How to Spend a Perfect Food Weekend in Baltimore

Spend a weekend biking around historic neighborhoods, treasure hunting in vintage shops on the Avenue and exploring the city's diverse food scene

Baltimore may be best known for its picturesque Inner Harbor—home to the popular National Aquarium—and crustacean bounty, but while the sealife is impressive and there's nothing quite like cracking into a dozen Maryland Blue crabs liberally sprinkled with spicy Old Bay, there's so much more to Charm City. Spend a weekend biking around historic neighborhoods, treasure hunting in vintage shops on the Avenue and exploring the city's diverse food scene, from the newest food hall housed in an old auto body shop to small-batch ice cream made in locally-inspired flavors, and of course, plenty of fresh seafood.

Day 1

Courtesy of Visit Baltimore

If you arrive by train—a quick and easy trip from New York City, Philadelphia, or D.C.—The Ivy's antique London taxi cab will meet you at the station. Check into the 19th-century mansion situated in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, restored to its original splendor with eighteen plush guestrooms and suites, a spa, conservatory and cozy library. The country's only highly-inclusive urban hotel, your stay comes with extras like afternoon tea service, a minibar stocked with goodies like locally made kombucha and caramels, and what may be the best hotel breakfast of your life.

Before sightseeing, start with lunch at the Mount Vernon Marketplace, located less than a mile from the hotel. The former warehouse was transformed into a fun food hall with stalls selling everything from freshly-shucked local oysters to vegan soups and ramen. After lunch, pull up a stool at Taps Fill Station, where the entire menu of beer, wine, mead, olive oil and more is on draft. Order a kombucha or nitro cold-brew coffee before walking a few blocks to the George Peabody Library. The collection of 19th-century research materials is part Johns Hopkins University and sadly, isn't meant for public book perusing, but it's worth a stop in to gape at the stunning architecture—thought to be one of the most beautiful libraries in the world with its five tiers of balconies, ornate columns and glass skylight ceiling. Across the street find the Walters Art Museum. With free entry, the museum is home to a millennia-spanning collection that includes ancient Greek sculptures, 19th-cen tury European modernist masterpieces and a notable collection of Fabergé eggs. Afterward check out Mount Vernon's Washington Monument, the first memorial honoring the founding father that dates back to 1732, and climb the spiral staircase inside for a lofty view of central Baltimore. On the walk back to the hotel, stop into all-day café Dooby's for one of their house-baked cookies in flavors like Fruity Pebble marshmallow or matcha with white chocolate chips.

Back at the Ivy, mix yourself a drink in the Mansion Bar before sitting down to dinner at Magdalena, the hotel's on-site restaurant. Chef Mark Levy's French-inspired dishes like butter poached lobster and seared foie gras feel extra special in the cozy, candlelit dining rooms, including one situated in the home's former treasury. Don't miss dessert from German pastry chef Hans-Jurgen Sund, including the authentic and satisfying apple strudel.

Day 2

Courtesy of Visit Baltimore

Start your day at the Ivy's restaurant again, only this time for the epic breakfast. The multi-course feast features house smoked salmon, grapefruit brulée and stacks of lemon souffle pancakes drizzled with blueberry compote, among other made-to-order delights. Work off the morning meal with a guided bike tour of the city's waterfront with Light Street Cycles, passing historic Fort McHenry, quaint Fell's Point and other riverfront neighborhoods. On the way back pedal past Vaccaro's to pick up a cannoli at the sixty-one year-old Little Italy institution.

