THE FOOD MARKET

Sunday Brunch - one of my favorite things!  Today's brunch was especially fun because I've been wanting to get together with my friends Bill and Brian and Eileen and Richmond.  We ventured to The Food Market in Hampden hon, on The Avenue.  Everyone enjoyed their selections, but here are the ones I considered to be the best from our choices:  Drink:  French Tease.  Hendrick's gin, domaine de canton ginger liqueur, splash lemon juice topped with champagne.  Lunch:  Pat Lafrieda Burger.  Diced bacon, lettuce, tomoato, onion, cheese, pickles, sesame bun.  Dessert:  Heath Bar Bread Pudding.  And that says it all!  We are looking forward to trying their dinner offerings, hopefully very soon!!

THE FOOD MARKET
1017 West 36th Street
Baltimore, MD  21211
PH: 410-366-0606

We were a week shy of St. Patrick's Day, but we managed to finish our night out at this great Irish bar.  Although we were filled from dinner, we decided to have one last night cap in Times Square.  The bar was filled and serviced by a bartender who was most accommodating.  Eileen ordered a half and half beer and I tried my first Irish coffee.  It was about 1am when we decided to call it a night.  Having a drink in friendly O'Donoghue's was the perfect way to end our day - or should I say our good fortune?


O'Donoghue's
Bar and Restaurant
156  W.  44th Street
Times Square
PH: 212-997-2262

 ANDANADA 141


Eileen and I recently met Devin and Christopher for dinner and a great time was had by all.   The Spanish cuisine at AndanadA was amazing.  We met at 7:30pm and relaxed over two bottles of wine, tapas, paella and a dessert.  We each chose a tapas selection to share: Sauteed shrimp in spicy garlic sauce, Meatballs in squid ink sauce, Fried artichokes with grated Manchego cheese, and Mini potatoes in an "earth" of black olives.  Afterward we shared two orders of paella mixed with chicken, calamari, shrimp, fish, and mussels.  It was the perfect amount of food for us, but we couldn't not sample one of the desserts.  We tried the warm torrijas with hazelnut ice cream.  Yumm.  Everything was so good I can't wait to return for more - and more!




ANDANADA 141
141  W.  69th Street
New York, NY  10023
PH: 646-692-8762

ALCHEMY, Maryland

What a FUN night!!  The four of us were supposed to eat dinner together at a table by the window in lovely downtown Hampden hon, but we got there early and the four seats at the upstairs bar were calling us.  We nuzzled in and had a wonderful dinner with the help of our great bartender.  We loved the beverage menu and each of us ordered something different (Amy withchild, drinking non-alcholic).  Our dinners were great, three of us ordering from the Restaurant Week menu.  We all loved our choices and were quite pleased with our decision to eat here.  Do give it a try!


ALCHEMY
1011  W.  36th Street
Baltimore, MD  21211
PH:  410-366-1163

Crab Mac & Cheese
 

 OUZO  BAY

Georgia and Vicki and I met here tonight to celebrate my birthday.  What a great evening.  As a New York City lover, I am always looking for restaurants that remind me of NY and this one fit the bill.  I love going out with Georgia and Vicki because they appreciate good food and know where to go.  Tonight was no exception.  The lamb meatballs appetizer was amazing and my scallops entree was perfect.  Our server couldn't have been more nice, not to mention attentive.  If I'm going to get older, this is the way to do it!!!!


OUZO BAY
1000 Lancaster Street
Balto  MD  21202
PH: 443-708-5818

 

 

 LOCANDA  VERDE

It was Monday afternoon and time to part with French cuisine.  We had a wonderful weekend and chose Locanda Verde in TriBeCa as our last culinary hurrah.  It was fabulous!  We began with Sheep's Milk Ricotta with sea salt and herbs Crostini.  Very rich and filling, but we had all afternoon to take our time and savor each course.  Our second plate was a pasta that melted in your mouth, and we finished with Scallops on Sicilian Cauliflower.  A great lunch and a great way to finish our weekend.  We walked from the restaurant through SoHo and the Village and Chelsea just to justify eating so richly, but it was worth it!

