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.
October 31st, 2011
“Glassblowing is a glassforming technique that involves inflating molten glass into a bubble, or parison, with the aid of a blow pipe, or blow tube.” It was invented by the Phoenicians at approximately 50 BC. A person who blows glass is called a glassblower, glassmith, or gaffer.
I spent so many years going to Berlin that it seemed like a second home to me. Since those days the town has so many more stores and an artist village has emerged. Just like in Rehoboth, Bethany and Lewes, the shopkeepers of Historic downtown Berlin are friendly and a joy to talk to.
I cannot draw, paint, or sculpt; I am in awe of anyone that can express him or herself in such a way. There must be sensitivity that I do not pocess.
So, there I was in front of Jeffrey Auxer Designs, located at 19 Jefferson St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 443-513-4210. Website? www.jeffreyauxer.com.
The building was pretty neat. It looked like it had been a garage at some point, but I am not sure. The Gallery was not very big; just perfect. As you come in be prepared for a burst of color. You will smile; you can’t help it.
Slowly take it all in. Check the pieces because each has been individually hand blown. A work of art by Jeff, who I found to be reserved but friendly. I also met Adam the first time I visited.
Jeff is a local guy, having graduated from Stephen Decatur, Berlin, Maryland, and then attended Salisbury University. In business for more than several years.
In his studio you will find home decor, lighting, vessel sinks, hanging platters, centerpiece bowls, vases, jewelry and many other items for gifts, or for your own personal indulgence.
 Sink 
I asked Jeff what pieces he liked the most. He mentioned the lamps. They truly are works of art and very unique.
 
In the middle of the Gallery there was a case with golf putters. He can customize them with pretty much any sport’s team. They are $125. You would have to call him to the above telephone number and tell him if you are right or left handed and tell him what logo you would like.
Jeff is also making jewelry. Loved the ring holders.
On Friday, November 2nd, his Studio will participate in the 2nd Friday Art Stroll. This is an event that takes place the 2nd Friday of every month from 5-8 p.m. Shops and galleries in Historic Berlin open late to give the visitors a time to get to know them better.
From November 12th until December 17th – Saturdays, there will be a hand blown glass ornament making class. $15/ornament. Ages 4 to……Just call the Studio at 443-513-4210 to reserve your spot.
Glass Blowing Classes are held every other week-end, as well. Just call the number above mentioned for class times and pricing.
A Party Experience – Bring your party to the Studio. Make a paperweight for $75. All info. regarding this unique experience can be found by visiting www.jeffreyauxer.com.
So, to my friends in Rehoboth and Lewes I just want to let you know that it only takes about 45 minutes or so to get to Berlin. Not a bad drive.
From Ocean City is just 10 or 15 minutes and from Salisbury, it only takes about 25 minutes.
I really enjoyed it…..more to come from Berlin…as I was strolling through the town…
Note: Some info. for this post was taken from Wikipedia.
September 28th, 2011
On my left hand side of AboutMyBeaches, on this website, I have under categories a place for services. They are those tried and true services used by me that I can pass on to you.
You know how it is. Need a plumber and who are you going to call. A painter, needed fast; company is coming. Or, it is time to to some tile updating.
So, I have used the following services in the past month. I thought they were professional and very dependable.
Seaside Plumbing, Inc. They are plumbing and gas contractors, licensed in Maryland and Delaware. They are located at 7731 Purnell Crossing Rd. in Berlin, Maryland. Tel. 410-641-1368. Website? www.seasideplumbing.com.
Even though they are located in Berlin, Maryland they service the Peninsula; I just used them.
Note: They do have 24 hour emergency service, as well.
Colorful Expressions – I used these painters and they could not have been more professional and knowledgeable about their work. The owner is Chris Smullin. Tel. 302-381-3578
Camelio Tile Co. – Tile Installer. John Camelio is his name. Tel. 443-497-1351. Website? www.cameliotileco.com. John did a great job and was very easy to work with.
The above companies are young and very pro customer service.
