Town Talk
One of the factors in our decision to move to Baltimore was the weather. Baltimore weather is really quite perfect if you enjoy changing seasons—which I do. After being loaded down with a tropical 6 months of South Carolina heat, the summers here are tempered loveliness; after enjoying 6 months of who-knows-what-weather-the-day-will-bring in Paris, the consistency of all the seasons here are a relief. Baltimore has excellent hard rains, blazing sunshine-y days, exquisitely fresh and colorful Autumns, and just enough snow to build a couple of snowmen and snuggle with a loved one over steaming mugs of hot cocoa. Life here really is good.
Style devoted an entire issue on the question “Baltimore: North or South?” a few years back, trying to touch on whether Baltimoreans thought they were southerners or northerners—with the final answer being somewhat split down the middle. But having grown up in Manhattan, where my father lived, and SC, where my mother lived, I’ve not been able to pinpoint either the south or the north into the Baltimore population. Baltimoreans are simply that—Baltimoreans. Trying to put my finger on what, exactly, being a Baltimorean means, eludes me as much as someone asking me who our daughter looks more like: her father or mother. She doesn’t look like either of us—she has a bit of this and that from both of us, but she, plain and simply, looks like herself.
I am reminded of a quote from Colette: “You do not notice changes in what is always before you.” Perhaps because I am new to this town, I’m able to enjoy these changes more than most people who born and raised here. During the next few weeks, Summer will segue into Fall, and our daughter will go from being an elementary school kid into a middle schooler. These changes fairly hum and vibrate in the air around me, and as corny as this sounds, I just can’t imagine a better place to be than right here—in Baltimore—right now.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 08/26/09 at 11:24 AM
All this media blab about Swine Flu is, for the most part, just that… media blab. Right now that is. Make no mistake. Having the flu is no piece of cake no matter when you get it. In fact, I’ve just come out of a three-week stint of flu (possibly swine, possibly seasonal), with a heavy dose of pneumonia thrown in for good measure, and I can cold guarantee that I don’t want to go that route again. Unfortunately, the time might soon be upon us when we will have to be more diligent than we’ve been. And, to be honest, I’m not sure that many of us have been very diligent.
Not to name names, but I’ve met quite a few parents recently who’ve had children that were infected with the flu, and yet they let the kids out of the house to go to camp, gymnastics, birthday parties, the like. “Why?” I’d ask, bewildered. “She has a fever.” The reply, “The fever is under 100 degrees. It’s no biggee. I’ve given her Tylenol. She’ll be fine.” Um. Right. She might be fine. But come on. What about those of us with asthma? We really don’t do fine with the flu. Letting someone out in public who has been infected with the flu can have serious consequences.
It never occurred to me that I had asthma. I’ve always thought my cough was a nervous cough. I didn’t have allergies. I didn’t smoke. I took in a lot of fresh air. I’m basically a good person, etc. But a couple months ago I caught yet another cold that dragged on well beyond the one month mark. Finally my family said, “Enough of this hacking. Go to the doctor before one of your lungs flies out and hits one of us on the head!”
When it comes to going to the doctor, I’m like a man. I’d just as soon my watch-cha-ma-call-it fall off before I step foot in a physician’s office. Nothing against doctors. I’m just not a fan of taking medicine. Plus, I hate waiting around.
Enter Dr. Albert Digerolamo. Dr. D. to his patients. He came in to the examining room, shook my hand, and proceeded to spend a good amount of time with me, after which he asked if I’d ever been diagnosed with asthma. “Nope,” I said, with a wracking cough, proud to be so healthy. To make a long story short, I walked out of there with prescriptions to combat an asthma that I was sure I did not have, promising myself to never ever go back to this Dr. D. guy again. My friend, who is a nurse, said, “Give him a chance. I meet doctors all the time. He’s great. He knows what he’s talking about. Give the medicine a try. Just trust him on this one.”
One horrid cold, one horrible flu and one debilitating case of pneumonia later, I can honestly say that Dr. D. probably saved my life. Had I not been on the steroid inhalers early to get my lungs in better shape, I’m fairly certain my body would have closed up shop once that flu hit. As it was, I ended up in the hospital, gasping for air. But at least I was breathing. Had Dr. D. not put me on inhalation therapy… well, I just have to wonder.
Now, I’m not suggesting that we trust anything a physician tells us. I’m a huge patient advocate. My hard and firm rule about going to any doctor is the following: make a list of every question you have, and then make sure that you don’t leave the house without adding five more questions to that list. We must take responsibility for our lives. To ask a doctor to be solely responsible for our well-being is neither fair to the physician nor to ourselves.
