July 27th, 2012
Some went to the ball game and others decided to try one of the many restaurants in downtown Baltimore. Baltimore did win on Thursday and the city was crowded.
My sister in law is always looking for those special restaurants; the ones that are unique. In Baltimore, you will find interesting ones. The city is known for its diverse culinary atmosphere. So, when I stopped at her house and she told me that there was a restaurant in Federal Hill called Bluegrass, I was ready. Having traveled from Rehoboth, I was already hungry.
Another friend, Peggy, joined us. Federal Hill was home to her many years ago before it became a trendy neighborhood. I was in good hands.
Bluegrass Tavern (Bluegrass) is located at 1500 S. Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. Tel. 410-244-5101. Website? http://www.bluegrasstavern.com. General Manager is Kelli Kulnich. Monday is the only day they close. Reservations are accepted.
The Executive Chef is Ray Kumm. His culinary path has taken him from Basserie Tatin, to Sotto Sopra, to Alizee, and a final stop at Bluegrass Tavern, where the cuisine is categorized as American and Southern cooking.
Federal Hill is just a few blocks from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. A neighborhood with shops, restaurants, taverns, boutiques and galleries. Some call it SoBo (South Baltimore). In the historic district, many of its buildings are included in the National Register of Historic places. Federal Hill is very conveniently situated. Close to I-95, I-395, the Baltimore Washington Parkway, and to Charles and Light Streets.
We arrived around 2 p.m.; a late lunch. Bluegrass has al fresco dining; not on such a hot summer day. It would have to be another time.
We met Kelly Kulnich, the General Manager. She proceeded to take us to our table. Hank would be our server.
The restaurants has 2 floors; both with full bars. Bluegrass’ pride is the ability to perfectly pair their delicious food with drinks. A specialty of the Tavern is the focus on America’s finest Bourbons. Beers from local breweries are on the board and on the menu.
 
Charcuterie is the art of making sausages and other cured, smoked and preserved meats. It takes time but in the hands of an expert….haven!! Bluegrass has an array of charcuteries.
 
