BLUE HILL Tavern Restaurant high atop S. Conkling Street in Butcher's Hill (just caddy-corner to the NATTY BOH sign-seen to left) is easily the sexiest restaurant since IXIA opened (and now closed, yup, it is ferme, at its 8th year anniversary), Red Maple in Mt Vernon and PAZO. Althought it was in the heart of Baltimore Restaurant week www.citypeek.com/baltimore/dining- [1] to hit the town. Recently I had a relaxing time with fellow foodie and wine lover, Steve Warrick,General Manager of alizee bistro and wine bar restaurant in The Inn at the Colonnade joined me in this adventure. www.citypeek.com/baltimore/event/baltimorerestaurantweekcom-august-balti... [2] ) we chose eat off the 'regular menu.' Greeted by co-Chef/Owner Mel Carter and Bar Manager, Stan, we settled in at the bar for a foodie adventure. Steve dug into the wine list, choosing the Quipe Syrah. "An under-rated wine choice also known as Shiraz in Australian brand wines, Steve points out. Yummy, once chilled a tad. We nibbled about off the appetizer menu--on the charcuterie plate and were delighted by the picked celery, pickled carrots-as well as perfectly carved meat ( soon-to-be-made in house), tasted the pickled deviled eggs, ($3), Parmesan garlic donuts and I loved the scallops topped with caviar, dancing in a spicy lentil broth.
We had a personal, well-practiced tour- by MEL CARTER-of the gorgeous restaurant, immaculate, organized kitchen and sophisticated rooftop deck on par with LA or Miami top spots. This place has promise for a lot of fun!
I am looking forward to ordering the surf and turf on my next visit which a neighboring couple said was amazing. A perfectly broiled crab cake and filet-hungry for it now. Also, the beef short ribs (prepared sous vide) is highly recommended and the gorgeous steak and eggs appetizer! (not like at the greasy spoon-but we LOVED dining at the counter @ JIMMY's in FELLS POINT recently-thanks JIMMY and Nick!) The menu creative and the ambiance enticing--truly feel like I have left the blue-collar streets of South Baltimore. Really a trip to Blue Hill Tavern in Brewer's Hill Baltimore is a treat! www.bluehilltavern.com [3]
Recently we sampled a taps made especially for CITYPEEK Patti by Chef Chritian deLutis, new EXECUTIVE CHEF @ alizee bistro and wine bar(see prior blog)-this was spectacular--a perfectly seared scallop atop a truffle infused lentil beans. This truly was a love-afair of the taste buds. We will report on our special restaurant week menu at his new home soon. Seen Left Chef Christian deLutis and CITYPEEK Patti recently at dinner at Philadelphia's Le Bec Fin.
CITYPEEK RETAIL SPONSOR: VASARRI: 10 years old and still the hottest store in town specializes in personal service and making women look fabulous from day to evening. Baltimore's only designer store that offers the sophisticated woman the style she is looking for. 5000 sq. ft. devoted to designers who are nationally & internationally known. Each piece in this exquisite store is hand picked. Sizes go from 0 to 24 and many items can be custom made to measure. 1636 Reisterstown RD-Pikesville 21208 410-415-6333 www.vasarri.com [4]
CITYPEEK SPORTS SPONSOR: PRINCETON SPORTS: Ask a Baltimorean and you will hear the same story: 'One of my favorite stores for most of my
life has been Princeton Sports. I remember as a child getting my first bicycle there and my skis also. When I think back, it was a really fun place to go to and the people took there time to make sure everything was right. Back then, Sonny Davis was running the store, now his 2 sons run it: Paul in Baltimore and Alan in Columbia. The store is more modern, the bicycles cooler but it’s still a family store with family running it. I bought a new bicycle a few weeks ago and was reminded how much fun it is to shop there. There aren’t enough local family stores left in Baltimore, Smyth Jewelers, Samuelson Diamonds, Faidley's and than who? www.princetonsports.com [5]
CITYPEEK REAL ESTATE SPONSOR: The Saratoga Condominiums in Mt Vernon-: Combining old world charm with modern amenities located at 125 W. Saratoga St, this stunning building has an impressive and detailed history dating back to 1847. Lovingly restored honors the building's richness by salvaging pieces of its past and highlighting its most intriguing characteristics. 19 units-no two alike. Multi-level ceilings as high as 24', original hardwood floors, all new appliances, granite counter tops, 8' windows, private patios & balconies and much more. Conveniently located only several blocks from Inner Harbor, Superfresh 1.5 blocks away. Priced from the low $200's- mid 500's.
