Foodie News and Events

Here is some information that I've received through press releases lately

2nd Annual Maryland Traditions Folklife Festival is taking place on June 16th (this Saturday) from 11am-7pm at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson. 

• The festival is an "interactive, family-friendly celebration of traditional music, arts and foods from across the state."
• This looks so much fun you guys!  Plus it has tons of delicious food vendors such as:
• Prigel Family Creamery
• Himalayan House
• Bear Creek Open Pit Bar-B-Q
• Baltimore's Best Snowballs (snowball stand in Westminster)
• Ron's Famous Pit Beef
• Fiesta Mexicana (restaurant in Rosedale)
• Classic Cakes 

NASFT's Summer Fancy Food Show is taking place June 17-19th in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C.  

•  This events "main goal is to connect food producers and businesses. Here, NASFT members (producers) promote hundreds of thousands of unique specialty food and beverage products that are often unavailable at your local grocery store or chain. The Summer Fancy Food Show invites chefs, food trade professionals, distributors and retailers from all over the world to attend this event and introduce them to some of the most innovative specialty food products in the marketplace."
• If you are interested in attending, register for $35 ($10 off full badge price) when you use this promo code SX10. Click on this link to register.  

 

Ra Sushi is celebrating International Sushi Day on June 18th (Monday). 

• Anyone who "likes" Ra Sushi on Facebook can print a coupon for one complimentary Tootsy Maki.  It must be printed on June 18th and used that day between 11am-7pm.

• Ra is ALSO introducing new menu items and cocktail selections on the 18th, including
• Edamame Dip ($5.25), a creamy edamame and spinach dip served warm with wonton chips.
• Drunken Black Mussels ($9.25) steamed in sake and sauteed in garlic an soy sauce. 
• Crispy Asian Tacos!  There are five different flavors to choose from, including the Spicy Tuna ($9.25), Chicken ($7.50), Spicy Salmon ($8.25), "RA"ckin' Shrimp ($8.25), and Crispy White Fish ($8.25)
• Lycheetini ($9) made with lemon vodka, muddled lychees, lychee juice, lemon juice and sugar free sweetener.

 

This year's Crab & Cruise is taking place June 22-23 in Crisfield, Maryland.

• The Crab & Cruise is a two-day event aimed to attract Maryland seafood lovers from all over the country.  It starts with a part on Friday night and ends with an all-you-can-eat crab feast and bay cruise on Saturday.  
• You can choose to do some of the events or all of them. It definitely looks like a great summer weekend! 

B&O American Brasserie is hosting multiple events this summer

• On June 28th (Thursday) at 7:30pm it's hosting a Stags' Leap Wine Dinner for $75pp which will include a five-course menu all paired with a different varietal of wine.
• On July 21st (Saturday) from 2-4pm, Chef Dunklin is having a BBQ demonstration and cocktail pairing from head bartender, Brendar Dorr. It's $35pp or $50 per couple.  This is a cooking demo, so you will get to eat what the Chef prepares!

Try Some Bug Cookies at the Maryland Science Center!

The Maryland Science Center's exhibit "Harry's Big Adventure: My Bug World!," running until April 29th, might open up some new horizons for you.

According to the press release I received, "Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World! is a one-of-a-kind,

interactive exhibit with thousands of live insects, interactive activities, contests and demonstrations that give Maryland Science Center guests a better appreciation for the impact these tiny creatures have on our lives."

And what better way to appreciate bugs than to eat them!? :)

The chef demos food all day during the weekend hours of the exhibit, including the following:

 

Chocolate Chirp Cookies - Chocolate chip cookies with crickets in the batter

 Washington wax worms on small slices of Washington apples with a dab of honey

Crispy Cajun crickets toasted in a pan with a little butter and some Cajun spices

I know I'm not brave enough to give these a try - are you?

 

Maryland Science Center

601 Light Street

Inner Harbor

Baltimore, Maryland 21230

Party Like it’s 1929 At Mr. Rain’s Fun House!

This sounds like SO. MUCH. FUN.

