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This photo was taken at one of my many solo "quick drink and snack" visits to La Cuchara.
I love this one because it reminds me of a time when their sommelier Mike "Red" Farace poured me a taste of a wine he thought I might enjoy. He does that sometimes, as do lots of hospitality pros. They know you, and even if they don't, they make a genuine and thoughtful effort to get to know you. This sort of kindness is something that I truly appreciate. I have a lot to learn about wine, but Red like many beverage directors, bartenders, somms, servers, etc, are just fine with guests drinking what they like – no judgement. And, if they happen to introduce you to something new, even better. Thanks, Red and everyone at La Cuchara for always making me feel welcome.
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BAKER'S DOZEN
Liz and Kevin Irish of The Local Fry
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BAKER'S DOZEN
Binda Singh of Ananda and Peerce's |
I hope you enjoy my Baker's Dozen series, which you can find on my website and on Baltimore Fishbowl. I love this series because it highlights people in so many different facets of the hospitality industry in Baltimore. We are so lucky to live here and experience such amazing products and spaces created by kind and generous people. I love learning more about the PEOPLE who make Baltimore the city that it is. Hope you do, too.
Read about Kevin & Liz and Binda at the links below. You will learn something special about each of them, that is for sure!Charm City Cook Baker's Dozen
Baltimore Fishbowl – Amy LangrehrBinda photo: Jennifer McMenamin Photography
Watermelon salad: Scott Suchman for Washingtonian Magazine
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CECE'S ROLAND PARK Cross Keys is Hopping |
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I finally made it to Cece's Roland Park and how nice to walk to dinner!
Ever since COVID restrictions, dining outside has become my favorite thing, especially when there is a slight chill in the air. (WE ARE FINALLY THERE, PEOPLE.) I've had dinner outside in the courtyard at Cece's twice now. On my first visit Chef Nick (Michelin Star and former Mina Group chef, with whom I share some friends) sent out a few dishes – so kind. So nice to meet you, Nick! By far the little gem lettuce salad is the winner on the menu for me. I love when something so simple is not overthought and done so nicely. And, the corn soup – poured table side – was incredible. It had the perfect little kick of heat and was topped with jumbo lump crab. I am fairly sure that is gone for the season. Make a note to get that next summer! Also, the scallops. Wowser. Then there are the desserts. The smoked vanilla panna cotta with and chocolate ganache, graham cracker and torched fluff (pictured above) and the Basque cheesecake are NOT to be skipped. And this is coming from someone who does not usually order dessert. But with pastry chef Theresa Lewis creating them, I am all about them. She is a master.
There are two different menus for dinner, one a little fancier than the other. Cece's is an expensive night out, but unlike so many places, the quality of the food and the experience makes it feel worth it. So, treat yourself when you can, it's so nice.
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ZAVINO ITALIAN MARKETPLACE
Yes, This is in Cross Keys, Too |
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Snacks for dinner is one of my faves. Except now it's been dubbed "girl dinner", a name I don't really love. But still, plate of mortadella, olives and cheese is a such a treat. And now, this can happen so easily with a quick stop to Zavino Italian Marketplace on my way home from work. Now that Ceriello at Belvedere Square is long gone, it's nice to have an uptown option for really, really good Italian deli fare.
I've only been twice so far, but I like this place a lot. The Italian Combo (Chef Andrew Weinzirl's take on an Italian Cold Cut) is very, very good. There's even a Baltimore Banner poll where readers can vote for their favorites, so this is a big thing for people (a'la crab cake, oy) and since social media is social media, opinions are flying. My longtime favorites are Di Pasquale's and Palmisano's of Baldwin, and the Zavino is right up there with those to me. I need to try the pizza and I think that will be my next dinner out. You can grab a bottle of wine and take your pie out to their patio and enjoy. I like that. Also, the people here are very nice!
