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

SoBoKids Promotes Community Service

SoBoKids is a new family-oriented nonprofit community service organization founded by Andrea Sommer, a long-time South Baltimore resident. Its mission is "to create neighborhood pride and a sense of community by bringing families together to serve the city of Baltimore," Andrea explained.

Andrea started SoBoKids because she wanted her children to grow up with a sense of obligation to the world around them. She enjoyed participating in school-sponsored family service projects and decided to build on that experience. Several other South Baltimore families who share Andrea's sense of commitment to the community have joined SoBoKids. Families can participate in projects that interest them and are age appropriate.

"Federal Hill Main Street has been a great source of information and provided the first project for the group," said Andrea. Nine SoBoKids families helped plant 10 new large planters on South Charles Street. Funded by Baltimore Grand Prix beautification grant, the project helped spruce up the street and gave families a chance to work together on a fun activity.

SoBoKids is looking for participation, ideas, and input from the community. For information: www.SoBoKids.org or their FaceBook page.

~Leah Witter, intern