Baltimore Restaurant Week: Back by Popular Demand!

Baltimore Restaurant week is back again! Summer dates are July 27 to August 5, 2012. This is a fun way to explore new options and visit old favorites all throughout the city. Participating restaurants will be offering special menus with three-course prix-fixed dinner options for 30.12 and 20.12. Some are also including lunch menus of two-course prix-fixed options for 15.12. Restaurant Week is a great time to experience the talent and delicious food that Charm City has to offer.

The Federal Hill restaurants participating include

Blue Agave, 1032 Light St.
Bluegrass Tavern, 1500 S. Hanover St.
Matsuri Restaurant, 1105 S. Charles St.
Mother's Federal Hill Grille, 1113 S. Charles St.
Regi's American Bistro, 1002 Light St.
Ryleigh's Oyster, 36 East Cross St.
SoBo Café, 6 W. Cross St.
The Rowhouse Grille, 1400 Light St.

For more information be sure to check out, www.Baltimorerestarauntweek.com!

Margeaux Appel, Intern

New price on Federal Hill Cookbook!

Federal Hill Main Street's popular community cookbook, Federal Hill Cooks!, is now available for just $10. Act soon to take advantage of the discount on this great book, featuring more than 200 recipes from local chefs, business owners, elected officials, community leaders, and residents from throughout the peninsula of South Baltimore.

Chapters include Appetizers, Salads, Soups & Sandwiches, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Desserts, Breakfasts, "Kids in the Kitchen," and Beverages. Each recipe includes an excerpt written by its contributor explaining the significance, history, or interesting facts about the dish. Interspersed are original drawings and photographs by local artists.

Want to know how to make the famous Abbey Burger Bistro Veggie Burger, Mother's Mussels, or Regi's Butternut Squash Soup? Get the cookbook!

“This book is truly a celebration of our community,” said Cathy Strodel of the seven-member volunteer Cookbook Committee which coordinated the project. Proceeds go to the national award winning Federal Hill Main Street program for its community improvement and promotion efforts, including small business assistance.

Pick one up at Federal Hill Main Street, 42 E. Cross Street or call 410-727-4500 (email: admin@historicfederalhill.org). Also available at The Book Escape, 805 Light Street.

Margeaux Appel, Intern

It's time for Federal Hill Third Thursdays again!

Our favorite time of the month around Federal Hill is coming up! This Thursday, July 19th, is Third Thursday, 6-8 pm. We know it's hot out, but the cool savings and refreshments in shops and galleries are worth it.

The specials will include:
Lucinda Gallery, 919 S. Charles - 50% off men’s gift items, jewelry ,and jewelry boxes and 20% off all original art
Apothecary Wellness, 1200 Light - 15% off all retail items in store
Pandora’s Box, 50 E. Cross - 15% off everything, plus refreshments
Bobabooi’s Treasure Chest, 1028 S. Charles - 10% off their entire store
Crystal Moll Gallery, 1030 S. Charles- Art, wine, and FREE note cards featuring Crystal’s “Oh Say Can You See” painting
Mark Cottman Gallery, 1014 S. Charles- “Big Show, Big Sale” reception and unveiling of new original “From the Sea” painting
Jordan Faye Contemporary, 1401 Light, Wine and “nibbles” and new exhibition, “A Few of my Favorite Things”

Margeaux Appel, intern

Bobabooi's Treasure Chest has Moved!

 Everybody's favorite shop for Ravens' and Orioles' gear has moved a couple of blocks west to 1028 South Charles Street. Bobabooi’s Treasure Chest, now painted in Baltimore Orioles orange, has colorful flags displayed from the exterior, so you can't miss it!

            This summer, they have stocked all sorts of Baltimore gear - from the Orioles to the Ravens to Natty Boh! The Natty Boh shirts come in a wide variety to offer something for everyone. You'll find fun and festive t-shirts, hats, and more. Not only can you support your community, but the entire city as well, by shopping local at Bobabooi’s and showing off your pride in Charm City!

Margeaux Appel, intern

SoBo Café Chef in Master Chef Competition!

SoBo Café’s very own Chef Timothy Dyson is competing in the Mason Dixon Master Chef Competition. Anyone who has enjoyed his wonderful food at this local hotspot (6 W. Cross Street) knows his extensive talents. Tim beat out the chef from The Inn at Perry Cabin in the first round. On August 13, he faces off against the chef of The Iron Bridge Wine Co. in Columbia.

The event involves 16 executive chefs and 8 weeks of competition at Max’s Blob’s Park in Jessup, MD (www.blobspark.net). There will be 25 audience members each night who will not only be able to watch all the chefs, but will also be able to taste and judge as well. Tickets are available for purchase at www.masondixonmasterchef.com.

We all know how great the cuisine at SoBo Café is! Come out and show your support for Chef Timothy Dyson in the next round!

Margeaux Appel, Intern

Is the Book Escape Haunted? Come Saturday and Learn More!

Come to The Book Escape (805 Light Street) this Saturday, July 14, 1-3 pm and meet paranormal author Rob Gutro who featured this local gem of a book store in his new book. Rob, a meteorologist will be answering questions and signing his latest book, Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead!

"When I investigated The Book Escape with members of Inspired Ghost Tracking in October 2010, I didn't know what I'd find," says Rob. "Not only did we get an audible message and photographic evidence, but I was able to learn the identity of the helpful ghost who still lives there." The book store investigation is described in detail in his new book, along with many other interesting experiences of the medium.  

Come prepared to do some browsing! The Book Escape is having its biggest sale of the year that same day! This Saturday only: 50% off all used books with a book pass and 25% off without a book pass.

Be sure to stop by The Book Escape this Saturday for some interesting conversation and great deals! Info:   410-504-1902, www.thebookescape.com

Margeaux Appel, intern 

Regi’s Is Back, and in Full Force!

After 3 long months, Regi’s American Bistro (1002 Light Street) has reopened! The restaurant was forced to close following an electrical fire on April 10. The renovated 1860 building can now continue to be a destination for local and regional residents, business groups, and tourists, all of whom can enjoy the "farm and rooftop to fork" cuisine.

Owner Alan Morstein in front of the Authentic Marble
Fireplace in the dining area.

Owner Alan Morstein wants to keep the charm of Federal Hill alive in his restaurant. “Though the fire was a setback, to say the least, I wanted to utilize the closing to make enhancements to both the physical appearance as well as the menu,” said Alan. 

The hardwood flooring, cherished fireplace, and popular bar are originals from 1978 and have been refined and polished. With added touches of Edison lighting, a large Gyro fan, and black and white photos of Cross Street Market, you'll feel right at home!

It goes without saying that the food continues to meet Regi’s high standards. Some exciting new additions are coming, along with a new light fare menu starting on July 12. Alan is proud to welcome a new executive chef, Audiel Vera, who earned his stripes working under such marquis chefs as: Cindy Wolf (Charleston), Jessie Sandlin (Pazo/Vino Rosina), and Pat Morrow (Meli). 

“I am excited about the endless prospects of presenting our signature cuisine blending with Audiel’s creativity and passions,” said Alan. The neighborhood is excited as well!

Be sure to stop in and welcome back Alan and friends at Regi’s American Bistro, a Federal Hill gem!

--Margeaux Appel, Intern