After the twelve mile tour, head north to the Remington neighborhood to refuel at R. House. The recently opened food hall occupies an airy, industrial-inspired space that was once an auto body shop and is now home to ten chef-driven stalls (and one rotating pop-up) selling Korean barbecue, Venezuelan Arepas, poke bowls and more. On a sunny day, take your food to one of the communal tables outside on the wrap around patio. From there, head north to Hampden, where you'll find 36th street—also known as the Avenue—lined with independent shop loaded with character. There are kitschy gift shops and vintage boutiques selling vinyl records and brightly colored costume jewelry, Atomic Books, where Baltimore's own John Waters receives fan mail, and Ma Petite Shoe—a shoe shop that also specializes in artisan-made chocolates from around the world. Pick up a few beautifully-wrapped bars to take home, and end your visit to the Avenue at The Charmery for a scoop of ice cream in seasona lly-changing flavors like Old Bay caramel and Berger Cookies and Cream, made with the beloved chocolate frosted cookies from a local bakery.

Courtesy of Visit Baltimore

A few minutes away by car is the friendly Union Craft Brewing, where you can take a tour of the facility before sampling from the brewed-on-site beer. Try a Duckpin Pale Ale, or, in the summer months, the Old Pro Tee Time—a tart, refreshing gose made with botanicals and fruit. Fill a crowler with your favorite brew to take home, the oversized cans are easily packable. For dinner, try the lively Bar Vasquez for an Argentinian feast, with empanadas de queso stuffed with a mix of housemade ricotta and other cheeses, bright ceviche, and a robust steak menu featuring various cuts flown in from Uruguay—all of which pairs well with a glass of red wine and the nightly live music.

Day 3

Courtesy of Visit Baltimore

There are plenty of worthy breakfast destinations in Baltimore, including the nearby Dooby's and Miss Shirley's Café, a city institution, but fill up on the Ivy's memorable meal while you can, and then head to the American Visionary Art Museum. This unique museum houses an intriguing and delightful collection of pieces, all by self-taught artists. The building itself is also a work of art, covered in dazzling mirror, glass and china, created as part of a mosaic apprentice program for at-risk youth. While the permanent collection is definitely worth a look, the rotating exhibition is always a must-see, including this year's The Great Mystery Show, featuring pieces inspired by dreams, religion, outer space, and more. Stop by the museum's award-winning gift shop before you go for art books and other quirky trinkets.

Courtesy of Visit Baltimore

To cap off your weekend in Charm City, board the Baltimore Water Taxi, which makes stops at several waterfront neighborhoods, like Locust Point and Harbor East, where you'll find the Loch Bar at the Four Season's Hotel. From your perch on the plush outdoor patio, take in sweeping views of the Inner Harbor while snacking on lobster rolls, crabcakes, and anything from the expansive raw bar. Paired with a glass of Champagne or local craft beer, it's the perfect finale to your visit to Baltimore.

Source: How to Spend a Perfect Food Weekend in Baltimore

Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain Among Finalists for 2018 Bahrain Food & Travel Awards

Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International

Two-time winner of the Best 4-Star Hotel in the GCC Food and Travel Awards, Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain has once again been nominated among the finalists for the coveted 2018 Bahrain Food and Travel Awards. The hotel has been selected in two categories 'Best 4-Star Hotel' and 'Best All Day Casual Restaurant' for Swiss-Café.

Congratulating the team, Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said, "Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain is one of our flagship hotels in the region that has established a tremendous reputation in the Kingdom in terms of its distinctive service standards and high quality of product. We are extremely proud of the prestigious industry accolades that the hotel has been consistently recognized with. The credit for this goes to our fantastic team led by General Manager Herve Peyre who is also the Area General Manager for the group in Bahrain where we have extensive development in progress. We are confident their hard work and dedication will once again pay off. Our objective is to deliver the most memorable experiences and excellent value to our guests and awards such as these motivate us to do better." 

Located in Bahrain's central business and commercial district only 20 minutes' drive from Bahrain International Airport, Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain provides guests with superior facilities and standards of service. The 28-storeys tall hotel boasts a superb choice of 144 contemporary and spacious guestrooms and suites offering breath-taking sea and city views. The hotel is fully equipped to meet the needs of modern business and leisure travellers with an array of facilities and unique features including specialty dining venues, extensive banquet and conference facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a fabulous fitness centre as well as outdoor swimming pool and spa. 