Here's the press release from Mr. Rain's Fun House about their 1929 Prohibition-style Repeal Day Dinner.  LOVE IT!

On December 4, Mr. Rain’s Fun House will host a prohibition-style

Repeal Day Dinner with food, cocktails, and music straight from the roaring 20s

Don your best flapper dress and pinstriped suit and head to Mr. Rain's Fun House for a night of dinner, dancing, and of course, cocktails on Sunday, December 4, at 6:00pm.   Chef Bill Buszinski has created a special menu for the Repeal Day party inspired by the most delectable dishes enjoyed in that era. To pair, Mixologist Perez Klebahn is serving up classic libations, as well as his modern-day spin on each drink. The Baltimore Jazz Alliance will also be on hand to provide lively entertainment all through the night—“period” attire is highly recommended!

            The Repeal Day Gala will begin at 6:00pm with light hors d’oeuvres served in Mr. Rain’s bar area. At 7:00pm, guests will be seated in the dining room and treated to a five-course tasting with an incredible menu featuring:

Oysters Rockefeller

Gruyère Cheese, Anise Butter

Lobster

Heart of Palm, Passion Fruit Ganache, Coconut Pearls

Rabbit

Pancetta Parsnip Puree, Carrot Chips, Lavender Cream

Short Ribs

 Root Beer Cure Vanilla & Grafton au Gratin, Glazed Fennel

Baked Alaska

Classic Preparation

Cocktails designed to pair with each course will available for purchase a la carte ($10-13) and include both a traditional version and contemporary interpretation of a French 75, Sidecar, Negroni, Sazerac, and Mary Pickford. As dinner commences, the Baltimore Jazz Alliance will play live music and guests are encouraged to hit the dance floor. At 9pm, Mr. Rain’s will offer food a la carte, allowing anyone to stop in for a cocktail, a bite, and some jazz and enjoy the festivities. The evening will conclude with a Champagne toast at midnight; the perfect send-off to a fantastic night. 

The Repeal Day Gala at Mr. Rain’s Fun house will take place on Sunday, December 4 from 6:00pm-12:00am. The five-course tasting, plus hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast is $65 per person, not including tax and gratuity; cocktails can be purchased a la carte for $10-13. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting www.mrrainsfunhouse.com or calling 443.524.7379.

Maryland News and Events

October 26th – Michael Pollan at the Strathmore, Bethesda

Wednesday, October 26, 2011, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$60

If you are at all interested in food, food policy, food activism etc, this is the lecture for you!

I went to see Michael Pollan a couple of years ago at Goucher, and a lot of what he spoke about still resonates with me today.  You will not be disappointed!  

Here is some info on the event:
In making a case for more basic, natural foods rather than “edible, food-like substances,” Pollan candidly reveals the industrialization of agriculture and highlights the growing national movement to renovate the food system. 

Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD 20852
(301) 581-5100.

Get Your Happy Hour Specials Here!

A new website has launched – http://baltimore.thedrinknation.com.  Use it to display happy hours and drink specials nearby or in any Baltimore neighborhood.  You can use it as an app as well.  I think this is definitely a great resource to add to your smartphone!

Fall Cocktails Now on Menu at Chazz

Chazz: A Bronx Original has added six new fun Fall Cocktails.  They are smart – people love that kind of stuff (hellllo pumpkin spice lattes).  Oh, and p.s. their happy hour specials are five days a week from 4-7 p.m., including $5 handcrafted cocktails, ½ price wine and draught beers, and a $5 food menu. Here are the descriptions of the new cocktails I received in a press release:

Spiced Plum Soda: A slice of fresh, juicy plum is muddled with homemade, spiced plum syrup. Imported rum adds a sweet, toasty note and soda adds the necessary whimsicality for a surprisingly refreshing and dangerously drinkable cocktail. $9

La Pera - Pear Cocktail: Bold, refreshing… the unmistakable burst of fresh fruit in our pear cocktail is due to our fresh pear purée, combined with pear vodka and accented by St. Germain, adding an elegant and fragrant hint of elderflower. $11

