?" Taco Noche!

Northern Mexico inspired tacos, chips and dips, burritos and more are now available at Taco Noche at the Rotunda patio.  Their kiosk is open from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. every day. Patrons can go to the walk-up window for carryout or use delivery services, UberEats and Grub Hub. Taco Noche is a perfect little spot if you have been out late and want a bite of authentic Mexican food - the perfect “street food.”  

Taco Noche ‘s Chef Audiel  Vera also holds the title of executive chef at The Avenue Kitchen and Bar in Hampden.  Chef Vera reminisces, “It was not until I moved to Houston, Texas, where I first discovered the northern flavors of Mexico. Flour tortillas, shredded lettuce, fresh Pico de Gallo, cream on tacos, queso fundido, all that great food. It was a game changer in my opinion.  All these flavors really caught my attention and opened my pallet to different Mexican flavors that I never knew before.  A lot of people may think this is Tex Mex but it's not. These are flavors that were always there in Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Tijuana. 

For you chili heads, their salsas run the gamut on the Scoville chart from Tomatillo with fire roasted Serrano chiles, tomatillos, roasted garlic, onions, cilantro and lime to Scorpion Sting with fire-roasted Habanero chilies blended with vinegar, spices and tomatoes.

Taco Noche

The Rotunda Patio

711 West 40^th Street

Baltimore MD 21211

Facebook: @taconocherotunda

Instagram: @taconoche

GDL Italian now open for Saturday and Sunday Brunch

GDL Italian by Giada in Baltimore’s Horseshoe Casino has expanded their hours to include brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 2 pm, tempting patrons and casino goers to indulge in their Italian fare.   Giada de Laurentiis (GDL) , Food Network star and cookbook author , combines her California take on her family’s  Italian cuisine (Kale Caesar Salad, Seasonal Frittata) with local Maryland dishes for brunch (Maryland Crab Hash, Crab Arancini).  Read the full story at Baltimore Post Examiner - Dara Cooks 

Pizza contest, which pizza won

The fifty eight year old Grotto Pizza wanted to do something different to kick off October’s National Pizza Month and launched “Create Your Own Pizza Competition.”  Out of forty submissions they received, Grotto Pizza narrowed it down to these five finalists that were judged October 29^th at their Columbia, Maryland location.

Fall’n for Brie – ham, brie, apple

Ultimate Burger – ground beef, bacon, avocado,  blue cheese

Coastal Crab – white pizza with crab and old bay

Swirl of Fire – banana peppers, sausage, spicy tomato sauce

Big Fat Greek – spinach, sliced red onion, garlic, Kalamata olives, pizza cheese, feta cheese

Find out which pizza won at Dara Cooks Blog - Baltimore Post Examiner

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 

FALLing in Love with Harrisonburg Virginia - weekend getaways

Fall is officially here, the autumnal equinox arrived September 22 letting us know that the summer sun and hot, humid days are almost a memory – enter the cooling brisk air and the turning of the leaves. What better place to enjoy the seasonal changes than in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, where apples are crisp, vineyards dot the landscape, hiking, biking, and our country’s history permeates every nook and cranny.  An ideal weekend getaway, this fertile valley offers something for everyone’s taste and enjoyment.

Nestled in between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians is Harrisonburg, Virginia – an American Main Street Award winner; a mini metropolis, and thriving university/college town.  Harrisonburg is an ideal hub, base camp, for all your activities, whether motoring through Skyline Drive for fall foliage, Mossy Creek fly fishing or indulging in the region’s rich arts and culture. 

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

New restaurant in Owings Mills: Stanford Kitchen is a winner

The made-from scratch offerings from the new Stanford Kitchen at the Boulevard College Center are hitting the right notes.  What was the former Stone Cove Restaurant, located in close proximity to Stevenson University; the Blueridge Restaurant Group has hit the bull’s-eye with the redesigned space, service and American classic dining options.

My companion, who had previously eaten in Stanford Kitchen, and I dined early. When we arrived, the bar was filled with businessmen, the garage-styled doors were rolled back to the al fresco dining patio and there were a few parties seated in the main open-kitchen dining room.  By the time we finished having dinner, the dining room and al fresco patio were full of patrons.  The restaurant has in a short time, accrued a loyal and repeat following. In fact, they have a loyalty reward program for those who dine at any of the Blueridge Restaurant Group Restaurants; Stanford Grill, Stanford Kitchen, and Copper Canyon Grill.

Read the full story in Baltimore Post Examiner: Dara Cooks Blog

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  

Poké Fish Sushi opens in Owings Mills

Valley Village Shopping Center at 9163 Reisterstown Road has a new tenant, Poké Fish Sushi.  An Asian inspired,  fast-casual restaurant is open for lunch and dinner offering Hawaiian inspired poké and Japanese cuisine.  Poké Fish Sushi replaces Teriyaki Madness at the same location. 

The differentiating menu item is the restaurant’s signature Poke’ bowl that enables customers to participate in a six-step process to build their perfect meal. It starts with a choice of the base (sushi rice, brown rice, mixed greens and kale noodle; Poke’ Burrito; or Poke’ salad). Next comes the choice of protein with options including (Ahi tuna, salmon, shrimp, chicken and crabmeat among others.) Customers then chose the perfect sauces and flavorings, followed by crunches (peanuts, almonds, Macadamia nuts) and mix-ins (vegetables, fruits and seeds).

