January 3rd, 2012
Noooooo, my New Year’s resolutions are still hanging in there. Right before New Year’s I made a second trip to Attman’s, an institution in Baltimore, Maryland. Back in July, on my first visit, my husband told me I ordered the wrong sandwich. “You needed to order The Original; that’s the one I saved my money for on Fridays while growing up in Baltimore”, he said. The one I really wanted to order was the Lombard Street.
So, there we were, Susie, my sister in law, Michael, my son, and I. In between our sightseeing we got hungry. The funny part was that as we were driving around downtown Baltimore we thought it was so quiet; usually not so during the week. The holidays and the forecasted warm weather sent them all to our beaches; that’s how crowded it was here.
Attman’s was the only place that was packed; the usual line; we were all the way at the back of the line. The guys behind the counter were fast; professionals. You better know what you want to order. On this second trip I was ready. I sounded like I went there every day.
Attman’s is located on “Baltimore’s Famous Corned Beef Row”, minutes from the Inner Harbor. To hear my husband tell the stories of how that street used to look like so many years ago; a marketplace, vendors on the sidewalks…… Attman’s actual address is 1019 East Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21202. Tel. 410-563-2666. Website? www.attmansdeli.com.
If you are in Baltimore and want taste and flavor this is the place to go. The corned beef and the hot pastrami are to die for.
Besides our 3 sandwiches we ordered a green pickle, sliced.
My sandwich was The Lombard Street, the one I had been waiting for. Sorry, forgot to take the single picture. It had hot corned beef, hot pastrami, chopped liver and Russian dressing. I loved the combination of all those 3. It did not dissappoint.
Susie had The Original which is the Cloak & Dagger. This is the one my husband was talking about. It had corned beef, cole slaw and Russian dressing. It is a true original and she loved it.
Michal had the Stu Special. It had hot corned beef, hot pastrami, imported Swiss, cole slaw and Russian dressing. It was also delicious.
All sandwiches were huge. Some of us ate them all and another took half home.
I am so glad we went right before my resolutions; otherwise out the window they would have gone. My second visit was just as good as the first one; only better.
Please note that Attman’s ships anywhere, and caters throughout Maryland, Washington and Virginia.
Have a great chilly day!! Talk to you later….
January 2nd, 2012
“Visionary Art begins by listening to the inner voices of the soul, and often may not even be thought of as “art” by its creator.” american visionary art museum
The last time I was in Baltimore, just the buildings caught my attention; I wondered what surprises the inside would bring. Not disappointed in the least. I want to go back and see more of it; every piece of art regardless of its size has a story behind it.
American Visionary Art Museum, AVAM, started with a concept and its own visionary, Rebecca Alban Hoffberger, in 1984 as she held the position of Development Director of People Encouraging People, which was a program of the Dept. of Psychiatry at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
There are several buildings, one of such the 1913 former offices of the Baltimore Copper Paint Co., other building is a historic whiskey factory, Four Roses Whiskey.
AVAM opened in 1995. The location is 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD, 21230. Tel. 410-244-1900. It is easy to find; at the base of Historic Federal Hill, adjacent to the Inner Harbor.
It has the neatest website with all this information and more, www.avam.org.
AVAM is the largest of more than 40 museums and major art environments around the world.
What is Visionary Art? AVAM’s Mission Statement is: “Visionary art as defined for the purposes of the American Visionary Art Museum refers to art produced by self-taught individuals, usually without formal training, whose works arise from an innate personal vision that revels foremost in the creative art itself.”
This museum is for the whole family; kids would love it. The main building is recycled mirror, glass and china chards. It is 3 stories high. This work is the product of a program started in 2000 by AVAM, which was America’s largest youth-at-risk and youth incarcerated, mosaic apprenticeship program, called “Shining Walls/Shining Youth”.
For obvious reasons, no photos were allowed inside the buildings. Other exterior walls of buildings show you how “outside the box” AVAM is.
The Mosaic Bus is called “The Gallery A-Go-Go”. It was created in 1996 by Nancy Josephson. It is a beacon for visionary art lovers; has traveled from Chicago to Baltimore and it is a mobile mini-museum.
I really do want to go back and see it more in-depth; a tour might be the thing to do. There is so much to see. The Museum makes you feel so good inside; happy.