Which is another why I’m a Dr. D. aficionado; his patience with me in answering all my questions, allows me to be a better patient.
I liked him so much that I set up an appointment for my ten year old daughter. He was fantastic with her. He sat her down, looked her square in the face and went over everything a good, responsible adult should go over with a kid approaching the teen years. Did we have firearms in the house? Did she sit in the backseat of the car at all times? Did she use the Internet? If someone approached her that she didn’t know,” etc. Now, I drill these types of things into my kid until she’s so bored her eyes roll into the back of her head. But, believe it or not, many parents just don’t. Many parents—although loving—can do stupid things, such as forget to talk to their kids about important things… or let them go out in public with the flu.
Which brings me full circle to where I started with this article. Did I really have the swine flu? No clue. By the time the flu did infect me, the CDC had stopped recommending the H1N1 diagnostic test. Hospitals only take nasal swabs, and those offer anywhere between a 40%-69% false negative when it comes to detecting the H1N1 flu. But had I had the swine flu, it still might not give me immunity for the next round of H1N1 that’s expected to hit soon. It’s highly possible that the strain will have mutated into something really strange and new and horrible by then. So here’s a little advice. Come the end of August, start really paying attention to this stuff. Teach your kids how to wash their hands, often, while singing Happy Birthday twice. Work with your nail biters to get them to kick that habit (read: How To Break The Fingernail Biting Habit). If for heaven’s sakes, if your kid has a fever, keep them home. Don’t let Tylenol mask the symptoms. And if you don’t have a doctor, head on over to Dr. D.‘s office. He has late office hours, you don’t have to wait long, and in the short time I’ve known him, I can honestly say, I’m getting to where I kind of trust the chap with my life.
For More Information:
Dr. Albert Digerolamo
Family Medicine Associates
35 E Padonia Rd
Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093
(410) 683-3330
For more information about the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu), visit the CDC’s website.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 08/07/09 at 10:04 AM
Where do people go in Baltimore to enjoy a good plate under the sun? These local restaurants offer an outdoor ambiance that is as fine as the food.
FELLS POINT
Kali’s Court
The View: Lush, leafy, walled courtyard, with dramatic flaming torcheres at night.
What to Order: Opt for the grilled dorade or bronzini and pretend you’re somewhere along the Adriatic.
Details:
1606 Thames St.
410-276-4700
kaliscourt.com
Directions to Kali’s Court
Arcos
The View: Charming walled courtyard filled with intimate niches for supping and sipping.
What to Order: Whatever you order, pair it with a tasty margarita, made with a “secret house blend” and a hint of orange.
Details:
129 S. Broadway
410-522-4777
restaurantearcos.com
Directions to Arcos
Shuckers of Fells Point
1629 Thames St
410-522-5820
The View: Tourists tend to take over the wrought iron tables stationed under blue awnings with blinking neon beer signs in the windows and twinkling lights above. The water view from the tables is one of the best in Fells Point. And it’s a bit of a hidden treasure— it has little street visibility, so many people don’t realize it’s there.
What to Order: Swordfish De Gallo in a tequila infused pico de gallo with ice cold house draft after house draft after house draft.
shuckersoffellspoint.com
Directions to Shuckers of Fells Point
Bonaparte Breads
The View: The calmest area of the Harbor, with umbrella tables on an esplanade squooshed up to the very edge of the water. (Caution: breakfast and lunch, only, and the staff could benefit from a semester of Courtesy 101.)
What to Order: A pain au chocolat and a sweet iced coffee.
Details:
903 S Ann St.
410-342-4000
Directions to Bonaparte’s Bread
LITTLE ITALY
La Scala
The View: Very quaint. Two decorative wrought iron tables on a porch that’s in the heart of Little Italy. The ambience and people watching is the thing.
What to Order: The Bruschetta is amazing and popping with fresh flavors. A glass of chianti sets the mood. Highly recommended: the Tenuta Marchese Antinori. P.S. Slip inside for a game of authentic Bocce.
Details:
1012 Eastern Ave.
410-783-9209
lascaladining.com
Directions to La Scala
FEDERAL HILL
The Bicycle
The View: An airy garden-like spot with close-together tables.
What to Order: Nothing says summer like the water-melon salad or crab cakes with a sweet corn emulsion.
Details:
1444 Light St. #1
410-234-1900
bicyclebistro.com
Directions to The Bicycle
Rusty Scupper
The View: One of the best views of the Inner Harbor and the downtown Baltimore skyline, from the third-flood deck.