See you later….you know, as usual….bla bla bla
September 20th, 2011
I cannot believe that I still have a couple of posts from my trip to Baltimore, where I discovered so many interesting places to visit and to dine.
One of them, which I really liked was a very unique glassblowing studio called Corradetti. It is located at 2010 Clipper Park Rd., Suite 119, Baltimore, MD 21211. Tel. 410-243-2010. Website? www.corradetti.com.
I went to see Overlook Cipper Mill which are contemporary homes with wooded views and the latest in sustainable design options. Corradetti was in this complex.
Anthony Corradetti is the artist. His work consists of “painting multiple layers of metallic paints which are individually kiln fired on large blown glass vessels”. Vessels are bowls. I remember learning about them when I wrote about the Happyrock Pottery a couple of weeks ago.
You can read about this process and about the different workshops that Corradetti is offering by just visiting the website above mentioned.
The studio is gorgeous. If you are interested in hosting a party at the studio, just give them a call because the studio is available for parties.
The Gallery has a beautiful representation of his work and are available for purchase.
So, I am passing on the info. just in case you find yourselves in Charm City or if you are in need of a gift that will certainly be a conversation piece.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
September 17th, 2011
I am welcoming this change in the weather like you would not believe. It is so gorgeous and crisp; makes you want to get up and do something.
If you are spending time this week-end at the beaches, you will hear the roar of motorcycles up and down Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). They are mainly heading towards Ocean City, MD, where the Delmarva Bike Week is presently taking place.
The other day I went to have lunch at Liquid Assets. This restaurant, bar and beautiful bodega is located at 94th St. & Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-524-7037, website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com. I think this is the perfect opportunity to write the post on L.A. since just as it opens for lunch, it is also open for dinner.
I took my sister in law, Susie, on this outing. I wanted her to see how different it was. Don’t have one in our Delaware Beaches.
It has a bistro atmosphere with different choices for dining. You may choose to stay in the package goods section where you can see the comings and goings of patrons, and at the same time have a quiet dining experience.
You can also sit at the bar, or decide to dine in their separate dining room, which might be more intimate. The feel of it is, definitely, more like a wine cellar.
Susie and I decided on a corner table in the middle of the package goods store.
Diane was our waitress and she turned out to be very knowledgeable about the menu and very friendly, as well.
Usually, I do have their Pan Roasted Mussels. I truly love them and even though I have had very good ones in other restaurants; these, at L.A. are totally #1.
But, I decided to have something else. I went with their L.A. Burger. It was made with Creekstone Farms beef, with a traditional cucumber and red pepper relish, bibb lettuce, Denhay English Cheddar, and thick cut fries on a Kaiser roll. Temperature? Medium rare.
As you can see from the pictures, it was a very generous portion. How I ate it? I don’t know. To tell you the truth I don’t know why I even dare to question this since I have always been able to finish all my food.
It was juicy, well seasoned and I really did like the addition of the bibb lettuce.
Susie had their Deluxe Grilled Cheese. This sandwich is always on their menu and it is very popular. Applewood smoked bacon, sliced apples, cheddar, spinach, pane dolce and thick cut fries.
Great combination of flavors for this time of the year. We had to open it so that you could see what it looked like inside.
Liquid Assets has an extensive wine collection, as well as plenty of spirits. As I walked around a few caught my attention.
Then, one in particular. It was a Vodka called Tito’s Handmade Vodka. In large letters it also said Gluten Free.
This vodka is handmade in Austin, Texas by Mockinbird Distillery. It has been in the press lately, as well. It has the designation of being the First Spirit to be Made in USA Certified. If you visit their webiste, www.titosvodka.com, you will find very interesting info., including the press releases from Buy American Challenge, WSJ, Martha Stewart, NY Times and CNN Money.
Liquid Assets also has catering, and the availability to hold private parties in the restaurant.
By visiting their website, above mentioned, you will find their menus, including their cheeses, their martinis and their beer list. Throughout the year they hold events and interesting specials, as well. You can even share your lazy dog photos with L.A.
