Happy Holidays

A toy for a tot will get you a one cent EVO Evolution draft

Tis the season and what better way to get into the spirit of the holidays than donating an unwrapped new toy for the underprivileged children of this city.  The Nickel Taphouse in Mt. Washington is a Toys for Tots drop off point and is offering the public an EVO Evolution draft or a glass of wine for ONE PENNY, a singular cent, with any toy donation this season.  While you are there, check out their new happy hour menu.

The Nickel Taphouse

Mt. Washington Village

1604 Kelly Avenue

Baltimore, MD  21209

443 869 6240

Gordon Ramsay in Baltimore to launch new restaurant

It is official, the celebrity chef known throughout the world, Gordon Ramsay, is in Baltimore today to open his first East Coast Gordon Ramsay Steak. The restaurant has filled in the Jack Binion Steak House space at the Horseshoe Casino.

Read more at Dara Cooks Blog - Baltimore Post  Examiner

Culinary gifts for the foodcentrics in your life

Wondering what to get that food crazed friend, mate or family member? Here are my picks from local Baltimoreans:

Chef-for-the-Day at Sotto Sopra Restaurant

The Minx’s Food Pattern Apparel and Accessories

The Food Market (At Home) Cookbook – 150 recipes, color photographs - $30

Learn more about this unique culinary gifts at Dara Cooks Blog on Baltimore Post Examiner 

New fall menus entice at Wit & Wisdom Tavern

When one gets an invite to sample Wit & Wisdom’s Executive Chef Zach Mills’ and Lead Bartender Rob Garrison’s new fall menu items and cocktails, the response was an immediate yes. This Michael Mina tavern is the anchor restaurant for Baltimore’s Harbor East Four Seasons Hotel where each seat, whether at the bar or the dining room has a stunning view of the harbor.

With a new expanded menu of shareable plates, it was a tossup of the Anson Mills Hush Puppies with lemon crème fraîche, lobster vinaigrette and caviar or the Seared Foie Gras Waffle with blood orange marmalade with bourbon maple syrup. My choice was the hush puppies. When they arrived, they were crispy morsels, resembling little mountains topped with caviar rather than snow. Other starters for our party were the Split Pea Soup and the Pear and Endive Salad.

Read more and watch the slideshow at Dara Cooks /Baltimore Post Examiner

A Spanish obsession: Gin and Tonic

“The Spaniards are obsessive about gin and tonics” espoused Chef José Andrés in an August, 2017 article in Food and Wine Magazine. He said, “Spanish bars can have upwards to 50 gins.” These gins vary  with assorted aromatics and botanicals. 

Baltimore’s own Spanish tapas restaurant, Tapas Teatro, located in the Station North neighborhood, next to the Charles Theatre, tempts patrons with their signature gin-tonics. 

Read more at Dara Cooks at  Baltimore Post Examiner

March of Dimes - Signature Chefs Auction and Gala

So many worthy causes and how does one choose which ones to support? One of my picks is the March of Dimes of Central Maryland that helps moms have full-term pregnancies and researches the problems that threaten the health of babies.

Every year the March of Dimes of Central Maryland serves up an evening of signature chefs’ cuisine tastings and an extensive auction, both silent and live. This year, the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction will be held Thursday,  November 16th at 6 p.m. at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.

Read more at Dara Cooks Blog at Baltimore Post Examiner

J.Lohr Wine Dinner with winemaker

Players Bar and Grill in Woodstock, Maryland is playing host to California's J.Lohr Vineyards co-owner, Jerry Humphreys on Wednesday, November 1.  J.Lohr Vineyards is located in San Jose, Greenfield and Paso Robles, California.  Attendees will expand their knowledge of wines as the winemaker informs and takes them through the tasting.  This upclose and personal opportunity to meet one of the co-owners of a vineyard is a unique opportunity for any vinophile.