Source: Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain Among Finalists for 2018 Bahrain Food & Travel Awards

Delicious New Food Finds Across Canada From Hometown Hockey’s Tara Slone

Each week, Tara Slone, co-host of Rogers Hometown Hockey, stops in a different Canadian town or city in search of the country's most compelling hockey stories. She also keeps an eye out for the best places to eat wherever she goes. Here are her picks from the first four stops on the tour: Niagara Falls, Haliburton, Truro, and Charlottetown. Check back in with this post to find out where Tara ate in Kingston, Winnipeg, Kamloops and beyond, as Hometown Hockey continues through the NHL season.1 of 4
Source: Delicious New Food Finds Across Canada From Hometown Hockey's Tara Slone

Want to run a restaurant? Cleveland chefs sought for new Ohio City food hall

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Calling all Cleveland chefs: Have you always wanted to own your own restaurant, but didn't have the capital? Here's a chance to run your own kitchen, relatively risk-free.

The Galley Group, founded in Pittsburgh two years ago, is bringing its restaurant-incubator concept to Cleveland next year, with space for four aspiring chef-owners. The eatery - it doesn't have a name yet - will be part of the Quarter development, under construction at the corner of Detroit Avenue and W. 25th Street in Ohio City.

It will occupy the first floor of the historic Forest City Savings and Trust Building, built in 1890s and currently occupied by Massimo da Milano, which will close later this month.

The building is being reconfigured with four small kitchens and communal seating space for about 250. The four-in-one food hall is expected to open in late summer.

The concept works like this:

Chefs are given their own small kitchens, rent free, for one year. They create their own menu, hire their own staff, and supply small equipment.

There's a bar and communal dining area for all four mini-restaurants. Visitors order at the counter and their food is brought to them.

Chefs share 30 percent of their revenue with the Galley Group, which manages and markets the complex.

Tyler Benson and Ben Mantica, co-founders of the Galley Group, operate two restaurant incubators in Pittsburgh, the Smallman Galley in the Strip District and the Federal Galley in North Side. Cleveland will be their third location, with a fourth set to open later in 2018 in downtown Detroit.

Mantica, a Pittsburgh native, said the company is looking to grow in relatively inexpensive cities on the upswing. "The trajectory of Pittsburgh is pretty exciting," he said. "We see the same thing in Cleveland."

He said they were particularly interested in the Ohio City neighborhood - already established as a food and beer hub, with a young and growing population, plus the West Side Market. "People there are already excited about local food and local beer," he said.

Interested chefs have until Feb. 1 to apply (see galleygrp.com). Finalists will be invited to present their ideas, and some menu items, to a panel of industry insiders.

Applicants don't need to be from Northeast Ohio to apply, but "we'd like to have as many people from Cleveland as possible," said Benson. Former Clevelanders, working elsewhere, are also encouraged to participate.

"It's a low-risk opportunity to come back to your hometown," said Mantica.

The project is being developed by the Snavely Group, based in Chagrin Falls, and is part of a $60 million redevelopment of several blocks at the busy West Side intersection. A complex with 194 apartments is under construction across the street.

Also part of the development: A West Side outpost of the Music Settlement, a second location for The Grocery, and a co-working space called the Beauty Shoppe, which also is headquartered in Pittsburgh.

The Beauty Shoppe and the restaurant incubator will be located in adjacent spaces, and should complement each other, said Peter L. Snavely Jr., vice president of development for the Snavely Group.

"When you combine these two, it creates a unique working and playing experience," he said. "I think Ohio City is the perfect neighborhood for this concept."

Plus, he said, "It solves the age-old battle of where you should go to eat. You've got four options in one."

Source: Want to run a restaurant? Cleveland chefs sought for new Ohio City food hall

This week in food and drink: Gift guides

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This week in food and drink: Gift guides

Food and beer pros across the USA TODAY Network share locally made gifts for the holidays.

