THE WOMEN'S EXCHANGE

Tonight I attended the Industrious Woman Event honoring Baltimore City Deputy Mayor, Kaliope Parthemos.  The Exchange began shortly after the Civil War and has been at it's present location on Charles Street since 1887.  There are lots of hand-crafted goods made by women (and men) wishing to support themselves with dignity.  A great place to pick up specialty holiday gifts!  Visit at lunch time (11am-2:30pm) and enjoy delicious home-inspired comfort food.

THE WOMEN'S EXCHANGE
333 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD  21201
PH: 410-685-4388, 410-244-6450

 BUSBOYS and POETS

It's been awhile since I've blogged, not because I haven't been out and certainly not because I haven't enjoyed myself.  It feels good to be back;  I'm going to try my best to find some time to sit at my computer and share my good times.  Lately there haven't been enough hours in the day.  My cousin Beth was recently in Washington D.C. and we managed to find a few hours to meet over lunch in Hyattsville at a fun restaurant called BUSBOYS AND POETS.  It's a casual, roomy spot with excellent food.  Neither of us had been there so it was a good find for us both.  Their menu offers traditional, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free items.  Beth was a good girl and ordered a salad (which she loved by the way) and I decided to cheat on my low carbs diet and eat bread.  I can always find a good reason to give in to eating bread, in this case meeting Beth was my special occasion excuse.  And, I should add that my Avocado Panini was wonderful, not to outdone by delicious sweet potato fries.  Woweee.  I can't wait to return and eat a great lunch and sit on one of the sofas afterward with my tea. 







BUSBOYS and POETS
5331 Baltimore Avenue
Hyattsville, MD  20781
PH: 301-779-2787

 WHISKEY TASTING
Last month eight of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at a private whiskey tasting.  We met at James Joyce Pub located in Baltimore's Harbor East area.  I've been there several times, but never for this kind of treat.  Maybe it was a special night because I had no idea what to expect, or maybe because I don't drink whiskey and thought I might not have fun.  Either way, it was great!  Our host worked for Johnnie Walker, and gave us a mini whiskey education with each of our tastings.  James Joyce served us exceptional food and each serving was complimented with a different whiskey.  We sampled Johnnnie Walker Red, Black, Gold, and Blue.  I liked the Blue the most, but wouldn't turn away the Gold if asked.  (Just in case you're asking)

Cappuccino mousse cake

Pan seared duck breast

JAMES JOYCE PUB
616 S. President Street
Baltimore, MD  21202
PH: 410-727-5107

THE KITCHEN AT ROCK HALL

The Kitchen was recommended as a good restaurant for dinner and I am so grateful to have listened.  It was wonderful.  I knew the minute I heard Billie Holiday singing in the background that I was in the right place.  It is an intimate space with good service and a chef who cares.  What more could you ask for?  Oh yeah, good food.  They have that too.  My rock fish was crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, centered with three large shrimp, and resting on a bed of rice.  I don't know exactly what the sauce was, but I do know I couldn't get enough of it.   And what better to get in Rock Hall than Rock Fish???  Bill thoroughly enjoyed the fresh pan fried oyster appetizer and coupled it with a petite seared beef tenderloin and mashed red potatoes.  We were both very happy and full but knew that we could not ignore that this restaurant was too good to not sample dessert.  So, at the suggestion of our server, we chose the chocolate bread pudding with two spoons.  Neither of us are actually bread pudding fans, but this was exceptional.  If you find yourself hungry in Rock Hall, find yourself at The Kitchen.

THE KITCHEN AT ROCK HALL
5757 Main Street
Rock Hall, MD  21661
PH: 410-639-2700

INN AT HUNTINGFIELD CREEK

Entrance area/ living room

Every year Bill and I attend the Women's Housing Coalition fundraiser and each year we leave with a silent auction tidbit or two.  Last year Bill had the highest bid on an overnight stay at the Inn at Huntingfield Creek in Rock Hall, Maryland.  Almost a year has passed and we decided it was time to redeem our certificate.  So, we made our reservation and yesterday we drove to Rock Hall and had a wonderful, relaxing, enjoyable breather. As you can see, the Inn is beautiful and its owners, Joanne and Jim, are equally enjoyable.  Definitely add this to your list of destinations!