J.Lohr Wine Dinner - Players Bar & Grill

10795 Birmingham Way - Woodstock, MD 

Wednesday, November 1

6 p.m. reception – 6:30 dinner 

Reservations (410) 461-2900

6 pm Reception

 J.Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay

6:30 pm Dinner

MENU*

Pumpkin Butternut Squash Soup

Mesclun Mixed Green Salad

 Mandarin Oranges, Goat Cheese, Candied Walnuts with Raspberry Vinaigrette

J.Lohr Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir

Filet Mignon

 OR

Chicken Rosa

 chicken breast in a cream and marinara sauce

J.Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon

Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

J.Lohr Bay Mist Riesling

*Vegetarian options are available – please note when making reservation as well as food allergies.

All wines tasted at the diner will be available for purchase at a discounted price at the conclusion of the event.  

Cost

$65 per person

(inclusive of food, wine, tax & gratuity)

Players Bar & Grill - 10795 Birmingham Way - Woodstock MD  21163

(410) 461-2900  www.playersbargrill.com 

More than just poke

When you can’t get to Hawaii but crave a taste of these Pacific Islands, you don’t have to travel that far. Just make a reservation at Uncle’s Hawaiian Grindz. Chef Kalmana Chee, a native of the North Shore of O’ahu, has brought the Hawaiian flavors he grew up with to his Fallston, Maryland restaurant, Uncle’s Hawaiian Grindz.

Watch the slideshow and read the full story at Dara Cooks Blog at Baltimore Post Examiner

Top-notched Virginia hospitality at the historic Jefferson Hotel

From the moment my car approached the impressive 19^th century Jefferson Hotel, pulled into the cobblestoned drive lined with well-manicured topiary, greenery and flowers, I knew then that a luxury stay was eminent. Weary and road tired from a week long culinary road trip through the Carolinas, we were looking forward to our stay at the historic, AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. This stay would be the cherry-on-the-top, the icing-on-the-cake, and the crème-de-la-crème in sumptuous creature comforts especially in contrast to our trip’s previous Air BnB and Comfort Inn accommodations.

One cannot but be gobsmacked by the beauty of the Jefferson’s Palm Court lobby with its centerpiece, a statue of Thomas Jefferson, the focal point under the skylight of stained glass, with a selection of 1907 Tiffany  side windows.  The beaux arts continue as we peered down the 36 step grand staircase to the rotunda level from the mezzanine with its 70 foot decorative pillars. It surely feels like a step back in time, stunning – one can almost feel the exuberance of past guests and revelers. 

Watch the entire slideshow and read more at the Dara Cooks blog at Baltimore Post Examiner.

Wishes do come true - Down on the Farm Summer Celebration

Don’t save the date, buy your tickets now to an evening that will help make local children with life-threatening medical conditions wishes come true.  The Franzoni Family present’s their 5^th Annual Summer Celebration on Saturday, September 9^th – Down on their Verdant Valley Farm, under the stars, stars we’ve all been told by Disney to wish upon and isn’t that apropos for this evening’s festivities. The goal this year, $1,000,000 – and you can help make that wish come true by attending.  If your social calendar is already full and you can’t make this summer celebration, you can still donate cash and/or sponsor. Don’t be hesitant to share this story or event with your friends and family. One hundred of the net proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish® Mid-Atlantic. 

Watch the video and read the full story at Dara Cooks at Baltimore Post Examiner

Stanford Kitchen Restaurant to open in Owings Mills

Press Release: Stanford Kitchen, part of the Blueridge Restaurant Group that operates sit-down restaurant locations in Columbia and Rockville, Maryland, as well as Orlando, Florida is entering the Baltimore County marketplace with its 4200 square foot lease in the former Stone’s Cove Kitbar free-standing building within Boulevard College Center. Located directly off Owings Mills Boulevard and Stevenson University in Owings Mills, Boulevard College Center is a 55-acre business community managed by David S. Brown Enterprises, LTD.

            Stanford Kitchen, which was designed to ensure that patrons enjoy a memorable dining experience, will bring an intimate feel to a relaxed atmosphere, serving recognizable American food from a scratch kitchen. The made to order, open-air kitchen will provide an upscale, yet inviting dining experience featuring 130 seats, and a large outdoor patio area. The restaurant bar will feature a wide array of specialty cocktails, beers on tap, and a large selection of wines.

