Monday, July 6

Roseda Beef Farms and Baltimore Slow Foods hosts family picnic this Saturday!



Roseda Beef and Baltimore Slowfoods will be hosting a family picnic day on the farm this Saturday July 11th, with a rain date of July 12th. You can come visit the farm anytime from 10:00AM to 2:00PM.

You can take a hay ride to tour the farm and enjoy a hot dog or hamburger provided by Roseda. Attendees are asked to bring their own blankets and chairs, along with any side dishes, condiments, plates and cutlery they plan to use for eating.

Adults are $8.00, Kids 3-12 are $5.00, 3 and under are free. To RSVP please contact Zoe Saint-Paul at zaromansp@yahoo.com

I have been to Roseda Farms several times and can attest to the beauty of it. As consumers it's great to be able to see and know exactly where your food comes from. Especially now with all these food recalls from mass producers, it's comforting to see farms like Roseda with an "open door" policy to see the exact operations and feel secure in the quality of the product.

Monday, June 29

Baltimore Foodies host cocktail and dinner party at Feat @ 4east.



The Baltimore Foodies will be having a cocktail and dinner party at Feast @ 4east on Thursday July 9th.

This event will start at 7:00PM and will be open bar with dinner being served around 7:45PM. (Yes I just said OPEN BAR!) The party includes hors d'ouvres, dinner and dessert. Tickets are $49.00 per person, if you would like to purchase a ticket, please click here.

Hors D'ouvers include a meat, fish and vegan brushetta assortment. Dinner will be the option of grilled and smoked pork with chutney, grilled fish or a grilled veggie. With dessert being either pavlovas or meringues with nuts and chocolate sauce.

Feast @4east is a great restaurant located in the city adjacent to 4 East Madison Inn. 4east provides a great menu of sustainable foods with a french/mediterranean theme. Another nice little plus about 4east is that they always offer vegan specific dishes, or offer to adapt menu options to vegan. So make sure to stop by and eat at Feast@4east sometime in the near future.

If you have never attended a Baltimore Foodies event I encourage you to do so. Don't just think because you are not a "member" that you can't attend events. A majority of the events are open to the public, and are encouraged to attend. The Foodies are great supporters of local restaurants and of course tasty food. Be sure to check out their website, and sign up for the e-newsletter so you can notification of upcoming events.

Tuesday, June 23

A few tips on how to supply your “4th” and other summer cookouts with local and sustainable foods.



If your social calendar is anything like mine, the 4th is always the kick off to one of many cookouts planned for the summer. Preparing for cook-outs with a sustainable and local influence is not as hard as you might think, especially for those like us “Baltimorians” who live in the Chesapeake watershed region.

We have several local meats, fruits, veggies, wine and even beer options to choose from for those memorable summer cook-outs. Here are a few simple suggestions on how to supply your summer parties with local and sustainable products, and still being environmentally conscious.

#1) Check out your local Farmer’s Market the week prior to your party. Since the “4th” is two Saturday’s away, this week is perfect for you to do a little research during your shopping at your local Farmer’s Market. You can scope out what the producers have to offer, which can help you plan out your menu. Simple is always better, and it helps to plan a menu around what you have available.

This will give you a chance to talk to the farmer’s about maybe setting aside some burgers, strawberries or other produce for you to pick up next week. That way you know exactly what you are going to get the week of the “4th”, and it’s one less stress item off your list. Many vendors love to hear requests like that, so they can properly plan on how much supply to bring to the markets.

#2) Visit your local liquor store and ask what local brews and wines they have in stock. At my house Troegs Brewery and Boordy Vineyard products are frequent in my fridge and on my wine rack. My husband and I have developed a relationship with our local liquor store in requesting certain beers and wines that are regional to the Chesapeake region.

Doing something as simple as this can help boost your local economy in regards to profits for the producers and suppliers. Also if they don’t have something in stock, ask if they can order something if you have a brand name or particular drink in mind. It may take them a couple of days to get an order in, but most are happy to help you with all your alcohol needs.