La Mela - Fall Apple Martini: Few things bring autumn to mind as vibrantly or as deliciously as apples. Fresh, local apple cider is combined with vodka in the perfect balance to create a simple, crisp and delightful reminder of the fall harvest. $11

The Rusty Nail: Scotch on the rocks is laced with the lingering, aromatic flavor of honey thanks to Drambuie - a combination of Scotch blends and heather honey. To add balance to this classic, we add a dash of Fernet Branca, introducing the faintest hint of spicy notes. A cozy, fireside cocktail. $11

The Classic Sidecar: In the 1920s, the Sidecar became a signature drink for the Hemmingway expat crowd in postwar Paris, who enjoyed its harmonious combination of cognac, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and Cointreau. Our Sidecar hits all the right notes, with its neatly sugarcoated rim, pale opacity, and a tartness that makes it impossible to tell where the lemon lets off and the Cointreau begins. $12

Hot Toddy: The perfect constitutional to ward off the chill of the season. We blend warm, homemade fall spice tea with Buillet bourbon, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and a splash of Averna for balance. $9

Chazz: A Bronx Original
1415 Aliceanna Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
(410) 522-5511

Ra Sushi Partners with National Breast Cancer Foundation

Running a bit behind on this one, but we still have a full week left in October!   

Ra Sushi is partnering with the National Breast Cancer Foundation throughout this month.  They will donate 100% of the profits from the sale of the ONEHOPE Wine and Pink Roll combination ($15) to the Foundation. 

The combo includes a glass of ONEHOPE California Chardonnay and the Pink Roll, which features shrimp, crab mix and sriracha combined with lettuce, avocado and cucumber wrapped in pink soy paper (!) and served with a pink ribbon of strawberry sauce.

In addition this season, guests who order the ONEHOPE special and check in to RA Sushi Baltimore on foursquare will get a pink Breast Cancer bracelet!

Ra Sushi
1390 Lancaster Street
Baltimore, MD 21231-3300
(410) 522-3200

 

Old Bay Sausages Available

This is totally random – but very Maryland-y, so I had to post it!  OLD BAY and Roma Gourmet Sausages are coming together to introduce OLD BAY Sausages. I’ve actually seen them in the stores recently but haven’t tried them – have you??

They can be found at a specialty stand at M&T Bank Stadium this football season, and also at select Maryland and mid-Atlantic retailers, including:
•       Giant/Stop & Shop
•       Safeway
•       Food Lion
•       Klein’s ShopRite
•       Mars Super Markets
•       Trinacria Foods
•       Weis Grocery Stores
•       BiRite Bel Garden on Bel Air Road
•       Box & Save on Logan Village & Eastern Blvd
•       Eddie’s on Charles Street & Roland Avenue
•       Geresbeck’s on Eastern Blvd
•       The Markets at Highlandtown
•       Redner’s on Fountain Green Road & Joppa Farm Road

Taste of the Nation, October 15th

I received this press release in my email - what a great event to attend!  Not only does it sound absolutely DELICIOUS, but it's all for a great cause too!

BALTIMORE’S HOTTEST CHEFS COOK TO END CHILDHOOD HUNGER

Who:     The hottest chefs and mixologists from Baltimore and around the country are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in Maryland and across America. Top Baltimore establishments including Pierpoint, Charm City Cakes, B&O American Brasserie, Clementine, Mallard’s and Wit and Wisdom will offer a taste of their finest foods. 

What:   Sample sweet and savory bites as you mingle among the area’s hottest culinary talents and food lovers.  Sip craft cocktails and select wines and beer. Bid on exceptional auction items including culinary experiences, travel packages, and unique gifts.

How Much: Tickets are $95 for General Admission and $150 for VIP and can be purchased by calling 1-877-26-TASTE or visiting TasteOfTheNation.org. One hundred percent of ticket sales support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger.
 
Why:     Hunger impacts one in five children in America, and nearly 12 percent of families in Maryland.  Share Our Strength is dedicated to making sure no child grows up hungry.  The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids with the nutritious foods they need to lead healthy, active lives.
 