Blueridge Restaurant Group expects to open Stanford Kitchen in Owings Mills by first quarter 2018.

“We are thrilled to bring our newest restaurant concept, Stanford Kitchen, to the Owings Mills community,” said David Jones, Managing Member of Blueridge Restaurant Group.  “We spent a considerable amount of time on this decision and ultimately came to the conclusion that this was an ideal location.  This concept will be familiar, but slightly smaller in size, for guests that have previously dined at the Stanford Grill, in Columbia.  As typical with all Blueridge Restaurant concepts, guests should expect a restaurant with a polished casual ambiance, top notch service, and understandable American cuisine that simply tastes great. We cannot wait to bring this signature concept to the Owings Mills community.”

“The owners and operators of Stanford Kitchen have established an extremely popular restaurant brand in Howard and Montgomery Counties, and we are bringing a well-known local operator to Baltimore County with this inaugural concept,” stated Ken Bernstein of David S. Brown Enterprises. “We are extremely confident in their ability to create a restaurant in which local consumers will embrace the atmosphere, menu and drink specialties. This concept is the perfect addition to Boulevard College Center. We believe Stanford Kitchen will immediately become a high traffic generator to the benefit of the existing merchant base because they run a first-class operation”

            Headquartered in Howard County, Maryland, Blueridge Restaurant group owns six restaurants throughout Florida and Maryland. In addition to four Copper Canyon Grill, and two Stanford Grill restaurants, this will be Blueridge Restaurant Group’s first Stanford Kitchen opening. The Stanford Kitchen brand features distinct, chef-inspired American cuisine in an upscale casual atmosphere that is conducive for power meetings, intimate diners or general gatherings with friends and families. For additional information visit www.BlueRidgeRestaurants.com

Historic landmark to be made into a bakery

Single mom, hard working, award winning pastry chef Brandi Edinger reached out to me back in November asking my help should she go forward on a Kickstarter program, a dream to own her own bakery.  I first met Brandi when she was working at Baltimore’s Maryland Club and we have remained friends since.  She is a fighter, tenacious and let me add, talented. I’m asking for your generosity to help her achieve the long standing dream of owning her own bakery.

Read more at Baltimore Post Examiner - Dara Cooks 

Finalists of Mason Dixon Master Chef Tournament Set to Compete

PRESS RELEASE:  The Mason Dixon Master Chef Tournament, is a  multi-week event is a single-elimination tournament designed to showcase some of the area's finest executive chefs and restaurants. Guests attending this exciting event will be more than just spectators, as they enjoy the unique experience of witnessing two spectacular area chefs battle it out in the prep kitchen right on the main floor. Each evening two chef teams go head-to-head to prepare an appetizer, entrée and dessert for each of three expert judges, as well as amuse bouche portions of their entrees for up to 30 audience member judges. Their creations are scored on creativity, presentation and taste, and only one chef advances to the next round. At the end of this tournament only one of the 16 competing chefs will emerge as THE Mason Dixon Master Chef! 10% of the net proceeds of each ticket sold directly to Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland. More information available at www.MasonDixonMasterChef.com ,

Final Two Restaurants to Compete on August 13, 2017

The Mason Dixon Master Chef Tournament, the mid-Atlantic’s largest, live, interactive culinary competition, is coming to a close this Sunday, August 13, 2017. The summer-long competition began in early June with a field of 16 hopefuls, but is now down to the final two chef teams, who will go head-to-head for cash and prizes and the title of The 2017 Mason Dixon Master Chef Champions!

Below are the details for the final match Battle Royale, tickets are on sale now and are expected to sell-out.

Battle Royale

August 13 – Chef Fabio Mura of Grille 620 and River Hill Grill vs. Chef Damon Hersh of The Inn at Brookville Farms

Chef Fabio Mura, Grille 620 / River Hill Grill

Chef Fabio grew up in Sardinia, Italy where he obtained his culinary Degree in Culinary Arts and Management. He moved to the U.S. 19 years ago, where he made a home in Baltimore, and has since worked at some of the best restaurants in Baltimore, including: Sotto Sopra, Boccaccio, Blue Sea Grill, and Chazz: a Bronx Original. He is currently the executive chef at Grille 620 located at the Turf Valley Town Square and at River Hill Grill.

