Get Ready: Street Beat Festival Sept. 20

Federal Hill's biggest annual street festival is coming up on Sunday, Sept. 20. The party starts at 11am and runs till 7pm.

Here's a preview of this year's music line-up: Chopteeth Afro Beat Big Band, The Reserves, Bill Iuso and the Restless Natives (from New Orleans!), The Slackadelics, Van Meter, Bullbreakers, Cold Cold Heartbreakers, Jarflys, Digital Elvis, Down Goes Frazier, Sons of the Radio, Stone's Throw, The Cheaters, The Lombards, School of Rock Al Stars, Psycho Killers (Talking Heads tribute), and more.

Shop Owner Hosts Alzheimer's Fundraiser

Have some fun with neighbors and friends while supporting a good cause this Saturday, August 29th, 6 to 9 pm at Illusions Magic Bar on S. Charles St. Coordinated by Julia Elgert of The Bottom Drawer, the event features magic show, raffles, light fare, and a good time. Tickets are $15 in advance at The Bottom Drawer, 1003 Ss Charles, or $20 at the door. All proceeds go to the Maryland Alzheimer's Foundation.

Can't go? No problem! You can support the foundation by donating to "Team Unforgettable," a group of Baltimore Marathon runners (including some of Julia's family members) dedicated to the cause. Call Julia, 410-783-8998.

'Historically Hip' Bags Have Arrived!

Now you can be historically hip ALL the time, with a new reusable shopping bag! Cost is $3. Proceeds go to Federal Hill Main Street's community promotion efforts.

Bags are available at the Federal Hill Main Street office at 42 E. Cross St., Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. You can also get the bags when you are out shopping in our fabulous neighborhood at Amy's Boutique, Funky Beehive, Ladybugs & Fireflies, Lucinda Gallery, Lucky Lucy's Canine Cafe, Phina's for the Home, Zelda Zen, with more to come. And look for them at the Street Beat Festival on September 20.

A Stroll Through Federal Hill ...

Cross Street Market caught the fancy of a Washington Post reporter engaged in Baltimore's new promotion to bring visitors to the city. The 10,000-step walking tour takes visitors through Federal Hill, Fells Point, and midtown.

Reporter Christina Talcott wrote about her experience in Wednesday's Washington Post, with a photo in Federal Hill Park. Read the article at: http://tr.im/wLTV

Local Business Featured in Sun Story

The Baltimore Sun's page 1 story August 17 on "Federal small-business lending plan off to slow start" about the plight of small buisnesses in these tough economic times featured Federal Hill boutique owner Amy Mutch and executive director Jane Seebold of the Federal Hill Main Street.

Read the story online: http://tr.im/wHfZ

"Party Like It's 1929" in Federal Hill

Illusions Magic Bar & Lounge, 1025 S. Charles, made CNN Travel's “9 places to party like it’s 1929” list recently. Now Baltimore joins the ranks of New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other U.S. cities in claiming one of the top lounges to visit for “old-time cocktails and décor.”

Illusions goes beyond the décor; don’t miss the house magician Spencer Horsman’s show while you enjoy the atmosphere. Read the full article:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/07/24/bars.speakeasies/

Federal Hill Crab Soups Draw Crowds

Ryleigh’s Oyster was voted runner-up for best Vegetable Crab Soup in a “Visit Baltimore” crab soup cook-off in the Inner Harbor on August 6. Scotti Offutt of Ryleigh's Oyster (above, right) could not fill up bowls fast enough at the Inner Harbor crab soup cook-off. A new Federal Hill favorite, Taverna Corvino, competed in the cook-off as well, along with Café Hon, Lebanese Taverna, Eden West, Brightons Inner Continental Harbor Court, Marie Louise Bistro, Alizee, Phillips Harborplace Restaurant, and Glass Grill.

Now It's Baltimore Restaurant WeekS

Bonus for you gourmands out there. You now have an extra week to enjoy special menus and great prices at several of Federal Hill favorite restaurants. Baltimore's Restauraunt Week has been extended through Aug. 23. Participating are Blue Agave, Corks, Mother's Federal Hill Grille, Regi's American Bistro, Ryleigh's Oyster, and Taverna Corvino. For more information, go to www.baltimorerestaurantweek.

Restaurant Week Comes to Federal Hill

Enjoy special menus at great prices at several Federal Hill favorites during restaurant week, August 7 to 16. Participating are Blue Agave, Corks, Mother's Federal Hill Grille, Regi's American Bistro, Ryleigh's Oyster, and Taverna Corvino. Most offer lunch and dinner specials.

For more information, go to www.baltimorerestaurantweek.

Locals Compete for Best Crab Soup Title

Federal Hill is well represented in the competition for Baltimore's Best Crab Soup. Ryleigh's Oyster and Taverna Corvino will face off against eight other Baltimore restaurants on Thursday, August 6, between 11 am and 1 pm, at the Harborplace Amphitheatre in the Inner Harbor. Stop by and sample cream of crab and vegetable crab soup and then place your vote!

Also competing are Café Hon, Lebanese Taverna, Eden West, Brightons, Marie Louise Bistro, Alizee boutique bistro and wine bar, Phillips Harborplace Restaurant, and Glass Grill Restaurant and Bar. The event is a kick-off for Summer Restaurant Week, August 7 to 16.

Chef Patrick Morrow of Ryleigh's Oyster will be up early that day, appearing around 6 am on Fox Morning News with the restaurant's famous Maryland Crab Soup. The family recipe was passed down from the great great grandmother of the restaurant's namesake, Ryleigh McComas (daughter of owner Brian).

Federal Hill Stores Rock 2009 “Best of Baltimore”

The August 2009 issue of Baltimore magazine highlights nearly a dozen Federal Hill shops, taverns, and eateries in its annual “Best of Baltimore” awards. Below are the businesses selected for top honors.

Congratulations to all the winners! Be sure to stop by and give them a try.

Food
Best Fondue – CORKS, 1026 S. Charles
Best Takeout Thai – THAI ARROY, 1019 Light
Best Small Plates – TAVERNA CORVINO, 1117 S. Charles
Best Milkshake (Berger Shake) – ABBEY BURGER BISTRO, 1041 Marshall
Best Pies – DANGEROUSLY DELICIOUS PIES, 1036 Light

Indulge (Relaxation and Pampering)
Best Holistic Spa – APOTHECARY WELLNESS, 1301 Light

Home Gifts
Best Euro Home Gifts – LE PETIT COCHON, 1030 S. Charles
Best Kitschy Home Gifts – FUNKY BEEHIVE, 920 S. Charles

Shopping
Best Aromatherapy – SOBOTANICAL, 1130 S. Charles
Best New Boutique – WHIMSY/REASON, 1033 S. Charles
Best Sweet Dresses – BABE. (a boutique), 910 S. Charles

And other winners nearby . . .

Best Neighborhood Bar (Southwest) – NO IDEA TAVERN, 1649 S. Hanover
Best Sports Bar – CITY LIMITS SPORTS BAR, 1700 E. Fort
Best Day Spa – STUDIO 921, 921 E. Fort
Best Classical Music (Affordable) – BACH CONCERT SERIES, Christ Lutheran Church, 701 S. Charles
Best Game Night (Weds.) – DON’T KNOW TAVERN, 1453 Light