Dishin' With Downtown Diane
The Food Market
www.thefoodmarketbaltimore.com
I dined at the The Food Market in Hampden this week, and I have to say it is as wonderful as everyone told me. The hip atmosphere, delectable drinks, creative fare and friendly staff all add up to one positive dining experience. I love the open kitchen and watching the staff scurry about all in sync as they bring one delectable dish after another to the filled tables in the dining room. My friends and I enjoyed sampling a variety of dishes on the menu divided into little, small, big & in-between.
We shared edamame and ordered the skinny greek salad and salt & pepper tuna, as well. I couldn't wait for the spaghetti & crab meatballs and all I have to say is, delizioso! Perfectly prepared pasta, a slightly spicy fra diavolo sauce topped off with the perfect crab balls. One friend ordered the vegetable messtray, a variety of vegetarian delights on a gorgeous platter, prompting the next table to ask, "What is that dish?"
I love the wine list and had an excellent sauvignon blanc, my friend enjoyed a refreshing cucumber martini. My other friend loved the grapefruit sangria. On the way out, we ran into friends, one of them enjoying the pork schnitzel, which I can't wait to try on my next visit.
Make reservations for this new Baltimore hot-spot and let me know what else to try next time!
Brunch is offered Friday through Sunday. Dinner is daily, and there's free valet parking.
Be Flirty. Be Radiant. Be Fresh. Be Bright.
This line of wines geared toward the ladies caters to one's every mood, and they are the perfect summer accompaniments to your dinner or to enjoy after a long, hot day. I loved the citrus flavor of the Pinot Grigio & the Chardonnay went perfect with our bbq dinner. The Pink Moscato is perfect for sharing with friends, and we enjoyed pairing the Riesling with dessert, for a tropical finish to our meal.
Ryleigh's Oyster
https://www.facebook.com/RyleighsOyster?ref=ts
Shore on the Hill Night is every Tuesday at Ryleigh's Federal Hill. With such offerings as $1 oysters, $2 crabs, drink & lobster specials, this is the happening place to be.
Don't miss ordering one of their famous fresh OJ crushes, the perfect summer drink. I also love their grilled calamari & fresh fish tacos.
Waterfront Deck Pier 5
www.ruthschris-pier5.com/Waterfront-Deck.htm
Ruth's Chris' NEW Waterfront Deck offers sizzle swizzle swirl $7 happy hour Wednesdays through Friday, and live music Thursday through Sunday.
Havana Road- Towson
www.facebook.com/pages/Havana-Road/150539971625500?ref=ts
Havana Road has expanded their amazing Cuban menu and added a daily tapas menu. They also offer daily $9.50 lunch specials. Like them on Facebook for the daily dish.
James Joyce Pub-Harbor East
http://thejamesjoycepub.com/events.asp
James Joyce Pub offers a daily Happy Hour and a special Friday Irish happy hour. There's also team trivia on Tuesdays, and outdoor seating is available.
Leinie Baltimore Beer Garden
www.leiniebeergarden.com/?page=calendar
What better way to stay cool then with a nice, cold Leinie? Daily specials include ladies night, and big barrel Wednesdays have made this quite the go-to place this summer.
Joe Squared Power Plant LIVE
Dine in, dine on their patio or phone in your order and someone will bring it to your car to take home, how perfect is that? I love the daily happy hours including 1/2 price beer Mondays & 1/2 price rum Thursdays. There's free music and weekly creative food specials.
Friday Night Free Concerts
Free outdoor concerts are offered throughout the summer at Hunt Valley Town Center, "Feet on the Street," Towson & Belvedere Square.
Schedule of concerts:
Belvedere Square www.belvederesquare.com/index.cfm?page=events&id=112&pg=1
Feet on the Street www.towsonchamber.com/documents/Junejulyaug2012Flyer_004.pdf
Hunt Valley Town Centre www.greetingsandreadings.com/events/summer-concert-series
Movies Under the Stars
Basignani Winery offers Friday Movies Under the Stars and many other summer happenings. Check out upcoming events: www.basignani.com
Enjoy free concerts on the beach Wednesday nights
July 11-Aug. 29
Full schedule of concerts: http://oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/free-concerts.html.
Craberet
Thursday, July 12 6:30- 10 p.m.
Gertrude's at the Baltimore Museum of Art
This sensational summer event benefits the House of Ruth Maryland.
Enjoy sultry crab dishes by chef extraordinaire, John Shields, cocktails from The Wine Source and Heavy Seas, and a smorgasbord of salsa, cha-cha and percussion compliments of Mambo Combo live in the BMA's Sculpture Garden, as well as wonderful auction items.
www.hruth.org/crabaret.asp
Films on the Pier
Fells Point
Free movies Wednesday nights all summer.
www.fellspointmainstreet.org
Flicks from The Hill
Federal Hill
Thursdays July 12 -Aug. 23
American Visionary Art Museum
Films start at 9 p.m. Museum open and free 5-9 p.m. before the FLICK.
www.avam.org
Summer Restaurant Week returns!
July 27-Aug. 5
Enjoy two-course lunch at participating restaurants for $15.12 and three-course dinners for $20.12 OR $30.12. Check for frequent updates and menus of those participating www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com
The 3rd Annual Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival
National Harbor Water Front on Saturday, Aug. 18
Two fun-filled sessions from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5- 9 p.m.
*ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE extravaganza complete with thousands of crabs, lots of beer, arts & crafts, live music, family fun and so much more...
*30 unique artists and craft exhibits & bands such as Soul Power Review, featuring the Black Honkeys, Looking for Lester, 8 Ohms Band. Guests can also enjoy the moon bounces, and NEW this year the "Ultimate Water Balloon Game," Water Wars to beat the heat!
www.mdcrabfest.com
Heavy Seas Brewery
Noon-4 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 15
A salute to beer & bacon ...
www.drinkeatrelax.com/tickets/heavy-seas-festivals/heavy-seas-pyrates-pints-pigs-september-15th/heavy-seas-pyrates-pints-p
DAS Best Oktoberfest!
National Harbor Sept. 22 & 23
Timonium Oct. 13
www.dasbestoktoberfest.com
Flip-Flop Festivus!
Saturday, Sept. 22
6 p.m. VIP | 7:30 p.m. Main Event
Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
Baltimore's Best Football Party!
Mingle with Gridiron Greats for a fab cause. Enjoy sumptuous cuisine and cocktails at VIP reception from Miguel's. At the main event, enjoy exquisite food, wine and cocktails from the Four Seasons.
www.lifeandbreath.org/flip_flop_festivus.aspx
Rock-n-Roll Bash ... Benefits Casey Cares
Sept. 29 Rams Head LIVE
Musicians and Bands from the 70s and 80s jam for one night to benefit critically ill children
Get ready to party when popular cover bands like the KISS cover band, Cold Gin, the Bon Jovi tribute band, Bad Medicine, the AC/DC tribute band, High Voltage and others jam together for the 10th Anniversary Rock and Roll Bash.
*Meet the musicians up close and personal.
Tickets: $80 and include cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and dinner, or $40 with a cash bar, dancing, and of course, great music!*Silent and live auctions.
The Casey Cares Foundation provides uplifting programs with a special touch for critically ill children and their families.
www.CaseyCaresFoundation.org or 443-568-0064
Downtown Diane is a Baltimore area food, travel & entertainment reporter, appearing Fridays on 105.7 The Fan Norris & Davis Show with her entertainment report. Follow her for Daily Dish on Twitter @DowntownDiane & check out upcoming events at www.DowntownDiane.net.
