Chef Gordon Ramsay’s culinary empire in trouble

Ramsay's restaurant empire in trouble-Read @
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Chef Gordon Ramsay’s culinary empire in trouble

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Pressure Cooker, the movie-rated G for great

Pressure Cooker documents three Philadelphia inner-city culinary students and their teacher who drives them, empowers them to make changes in their lives. It is about a competition called C- CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) that awards scholarships for underprivileged students.

Read complete review and watch the trailer at
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Pressure Cooker, the movie-rated G for great

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The First Lady's victory garden

Check out what Michelle Obama is saying about the garden to the children who helped put it together:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: The First Lady's victory garden

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Betty Ford Clinic for plate addiction

My name is Dara Bunjon and I’m a plate addict, I admit it. I have more plates and platters than 18 families combined. I have fine china: Minton, Staffordshire to unusual pieces from flea markets and yard sales. There isn’t a Ross for Less or TJ Maxx that I don’t scour their housewares sections for a new mug, platter or new set of everyday plates.

Check out the new place I found:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Betty Ford Clinic for plate addiction

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Tidbits - coming soon

There are a couple new restaurants opening quite soon but if you missed any of the weekly post catch up here: Baltimore Dining Examiner: Tidbits - coming soon

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Thank you Baltimore Magazine

This story started with me reading my June Issue of Baltimore Magazine and seeing my creative and humorous friend, John Donahue’s blog, Baltimore Snacker being touted in the article 101 Things to Eat, See in Do in the Baltimore-Centrics Corner of the Web on page 116. I sent off an e-mail to him straight away with congratulations on the recognition.

Read the entire story at Baltimore Dining Examiner: Thank you Baltimore Magazine

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Anthony Bourdain, Alice Waters and Duff Goldman - need I say more?

Local Baltimore TV Food Network star, Duff Goldman shares the stage with Anthony Bourdain and Alice Waters discussing the pros and cons of organic food. All three gathered at the Connecticut Forum for the “food for thought” panel.

Watch the interaction between the 3 food celebs - connect here for the video:

Baltimore Dining Examiner: Anthony Bourdain, Alice Waters and Duff Goldman - need I say more

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Food safety, handwashing and Swine flu - Oh My!

Seinfeld episodes were notorious for dealing with day-to-day incidents. Some themes are classics, I myself refer to someone I know as a close-talker. Probably the one that was the scariest was Seinfeld in the men’s room, the chef came out of the stall and didn’t wash his hands and proceeded back to his kitchen. Read more and watch video
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Food safety, handwashing and Swine flu - Oh My!

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Éclair of my dream

I usually say feed me foie gras and lobster and I will follow you anywhere. I need to add eclairs, I LOVE eclairs. Don't expect me to share...read more on that at:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Éclair of my dream

The last supper - a meal to die for

Those are heart attack burgers and those along with fries cooked in lard are waiting to kill you. Read more and view the video:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: The last supper - a meal to die for

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Farmers market cooking class

Cooking class takes students to the local farmers market to learn about produce, cleaning and storage. Students back to restaurant kitchen to prepare their own meal with product purchased.

Read more:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Farmers market cooking class

Waiter auditions, American Idol style- fun video

If you understand American Idol and you understand restaurant servers, you'll enjoy this video.

See the whole story:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Waiter auditions, American Idol style-video

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Boston Market offers discount to veterans

Sometimes we loose sight of what Memorial Day is all about. It seems appropriate with the holiday this weekend to talk about the Veterans Advantage card and an on-going promotion that Boston Markets is offering veterans.

Read more:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Boston Market offers discount to veterans

The batch is back! Raising money for AIDS Foundation

Ben and Jerry’s was one of the originals and still is a leader in social responsibility. They recently kickoff a limited partnership with Sir Elton John.

Baltimore Dining Examiner: The batch is back! Raising money for AIDS Foundation

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A child's first ice cream - the bib didn't help!

Check out this video nugget I captured this evening of a little girl having her first ice cream cone. Her sheer focus on the ice cream cone and enjoyment was a joy to watch.