ANY LOBSTER SPECIALS IN THE MID-ATLANTIC MARYLAND-DC-PHILADELPHIA MARKETPLACE? Check out this scoop, freshly plucked from a MAINE CITYPEEK.com visitor: A LOBSTER TIP FROM A CITYPEEK.com FRIEND--"I Just returned from Maine where they say there is an over abundance of lobsters...and fisherman are selling them "cheaper than normal" due to lowered demand because of the economy. I thought to send you an email thinking it may be good to write about "lobster nights" around town in support of America's lobster fisherman...or just to get good lobster at a good deal, Robin Belsky" Robin: We have seen some area LOBSTER SPECIALS specials. COMMENT ON ANY YOU ALL KNOW PLS!
@ FEDERAL HILL REGI'S AMERICAN BISTRO: Wed-Lobster special at REGI's 1-1 1/4lb, old bay scented steamed cornfor a deal-- $20ish dollars. Find them @ http://www.citypeek.com/baltimore/dining [6]
@ THE PALM-WE FOUND a fabulous, romantic spot @ THE PALM- The Palm RESTAURANT in WASHINGTON OR NYC or PHILADELPHIA lately? I saw in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL a $89 4lb lobster dinner for 2? Looks enticing!
@ S&W STONE CRABS OUT, LOBSTER IN-SMITH & WOLLENSKY LAUNCHES SUMMER LOBSTER SPECIALS-As stone crab season comes to a close, Smith & Wollensky Miami Beach kicks off summer with their annual Summer Lobster Specials. Now through Labor Day, guests will indulge in specially priced items prepared with fresh Maine lobster, including an amazing offering of a 2.5 lb Maine Lobster for only $39.
@ Sea Catch Restaurant & Raw Bar on Canal Street in DC .Their Current Specials Include:Lobster Special- $29 1-1/4 pound fresh Maine lobster served with Chef's selection of a seasonal side dish www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=735&ref=1081 [7]
@ PHILLIPS FOODS LOBSTER-CLAM BAKE HOME DELIVERY- PHILLIPS FOODS has a romance in a tin to send to you: Phillips Clam Bake for 2 includes 2- 1½ pound lobsters, one pound of mussels, 1 lb of shrimp, one dozen clams, 2 ears of corn, baby red potatoes, and a can of Phillips Seafood Seasoning…complete with a pot to cook in, claw crackers and a lobster bib. Shipped @$199.00. Or perhaps just try PHILLIPS' LOBSTER BISQUE One of the most requested soups in Phillips Seafood Restaurants, Lobster Bisque .
Best of Baltimore Party 2009 is August 20 at the Hippodrome Theater. this year. Order a ticket online at www.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=188453 [8]
Congratulations & thanks to: www.FACEBOOK.com/citypeekpatti [9] tips:
Baltimore Restaurant: Woodberry Kitchen in Clipper Mill who made Bon Appetit's 2009 Top 10 Restaurants in the US list. Thanks, Shannon L! www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2009/09/top_ten_best_new_restaurants [10]
~DINA: Please help us get to the bottom of whether the Dogwood has closed. What a great place! And let us know how the new Brasserie is at the Hotel Monaco (unless you already have!) :)
~ CityPeek Patti responds-Dina- I went by Galen Sampsen's Dogwood last week-read a note posted inside window--They are just closed month of august. they are busy opening at old women's industrial exchange. We wrote about ~BRASSERRIE @ B&O opening last week-try it-great spot!www.citypeek.com/baltimore/blog-entry/baltimore-bolt-bus-blue-hill-taver... [11]
~Jenny E-DC Shopping Malls - Mazza Gallery shopping area continues to expand...not only the luxury shops North of Saks but more new shops are opening around the new Bloomies, as well as a refurbished Macy's and Lord & Taylor!
