This past weekend was ArtScape in Baltimore. I could write a post simply about that incredible event with ease (my boyfriend actually had a piece of art featured in GameScape this year)but that’s not why you’re reading this blog. It’s amazing, huge, creative, funky, and truly an all day event. After walking around for almost (possibly over) 4 hours on a 90-some degree day, my boyfriend and I were both starving, had feet that became barking dogs, possibly dehydrated, and ready for a relaxing meal after a long day. 

Dreaming of cozy seats, unwinding with cold drinks, and eating a light, summertime dinner we immediately agreed upon Teavolve in Harbor East. A true gem for both brunch and happy hour (but sh! I like to keep it on the dl so don’t tell)! 

A neighborhood cafe tucked on the corner of Harbor East (near PAZO), it’s warm, inviting, laid-back with the most amazingly fresh food options and ice cold teas, sangrias, cocktails.

While most spots in the area are completely packed and bumping, Teavolve offers an alternative to grab a seat on a couch, break open the laptop, listen to smooth sounds of live music, and indulge in rich, buttery croissants and crepes or quick bites of salads and paninis.

The happy hour menu called my name. Featuring all cocktails half price from 4-7 as well as an extensive list of bites that run merely $5, you can’t go wrong.

I opted for the mango margarita while my boyfriend went for his staple he always gets-their acai blueberry smoothie (they have killer smoothies too!)

My drink could not have been any fresher-with bits of mango in it and the right mixture of tequila and liquor it was the best summer cocktail I could have asked for! The smoothie goes down too easily being not too sweet but just right. How much do these two drinks scream summer?! Next time, I’ll venture to try one of their tea infused sangrias!

For dinner, I opted for their ‘adult grilled cheese’ panini paired with Sun Chips. A cheese lover, it was beyond all that is good. Featuring feta, goat cheese, mozzarella and EVOO on a hot panini, I allowed myself half. Not too heavy, not at all greasy, but extremely creamy and sweet! I’ll be looking forward to that other half in the form of leftovers! 

My date went for a lighter option after that heatstroke sorta day with their chef salad-they manage to take a staple and turn it into a beautiful summertime salad creation! 

Another sandwich Teavolve excels at is their croissant sandwiches! Flaky, croissants filled with cold salads paired with side salads make for a delicious option! Their chicken salad is my weakness. Filled with cranberries (in my opinion, all chicken salads demand fruit!), almonds, and lettuce, it’s almost impossible for me not to finish it all! 

Another great staple sandwich they add their signature flare to? Turkey! Fresh turkey accompanied with red peppers, caramelizing onions, goat cheese and a dijon mayo create a sandwich that is both filling and fancy! 

Saturday or Sunday brunch is a must. French toast with strawberries, red velvet pancakes, or salmon omelettes, their menu is one to read. 

I can already see this spot being a go-to for girls’ catch up lunches, showers for dear friends, or low-key date nights. Comfy chairs, relaxing sounds of Ingrid Michaelson playing, to kill for (and great priced) happy hour cocktails, and light and fresh bites (they also have a pretty tempting bakery case) make TeaVolve a new favorite for me!

Tea fiends, take note and head get yourself here pronto! Grab a book or a friend and spend a few hours taking in the relaxing environment of Teavolve this summer!

If there’s one place in Baltimore that I know is consistently good, delicious, and can go from casual dinner to fancy dining it’s Little Italy. I’ve made a point this past year to try more Little Italy hotspots (somehow I always would wind up at Sabatino’s-not a bad thing, trust me!) and branch out a bit. From Rocco’s to Chiaparellis to now Caesar’s Den, I’ve been loving all the menus and wine options!

This past Friday night, it was time to hit Caesar’s Den! Perfect timing for me it was the night before the Little Italy Festival-the streets were awash in red and green and you could feel the community excitement over the hopping festival. I highly recommend anyone to check it out-there’s another in August-from great deals on anything from garlic bread to meatballs and vendors selling funky art pieces to watching older couples dancing in the street, it’s truly a magical experience! 