#3) Designate recycling bins at your house. Typically we put all our recycling in either blue plastic or paper bags as we collect them, and store them in the garage till pick up. During parties we know that is out of the question. A few years ago, after getting tired of picking out bottles from the trash the next day after a party, I bought two very cheap garbage bins. You know the white plastic ones you keep in the bathroom or office. With my faithful sharpie I labeled one “bottles and cans”, and the other “paper only please”. I don’t even bother to line them, and set them out next to the garbage can during parties.

Even those guests that are a “little under the influence” can easily throw their recyclables in the designated bins. After the party is over its easy enough to just “pour” the bottles into plastic or paper bags for recycling pick up. Also if you want to go a step further you can always ask your guests to throw their plastic spoons, forks, and knives in the sink, and you can put them in the dishwasher later, and reuse them for packing those work lunches.

#4) Get your guests involved! One of the easiest things you can do to entertain guests is to get them involved in the preparation of the food. Most want to help you, and enjoy it as much as you do. Every summer we throw a huge party with over a 100 people, and surprisingly I don’t panic too much, because I know how to put my guests “to work” without them even knowing it.

Last year I talked to my local farmer a week ahead and asked if I could pick up a few watermelons and about 6 dozen ears of sweet corn the day of the party. When my guests starting arriving I put a few men in charge of “corking a watermelon” for the adults to enjoy as a dessert. If you don’t know what corking is, let me explain. “Corking” is the process of infusing the watermelon with some sort of alcohol. I prefer vodka as it is almost tasteless or I have seen some use a white rum.

The men love to do this “manly job” as it involves cutting two holes in the top of the watermelon with large knives and every so often pouring your liquor in one of the holes letting the other hole to allow air to escape. Now since the watermelon has to gradually soak up the liquor, you have to keep coming back to pour more in. Giving the men that job is almost as important is being in charge of the grill. They watch it carefully and discuss several approach methods on how to properly do it. (sound familiar to grill techniques?)

In regards to the corn, I held a “corn husking contest” and had a little prize for the adult winner and the child winner. (Which in the end, all the children got a prize.) In less than 15 minutes I had 6 dozen ears of corn shucked, and it only took a little while longer to comb over them to remove any extra “hairs”.

A final thought to involving your guests is when they ask what to bring, ask for food items you know are in season, that way you can get everyone involved in partying the local and sustainable way.

So in a simpler breakdown, A) Keep it simple, B) Eat in season, and C) Involve everyone. Abiding to those few simple guidelines can help you enjoy throwing parties more, and have your guests talking about how great that party was for years to come. We all know that foods in season, and locally grown always taste better.

Monday, June 22

Final"Fresh Thoughts Dinner" tomorrow in the Baltimore Aquarium's Seafood Dining Trilogy



Tomorrow, June 23rd is the last of the Fresh Thoughts Seafood Dining Trilogy hosted by the National Aquarium of Baltimore.

The first two dinners were on the formal side, so this time around the Baltimore Aquarium has decided to host the final meal in a family friendly way.

Tickets are $45.00's for adult members and $55.00''s for adult non members, with children being $25.00's. Dinner will run from 5:30pm to 8:00pm with several entertainment options prior and after you meal.

Your ticket will include admission to the 5:00pm dolphin show prior to the meal, and also includes a showing of "Planet Earth: Shallow Seas" in the new 4-D Immersion Theater after the meal. You also will have the ability to see all the aquarium exhibits till 9:00pm.

The theme of this dinner will be Tilapia, with a feature of Tilipa Tacos!

You can enjoy local beer from Clipper City Brewery, Grilled Chicken from Springfield Farms, Corn from the Eastern Shore and Soft Tortillas from Lilly's Mexican Market. There will also be "cookie panting", where kids will have a chance to decorate their fish shaped cookies prior to consumption.

Now that school is out for the summer, this is a great way to continue the education and enjoy time with friends and family.

If you would like to purchase tickets to this event, please click here. Or you can call 410-576-3869 to place a reservation.

Tuesday, June 16

Greenspring Station Farmer's Market Recap



If your life is anything like mine, it seems the summer season is your busiest time of year. This past weekend I was able to work at the Greenspring Station Farmer's Market on behalf of Gunpowder Bison.

This past Saturday was the second week of the Greenspring Station's Farmer's Market. There are several vendors of all kinds providing both you and even your dogs local foods and products.

