Blue Moon Cafe
1621 Aliceanna Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
410-522-3940
Mon-Sun 7PM-3PM, Fri-Sat 11PM-3PM
Mr_BTM and I had a fantastic breakfast at the Blue Moon Cafe. We had tried to eat here before around noon on a Sunday and the wait was pretty long. We decided to go early this time, around 9:30AM on a Saturday, and only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table. This is a quirky little cafe that reminded me of the breakfast places we used to eat at in Portland. Once seated, service was prompt and friendly. We started with one of their signature cinnamon rolls and devoured it! It was served hot with plenty of icing. For breakfast we ordered the veggie scramble with a biscuit and the biscuits/gravy/bacon/eggs meal (I forget what the menu called it). The portions are huge and after eating the cinnamon roll, we were unable to come close to finishing. I took home the leftovers but left them in the car so I wasn't able to enjoy it again. This place has been the best breakfast we've had so far and even Mr_BTM enjoyed the coffee!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Asqual Coffee Shop
Asqual Coffee Shop
1129 Maryland Ave.
Baltimore, MD
410-244-1782
We happened upon this little cafe on our walk from Bolton Hill into downtown. Nestled on a quite street in Mount Vernon, the cafe is a small operations offering coffee, tea, and chais to drink and a variety of breakfast offerings and paninis for lunch. On our first visit we had Stash tea, soy latte and a muffin that was large enough to share. We sat at one of the small tables and listed to a live guitarist play for a while. It was nice and relaxing, a great place to enjoy a warm drink and a tasty muffin. Our second visit was a quick in and out for coffee and tea. We like this little place and will probably frequent it in the future.
1129 Maryland Ave.
Baltimore, MD
410-244-1782
We happened upon this little cafe on our walk from Bolton Hill into downtown. Nestled on a quite street in Mount Vernon, the cafe is a small operations offering coffee, tea, and chais to drink and a variety of breakfast offerings and paninis for lunch. On our first visit we had Stash tea, soy latte and a muffin that was large enough to share. We sat at one of the small tables and listed to a live guitarist play for a while. It was nice and relaxing, a great place to enjoy a warm drink and a tasty muffin. Our second visit was a quick in and out for coffee and tea. We like this little place and will probably frequent it in the future.
Kumari Restaurant and Bar
Kumari Restaurant and Bar
911 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-547-1600
It all started with a craving for Lebanese food. Since we didn't know off had where any good places are located, we decided the next best thing would be Indian or Nepalese food. After eating at Thairish earlier in the weekend, we saw Kumari on our walk home and though we'd try this place out. Good thing we did! The food here is amazing. Upon a recommendation from a Nepalese friend of ours, we ordered the chicken momo (steamed) and enjoyed these lovely dumpling style treats with a delicious curry based sauce. I ordered the Nepali Bjojan ($15.95), a special occasion dinner that included khasi ko masu (lamb curry) with basmati rice and chutney, daal, bhaat and achar. Mr_BTM enjoyed the Kumari Thali ($19.95), a full meal of basmati rice, vegetable samosa, daal, 2 vegetable curries, tandoori chicken, raita, chutney and gulab jamun. Both meals were generous in size, came with naan, but were among the more expensive items on the menu. We would love to go back with a bigger group so we could order more dishes and share amongst the group. Overall, great food, good service and good prices. We'll definitely be back!
911 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-547-1600
It all started with a craving for Lebanese food. Since we didn't know off had where any good places are located, we decided the next best thing would be Indian or Nepalese food. After eating at Thairish earlier in the weekend, we saw Kumari on our walk home and though we'd try this place out. Good thing we did! The food here is amazing. Upon a recommendation from a Nepalese friend of ours, we ordered the chicken momo (steamed) and enjoyed these lovely dumpling style treats with a delicious curry based sauce. I ordered the Nepali Bjojan ($15.95), a special occasion dinner that included khasi ko masu (lamb curry) with basmati rice and chutney, daal, bhaat and achar. Mr_BTM enjoyed the Kumari Thali ($19.95), a full meal of basmati rice, vegetable samosa, daal, 2 vegetable curries, tandoori chicken, raita, chutney and gulab jamun. Both meals were generous in size, came with naan, but were among the more expensive items on the menu. We would love to go back with a bigger group so we could order more dishes and share amongst the group. Overall, great food, good service and good prices. We'll definitely be back!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
WTMD - Radio For Music People
Moving to a new city involves a lot of things but you usually don't worry about the little things like finding a good radio station. However, I was completely in love with my radio station in Portland, 94.7 FM, and was worried about finding something to replace it. I loved listening to this station! They had a no-talk morning music show (instead of the typical talk show) and played a great mix of old and new alternative music. I know with technology today I can still listen to this radio station live through their website, but it's just not the same as turning on the radio and getting your station!
In Baltimore, Mr_BTM introduced me to WTMD, 89.7 FM. This station is run out of Towson University and is a locally owned radio station. It's also an NPR affiliate as well as the home of Towson University sports radio. I know WTMD doesn't play music all day long, but they play music most of the day. They've also had these great countdowns lately. This week and for the next few weeks, they're doing a countdown of the top 897 albums of all time. You can keep track of the countdown on their blog.
Happy listening!
In Baltimore, Mr_BTM introduced me to WTMD, 89.7 FM. This station is run out of Towson University and is a locally owned radio station. It's also an NPR affiliate as well as the home of Towson University sports radio. I know WTMD doesn't play music all day long, but they play music most of the day. They've also had these great countdowns lately. This week and for the next few weeks, they're doing a countdown of the top 897 albums of all time. You can keep track of the countdown on their blog.
