Unfortunately, when someone
says, “I’m from Baltimore,” the usual reaction is, “poor devil.” And certainly the trepidation was reinforced
by the recent hit television series The
Wire. Though hailed by critics as the greatest TV drama of all time, the rampant violence in each episode
didn’t exactly promote the town’s newest nickname, Charm City; it rather kept alive the old one, Mobtown. So why, you may very well ask, do I think Baltimore is the
“bee’s knees?”
After burning Washington, DC
to the ground, the British tried to do the same to Baltimore – no such
luck. The boys at Fort McHenry kicked
the English Redcoats back down the Patapsco River and then wrote a song about
it (the Star Spangled
Banner). Sure, that was a long
time ago but the Brits haven’t been back. And if that’s not enough to allay
your fears, how about these laws that are still on the books. In Baltimore it’s illegal to mistreat
oysters, one can’t throw hay bales from a second-story window, and if there was
ever a concern about someone walking into a movie with a lion, forget about it,
it’s against the law. And here are some more reasons why I love calling B-more home.
Right in the heart of the
city is Spirits of Mount Vernon,
my one and only wine shop. There is: wine
by the glass while shopping, Friday night complimentary (meaning free) wine
tastings, local entertainment, friendly crowds, wonderful views, and a great
big dog!
My friend Vickie and her team
are extremely knowledgeable and always helpful. Spirits isn’t pretentious
because it’s a part of the neighborhood and after one visit, you will be too.
Need a haircut, no better
place than the Beatnik Barber Shop. Situated on 241 West Read Street, it’s the
place where, “cool never goes out of style.”
My friend Pete and his cutting crew always deliver a quality styling. But if you have to wait, and it’s never long,
there’s great music and always conversation ranging from, “the rise in housing
prices to the decline of western civilization.”
And how about your pet? We all treat our critters like family members
and so do the folks at Fisher Pet Care. My friend Matt and his team have been
providing top-notch professional pet care since 2002. Dog walking, cat care, overnight pet sitting,
feeding, transporting, hell they’ll even water the plants and pick-up your mail
– these guys are great!
Of course, no travel journal
is complete without restaurant and bar recommendations; so, here are three of
my favorites, by neighborhoods, worth visiting.
Located at the corner of
Cathedral & Eager Streets, City Cafe delivers a scrumptious
regionally inspired American cuisine, in a setting best described as a “friendly
city vibe.”
It’s unquestionably a
neighborhood place but with dishes like their Wild Rock Fish and Steak
Frites it’s no mystery why folks come here from all over town. From a quick cup of coffee to a delicious
full meal, the City Cafe never lets
you down.
Sitting on the old waterfront
in Fells Point is my favorite spot for brunch, Kooper’s Tavern. Voted Best Brunch by Baltimore’s City Paper, start with a
Shana’s Famous Bloody Mary and follow
it with an Omelet (Crab or Creole or Juke Joint “Mojo” Pulled Pork).
If you’re leaning more carnivore Kooper’s
award winning burger selection packs a wallop.
Everything from the Kooper’s
B.Y.O.B. to the Elvis got the Blues
is first rate!
Located right on The Avenue
(36th Street) in Hampden, 13.5%
Wine Bar truly makes city life a treat.
We love to sip a glass and chat while watching the life in Hampden
parade by the glass storefront. Though
there are more than 40 wines by the glass and 200 bottle selections, you’re
never overwhelmed. The staff is
knowledgeable, helpful and, most of all, friendly. If a beer or cocktail is more in order, no
worries, 13.5% is well stocked. And yes, there is a complete menu from the
tasty Fig & Onion Baked Cheese Dip
to delicious Grilled pork Chop with braised cabbage and coffee scented squash.
This
effort barely scratches the surface of Baltimore’s being and all it has to
offer. With so many neighborhoods and so many different cultures, just
going across town is an international experience. Believe me, if the strength and warmth of
Baltimore's character doesn't enchant you, its eccentricity will.
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