Lazy? Don’t want to cook? They have carry-out.
You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
September 13th, 2011
Just a short drive from Ocean City, Maryland and a little bit of a longer drive from the Delaware Beaches, you will find some interesting events that are on the calendar for the upcoming week-end. After having such crazy weather, the month of September is turning out to be one of sunny days and low humidity, great for outdoor events.
Historic St. Martin’s Church
This Church is located in Showell, Maryland. It is the oldest of 11 Worcester County Museums; established in 1692. Beautifully restored and a proud gem of the community.
I wrote a post on St. Martin’s Church on 5/9/11. If you would like to see it, please click on the month of May,on this website, and scroll down to the date.
The address is Rt. 113 & 589 Junction, 4 miles north of Berlin, Maryland. The website is www.historicstmartinschurch.org. You can also find it on Facebook.
Because it is part of the Worcester County Museums you can also visit www.octhebeach.com/museums.
St. Martin’s has been busy all summer long. All the way through October there are open houses every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Weddings have been held at the Church and other events have been on-going, as well.
The next event will be on Sunday, September 18th, at 1:00 p.m. This is when New York based Brown Box Theatre Project will bring, to the public, free of charge “Twelfth Night”.
Shakespeare’s classic comedy of a shipwrecked heroine is brought new life by local resident Kyler Taustin, the Director, and a group of exciting young professional actors and designers out of Boston and New York City. The setting will be the bones of a shipwreck itself, with the actors picking their way over driftwood and broken pieces of a ship.
Since it will be an outdoor performance, the audience is encouraged to bring chairs and picnic blankets.
Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, with a twisting plot involving identical twins, mistaken identities, love triangles, and one very cruel practical joke.
Other events on the calendar are:
11/11/11 – St. Martin’s Day: A Celebration of Donors
11/12/11 – Open House Festivities
December- Historic St. Martin’s will have several holiday services, To Be Announced.
Worcester County Garden Club
The Worcester County Garden Club is sponsoring A Standard Flower Show, “A Day At The Beach”. Location? The Ocean Pines Library on 11107 Cathell Rd. (Route 589).
This will be a two day event. Please note that it is FREE to the public.
Friday, 9/16 frin 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9/17 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon.
Anyone interested in entering the show, please call Mary Lou Scott at 410-208-6558.
Design Arrangements and Horticulture Specimen will be judged prior to the public viewing.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
September 2nd, 2011
Someone said that a blog is like a home. That it shows personality and passion. You know…all the things that decorate life. I could not have said it better myself because when I started this website which is written in a blog style, I wanted to make sure that it was honest, fun and from my heart. Sometimes I think I write too honestly, and others I can’t believe I wrote that on paper. But, hey, it is a diary of sorts.
During the past year some of us have met in Miami, others in Puerto Rico, Colorado, Philadelphia and just before hurricane Irene, in St. Michael’s, Maryland.
When I tell you I have not seen Tita in probably about 40 years, I am not kidding. It took her to visit St. Michael’s with her family and for me to drive over to reconnect. The funny part is that even after all those years, we just started talking like I had seen her the other day. Her family? Just as easy going.
I am supposed to be the one that knows the area, the ins and outs. Well, I got so lost. I even got lost in St. Michael’s. The town is so small, how could I? They knew their way around much better.
St. Michael’s looked good. It dates back to the mid 1600s. It was a trading post for area tobacco farmers and trappers. St. Michael’s is keeping its colonial past pretty much intact. Tourists love the town. It is so pretty and the streets are lined with trees and plenty of restaurants and shops. A longer visit will have to wait. This one was strictly for my friends. And they were hungry.
If you want to know more about St. Michael’s, please visit www.stmichaelsmd.org.
We stopped at The Crab Claw right in town. Some wanted lobsters; other fish. I just wanted them to try a blue crab.
The lobsters looked good. The crabs ordered were on the small side. A lesson on how to eat open a crab followed. The other dishes were okay.
