Waterfront Kitchen and Rye

It was the perfect Friday night! Pat and I headed to our new favorite spot, The Waterfront Kitchen at the Living Classrooms building, overlooking the beautiful Baltimore Harbor. I got there first, was seated at a beautiful table, complete with blankets in each chair.  (Very nice touch by the way) As I waited I perused the drink menu...local infused vodkas, with interesting twists on the standard martini.  I selected the Ginger and Lemongrass infused martini on the rocks with a beautiful sliver of fresh ginger as the garnish = DELISH! Pat arrived and we got down to business.  The 110 day aged 16 oz New York Strip for him and a 14 oz Veal Chop for me. PERFECTION! The side dishes of cauliflower smothered in cheese and baked, perfect slivers of potatoes in a cast iron dish, and fresh asparagus graced these beautifully designed dishes, both perfection.  

The conversation was wonderful, the view absolutely serene and we even got to see a tall ship come through on his way to Fells Point's Annual Privateer Weekend!

As the night air turned cold, we opted for dessert and an after dinner drink at a local establishment down in the heart of Fells Point.  Everyone please join me in welcoming "Rye" to my official "Best of Baltimore" list.  "Rye" is raising the bar for quality libations in Fells Point.  With hand crafted cocktails made from fresh, local ingredients and an extensive menu of Rye Whiskey, they give tribute to the "preeminent distilled spirit in Maryland before Prohibition".  The classics were there, The Manhattan, The Old Fashioned (my all time favorite) but since it was a special occasion I chose the elusive, Sazerac.  Hailing from New Orleans this cocktail done poorly can be painful to get through but done right, an absolute treat.  Rye's mixologist certainly knew what he was doing.  First I would like to thank him for not putting ice in my cocktail which does nothing but water it down, but rather twirling the perfect combination of rye whiskey, absinthe, bitters and sugar to the perfect temperature and then serving it neat with a 1 inch slice of lemon peel, the perfect presentation for a truly delectable drink.  Now, I realize that I've gone on and on about this wonderful concoction but if you can believe it, the Sazerac did not steal the show.  Pat, normally out ordering me (I always want what he has but I think that's typical) opted for the Tiramisu and a drink made with Ginger Beer, fresh lime juice, fresh ginger and club soda.  Hello REFRESHING!!! It was absolutely delicious and the Tiramisu...the best I've ever had! There was a layer, of slightly frosted custard with what tasted like a butterscotch cream along the edge of the plate that made me, the non-sweets person drool.  (o:

Baltimore's local traditions and ingredients brought to life by two new and fantastic establishments made for the perfect date night and start to the weekend. Thank you Baltimore – you’ve outdone yourself again!  

Harbor Cruise and Dinner with Friends!

Thanks to my wonderful friends Carol and Buddy, Pat and I had an incredible day on the water! It all began with a phone call, "we're going for a harbor cruise so you better hurry up"! About a 10 minute warning but well worth the rush.  We headed down to the Harbor Shark, flip-flops and wine in hand, hopped on and off we went!

Ready for the surprise??? We stopped at the Inner Harbor marina and ALL ABOARD! Bob, Barb, MA, Dave, Dale and Streett!  Check 2 more off the bucket list please!  It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky just good friends, good food, and great conversation! It was an absolute treat!

The cruise is over, we're back in the slip, and on to another boat we go! Pause for a quick drink at the Tiki Bar...of course.  We hop on the "All In" and cruise off the Hard Yacht.  It was an incredible cruise, wonderful dinner with friends, a celebration for Anne and Billy (CONGRATS AGAIN GUYS) and all in all a GREAT TIME!

Now, it wouldn't be a day of boating without a little dancing...GIVE ME 3 STEPS started to play and Carol and I couldn't resist! Did I mention that we were the only people on the dance floor again? For anyone that knows us, this should come as no surprise.  A spin around the dance floor and then back on the boat to dance to John Denver??? Only Carol and I could dance to John Denver but I digress...

The day couldn't have been more perfect, or more typical. Friends, fun, Coronas and elbows above the head! 

Here's to you "Harbor Shark"...it's been a good ride! (o:

Quote of the Day:  "Buddy, drink another beer please, you are way too sober" - Carol

The List!

After consulting with the Bandidas we have developed a preliminary bucket list, one that can change, be enhanced and morph at our whim!

So folks...here it is, THE BANDIDA BUCKET LIST!

1. The Bandida Ride
2. Opening Day at Camden Yards - DONE!
3. Girls Night IN - Dinner, Wine and Movie
4. Harbor Cruise on the Harbor Shark - DONE!
5. See the Pirate Crew - DONE!
6. Sunday Oysters and Crushes at Mamas
7. Sunday Jam Session at The Cat
8. Eastern Avenue Extravaganza
9. Watertable Kitchen with Pat - DONE!
10. Toast the Deck at Kenwood Avenue

  

Quote of the Day:  "There's a whole lot of zapping going on...God's good at that" - Kathryn

What is a "Bandida"???

You may be asking yourself..."What is a Bandida"??? 

You'll have to dig to learn more but here's the skinny:

My dear friends Kathryn and Carol are the original founders of the Bicycle Bandidas http://www.bicyclebandidas.blogspot.com/ (check out the blog to learn more). 

And, giving credit where credit is due...THANK YOU CAROL for giving me the idea of creating a "Baltimore Bucket List".  LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

ARRRIBBBAA!


Bandidas on the Harbor Shark (circa 2008)

Quote of the Day:  "You can never have enough pens" (upon finding 11 pens in her tiny purse) - Carol

Packin' Up and Movin' South

As you may have heard, I'm leaving Charm City and heading to the land of Dixie.

Being a Maryland native and Charm City (Baltimore, Maryland) resident for the better part of the past decade, this is no small event.  Stay tuned as I document my last days in Baltimore, and share new discoveries in North Carolina.