Dining room

Library/refreshment room

Library/refreshment room

Pier

Breakfast is served



INN AT HUNTINGFIELD CREEK
4928 Eastern Neck Road
Rock Hall, MD  21661
PH: 410-639-7779

COMMERCE

I did not take a picture of Commerce because there was outside construction taking place during my visit.  It is however a wonderful place to eat and drink, and the two nights I was there, it was filled with lots of people having a great time.  Devin met Vicki and I for dinner on a Sunday evening and our reservation landed us a booth.  Our favorite item was the Roasted Sweet Potato Tortelloni with Hazelnuts, Pomegranate, and Beurre Noisette appetizer.   It was amazing.   Our dinner was delicious and our server very attentive, definitely a restaurant I hope to visit again.  FYI: They only accept credit cards.

COMMERCE
50 Commerce Street
Greenwich Village, New York  10014
PH: 212-524-2301

MARIE'S CRISIS

Love Broadway?  Then you'll love Marie's Crisis in the West Village.  There's always a line outside, but as patrons leave, new ones are admitted to take their places.  There's a mandatory coat check (I think it's a dollar or two), but you can't get downstairs in your coat.  And frankly, you wouldn't fit.  Everyone is standing  elbow to elbow around a very talented guy playing the piano,. All are belting out show tunes as if they are on stage.  This is one of the most fun piano bars in the city, it screams New York!











MARIE'S CRISIS
59 Grove Street
(between Bleeker St. and S. 7th Ave)
New York, NY  10014
PH: 212-243-9323

CHERRY LANE THEATRE      

                   
Vicki and I planned to be in New York City during the St. Patrick's Day weekend.  Needless to say, there was lots of activity in the city.  The train station was filled with green shirts, lots of them worn by folks who appeared to have started celebrating very early in the day.  Our plans for the evening were much more subdued.  We managed to get tickets for The Revisionist starring Vanessa Redgrave, a serious play written and co-starred by Jesse Eisenberg.  It was a great evening in Greenwich Village.  The theatre is small, which gave each of us an intimate experience with the actors on stage.  The play had a limited run and we were fortunate to get tickets and be part of its limited audience.  I encourage you to try to be a patron of this theatre and enjoy some of its many performances.


CHERRY LANE THEATRE
38 Commerce Street
New York, NY  10014
PH: 212-989-2020

ROYAL SCOOP

It seems every city or town has their favorite ice cream parlor, and I love the one we visit in Bonita Springs, Florida.  It's a "must" stop whenever I visit Robin and Bob in Ft. Myers.  They are usually busy and you can expect to be in a line, but we are always happy we waited when we are walking to the car enjoying our ice cream treats.  Makes me want some chocolate peanut butter right now!






ROYAL SCOOP Homemade Ice Cream
15  8th Street
Bonita Springs, Florida  34134
PH: 239-992-2000

My visits with my friends Robin and Bob are few and far between, but we managed to make it happen this past March.  I love visiting them on their turf in Ft. Myers, Florida because it's a real getaway for me.  I play golf (which I rarely do at home) and even though we don't see each other that often, we are good enough friends that we can jump in where we left off without missing a beat.  Kind of like a soap opera, I think.  One evening we drove to Naples to have dinner at BRAVO!  It's a roomy villa type space inside with an equally nice outside eating area, both bustling with patrons and servers.  I love Italian food and decided to order lasagna. A huge portion was placed in front of me making me think I would be taking half of it home afterward - NOT!


BRAVO!
9110 Strada Place
Naples, Florida  34108
PH: 239-514-0042

STANFORD GRILL

Since Carol was the only one working today, Vete and I drove to her neck of the woods to meet her for lunch.  That "neck" happens to be Columbia.  It was fine with me because I've been to the Stanford Grill with her before and I was looking forward to returning.  Today I ordered the Chicken Pot Pie, it was delicious.  I try to curb my intake of breads, but that was not an option once I tasted the delicious crust of the pot pie.  Yumm.  The service was wonderful and the surroundings very comfortable.  Definitely a keeper on my list!


STANFORD GRILL
8900 Stanford Boulevard
Columbia,  MD  21045
PH: 410-312-0445

GIANFABIO'S

I only get to visit Barb and Bill in St. Louis once or twice a year, but we managed to eat at Gianfabio's during my last two trips.  It's a gem that's nestled in a little business strip in Chesterfield, Missouri.  My first time there, we ate at a table in the bar.  The second time, we ate in the dining room branding white tablecloths and very attentive waiters.  Both times the food was outstanding, allowing us to leave very satisfied.  It is nice to know one doesn't have to drive downtown to "dine".