Chef Fabio won "Favorite New Restaurant" from the Restaurant Association of Maryland in 2014. He was also nominated for "Best Chef" from the Restaurant Association of Maryland in 2015.

Chef Damon Hersh, The Inn at Brookeville Farms

Chef Damon Hersh has been cooking for over 20 years, and in the restaurant business for over 25 years. He has experience and skill in a wide variety of culinary environments, including high-end fine dining, casual eating, family style, and ethnic influences. Chef Damon is currently the executive chef at The Inn at Brookville Farms located in Montgomery County in Brookeville, MD.

The Championship match will be held Sunday, August 13^th. Bios of all competing chefs are available at http://www.masondixonmasterchef.com/schedule-results/bracket.php. The competitions will be held at Points South Latin Kitchen, 1640 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD (www.pointssouthbaltimore.com/).

Tournament Ticket Details

Tickets for the Final match are available for purchase at:

http://www.masondixonmasterchef.com/purchase-tickets/. Tickets are $65 and include all taxes, a wine tasting by Boordy Vineyards, passed hors d’oeurves, the competition, dessert and coffee.  New this year, ALL Tickets for the competition are ‘Judging Experience’ tickets, which allow all guests to taste each of the six courses the chef teams produce (family-style) and be part of the voting to decide the winner!

In addition, the Mason Dixon Master Chef Tournament donates 10% of the net proceeds of each ticket sold directly to their charity partner Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland (http://www.mealsonwheelsmd.org).

Event Timeline:

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)– Happy Hour with Complementary passed Hors d’oeurves and Wine Tasting by Boordy Vineyards, plus Drink and Food Specials

6:15 p.m. – Cold Prep Begins for the Competition

7:00 p.m. – Chef Competition

8:00 p.m. – Judging Begins, Complementary Dessert and Coffee Served

Where is Giada de Laurentiis opening her Baltimore restaurant?

Revealed during a live Facebook interview, the Italian chef and television personality Giada de Laurentiis let it be known she is opening a restaurant in Baltimore in 2018 but not the specific location.  My best guess, and guess it will be, is Baltimore Horseshoe Casino.

1.       Horseshoe Baltimore Casino has 3 banners showing the chefs/restaurateurs (see photograph) on the front of the casino: Guy Fieri with his Guy Fieri’s Baltimore Kitchen + Bar, Gordon Ramsay taking over the Jack Binion’s Steak House location with his  eponymous steak house and the 3^rd, a silhouette of what looks like a woman --- could it be Giada? My guess is yes!   

2.       Giada has a relationship with Caesars Entertainment Corporation with her Las Vegas restaurant in the Cromwell Hotel and Caesars is affiliated with the Horseshoe Baltimore Casino

So a second question arises, why there is no banner for the celebrated chef duo of Aaron Sanchez and John Besh for their Johnny Sanchez Restaurant – is that the space Giada will be taking over?  This is all speculation on my part; I have no confirmation on any of this. If Johnny Sanchez Restaurant remains, then where does Giada’s restaurant go? Not the tiny Asian Fύ Noodle House – so again, my guess, Johnny Sanchez’s location. The Baltimore Horseshoe Casino opened in August, 2014 – so are we looking at 4 year contracts on the restaurants?  Again, this just conjecture, no real facts to support any of what I have posted here. Let me know if you think she is opening elsewhere in Baltimore.

Summer Restaurant Weeks - Baltimore City, Baltimore County & Howard County

It seems this is the week that you can pick from an enormous amount of local restaurants as Baltimore City, Howard County and Baltimore County restaurant weeks converge together.  Howard County started first, Baltimore City kicked off on Friday and this coming Friday launches Baltimore County's Resaturant Weeks. Choices, choices, choices.  

Below are the links to the Restaurant Week pages for all three municapalities and my personal picks of specific restaurants worthy of a reservation.     

