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The first time I walked into the Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park, I was simply amazed. This place is in Baltimore. Seriously. This Thursday, November 6, I cannot …
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Photo by Solstice Photo

From September 10-16, the Star-Spangled Spectacular will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ National Anthem and Wit & Wisdom …
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Figs…

They always seemed a little too exotic for me. Fancy pants. I didn’t grow up eating things like figs - we were more of a steak and potatoes kind …
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Rejoice, rejoice…the farmers market is brimming with local, gorgeous tomatoes. (And corn!) It almost makes me want to cry. To see the tomatoes in my garden thriving…it’s something …
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Photo: Baltimore Sun

When you think of some of the most striking restaurant spaces in Baltimore, what comes to mind? For me, one is PAZO. It’s huge, but warm. …
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Photo by Parts & Labor

I rarely talk about my MOST favorite anything - beer, cocktail, restaurant…or even chicken (but, let’s be honest, it’s Millie.). But last year, I …
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I’m a baker…but not like the artists at Charm City Cakes. So, when I took a cake class there, I have to admit, I was a little nervous. I’d never …
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I’ve been having a hard time writing this post. It’s not a eulogy. It’s not an obituary. Fred Rasmussen has written a quite lovely one. Have you read it? …
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In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner, the Smithsonian Channel and the National Museum of American History created “Raise A Glass to History.” The Smithsonian chose 14 mixologists …
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I’m fairly sure that my absolute favorite thing to eat - anytime of the year - would be steamed crabs. I love them cold the next day, too - don’t you? One of my summer jobs when I was in high school and into college was working at a carry-out crab place, Bill’s Seafood in Perry Hall. Bill Paulshock started his business selling crabs out of the back of his truck, driving back and forth several times a week to the Eastern Shore. Then later, he opened a little shop (where I worked) and now, 20+ years later, he has a much larger shop and operation and does tons of catering, steams crabs off-site and still works SO hard. I don’t know how he does it all. Billy taught us all how to steam crabs and every once in a while (whoopsie) we steamed another bushel right before closing. Okay, that didn’t happen very often but when it did, everyone got to take a few hot crabs home. My mom did not allow my smelly, crabby old Tretorns into the house. For good reason. Gah-ross.

Growing up, we never had much money, so crabs were a really big deal. We never went out to a crab house to eat them…rather, ordered them from Bill’s and we savored every single bit of crab meat. Some of my best memories are in my parents’ backyard, hanging with my five brothers and a host of close family friends — eating, laughing, watching lightning bugs and trying not to get eaten alive by mosquitoes. My mom was a master picker and we all took turns picking crabs for my dad, as his Multiple Schlerosis did not allow him to do that for himself. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - sharing your backfin…that is LOVE!

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Dinner at Volt. I had thought about it. Dreamed, real, since watching Bryan Voltaggio compete on Top Chef, which is probably my favorite show. He always just seemed like …
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On Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27, Artifact Coffee will host yet another fun “takeover” dinner as part of their Artifact After Dark series. This time, it’s with …
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I’ve been a fan of Ryleigh’s Oyster for years. Its chef, Patrick Morrow, is a really talented guy and the selection of oysters on a daily basis is excellent. But there’s more …
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I’m completely fascinated by chefs who cook nose-to-tail style – using every part of the animal – like kidneys, brain, feet and more. One of the most front-and-center of …
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I do love this city, but sometimes, I don’t mind leaving for the night. Read More

At the risk of sounding like a dork, I love food. And I love Baltimore. It’s my hometown. And my hometown is becoming a food town. Read More

Bryan Voltaggio

Dinner at Volt. I had thought about it. Dreamed, really, since watching Bryan Voltaggio competed on Top Chef, which is probably my favorite show. He always just seemed like a nice …
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This week something really fun happened. A brush with fame. But…this is Baltimore, so it was THE MOST low-key brush with fame ever. Read More

Julia Child. I can see myself in her. She was obsessed with food and cooking. She loved her people. She came into her own and was very happy and …
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Come spring, there will be new and FUN dining option in Hampden, Le Garage. As you might guess from the name, it’ll be French. But not fancy French…think fun, approachable …
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This may be the simplest ‘drink’ you ever make. It’s like punch without the fancy pants. Punch in jeans…really comfy jeans. You mix up the ingredients and simply stow …
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This week something really fun happened. A brush with fame. But…this is Baltimore, so it was THE MOST low-key brush with fame ever.

I met my friend Sean through this …
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Back in 2007, I was planning an alumni event at my full-time gig at Friends School and my friend who was then working for Struever Brothers suggested that I look …
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On a gorgeous day in Charm City, there I was…in the kitchen. Avoiding laundry. Again. It was entirely too gorgeous to stay inside but I didn’t have time for a …
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The new Oliver Specks Eats & Drinks in Harbor East - the restaurant formerly known as Vino Rosina - has officially reopened. Chef Jesse Sandlin has created an approachable, creative …
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