When:  Saturday, October 15, 2011; 6:00 p.m. VIP admission, 7:00 p.m. General Admission.

Where: Renaissance Harborplace Baltimore Hotel; 202 East Pratt Avenue; Baltimore, MD 21202

Food News

Here are a couple of press releases I’ve received:

• Chick-fil-A is now adding a multi-grain oatmeal to its breakfast menu for $2.49.  You can order one of three toppings: cinnamon brown sugar, roasted mixed nuts (almonds, pecans and walnuts) or a dried fruit blend (cranberries, blueberries, golden raisins and cherries).  A serving of the 8oz oatmeal contains 120 calories without toppings and 290 calories with toppings.  

• Morton’s Steakhouse and MyCity4Her.com are hosting the annual Spirited Women of Baltimore Power Lunch on Wednesday, August 17^th from 11am-2pm at Morton’s.  Tickets are $50 if purchased before August 10^th and $65 if purchased after.  Proceeds from the ticket sales will benefits the American Red Cross of Central Maryland.  Visit www.mycity4her.com, call 410-327-9090 or email m@mycity4her.com or cm.mba@mortons.com to purchase tickets or for more information.  On a personal note, one of my friends, Katherine Pinkard Bowers is amongst the honorees!  Yay Katherine!

• The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort is hosting a Crab Week(s) from August 14-28^th.  Guests can enjoy a variety of crab-inspired activities such as a “meet and greet” and VIP crab dinner with Chef Bryan Voltaggio, and an all-you-can-eat crab feast at J.M. Clayton’s, the world’s oldest crab house (!).  As mentioned, you do need to be a guest to partake in the fun, and rate start at $199.  For more information call 800-633-7313 or visit chesapeakebayhyatt.com

B&O Brasserie’s Second Annual Crab Bash, July 26th 6-9pm

 
B&O Brasserie’s Second Annual Crab Bash, July 26th 6-9pm

You are invited to a cook-off between award-winning chefs from around the region as they search for the Best Crab Dish.  For $35, you will be able to sample the chefs’ dishes, enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Executive Chef Thomas Dunklin and a complimentary cocktail created for the anniversary by Head Bartender Brendan Dorr.  Admission also includes entrance into a raffle for a free night stay at the Hotel Monaco Baltimore.

Each crab dish will be judged by both attendees and a panel of local celebrity judges. One chef will be awarded a People’s Choice Award based solely on the votes of attendees and one chef (or possibly the same chef) will be awarded a trophy for Best in Show by the celebrity panel.

Sounds Fun!!


To purchase your ticket for Crab Bash, visit www.missiontix.com or visit their Facebook page for more info.

Information: 


B&O American Brasserie
2 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
$35 entrance fee includes Crab Bash dish tastings, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a hand-crafted anniversary cocktail, and raffle ticket for a free night stay at the Hotel Monaco Baltimore

The Gathering - TONIGHT

 The Gathering (of Food Trucks), TONIGHT July 8^th 5-10pm

A bunch of our very favorite food trucks will be gathering in one spot tonight to tempt you all with their fare!  

You’ll find Kooper’s Chowhound Burger Wagon, Miss Shirley’s Food Truck, Iced Gems, Souper Freak, GrrChe, Silver Platter and Gypsy Queen all waiting for you at 421 Central Avenue and Eastern Avenue (Harbor East). Some of the proceeds will benefit There Goes My Hero, a nonprofit organization that works to match leukemia patients with donors. 

Check out more information here: www.bmorefoodtrucks.com

Playing Catch Up, Foodie Style

I recieved a lot of emails about foodie news while I was on vacation.  Here is a compilation for your perusal!  