Upon arriving at Caesar’s, I placed my obligatory order for garlic bread. Of course you get regular bread on the table with butter but what Italian restaurant experience is complete without garlic bread?! 

Warm, buttery, rich in oils and spices, the garlic bread was one of the best I had in a while! I think I can easily say here and Rocco’s are the two places I’ve found quality garlic bread! My date and I easily ate two pieces ( I made sure to eat light for lunch in preparation for this dinner) which is probably best so that neither of us can detect garlic on the other! As a super huge garlic fan, whether it’s in my guac or bread, this had the perfect amount!

We decided to split their prosciutto di parma, mozzarella e peperoni. Absolutely amazing! The peppers were sweet and had a hint of both garlic and oil while the mozzarella was cold and fresh and the proscitto had that great flavor with a touch of salt and sweet. 

I would absolutely order this again as way to whet the palate while sampling some true Little Italy staples. Great for a light summer app (and it went wonderfully with my glass of Riunite Banfi, a super sweet rose that was akin to juice) and is a great display of how good Caesar’s is with staples! 

Filling up quickly on starters, I opted for one of my favorite Italian/summer salads-the caprese. Their mozzarella caprese was fresh and not overly saturated with EVOO but instead carried a light flavor of it. The tomatoes were hearty and sweet while the mozzarella was wholesome and hearty! 

My date ordered their fettucinni al salmone. A huge dish came out laden with fresh salmon, a portion big enough for the hungriest of men. The salmon was fresh and flaky, a perfect touch against their creamy and cheesy pasta. The light cream, capers, onions and smoked salmon was one of the more beautiful presentations I had seen-and the flavor far exceeded expectations!

To cap off our delicious dinner, I indulged in a tiny demitasse of espresso. A great way to slow down and enjoy the meal, the espresso came with various sugars (but honestly, it may not even need it) and was truly enjoyable on that rainy night.

Caesar’s was delightful and I’m looking forward to returning and trying more of their pastas and chicken dishes. The generous portions, huge flavor, and fresh Italian fare, along with a very knowledgeable staff, made for a very upscale dining experience that will leave me returning very soon! Great parking options and valet also add to the downtown dining experience!

Be sure to add Caesar’s for your next date night or family outing and enjoy quality dishes at very reasonable pricing-a great Little Italy must-stop!

I’m extremely lucky enough to have the new Kona Grill directly across from my office building. Perfect for happy houring, sitting outside under their tented patio (accommodated with couches and tables), and feeding any sushi craving I may have. Or burger.

That’s what I found to be the winning ticket about Kona-the wide range and quality of their menu! Seafood, burgers, sushi, lite bites, and fun cocktail options (yes ladies, they have skinny cocktail options!) are all great options at the fun, lively, and hopping restaurant. Whether you opt to eat outside and enjoy the summer sun or stay indoors and watch the busy chefs hustling behind the kitchen, the food quality is outstandingly fresh and flavorful!

Of course going during their happy hour (which touts a half price cocktail, appetizer, sushi, and some entree selections), I had to try out a cocktail! Their signature cucumber mojto, barely over 100 calories, blew my expectations. 

While you mostly think of cucumbers being bland, this was refreshingly sweet with the slightest hint of cucumber (and rum!). Not a mojito fan? Their Sukini Marg is only 100 cals as well and offers that great margarita bite!

Seriously, if you have to find a place in the harbor for a quick, inexpensive happy hour outside-this is it! 

Cashing in on their low priced appetizer options, my date and I split their burger sliders. It’s hard to imagine fitting as much as they did on one tiny burger but the freshness of the veggies on it and the great flavor of the burger made for a wonderful start to the dinner-it could easily pass for a lite dinner.

How can you resist this little guy?!