GIANFABIO'S
127 Hilltown Village Center
Chesterfield, MO  63017
PH: 636-532-6686

BREAKFAST ON THE HIGH LINE

Sunday Brunch was scheduled for 1pm, so Vicki and I had plenty of time to relax on a beautiful morning.   We cruised through the Chelsea Market and found just the right muffins to eat with our coffee and tea.  Then we walked the High Line, found a partly shaded bench, and relaxed while we people-watched.  Afterward, we completed the stroll to the end of the Line and worked our way back downtown.  Starting a day that way doesn't get any better!

DBGB

Vicki chose DBDG, one of Daniel Boulud's restaurants.  It's downtown so we walked.  I love walking to or  from dinner, it always makes me feel like that little bit of exercise makes up for any periods of gluttony.  We sat at the bar, something we often choose to do.  It's casual and the bar tender pays attention to you sitting directly in his path all evening.  Not to mention, he or she keeps our glasses filled.  Our goal that evening was to sample some of the twelve varieties of house made sausage along with a few other small plates and bread.  We loved our experience (and the food) and had so much fun we didn't want it to end.  So, what did we do??  We jumped in a cab and scooted over to Magnolia Bakery in the West Village for some cupcakes.  We sat in the nearby park and behaved like little girls.  Fun night!!



DBDG
Kitchen and Bar
299 Bowery
(Between Houston and 1st St)
New York, NY  10003
PH: 212-933-5300

FANELLI'S CAFE

It was too early for dinner, so Vicki and I decided to have a drink in Fanelli's.  When we first entered, I was a little skeptical.  It was loud and appeared to be a burger stop with no charm of its own.  But once we were seated at the bar, everything changed.  I looked around and noticed all the photos on the wall, the tin ceiling, a dining room in the back, and quickly became intrigued by the bar tender.  He is Bob Bozic, a former heavyweight boxer who has worked there many years.  His stories were as entertain
ing as his delivery.  What a treat!









FANELLI'S CAFE
94 Prince Street (at Mercer)
SoHo, NY  10012
PH: 212-226-9412

MEG COHEN DESIGN SHOP

Vicki and I arrived at Kittichai early, so we decided to wander a little while we waited for Devin.  Directly across the street from our restaurant was Meg Cohen Design Shop.  It's a small space, but many in the Village are, so we were comfortable.  She had some great things.  Vicki walked out draped in a chic cotton scarf, not to mention owning a pair of vintage sun glasses.  It was a very good find!!


MEG COHEN DESIGN SHOP
59 Thompson Street
New York, NY  10012
PH: 212-966-3733

KITTICHAI

 It's no secret that I love Sunday Brunch.  And, there's no place better to enjoy brunch than in New York City.  It's always an adventure to find a great brunch - one with good food and unlimited mimosas.  Devin found one such place and met Vicki and I there recently.  It is Kittichai, a Thai restaurant in the South Village.  We had a wonderful time and were happy to add it to our list of successful and fun brunch spots.  A good place for those looking for an adult environment.

KITTICHAI
60 Thompson Street
New York, NY  10012
PH: 212-219-2000

PRUNE

 A few weekends ago, Vicki and I met in New York for a fun few days.  The weather was perfect for lots of walking, and our hotel was located in SoHo, our favorite neighborhood for shopping.  We managed to get reservations at PRUNE on Saturday night and loved it.  Our roasted calamari appetizer was delicious, not the least bit rubbery.  Vicki enjoyed her shrimp entree (served with their heads), but I have to say that my pork chop was amazing.  It was huge and cooked perfectly.  As I looked around the intimate setting, it was evident that I was not the only one who made this excellent choice.  Just when we thought it couldn't get better, it did.  Our desserts were outstanding.  Vicki had mascarpone ice cream with salted caramel croutons.   Yummmm.  But, as delicious as that was, I still needed a chocolate fix.  My  chocolate espresso pot de creme was the perfect answer!  I left PRUNE totally satisfied, happy to be one of its patrons.

PRUNE
54 East First Street
NY, New York  10003
PH: 212-677-6221

Every year six of us vacation together in the Outer Banks, in North Carolina.  It is our tradition to plan meals ahead of time, as each night's dinner is assigned to two of us.  This year we ventured out for a birthday celebration dinner.  I fell in love with the place, the only thing missing was Dean Martin.  We sat at a table facing the window and watched a beautiful sunset on the Currituck Sound.  Our waiter was attentive and helpful in our selections.  It was unanimous that the best entree was the pork chop.  Thank goodness it was on my plate!  I highly recommend The Blue Point restaurant and hope that I get to return and be there too.