• The Maryland Science Center is hosting a series of Summer Demos and Tasting with local chefs.  The first one is TODAY!  Check it out, I think they all sound awesome!!!!
• Tuesday, June 28, 2pm: Michael Gettier is the executive chef at Antrim 1844 in Taneytown, Maryland. Gettier is an American chef of French decent, who studied cooking in Paris and has cooked his French-inspired cuisine all over Baltimore.
• Monday, July 18, 2pm: Donna Crivello is the co-owner of Donna’s Café which has locations in Charles Village, Columbia, and Cross Keys. Donna serves as chef for the Columbia restaurant where she showcases her fresh and healthy style and cuisine.
• Thursday, August 11, 2pm: John Shields is the chef and owner of Gertrude’s restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Shields is a Baltimore native who focuses on coastal cooking and believes in using local, organic ingredients whenever possible.

• Phillips Foods is having an Ultimate Crab Challenge, a recipe contest that is running from July 6 – Aug 22nd.  Log onto www.ultimatecrabchallenge.com to enter your recipe and you could win $1000 and have your recipe featured on Phillips’ menu in Baltimore!  Recipes must include at least 8oz of crab meat, but other than that – have fun!  

• On Sundays in July and August, Fleming’s Steakhouse is offering a mega deal.  For $29.95 (not including tax and tip), you can enjoy their Sunday Prime Rib Dinner.  The dinner consists of a 3 course meal featuring a 12oz Prime Rib with a trio of sauces, a salad, a side dish and a dessert!  What a great deal!

• BiteHunter, a dining deal website, has launched a free mobile app for the IPhone.  This is a nationwide website, but Baltimore deals are on there.  Check out more information on their website www.bitehunter.com

• McDonald’s in Baltimore has added a new addition to their McCafe line of beverage – their Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, which combines frozen lemonade with strawberry syrup.

• Ruby Tuesday has added some new cocktails to their Ultimate Cocktail Menu, and they sound perfect for the summer!  Check out the Skinny Pink Lemonade, Superfruit Cooler, Watermelon Martini, Pomegranate Martini and Acai Mojito!!  These are all made with Veev Acai Spirit.  Here are some recipes if you feel like whipping them up yourself:

Superfruit Cooler
.5 oz VeeV Açaí Spirit
.5 oz Absolut Berri Açaí
.75 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1 oz lemon sour
.5 oz agave nectar
3 cucumber wheels
Cucumber wheel, for garnish
*Muddle 3 cucumber wheels in a shaker.  Add ice and remaining ingredients into the shaker, shake well, and pour contents into a rocks glass.  Garnish with cucumber wheel. 

Açaí Mojito
2 oz VeeV Açaí Spirit
.75 oz pomegranate juice
.75 oz agave nectar
8 mint leaves
1 lime wedge
Club Soda
*Squeeze and drop 1 lime wedge, 8 mints leaves and agave nectar in a shaker.  Fill shaker with ice, VeeV Açaí Spirit and pomegranate juice, and shake well.  Pour shaker’s contents into a pilsner glass and top with club soda.

• I also received this recipe from T.G.I.Friday’s, and I’m not going to lie, it sounds delicious:

T.G.I. Friday’s Chipotle Yucatan Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
¼ fresh cilantro
2 oz. chopped romaine
1 oz. salad mix of your choice
½ shredded red cabbage
2 Tbs. red onions diced
½ cup cheese of your choice
1 ½ oz. of tostada chips
¼ cups diced tomatoes
1 ½ oz. vinaigrette of your choice
3 oz. chicken (grilled)
½ tsp. blackening seasoning spice
¼ cups diced avocado

Chop cilantro leaves to cut down any long stems.
Place both types of lettuce, red cabbage, red onion, cheese, cilantro and tostada chips in mixing bowl. Toss to mix well.
Add diced tomatoes over the salad.
Drizzle dressing.
Add chicken on top of salad and sprinkle with blackening seasoning.
Add avocado.

Z-Burger Eating Contest, June 30th

This Thursday, Z-Burger is hosting a Burger Eating contest at their Nottingham location.  Selected contestants will battle to see who can eat the most burgers in 10 minutes.  Last year, the winner ate 23 BURGERS.  23 BURGERS IN 10 MINUTES.