Another great can’t-miss happy hour menu staple are their flatbread pizzas. Ranging from the standard margartia to BBQ chicken, the half price deal can not be beat! My date ordered the BBQ chicken, which packed a serious kick of spiciness of the chicken and sweet tang with the tomato sauce! For the about $6 you spend on the pizza,  I guarantee you’ll be taking home lunch for tomorrow (I know we did)!

Of course, I had to sample their popular sushi menu! While I didn’t go for one of their more creative rolls (like the crunchy crab), I went for my personal stand-by, spicy tuna! 

While it’s hard to imagine order sushi from a place that also has amazing burgers and pizza, the sushi met my expectation! The small rolls hit the spot and definitely cleared out the nose a bit! Gotta love that they offer gluten-free soy sauce and are generally super accommodating for any type of GF need! 

Overall, Kona has an awesome venue for outside dining with the girls (as you can see I sure did below!) and their food packs so much punch and such a wide array you can’t possibly get bored with selection! Grab the girls and grab a table before the summer ends!

As I’ve said earlier, I love love love Baltimore Restaurant Weeks. Mainly because I use it as an excuse to check out fancy pants places I normally wouldn’t venture for some high end eating at a fixed price my wallet can handle.

This past Winter Restaurant Week (don’t worry-the next one is a mere 3 months away!) I decided to veer from my beloved Ruths Chris for Sullivan’s Steakhouse. For only $35, you’re treated to 3 very hearty and very decadent courses. All in a glamorous, power player, old school lounge setting overlooking the harbor. 

My first appetizer/entree choice was their Classic Caesar Salad. Fresh, creamy, cheesy, and a nice amount of garlic made for a good starter. Onion rings were also ordered a la carte and they were surely enough to feed the masses. Nothing’s more fun than being in a classy establishment and ordering something that’s such a fun guilty pleasure you could even get it from a diner. Let it be said though, these are not your throw them in the fryer onion rings. These are massive and crispy!

It would be wrong to be at such a glorious bar and not order a martini. Wanting to opt for one of their more playful cocktails, I ordered their Strawberry Blonde. A nice kick of strawberry makes the martini sweet while packing a serious kick in the pucker. 

While options for the main course were all over the board from chicken to fish to meat, how could I not order their signature filet? A filet mignon resting on top of their creamy and divine horseradish (which is a slight whisper) mashed potatoes was the winner. 

Tender, flavorful, filling, and savory, their filet literally melts in your mouth! A wonderful match for their filet are the potatoes. I could have easily had more servings but tried to resist as I knew dessert is apart of this fantastic menu.

Much like the rest of the meal, dessert was far from a disappointment. In fact, it may be where they really shine. I went for their key lime pie while my date opted for their cheesecake which is generously drizzled with strawberry sauce and fresh strawberries. 

The buttery graham cracker crust, a crust favorite of mine, really makes these pies. The creamy and sweet is perfectly balanced by the crunchiness of the graham cracker. Barely able to finish my slice, I just had to have it packaged to go home (and was happy I did around the same time the next day)!

Sure Sullivan’s may be a splurge, like several of the local steakhouses in the city, but the chain really delivers in its feel of being in an old library meets lounge meets 1940’s cocktail bar along with the rich food and fun cocktail choices (their CEO Martini is one to be had).

Rivaling with Fleming’s, Fogo de Chao, Ruths Chris and several others in the city, Sullivan’s has maintained its own identity and is a hot spot to go for a date then a stroll around the water. Parking is simple (there’s a garage right next door) and the service is impeccable! Take a date or make it a girl’s night (they offer Wine, Women and Wednesday’s from 5 p.m. on with $5 cocktails and appetizers-as well as raffles) and indulge a bit!

Or wait until August for the next Restaurant Week-the selection and prices can’t be beat!

Harbor East serves as one of my favorite dining locations in the city. Nothing compares to eating harbor side on some very fine dining. Now throw in Lebanese Taverna as an option for where to eat and you have one very elegant evening of food!

