Dishin' With Downtown Diane

Happy, Healthy 2014!
The year has just begun and already its a rousing start. There's plenty of new restaurants, charitable events and festivals for everyone to enjoy. I hope to see you around town soon; please Twitter or Instagram me with your hot finds around Charm City!

What's The Dish?
Myth and Moonshine
Canton www.bmoreshine.com
With 70+ flavors of Moonshine and delectable southern-inspired fare, Myth & Moonshine is a must add to your Baltimore dining list. Who knew Moonshine could be so amazing? Luckily they offer flights, so you can sample several and decide your favorite. There's blackberry, blueberry and strawberry, lemonade, cinnamon and apple pie, and that's just a few. They also infuse their own flavors and create cocktails with the moonshine so the selections seem endless.

Their crawfish deviled eggs, shrimp & grits, bordeaux burger and jambalaya are just a few suggestions to try on your visit. For dessert: how about housemade cinnamon roll hushpuppies? They are worth every calorie! Check their Facebook page for live entertainment info. Also enjoy Trivia Tuesdays and double happy hour days. Brunch offers unique options and endless bloodys & mimosas.

The French Kitchen
The Lord Baltimore Hotel https://www.facebook.com/TheFrenchKitchenatLordBaltimore
Fine French fare in gorgeous setting--that's what you can expect at the new French Kitchen. Share a Charcuterie and Fromage plate to begin paired with one of their French wines from an impressive list. Try not to fill up on the perfect, housemade breads which may be hard not to do.

Classic boeuf bourguignon, poisson, steak frites and croque madame are a few of your dinner options by Chef Jordan Miller. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch,

The French Kitchen is a welcome addition to Charm City's dining scene.

The Admirals Cup
$10 bottomless bloodys or mimosas weekends
One of the restaurants in the Kali's Restaurant Group located in Fells Point, Admiral's has live music six nights a week. They offer a fabulous happy hour and small plate menu as well as Neighborhood Night on Mondays. Try the endless bloodys at Sunday brunch--spicy goodness.
Go to www.TheAdmiralsCup.com for more info and entertainment schedule.

Kali's NEW Restaurant: Anastasia www.anastasiabaltimore.com
In the former spot that was Meli, you will find the newest addition to Fells Point Anastasia. Italian fare, creative cocktails and a very hip renovation. We love their thin crust pizza. With so many varieties to select from, order two and share! Check out entertainment in their cool downstairs lounge, as well.

Bagbys Ten Ten
1010 Fleet Street www.bagbys1010.com
They have 50 percent off wine night on Mondays, happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, $1 Oyster Night on Tuesdays and family style fried chicken on Wednesdays. If you haven't been to Ten Ten, be sure to check it out. I love their burger topped with fried egg and their juicy farm chicken. They also offer a power prix fixe lunch and delicious brunch with housemade baked goods that change weekly.

Fleet Street Kitchen
Chef Chris Becker & The Bagby Group Chefs have been invited to prepare dinner at the famous James Beard House in New York City this week. They will be preparing an encore dinner in Baltimore on Jan. 30! Don't miss this unique dining experience.
For more information on The Chesapeake Bounty Wine Dinner on Jan. 30, click here.

Cunningham's
Towson www.cunninghamstowson.com
You must have heard about the newest restaurant in the Bagby Group by now, Cunningham's. It's opened to rave reviews, and I can't stress enough to make reservations and try this new gem in the heart of Towson. They are participating in Baltimore County Restaurant Week through Jan. 26 as well, making this the perfect time to enjoy dinner at this gorgeous spot. Free valet parking and happy hour is offered too. Check out their menu, here.

Baltimore County Restaurant Week Continues Through Jan. 26
It's the perfect time to try the new Ryleigh's Oyster on Padonia Road and your choice of 52 other restaurants offering lunch and dinner options at special prices. Ruth's Chris Pikesville, Havana Road in Towson, Liberatore's, Kooper's North, The Milton Inn and Pappas Crabcakes are among the other choices.
View all the menus and participants, here.

James Joyce Pub-Harbor East
http://thejamesjoycepub.com/events.asp
There are nightly specials and happy hours in addition to live music weekends at this fun Irish pub.
Half price appetizer Fridays are back from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Roy's Hawaiian- Harbor East
http://www.roysrestaurant.com/cuisine/pdf/alohahour/Aloha_Hour_Menu.pdf
Escape to Hawaii at Roy's Daily Aloha Hour in their lounge from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Featured appetizers and cocktails at $6 will make you feel like you are basking in the sun, especially their Hawaiian martini and tempura spicy ahi roll.

Nickel Taphouse
Mt. Washington
The newest restaurant from the owner of the popular Birroteca, Robbin Haas, Nickel Taphouse offers up a popular menu with plenty of draft selections, craft cocktails, burgers, salads, sandwiches and big plates to share. Their appetizers are excellent, as well, my favorite are the deviled eggs with bacon jam. The Nickel is a neighborhood place where you feel at home and will return again and again. https://www.facebook.com/nickeltaphouse/app_337670556303383?ref=br_tf

Vivo Trattoria & Wine Bar
By George Martin Group
The Hotel at Arundel Preserve http://www.vivotrattoria.com/

Located in the gorgeous Hotel at Arundel Preserve, Vivo offers authentic Italian fare, including housemade pasta and a supernacular wine selection. I am still dreaming about my veal parmigiana and housemade bucatini. Begin with an antipasti plate to share and order your own ribolatta Tuscan bread soup, it brought back memories of Florence. We loved the arancini, crispy Italian rice balls, some of the best we've had since Italy.