As you can see I have attached a little slide show of some pictures I took at the market. The market will be running every Saturday from now until November 21st, from 2:00PM to 5:30PM. Almost every Saturday I will be at the Gunpowder Bison stand selling you all your Bison needs, and even bones for your dogs.

There are currently about 25 vendors at the market, and there are still a few more openings. If you are a farmer or producer and would like to participate in this market please contact Marge Wildey of The Nut Farm at 410-828-5447.

Currently here is a list of participating vendors.

Albright Farms

Hartlaubs Farm

Maison Nord Natural Farm

Martins Farm

Stoecker Farms

Pahl's Farm

The Mushroom Stand

Three Springs Fruit Farm

Quite A Stir

Stone Mill Bakery

Baltimore Dog Bakery

Bee's By The Bay

Carry Out

Charles Street Gourmet

Dog Gone Necessities

Edible Favors

Gunpowder Bison and Trading Company

Hawkshill Creamery

Lisa Anne's Toffee Apples and Sweets

Meatcrafters

Locust Point Flowers

Savory Soup

Scotty's Goody's

Tribal Earth Herbs

Zeke's Coffee


After the end of each market, my husband and I come home with all sorts of goodies. This weekend we had lamb sausage, fresh bread, cheese, potatoes, strawberries, herbs, cookies, eggs, honey and even flowers! As you can tell we have been eating quite well this week. So please come out and visit the market, talk to the vendors and take home some great local products.



On a little side note, I will be out of town in New Mexico starting tonight till Friday.

Friday, June 12

Great Grapes Festival this Saturday and Sunday at Oregon Ridge Park



This weekend is the 7th annual Great Grapes Wine Festival. Both Saturday and Sunday the festival hours are 12:00PM to 6:00PM.

Great Grapes is always a wonderful way to discover how many wineries are actually located in Maryland. You can sample all the products and talk to the vendors, and also purchase bottles to add to your collection. There is also always food and art vendors with all things wine related, so don't worry you will not go thirsty or hungry.

I really encourage you to visit each vineyards booth, taste some wines, and pick up or read any provided literature. It's always a fun filled day, and a great way to start off summer.

This year, tickets prices are the following:

Adult Admission and Tasting Glass:$22.00's on site. Ticket includes a free tasting glass. (on-line ticket sales have already been closed)

Designated Driver: $15.00's This includes admission only, with no tastings.

Kids 12 and Under- Free

This year of course will be bigger and better in years past, including several local wineries. Here is who will be there.

Basignani

Black Ankle Vineyards

Boordy Vineyards

Cove Point Winery

Cygnus Wine Cellars

Dove Valley

Far Eastern Shore Winery

Fiore

Frederick Cellars

Little Ashby Vineyards

Penn Oaks Winery's

Perigeaux Vineyards and Winery

Running Hare Vineyard

Solomon's Island

St. Michaels Winery

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard

Terrapin Station Winery

Woodhall Wine Cellars


If the fact that you will be able to sample from all these Vineyards isn't enough, there will also be live music both days. On Saturday you can listen to Phillip Bray Looking for Lester and The Players Band. On Sunday you will be able to enjoy Phillip Bray, Chester River Runoff and The Kelly Bell Band. So make sure to bring a chair or blanket to sit on, sip some wine and enjoy the lovely weather and music.

I will be there Sunday, and make sure to say hi to me at The Marylanders For Better Beer and Wine Laws Booth from 12-2.

Tuesday, June 9

Good Life Thursdays start this week at Boordy Vineyards


Boordy Vineyards always seems to be on the forefront of vineyards in supporting local and sustainable agriculture in the Maryland area.

This week "Good Life Thursdays" start up again for the summer months. They will run every Thursday from now until September 11th rain or shine. Each week you can stop by during the hours of 4:00PM to 8:00PM and enjoy a variety of local interests.

"Good Life Thursdays" feature a farmer's market with several vendors that will be there the whole summer, with each week having a different food and musical guest. So there is always something new to look forward to.

Farms and vendors will be there to sell you goods and wares for your enjoyment, and wine will also be available for purchase to enjoy right there on the property.