For info. on hours of operation, current exhibits, directions, history, etc. etc., please do visit www.avam.org. Oh, and guess what? Over 70 weddings are held at AVAM every year!!
Note: Information for my post was taken from the American Visionary Art Museum’s website.
New Year….full of new experiences, expectations…looking forward to it, definitely!!
January 1st, 2012
I can’t believe it is already that time of the year when the decorations are coming down. As excited I was to put them up, I dread the thought of taking them down. I felt much better when visiting Baltimore last Thursday, I went through the neighborhood of Hampden.
Some of the decorations have seen better days but they were still hanging on. It was too bad I did not see them at night, because that is when they “shine”. If you are interested in seeing some of the photos at night, just put on your search Hampden Christmas Lights Displays to find some sites with great pictures.
Hampden is located northwest of the city of Baltimore, Maryland. It was originally settled as a community for workers in the mills many years ago. Since then, artists have discovered it; restaurants and shops, as well. Their website is www.hampdenmerchants.com.
During the Holidays, this neighborhood is the talk of the state. People from all over come to see the decorations on 34th St. Get it? As in Miracle on 34th St. The Christmas lights displays begin at dusk until 11 p.m. On Christmas Eve they stay on all night. The actual location is the 700 block of 34th St., between Keswick Rd and Chestnut St. Check them out next year.
When I saw all the decorations, all I could think was where the heck to they store all this stuff?
The first one that attracted my attention was the “palm tree”.
Someone loved National Bohemian Beer. The Natty Boh was originally brewed in Baltimore, Maryland. The iconic face; the “official beer” of Baltimore.
But, my favorite was the hubcap tree.
 
The Manger did not stay far behind, either.
My decorations usually do not come down until the end of next week-end. Even though my kids are grown up, I still observe one of the most beloved traditional and religious holidays in Puerto Rico; Three Kings Day. After that, they do come down fast.
Happy New Years Day!!
December 17th, 2011
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that uses Ladyfingers dipped in coffee. The layers in between are filled with a mixture of whipped eggs, mascarpone cheese, a little liquor and a sprinkle of cocoa on top.
My goodness, there are so many varieties!! I like the traditional one the best. Some still follow the classics; others have evolved from those methods and have different additions.
For the person that has to eat gluten free, then there is the question of the ladyfingers. No way.
Gluten intolerance or sensitivity is one of the most common conditions at present. Celiac disease is an allergy. Both have to approach food in a very different way. No wheat or its derivatives.
Adhering to a gluten free diet is the only way to go and the only remedy. Once the diet is started the results are amazing; you start feeling so much better; tests results will show that, as well.
The most important thing to know is that it is not a fad diet. People with no gluten issues that follow the gluten free diet do feel better; I do.
Some time ago I found a company called Schar. It is from Europe. Their gluten free products are fantastic. You can find these products at Giant in Rehoboth Beach. I am sure you can also find them in nature stores, as well.
They do make ladyfingers that are gluten free. In the back of the box there was a recipe for Tiramisu. Ha…finally!!
This recipe is so easy. No cooking is necessary. At this time of the year, it can be made ahead of time. Everyone will love it.
Sweet endings; dessert. It is the final chapter of a meal…I love a good ending.
I always change a recipe, making it my own. In the ingredients on the box it said 3 egg yolks. But, in the preparation it said 4 eggs. I figured it was a typo and just used the 3 egg yolks.
Another ingredient I changed a bit was the sugar. Instead of 4 tablespoons, I only used 3.
It said to use rum but I used white wine. There are gluten free rums; I just did not have any in the house.
The glass container could have been a bit larger. I had some of the mascarpone mixture overflowing,
Other than that, it was really good.
Tiramisu
3 egg yolks
3 egg whites
3 tablespoons of sugar
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
2 tablespoons white wine
A whole package of Schar Ladyfingers
1 cup of brewed espresso or coffee
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
Beat the egg yolks with sugar; then add the mascarpone cheese and the wine.
Beat the egg whites until stiff and carefully fold into the mixture.
Dip ladyfingers in the coffee. Arrange them closely together in a flat glass or ceramic dish.
Cover them with half of the mascarpone mixture, then add another layer of ladyfingers and top with another layer of the mascarpone mixture.
Sprinkle with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 4 – 6 hours.
It makes about 6 servings.
A little tricky cutting it but it is very delicious and light…..well it does have plenty of calories.
