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 16th, 2011
It is hard to get together with friends during the holidays. Trying to catch up with Shelley, I took Susan to Ocean City, Maryland. We thought we would have something to eat. Our choice? Liquid Assets located at 94th St. and Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-524-7037. Website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com.
It was a simple dinner before the Christmas; both of my friends were Jewish. Susan had never been to Liquid Assets. I always say that it is the perfect Bodega to have lunch or dinner. Their food is so consistent and very good; the restaurant is very unique.
The mussels are a must; that broth was so good. They were pan roasted with chorizo, shallots, garlic and grilled bread. I kept using the shells as a spoon to scoop it up. Finally, our server asked me if I needed a spoon. Too late; I was then finished.
Susan and Shelley had the Caesar Salad; hearts of romaine, crisp croutons and grana padano with grilled chicken.
I had such a good entree. It was Pan Roasted Duck Breast on top of brussel sprouts, butternut squash, boucheron cheese, truffle oil, herbs, and fluer de sel. I did not want it to end. Cooked at a temperature of medium rare; it was perfect.
Deciding that it was time to go home but not before we made a stop to see the Winterfest of Lights which is taking place until January 1st at Northside Park, 125 St. & The Bay.
It was already late so no ride through the animated wonderland on the Winterfest Express. The Winterfest of Lights is an annual event for the whole family. It started around the end of November. It brings so many people; be prepared to wait during the week-ends.
Over a million lights and hundreds of displays, which are updated every year with more added to the existing displays. There is a Winterfest Village inside a festive and heated pavilion.
It was so quiet during our stop and the 60 ft. Christmas Tree was beautiful.
$5.00 for 12 and older and free for 11 and under. You can even purchase tickets in advance at the Ocean City Community Center at 200 125th St. Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the main entrance.
Winterfest of Lights opens Sundays through Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
If you want to continue driving all the way into downtown O.C. then take a drive along Avenue of Trees on Baltimore Ave. from 15th St. to 32nd St. Lots of lights and sparkle showing a beautiful downtown.
Note: Santa will be available for photos at Winterfest of Lights until December 23rd.
Friends….what would you do without them….love to be with them…priceless!!
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….
December 1st, 2011
It is that time of the year, and now that it is December 1st I can get into the holiday spirit. I, actually, did just that on Tuesday. Remember how nasty and rainy it was? Well, around 4 p.m. I took off for downtown Rehoboth for some holiday spirit lifting at Christmas Spirit. The store in Rehoboth Beach is an institution, having been at the Beach for 33 years. The one is Ocean City? Not that far behind with 22 years.
In Ocean City, Maryland you will find Christmas Spirit at 3400 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-289-6101. The one in Rehoboth Beach is at 161 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-6872.
I thought as I came in that the store looked great. Jill Hudson, the Manager, told me they had a great week-end. So many people in town were here for the Thanksgiving Holiday, shopping, and enjoying such a gorgeous time in November.
The shop has many themes, ornaments, decorations, garlands, tree skirts, and lights. There are those ornaments that are keepsakes; then, the ones that are so much fun to give to friends or to attach to a present.
     
Jill thought that the store, on that day, was picked over. I did not find it so. It was full to capacity, I thought.
I always gravitate to the coastal ornaments. I find them so pretty. Jill told me that even though she has lived here all her life, these were also her favorites.
Strolling through the store; some caught my eye more than others.
For example, there were handpainted Christmas balls by Ruth Culver from Berlin, Maryland. 25% of the proceeds will be donated for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Ne’ Qwa Art? I had never seen these ornaments. They come in a very impressive box with a certificated of authenticity, as well.
This art originated in China and it is the reverse handpaiting on the inside of mouth blown glass. It is only practiced by a few. If you would like to know more, the website is www.neqwa.com.
Many towns and cities hold their Annual Christmas Parades in the first week of December. So, here we are, and our coastal towns are ready!!
Thursday, 12/1 – Berlin, Maryland will hold its parade at 7:00 p.m. – Christmas floats, marching bands, fire trucks, Santa Claus and more.
Thursday, 12/1 – Christmas Balloon Parade in Georgetown, Delaware at 7 p.m. A Vintage Christmas Parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, marching bands, floats, and fire trucks. More info? visit www.georgetowncoc.com. Please note that on Monday, 12/5 there will be Caroling in the Circle at 7 p.m.
Friday, 12/2 – It is the 51st Annual Selbyville Christmas Parade at 7 p.m. Food, fun, floats, marching bands, beauty queens, classic cars and fire trucks, of course!!
Saturday, 12/3 – The Christmas Parade in Historic Lewes, Delaware – 5 p.m. Then, tree lighting ceremony and caroling in Zwaanendael Park. Refreshments will be served in the Fisher-Martin House. More info? Please call 302-645-8073 or visit www.leweschamber.com.
Saturday, 12/3 – Christmas Parade in downtown Millsboro – 10 a.m. Santa’s Pak Shopping Spree – shopping, gifts, craft vendors, at the Millsboro Civic Center on Wilson Highway and Mitchell St. 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mrs. Claus will be there and lunch will be available. More info? 302-934-6777.
Saturday, 12/3 – Ocean City, Maryland will be holding its Christmas Parade begining 11 a.m. at 100th St. North to 115 St. to the Gold Coast Mall. Check inside the Mall because they will be having lots of fun stuff. More info? Call Elaine Jarvis at 410-524-9000.
Monday, 12/5 – Christmas Parade in downtown Rehoboth Beach at 6:30 p.m. More info? www.downtownrehoboth.com.
Wednesday, 12/7 – It is the Christmas Parade in the town of Milton, Delaware at 7 p.m.. More info? Call 302-684-8500 or visit www.historicmilton.com.
Holiday House Tours:
Lewes, Delaware, 12/3 – It is the Christmas Tour of Lewes from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the tour. More info? Call 302-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.
Milton, Delaware, 12/10 – Holiday House Tour and Holly Festival – 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the house tour, are $12 in advance and $15 the day of. They can be purchased at Antiques in Milton on 109 Union St. and at the Holly Festival in the Milton Fire House from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. More info? Call 302-684-5544.
Fala la la and more la…..have a good one!!
November 29th, 2011
I have never been one to shop in big malls. I know, I know, the majority of people do. I don’t even go when there is not a holiday around the corner. So, why would I go when at the holiday season all I will get is full parking lots, long lines at the cash register, attendants are busy and a little short?
I like those small shops that you find in every single town, or city. In these shops you get the personal attention you need. My favorites are the local shops in the Delmarva Peninsula; the towns of Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Ocean City, and Berlin among them.
So, no hustle and bustle; peace and serenity is what I want. One such shop is TaDa in the Historic town of Berlin, Maryland. I have written about it before and I just wrote a post on its sister store, TaDa Home. These are the shops that are worth visiting over and over again. New merchandise gets updated all the time.
TaDa is located at 18 N Main St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website? http://www.blairelizabeth.com. At any given time you will find Blair, Patty, Christine and even Brooke. They are responsible for everything on the store to look just right.
Being that the Holidays are upon us I wanted to show you some of the items that make TaDa a must stop shop in Berlin.
TaDa has a Children’s Corner with lots of cute presents for babies. The store has tote bags, scarves, shoes, bags, personalized items and even fun presents for the bride to be.
New colors had just come in – the flats
   