HOWARD COUNTY - https://www.visithowardcounty.com/howard-county-restaurant-weeks/

July 24 to August 7

Restaurants are offering lunch and dinners

Baldwin's Station – 7618 Main Street – Sykesville

Baldwin's Station is in the heart of downtown historical Sykesville – an old train station with al fresco dining right at the railroad track. Enjoy the farm-to-table dining and then with the money you saved, meander the many quaint shops on Main Street.

Lunch- 2 or 3 courses - $14.17 or $18.17 / Dinner – 3 courses $36.17

The Turn House – 11130 Willow Bottom Drive – Columbia

The Turn House is located at the Hobbit Glen Golf Course.  The vistas overlooking the greens and Chef Tom Zippelli, a native to Howard County, has come back to roost after working at Michelin starred restaurants 11 Madison Park and the French Laundry.

Dinner – 3 Courses $38.17

 BALTIMORE CITY - http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com/
July 28 to August 6

Restaurants are offering lunch, brunch and dinners. 

Sotto Sopra Restaurant – 405 N. Charles Street – Baltimore

Sotto Sopra has the most extensive menus, greater selection of their award winning Italian cuisines with a Maryland accent.  The room is stunning, candle lit tables, gilded mirrors, artwork in the historical 19^th townhouse.  They have already extended both their lunch and dinner restaurant weeks through to Sunday August 13^th.

Lunch – 2 Courses $15

Dinner – 3 Courses $35

Le Bistro Du Village – 1609 Sulgrave Avenue – Baltimore

Le Bistro Du Village, formerly known as Crepe Du Jour, is  in Mt. Washington Village. Their 3 course dinner menu is enticing with all the items you want to eat at a French Bistro; escargot, lamb chops, duck confit, chicken cordon blue and desserts…oooh laaa laaa- crepe Suzette, chocolate mousse. 

Dinner – 3 Courses $35

BALTIMORE COUNTY - http://www.baltimorecountyrestaurantweek.com/
August 4 to August 19

Restaurants are offering lunch, brunch and dinners

By the Docks – 3321 Eastern Boulevard – Middle River

By the Docks is valued packed seafood, a regular winner of the best crab cake in Baltimore. Can you imagine a 4 course dinner for $35.17 that includes choices like Seafood imperial, double crab cakes or New York Strip topped with crabmeat. 

Lunch – 3 Courses $20.17

Dinner – 4 Courses $35.17

The Milton Inn – 14833 York Road – Sparks

The Milton Inn has a rich history and the food by Chef Brian Boston is worth the simple drive out Interstate 83.  Romantic, visually stunning rooms and the menus for restaurant weeks are extensive in choices.

Lunch – 3 Courses $25.17

Dinner – 3 Courses $35.17

Brunch – 3 Courses $25.17

Cochon555 is back! Don't be the little piggy that stays home

They’re back; those delicious, plump heritage pigs will be making an appearance Sunday, August 6^th at Cochon555 in Washington DC at the Watergate Hotel.  An all out pig out and competition where five chefs (Jon Sybert-Tail Up Goat, BJ Lieberman-Rose’s Luxury, Kosta Kontogiannis-Kingbrid Restaurant, Zach Mills-Wit and Wisdom and Ben Pflaumer-Osteria Morini) create menus featuring the most delectable, tasty and imaginative dishes from their pigs.  

Read more and watch the video at Baltimore Post Examiner - Dara Cooks

Howard County Restaurant Week kicks off

PRESS RELEASE: Visit Howard County’s Summer Restaurant Weeks run July 24 - August 7, 2017. Howard County’s top restaurants are serving up savings with special menus that feature refreshing twists on summertime favorites that will feel light on your wallet. Participating restaurants will offer fixed price chef’s menus ranging from $15.00 to $45.00 (beverages, tax, gratuity not included, promotions and menus vary.)

“Our Restaurant Weeks are a highlight of the summer. The variety and options are fantastic – 30 restaurants offering fixed price meals and innovative dishes,” said County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “We look forward to this opportunity every year to try out new restaurants and visit favorite spots. I encourage residents to get out and support local restaurants and enjoy a fabulous meal in the process.”