Note: Schar’s Ladyfingers are not quite as big as regular ones. If you want to buy 2 packages, do so and add a few more. I just used one package, though.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later. You can find Schar and AboutMyBeaches on Facebook.
December 8th, 2011
Every time I make this recipe I get those “ooohs and aaahs” you want to hear. It is, actually, pretty good. For lunch? For dinner? You decide.
It is really a healthy recipe; light and ready in no time. Great for a crowd; you can double it, or for just a few.
Hope you like it. Here it goes:
Asian Chicken Slaw
1 cup low calorie sesame-ginger salad dressing (I used Wish-Bone’s Light Asian with Sesame & Ginger Vinaigrette)
1 lb. chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 can (14.5 ounces) Mandarin oranges
1/2 lb. sugar snap peas, sliced
1 cup fresh basil, cut into thin strips
2 bunches scallions, trimmed and chopped
1 bag (16 ounces) cole slaw mix
1/8 tsp. salt (optional)
1/8 tsp. black pepper
Combine 1/2 cup of the dressing with the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Let it stand for about 20 minutes.
Toast almonds in a non-stick skillet, over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Watch them so they don’t burn. You want to obtain a light brown color.
Remove chicken from marinade and add to that same skillet or use another one. Cook over medium-high heat until the chicken is nicely done, turning a few times. It might take about 7 minutes or so. You want it cooked through. Then, cut into bite-size pieces.
Drain Mandarin oranges, reserving 1/4 cup juice. Whisk juice into remaining 1/2 cup salad dressing.
In a large salad bowl, toss cabbage, sugar snap peas, basil, scallions, cole slaw mix, salt, pepper and chicken with dressing.
Add Mandarin oranges and almonds; gently stir to distribute well. Serve and enjoy.
If you would like more dressing…then you know what to do….yes, make it your own…..talk to you later….
November 8th, 2011
“Menu planning meetings begin, in fact, with a good bottle of wine; its taste providing inspiration for new menu items.” corks
When I first came to live, permanently, in the U.S. I first made my home in Baltimore, Maryland. This city has wonderful neighborhoods; some very historic neighborhoods, indeed. Federal Hill is one of them. It is to the south of the city. A lot of the buildings are in the Federal Hill Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see the neighborhood from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Federal Hill has lots of popular, retail, dining and entertainment venues. It is the perfect urban living, having all these options within walking distance to all who make this unique neighborhood home.
So, I asked myself; Who would’ve “thunk” it?? I found myself in Sobo, at Corks, a bistro, well known for its steaks, and I ordered Crispy Deep Fried Chicken. But, guess what? It is Chef Pellegrino’s favorite too. Then, not a bad choice.
Corks is located at 1026 South Charles Street. Tel. 410-752-3810. Website? www.corksrestaurant.com.
I did not know about this restaurant, or even its chef; but leave it to my sister in law, Susie, to find the perfect eatery for a Sunday dinner in Baltimore.
Its Executive Chef and Owner is Jerry Pellegrino. He was the first person we saw as we entered the bistro. You see, the kitchen is located right at front. He had the widest smile and my husband asked “I hope you have something gluten free for me?” His answer was “Anything you want.” Music to our ears!! So, when they say that first impressions count…..
We were seated in the back part of the restaurant. It was very cozy; paintings on the wall, an extensive wine collection was in plain view and a comfortable bar, as well.
The menu has something for everyone. I cannot imagine you not being able to find something to your liking. So these were our choices.
For appetizers:
Susie had the Corks’ Grilled Caesar. Romaine, Parmesan Cheese and White Anchovies. It looked great. White anchovies are one of my favorites, having discovered them in Spain many years ago.
My husband had the Grilled Calamari. Oven dried tomato, Kalamata olive and Sheep’s cheese. When I tell you that these were the most tender calamari, I am not kidding. If you like calamari, well at times they are a little chewey. I asked Chef Pellegrino how could he get them so tender. He said they are fresh. Nothing frozen.
Mine was so good. I am always attracted to a dish that incorporates beets. Roasted beets and apples, walnuts and Maytag Blue with a delicious sherry vinaigrette.
Our waiter, David, told me that the portions were generous. He was not kidding.
Entrees:
Susie ordered the Petite Filet Mignon (6 oz). The steaks at Corks come with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. The creamed spinach had a sweetness to it.