You can bring your own picnic, and eat under the trees while enjoying the live music and a glass of wine. Or you can also enjoy fresh food created by Milt's Catering. Milt's takes products fresh from the vendors each week and creates meals right there for purchase. ( I always ended up getting a fresh salad, and grilled veggies along with a burger.)

It's always a nice way to kick back and pre-start your weekend. You can enjoy some local wine with friends, grab a bite to eat, and do your grocery shopping for the week. You can also pick up some ingredients to create a "Summer Recipe with a Local Twist" to enter in my contest.

Vendors this year are the following;

One Straw Farms - Offering fresh organic produce for purchase on site. Also offering CSA pick up.

Gunpowder Bison - Offering local and naturally raised bison products available for purchase on site.

Rumbleway Farms - Offering organic beef and pork available for purchase on site.

Forever Endeavor Farms - Offering pastured pork, lamb & beef presales.

Carriage House Farms - Offering free range hens, farm fresh eggs and honey available for purchase on site.

Two Oceans Seafood - Offering sustainable, wild-caught fresh fish available for purchase on site.

Parfections - Offering handmade gourmet truffles and chocolates available for purchase on site.

Belvedere Farms - Offering field grown flowers available for purchase on site.

Firefly Farms- Offering goat cheese available for purchase on site.

Kaylala Farm - Offering natural emu products available for purchase on site the first Thursday of every month.

Keyes Creamery - Offering cow cheeses and ice cream available for purchase on site.

Atwater Breads - Offering organic breads and desserts available for purchase on site.

High Grounds Coffee Roaster - Offering fair trade certified coffees available for purchase on site.

Boordy Vineyards - Offering vineyard tours, wine tasting, bottles for purchase and glasses to use on site for the evening.

Friday, June 5

Where's Liz this month?


Summer always seems to be my busiest time of year. And as always I also encourage you to participate in all the great events that happen in and around the Baltimore area.

Starting this Saturday and every Saturday until November 21st, I will be representing Gunpowder Bison and Trading Company at the new Greenspring Station Farmer's Market. So feel free to stop by and maybe pick up some ingredients to create a "Summer recipe with a local twist" (Don't forget to submit your creations to me ). Weekly reports of the market will be posted also, so stay tuned!

This Sunday the 7th, I will be checking out the new "Sunday Brunch" being offered by Woodberry Kitchen. Personally I feel that Woodberry is one of Baltimore's most popular restaurant that uses only local, organic, sustainable foods, that are served only in season. Make sure to check back in the future for a review.

The following weekend I also have plans to stop and check out "Honfest 09". There is nothing more "Bawlmer" than Honfest. So try to stop by either this Saturday or Sunday to support your local businesses, restaurants, brewers, and of course "The Bawlmer Hon's."

This Thursday and every Thursday till September 10th, Boordy Vineyards will be having their Good Life Thursday's Farmer's Market. Now I won't be able to make every one, but most likely several, I will be in attendance. I will make sure to report, what I can remember the next day after my consumption of wine and food. If you have never been to "Good Life Thursdays", I really recommend it. You can get a wine tour, picnic on the vineyard grounds with a bottle of wine, and purchase foods for the week from local farms in the area.

On Sunday the 14th, you can find me at the Marylander's For Better Beer and Wine Laws booth at the Great Grapes Festival. Great Grapes is a two day event being held on the 13th, and 14th at Oregon Ridge Park. Both days features sampling and purchasing of all the local wines in the area, along with live music and other entertainment. It really is a great event to able to sample the variety of wines this area has to offer. Also don't forget the picnic blanket or chairs so you can relax, have some cheese and wine while enjoying live music.

The 16th-18th I will be away in New Mexico. Though New Mexico is not locally related to Maryland, Hatch Chillies are local and sustainable to New Mexico. Hopefully I will come back with some great tips on how to grow and prepare Chile related food dishes related to this area.

And of course if I'm not at one of the places I mentioned above, you can most likely find me in my garden weeding and tending my fruits and vegetables. So make sure to send me those recipes, and try to attend one of the events mentioned above.

Wednesday, June 3

Recyled Love Animal Rescue at Hamilton Tavern tonight.