TaDa carries jewelry but the one that attracted by attention is the one designed and handmade by Blair Elizabeth. The stones and color combinations are, definitely, fun, casual with an understated elegance.
      
TaDa and TaDa Home are part of the merchants that make the town of Historic Berlin special during the Christmas Season. Please check out the following events when both shops will be involved.
December 1 through the 24th – Join them for refreshments, gourmet tastings, and free gift wrapping. The stores will open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Fridays in December – Sip and shop with TaDa at Burley Oak Brewery. Stop by TaDa any time to fill out your wish list and send your Santa to Burley Oak located in a building originally built at the turn of the century at 10016 Old Ocean City Blvd. 5 – 7 p.m. shop and enjoy some delicious local brews.
Food Drive, December 3rd – Benefitting the Maryland Food Bank. For every non-perishable food item donated, receive a coupon for $1 off your $5 purchase. No limit on coupons – coupons must be redeemed that day.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
November 23rd, 2011
If there is a town that can bring the nostalgia of what the holidays should be is the historic town of Berlin, Maryland. It is located west of Ocean City, Maryland, just by a few miles. From Rehoboth Beach, it is a longer drive but only about 40 minutes, if that. It is worth it and at this time of the year Berlin gets all decked out for the holidays, their windows are decorated and on Friday November 25th at 5:30 p.m. the Holiday Season will kick off with the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of of the Atlantic Hotel right on Main Street.
Berlin dates from the 1790s; historically charming with lots of shops and restaurants. Their Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 1st at 7 p.m. is one not to be missed. Out of a Norman Rockwell painting, it is.
The setting of Berlin is great but the people that reside, work and own businesses are making sure that this town offers its visitors a treat; wanting them to keep coming back again and again.
One of those shops that is celebrating the Season is TaDa Home. It opened this year, but it does have a sister store; TaDa, that has been around for years. If you are visiting Berlin on the Fridays in December; the 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd stop by because you will be able to enjoy home-made baked goods while you shop for one of a kind Christmas decor and gift items.
TaDa Home is located at 27 N. Main Street, Berlin, Maryland. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website? http://www.blairelizabeth.com.
When Patty Falck first opened TaDa, the store had her signature all over and it still does; simple and elegant. TaDa Home keeps constantly evolving, though. The combined artistic talents of the Falck family is now shining through. I love it; the two girls, the father and the mother. Yes, TaDa Home is a must stop shop in Berlin, Maryland.
The shop is beautifully appointed. Steve and Brooke have combed the area looking for special pieces; Patty then puts then her artistic touches.
Rugs, paintings by Patty, pillows, coastal touches, epicurian books and delights are the many surprises you will find at TaDa.
 
It is easy shopping for the holidays, as well. And, no, Tada is not opening at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. The store hours will be Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
These pictures reflect what a beautiful store it is. Something will have to catch your interest, I am sure.
     
If you happen to see the November issue of Coastal Style Magazine, www.coastalstylemag.com. you will get to meet the Falck family in depth. A beautiful article on this family that for some years has been facing one of those curves that life throws at you.
TaDa supports The Stephen Falck Foundation for MSA Research. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is currently without treament and cure. It is their hope that by funding research for this illness, they may help those currently suffering, and provide hope in the future for a cure.
Please note that portions of every sale from TaDa Home are donated to MSA. Websites to learn more about what they are going through? www.wemove.org/msa. and www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/multiple_system_atrophy.
Happy Thanksgiving!!…talk to you later….TaDa is next….
|
2 Comments