Unfortunately, the contestants have already been picked, but if you go to cheer them on, all spectators will be treated to a free single burger of your liking!

For more information about the event, check out www.zburger.net and follow Z Burger on Twitter during the event!

Z-Burger
8145 Honeygo Blvd., Nottingham MD
Contest: June 30th, 12:30pm

Celebrate National Lobster Day on June 15th in D.C.!

June 15th is National Lobster Day, and Phillips Flagship Restaurant (in DC) is offering a complimentary whole Maine lobster to the first fifty guests who purchase the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet.

Phillips' seafood buffet features fresh seafood items including shrimp, fish, mussels, crab legs, crab cakes and plenty of land lover options.

If you are not one of the first 50 guests, you can still enjoy a whole Maine lobster with the purchase of the buffet for an additional $9.99.

Phillips Flagship Restaurant overlooks the Potomac on the Southwest Waterfront
900 Water Street Southwest, Washington, D.C., 20024
202-488-8566
Opens at 11 a.m.

Eat Your Veggies in Baltimore!

There is now a VegBaltimore 2011 Guide which is helpful for finding vegetarian, vegan, and veg-friendly restaurants all over the city!

All of the restaurants are listed at www.VegBaltimore.com, as well as grocery stores, resources, and local events.


I am obviously not a vegetarian, but I do like to cook all vegetarian meals at home as often as I can.  However, I usually always eat meat when I go out to eat, so this is a VERY cool guide for me.

So tell me, what are your favorite vegetarian meals/ vegetarian restaurants/ vegetarian entrees?

Baltimore News and Info!

A ton of news for you today!  Enjoy!
 

• Fleming’s has some new menu items.  They now feature a Steakhouse Cobb Salad entrée (with your choice of either lobster or filet mignon), a Seared New Bedford Scallops entrée (finished with a meyer lemon oil-honey glaze), and a Shrimp Cocktail appetizer.

• The Food Experiments, a series of amateur cook-offs launched in Brooklyn, is coming to Washington DC with “The Taco Experiment.”  This will take place at the Rock N Roll Hotel on May 15th from 12-4PM.  Check the website for more information – this sounds like a GREAT time!

• A new certified organic spirit called ROOT has just launched in the DC/Baltimore Area.  It’s inspired by an 18th century Pennsylvania folk recipe that evolved into Birch/Root Beer.  ROOT is available at your local liquor stores (like The Wine Source), and if not – tell them to order it!  And here’s a recipe to use it in:  
• ROOT Julep
  3 sprigs fresh mint
  1 teaspoon water
  1 teaspoon superfine sugar
  2 ounces ROOT
  
  1. Muddle 2 mint sprigs, the water, and the sugar in a highball/collins glass/silver julep cup
  2. Fill the glass with crushed ice, and pour in the ROOT
  3. Garnish with the remaining mint sprig 

• The Don Pablo’s in White Marsh has received the “Restaurant of the Year” award for 2010 from their parent company, Rita Restaurant Corp.  It’s been a LONG time since I’ve eaten at a Don Pablo’s – but I’m happy for them for this recognition!

• Morton’s Steakhouse is celebrating Mother’s Day on May 8th with a special Mother’s Day menu for $59 per person (not including beverages, tax or tip).  The menu includes a choice of salad, entrée, side dish and dessert and will be open from 2-9pm to accommodate their patrons! Their a la carte dinner menu will also be available.
• The next day, on May 9th, Morton's is hosting a Celebrity Server Fundraiser event with Matt Birk from the Ravens to benefit his HIKE Foundation.   Tickets are $250 per person (include tax, tip and valet) for a 4-course menu and a silent and live auction featuring Ravens memorabilia.

• The next cooking class in Phillips' Cook, Crack & Eat series is The Freshest Catch on May 7th.  Learn all about fresh fish and how to select, clean and prepare it!  The cost is $50 per person and includes the chef demo, wine, lunch and a swag bag to go. 