If you haven't gathered already, I'm a huge supporter of charitable events. From helping out local animal shelters, to raising funds to fight cancer, I'm there.

If you are looking for a great meal that falls under the local and eat in season category, Hamilton Tavern is always a great destination.

Tonight starting at 4:30pm going until 12:00am, Recycled Love Animal Rescue will be at Hamilton Tavern. You can meet some great adoptable animals, and have a great meal.

Even if you don't adopt an animal or want to right now, going to eat at Hamilton Tavern tonight will still help out Recycled Love. Hamilton Tavern will be donating a portion of the proceeds of that night to Recycled Love, so why not go!?

Not only can you enjoy amazing food, (I dare you to try the burger with a fried egg on it.), and a few Brewer's Art creations, you can contribute to a great cause.

I wish more people would attend these events, and truly see, how animals such as Pit Bulls really behave. They are for a majority, gentle and loving dogs that are misunderstood.

So please, head out to Hamilton Tavern tonight, grab a brew and a burger and pet a few furry heads while your there.

Tuesday, June 2

Food and Wine Festival, this weekend at National Harbor



This Saturday and Sunday, the 6th and 7th, is the 2nd Annual Food and Wine Festival. Both days are filled with all kinds of venues within the food world. From wine, to cooking, to celebrity chefs, to the support of local foods, they have something for everyone.

Here are the ticket prices:

General Admission - 21 years or older
One Day Festival Pass: $65.00
. You must be 21 years or older to qualify for this ticket. Photo ID will be required for alcohol sampler wristband.

General Admission - 12 to 20 years old
One Day Festival Pass: $30.00.
You must be 12 to 20 years old to qualify for this ticket. Only non-alcoholic beverages will be available with this ticket.

General Admission - 6 to 11 years old
One Day Festival Pass: $15.00.
You must be 6 to 11 years old to qualify for this ticket. Only non-alcoholic beverages will be available with this ticket.

Children 5 and under are Free

Your general admission ticket includes:

Food, wine, beer and spirits tastings

Attendee bag and wine glass

Access to seminars, chef demos and workshops

Ability to enter the Country Fair Baking Contest with Big Prizes

Now if you are thinking that the event may just be a little out of your price range, let me give you the guest list.

For Saturday:

Carla Hall - Top Chef contestant (Alchemy Caterers)

Kids Demo 1:30 p.m.

Demo 2:30 p.m.


Ariane Duarte Top Chef Contestant (CulinAriane)

Kids Demo 1:30p.m.

Demo 2:30 p.m.


Spike Mendelsohn - Top Chef Contestant (Good Stuff Eatery)

Demo 2:30 p.m.


Dan Shapley -The Daily Green

Seminar 2:00 p.m


Laurie Forster - The Wine Coach

Demo 3:00 p.m.


Barton Seaver - Blue Ridge

Demo 4:00 p.m.


Chana Brissett - RSVP Catering

Demo 4:00 p.m.


Maria Cooke - Ritzy Bee Events

Demo 4:00 p.m.


Bonny Wolf - NPR Commentator

Book Signing 4:00 p.m.


Mary Ann Jung - as Julia Child History Alive

Act 5:00 p.m.


Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito - Baked

Demo 5:00 p.m.

Book Signing 1:30 p.m.


Lettie Teague - Food & Wine Magazine

Book Signing 5:00 p.m.


Suvir Saran - Dévi

Book Signing 5:30 p.m.


Bart Vandaele - Belga Café

Demo 6:00 p.m.


Stanley C. Dukes - Giant Foods

Demo 6:00 p.m.


For Sunday:


Stanley C. Dukes - Giant Foods

Demo 12:30 p.m.


Matt Weingarten
- Inside Park at St. Bart's

Demo 1:00 p.m.


Miran Shim - Inside Park at St. Bart's

Demo 1:00 p.m.


Barbara Fairchild - Bon Appétit -What We Eat Now

Panel 1:30 p.m.

Book Signing 12:30 p.m.


Jeff Tunks - Passion Food -What We Eat Now

Panel 1:30 p.m.


Bonnie Benwick - Washington Post -What We Eat Now

Panel 1:30 p.m.


