More outdoor dining spaces have come on the scene making al fresco dining in Baltimore a highly anticipated summertime treat. Parisians have sidewalk cafes to linger in summer, but Baltimore has hidden rooftops and patios for outdoor dining that you can find in many neighborhoods, from Brewers Hill to Hampden.
I bought my house in Hampden in 2000. Yep, my neighborhood’s gotten better and better every year. And, when you look at the restaurants, even more so. I got into cooking later in life…in my mid-30s, Julia Child, Jacques Pepin, America’s Test Kitchen and Ina Garten all taught me how to cook. And then in my 40s, Hampden got new restaurant after new restaurant. When I moved in, there was Holy Frijoles, Cafe Hon, Golden West and a few others. I still miss Mamie’s lobster night. Now? We have The Food Market, Dylan’s Oyster Cellar, Arômes, Paulie Gee’s Pizza and the list goes on. And on. Saturated? Maybe, but the good ones will stay. Quite possibly one of the best places to open in years? The Bluebird Cocktail Room.
Summer might be winding down, but that spells good news for local food lovers, as restaurants kick into high gear with a variety of events and festivals on the horizon.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
New year, new feel—Art After Hours now puts you into the center of the art! Come have a cocktail, lower those inhibitions and be part of art in the form of a TASK Party.
New year, new feel—Art After Hours now puts you into the center of the art! Come have a cocktail, lower those inhibitions and be part of art in the form of a TASK Party.
Happy New Year! How are those resolutions holding up? Whether you’ve committed to a meatless January or you’re still nibbling leftover Christmas cookies, Baltimore’s restaurants are offering plenty to drool about this week. Here’s a look at what’s happening in and around town:
Building on the success of its four other venues, the historic Lord Baltimore Hotel is set to open up a new bar in a once-deserted room housed within the historic 23-story building downtown.
It’s Friday, Baltimore. No matter how you feel about the results of Tuesday’s election, you’re probably ready for a distraction from the news. Fortunately, local restaurants are here for you. Here’s what they have on tap this week:
What It Is: A gorgeous cookbook (or, mixology book?) dedicated to the time honored art of the Southern cocktail. Perfect for the warming weather, this charming volume overflows with Southern spirit with classics like the Mint Julep and the Hurricane, but also features new concoctions like the Blueberry Martini and the Peach Mojito. It’s got everything you need to become an expert at the form, including a checklist of bar necessities and recipes for accompanying bites like Devilish Eggs or Sweet and Sassy Pecans. Available at Trohv. $14.95.
Who It’s Perfect For:
The Northern Transplant: Sure, Baltimore is not properly The South. But then, a bowl of grits with your eggs isn’t exactly unheard of here. As the weather warms up, those more accustomed to hearty White Russians and simple whiskey drinks would do well to understand the fine art of mixing a cold drink for hot weather. It’ll help them stay cool personally, and look cool as hosts.
The Gluten-Free: Hear us out on this. One of the first things the newly gluten-free tend to lament is that suddenly they cannot just reach for a beer when they feel like it. Alas. Depending on their level of sensitivity, certain liquors may be off the table too. But not all of them. Learning the fine art of the classy cocktail can be a great way to ensure that a life without gluten doesn’t mean you can never unwind. And since this book is full of creative ideas, the possibilities will suddenly seem endless.
About Mt. Washington Tavern
(from the website)
In 1979 an entrepreneurial group of friends set out to create Baltimore’s best original restaurant. The Mt. Washington Tavern quickly became a comfortable neighborhood eatery – a common ground for debate and chatter after a long day and a perfect establishment for those special lunches, dinners and late night dining.
The Tavern has undergone a major rebuild and renovation after a multi-alarm fire devastated the original structure in the fall of 2011. The accidental fire destroyed the interior of the restaurant and much of the exterior, leaving a Mt. Washington community wondering about our neighborhood staple. We vowed we would rebuild and, as promised, we unveiled the “new” Mt. Washington Tavern in November 2012.
Our establishment is still unique to Baltimore: the walls are decorated with Chesapeake Bay-inspired artwork, while other areas showcase artwork featuring horse racing paintings and commemorative collections. Andrew and Hans Guerlin of the local Schuler School of Fine Arts and grandsons of the founders, were commissioned to paint a 5ft x 10ft replica of Pimlico’s old clubhouse, the Old Hilltop which now hangs above the main bar and is visible from the Pimlico room.
With a mouth-watering menu, amazing ambiance and stellar service, The Mt. Washington Tavern was designed with you in mind. So come relax, linger, and enjoy.
