New To Federal Hill: Grilled Cheese & Co.

The newest addition to the Federal Hill restaurant scene is Grilled Cheese & Co. , 1036 Light Street, founded by Victor Corbi and Matt Lancelotta with partners James Lancelotta and Scott Pevenstein, a resident of Federal Hill. Scott said, “The new location of the business is working well; we always have a very pleasant dinner crowd.”

Some of the sandwich favorites on the menu are the Veggie Delight, the Crabby Melt, and the BCT (bacon, cheese & tomato). The bread comes from the Cardinal Bakery in Sterling, Virginia, and is a big hit among customers. Don’t miss out on James' delicious Tomato Soup, his own special recipe. The menu also offers salads and a kids’ meal. There is a comfortable and pleasant seating area, or you can get take-out.

Grilled Cheese & Co. is open 11 am to 9 pm Sunday through Wednesday and 11 am to 2:30 am Thursday through Saturday.

Come in and check it out!

More info: www.ilovegrilledcheese.com or call 410-244-6333

-Leah Witter, intern

Moonlight Madness Tonight!!

Don’t forget, tonight is the night! Come out from 8 pm till midnight for great bargains, FREE gift wrapping at Federal Hill Main Street, and strolling carolers on the streets of historic and festive Federal Hill! Over 20 stores and galleries are participating. Get your “passport” to savings, too!

And, tomorrow, it’s all about the kids! Santa will be making a special appearance at Cross Street Market, 11 am to 3 pm, in the special area set up next to Cheese Galore & More. The kids can also enjoy fun crafts and face painting.

Come out and show your holiday spirit!

~Leah Witter, intern

Visit Santa At Cross Street Market!

There really is nothing like Federal Hill for the holidays! The sparkling lights and attractive decorations have spread holiday cheer throughout the neighborhood and now it’s time for Santa to come! Come visit with him on Saturday, December 10, 11 am to 3 pm, at Cross Street Market, next to Cheese Galore & More.

Kids can sit with Santa in his special chair, and also enjoy some face painting and craft making!

Come show your holiday spirit while spending time with family and friends at Cross Street Market.

--Leah Witter, Intern

Moonlight Madness: FREE Gift Wrapping and More!

This Friday, December 9, 8 pm to midnight

Want to tackle your holiday shopping and gift wrapping all in one night? Well, you can! While you’re shopping for everyone on your Christmas list this year during Moonlight Madness this Friday night, keep in mind that Federal Hill Main Street (42 East Cross Street) will be offering FREE gift wrapping and light refreshments between 8 pm and midnight!

Local shops will be decorated and stocked with unique items, so come on out and support our businesses and have some fun.

Stop in at Main Street during your shopping and complete your evening with gifts wrapped and ready for Christmas!

~Leah Witter, intern

Dont Forget: Moonlight Madness this Friday!

Kick off your holiday shopping at Federal Hill’s Moonlight Madness this Friday, December 9^th, 8 pm to midnight!

Enjoy Federal Hill’s sparkling lights and attractive decorations while shopping for unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list! Over 20 shops and galleries in Federal Hill will be offering discounts, specials, and refreshments that night.

New this year is the “Moonlight Madness Passport.” You can pick one up at Federal Hill Main Street and participating shops on Friday evening. Get the passport stamped at 10 or more participating businesses throughout the evening, bring it to Main Street before midnight, and be entered to win a raffle with lots of great prizes!

Don’t miss the “Larksong” strolling carolers (pictured here) as they sing holiday tunes on the streets and in shops between 9 and 11 pm.

Following Moonlight Madness, on Saturday, December 10^th, 11 am to 3 pm, bring the kids to see Santa at Cross Street Market!

Support local businesses and do all of your holiday shopping in Historic Federal Hill this year!

~Leah Witter, intern

Don't miss Moonlight Madness!

A Federal Hill Holiday Tradition is coming soon. It's Federal Hill's Moonlight Madness: Friday, December 9, 8 pm to midnight.