My husband’s choice was the same thing with the addition of seared Hudson Foie Gras on top. He thought it was very good, as well.
My generous portion of Crispy Deep Fried Chicken was a sight to see, with spicy cole slaw and fries. First I tasted the fries and thought that if he had a stand at the beach with these fries we could wipe out the competition. The slaw was the perfect side dish for the chicken and the fries. It was light with a nice kick to it. The chicken was gorgeous and it tasted as good as it looked. So moist and tender.
Sweet Endings?, or, as they called it at Corks “Final Thoughts”. I wished I could have, but it will have to be another time.
Corks opens every day of the week. The bar stays open late. Brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
There are plenty of events where you can taste Chef Pellegrino’s specialties. You can also meet him by attending his cooking classes. Every event is on the website, above mentioned.
Thanksgiving Menu is up and you can attend from Noon until 6 p.m. Call for reservations.
Want to organize your own class? Then, e-mail Jerry at jerry@corksrestaurant.com. You will need a minimum of 8 friends.
Corks has quality of ingredients, culinary competence, service and good prices. The service was attentive; not intrusive, the ingredients, fresh, and the culinary competence, well, Chef Pellegrino is the “main event”.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
November 1st, 2011
Going west towards Baltimore is where I found myself on Monday. Easy traffic this time of the year. Personal errands and lunch with my sister in law, Susie, who is always on target in finding restaurants around Baltimore that set themselves apart from the usual rest.
Driving down Roland Avenue was not as bad as some other roads in Baltimore. For years this city is always re-doing its roads. I am not kidding. The leaves on the trees have turned, already much more than at the beach.
Susie was driving and off to Hampden we went. For the ones who do not know what Hampden is, well, it is one of Baltimore’s most distinctive neighborhoods. It is bordered by Roosevelt Park, Wyman Park, and the Jones Falls; lots of greenery.
Originally, Hampden was a residential community for workers at the mills that were along the Jones Falls.
Hampden is a neighborhood, at present, with lots of shops and eateries located in row houses along the streets. It is a colorful part of town, home to the annual “Hon Festival”, that term of endearment used by some parts of the city more than others.
It is also home to “Miracle on 34th Street”, where homes on both sides of 34th street decorate their home with thousands of lights and Christmas decorations. Even some of their residents call it “Nightmare on 34th Street” because of the traffic turmoil caused at that time of the year.
The Dogwood Restaurant is located at 911 W. 36th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211. It is in the Hampden neighborhood, between Elm & Roland Avenues. Tel. 410-889-0952. Website? www.dogwoodbaltimore.com.
This is a restaurant with a twist. It sets itself apart from the rest thanks to his Chef, Galen Sampson. “The Dogwood is a social business that trains a small group of individuals who are working to transition to a better way of life.” These individuals get intensive training in the culinary arts. By visiting The Dogwood you will be helping them to continue this service. You can read more about it on the above mentioned website.
Susie and I arrived for a late lunch. There was parking in the back. You can enter the restaurant from the parking lot, as well.
My first impression was great. Words that came to my mind were whimsical, bohemian, and certainly colorful.
There were murals throughout the restaurant, including the bathrooms. The murals, I found out, were put there for a reason. The Dogwood is a sustainable restaurant. The images highlight the dogwood tree and nature’s bounty.
The murals were done with the help of Jay Wolf Schlossberg Cohen’s RAP project. The scenes were inspired by the community and finished by Jay.
RAP means Rebuilding thru Art Project. It is “a West Baltimore initiative using community based public art as a catalyst for neighborhood residents to take control of their own community revitalization efforts”. For more info., please check http://www.rebuildingthruart.com.
The restaurant has a full bar with a blackboard showing the specials of the day.
Chris was our server and he knew his menu well. We first got an unsweetened iced tea that was beautiful and the color came from berries.
Then, we ordered a side dish that caught my attention. Except we ordered it as an appetizer. It was Tuscan-Style Roasted Cauliflower, roasted with sweet garlic, crusty bread anchovies and parmesan. Light and delicious with a well seasoned broth.
The Dogwood has lunch sandwiches, where you can get one half sandwich, soup and salad. Therefore, Susie got the Grilled Chevre Sandwich with the Croque Monsieur Five Onion Soup, and salad. She thought is was so good, especially, when the onion soup was not overly salty.