What to Order: Simple is best. Opt for the shrimp cocktail and ogle the yachts passing by.
Details:
402 Key Hwy
410-727-3678
selectrestaurants.com/rusty
Directions to the Rusty Scupper
Little Havana
The View: Once you get past the chain-link fence, it’s water, water everywhere.
What to Order: Minty mojitos, what else? Or the bottomless mimosas at Sunday brunch.
Details:
1325 Key Hwy
410-837-9903
littlehavanas.com
Directions to Little Havana
INNER HARBOR
Babalu Grille
The View: Tourists on the plaza during daylight hours, drunken college students after 10 p.m.
What to Order: Summer demands ceviche.
Details:
34 Market Pl.
410-234-9898
babalugrill.com
Directions to Babalu Grill
McCormick & Schmick’s
The View: Tourists and boats cruising the waters of the Inner Harbor.
What to Order: Wash down your sautéed soft-shells with a Black-eyed Susan martini - vodka, rum, O.J. and pineapple juice.
Details:
711 Eastern Ave.
410-234-1300
mccormickandschmicks.com
Directions to McCormick & Schmick’s
Sullivan’s Steak House
The View: You’ll be too busy watching the waitresses in their über short skirts and fishnet stockings to notice the small patio, bustling tables and harbor view.
What to Order: The Honeydew Melon. Bacardi Grand Melon, Midori, Hiram-Walker Sweet and Sound and fresh pineapple juice make any view spectacular.
Details:
One East Pratt St., Suite 102
410-962-5503
sullivansteakhouse.com
Directions to Sullivan’s Steak House
The Capital Grille Baltimore
The View: Plenty of shaded tables allow tourist and boat watching without too much squinting.
What to Order: The cold shellfish platter with a pound of baby lobster for starts, and a side order of vidalia onion rings.
Details:
500 E Pratt St. # 100
410-703-4064
thecapitalgrille.com
Directions to The Capital Grille Baltimore
Woody’s Rum Bar & Island Grill
The View: Third-floor perch overlooks the throngs on Thames Street and the harbor’s edge right across the street.
What to Order: The island wings marinated in a special grilled pineapple barbeque sauce are standing ready to pair with any good drink.
Details:
821 S. Broadway at Thames
410-555-1212
woodysrumbar.com
Directions to Woody’s Rum Bar & Island Grill
HARBOR EAST
Cinghiale
822 Lancaster St
410-547-8282
The View: These gourmet tables are under an awning and overlook the Harbor East Marina—plus, these tables can be reserved.
What to Order: Prezzo Fizzo—the Chef’s Choice of Antipasti—is perfect for outdoor noshing. And order the Cinghiale Cocktail: fresh orange juice, fresh basil, and a splash of soda on lovely Aperol liquor. Yum.
cgeno.com
Directions to Cinghiale
LOCUST POINT
The Wine Market
The View: Pretty to the nth degree. A garden setting in a courtyard, with a backdrop of historic brick buildings.
What to Order: The mediterranean lamb ”burger” on flatbread and absolutely any wine that hits your fancy. This is the grapes of mirth.
Details:
300 Franklin St.
410-575-7045
the-wine-market.com
Directions to The Wine Market
THE ART’S DISTRICT
Tapas Teatro
The View: Smack on North Charles Street under the blazing sun, bring a high count sunscreen and sunglasses, but enjoy the hustle and bustle of the street crowd.
What to Order: Sangria and tapas, tapas, tapas (slipping in some Boquerones)!
Details:
1711 N. Charles St.
410-332-0110
tapasteatro.com
Directions to Tapas Teatro
SOUTH BALTIMORE
Nick’s Fish House
The View: The underside of the Hanover Street Bridge.
What to Order: Anything from the raw bar and a few ice-cold Buds.
Details:
2600 Insulator Dr # 1
410-347-4123
nicksfishhouse.com
Directions to Nick’s Fish House
MT. WASHINGTON
The Mt. Washington Tavern
The View: The Sky Bar opens during dinner and is a partially covered roof top deck, surrounded by greenery—if you’re in need of a tropical setting, come here.
What to Order: The Chesapeake Salad with chopped apples, jumbo crabmeat and shrimp—and wet your whistle with a white Albariño Spanish wine by the glass.
Details:
5700 Newbury St
410-367-6903
mtwashingtontavern.com
Directions to The Mt. Washington Tavern
BOLTON HILL
B Bistro
The View: The shaded sidewalk tables overlook the grand town houses of Bolton Hill.