Also found in D.C., Lebanese has a fabulous restaurant tucked away waterfront in Harbor East that is lavish, open and airy, and smells like the amazing chikpea wonders that I adore!

Once seated in their cozy cushiony couches, I couldn’t help but dive right into their warm, light and fluffy bread. 

Being super early due to a performance that same night at The Hippodrome I was seeing, white bread wasn’t yet out of the oven. However, this darker wheaty bread served us just fine with the oil they provide for dipping. 

First up, my date and I split their cheese plate. The top cheese had a salty, mozzarella after taste to it while the cheese beneath was creamy and richer. Either way, it was fresh and paired nicely with my Ksara chardonnay from Lebanon.

Already loaded up with cheese, oil, and bread, my hummus arrived! Being the eager beaver that I am, I was intrigued by the trio of hummus. However, our very informative and knowledgeable about the cuisine waiter subtly suggested that it was intended for a bigger party. In hindsight, I’m very glad I listened.

I opted for just their garlic hummus with a chicken schwarma topping. Unbelievable. My love for garlic, chicken, and hummus has found its outlet. I can not make another reservation quickly enough to relive that experience. Using their bread provided on the table, I did copious amounts of dipping. And dipping. And more dipping. Sweet, salty, and garlicy, the hummus delivered. I’m looking forward to trying different flavors and toppings as I revisit!

Of course we did not stop there. Having to try the true Lebanese staple, I went for the falafel. A middle eastern dish I am truly a fan of, I love my falafels in pitas with a yogurt dip. This met that expectation and then some!

My date, on the other hand, went for a nice selection of some of the finest schwama options on the menu-the Carved Rotisserie Mix. Chicken, lamb, and beef are all freshly prepared along side tahini sauce and a very strong and potent garlic sauce. If garlic is your love, this sauce will fill the craving then probably linger for a while after!

Overall, Lebanese has great options for many palettes. Don’t be intimidated by the exotic cuisine when in reality, if you’re a vegetarian options are copious, if you’re looking for a hearty meal you can dive into meats, flatbreads, fish dishes, or even just a variety of mezza (small dishes)! 

The waterfront dining option makes for a great Saturday evening dining option to enjoy the sunset, sip a glass of international wine, indulge in some hummus, and cap off with some savory falafels. Lebanese Taverna has found a fantastic home in Baltimore and offers a nice selection for those date nights where you want to be wined and dined or girls’ nights where you’d rather pony up to the bar for a few drinks and apps. 

You’re in Baltimore. You’re looking for crabs. It’s a no brainer. What’s stopping you? It’s off-season. Take my advice-forego any chains when you’re in this town and go for someplace that’s both unique to the city and waterfront!

Bo Brooks is without a doubt in my mind the hotbed for crabs, no matter the month or the weather! Steamed crabs served all year long while sitting by the water overlooking boats, gorgeous luxury apartments, and a serious view of the city is the way to roll in this town. No reservation in my mind, Bo Brooks does crabs right-even for the most hesitant of crabcake/soup/dip/balls/etc lovers.

First off, Bo Brooks has one of the best margaritas I’ve tried in a long time. An avid margarita lover (and plus, tis the season right?), I laughed when the description for the tequila infused beverage said “a true Margarita is never neon green” and decided to try their authentic concoction. All I can say is wow. Salty, strong, and just the amount of tangy bite, it was a serious starter to the dinner.

While my date and I weren’t exactly prepared to get our hands dirty that night with steamed crabs, we couldn’t go and not order something crabby.

Meet their crab cake sliders. With pillowy rolls and crabcake that is to die for, these little sammies melt in your mouth-without much tartare sauce even needed!

If this appetizer got any fresher, I think it’d grow claws and walk off the table a la Sebastian in The Little Mermaid.