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USA TODAY Network Published 10:13 a.m. ET Dec. 16, 2017

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Yummy Bazaar curates gourmet goods from around the world, with boxes like Spices & Seasonings ($53.25) featuring products from France and Italy. Order at yummybazaar.com.(Photo: courtesy of Yummy Bazaar)

Food and beverage pros from across the USA TODAY Network have been sharing tasty gift ideas from their regions and states all season. This week's top tweets date back to November to round up giving inspiration from Arizona to Michigan. Wrap up that holiday shopping with these tastes of place.

 

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Source: This week in food and drink: Gift guides

Travel Food Vlogger Films Cotton Candy Art in Eastern Asia

This food vlogger captured a street food vendor creating cotton candy animals! The vendor used a variety of colored sugars to create the pieces of edible art!The channel owner runs a food vlog where she films weird and wonderful food creations from around the world, including ice cream burritos in Taiwan and black crepes in Bangkok. Credit: Travel Thirsty via Storyful

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Source: Travel Food Vlogger Films Cotton Candy Art in Eastern Asia

From food to decorations, here’s how to protect your furry friends from holiday dangers

Holiday food, decorations, parties and travel all pose potential threats to pets.

But with a little planning, you can celebrate and take precautions to keep dogs and cats safe.

Holiday food

Many favorite holiday treats can be dangerous to pets. The list is long, and includes:

Alcohol can cause respiratory failure, central nervous system depression, abnormal blood acidity,  coma and death

Chocolate, coffee and caffeine can cause abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and death

Onions, garlic and chives can cause red blood cell damage

Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure and death

Sweets and baked goods, especially if made with the artificial sweetener xylitol, can cause liver failure and death

Nuts (macadamias, almonds, pecans and walnuts) as well as fatty meats, gravy and turkey skin can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially deadly pancreatitis

Yeast dough can cause potentially deadly stomach bloat

Your best bet: Keep all of them out of reach from curious cats and dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Also caution friends and family, since guests might not realize how dangerous their innocent treat can be.

Worried pets might have ingested something they shouldn't? Keep your veterinarian's phone number on your speed dial. In an emergency, it pays to know the location and hours of the closest emergency animal clinic. The ASPCA also provides a poison control hotline at 888-426-4435; download the organization's new mobile app for instant access to potentially life-saving information.

Decorations

The most dangerous decoration is the biggest: your Christmas tree. Securely anchor your tree to ensure it won't tip and fall, especially if you've got a cat who sees it as a new climbing challenge. Cover water containers for live trees to prevent pets from drinking. Water can contain fertilizer or other residue from any chemicals that trees were treated with; additives put in the water to help keep the tree fresh also can be harmful. Ornaments and electric light cords can prove irresistible to puppies who love to chew. Cats and kittens are captivated by tinsel, which they love to bat around and carry in their mouths. Unfortunately, swallowing even a small bit can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, the ASPCA warns.

Other dangerous plants include poinsettias, mistletoe and holly. And, it should go without saying, but don't leave lighted candles unattended with pets around.

Parties

Even if your pets are friendly, consider putting them in a secure room during holiday festivities. This will reduce the risk they are fed something dangerous and prevent escape attempts as guests arrive or depart.

Travel

No room for your dog at grandma's house? Consider whether pets will be happier at home with a pet sitter or at kennel where they can play with other dogs. To find a reliable pet sitter, visit petsitters.org. To find a boarding facility, start with recommendations from friends or your veterinarian. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or Colorado's licensing board to see if the kennel you're considering has any complaints on file.

Planning to hit the road with your pet? Get a health certificate from your veterinarian to show your pet is in good health. Don't know where to stay? GoPetFriendly.com is a handy resource to find pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and attractions.

If you haven't taken a road trip with your dog, consider taking a few shorter rides around town to make sure you don't have a nervous traveler or one who suffers from motion sickness. To make your trip more pleasant, consider bringing your dog's food and some water from home, as well as  favorite toys or blankets. Take frequent breaks so your dog can stretch his legs and go potty.

Source: From food to decorations, here's how to protect your furry friends from holiday dangers