The pizzas range from a traditional margherita to a rich crab imperial. Ask your server to recommend wine pairings as they offer such a wonderful, wide selection, you may want to try a few. We loved the old world reds, including a Chianti Classico and a Dolcetto. The prices are reasonable, the food very memorable and the service excellent.

Make it an overnight "staycation." The boutique at Hotel Arundel offers beautiful, contemporary rooms, an indoor pool and in-room spa packages as well. Loved the Keurig in our room with seasonal selections; it's the little touches that add to a wonderful stay.
www.thehotelarundel.com

Charm City Cakes Offers Decorating Classes
Remington Avenue, Baltimore
http://www.charmcitycakes.com/events
Learn to decorate a Charm City Cake and take home your masterpiece to share. Choose the class that interests you and be prepared to be learn from some of the finest in the biz. Founded by "Ace of Cakes" Duff Goldman and made popular on the Food Network, Charm City Cakes has opened its doors to teach their fine craft. The fabulous Mary Smith was our instructor and it was great to see Geof Manthorne in house. GM Bryan Sorrentino greets you and whisks you off to apron you up and get started. Valentine's class is coming up! It makes a great gift idea.

Wit & Wisdom Four Seasons Baltimore
Bonny Doon Winemaker Dinner
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Enjoy a four course wine dinner by Chef Zack Mills..
http://www.witandwisdombaltimore.com/promotions/

Wine Dinners by Chef's Expressions
Gramercy Mansion
Make your reservations early, as these memorable dinners most always sell-out. Coming up is the Bourbon, Wine and Bacon Dinner on Jan. 24 and The Valentine's "Love at First Bite," on Feb. 14. For a full list of 2014 wine dinners and social expressions events, click here.

Charm City Vodka Wars
Mother's Grill Sunday, Jan. 26, 2-6 p.m.
Local bars/restaurants compete for best Vodka cocktail using Ketel One.
http://www.missiontix.com/events/product/22154/1st-annual-charm-city-vodka-wars

Intimate Barrel Tastings at Linganore Winery
Enjoy a special tour and tastings lead by the owners at Linganore.
http://www.linganorewines.com

What's Hot:

Shen Yun
Jan. 16-19
Modell Lyric Opera House
Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired. http://www.lyricoperahouse.com/showdetail.php?showing_id=173

Disney on Ice- 100 Years of Magic
Feb. 5-9 at the Baltimore Arena
http://www.baltimorearena.com/events/disney-on-ice/

Buttercream Ball Benefits Icing Smiles
Feb. 8 at Savage Mill
Cocktails, auction, Sweet & Savory Delicacies, music and dancing
http://icingsmiles.org/2014-buttercream-ball

About Faces Day Spa 20 Percent off Products Sale
Now through Jan. 25, stop in any About Faces and stock up on your favorite products at 20 percent off. It's their semi-annual sale, and I take advantage of it for the popular Tocca perfume--my favorite.

Masters of Illusion
Febr. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Modell Lyric Opera House
Over half a dozen renown performers – from daring escapologists, eye-popping illusionists and amazing quick-change artists to exotic wild animals and beautiful dancers – all LIVE!
http://www.lyricoperahouse.com/showdetail.php?showing_id=178

Harford Mutual Presents:
The 15th Annual Winter Wine Expo
Hosted by Harford Community College Alumni and Friends and Wine World Beer and Spirits
http://www.harford.edu/about/offices-and-departments/giving/events/wine-expo.aspx
Feb. 23 3-6 p.m.
APG Federal Credit Union Arena at Harford Community College
Sample over 200 wines, enjoy a variety of hors d'oeuvres & desserts. Bid on an array of silent auction items. Also enjoy craft brews and imports.
All proceeds benefit the scholarships and programs of the HCC Alumni & Friends Association.

Real Ale & BBQ Fest
March 8

Heavy Seas Beer
Live Music & All The Beer, and BBQ You Can Sample.
http://www.hsbeer.com/event/real-ale-bbq

Haute Blow Dry Opens in Harbor East
http://hauteblowdry.com
The first location in Towson was such a huge success that a second location was added to please the downtown ladies. Stop in for a blow dry and the friendly atmosphere. You will be back. Downtown location is open Sundays as well and both offer specials for MAC Wellness members too. Follow them on Twitter for more events and specials @HauteBlowDry .
At the Rent a Stylist event coming up Feb. 11, learn the best hairstyle for you and how to create it and enjoy cocktails and food at their Towson location.
https://www.facebook.com/HauteBlowDryBar

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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 and Instagram @DowntownDiane & check out upcoming events at www.DowntownDiane.net