Baltimore Dining Examiner: A child's first ice cream - the bib didn't help!

Tidbits-openings, closing and soon-to-be

There is always a restaurant opening, sadly one closing and the sneak preview of what is to come. Here is a look at this week:

Baltimore Dining Examiner: Tidbits-openings, closing and soon-to-be

11 burger recipes for your holiday grill

Tired of the same old burger off the grill? Want to do something a bit different but not sure what? Along with the recipes I offer up grilling burger tips.

Get the complete story:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: 11 burger recipes for your holiday grill

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FREE samples of Taster's Choice stick pack

Alway keeping my eyes open for FREE stuff (side bar-didn't you love George Carlin's routing on Free Stuff.) Follow the link for the full story and connect for the FREE coffee sample.

Baltimore Dining Examiner: FREE samples of Taster's Choice stick pack

Found the Carlin routine

Random food questions

Like Seinfeld asking “what’s the deal with,” I have my own questions, food questions. If you have the answers, let us know. If you have your own perplexing food questions, do share.

Do you know the answers to any of the questions - check them out at
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Random food questions

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The soft shells are coming, the soft shells are coming

How can you be a Marylander and not love soft shell crabs? Tis the season and now the DineDowntown is kicking off the 1st Annual Soft Shell Crab Week. Check out the story, the details and video:

Baltimore Dining Examiner: The soft shells are coming, the soft shells are coming

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Trader Joe's youngest shopper

Playing with my new Flip video camera I caught this little girl checking out at Trader Joes.

See the video and read more:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Trader Joe's youngest shopper

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World's top 10 fast food restaurants

We seem to be a country of list makers; the ‘top ten’ has been one of David Letterman’s cornerstone segments in his show. I have to admit, I get sucked in watching and reading these list. This morning’s e-mails brought a new list to taunt me, 'World’s top fast food restaurants.' Not being a selfish soul, I thought I would share.


Baltimore Dining Examiner: World's top 10 fast food restaurants

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photo by Craig Hurst www.craighurst.net

Duckathlon V – restaurateurs gone quackers

New York City restaurateurs and chefs blew off steam during the 5th year of culinary games and competition. Check out the video at the story...well worth the watch if you love Top Chef.


Baltimore Dining Examiner: Duckathlon V – restaurateurs gone quackers

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900 plus show for Pollan lecture

I missed Michael Pollan's lecture...twitterverse said over 900 people showed

Baltimore Dining Examiner: 900 plus show for Pollan lecture

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photo credit to Ken Light

Top women chefs and restaurateurs awards – call for nominations

Women Who Inspire Awards from Women Chefs and Restaurateurs are seeking nominations for 2009. For the first time in WCR history they are opening up nominations to non-members.

Baltimore Dining Examiner: Top women chefs and restaurateurs awards – call for nominations

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Tidbits plus this week in review

Some behind the scene local restaurant news and the week in review before they hit the archives

Baltimore Dining Examiner: Tidbits plus this week in review

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Worth a watch

2009 Best Seafood Dives in Maryland

Coastal Living has put out their national list of the best seafood dives. Cantler's got top ranking in Maryland thought many other seafood dives were mentioned. Get the skivvy at
Baltimore Dining Examiner: 2009 Best Seafood Dives in Maryland

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NEW Restaurant – Talara opening May 25th

Can you believe it Talara is finally opening. Read about it and get the link to their website and check out their menu. They are having a Grand Opening Week

Baltimore Dining Examiner: NEW Restaurant – Talara opening May 25th

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Baltimore Dining Examiner: REMINDER - Free Chocolate Bar today starting 9 a.m.

Baltimore Dining Examiner: REMINDER - Free Chocolate Bar today starting 9 a.m.