Satisfying our need for crab, both my date and I opted for pretty diverse entrees. Mind you, the Bo Brooks menu is all over the board. From crab guacamole, bacon wrapped scallions and fish tacos that look fresh out of the water, there’s pretty much an item for anyone looking for something under the water.

My date opted for their rockfish which is battered and fried and served with two sides. Opting for their mac & cheese (which is super creamy and rich), the fish looked extremely tempting (mind you, I’m not a huge fish gal). 

True to Baltimore, there’s a touch of Old Bay somewhere hidden in the dish.

Always the lover of avocado, I went for their strawberry chicken club. The strawberries, avocado mayonnaise, chicken, lettuce, and  toasted bread was probably one of the best pairings I’ve had. Fresh, creamy, salty, and sweet the combination magically worked and couldn’t have been a better or lighter sandwich to have on that almost-spring night.

Looking over the menu, I was overwhelmed with what to get simply because everything reads beautifully, creatively, and having a fresh touch of something seafood. 

Despite reaching ultimate levels of fullness after our courses (to-go bags were much needed!), I couldn’t resist one of my favorite desserts, the Smith Island cake.

Delivered fresh from The Smith Island Cake Company, I ordered the original and was glad I did! Layers of homemade yellow cake and rich chocolate ganache was the sweet touch that ended my night. Accompanied with a fluffy cinnamon whipped cream, the cake reminds me why I’ll always be a Maryland girl-who can resist our state dessert?!

The presentation was beautiful and I’m already regretting leaving those few bites behind on the plate!

My date, a bit of a traditionalist, opted for their caramel sundae. 

Bo Brooks really nails down staples and this ice cream was no different!

If you’re looking for a fun, inexpensive, local spot to enjoy crabs (or sandwiches, or fish, or burgers, or..you get the idea), don’t pass over local, waterfront Bo Brooks. Sitting by the window, looking out the water, sipping a margarita, and cracking a crab. Yes, I’m ready for summer in Baltimore.

Ask someone in Baltimore where the best sushi is in town, and you’ll face a host of opinions and options! In the city or the ‘burbs, for the fun party scene or a low-key vibe, chain or locally run hotspot, Baltimore is chock full of sushi joints meeting the needs of what you’re looking for. Let’s not even talk about the sushi places in Towson! 

Recently, Baltimore has been granted with a brand spanking new sushi spot, Tatu. Located on the side street of the Power Plant, Tatu is quickly rising to one of my top fave sushi places in the city. 

Swanky decor, plush seats, rich Oriental carpeting, bathrooms with make-up stations, chandeliers, and a hint of incense infuse the restaurant-making it a great go-to for happy hour with the girls or a fancy date night with the boy. Not to mention, the place is pretty huge so private parties would be killer at this venue.

I’ve only been for happy hour (which requires you to sit at the bar in order to get) and got to witness the fun staff behind the counter doing what I like to call sushi tricks while making recommendations of what to get and explaining how they make the rolls.  The happy hour is surely a good deal-cutting 50% off your entire bill and allowing you to order more than enough to keep you full!

My absolute fave addiction is already on the bar when you sit down-chips that have a spice in them making you want to go back for just one more.  

Aside from the chips is a complimentary cucumbery mixture that carries some heat to it, as well.

My first order of choice is their edamame (half off!) that they sprinkle with sea salt-making this salt fiend a very happy camper! 

Their happy hour cocktail list is pretty extensive, too. Each time I try to experiment with something new. After getting their blackberry caipirinha the last time, I opted for their blushing geisha (all half off mind you-we’re talking like $4 for a massive cocktail here, ladies!) and was delighted by its fruity flavor and bit of a strong bite after.

As for rolls, with prices being half off my date and I decided to splurge a bit and go for three different kinds. 

Prior to this visit, I tried their Tropical Citrus Salmon roll-a super refreshing roll that is topped with mango. Delish!