Poké Fish Sushi

Valley Village Shopping Center

9163 Reisterstown Road

Owings Mills, MD  21117

www.pokefishsushiom.com 

(410) 902-8889

Tis the season for Summer Restaurant Weeks

Restaurant Weeks are here and lunch, brunch and dinner specials abound and run through August 8^th.  Here are some on my picks:

HOWARD COUNTY RESTAURANT WEEK  July 23 – August 6^th

Ananda for  atmosphere and new age Indian cuisine

The Turn House for great patio dining

Grille 620 because you are a winner with anything Chef Fabio Mura prepares – call the restaurant for the menu because it isn’t posted on Howard County’s Restaurant Week page

BALTIMORE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK  July 27 – August 5th

If Italian is your thing – good menu selections can be found:

Sotto Sopra Restaurant

Cosima

Germano’s

Do you want dinner with a view – consider

The Boathouse

Gunther & Co – stunning interior and beautiful deck – added bonus, free parking

BALTIMORE COUNTY RESTAURANT WEEK  August 3^rd – August 18^th

My number one pick for a beautiful drive, patio dining and a menu selection I personally find appealing

The Manor Tavern

Restaurant Weeks afford you the opportunity to taste test new restaurants or support your favorite dining spots.   

Again, I will express my pet peeve for restaurants who invest in being part of Restaurant Week and don’t put up their menus – why bother participating.

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

How could I have missed National Eclair Day?

I missed National Éclair Day

Yup, Friday, June 22^nd was National Éclair Day and I missed it. 

I love éclairs, not one of those Rich’s frozen éclairs, nope; it would need to meet all my requirements of a great éclair. What constitutes a great éclair is the crisp, full-of-air -pockets pâte à choux oblong home to the creamy, rich, custard filling; and the pièce de résistance should be dark chocolate, ganache like crowning glory.

Read the full story and watch the Seinfeld video at my Dara Cooks Blog - Baltimore Post Examiner.

Howard County: Two separate restaurant concepts open under one roof

The respected restaurateur/chef, Steve Wecker of Iron Bridge Wine Company, and his partner Vince Culotta, former manager of Iron Bridge have created two restaurant concepts under one roof at the Columbia, Maryland’s  One Merriweather building : CURED Table and Tap, a casual dining experience and meander to the back of CURED to their speakeasy concept, 18^th & 21^st , where those in the know, enjoy live entertainment, dancing and upscale dining in the intimate 88 seat dining room.

CURED Table & Tap – Open  NOW  - Lunch and Dinner

The name - CURED Table & Tap - is derived from the large charcuterie and raw bar that is the focal point of the dining room. "CURED was designed as a casual dining space. People always tell us that Iron Bridge is kind of like Cheers with wine, so we wanted to create that same vibe,” stated Steve Wecker.  

The menu offers humble American cuisine (classic comfort food) featuring farm-to-table appetizers, charcuterie and raw bar options, hearty sandwiches, and entrees including distinctive seafood, poultry, and beef selections. Menu choices include Po’ Boy (masa crusted oysters, arugula, tomato, Fresno remoulade, hoagie roll), Sausage Flatbread (chicken sausage, cherry tomatoes, charred broccoli, mozzarella) and Pan Roasted Salmon (confit fingerling potatoes, spinach, romesco sauce, olive tapenade).

 Maryland craft beers, wine, and creative cocktails will highlight local products from The Baltimore Whiskey Company, Goonda Beersmiths, and Old Westminster Winery. Cocktails include The Brave Little Gherkin (Rittenhouse rye, pickle brine ice cubes) and Boom Boom Sticks (Lost Ark White Rum, Lyon Gold Rum, Lyon Dark Rum, orgeat, espresso tincture, and lime).

18^th & 21^st – Opening date scheduled for 2^nd week of June – evenings only

 Named after the constitutional amendment that enacted prohibition and the subsequent amendment that repealed it, 18th & 21st is a modern take on a sophisticated, prohibition era supper club.

 The menu offers modern American cuisine featuring handcrafted small plates, mid-Atlantic seafood and classic cuts of beef. Eclectic menu items include whole roasted Bronzino, dry aged steak, roasted bone marrow, lobster poutine and duck pastrami. Handcrafted and barrel-aged cocktails include Smoked Old Fashioned (Henry McKenna 100 Proof Bourbon, Brown Sugar Simple Syrup, Smoked House Bitters) and The Peat and The Petals (Laphroaig 10yr Scotch, Saint Elder).     

The charcuterie and raw bar items are available at both concepts.

Christopher Lewis is the Executive Chef and comes with stellar credentials, i.e. The Milton Inn, The Brass Elephant and the Iron Bridge Wine Company.  Like all chefs of quality, Chris’s focus is on locally grown and raised ingredients…i.e. dry aged beef and regional oysters.

Eat Well – Do Good

Owners, Wecker and Culotta, were named corporate philanthropist of the year by the Community Foundation of Howard County.  Right now, they are working on a fundraiser to benefit  those so tragically affected by the recent flooding.  

CURED Table & Tap/ 18^th & 2st

One Merriweather Building - 10980 Granchester Way – Suite 110

Columbia, MD  21033

667.786. 7111

www: cured1821.com

Social Media: @cured1821

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