What To Order: House dill-cured gravlax salmon over tossed organic greens and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Details:
1501 Bolton St
410-383-8600
b-bistro.com
Directions to B Bistro
UPTOWN
Gertrude’s at BMA
The View: The Baltimore Museum of Art’s lush sculpture garden.
What To Order: The mussels steamed with chardonnay, roasted garlic and caponata eggplant.
Details:
10 Art Museum Dr.
410-889-3399
coastalcookingwithjohnshields.com
Directions to Gertrude’s at BMA
Carma’s Café
The View: Quiet and shady Charles Village side street.
What To Order: “Sno-Joes,” frozen blended coffee drinks, or “Zambonis,” frozen blended smoothies.
Details:
3120 Saint Paul St
410-243-5200
Directions to Carma’s Café
Ambassador Dining Room
The View: A secluded flower-filled courtyard with a fountain.
What To Order: The gorgeous whole Goa fish tempered with a mango lassi.
Details:
3811 Canterbury Rd.
410-366-1484
ambassadordiningroom.com
Directions to the Ambassador Dining Room
CANTON
Bo Brooks
The View: Canton’s expanding waterfront and the neon signs of Tide Point and Domino’s Sugar.
What To Order: A dozen jumbo-jimmies and get crackin’!
Details:
2701 Boston St
410-558-0202
bobrooks.com
Directions to Bo Brooks
HUNT VALLEY
Oregon Grille
The View: A big garden-surrounded patio for sunny days, and a cozy enclosed porch for rainy days, all surrounded by some of Maryland’s most beautiful hunt country and horse farms.
What to Order: Why, Chilled Blue Point Oysters and a Lobster Martini, of course.
Details:
1201 Shawan Rd.
410-771-0505
theoregongrille.com
Directions to the Oregon Grille
GREENSPRING STATION
Stone Mill Bakery
The View: Shady terrace tables overlooking a quiet lawn and interesting sculptures are the place to be in the summertime.
What to Order: Lemon Pepper Salmon and leave room for the scrumptious home-made desserts!
Details:
10751 Falls Rd # 123
410-821-1358
stonemillbakery.com
Directions to Stone Mill Bakery
Tark’s Grill
The View: A little courtyard surrounded by shops, with high top tables, low top tables, a fireplace for the nippy nights and an ambience that is pure upscale liveliness.
What to Order: The Crabatini—huge jumbo lump crabmeat with Old Bay, and surprising wasabi and lemon.
Details:
2360 W Joppa Rd # 116
410-583-8275
tarksgrill.com
Directions to Tark’s Grill
OWINGS MILLS
Linwood’s
The View: The entire outdoor patio is covered in boxwoods and flowers, with huge pear trees shading the white tablecloths and gorgeously prepped meals. Reservations a must.
What to Order: A fresh Pineapple Martini (infused for 48 hours) complements the Heirloom Tomatoes with Cripsy Goat Cheese.
Details:
5 Crossroads Dr., Owings Mills
410-356-3030
linwoods.com
Directions to Linwood’s
SPARKS
The Milton Inn
The View: Next to a 260-year-old fieldstone building, on a covered terraced, surrounded by lush landscaped gardens.
What to Order: Sunday brunch a la carte and a mimosa—and for non-Sundays, the Blackened Shrimp, Jumbo Crabmeat Gazpacho and a bottle of Cru champagne.
Details:
14833 York Rd.
410-771-4366
miltoninn.com
Directions to The Milton Inn
HISTORIC HAVRE DE GRACE
Tidewater Grille
The View: Outside deck seating or the new 4-seasons porch, either way, you’ll have amazing views of the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay—and an oh la la sunset. p.s. often there’s live music.
What to Order: Fresh little neck clam steamers and a bottle of Shoofly Buzz Cut White wine makes you feel like at your annual beach vacation every night.
Details:
300 Franklin St.
410-575-7045
thetidewatergrille.com
Directions to Tidewater Grille
ELLICOTT CITY
La Palapa Grill & Cantina
The View: Enjoy the weather, plants and umbrellas on a patio and ignore the parking lot—the veiw is the vibe. The cantina turns into a club atmosphere as the night wears on.
What to Order: A house sangria or the la Palapa and some quesadillas.
Details:
8307 Main St., Ellicott City
410-465-0070
lapalapagrill.com
Directions to La Palapa Grill & Cantina
Photo of Gertrude’s at BMA.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 08/02/09 at 11:00 PM