Happy listening!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Buy Local Baltimore
We picked up a "Buy Local Baltimore" guidebook and discount card today for $10. Over 80 merchants in the greater Baltimore region participate, offering various discounts. A full listing of merchants and discounts are at their main website.
Spoons Coffeehouse and Roastery
24 E. Cross Street
Neighborhood - Federal Hill
(410) 539-6751
Opens at 7:00 AM daily, Varying closing times 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
A local coffee roastery serves breakfast and lunch in the heart of Federal Hill. It's located on the north side of the Cross Street, between Charles and Light Street. Taken from a page from Portland, they recycle 95% of their waste, serve a variety of organic products, and is certified green!
Inside, the restaurant is cozy with a mix of tables and chairs, couches, and patio furniture. We arrived at the end of the breakfast rush and had to wait about 30 minutes. I enjoyed a cup of coffee, Columbian blend, while we waited and watched the various people. Some folks were squatters - people who eat and sit for a long time while reading, even when it is really busy, FOC's - fresh out of college - retelling their escapades from the night before, and urban hipsters - which I guess we fit into that category.
Once seated, service was very prompt. Breakfast items ranged from $6 to $10. Lunch items were a tad bit more. They had a separate tea menu also. We ordered the Bananas Foster French Toast and the Big Spoon Omelete. The french toast was good although it was heavily doused with a sweet syrup. Extremely tasty, but the sugar crash in the afternoon was deadly. The omelete was covered with ham, potatoes, onions, and bacon. It came with two pieces of hearty whole grain toast, which ended up as perfect dippers into the french toast syrup.
Next time we plan on going to Spoons, it'll be really early or well after the rush.
Neighborhood - Federal Hill
(410) 539-6751
Opens at 7:00 AM daily, Varying closing times 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
A local coffee roastery serves breakfast and lunch in the heart of Federal Hill. It's located on the north side of the Cross Street, between Charles and Light Street. Taken from a page from Portland, they recycle 95% of their waste, serve a variety of organic products, and is certified green!
Inside, the restaurant is cozy with a mix of tables and chairs, couches, and patio furniture. We arrived at the end of the breakfast rush and had to wait about 30 minutes. I enjoyed a cup of coffee, Columbian blend, while we waited and watched the various people. Some folks were squatters - people who eat and sit for a long time while reading, even when it is really busy, FOC's - fresh out of college - retelling their escapades from the night before, and urban hipsters - which I guess we fit into that category.
Once seated, service was very prompt. Breakfast items ranged from $6 to $10. Lunch items were a tad bit more. They had a separate tea menu also. We ordered the Bananas Foster French Toast and the Big Spoon Omelete. The french toast was good although it was heavily doused with a sweet syrup. Extremely tasty, but the sugar crash in the afternoon was deadly. The omelete was covered with ham, potatoes, onions, and bacon. It came with two pieces of hearty whole grain toast, which ended up as perfect dippers into the french toast syrup.
Next time we plan on going to Spoons, it'll be really early or well after the rush.
Friday, January 25, 2008
RA Sushi
RA Sushi
1390 Lancaster Street
Neighborhood - Harbor East
410-522-3200
Food Service: Mon-Sun 11:00AM - 11:PM
Lunch: Served until 3:00 PM
Bar: Open until 1:00 AM
Happy Hour: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
RA Sushi is a newly opened restaurant in the Harbor East development. As you enter, you're immediately hit with the loud music, a strange variety of dance, hip hop, pop, and alternative songs. The decor is a modern asian mix set in a loft environment. The restaurant includes booths and tables and has a long sushi bar. There is also a large bar area with bar seating available. The ladies and I grabbed a seat at the bar and enjoyed the wonderful happy hour specials. Prices on the happy hour menu range from $2.50 for edamame to $4.75 for the shrimp tempura roll and the crispy spicy tuna. I enjoyed the edamame, salmon nigiri, crispy spicy tuna, tootsy maki (crab roll) and a shrimp tempura roll. The sushi was presented well and, more importantly, tasted good and fresh! The edamame was good until we reached the bottom of the bowl and the last few pieces were sitting in a pool of liquid. They should really drain their edamame better as we were unable to eat the remaining portion.
Overall, I would definitely go back for happy hour, especially since it goes all the way to 7:00 PM! The beer selection is not all that great and no beers are offered on tap, bottles only. I didn't have any of the specialty cocktails but they sounded delicious!
1390 Lancaster Street
Neighborhood - Harbor East
410-522-3200
Food Service: Mon-Sun 11:00AM - 11:PM
Lunch: Served until 3:00 PM
Bar: Open until 1:00 AM
Happy Hour: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
RA Sushi is a newly opened restaurant in the Harbor East development. As you enter, you're immediately hit with the loud music, a strange variety of dance, hip hop, pop, and alternative songs. The decor is a modern asian mix set in a loft environment. The restaurant includes booths and tables and has a long sushi bar. There is also a large bar area with bar seating available. The ladies and I grabbed a seat at the bar and enjoyed the wonderful happy hour specials. Prices on the happy hour menu range from $2.50 for edamame to $4.75 for the shrimp tempura roll and the crispy spicy tuna. I enjoyed the edamame, salmon nigiri, crispy spicy tuna, tootsy maki (crab roll) and a shrimp tempura roll. The sushi was presented well and, more importantly, tasted good and fresh! The edamame was good until we reached the bottom of the bowl and the last few pieces were sitting in a pool of liquid. They should really drain their edamame better as we were unable to eat the remaining portion.
Overall, I would definitely go back for happy hour, especially since it goes all the way to 7:00 PM! The beer selection is not all that great and no beers are offered on tap, bottles only. I didn't have any of the specialty cocktails but they sounded delicious!
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