This time we went for spicy tuna, California roll, and the Rainbow roll, a total mixture of fish that’s completely addicting. Sure the rolls are gorgeous looking and colorful, but they absolutely follow up with outstanding taste, fresh fish, and just the right amount of a spicy kick to clear the sinuses. Next time I’m looking forward to trying different rolls (their Marilyn Monroll is calling my name!).

After polishing off all three rolls, I was surprised and delighted to see our waitress bring over complimentary cotton candy as an after-dinner cleanser.  Such a fun and unique touch that shows off Tatu’s creativity and flair for fun that really is clear from every aspect of the restaurant. A fun green apple flavor cotton candy, neither my date nor I were able to finish it. 

I was positive that Tatu couldn’t find a new way to surprise me but of course I spoke too soon. Along with our check came a temporary Tatu tattoo-clever and cute!

From the funky ambience, sheer swank of the restaurant, and their addicting rolls that are insanely cheap during happy hour-Tatu has found a big friend in me! 

Of course-I could never write a post without putting a shout-out to my all time favorite roll in Baltimore. RA Sushi’s Hot Mess. Do yourself a favor and try this bad boy.  It’s crispy, it’s crunchy, it’s sweet, it’s creamy. It’s pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted out of life and more-not to mention, RA Sushi’s happy hour isn’t too shabby itself.

Another honorable mention is the relatively new Sticky Rice with their Sticky Balls.  if you’re looking for a chill scene, great music, some karaoke, and unreal rolls-I highly recommend this place in Fells Point. 

Like I said, sushi in Baltimore is serious business. With easily over 100 different spots to explore, it’s all about the scene you’re looking for and where you’re willing to travel. Tatu, RA Sushi, and Sticky Rice are my top three choices in the city-be sure to hit up the happy hour and let it curb that sushi craving!

Ever since I was young, my mother said I should have been a Southern Belle (despite being born and raised in Baltimore-not exactly the deep south)! From my love of home made biscuits and the need to always be accessorized and styled whether I’m taking out the trash or heading to the gym. Needless to say, it was a tough call when I was accepted way back in the day to College of Charleston (BWI had yet to offer non-stop flights so it was the transportation hardship that swayed my decision) not to jump at the opportunity of good southern cooking, shopping, men, and weather! Did I mention southern cooking?!

This past weekend, I unintentionally found myself having a very southern inspired theme in Baltimore. And loved and ate up every moment of it!

On Saturday night, I ventured to Blue Grass Tavern for the first time-a sweet little restaurant tucked on a corner of a rowhouse community in the heart of Federal Hill. A refreshing deviation from the sports bars that seem to fill up the streets of Fed, Blue Grass offers up a nice southern escape (and valet parking for $5!) for a hearty meal accompanied by a yummy cocktail and the relaxing sounds of, well, bluegrass and country!

First up, I ordered-for just a $1-their yummy cornbread that literally melts in your mouth along with their honey butter. Between my date and I, the pan they served it in was down to a crumb!  

The past week my work held a fairly large event there and I got good tips and snippets as to what to try-the main one being their charcuterie plate! Consisting of local meats and cheeses, as well as pickles, thin, crusty bread, and pickled peppers, my date and I opted for bacon jam (YES-it exists!), a goat cheese, and a very smoky sausage. 

Yes, if you must know, we were completely full by that point. I know they say man can’t live on bread alone. They’re wrong. Fortunately, there was a little bit of wait time between our plate and our bites. I opted for their Daily Grind, a fresh burger with a slice of colby cheese served with a sweet house ketchup (my guess is there’s a bbq sauce of sorts in there) and thinly cut fries. My date opted for their lobster ravioli which is on their Medium Bites roster-we both split their spicy Mac & Cheese. 

You can kind of make out the almost-gone lobster ravioli behind the mac-it was just that mindblowingly good that both my date & I forgot to snap a pic before it was almost gone! The macaroni was creamy with a subtle spicy kick to it and definitely something to be shared! While I wasn’t able to finish my whole burger, the soft and buttery brioche bread accompanied with the fresh beef was everything I had hoped for! I think I’ll go out on a limb here and say Paula Deen would approve!