~NEW STEAK HOUSE in DURHAM with MARYLAND ROOTS-: RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE opens in DURHAM, North Carolina by STEVE DECASTRO and BIG STEAKS MANAGEMENT. THIS CUBAN-born entrepreneur along with C.O.O, DAVID SADEGHI, just keep going and going!
Tranquille Hair & Body SALON OPENS in Towson www.tranquillehairandbody.com/ [12] Get 10% off any service to celebrate its opening.
The Aug issue of Wine Spectator magazine, gave The Prime Rib’s wine list an “Award of Excellence” and was listed in the issue as having one of the best wine lists in the country. The Prime Rib’s current wine list offers a selection of more than 250 wines including imports and those from vineyards throughout the states. In addition to an award winning wine list, the Prime Rib’s cocktail list is attracting some attention. Baltimore magazine recently recognized the Prime Rib’s Jewel of Russia martini as the best “Splurge!” cocktail in the “Best of Baltimore” issue. Congratultions Buzz and David Derewicz!
alizee bistro & wine bar and Brighton's at Harbor Court Hotel for winning the Crab Soup Challenge that kicked off Baltimore Restaurant Week. Many spots are extending Baltimore restaurant week until August 23! www.BaltimoreRestaurantWeek.com [13] and book below on the opentable links CITYPEEK provides. Special 3-course menus for $20.09 lunch & $30.09 dinner. Comment below where you went! www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=18&ref=1081&pid=200 [14]
August 18--ChickenFoot Concert in Baltimore [15] Lyric Opera House- Chickenfoot [16]--Lyric Opera House [17]-Baltimore. Chickenfoot Tickets-Chickenfoot Baltimore Concert Features: Joe Satriani, Chad Smith, Michael Anthony, Sammy HAGAR.
Jazz Sundays @ teavolve in HARBOR EAST- 7-10pm -
www.teavolve.com [18]
SPECIAL DEALS for CITYPEEK'ers: Mention CITYPEEK and GET:
Nick's Fish House mention CITYPEEK.com and get a free drink for all ladies ANYTIME, ANYDAY!
HANDBAGS IN THE CITY: Mention CITYPEEK.com-get 20% off all purchases- best handbag shop in Bmore!
JEAN POOL-Mention CITYPEEK.com and get 10% off
THE BOTTOM DRAWER LINGERIE BOUTIQUE-Mention CITYPEEK.com- get 20% discount on any non-sale item.
PRINCETON SPORTS--mention CITYPEEK.com- get a FREE Waterbottle!
~FREE PIZZA-1/person til Aug 31- MATTHEWS PIZZAfor being voted BEST OF BALTIMORE PIZZA!
~HERE IS A FREE DEAL for our FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN BETHANY BEACH (Baltimoreans own it so expect local favorites like lump crabcakes) Kids eat breakfast FREE all day (with purchase of adult meal)! www.citypeek.com/eastern+shore/dining [19]
Do you have news for our weekly blog? Pls send it to: info@citypeek.com [20]
Want 2 SPONSOR OUR [21]WEEKLY BLOG -BE A Category Sponsor-40,000 opt-in emails and posted on web for search engines to find. GET YOUR PROMOTION out 2 our 10 [21]00 [21]'s of social networking pals on FACEBOOK & twitter ? [21]
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Taking a vacation? Need A Great Hotel Deal?--CITYPEEK.com can help and use a local! Click the book a hotel link top right or and sample our rates-no fees. Try CITYPEEK booking and http://www.ihsadvantage.com/h/home.do?pfs=2561 [22] http://www.ihsadvantage.com/h/home.do?pfs=2561 [23]
CHEERS!
CITYPEEK Patti ceo@citypeek.com [24]