Shops and galleries offer discounts, specials, and treats. “Larksong” strolling carolers in Victorian dress serenade shoppers.

Get something unique for everyone on your list!

Stop by Federal Hill Main Street, 42 E. Cross Street, to get your Moonlight Madness Passport and Map. Get it stamped at 10 participating businesses during the night and enter in a drawing to win prizes.

PARTICIPATING SHOPS

Alexandra Webb Jewelry, 1028 S. Charles, www.alexandrawebbjewelry.com

Alliance Comics, 904 Light, www.alliancecomics.com

Apothecary Wellness, 1200 Light, www.apothecary-wellness.com

Artesanos Don Bosco, 828 S. Charles, www.artesanosdonbosco.com

Bobabooi's Treasure Chest, 1129 Light, 410-528-5180

Crystal Moll Gallery, 1030 S. Charles, www.crystalmoll.com

Curiosity for the Home, 1033 S. Charles, www.curiosityforthehome.com

Divine Designs & Events, 1049 S. Charles, www.divinedesigns.com

Doggie Style, 1030 Light, www.doggiestyle2.com

Federal Hill Main Street, 42 E. Cross, www.historicfederalhill.org

Kim's Day Spa, 1135 S. Charles, www.kimsdayspa.com

Klein’s Antiques, 912 S. Charles, 443-854-3605
LoveLace The Showroom, 1201 Light, www.lovelacetoujours.com

Lucinda Gallery & Gifts, 929 S. Charles, www.lucindagallery.com

Mark Cottman Gallery, 1014 S. Charles, www.markcottmangallery.com

Pandora's Box, 50 E. Cross, 410-244-1442

Phina's for the Home, 919 S. Charles, www.phinas.com

SoBotanical, 14 E. West, www.sobotanical.com

The Book Escape, 805 Light, www.thebookescape.com

Vanessa's Vintage Treasures, 1132 S. Charles, 410-752-3224

Zelda Zen, 46 E. Cross, 410-625-2424

-Leah Witter, intern

Urbanite Profiles Federal Hill Artist

Jessica Damen, a renowned artist and Federal Hill resident, was featured this week in the Urbanite Arts/Culture e-zine. Jessica is a full-time painter of oil paintings and Chinese-inspired ink brush paintings, and she is a part-time portrait artist, painter of notecards, and a teacher of art. Currently, she is exhibiting new work in a show entitled "Altered Truths Fractured Myths" at the City Arts Gallery through January 9.

In a piece entitled "Q&A with Jessica Damen, A Baltimore artist shares her love for artichokes, Federal Hill, and vintage hats," Jessica discusses her art, her life, and her love for our "very walkable" neighborhood and its "esprit de corps." She named many of the local businesses she supports (Phina's for the Home, Matsuri, Regi's American Bistro, Thai Arroy, to name a few) and even gave a shout-out to Historic Federal Hill Main Street for helping to generate "this common spirit" with festivals and other activities to beautify and encourage this cohesive and vibrant neighborhood."

Jessica received her MFA from MICA'S Hoffberger School of Painting in 2001 and has received many fellowships, grants, and awards since. Read the full article:

http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/baltimore/qanda-with-jessica-damen/Content?oid=1465360

Pictured here is Jessica Damen's painting, "It is Rumored," inspired by the mystery surrounding "Bloody Point on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay."

Info: www.damenart.com

-Leah Witter, Intern

Local B & B Featured in Wall Street Journal

Federal Hill’s favorite bed & breakfast establishment and its popular owners were featured in the Wall Street Journal on November 14. Scarborough Fair Bed & Breakfast (801 S. Charles) co-owner Barry Werner described the experiences that he and partner Jeff Finlay have had since purchasing the business in 2007.

The charming property has six bedrooms and six baths, and the owners' living quarters. Scarborough Fair is known for its fantastic breakfasts and Festive Flavors spreads. It has won several awards and is the #1 rated B&B in the city and state on TripAdvisor.com

You can read the article, entitled “Living the Dream of Owning a B&B,” by clicking here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704099704576288910347084474.html?KEYWORDS=living+the+dream+of+owning+a+bb

-Leah Witter, intern

Try Sunday Gravy at Spoons!