 

 

LOCANDA VERDE

377 Greenwich Street

New York, NY  10013

PH: 212-925-3797

  LE  GIGOT


We were pretty tired after scouting Brooklyn all afternoon, but not too tired to meet Devin and Christopher for dinner in the village at Le Gigot.  It was a great evening - good company, good service, and good food.  Very enjoyable.  My steak (in pic) was excellant!  Everyone loved their entrees and we couldn't resist sampling a few appetizers beforehand.  We had a salad, escargot, and pate.  After dinner, we passed around a pudding and a slice of chocolate cake with chocolate sauce (a meal isn't complete without chocolate).  Un bon moment a ete eu par tous!



LE  GIGOT
18 Cornelia Street
New York, NY  10014
PH: 212-627-3737



BROOKLYN  FLEA


The Brooklyn Flea is huge, one might call it overwhelming at the end of the day.  It gets moved inside for the winter months in a warehouse type building.  A portion of the space is filled with numerous food vendors.  (These two guys in the picture are the Crosby Connection)  You can eat to your heart's delight here, I don't think any venue was missing.  Then you can shop till you drop.  Details, details, details.

 

 

BROOKLYN  FLEA
80 North 5th St.
Williamsburg

ARTISTS & FLEAS


We didn't have to walk far before we found Artists & Fleas, an array of artists displaying and selling their products "flea market" style.  We found several things we liked and made our shopping bags a little heavier.  I must admit though that my favorite part of this establishment was the music being played by the dj.  I tried my Shazam ap so I could add them to my IPOD but the mix was too customized and not retrievable.  Too bad for us.





ARTISTS & FLEAS
70 North 7th Street
between Wythe and Kent Avenues
Brooklyn, NY

 BEACON'S  CLOSET

After we bought things for our kitchens, we decided it was time to shop for us.  Our initial shop was Beacon's Closet.  There was a great collection of vintage and modern clothing, enough to need lots of time to sift through.  We managed to each leave with a bag in hand, proud of ourselves for finding "good finds" in a short time period.  It's a great store to play in if you have some time, the staff is very accommodating which helps the process.  I would definitely return for more!

BEACON'S CLOSET
88 N 11th Street
Brooklyn, NY  11211
PH: 718-486-0816

THE BROOKLYN KITCHEN

Our next stop was The Brooklyn Kitchen where you can buy all kinds of kitchen and household items, products, foods, and classes. 

There are two levels to explore, and even though it is not a huge place, there are lots of choices.  Vicki bought a ravioli punch (that's what I call it) since she is much more energetic with her pasta making than I will ever be.  I'm looking forward to dinner at her house!  hint hint



THE BROOKLYN KITCHEN
100 Frost Street
at Mercer Avenue
Brooklyn, NY  11211
PH: 718-389-2982

Kitchen for classes

PATES & TRADITIONS


Sunday morning Vicki and I decided to spend the day in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  It was virgin territory for us, making it all the more exciting.  We read about a great little cafe that serves wonderful buckwheat crepes so our brunch mission began.  We got there not long after it opened and were able to get seated right away which was perfect since we really needed some coffee and tea to warm us.  Everything was delicious!

 

 

 

Bon Appetit

PATES & TRADITIONS

52 Havemeyer Street

Brooklyn, NY  11211

PH: 718-302-1878



 

 


CHEZ JOSEPHINE

It was a cold weekend, but one can always find places to go in New York City.  Vicki and I met there Saturday evening to spend a few days absorbing as much of the City's offerings that we could.  First, we went to see "Betrayal" on Broadway featuring Danial Craig and Rachel Weis.  As a James Bond fan, I was very excited to see one of the "Bonds" live.  He did not disappoint.  After the theatre, we went to Chez Josephine (as in Josephine Baker) for dinner.  What a fun spot!  It's like stepping back in time.  I love live music and the gentlemen playing a piano and sax kept a steady pace throughout the evening.  We were seated at what we thought was the best table in the house, which made it all the better.  Our dinners were delicious and when we left an hour or two later, we left fulfilled. 


CHEZ JOSEPHINE
414 West 42nd Street
New York, NY  10036
PH: 212-594-1925

 

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!