Rene Catacalos - Edible Chesapeake -What We Eat Now

Panel 1:30 p.m.


Walter Scheib - The American Chef -What We Eat Now

Panel 1:30 p.m.

Book Signing 12:30 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.


Nycci Nellis - The List Are You On It

Panel 1:30 p.m.


Lettie Teague - Food & Wine Magazine

Book Signing 1:30 p.m.


John Ochse - Culinary Instructor

Kids Demo 2:30 p.m.


Suvir Saran - Dévi

Demo 3:00 p.m.

Book Signing 4:30 p.m.


Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito - Baked

Demo 3:00 p.m.

Book Signing 4:00 p.m.


Dan Shapley - The Daily Green

Seminar 4:00 p.m


Bart Vandaele - Belga Café

Demo 4:00 p.m

Discover Rums of Puerto Rico!

Demo 5:00 p.m.

There is definitely something for everyone so make sure not to miss it! If you would like to buy tickets, please click here.

Monday, June 1

Sotto Sopra hosts Farmer's Market cooking class



My dear friend Dara Bunjon enlightened me about this great event, and I felt I just HAD to share with my readers.

This coming Sunday, June 7th, Executive Chef Bill Crouse of Sotto Sopra Restaurant will be hosting a "Farmer's Market Hands-On Cooking Class.

For details I am going to direct you to the Sotto Sopra Blog, seeing they explain it a lot better than I would.

But for a quick summary, those who attend this class can get a full experience of going to the farmer's market, picking out your produce, then creating a meal with the morning's finds.

So make sure to check out the Sotto Sopra Blog, as this is going to be an exciting class, filled with fresh foods, lots of knowledge, and of course tasty creations.

Wednesday, May 27

Talara - The new place in Baltimore.



There is a new fun place in town and it's called Talara.

Last week I got to have a sneak preview of the place, and try some of the delicious food they have to offer on their menu. If you like Tapas with a twist, Talara is your place to go. The decor is fresh and vibrant while the staff is exciting and lively. If you are looking for a place to go and have some fun, Talara is a good destination.

Talara offers a combination of Latin American and Island Style foods all served Tapas style. They also have a great drink menu that includes 8 different kinds of Mojito's. (My favorite one was the passion fruit mojito.)

We started out the night with some chips and salsa, but not your typical chips and salsa. Our chips and salsa included plantains, malanga and tortilla chips with three sauces to dip in. The varieties of dips were hummus, curried mango and yankee salsa.


Nathan and I were also able to sample some Seviche that night. If you like spice in your food that I have to recommend the Fire and Ice seviche consisting of Habanero peppers, prickly pear granita with the choice of Ahi Tuna as our seafood.



We also had the Curried Tropical Fruit Seviche with fresh lime, cilantro, jalapeno, pepper, scallion, red onion, green curry, fresh fruit and plantain chips. The seafood choice was yellow tail snapper.


The Fire and Ice had more heat and a hint of sweet to it, while the Tropical Fruit Seviche had more sweetness to it, with a hint of heat. I really recommend getting both and eating them together.

We also enjoyed some other dishes such as Pulled Pork Ficelle. Chipotle Dusted Crab Salad, and Ropa Vieja Steak Salad, all being spectacular in flavor.





Talara has great Happy Hour specials. On Monday's through Thursdays from 4PM-7PM you can enjoy 1/2 priced Mojito's, $2.00's off all Latino Beers, and specially priced tapas and seviche. Then on the weekend (Friday through Saturday) they have a reverse happy hour from 10PM-1AM where you can enjoy the same discount prices.

So make sure to stop by and visit Talara, and also visit the website and check the events section as they have a lot of special events going on.
Also here are a few other pictures from the night.






Talara on Urbanspoon

Friday, May 22

Brew at the Zoo and Wine too, this Sat. and Sun. at the MD Zoo in Baltimore



Summer MUST be right around the corner, if it's time for Brew at the Zoo! Personally I can't think of a better way to enjoy the fabulous weather we will have this weekend, than at the Baltimore Zoo.