THE BLUE POINT
Duck, Outer Banks
North Carolina
PH: 252-261-8090

I wasn't planning to visit the 9/11 Memorial, it just happened.  I've been to the Ground Zero site a few times through the years, and no matter when I visit, I still feel that ache in my stomach imagining the horror of being one of those lost.  We were walking through SoHo when Devin asked if we would be interested in trying to get tickets.  Cell phones make all kinds of possibilities happen on the spot, this one included.  So, we walked downtown and arrived timely to retrieve our tickets and all of a sudden, we were there.  This visit was very different in that everything looked very different.  The demolition is over, the clean-up is over, the planning is over, the building is in full swing.  It purposely memorializes the spots where the two towers stood by not building upward, but by using two water exhibits that flow downward.  Around each one is a wall with all the names of those lost, each perfectly spaced and very legible.  The new buildings are near, but in their "own" space.  There is lots going on, but subtly.  The crowd is reverent, there is no pushing or loudness.  The Visitor Center is under construction and various landscaping is taking shape.  I think the design successfully meshes the tragedy with hope.  There is a collection box at the exit,  I am hoping everyone who visits will give.  It's the least we can do.

Want to feel like a kid again?  Go to The Scholastic Store in SoHo.  When I travel with school teacher Lynn, I always get exposed to the educational world for children.  This store screams fun, fun, fun!  There is lots to see and do, including reading inside the bus pictured or celebrating your birthday upstairs with your friends.  If you have a child with you in New York, this store should be added to your list of stops.



THE SCHOLASTIC STORE
557 Broadway
(Between Prince & Spring Streets)
SoHo, NY  10012
PH: 212-343-6166

Shopping is fun, but it is especially a treat when in SoHo.  I love checking out all the stores - designer and otherwise.  Devin took Lynn and I to a store that was new to us.  It was British based "AllSaints".   Women's clothing and accessories were on the street level, while the men's were downstairs (pictured).  Lynn browsed and then found a comfy chair in the women's shoe section, offering compliments to shoppers trying on shoes.  Devin and I went downstairs to shop sales that might interest him.  We found the salesperson very helpful without being pushy.  Eventually we departed with bags in hand, even though I realized that as much as I loved this store's sense of style, they are not inexpensive!  But I reminded myself that I was in AllSaints, in SoHo, in New York City, and then I was fine.


ALLSAINTS
512 Broadway
SoHo, NY  10012
PH: 646-862-1832

Do you find eyewear expensive?  If so, you may be interested in this post.  While in SoHo, we went to a Warby Parker showroom so Devin could try on some frames.  It's a company that charges $95 per pair instead of several hundred dollars.  "Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to create boutique-quality, classically crafted eyewear at a revolutionary price".  When you purchase a pair, another pair is distributed to someone in need worldwide.  Glasses are ordered online, but it's great if you can visit a showroom to sample them in the mirror.  There are nine showrooms nationally.  Devin tried on several pair as we took his picture in each before making his decision at home and ordering online, using his prescription.  As a person who only takes off my glasses to sleep, I found this concept and process very intriguing.

Price of prescription glasses

WARBY PARKER
295 Lafayette Street
Suite 501 (Puck Bldg)
SoHo, NY
PH: 888-492-7297

A Sunday in New York is not Sunday - without Brunch.  New Yorkers take their brunches very seriously, and I like that.  It is so much fun to relax with your friends/loved ones over good food in a place that makes this time so special.  Last Sunday, Lynn and Devin and I had such an experience.   We met at Hundred Acres in Soho for a wonderful brunch.  We were seated in the middle room (photo) and in no time were sipping perfect mimosas.  First, we started by sharing sticky pecan corn muffins. Amazing!   I loved my soft scrambled eggs with asparagus, gruyere cheese, scallions, creme fraiche and cornbread.  They both ordered the "chilaquiles", crispy corn tortillas with red chili sauce, two fried eggs, pickle salad and cilantro.  The food was wonderful, the service attentive, the ambiance enjoyable.  We all left happy knowing we had once again found a  restaurant that legitimizes Sunday Brunch in New York.


HUNDRED ACRES
38 MacDougal Street
New York, NY  10012
PH: 212-475-7500