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NEW Farmers market opening this weekend

I'm excited about the opening of a new farmers market in the Baltimore area for many reasons, the main one, it is close to where I live: Read more

Baltimore Dining Examiner: NEW Farmer’s market opening this weekend

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Hot off the press release – new restaurant, new chef, new Kimpton Hotel

Just got the scoop on who is top toque at the new restaurant in the new Kimpton hotel. Read more:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Hot off the press release – new restaurant, new chef, new Kimpton Hotel

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10 Things Celebrity Chefs Won't Tell You - a great read

I just enjoyed reading a humorous and informative article in Smart Money by Jason Kephart titled, you guessed it, 10 Things Celebrity Chefs Won’t Tell You.

We seem to go through adoration phases in this country. I remember when we were in the comedian phase, don’t you? All the sitcoms starring stand-up comics: Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen and eventually Ray Romano.

Continued at:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: 10 Things Celebrity Chefs Won't Tell You - a great read

I heart teriyaki - 2 ingredient recipe

As an avid foodie I try to stay up-to-date with the restaurant and food scene in Baltimore and nationally. One of my favorite bloggers and food authorities here in Baltimore is Baltimore Magazine's Food Editor, Suzanne Loudermilk and her blog In Good Taste.

Suzanne reached out for guest posters to her blog while she has some surgery and I garnished one of the posts. It just went up - the story is I Heart Teriyaki- a 2 ingredient recipe - For the story click In Good Taste

Too Suzanne, a speedy recovery - gal you got to stop dancing the can-can in stilettos!

Can you say FREE chocolate bar from Mars?

Real chocolate giveaway from Mars candy but is this a great way for them to take a lemon and make lemonade. Read more here:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: Can you say FREE chocolate bar from Mars?

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FREE lecture with Michael Pollan author- Omnivore's Dilemma

Leading provocateur of how and what we eat, Michael Pollan, author of the best selling book, Omnivore’s Dilemma is coming to
Baltimore this weekend.

Read the complete story and view the video:
Baltimore Dining Examiner: FREE lecture with Michael Pollan author- Omnivore's Dilemma

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photograph by Ken Light

Aunt Bee is alive, well and cooking in jail

From fiction to reality check out my story on a real live Aunt Bee:

Baltimore Dining Examiner: Aunt Bee is alive, well and cooking in jail

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Star Trek – the food

How many of you wish you could have a replicator in your home and just be able to speak to a machine and it creates whatever your heart’s desire in food? I’m sure any chef worth his weight in Pok Tar isn’t too thrilled in the loss of jobs. Read more...

Baltimore Dining Examiner: Star Trek – the food

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Steak.Seafood.Sanctuary - coming to Baltimore

Baltimore Dining Examiner: Steak.Seafood.Sanctuary - coming to Baltimore

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Dear mother

Dear mother

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Dine downtown mother’s day – check out the deals

Baltimore Dining Examiner: Dine downtown mother’s day – check out the deals

Modern Spice -FREE lecture tonight

If you are passionate about food, love the intrigue of spices and flavors then you should be at the Waverly Branch of the Enoch Pratt Library at 6 p.m. Enjoy a FREE lecture from cookbook author and food authority, Monica Bhide at the Waverly Branch of the Pratt Library. Her new book, Modern Spice: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen is filled with essays and recipes with contemporary twist on Indian food. Drink chilled mango and papaya soup as Ms Bhide takes you on a marvelous food journey.

“With a local approach to global flavors, Monica Bhide captures the spirit of Indian cuisine while updating the genre to reflect modern tastes and lifestyles. Bhide explores the relationship between food and emotions in a collection of essays interspersed with mouthwatering recipes.”

Her new book Modern Spice will be available for sale at the end of the lecture or purchase on line. Mom likes to cook, this would make a great gift - especially autographed

Monica Bhide
Wednesday, May 6th at 6 p.m.
Enoch Pratt
Waverly Branch
400 E. 33rd Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-396-6053
WVR@prattlibrary.org

Free dinner for everyone in America-say thank you Oprah

Baltimore Dining Examiner: Free dinner for everyone in America-say thank you Oprah

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Are you getting your full order of fries?

Baltimore Dining Examiner: Are you getting your full order of fries?

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