• Freshii, a restaurant that features nutritious and sustainably grown ingredients (a concept that seems eerily familiar to those of us watching America’s Next Great Restaurant!)  is coming to Baltimore in Charles Village and Downtown.  Customers can customize their own meals whether they want salads, wraps, rice bowls, yogurts or soups! I can’t wait to check this place out!

• Have you heard of Chef Mac’s and All That Blues?  It’s a relatively new BYOB restaurant in Hamilton and on Fridays and Saturdays they have live blues and jazz with a $25 buffet! 

Phewwww!  Let me wipe that sweat from my brow, I had a LOT of press releases to tell you about!

Wanna Be On TV!?

I got word that there will be a new pastry competition show on a top cable network (don't know any more than that-  it's hush hush!) and they need people to participate!  They are casting "talented, outgoing and dynamic pastry chefs, bakers and all those who have mastered sweets to participate in a short pastry competition."  Oh - and there will be a cash prize!!!

On-camera interviews will be conducted soon (as early as next week!!!), so if you think you may be a good fit (or someone you know!) send along the following details to pastrychefscasting@gmail.com

• Name
• Age
• Contact Information
• City, State
• Photo of yourself
• Resume
• Paragraph describing yourself

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Foodie Event at the Hippodrome - Alton Brown AND FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!

The Hippodrome Foodie Event with Alton Brown was straight up awesome.  I'm not sure how else to describe the entire evening, but I'm not sure I stopped smiling (the picture above was taken at the end of the night and I was STILL smiling!).  Alton Brown was HILARIOUS and kept me entertained the whole time.  He had a special email specifically for the show for audience members to send him questions to answer throughout the evening.  It made for an even funnier time, and proved how much of a talent Alton has at being an entertainer.  I loved his thoughts about food and family and weight-loss.  It was such a great treat to see him in person.

And then when he finished - the night was still not over.

Oh no....for Dan and I, it had only just begun.

More than 20 different restaurants were offering samplings of their fares.  Sure, it was crowded and people were excited - but it was surprisingly not a madhouse.  The lines weren't unbearable, but when they were long they gave us some time to digest our previous sampling, whether it was braised rabbit or a wild boar meat sauce!

Max's Empanadas served mini chicken and beef empanadas, which was a great idea in my opinion - it was unfussy which allowed people to get out of line quickly.

Mr Rain's Fun House carved up a whole pig for their display and served the meat with spicy BBQ sauce.

And then there was Langermanns.  Oh Langermanns I can never forget you.  They seared scallops and served them on cheesy grits and then poured a butter bacon sauce on top.  Warm comfort in a bowl.  I need to go to this restaurant solely because of this....and I guess that was the point :)

Overall , Dan and I had a BLAST!  We both agreed we would absolutely come to this next year, regardless of the performer!  I know it's expensive, but we really thought it was worth it hands down. Oh yes, and Dan came face-to-face with a new true love - the Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding from Ale Mary's!  :)

Londontowne Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Gala – Ticket Giveaway!!

On March 15^th, 6-9:30pm, Londontowne Symphony Orchestra’s Inaugural Spring Gala will take place at the wonderful Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville, MD and  I have TWO TICKETS to give away to ONE lucky winner! 

The Gala (which is held during the Homestead Gardens Flower Show) will feature food, local wine, music and a silent auction.  Top Chef lovers take note – Chef Jesse Sandlin will be there preparing tasty treats and tips, along with Chef James Barrett from Azure Restaurant!!

Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple.  Proceeds will benefit the LSO and their Artist-in-Residence program at South River High School.  Call 410-562-8920 or visit www.londontownesymphonyorchestra.org to purchase.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

- ONE winner will receive TWO tickets to the Homestead Gardens Spring Gala on March 15^th from 6-9:30pm
- Enter the contest by leaving a comment on this post telling me SOMETHING about flowers/plants.  It can be as silly, informative, or as cute as you like :)
- You can enter ONCE PER DAY!
- PLEASE leave a contact email!
- This giveaway will end on Tuesday, March 8th at 11:59PM.
- I will choose the winner by random selection on March 9th and I will notify them via email and via a blog post! 

Good Luck!!!