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NANA IN STONELEIGH Rotisserie Chicken and Mexican Classics from Carlos Raba of Clavel |
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Carlos Raba knows how to make food we want to eat – and he definitely knows how to have fun. His new venture (he also co-owns Clavel with Lane Harlan) is called Nana and it's pure happiness and comfort. I mean, come one. Rotisserie chickens lovingly prepared for three days (and just $12 each Tuesday) and everything from tacos to burritos, tortas and even his take on hotdogs, so good. Last week, I took advantage of the $12 whole chicken and also got two tacos – carne asada and al pastor – and I was set for the rest of the week. Next time, I'm going burrito.
Here's how they prepare the chicken: wet brine the chickens for 24 hrs. Then, air chill dry for another 28-32 hrs. The last step is the marinade. Two choices are Bichi and Al Pastor.
Bichi – oil marinade made of fresh rosemary, oregano, thyme, and whole pepper corns and the other is Al Pastor – traditional Al pastor marinade made of guajillo pepper, pineapple and spices.
So, so good. Get to Nana. The space is bright and fun and the people there are really warm, welcoming and happy to answer any questions you may have about the menu.
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THE WINE SOURCE
Beloved Hampden Shop is Now Worker-Owned |
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I bought my house in 2000, the year The Wine Source opened and have shopped there, ordered countless cases of wine and beer for events (I'm looking at you, Friends School Alumni) and have gotten to know so many folks who've worked there over the years. My closest friend there is Jed Jenny, he runs the beer operations and is truly one in a million. He has introduced me to so many favorite beers over the years, and more recently, lots of non-alcoholic options, too. We talked several times over the last few months about the sale of The Wine Source and the possibility of becoming a cooperative. I was just so glad it wasn't sold to the highest bidder, which seems to be happening more and more these days. I loved the (non) quote in the Baltimore Banner article about the ownership transition from longtime owner David Wells: saying in an email that he “would rather the focus be on the new group and their future plans.” That is perfect.
I'm so happy to see Caitlyn O'Connor quoted in the article, representing the new ownership group. She is a wonderful and kind person and not just because she agreed to sell my salted caramel brownies 12-ish years ago. I will always be so grateful to you, Caitlyn. It's been so fun watching the "cheese cave" expand over the years – as a fan of snacks, you have created a lovely little food utopia. I can't tell you how many times I've gone "grocery shopping" at The Wine Source.
Thank you, David, for always saying yes to donation requests from little 'ol me over the years. You have been a fantastic local business owner and Hampden is all the better for having The Wine Source in it.
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PONO TACO AT BELVEDERE SQUARE
A Delicious New Food Option at Belvedere Square Market |
My favorite food group is NACHOS. And Pono Taco at Belvedere Square has some mighty delicious nachos! My friend and I got a taco each and shared nachos – the serving was not too big, which I loved – and enjoyed it all at the bar in the original Grand Cru space. (I like that side of the bar so much better, the big, new side is not as homey to me.) Pono Taco is run by the folks at Clark Burger and Pizza Trust. The photo above is from Pono's site and it's reminding me that I want to go back. YUM.
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32ND STREET FARMERS MARKET NEWSLETTER Sign Up to Receive the Quarterly Market News |
I've been shopping for local produce at the 32nd Street Farmers Market (aka Waverly) nearly every week for about 15 years now. It's definitely a highlight of my week.
The market volunteers have started a quarterly newsletter and I hope you will sign up to receive it in your email inbox. Here is a link to sign up. And, here is a link to the first one that was sent out just two weeks ago – I wrote a little something for it about why I love this market and I hope you enjoy reading it.
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IT'S SOUP SEASON, FRIENDS
Here are a Few of My Favorites |
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I make soup all through the year, but production definitely ramps up as soon as temps begin to drop. Here are a few I think you should add to your repertoire.
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Please consider sharing my newsletter with your friends and family with an old school forward! I also post all of the newsletters on my website: Charm City Cook.
xo -
Amy
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