This Saturday and Sunday the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore will be holding it's annual Brew at the Zoo and Wine too! Ticket prices are the following;

Non-Zoo Member $45
(Includes admission to the event, Zoo admission from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., souvenir tasting glass, and unlimited sampling of beer and wine)

Zoo member $30
(Includes admission to the event, Zoo admission from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., souvenir tasting glass, and unlimited sampling of beer and wine)

Under 21/DD Non-Zoo Member $20
(Includes admission to the event, Zoo admission from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Under 21/DD Zoo Member $10
(Includes admission to the event, Zoo admission from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Children 2 and under: FREE

On top of the Zoo admission and all you can sample beer and wine, there will be music entertainment, 98 Rock, Merchant Tents and even a kid zone. So you can take the whole family out, and everyone will have fun. If you are wondering if you are going to like all the options for drinking, how about a list of some of the vendors attending;

Boordy Vineyards

Woodhall Winery

Cove Point Winery

Basagannani Vineyards

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Sierra Nevada Summerfest

Magic Hat #9

Magic Hat Lucky Kat IPA

Magic Hat Wacko

Pyramid Hefeweizen

Saranac Pomegranate Wheat

Saranac Imperial IPA

Lake Placid Ubu Ale

Ommegang Witte

Ommegang Hennepin

Ommegang Three Philosophers

Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence

Hop Hog IPA

Strawberry Wheat

Amish Four Grain

Milk Stout

60 Minute IPA

90 Minute IPA

Indian Brown Ale

Raison D’Etre

Primal Pale Ale

Exile ESB

Lucky 7 Porter

McSorleys Irish Pale Ale

McSorleys Irish Black Lager


How can you not go!? So make sure to come out, and not only drink a ton of samples, but also help support the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

Wednesday, May 20

Soul Food in Baltimore at Red Springs Cafe.



You have no idea how happy I am to finally have found TRUE southern food in Baltimore. If you didn't know already, I spent some college years down south in Greenville, South Carolina and immediately fell in love with the culture. People down there make food like no other; good, simple, perfected to a "T", with lots of heart and love in the food.

Monday I was invited to the special opening of Red Springs Cafe. I didn't know what to expect, but I was wonderfully surprised. Red Springs Cafe is located on North Calvert Street near the Baltimore Sun building. The cafe can accommodate 35 people seated, and are specifically opening early so the local work force can get a good breakfast.

Cheryl Townsend the owner, grew up in North Carolina and has brought some of that Southern-Style food back to Baltimore. Growing up in Red Springs, North Carolina she only saw it fit to name the cafe after her hometown. She also owns and runs a catering company, Cheryl's Home style Cuisine, in Silver Springs.

Monday night I was able to sample a variety of traditional favorites. I had fried chicken, Cajun fried catfish, BBQ ribs, North Carolina chopped BBQ, collard greens, candied yams, macaroni & cheese, sweet potato pie, coconut-pineapple cake, and Russell's rum cake. (Are you hungry yet?)

Red Springs Cafe will be open Monday through Fridays 6:00AM to 6:00PM with late openings till 9:00PM on Wednesdays and Fridays. You can get breakfast items such as grits, biscuits, fried apples, and turkey sausage. With a variety of lunch and dinner items you can eat at the cafe or take home. So make sure to check out their website for the daily sandwich and soup specials. I do also have to admit that they are very reasonably priced.

I will definitely be back soon to get some more BBQ, as that was my favorite next to the sweet potato pie that had a perfect crust. So make sure to stop by and try them out, and to be afraid to tell them I sent you.

Here are a few more pictures from the night.





Red Springs Cafe on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, May 19

Check it out! WTEB on another Blog.

My friend Matt is part of a blog called Right Off Russell, where he covers all things sports in the ever so lovely Charm City.
Matt also is a fellow food blogger so even more reason to read his blog. (His food blog is House of Marinara.)

Matt is always looking for great eating suggestions within walking distance or a short cab ride from either sports stadium, and suggested my post of The Abbey Burger Bistro a few blocks over in Fed Hill. If you have a favorite place you like to eat at before either a football or baseball game, let me know, I may just write about it.

So I have to give Matt a big thanks, and encourage all the fellow sport lovers like me to check out his blog for all things sports in Baltimore.