The restaurant is warm and cozy. Definitely, a neighborhood restaurant.
 Bar on the first floor.  Bar on the second floor. A few drinks were ordered, including a Bluegrass Pale Ale from Heavy Seas Brewery.
A couple of appetizers:
Kolrhabi Vicchysoisse – with lemon verbena garnished with crispy forest mushrooms. This cold soup was so amazing. A must if you are visiting Bluegrass. Light and smooth; vegan too.
Beet Carpaccio – I love beets and these ones were gorgeous and tasted just as good as they looked. Served with smoked sable, pickled fennel and an orange vinaigrette.
For lunch we ordered:
Corn “Risotto” – grilled welsh onions, fresh sheep’s milk cheese, bursted baby heirloom tomatoes. We all tasted it and it was awesome; we did not want it to end. It is a very popular dish at Bluegrass. Gluten free!!
Bacon Avocado Sandwich with roasted peppers, escarole and chips. So gorgeous and Peggy loved it. A generous portion and very reasonably priced. We opened the sandwich so you could see how beautiful it was.
Mine was the Smoked Fried Chicken Sandwich with crystal hot sauce aioli, pickled red cabbage and fries. What a treat!! Very well seasoned and my taste buds were dancing happily. Again, we opened it.
Dessert:
I hardly ever order dessert. It seems that I am usually satisfied. But, we had to order something. A dessert to share.
I decided on the Olive Oil Cake…..just as I was saying that I was not a cake lover, the cake arrived. It was the best ever!! Moist, and just yummy. Gran marnier glaze, brown sugar chantilly, candied orange zest. Truly delicious!!
Our server, Hank, was extremely courteous, knew his menu well, and let us talk and talk.
Bluegrass gives back to the community that has accepted them so well. Each month they choose a charity or organization and donate 10% of the total gross earnings for just that day.
The Tavern is holding events and specials every week. Please check the website or the board at the restaurant.
Until Sunday, August 5th B’more is holding Restaurant Week. The opportunity to try all kinds of restaurants in Downtown Baltimore at a fraction of the price. Bluegrass is one of such participating restaurants and you can check what they are serving by visiting their website.
To see the participating restaurants, please visit http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com.
So….when in Charm City, please stop by. I cannot wait to have dinner!!
Have a great day. Talk to you later.
June 12th, 2012
The tall ships and the Navy grey hulls started to arrive today in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a Star Spangled Sailabration to launch Maryland’s 3 year commemoration of the War of 1812.
The State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, and Fort McHenry will host a series of programs and events.
The “Angels Over Baltimore” Air Show will take place over the harbor and Fort McHenry on Saturday, and Sunday, June 16th and 17th. It will feature the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels aerobatic demonstration team.
There will be also an open house static display of various Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aircraft at Martin State Airport in Baltimore County.
Because of the events, please remember that your visit to Fort McHenry may be greatly impacted; huge crowds, limited parking and closed areas of the park.
Please plan accordingly.
For more information, please visit http://www.nps.gov/fomc/parknews/star-spangled-sailabration.htm.
Talk to you later…
February 23rd, 2012
Going to Baltimore for the day is no brainer. The Delaware Beaches are so close to major cities, like Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. A day trip is an easy one.
I lived in Baltimore years ago. I have always liked it. It is a small city comparing it to the nearby ones. Like all of them it has the good, the bad and the ugly. I tend to concentrate on the good. Baltimore is a city of many firsts. Many U.S. cities would love to have what Baltimore has to offer.
A City of Firsts, yes indeed, with innovations throughout its history. Advances and inventions in industry, transportation, science, and education. Hospitals that are world renowned; a port, the Orioles, the Ravens, ethnic neighborhoods, fantastic restaurants. A Farmers’ Market in its 35th year, right in the middle of the city. Visit the website http://www.Baltimore.org/about-baltimore/baltimore-firsts.
Can’t wait to see the celebrations kicking off the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Fort McHenry is the birthplace of our National Anthem; The Star Spangled Banner. http://www.baltimore.to/fort-mchenry.html.
People don’t tend to move from Baltimore. And, if they do, they always come back. They do drive a lot of Volvos too. I have never seen so many.
We invited my sister in law, Susie, to have lunch. Our choice was Petit Louis Bistro. This is a classic French bistro located 4800 Roland Ave., Baltimore. Tel. 410-366-9393. Website? http://www.petitlouis.com.
There is more to where this bistro is located. The neighborhood is called Roland Park. It was the first planned suburban community in North America, developed beween 1890 and 1920.
Also, the actual building is very interesting. You see, this single Tudor style, small, shopping strip where Petit Louis is located, is the world’s first shopping center; opened in 1907.
As you enter, you will find a full bar and two dining rooms. They are both very comfortable.
 
Petit Louis opens for lunch and dinner. They also have a brunch on Sundays.
 
Our server was friendly, and immediately presented us with sourdough bread and homemade butter.
For lunch we had the choice of a Prix Fixe menu for $22. 3 courses included iced tea and coffee. We liked the choices so Susie and I decided on this type of menu.
We both chose the Petite Salad de Mesclun. Local Mesclun greens, Reggiano and a red wine vinaigrette. Nicely seasoned, and simple.
Susie chose the Croque Monsieur. This was a sandwich of sliced Madrange ham, Gruyere cheese and frites. Even though this is a standard on their menu, Susie thought it was the best one yet.
I had the Louis Casse-Croutes which was a steak sandwich, medium temperature, with caramelized onions, frites and a delicious horseradish aioli. It really was so good.
My husband decided to go a la carte with all hors d’oeuvres for his lunch.
The first was a Terrine a la Mode Landaise. It was a Foi Grass Terrine, without the grilled baguette, due to his gluten allergy. Loved it.
Ris de Yeau which was a Sauteed Sweetbread with button mushrooms in a Madeira reduction. Sweetbreads are not served in many restaurants; Baltimore seems to have them available. He thought they were perfectly cooked.
He also had the Gravlax, which was the House Cured Salmon Gravlax, with capers and creme fraiche. Paper thin and beautiful.
Susie and I had the choice of desserts.
I loved the Mousse au Chocolat. I always forget how good this dessert is.
Susie had the Fruits de Saison; a citrus custard on top.
Coffee and an offering of cheese, which was greately enjoyed, ended a very nice lunch with family…
Talk to you later…
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!!
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.
 
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