Amanda Hof, Director of Tourism Development for Visit Howard County coordinates the program and adds “we have a great variety of restaurants participating this year. There is truly something for everyone. All the familiar favorites are back as well as many new restaurants. Restaurant Weeks is a great opportunity for visitors and residents alike to experience the local culinary scene.”  

Also not to miss during Restaurant Weeks is the 7th annual Film ‘Feast’ival, July 25, at Clark’s Elioak Farm from 4:30 - 8:30 pm. This year’s event will include a farmers market, food trucks, samples from restaurants participating in Restaurant Weeks, music and an artisan market. In addition, ‘Feast’ival goers will have the chance to taste locally produced beer from Manor Hill Farm Brewery and spirits from Lost Ark Distilling Co. The featured film is “Forgotten Farms.”  It is the real-life story of New England Dairy Farms and talks about the challenges they face with today’s dairy industry.  These are the same challenges that Howard County family owned dairies face. It is a must-see film.  In between the two showings there will be a panel discussion of the film.  There is a $5 charge for each seating of the film, one at 5:00 pm and one at 7:00 pm.  Proceeds from the film showings will be donated to the Howard County Farm-City Scholarship Fund.

HOWARD COUNTY SUMMER RESTAURANT WEEKS, PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS as of July 18, 2017:

5485 Restaurant and Bar
AIDA Bistro
Alexandra's American Fusion
Baldwin's Station
BOLDER food/drink
Centre Park Grill
Clyde's Columbia
Elkridge Furnace Inn
Great Sage
Grille620
Kelsey's Restaurant and Catering
Kloby's Smokehouse
La Palapa
LongHorn Steakhouse
Maggianos Little Italy
Nora's Kabob
Petit Louis
Ranazul
Season's 52
Stella Notte Ristorante
Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant
The Alehouse Columbia
The County Cork Wine Pub
The Grill
The Iron Bridge Wine Co
The Kings Contrivance Restaurant
The Melting Pot
The Turn House
Town Grill at Fosters Country Store
Victoria Gastro Pub

An up-to-date list of participating restaurants is available at www.HoCoRestaurantWeeks.com along with behind the scenes YouTube videos of top chefs preparing their farm-to-table and dock-to-dish feasts.  

Tag For Swag Photo Contest

Diners enjoying Howard County Restaurant Weeks are encouraged to post pictures of their meals with the hashtag #HoCoRestaurantWeeks. Participants could win dining certificates from local restaurants!

McKeldin Square pop-up food marketplace adds music

PRESS RELEASE: Harbor Market, a pop-up food marketplace at McKeldin Square featuring the best eats from around Baltimore, will now feature live music on select dates throughout the summer.  Local musicians will be providing live tunes as Harbor Market visitors enjoy a variety of menu offerings from food trucks and local vendors, making Wednesday and Friday lunch breaks just that much more fun.

The musician line-up is below:

7/21: Rachel Hall

7/28: Silent Tale

8/18: Sloe Jim

8/25: Mike Manos

9/1: Devin Breithaupt

9/8: Jordan Gillis

9/15: Electric Molly

9/22: Total Distraction

9/29: Drew Stevyns

The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore hosts the Harbor Market at McKeldin Square every Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. throughout the summer.

Rotating food vendors include:

·      Doobys

·      Smoking Swine

·      Green Bowl

·      Mex on the Run

·      Sobo Café

·      Dizzy Cow

·      Gypsy Queen

·      Ekiben

·      Bon Fresco

For more information, go to http://baltimorewaterfront.com/events/harbor-market-3/.

Ed Kim's Mi & Yu Noodle Shops expanding

Mi & Yu Noodle Shop reminds me of Tampopo, a 1985 Japanese comedy of many subplots, but at its core, making that perfect bowl of slurpable ramen noodle soups and we aren’t talking those packaged dried noodles with the flavor packets.  One might call Mi & Yu Noodle Shop a Ramen—ya, where ramen is a specialty and the soups are a reflection of the chef’s culinary prowess.  Chef Edward Kim worked months perfecting and creating his own broths, his own culinary spin on the ideal bowl of ramen. 

READ MORE at Dara Cooks at Baltimore Post Examiner