I went more vegetarian. Was in the mood. So mine was an Organic Lentil-Barley “Vegie Burger” on a Garden Salad. Organic lentils and barley with Moroccan spices, local chevre cheese and roasted red peppers, sauteed local squash and greens.
The homemade burger had good texture and it really melted in your mouth. The chevre cheese accompanied with a bite here or there of the roasted peppers definitely got your taste buds working.
The restaurant is known for its wines. The Chef has tasted every single one. That’s what Chris told me. It has won the 2011 Award of Excellence for its Wine List from Wine Spectator.
Among the awards this restaurant and its Chef have received, there is one that was given by CNN in 2008, called CNN Hero. The award was given for his job training program that helps people who have been in prison, homeless or fighting addiction.
Every dish is cooked to order. Any food allergy concerns? Please tell your server and they will be able to adjust your food.
On the calendar? Cooking Classes.
Nov. 12th – Cooking with the Seasons – The traditions of the American Thanksgiving.
December 10th – The Healthy Chef – Delicious Holidays.
The Dogwood opens Mondays through Saturdays from 11:30 – 3:00 p.m. for lunch. For Dinner? Mondays through Thursdays from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. for dinner. Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. for dinner. It is closed on Sundays.
The dinner menu is different from the lunch menu and my mouth was watering as I was reading it. Check it out on the website above mentioned.
Have a great day!!…Talk to you later.
July 31st, 2011
“Authentic New York Delicatessen (only better)” It is their motto; one that has been since 1915.
My son said last night “this is not AboutMyBeaches”. My husband said, he could not believe I did not have “The Original” which is the Cloak & Dagger; corned beef, cole slaw and Russian dressing.
My other son, said “hmm I am ready to go”. That’s more like it!!
I, well..the t.v. was on early this morning and there was a person talking about the food waking up your senses, etc. etc. I tell you, what woke up my senses. Wait a minute, I should say what woke up my hunger. After being at the Baltimore Farmer’s Market last Sunday, Susie, my sister in law, said that instead of eating at the market we could go to “corned beef row”. That did it and it was great. Their reputation is unsurpassed.
Attman’s is located at 1019 East Lombard St., Baltimore, MD. 21202. Tel. 410-563-2666. Website? www.attmansdeli.com.
It was about 1:00 p.m. and there was a line. The place was bustling. Dishes coming out, pastrami here, mustard there. Don’t leave it too lean. My wife is waiting in the car. I was like, what the heck am I going to order?
I was also looking at the cases with some of their offerings including tongue, probably for their Tongue Fu sandwich which has beef tongue, pastrami, corned beef and Swiss, topped with spicy mustard.
I got some help. They do have a friendly staff. He told me to get the corned beef with mustard on rye. I was a novice. Or, the pastrami, same way. I just needed more time. Regulars knew what they were ordering.
Okay, okay; one corned beef, mustard on rye, one pastrami, mustard on rye, one cole slaw and 2 drinks.
Then, off to their Kibbitz Room for dining and chatting. Susie and I split our sandwiches so we could experience both meats.
She thought she loved the pastrami the best.
I thought mine was just as good.
My husband kept texting me that had I ordered the wrong thing. Haha, a good excuse to come back.
Through our lunch at Attman’s, there was never a line with less than 5 people. Attman’s is near the Inner Harbor.
My husband told me that when he was young. I should say younger; he is probably reading my blog, Attman’s was his “paycheck treat”.
He also remembers when Corned Beef Row was like an outdoor grocery store. Chickens, meats; all Kosher.
Attman’s is an old style Jewish deli. It does not need an introduction. It speaks for itself. If you want to know more about it, check out their website, www.attmansdeli.com. Or, you can also go on line and visit www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=6044. This article explains the good times and the hard times of this important street in Baltimore.
It has taken me all week to write about 24 hours in Baltimore. I still have 2 more posts. This City that has been knocked down in the news, even though it has so much to offer. A lot of tender loving care? Of course, and some of you are trying, I know.
In the meantime, I am looking forward to another visit. I already know what I am going to order, regardless of what my husband says. The Lombard Street sandwich has hot corned beef, hot patrami, chopped liver and Russian Dressing. Cannot wait!!
Note: Attman’s offers off-premise catering service throughout Maryland, Washington and Virginia. Ask them about their “Lombard St. Party” which for 50 people or more at your location.
Have a great day! Talk to you….later….
 
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