Finally-because who can resist a hearty southern dessert-my date and I split their apple pie. Rich, creamy, and topped off with a maple sauce on top it hit my sweet teeth right in its sweet spot! 

As we were leaving (around 7:15sh), the bar downstairs was hopping and tables were filled to the brim! A mixture of older couples dining and young city dwellers catching up over cocktails made the southern inspired tavern a great place for that windy, February evening! I think all it needs is a roaring fire upstairs to overcome some of draft but no doubt come summer, all will be good!

Continuing my below the Mason-Dixon line themed weekend, the next morning my family and boyfriend I did a tradition that I hold near and dear-Sunday brunch! I introduced my mom to Langermann’s just last Saturday-she loved it so much she brought her friend this week for lunch then made another return trip for brunch this Sunday!

A new classic in Canton, Langermann’s nails southern dishes and has the space and warmth for parties of all sizes! I had yet to dine for brunch but knew I was in for a treat!

Starting the meal off right were warm biscuits brought table side with butter and jellies. Certainly not packages of mass-produced jams but homemade fruity spreads. The blueberry was good enough to put on top of pancakes and the strawberry was rich and thick and reminded me of a daiquiri. I was torn what to put on my biscuit-so I opted for both!

Another great thing about Langermann’s brunch (and a great way to kick off Sunday Fundays like I know many of you do!) is the complimentary mimosa they offer between 10-3. Fresh, fruity, and just enough kick to get you out of whatever daze you might be in from the night prior! 

As I’ve said many times, I’m a gal who loves her bread and carbs (also the reason why I’m trying to amp up my gym time!)-whether it’s in the form of potatoes, pasta, biscuits, or in that morning’s case-French Toast! 

Sweet, raisiny, drizzled with chocolate and topped with strawberries-it’s a brunch to beat! My date opted for the Breakfast Blitz-a morning staple of eggs, meat, potatoes, and a biscuit! 

A Langermann’s speciality, the Langermann’s Hash, was also ordered-chorizo sausage, short ribs, corned beef hash all served beneath two eggs. This dish is wholesome, hearty, and sure to leave you full for hours to come!

Langermann’s is a big fave of mine-the open space, the southern fine dining, and the half price wine Wednesdays are all reasons why I return time and time again. In fact, I’m lucky enough to have my alma mater host a Young Alumni Happy Hour there in April! 

Needless to say, Baltimore offers up a lot of big city style and flavor-however, for me, it’s the taverns and the homestyle, rich cooking that I adore in this town! Sure you can find Lebanese, Thai, Italian and all sorts of ethnicities downtown-but let us not forget the south, hon!

A true flagship of Baltimore, Cafe Hon is my hotspot for comfort food, friendly staff, warm coffee, and, of course, beehives, winged glasses, and hot pink boas. 

I had the lucky fortune of hitting the Hon Bar this month with my work and got to try their chicken salad and to kill for chocolate cake. The peppy pink and green motif, paisley wall paper, and retro style bar is an instant mood lifter for any glum, winter day. Believe it, hon. 

Of course, while their lunch is always a sure fire hit (whether you try their homemade BLTs, soups, and entrees), for me, it’s always the breakfast that I crave for on the cold December days. Nothing beats their warm and toasty cinnamon hon bun on a lazy Saturday accompanied with a warm cup of Zeke’s coffee, to boot. 

This particular Sunday, it was their hearty chipped beef platter (which is anything but skimpy) and a seasoned side of potatoes that I ordered. Ponying up in one of their boots on the restaurant side, the best thing to do while waiting is people watching and eyeing up the funky inventory that’s for sale! Flamingos painted like Harry Potter, Ravens’ players, and other creative motifs fill the walls, ceilings, floors, bathrooms, you name it!