The Crab Claw has been the place to go in St. Michael’s for years but I found it a bit too commercialized. It is located at 304 Burns St., St. Michael’s , MD 21663. No credit cards are taken; cash or check. Website? http://www.thecrabclaw.com.
Our next destination? Take the ferry over to Oxford, Maryland. You can drive it but it is more scenic and fun on the ferry. Tita and her family were looking at me skeptically. I am sure they were thinking, could she even get to the ferry?
And, they were wondering where it was. Then, almost in no time it was right in front of our eyes. This ferry is called the Bellevue-Oxford Ferry, and it is very small. It can fit more than a few cars, though. It only took about 10 minutes to cross the Tred Avon River. The view was gorgeous. It was such a pretty day and some sailboats were anchored at Port Oxford. This area is practically known as sailing capital.
The ferry was established in 1683 and it is the nation’s oldest privately operated ferry. More info? Please visit www.oxfordbellevueferry.com.
Arriving by ferry to Oxford is the way to go. You really get to appreciate the beauty of this quaint town that dates to 1694.
 From The Treasure Chest in Oxford It is the perfect get-away. And, you really are away from it all; nature, water, and beauty surrounds this historic town. Its residents want to keep the town the way it is; retaining its charm is on all residents minds. They even think that St. Michael’s is too big.
Walking around Oxford you could feel the wonderful breezes and enjoy its quietness. I am sure my friends were really feeling it because having come from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where noise is a way of life, this was a welcomed change and a haven from the hustle and bustle of that city.
We stopped at The Treasure Chest. This shop is located at 214 N. Morris St., Oxford, MD 21654. Tel 410-924-8817. You can find it on Facebood as The Treasure Chest in Oxford. It is a small shop; Susan is the shopkeeper.
Just like everyone you meet in Oxford, Susan is friendly and ready to tell you about Oxford. Her store has art by local artists, nautical gifts, tee shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, jewelry, hats, bags and souvenirs that promote the port of Oxford.
We bought a few things. You could not help it. You can find something for a friend, for your boat or just your own little indulgence.
In her storefront window, The Treasure Chest is keeping one of the 2011 Picket Fences called Don’t Fence Me In by Joanne Boughner/Sara Koch. These artists’ charity is CaringBridge.
 Picket Fence "Don't Fence Me In" at The Treasure Chest Early photos from the town of Oxford showed that there were picket fences gracing lawns around the mid 1800s. The town does not know who installed the first picket fence or who imagined its distinctive and exotic design, which is an onion dome with a center hole.
2011 marks the 3rd year for this popular event. Half of the profits from the picket fences will be donated to the favorite charity of the artist whose fence raises the most money at the Auction!! If you are interested in purchasing a fence but cannot attend, then, please visit www.portofoxford.com to find out how.
As you walk around the town you will be able to spot the fences. There are 18 in all.
It was hot and Susan sent us to the Scottish Highland Creamery (the Creamery) on 14 Tilghman St. Website? www.scottishhighlandcreamery.com. You can also find them on Facebook.
As we approched the Creamery, we heard a customer say “this is the friendliest ice cream store we have ever been”. It was true. Susan (different from the other Susan) was the owner.
One taste of the coffee and I was sold. It was delicious. That true coffee flavor with chips of dark chocolate. The Creamery also has sugar free and gluten free ice creams. All homemade using local ingredients, fresh milk, cream. We ate our ice creams in a most relaxed atmosphere; by the water with not a care in the world.
Soon we were back on the ferry again. I had to get back to Delaware. Seeing Tita was great. Friends are priceless!!
Note: Oxford’s 1st Nautical Festival and Flea Market will be Saturday, September 3rd from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Causeway Park. It is free and open to the public. Please, also note, that The Treasure Chest will have a table selling brand new Oxford t-shirts (short and long sleeves) and Oxford sweatshirts (crews and hoodies). The Treasure Chest will also be open at their location.
 From The Treasure Chest, Oxford, Maryland See you and have a good one!! 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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