If you haven't tried Spoons (24 E. Cross St) for dinner yet, now is a good time to check it out. In November, Spoons is serving “Sunday Gravy” from 4 to 7 pm. Co-owner Deb Cogan explains, “It is an Italian family-style meal that is usually served on Sunday afternoons or evenings when the whole family would get together.”

The gravy (sauce or ragu) is not your typical spaghetti sauce. It is cooked for over four hours and then enriched with a variety of cooked meats: links of Italian sausage, meatballs, and baby back ribs. Spoons' Sunday Gravy includes antipasto salad, pasta plus meat, and dessert. Price is $19 for adults and $5 for kids under the age of 12. Italian wines are also available. “Sunday evenings will be for gravy only, so no other food items will be available,” explained Deb.

Be sure to check out the regular dinner options on other nights. You will be glad you did!

--Leah Witter, Intern

Lovelace Showroom: Welcome to Federal Hill!

On 11/11/11 at 11 am, Federal Hill's newest boutique, The Lovelace Showroom, opened its doors at 1201 Light Street.

Owners Lakierra Blackston. and Dara White. have transformed the space into a stunning showroom for their unique clothing designs. You'll find lots of attractive and interesting items for men and women.

Stop in and welcome Lovelace Showroom today! Open until 8 pm on Thursday, 11/11, and offering treats so you can sip and mingle while you shop.

Info: www.lovelacetoujours.com, 410-528-5978.

~Leah Witter, intern

Shofer’s Contest: Turn Your Ugly Couch into a Winner

Do you have an ugly couch that you would just love to replace? Show it off on Facebook, and you could win a $1,000 credit at Shofer’s Furniture (930 S. Charles).

You have until November 11 to enter Shofer’s Ugliest Couch Facebook Contest. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: “Like” Shofer’s Furniture on Facebook (facebook.com/furnitureshofers)

Step 2: E-mail an original photo of your ugly couch to info@shofers.com

Step 3: Invite your friends to “like” Shofer’s on Facebook so they can “like” your photo

The ugliest couch with the most “LIKES” on Facebook wins a $1,000 credit toward a new couch (can be used toward other purchases as well). Info: www.shofers.com

Check out the couches and all the great deals going on now at Shofer’s, including 50% off everything in the enormous showroom. The truckload leather sale offers up to 70% off.

-Leah Witter, Intern

'Federal Hill Cooks!" Tasting Party Returns

The Cookbook Tasting Party II is Thursday, November 17, 7-9 p.m., at Illusions Magic Bar & Lounge (1029 South Charles St.): great ambiance, excellent food, free wine bar, and a fun way to spend an evening with neighbors and friends.

Get your tickets now - last year's event was sold out!

Tickets are $25 and include the food, a wide assortment of recipes prepared from the cookbook, and wine. You can buy them at Federal Hill Main Street (42 E. Cross St.), from a cookbook committee member, or online at www.historicfederalhill.org.

Federal Hill COOKS!, featuring over 200 recipes from area residents, business owners, and chefs, will be available for purchase (event special: $20 or 2 for $35). Perfect holiday gift!

Cookbook committee members: Debbie Alt, AMY Grace, Erin Hopkins, Lauren Marks, Crystal Ryan, Jane Seebold, Cathy Strodel

~Leah Witter, intern

Pink October at MaGerk's Pub

MaGerk's Pub (1061 S. Charles Street) is working with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to raise money during Breast Cancer Awareness month through a variety of means.

Some bartenders are donating 10% of tips to the Race for the Cure on certain shifts, MaGerk's will match this amount. You can tell which shifts are involved by reading the back of your bartenders shirt. If you donate $5 to the Race for the Cure, you receive a wristband that entitles you to drink specials that day. And, proceeds from sales of certain specialty drinks will be donated to the fund by Red Bull.