Despite my level of fullness after the truly homestyle breakfast, I had to order one of their delicious cinnnamon Hon Buns to go. Warm, gooey, cinnamony, and chock full of childhood dreams, the bun is something to get and devour on scene or save for later zapped in the microwave and curled up in all of its coziness.

Apart from these menu items, Cafe Hon boasts of standard fare such as eggs stuffed with bacon and sausage, Texas style French toast, and The Avenue Breakfast ( two pancakes, two eggs, two slices of bacon, sausage, and their Hon potatoes). Seriously-for the lover of breakfast, make this a must on an early weekday or a late weekend brunch.

After I ate, I made a point to walk the rounds of the Avenue. From Red Tree, which has the gift for the person with everything, to Ma Petite Shoe (shoes & chocolates. Done.) and Avenue Antiques, the Avenue is ideal for milling around, seeking out unique gifts for yourself and friends, and swinging by for a quick bite a true Baltimore stomping ground (just ask John Waters)!

This fall, Baltimore is brimming with some pretty unique and exciting exhibits and I had the great opportunity this past weekend to check out the Baltimore Museum of Art’s latest one-Andy Warhol: The Last Decade.

While I spent a few hours looking at this very colorful and diverse exhibit as well as the museum’s permanent collection, it was their museum restaurant, Gertrude’s, that caught both my stomach and my eyes.

Getting the best of dinner and lunch, I managed to sneak into the restaurant without a reservation during the Lite Fair hours on a Saturday. The menu consists of a few entrees from the dinner menu, soups, salads, and an abundance of sandwich options.

After browsing the wine book (also containing a few fun and creative cocktail numbers), I opted for a local favorite of mine, the Boordy Vineyard blush wine. Aside from gallery hopping in the fall, heading to Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore is another autumn must in Maryland!

The light and crisp wine held me over until our early dinner arrived. As a huge hummus and tabbouleh lover, my eyes drew immediately to the Middle Eastern Platter. A mixture of feta, pita, hummus, fig leaves, olives, and tabbouleh, the meal was both heart healthy and packed with flavor and spices. Not even being able to finish the platter, I was pleasantly surprised to see the waiter place it in a plastic container complete with fresh garnish and in a lovely array.

Much too often, leftovers get the back burner priority and often fall apart in the bag/box or just get heaped in there without thought. Thumbs up to maintaining the integrity of the food even if it’s not being enjoyed in the restaurant!

My date opted for something a bit more Baltimore traditional-cream of crab soup paired with half a sandwich. Touched with a whisper of sherry, the soup is fresh, hearty, and filled with large lumps of crab. With many places often putting one tap too many of sherry in the soup, this was refreshing and relying more on the taste of the crab than the sherry.

The sandwich itself was thick and piled high with turkey, provolone cheese, tomato, field green and pesto aioli all on a thick ciabatta bread with a pasta salad to accompany. Fresh, filling, and a great mixture of turkey and pesto this 1/2 sandwich, 1/2 soup combo is ideal to experience some of the best lighter fare Gertrude’s has to offer!

While we weren’t able to finish the entirety of our dinners, naturally we managed to find room for the most decadent and inventive dessert ever! The Gertrude’s candy bar a.k.a. “Candy Bar Goes To Prom.”

Dressed up with drizzles of caramel and chocolate, the bar has a base layer of a crispy rice topped with rich chocolate mouse and a silky caramel layer in between. On top is a airy whipped cream and on the side was something I can only describe as the most amazingly grown up Fischer’s popcorn style popcorn to add some salty crunch to all the glorious richness in the dessert.

While Gertrude’s is great for crabcakes and a fantastically convenient option to dine post-museum browsing, don’t discard popping in for a quick bite and glass of wine or a late evening treat for a baked apple dessert of famous ice cream sundae.

Personally, I can think of no better pairing than the rich works of Warhol, Matisse, and Renoir followed up with the rich creations by John Shields over at Gertrude’s!