Check out MaGerk's Pink Happy Hour on Friday, October 21, 7-10 pm for amazing specials, raffles, and prizes. MaGerk's is donating 10% of sales during the Happy Hour to the cause.

Any support is appreciated, so stop by and have some fun while supporting a good cause in October.

Info: www.magerks.com

~Leah Witter, intern

Bobabooi's Treasure Chest Comes to Light Street

Bobabooi's Treasure Chest (1129 Light Street) is a new retailer in the Federal Hill business district. Owner Angela Lauta and family are enjoying the convenience of their location and look forward to serving the community.

Some of the things you can find at Bobabooi's Treasure Chest are costumes for Halloween, handbags and purses, fun jewelry and accessories, and a selection of consignment items. Fridays at Bobabooi's Treasure Chest are “Purple Fridays,” and you can receive 10% off on your purchases! Also, to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month, Angela is offering 10% off all jewelry and pink items this month.

Stop by and check out this fun little shop!

Info: 410-528-5180

~Leah Witter, intern

Now Open: Republic Noodle!

Republic Noodle (1121 Light Street) is Federal Hill’s newest B.Y.O.B. noodle bar and pan-Asian restaurant with an emphasis on “all-natural, hormone & antibiotic free meats and poultry combined with eco-friendly, sustainable, organic, and local products.” Owners, Christopher Boylan and David Lynch live in the community and opened the restaurant a month ago.

Some favorites are the Maryland Blue Crab Egg Rolls, Wasabi Organic Deviled Eggs, Big Eye Tuna Tartare Duo with Wonton Chips, Chili Braised To-Fu Salad, any of the Broth Noodles, and the Vietnamese Pho. Also, for dessert, try the Poached Bosc Pears, Brown Sugar Whip Cream Ginger-Honey Pound Cake, or the Whip Cream Black Plum Crème Brulee.

Come in and experience what Republic Noodle has to offer! They also offer free delivery, order online at www.republicnoodle.foodler.com or call 443-263-4435

Full menu and info: www.republicnoodle.com

~Leah Witter, intern

By Popular Demand: Spoons Open for Dinner!

Spoons (24 E. Cross St), a favorite for breakfast and lunch, is now serving dinner also. Everyone has been asking the owner of this great, green Federal Hill establishment to serve up its fabulous food for dinner, and we got our wish!

Spoons is starting out slowly, adding equipment in stages and was closed last week to make some renovations to the dining room. Deb Cogan, co-owner, says dinner will be offered Wednesday-Saturday and hours will be extended on Sunday to 5 p.m.

The chef they have brought in is, Chef Paul Santi, is a familiar name to many. Formerly, he was part of Champagne Tony's on Light Street. "He is doing a great job keeping morning and afternoon menus cohesive with dinner," said Deb. "We want to keep it comfortable, casual, and delicious. Our goal is to create a place people will enjoy."

No worries, Spoons will continue to keep their coffee on site. Updates will be posted on Spoons' Facebook page.

Info: www.spoonscoffeecafe.com

~Leah Witter, intern

October 6: Federal Hill First Thursday!

Come down to the Federal Hill business district for First Thursday, 6-8 pm, tomorrow. There are 18 participating shops and galleries offering specials, refreshments, and fun!!

Check out Artesanos don Bosco (828 S. Charles) for some live Andean Folk music in the beautiful furniture gallery. Down the street, Crystal Moll Gallery (1030 S. Charles) is featuring the fanciful exhibit, "Play Show", and a jazz guitarist. You'll want to stop next door at Alexandra Webb Artisan Jewelry (1028 S. Charles, pictured here) for at least 20% off everything, 50% off clearance, and a little bubbly. Phina's for the Home (919 S. Charles) has some new organic linens and a special treat in store for shoppers.

This is just a sample of what First Thursdays is all about. Come out and enjoy what they have to offer!

Participating businesses and their websites are available at: www.historicfederalhill.org

~Leah Witter, intern